Boyd Bear Tracks

I just realized I haven't written for a while. It has been raining a lot lately so we haven't gone to the park very often. Which means, we've usually been inside all day (not good with two active kids!). Some days we have gone to a place where there's a covered playground, but to get there we have to go out (in the rain). We have gone to a couple of our friend's houses (from the park). The kids really like having a different place and different toys to play with. However, I'm looking forward to "summer" (which starts in December here). Just in time for us to leave and go to WINTER weather!

On October 26th I got home from soccer and Lucas met me at the door. I wasn't very happy because it was past his bedtime, but I soon changed my tune! He wanted to tell me that he had made the decision to trust Jesus as his Savior. We aren't sure if he'll remember his decision, but we're hoping to see the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. The first thing he said after he talked with God was "Ellie needs to ask Jesus to be her Savior or she'll go to the Lake of Fire!" It was sweet that he thought of her.

Jon and I went on a date one night and a lady from our church (Leticia) watched the kids. We were out past their bedtime, but when we got home they were still awake. Apparently Lucas told Leticia he needed to pray for his family. So, he proceeded to kneel down and fold his hands. Leticia kept asking him if he was done, but he said he had a lot to pray for (apparently he was kneeling quietly for quite a while!). Then, she asked him if he could pray for her too. He answered that he couldn't because his family needed a lot of prayer :-)!

I bought a little game board and Jon is teaching Lucas how to play chess. I think he lets Lucas beat him every once in a while :-). Actually, it's probably almost like playing against himself, but Lucas has come up with some good moves (when Jon lets him decide).

Ellie is enjoying pretending to be either a baby or a kitty. She gets a pillow and drags it around with her. Then, she puts it on the floor near you and lies down on it. After which, she either begins to "whine" (a baby) or "meow" (a cat), depending on which she is impersonating. Frankly, I think I prefer the cat because the baby sounds a lot like her when she's grouchy and whiney! :-)

Lucas story: One day we were playing with the letter magnets on the fridge and Lucas could identify (read?--I'm not sure) MOM, MOP, MOB. Of course, I had to explain mob :-). He knows the sounds of some letters and can identify them (mostly letters from his name, or ours).

Eliana story: One night we were coming home and it was raining. As we got in the taxi Ellie got a little wet. She said "Why E-li-a-na (she pronounces every syllable) get liddle bi (little bit) wet, rain?" It was pretty cute. Especially the way she refers to herself as E-li-a-na!

We had the Ashbys over for supper last night and I made Chili (with the Crock-Pot). The recipe said to use a can of beans, but I thought I would just use regular beans. I didn't even soak them or cook them before I threw them in! Of course every time I tried the Chili, the beans were hard. Fortunately, I had started the Chili at 9 am so by 6:30 pm the Chili was ready (thankfully, I had it on high the whole time!). So, I learned my lesson: follow the recipe!! :-)

Jon has started collecting papers to apply for our visa. We have an appointment Nov. 22 at the embassy to see if we have all we need. His Tico friend, Carlos, suggested the whole family go to the meeting (for credibility, apparently). I'm dreading going there with two kids; but, maybe if the kids are fussy they'll give us the visas faster to get us out of there :-)!