Six Years Ago Today...

Six years ago today on a beautiful day in Key West, Florida I married my soul mate. I had no idea that my life would be such an adventure and I would be writing this post from 13,000 ft in La Paz. But life is funny that way and one thing I have learned through this adventure called marriage is that it isn't always easy, but luckily I found the perfect person for me and no matter where we go or what we have to face...if we do it together, I know it will be ok.

Baby, thank you for six wonderful years, two beautiful boys, three homes, 90+ stamps on my passport and mostly for being my best friend. Not sure where we will be celebrating our next 6 anniversaries, but really it doesn't matter...as long as we are together I know it will be amazing.

If you want to and have time click here to see all of our wedding day photos taken by the photographer. Oh but wait there is more...click here to see all the photos taken by the guests with the "party favor" cameras...those are always fun and uncensored...ha ha.

Our wedding day was such a blast...I will never forget that weekend in Key West!

PS Luka is really funny, when I tried to explain to him what today was...He said,"You are getting married today mommy? What are you going to wear?" then I said, "No baby, we are celebrating our anniversary like you do your birthday." Luka, "Oh, we are having a party, when? where?"

Can't Let Go of Valentine's Day

I just posted about our Valentine's Day Party so I have hearts on the brain...I was looking at some of the many blog update emails I receive and I came across this site. They posted 34 different Valentine's Day photos from around the world. I loved it and just had to share. The photo above is my favorite...of a couple in West Palm Beach getting hitched with other couples in a group ceremony at the Palm Beach County Clerk. Don't you just love her lipstick and hair color and the way she is looking at her new hubby! I thought the picture was awesome, but check out the other ones...inspiring!

See all of the other photos here.

Carnaval at ACS

Today was Carnaval Day at ACS. Luka's class performed the Huayño dance. Okay, I did some research and found this video. They have the same dance step pretty much the whole video and it looks really similar to the dance step Luka has been practicing at home all week. Good job Luka and enjoy the video...I know I did.

You would never know from these photos but Luka had a fever. Yesterday I got a call from school that Luka was running a temperature and feeling sick. He didn't look so good when I got there. He ran a fever through the night and woke up still feeling under the weather. All day he kept telling me he wanted to go to school, but I was hesitant with the fever. I strategically gave him Tylenol at 11 am in hopes that his fever would go down in time for the show at 1 pm. At 12 pm he said he really felt better and wanted to go, so off we went for the 1 pm show time.

This boy loves music and I didn't want him to miss it...he did great and I was the one that made him leave the show a little early before everyone was done. He wanted to stay until the very last minute. Here is a photo of his KG4 class before the show.

After the show he wasn't finished "performing." He asked me to take some pictures of him...he is such a character...here are some of the many faces of Luka.

This is his "I need to go to the bathroom" face.

Here is his "Mommy, put on your make-up you look scary" face.

Oh, and this is my favorite...his "I know I just did something really bad, but I am so cute that your won't get mad" face.

Sam had a FUN week at LIVE...

Sam is LOVING his new class at LIVE. He has a new best friend...look at his face from "Miercoles" he is just having so much fun with him. I need to schedule a playdate for him. If you look at "Viernes" you can see him playing with goop. When I arrived today to pick him up the teacher said he had been playing for 30 minutes with the goop...I need to get me some goop for the house. I don't think I have any toy or activity at home that has kept him engaged for that long.

Here are some pictures I took today. Here he is with his favorite "goop."

The teacher gave Sam a little Carnival gift today. The entire week the kids dressed up and had all sorts of activities. Today was Costume Day...he was dressed up like a monkey, but by the time I picked him up he had taken off his hat/mask, but you can still see the tail in this photo.

Sam and his new favorite teacher. This is Lourdes. We love her!

The Perfect Banner

I love making these pendant banner for almost any occasion, but I usually find myself on the computer designing one for each event. I will still do that for specific parties, but I came across this banner on this amazing blog - Ruffled - and I thought I just had to share with everyone.

I think you can make it match any type of celebration and I think the colors are perfect.

Hope you can use it the next time you want to splash a message on your wall.

Here is the link for the banner.

"I Want to Hold Your Hand"

This morning I noticed the boys holding hands while watching some tv on the laptop in the wee hours of the morning before mommy and daddy could function. They are so cute! I just wanted to share this tender moment.

Identidad Paceña

A couple of weeks ago I attended Identidad Paceña - a Bolivian Fashion Show that celebrated the modern day fashion of the cholita Paceña. What an amazing event at the US Residence! The outfits, the dresses, the tradition...wow. I think it is so unique how many Bolivian women are so proud to wear this traditional dress.

The event was coordinated by ABIA (a charity organization I am a part of). We raised over $7,000 USD in a few hours for a local psychiatric hospital. Not only was it a great event, but we raised a lot of money for this organization.

This was my favorite model of the night...she had the best smile. Look at her jewels. Some of the pieces in the show were over $13,000 USD! Here is this photo you can see the traditional hat they wear.

The official 2012 Ekeko made a stop at the show. Here you can read more about this legend in Bolivia. He looks just like the mini-doll that you can buy on the street!

Our event also made the papers...can you see me?

What Makes A Baby

I don't know this person, but I am familiar with Kickstarter. It is a great way to fund projects, movies, books, etc. My friend Marta first introduced me to this site. I saw this link today through my friend Susana on Facebook and I was like...they took my idea. This past holiday I was in Miami looking for books with Luka. I wanted a book that spoke about where he came from, his brother, etc. Luka is four and at the age where he is starting to ask so many questions. A book like this would have been perfect. What an amazing project! This book will help so many parents talk to their children about their "baby" story and how they came to be a part of their family.

As a mom that has two perfect and beautiful little boys that didn't come the old fashioned way (adoption & IVF) I will be the first one in line to buy the book when it comes out! If you know someone that has a family that came about in a non-traditional way..share the link with them or just support the project.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Party

This year on Valentine's Day we had a little party for some friends from LIVE (Sam's Daycare & Luka's Babysitter when his school is out). Luka also loves LIVE and has many friends there. On this special day I tried to teach Luka and Sam, but mostly Luka that Valentine's Day is all about a love and friendship and celebrating the day with those we love and care about.

Thank you Bianca for taking these great photos. I was so crazy that day that I didn't even take out my camera. Look its a miracle both boys stayed still for 20 seconds to take a photo. I don't remember the last time I had a photo of the three of us where all three of us were looking at the camera. Happy Valentine's Day to me!

Here is my table...we had pasta, pizza and salad along with some delicious desserts (crepes, mini-donuts and Bianca's famous cream cheese lemon strawberry tart....as they say here in Bolivia "deli!") Don't you love those red flowers. I have to find out the name of the flowers, but they are the cheapest ones and last the longest. I use them for every occasion. They are available in about 4 colors.

I set up a craft station where the kids could use foam heart stickers (that I cut out 15 minutes before the party started) to create some type of masterpiece. This is Luka's 4-year old version of mixed media - wonderful use of foam stickers and crayons if I do say so myself. It is a bold statement on his love of anything with wheels (the car), but stresses the idea of home and family (house at the bottom). Well that is what I got from it...ha ha ha.

Santi, Sam & Alejandro enjoying the delicious lunch!

Luka can't eat fast enough...slow down Lukkie!

At the end of our little celebration Sam walked around and delivered our "home-made" valentine cards that we accompanied by a pack of Oreo cookies with PINK cream filling. Sam was so proud to pass them around.

This was our very "official" party sign.

Here is a close-up of our Valentine...

Thank you to Bianca, Santi, Carolina, Alejandro, Florencia, Andrea, Zeky, Emiliano and Zoe for celebrating this special day with us. We had a great time!

Happy Valentine's Day from La Paz

Today is a special day to remember all those that we love. The van Herksen family would like to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to all of our friends and family around the globe! Even though we don't see everyone often we are always thinking about those we love in US, Holland, France, Spain, Korea, Brazil, Bolivia, Mozambique...the list goes on and on.

It has been a hectic day today full of activities. Both of the boys distributed Valentine Cards to friends at school, then we had a small Valentine play date here at home...and now mommy has to get ready for a date with daddy. I have no idea where we are going, but that is part of the fun. Oh, did I mention that I was surprised with a beautiful bouquet of flowers today. Seriously, JJ is spoiling me this Valentine's Day.

I will post photos on the party and more tomorrow, but now a bath and make-up session await...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sam's Friday Updates

I love that Sam's teacher plays the guitar. He has never been as musical as his older brother Luka, but lately I catch him humming tunes all the time. Might be because of this new focus on music in the classroom...yet another reason to LOVE LIVE (his daycare).

Meeting Daniella Melissa

Yesterday we had a special visitor...our ex-nanny Evelin came to visit and introduce us to her new teeny tiny baby girl Daniella Melissa. Yes, she is named after me and guess who is going to be her godmother. I am so excited and honored! Isn't she cute. She is so small...I was carrying her with just one arm.

The whole family came down. This is Evelin (left) then her sister and mom. Luka and Sam are in awe of this little baby.

Sam was especially smitten and couldn't get enough of her.

He kept saying "Bebe, bebe, bebe." Sammy really wanted to carry her...

But a couple of kisses and he was happy!

Luka's 2012 Valentine Card

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Growing up I always prepared Valentine Cards for my classmates and I remember my trips to Eckerd Drugs (old school Miami will know the store) with my mom or dad to pick out the perfect cards to share at school. Remember how corny some of them were...I loved it.

Well, we don't have a CVS or Walgreens to go shopping for cards, so we made one ourselves. Yesterday I asked Luka to make a Valentine Drawing to share with his friends. I was very honored that he said he drew mommy...look at how tall and thin I am...don't you just love how beautiful we are in the eyes of our kids. Well, this is what he drew all on his own with no direction. Then I asked him what he wanted to say on the card and at the top you will see the exact quote!

I hope his friends in KG4 love the card that will be accompanied by a little treat. I can't wait until Tuesday to pass them out...now what will I do for Sam????

Sam Friday Updates

Sam loves his new class...he really loves that light table!

This is what I did..and I CAN DO IT AGAIN!

3-Day Intro Video from Komen 3-Day for the Cure on Vimeo.

Well, it is official my sister and are both doing the 3-day walk again. If you are reading this post that means that you have been to my blog before but if you are new I invite you to watch the video above to see what the 3-day is all about.

But this year it will be about so much more...in the last couple of months since returning from the 3-day in Tampa my Aunt Ine and my father have both been diagnosed with breast cancer. They are in the initial stages of the fight, but this year I walk for them. My hope is that they are both there happy and healthy at the finish line when Moqui and I finish the 60-miles.

My father's diagnosis in the family has pushed my sister and I do be diligent in our checks and investigate whether we have the breast cancer gene or not. My father, his sister and his mother all had breast cancer and with a family history like that chances are high. But Moqui and I are doing the check-ups and tests and we will be ok. So many strides have already been made with this disease. Early detection and screening for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are one of the many advancements. If we do have one of these breast cancer markers in our genes, we can take steps to prevent from ever getting breast cancer. This is amazing...and all this was accomplished with funds for research....coming from donations, just like the donations I will receive from friends and family like you.

Well, as I take my tests and do my screening I will try to keep you updated and let you know how things are going...but I urge all women AND MEN out there to ask questions and do all the proper screening.

Lastly, I will leave you with this link. Please if you want to do something to kick breast cancer's butt the first step is making a donation. This year we want to double what we raised last year, but we need your help.

You can always just use the icon on the right side of this blog.

THANK YOU!

Wild Life...another Animated Short Film

Here is Wild Life, another one of the Animated Short Films nominated in this year's Oscars. These little short films always fascinate me with their beauty and mostly just for their pure imagination...and then I think how many other wonderful little films are there out there. These are odd little beautiful creations that make me feel like I am in the middle of someone's dream. Watch this film and you will see what I mean...Enjoy!

Best Short Film (Animated)...One of the Nominees

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a beautiful film that during this age of e-readers I think we can all appreciate. Well, it is about 15 minutes, so grab a glass of wine and get ready to escape into the "pages" of this animated film.

I will keep posting all of the short films that I find online.

Countdown to the Oscars...

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Okay, I am a bit of a fanatic when it comes to the Oscars and when they announce the nominees I move heaven and earth to try and see all of the movies on that list in every category...doesn't always happen but I have fun trying. Living in La Paz brings many challenges to watching these movies, but I buy pirated movies, download from the internet and watch anything I possibly can at the movies before February 26th, actually Mozambique wasn't any easier.

Here (photo above) you can see what I have seen so far and on the agenda tonight when the kids go to sleep is War Horse and Tree of Life...

Who doesn't love the movies? Who would like to join me in this challenge then we can have a virtual competition the night of the Oscars to see who was right and who was WRONG...maybe we can make it interesting by betting for charities....just an idea. Will have to expand more later.

Right now I am off to the movies to watch Puss in Boots...hey, guess what it is nominated for best Animated Feature Film. Wow, today three off my list!

If you are in La Paz and would like to join me for some Oscar movie watching just call me or send me an email.

Made me smile...

Lately my life has been stressful to say the least. I will talk more about that later, but for now I just had to share a poster my friend Bianca sent me...man, she knows me so well. You know if I had a Target in La Paz I would go just go up and down the aisles and peruse all of the beautiful items in the store. Don't you just love the $1 section at Target...and what about that stationary section...and the toys...they are always so organized....and the clothes. I love Target clothes and the special collections from a guest designer. Well, just rambling about one of my favorite stores. Open one in La Paz already....

Luka's 1st Karate Class

(Luka warming up for Karate class)

Luka is 4.5 years old now and I have really been slacking in the after-school activities department. Here in Bolivia the parents or some type of adult have to be present with the child during after-school activities...so it is an activity not only for the kids, but I have to be there as well and sometimes it is really difficult to coordinate it with my work schedule. Luka also has Dutch school twice a week after his regular school for almost 2 hours. That doesn't leave a lot of time in this 4 year old's agenda...but on our last trip to Miami he got to attend his cousin's ceremony where he received his orange belt. Luka loved it and wanted to start doing karate right away.

Well, as a new year's resolution I promised to schedule more time for the kids so this week he started his once a week karate class and next week I will work on organizing a weekly swimming class for him. He really needs to learn how to swim.

But seriously, it is hard work getting him to and from all this activities while trying to juggle client meetings and work. Okay, I work from home so I have that flexibility, but it is still a challenge. Most days I don't even find the time to actually "work" at home. What am I going to do when Sam wants to start going to Karate too...oh, no!

My hats off to all the moms and dads out there that don't have any help and a demanding job...i wouldn't know how to juggle it all. How did my mom do it...she used to take me to all the cheerleading practices, pick me up from Student Council meetings, take my friends out to lunch...seriously mom & dad...you rocked. And I remember you always did it with a smile. It seems I am always rushing and running around and I wonder if Luka thinks I see it as something I don't want to do.

Well, back to the class. Luka seemed to like it, although he wasn't very expressive on what he did. Thank you to Andrea (his classmate's mom) for taking these photos for me. The class is semi-private in a friend's house. Since they are really young the professor said that once they are ready they can step into the group class at the facility.

Here are some photos of him during the class. Here he is taking a stance.

After all that kicking, there was stretching. Wow, he looks really flexible no!

Luka Learns to Save $

Lately my 4-year old son has been asking him to buy him toys. It seems that everywhere we go he wants me to buy him something. I think the abundance of Christmas gifts from family and friends has kept him in the "receiving" mood. I tried to explain to him that he doesn't always need to buy a new toy and that things cost money and are expensive. Well, I am starting to sound like a broken record...so I decided to teach him how to save.

I told him that now he would be receiving an allowance every week (10 Bs, roughly 1.30 USD). I tried to explain in my best 4-year vocabulary that he could either spend the 10 Bs every week or save money to buy a toy that he wanted. I agreed to give him the allowance every Friday.

Luka: Is Friday today?

Mommy: No, Luka in three days.

Luka: So I can go shopping when you give me the money?

Mommy: Luki, sweetie...10 Bs is not a lot money, but if you save for a couple of weeks then maybe you can buy a toy.

Luka: Mami, I am going to buy a Hummer or a Subaru.

Wow, my little boy is going to be saving for a long time and hopefully I can steer him in the direction of a more fuel friendly vehicle.

So we made this piggy bank for him to start saving...he was involved in the design. He picked the name, the colors and selected the art from a google search I did with him.

I have a feeling all of the spare change is going to start disappearing around the house.

Here is the art on the piggy bank, just in case you can't see in the photo. By the way his two favorite cars are the Hummer & Subaru Outback..go figure!

1st Modeling Job

I should have taken photos inside, but it was a little hectic with Sam causing havoc in the photographer's studio. Luka and Sam were asked to participate in a photo shoot for an upcoming ad campaign for Anatina Toys and their new 2012 catalog.

JJ took this photo while he was taking a walk with Sammy and Luka was busy posing inside. I was actually surprised during the photo shoot. Sam did really well and Luka just wasn't into it. They are going to send me some photos soon. I will post them when I get them. I am very curious to see what the final product looks like.

For now you have this cute photo of Sam and JJ...that Sammy is real trouble!

Look at Our Big Boy

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Wow, Sammy is growing up so fast. I can't keep up emotionally...one minute he is a baby and the next he is in the 2-year old class at daycare. His school year starts in January and here he is in his new class during the first week of classes. Look at him sitting next to the teacher in circle time...he looks so BIG!