I picked up jim from the airport and all I got was this lousy apron

Clowing Around

I am so grateful for our silly dad. We had a combine birthday party for special kids, a.k.a my kids, at Los Penquenitos. I was asked to do a little "number" for everyone. My girlfriend and I decided to paint our faces and to a magic show. Luckily my childhood memories consist of my father performing amateur magic tricks so I was prepared. For example, "the fly" at all the family parties or the disappearing leg trick behind the blanket. Then there is my personal favorite... the finger switching hands trick.I specifically remember going to a local library to watch a magic show with the fam. Dad got a kick out of this one trick were the magician pulled a bra out of Kelly's shirt. Yes, I used them all in addition to popping balloons full of confetti, juggling, and throwing a pie in someone's face. I made a complete fool of myself, but the kids laughed and that is all that mattered. So thanks dad for always trying to make me laugh.

Saturday night

Ash
i love reading your post and seeing those pictures. I know we just spoke on the phone but let me just reiterate how proud I am of you and how wonderful I think it is that you are having this experience. You always take in life with such grace and openness.
Saturday night and we are having a lovely evening home. We were in Seattle for four days this week and then in LA for two days so it is nice to be back in our home. I love finally having a house and putzing around.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in September and already scheming for how we are going to pull off a girls trip.
I LOVE YOU YOU

It is two o clock in the morning here and for some reason I just cannot sleep. I come home in exactly two weeks and my mind cannot stop thinking about all the things I have to do when I get home. From wedding stuff to job interviews, not to mention a place to live. I can't believe Dad agreed for the whole Peterson clan to move in. That is really big of him and Cathy. I will be coming home to a full house and cannot wait. It is completely acceptable for grown/married children to live with their parents outside of the states, thus the more the merrier. However, I will be moving out as soon as I find a roommate and income. Anyway, I have thought about home for the past three hours only to find it is all in vain because I am still here in Ecuador.It is truly like Ground Hog's Day where I relive the same thing every day. I did have a moment the other day which made changing diaper feel like a privilege. I was feeding the kids and it occurred to me that I was leaving soon. My eyes started to tear up as I thought about leaving them behind and the next time I will probably see them will be in heaven and then the thought of them being in heaven with perfect bodies/families, this made me tear up even more. It was a bitter sweet moment. And to make the day better. The kids and I were having a dance party to Madonna and Brayan was on my lap. I made him laugh so hard that he peed right through his diaper and all over my pants, right in the crotch area. I didn't even move, I just let him pee because I just didn't care, as long as he was happy. By being here with these kids I have learned to love in a whole other way. It is different then any other love I have experienced, different from the love I have felt for a boyfriend, friend or family member. It is even different from love I have for my nieces and nephews. I have had to work hard for this love and truly open my heart to these kids. I have learn to love them and their pee. I guess you could call it compassion, I don't know, I can't really explain it. This has been one of the hardest experience of my life which means it has been one of the best experiences for me. I am so ready to come home.
ps. Brayan is the cute black child on the mat with me. He will be the hardest to leave!

Girls trip for JASMINE'S BIRTHDAY

Hey Ladies-
Sept 18th , Thursday- sept 21rst, Sunday, Jasmine and I have permission to fly to L.A. and go the American Girl store for her 7th Birthday (sept 28). Kelly, wondering if we could stay with you, and if any of you would join us for a lunch arrangement, photo shoot, etc. with Jessica (American Girl Doll) and Jasmine... Basically, if we could turn it to a Faust Girls trip, including Jasmine.
As you all know, we are staying with Dad and Cathy for 6 weeks, during our remodel.
We are not in a position to host a birthday party for Jasmine, and therefor thought it a good excuse to fly and visit Kel, and the American Doll Store in lue of a Birthday Party for her...

I know it's late notice, and Kell, I don't want to impose on anything you've already got going. Jasmine was hoping Dylan could join her to celebrate. (that's your call!!)

Let me know if anything is a possibility with anyone and Kelly if it's okay??? I know we'll be seeing you over Labor day..... Talk to you soon! love Britt

Hurray, I am finally seeing pictures of my cute family. I must say being around all these kids makes me miss my nieces and nephews like crazy! I love these orphans, but they just do not compare. Ok, so my life is really good here. I only have one month left and I can now say that time has flown by. The first week here felt like an eternity! I admit I have never worked this hard in my life. I wake up at 630am in the morning and work until 6pm everyday, even Sundays! It has been so good for me, especially when I have to come home and get a real job. My body just gets up and does not let me take naps, it crazy. I am a whole new person! Emotionally I am now to the point were certain things just don't phase me anymore, like wiping a grown man's butt or getting peed on. I love, love these kids. It is all part of my daily routine. I am so prepared for kids....but that can wait. As you all know I am the Mom over the handicap kids and I love it. I would rather spend my days with them then go to any of the other orphanages. I don't believe that mom's don't have favorite children, because I totally have a favorite. His name is Brayan and he is a mama's (me) boy. He loves soccer and I always tell him that in heaven, Jesus, him and I will all play on the same team.
Update with life at home. Natalie Craven got engaged and will be getting married in Sept, which means I have two wedding to be in right when I get home. I have been trying hard to stay away from the coco ice cream. It is to die for. My life will be interesting when I get home because there are now only two of us left and I need to find some new girls to move out with, not to mention start the dating thing and find a new job. Yeah life is exciting for a 23 year old. I love and miss you all.

Mamma Mia!

Let me first say how fun it is to see all those picture of the Petersen famiy. Britt- your family is so darling and oh I hate you and greg with your rock solid perfect bodies. Whatever. Hi my name is Brittney and I have a flat stomach and ripped biceps and three kids. Take that. Only in my dreams. ( yeah yeah I know if I worked out hard enough blahblah)
But seriously, you guys are cute.

OK so I saw Mamma Mia the movie and how I wished that had been in the audience with you three. Yes I was singing out loud and doing jazz hands and the whole bit. I laughed I cried I loved it and I know it got horrible reviews but who cares. Everyone go see it and I will be on your shoulder in spirit singing.

I can hardly wait for Katie and Mike to come visit. Good times are a coming.

So I think we need to plan a girls weekend. We need to make it a tradition and do it every year. What is everyone's schedules like? What about some time in October or November??????

I'm gonna post pictures on my blog so I don't have to do it twice.

Oh and you all need to read the book "The Feminine Mistake". It's very interesting and i'll talk more about it later.

Love ya