Off to see my grandchildren, Feb. 2010

Bill and I leave this Wednesday morning to drive to Mobile. I cannot wait to hug my grandchildren and see my precious daughter, Jennifer Lynn. Roberto is in Bogota on business with the CG and a short visit with Amparo. So we get to go and help out with the kids, and generally try to make life without Berto a little easier to bear. I hope we can do well. We want to spend some special time with the two girls and then with the two little guys. We want to let the older children know how much we love them and are "super" proud of them making straight A's two marking periods in a row, and in new schools! We also want to let little David know how we appreciate his good choices, and that he will be happy when he fits in perfectly in this wonderful family! Jenni is very busy; teaching school and taking care of all three kids. I hope our visit provides some time for her to get her work done and not feel so stressed without Roberto being there. I can do laundry, cook some meals, run carpool, and read stories to the little ones at bedtime! Can't wait!

Another Gift

Two years ago Jenni and Roberto announced that they were going to pursue the adoption of a third child. We were so excited and happy for them and their family. We were aware of the many hurdles and challenges the entire process would be for them, not withstanding the cost. We knew that God had a mighty hand in their decision and had selected a perfect child for their home. While they had discussed a younger boy, the perfect choice became David Andres who was 6 years old! I cannot take this space to tell you all about this little guy, but suffice it to say that beginning with his name, it became clear to all of us that he was destined for the Team Torres. David is now 8 years old and learning English quickly. He is super active and interested in many toys, especially cars and building things. David tries to stay active along side Mateo with the sports; he is fast and more interested in baseball than most of the other sports. David is so affectionate and loves me and Bill just as though he has known us his entire life. We are so blessed that he is happy and adjusting to a new family and awesome circumstances. We are so proud of his parents and siblings who have extended their love for one another to include David!

An Insert....Special Memories

All during the time our Torres family was growing, our "little" Kristin was finding her way in college and in her spectacular career. In the background, and in the foreground, we continued to see her longtime friend, Raphael. Raph was her 14 year old boyfriend in high school who became a good friend to our family. As time flew by, they went off to college and their separate ways. But later on we were amused that they had taken up their friendship again. I remember a wonderful embrace on a Christmas Eve on our driveway in Gaithersburg when I wished Raph a Merry Christmas. I just felt that the boy belonged with us. But it was some years later that this friendship finally blossomed into a romance and a beautiful marriage in Baltimore on the harbor! We love Raph like our other son, Roberto, and will hold him and his lovely mother, Aida, dear forever! What an awesome Christmas in Mexico--2009!

Along Came Number Two

While our lovely daughter, Jenni, and her husband, Roberto were living in Puerto Rico with Ariana (now often referred to as Yaya), a little brother was born. Roberto Mateo Torres Monie arrived on Kristin's birthday (and his own), October 30, 2000. Unfortunately, we did not see him until Christmas when he was nearly eight weeks old. Kristin flew down to spend the first week with her sister, and we were blessed to be there for the holidays. Mateo arrived "huge" in body and spirit. I remember returning in the spring for his baptism, and held him crying as the minister confessed blessing upon blessing on this "little man". I have seen him grow into a spiritual person with many questions and lots of understanding. He is super bright and a wonderful athlete. Sometimes it is hard to imagine what sport will be his favorite, as he seems to excel at them all! He does well in school, straight A's in a brand new Mobile elementary school. Mateo speaks Spanish like an immersion student. I will love this boy forever, and know that even during his growing up years, he will make the best choices! I know that having a new younger brother has been a challenge in many ways for Mateo; he continues to show good judgment as he learns how to be "in the middle".

My First Opportunity & My First Grandchild

Today is the first time that I am writing this blog, hoping to look back on the opportunity to write and share my thoughts and interests with my family, but especially with my grandchildren. At this point in time, we are blessed with three grandchildren. This first post will be about my first grandchild. Ariana Elisabeth Torres Monie was born on July 25, 1998 in Pensacola, Florida. I am so happy to say that I was invited to be there to witness this little one entering the world. She is the precious child who came to us with wisdom and intelligence all built in. Ariana is compassionate and caring, well beyond her years, and prays out loud with an honest conversation with her Lord that many grownups do not have in their quiet moments. I love this child and will love her always, no matter her moments of question or rebellion. She speaks Spanish well and models the valuable skill of risk taking that ensures her continuing language acquisition. I love her ability to listen in on the adults and gain wisdom from their conversations. Ariana is now in 6th grade. She moved to Mobile, Alabama, matriculated into a new school, made new friends, and then made straight A's the first marking period. It goes without saying that this child has had wonderful parenting, but she is an amazing young lady. Ariana is just as beautiful inside as outside!