Back From Jamaica

Well, we're back!

We had a great week. It was so fun to see parents and students work shoulder to shoulder together to build houses, build foundations, spend time with the Jamaicans, and so much more. 

Here's a picture of our team in front of one of three houses that we built. 

This year's team had a unhealthy obsession with Spades. I think I played more games of Spades this week than I have in my entire life.

There was a reason for so much card playing. While we were down there, the beginnings of a tropical storm blew over us. I have never seen so much rain. 

As a joke, the staff told us that our work assignment for the day was to build an ark.

Even though weather wasn't ideal, we still got had a great trip. 

Our last day was spent in Ocho Rios. About half our team climbed Dunns River Falls. It was so fun.

There is so much more to say about a trip like this  and I am still in the process of reflecting. I do know it was well worth the time, money, effort, and energy. Trips like this really reveal how true that "It is better to give than to receive."

I'm in Jamaica!

You're probably thinking, "Polly, why the heck are you blogging from Jamaica?" Well, my friends, I'm actually not blogging from Jamaica. I have written this post a few days prior to the trip and have it scheduled to post while I'm there. 

Another question you may ask, "Polly, what the heck are you DOING in Jamaica?" 

My answer to that is, "Working my butt off and probably sweating more than I should be."

Let me give you some visuals of the things I might be doing this week:

(These pictures are from last year's trip)

Lots of hauling things around.

Lots of shoveling.

Moving, dumping, and sifting lost of buckets of gravel

But of course, taking some time to play...

Did I mention, getting buff throughout the week?

We may put up a house or two.

We'll probably take a hike to the top of a mountain.

And of course play and dance with kiddos every night.

Arts and crafts are a must.

Hanging out and getting to know the community is one of the best parts.

After five days of work, we will head to Ocho Rios and have this view from our hotel...

I will most likely be having some pool time as well.

The sunsets in Jamaica are unreal. I can't wait to see one of these.

So that's what I'll be doing this week. Can't wait to tell you more about it!

Baby Shower

Meet my Besties. They're pretty great. 

Since our current residences are very far apart (South Korea, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois) there are very few times we are all together. This weekend was one of those precious few times of the year that we were all in the same place. What was the special occasion, you may ask? A baby shower for Sara!!

 Before the festivities began, we managed to slip in a trip to Dairy Queen the night before. This is us all pondering what the indulgence of the evening will be.

 The next day, the four of us spent the day cooking up a storm for the shower. At this point in our lives, we have thrown more than enough showers so we were able to narrow down the shower foods to our absolute favorites.  I'm still nibbling on the leftover Oreo balls...

 Baby showers are new territory for us but I think we mastered the diaper cake pretty well. Actually Bonnie was the architect of this masterpiece but we can take some credit, right?

We couldn't help but playing at least one shower game. I don't think the attendees minded. A little madlibs never hurt anyone.

Here's a picture of the baby-goods clothesline we put together. It was full of fun goodies. 

Overall, we considered the shower a success. Sara and (soon to be Lakin) are well stocked with onesies, bottles, crib accessories, embellished burp clothes and so much more.

Sophie, of course, attended the shower as well. She thoroughly enjoyed the food she received from the ladies who couldn't say no to her big, begging eyes.

I've got a little hippie in me

There are very few stores I am loyal to. I just don't care enough to make frequent visits to the same store. However, there is one exception to this principle in my life:

 Trader Joe's

I don't know how to describe the glory of this grocery store. They have foods you can't find anywhere else. The closest one is 100 miles away so any time I'm close to St. Louis, I try to make a stop. After shopping at this store last weekend, I felt like I was coming home with a treasure. Austin understood my excitement when he had his first bite of Super Nutty Toffee Cluster Cereal.  I also snagged a box of Flax Plus. I've never tried this before but thought I'd give it a shot.

I also picked up some dried peaches. The smell a little like feet but they taste so good!

I just kept finding things that I wanted to try... such as these charmingly chewy oatmeal raisin cookies.

It never hurts to have a little muffin mix around- especially if it's whole wheat. I'm pretty pumped to give these guys a whirl.

Lastly, we have been feasting on these little goodies. Cherry Granola Cookies. LOVE them!

There were other items I bought- such as dark chocolate covered pretzel slims. I don't have a picture of those because we ate them so fast. I'm thinking those will be added to the shopping list any time we are in a Trader Joe's city.

Thanks for joining me on my shopping trip. Take advantage of a Trader Joe's if you live near one. It's probably good that there isn't one in my home town. The budget would be in major trouble.