A New Appreciation!

A couple of weeks ago Nicole had an allergy test. (One of many things we are trying to do to eliminate the ear infections...since we are on our 9th this year! Yes...not all kids out grow them!)
Anyways, one of the things they wanted Nicole to try is eliminating soy and corn from her diet, each for about 7 - 10 days and then test the food. Well, we are almost to the end of the soy elimination diet and I am exhausted. You have to read EVERY label and ALL the fine print on EVERYTHING! I have come to the conclusion that soy is in everything! And I am sure that next week I will come to the conclusion that corn is in everything!

So, if you are one of those moms out there that has children with food allergies...I can sympathize. I only hope that this doesn't make any difference...but time will tell. Oh yeah...and did I mention the expense???

So...we will continue along this road...and meanwhile Nicole feels as though we are starving her...although Grandma came thru last night and made a casserole and dessert that were soy free! Nicole had thirds I believe!

The Computer Room!

I realized the other day that I never posted photos of the almost finished computer room. So...here it is. We only have a few small things to finish. It is much more user friendly than before.

Yard Work!

We finally finished the front pavers so we have more space to pull the trailer in and out. My dad also got us a trailer full of bark dusk, so we have some pretty looking flower beds. Luiza is learning first hand all about the American culture. She was helping out by watering all the flowers for us.

A Shaped Puzzle

My English teacher from HS and her husband recently sent this puzzle to us. We completed it today! Thanks Faenell! We enjoyed it...although it was a little tricky!

Madras, OR - over the 4th

We took Lu on her first camping trip ever! She thinks Americans do some funny things! Although she loved the smores! We had a great time and great weather!

Happy Birthday, Dad! (a little late)

Happy 71st Birthday, Dad!

July 2nd, was my dad's 71st birthday and we celebrated at Stanfords with a yummy dinner!
And creme brulee for dessert!
We love you dad! You are a great dad and grandpa!

Luiza!!!

We have another exchange student. This time she is not from Basque...she is from Brazil. We met Luiza on Friday and things went well. She wanted to come stay that night but the program had to make sure we are safe people. On Monday Luiza and the regional director, Connie, went to the school to see if they would accept Luiza. The program CIEE is an exchange program bringing students from all over to the USA. They stay for one year and it is usually their last year of high school. Luiza came in January but was not fitting in in the home she was in. Luiza moved in yesterday. So far she is enjoying her time here. Or so we think:) We are having fun getting to know her.