Tamales

We did it! Our chiles arrived in the mail (great big thank you to my friend Pattie!!!) and we spent two days making our tamales. First, we did our sauce and prepared our banana leaves and then the next day we made our dough, assembled the tamales, and cooked them. It's a lot of work, but such a labor of love. I really want to continue this tradition for Bella, and I know she's too young to appreciate it this year, but I think it will take a few years before I really have the hang of making them. I learned a lot this year- mostly that I need bigger pots, a bigger kitchen, and more people! LOL

Everything together, ready to assemble

finished tamales


Christmas is quickly approaching! We will be going down to NC to be with Greg's sister Amy and her family. Greg's parents are also flying in from Texas to be there, so it will be a house full! What a change from last year and such a blessing!

We still have not had any positive movement on our house in Washington. It is certainly difficult to maintain two households (and getting more difficult as each month goes by!)and we are praying for the house to sell soon.

And, finally, I have a long over-due message for you all-

THANK YOU! The generosity you showed in response to my friend Katie's shower for us was absolutely over-whelming. I think in total we had over $800 in various gift certificates. I bought much needed storage baskets, a hamper, clothes, coats, boots, shoes, socks, a stroller, a bookcase, diapers and other necessities, bath supplies (since all of ours got left in Guatemala due to the mold!), and all of Bella's Christmas gifts. I was also able to buy a few things for myself and Irene, which we were both grateful to have. Thank you, everyone, for helping to make our homecoming special and stress-free. We love you!