Change of Scenery

Well, we're here, in Vancouver, Washington. It's just as beautiful as Eugene, and the people are just as friendly and welcoming. It is a bit bigger than our old home town, but it is spread out over quite a large area. At first, we had a little difficulty finding our way around. But we're starting to figure things out. We found a great little 3 bedroom house about 5 minutes away from the school I'll be teaching at. Even better, the house is also about 10 minutes from Safeway, Ross, a few great restaurants, the freeway, Fred Meyer, Winco, Walmart... the list goes on. It's a pretty central, easily-accessible neighborhood, and we're loving it! Yesterday, we took a nice walk to Petsmart and Nefty is now the proud parent of 5 cute little goldfish! We were hoping to bring our dog Chester with us (he is currently with family), but there is an additional fee that is a bit too much for us to afford right now. Maybe next month? Even though Solomon can't really remember Chester, he'll say, "I miss my dog Chester." It's pretty cute, even if he is only parrotting his big brother.

Solomon is such a big boy now, almost completely potty trained! We are SO excited! He has been a little more difficult than Neftali was - but we know that Neftali was not your typical case. He was so self-motivated, and Solomon is a bit more independent, wants to do it on his time and not when we take him (every hour). They have such distinctly different personalities! But I think we've finally made it, and now we're basically down to one in diapers. Hallelujah! It's so thrilling, and yet makes me a little sad too, only because it means my little boy is growing up. They are all getting big way too fast! Liam is already rolling over from belly to back, talking up a storm, starting solids, sleeping through the night... Where have I been? It all has happened so fast! Wow... we truly are so blessed to be the parents of 3 amazing little boys!

We have also discovered an amazing church where we'll be attending, Crossroads Community Church (http://www.crossroadschurch.net/). I was familiar with the pastor from listening to him on the radio. It is a bit big, but very welcoming, and with lots of opportunities to get plugged into small groups, and lots of opportunities for the kiddos. They also have a great Christian school, so we'll be praying about that when the time comes. For now, we're excited for Nefty to go to VBS on Aug 2-6. There is also going to be an amazing all-county church picnic on July 31st, and we can't wait to meet people! It is being held at the Pearson Air Museum (haven't figured out where that is yet), and is open to many Christ-worshipping churches in the Vancouver area. We are so thrilled about the doors the Lord is opening for us to really plant our roots here in our new home. We know a great adventure awaits us! After all, we are following our Risen Savior who wants to bless His children!

Unfortunately our camera is broken, so I can't post any new pictures. But I have included a few of our precious boys before we moved.




Nefty eating a yummy ice cream cone in Fossil, Oregon, where we visited Grandma Elena for Memorial Day weekend.

Elena, Emilio, and Liam, posing in front of the Fossil Mercantile.

Another ice cream pic

Squeaky-clean Liam

Liam, enjoying himself at the Oregon Coast

Ahh, the beautiful Oregon Coast

Solomon, probably thinking about lunch :)

Look at that smile!

Liam winding up to roll over (out of order with the rest of the coast pics... oops!)

The first Menendez Family pic with all five of us

Fun with the cousins

Nefty posing in front of the opened bridge

My brother and his four kiddos, and our family of five.
My niece and I are a little outnumbered

Check out the cool ship!

Cousin Ben and Sol watching from the grass
while Sol munches a fortune cookie.

Nefty, Ben, Sol and Elise, captivated by the ancient (or seemingly) ship.

While we were investigating the town of Vancouver, we stayed with my brother and his family in Oregon City, 20 minutes south of where our new home will be. We went down to Chinatown on Saturday afternoon for some delicious Dim Sum, and then walked along the waterfront. We even got to see two bridges raise so that a couple boats could pass by. What fun!

Changes ahead

Even when we think we have an idea what our future holds, the Lord continues to surprise us. Due to some unfortunate circumstances within the Eugene 4J school district, my temporary position at Buena Vista Elementary ended on June 18th and I was unable to be re-hired due to a hiring freeze. Just when it looked like I would be returning, after a great interview for the same position, the principal informed me that he was unable to hire me and that the district would be looking to fill the position internally due to the crummy economy and continued budget cuts. So, after being advised that I couldn't count on a position at that school, I began looking elsewhere. I interviewed for two positions in Portland, Oregon, and applied for another in Oregon City, Vancouver, Washington, and Tacoma, Washington. Two days after applying for Vancouver, I was called for an interview. We went up last Friday, June 18th, for an interview at 10:00 am, and I was offered the position at 3:30 pm that afternoon! We are so excited! It's a third grade dual immersion position at a school with 800 students! About half are in the immersion program, which is still twice the size of Buena Vista. God is so faithful! We also had the opportunity to check out the town after the interview (before knowing we would be moving there), and it is just as beautiful and green as Oregon. The sun was shining and the people are friendly. The homes are great - and inexpensive. We have already begun house hunting and are praying for the Lord's guidance into getting a home quickly so that we can get up there and get situated. We would prefer to buy rather than rent... but we'll see what HE says. We even visited an amazing church that has a private Christian school program/day care. We are still overwhelmed at how God continues to work in our lives, and we know that we can trust HIM for all of the details!

Getting caught up?

I'm not really sure where the time has gone in the last month. One minute I feel like I'm just getting back from maternity leave, and the next I have only 4 days left of school! Needless to say, things have whizzed by, and it has become increasing difficult to update the blog regularly. Here's an attempt to recap what has been happening in the Menéndez household.

Neftalí is a master at using our desktop computer, including getting online, and finding music in iTunes. Solomon is trying to keep up with his big brother.

April 24th was Take Your Kid to Work Day. Being a teacher makes it easy to bring your kiddo with you, and Nefty was thrilled to come along. He got to play on my laptop (with headphones, since my class had a test that day), and even go out to an extra recess at the end of the day. Several of my girls developed a liking for him and began hovering almost immediately. :)

Nefty and I also had lunch at school from the cafeteria. I can't believe how big he looks holding his tray. Thank goodness kindergarten is still one year away! I'm not ready yet!

What is being a boy without playing with guns? Well, it took me awhile to get used to the idea. But I have to say, they both look pretty cute holding their little rifles and make-shift cowboy hats. I think we'll have to get some real hats and boots at the rodeo this year.

Nefty is a super proud big brother, and just can't keep his hands off of Liam. :)

Getting in some tummy time. He is such a strong little boy, just like his brothers!

Solomon and Neftalí have been practicing writing their letters. Naturally, Neftalí is a little better than Solomon right now. But they both are proud of what they can do, and both hold the pen so well! They can also both sing the ABC song. I am amazed - and so proud!

Neftalí turns 4!

I cannot believe my firstborn son is 4 yrs old! What a big boy! We had a party on Saturday to celebrate the big day, as Emilio's dad and step mom came out from Reno just for the special day. We also had other family, as well as some of Nefty's friends. What a blast we had, especially when we broke out the piñata! I think the adults had more fun than the kids!

Nefty showing off his new Ironman toy

Marking his piece of the cake - of course, the one with the most frosting!

Oops! I guess this one should come first. Waiting for mom to cut his piece.

Daddy's getting ready to take a swing at the piñata.