WOW A MONTH OF BLOGGING!!!

I can't belive that I have been writing for a month. I took time today to go back and read the post. I would definitly be failing grammer class and be canned if someone was grading my post. The crazy thing is that I feel free to write here and don't feel the need to be correct. It's kind of like dancing is for me just move and enjoy the moment, this is what I am doing with this blog. I am sitting at my computer and looking out at the mountains and feeling the breeze or is it the ceiling fan anyway its perfect so peaceful. I feel like I have made a little progress in Spanish, I had my daily lesson this morning and passed my test, I guess this means I can purchase more lessons, I am not moving to the next level for sure, I think I will be on the beginner's program for a long time.
I forgot the mention that yesterday when we woke up Drew's bedroom was flooded. I thought the the water pump had backed up but realized the water was coming from his ac. Drew was not happy that he had a inch of standing water in his room and that all his things on the floor were soaking wet, thank god for Raquel she cleaned everything, called the repair man who will be here in an hour (I will belive it when I see it). I must say that living in a 3rd world country you must have PATIENCE these people are so different, I was going on the road to Mariah's friend's house yesterday and the workers had dug a huge hole ACROSS the road to put a pipe in, there was no way to get aroundthe hole because of the big ditches on either side and no lift or rope to tie your car to, so I stopped and called JoAnn and she had to tell them on my cell to fill in half of the hole so I could drive across and be on my way...What are these folks thinking or doing. How they survive is beyond me.
Drew has been invited for a play date after school and I plan to follow the mom so that I know where to go and pick him up, he was so excited. What a social kid he is, he is making friends and learning so much. Mariah has a private tennis lesson with Melvin at 4 and was griping about it the entire drive to school, I think she will like it but boy oh boy is she a challenge some days.
GUESS WHAT FERMEIN IS HERE TO FIX THE AC WOW UNBELIVABLE>
gotta run
missy

Playdate, Spanish class etc

Good evening!!! The day has been good. Coffee with a mom from school, trip to Puerto Plata to purchase a lamp for Drew so he could see what he's reading "no luck", Mariah had a play date with her class mate Lelia, wow they live one block from kite beach and it was wonderful to look in the sky and see all the kites and feel the ocean breeze. Drew went with me to my Spanish lesson and we had the lesson together it was wonderful. Great sushi at a restaurant we discovered on the way home this evening.
On a sad note there was an awful accident 10 min from the house yesterday where 18 people were killed. I checked the news etc and did not see any reports. The parties involved were a truck load of Haitians and big tour bus. I inquired about not hearing ambulances or such and the folks at the bar laughed so hard, on guy said you would be lucky if someone threw you in the back of there car or truck and gave you a lift to the hospital. The wreck was awful with people dismembered, these drivers are so crazy I am going to stick to my slow pace.
Doug is back in Durham and collecting all the things we ask him to bring we are waiting his arrival on Saturday.
I have come to appreciate the simple things in life like ice cream that stays frozen until it gets to your freezer at home...its not happening here its melted before you drive away from the super. Having central ac oh the wonders. Hardly ever any bugs or lizards in your home, we always have lots. The cat calls from all the Dominican's it really gets old. The safety I feel in America, there are so many POOR people here break ins and crime is high, I am always conscience to lock the bars on the doors of the house and to lock my car, I was slack about this in Durham. There's more but I need to check Drew's homework.
God Bless America and You,
Missy

Time to think..

We are enjoying the afternoon listening to the thunder and feeling the breeze kick a bit as the storm rolls in. AHHHHHH it feels nice to not have the powerful sun baking us in the afternoon. We are excited that Doug will arrive on Saturday but I will only see him for 2 days. I am leaving Monday for Orlando, I arrive back in the DR on Sunday.
Mariah has just left the house in her rain coat to go to Raquel's house to play with her 2 boys, she has been doing this for the past few days and it is one of the highlights of her day.
I got my brakes fixed this morning and hope this is the end of car trouble.
Just a note to those of you sending emails to ME at dancetime, I am unable to open dance time until Doug brings another computer so don't think I have forgotten about you I just have no access to AOL.
Well I am going to go and make a list for Doug to shop and bring for Sat.
Stay cool,
Missy, Drew and Mariah

broken car etc...

I will have to say today was strange. My car would not go in reverse when I was at the lawyer this morning and all the men flocked to me like fleas. My friend saved the day and I was back in action pretty fast. I will take it tomorrow and get it checked.
The director of the school needs to have a meeting with me tomorrow. Drew is not making progress in Spanish class. I hate to tell him but I think my Spanish teacher would say the same. I ask him and he said oh Mom don't worry I know I suck. I will see what our options are and make a plan of action. He has such a good attitude about it all.
We have an offer on our house and I will know in a couple of weeks if it is a go. I am starting to decide should we buy or build. I love my neighborhood and think building is the way we should go.
Mariah is doing great and loves her friends at school and especially the teacher. I love her teacher. The passion she has for teaching and the children is just wonderful. Can you imagine teaching 9 spoiled 5 year old. Hot and no air conditioning whining etc.
Mariah has been asleep before 8pm last night and tonight, I think she is so active and the heat really knocks her out. I am trying to make sure the kids drink enough water, it seems that they can get dehydrated easily
Its snack time for Drew and I want to look over his homework.
Goodnight,
Missy , Drew , and Mariah

school and life

this is drew and i would like to say that school is great. The food is great like the tacos and rice and beef and other great stuff we have many things to do here like go to the beach. i caught some awesome waves on my body board one of the waves when i was going out flipped me over and i got stuck in the sand for 2 other waves. others were very scary my friend Omar taught me how to go through the giant waves about the size of 2 of my dad (Doug if you know him). i will tell you how just dive right through them little ones just jump over. we also went into the ocean and swam around a lot like i saw because i was wearing goggles lots of fish my friends were scarring me saying that i will cry like a baby if i step on a sea enchant i thought it would attack me or something i also have had a lot of homework because some people would not stop talking but i survived and the snake thing that my mom said is true it was green!!!!!!

peace out 2007

DREW!!

a hole new world...but i think i like it :)

Happy Monday!!!! I hope everyone had as much fun as we did this past weekend. I knew that we were living in paradise but it really did hit me until yesterday. We traveled up the coast about an hour and a half to a town called Rio San Juan. We "chartered" rented whatever you would call hiring a boat for 9 people to take us to some awesome coves, swimming spots and beaches. It was post card beautiful. The crazy thing is the cost was $30 USD for all of us all day. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Drew had a blast with his new body board and I also gave it a try and rode a few great waves. Mariah and her friend swam, made some cool sand castles and had so much fun. All of this fun is in our back yard.

SNAKE ALERT DREW JUST RAN IN THE HOUSE AND SAID HE WAS SHAKING THE TREE NEXT TO THE HOUSE AND A SNAKE FELL OUT-- HE RAN SO FAST INTO THE HOUSE HE IS OUT OF BREATH.....

We have a few lizards and other interesting creatures that live in our home if only we could catch one Mariah would be one happy camper!!

The kids had another great day at school and Drew said that lunch was awesome.... I heard another mother complain about the food, she should eat my cooking and then she would have something to complain about.

Well its time for baths or should I say what Mariah said last night MOM the ocean is our bath tub we only have a shower at home.

Will write more soon.

M

LIFE ON THE ISLAND!!

My post tonight has to recap school yesterday and our great evening with friends. The kids had a wonderful Friday and the meeting with the lower school principal went super, they are eager to help meet Drew's needs and willing to help us make the year successful!! Mariah had a super day and was asking about going to school TODAY!!! When I arrived at school to pick Drew and Mariah up Drews class was on the field playing soccer, this was there p.e time and the hottest part of the day. I couldn't help but to watch the game and see the interaction of Drew and his new buddies it was wonderful, I also enjoyed watching the p.e teacher taking it easy under the shade tree, looks like a job for me. Drew received his paper about CNN and Micheal Vick and earned an A YEAH for Drew and his hard work of over 3 hours on this project. Drew also got back another math test with a perfect score so needless to say he was a happy camper.
Drew had a friend from school over to play for the afternoon and Mariah had time to catch up on much needed rest before we went downtown Sousa for a haircut. We also had a wonderful visit with our new friends Judy, Omar, Anthony, and Paco the company was perfect and dinner was outstanding. Mariah fell in love with their 4 week old Rottweiler puppies and was entertained the entire evening. She cried when I would not let her have one or even BORROW one oh well like sucks sometime.
Today was great and my 2 hours Spanish lesson at 830am is how I started the day. I am slow but determined so stay tuned.
This afternoon we went to a WONDERFUL beach in Cabereta call kite beach and I loved it. The kids played, we watched the surfers and had a wonderful seafood dinner on the beach. We also ran into classmates from both Drew and Mariah's class, the only thing missing was Doug.
We had planned to go to our friend Wills house for a movie but Riah crashed on the JOURNEY home. I say journey with all seriousness because it is dangerous with motorcycles, cars, bikes, people and animals with NO LIGHTS.
I am going to close now but will catch you soon.
Sweet dreams,
Missy
PS if you get a chance do a google search of cabereta beach in the dominican republic it is one of the top 5 surfing beaches in the world.... The waves were out of this world!!!

drew baseball

this is drew and i have had a great baseball experience but I'm afraid to play in the Dr all my friends say i should play and i think I'm deciding i will i hope like last season we win like a tournament if there is one. I also want to play for a school team if there is one i would play soccer. School is well, 60 math problems i got all of them right assume i also am having a hard time in Spanish. It's hard because the teacher only speaks Spanish to the class and he tells me to try and understand and i don't :(. Mr. mack is a NICE TEACHER HE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish i could see my friends like my best Friends but school is assume too i hope that anyone that makes a comment will if you like baseball please leave a comment.

peace out 2007

Drew

school part ll

i am starting to wonder if anyone is reading this blog because no one ever comments. please please just say hey and let us know your out there.
i returned to school with some time to spare before pick up. i was able to take all the supplies to each class and give mariahs teacher a rug for her class. when i sat on the floor to put a puzzle together with mariah this morning i had dirt and other nasty crap all over my hand and clothes. ms.vesna was so thankful and happy and pulled up the yuck flooring and put down the rug down right then and there. this is a rug we used for a long time in drews nursery and in our kitchen.

mariah did NOT want to leave school and had a super day. drew also had a very good day and said he liked it very much.
mr.mack drews teacher was so positive with his comments about drew and said he was super and so thoughtful, he said that he could already tell it was going to be a great year. the only challenge was spanish class, drew said that all the kids could speak great spanish and he know nothing but that he was assigned a special teacher to work on his spanish everyday. he said "mom the on thing is she does not speak english and doesn't seem to understand a word i say in english" i told him its's just like a sports game and he has the challenge to figure out how and what to say. his reply great idea mom.
drew had homework tonight. he had to watch cnn and write a one and a half page report on a story of his choice wellllllll drew watched and went on line and chose the micheal vick story he has done alot of work-- like 3 hours. mr.mack said you are not allowed to misspell any words so needless to say drew is had at work with his pencil, eraser and dictonary. this is torture and mr.mack and i will have to have a chat in the am or maybe not, drew seems fine. drew has a learning disability in written language and has done great in years past with a special educational plan called an iep for all you folks that know about public education in america this is the plan all children have designed for them. i need to remember i am not in america and have to chill and go with the flow.
we are all tired and will be heading to bed by 830 so i will close for now.
wishing all of you a great nights rest.
peace,
missy, drew and mariah

school part one

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!
DOUG DAFFRON IS 51 today..........
WE LOVE YOU DOUGIE!!!!!!!


good morning!!! we thought we were starting the day off perfect by waking at 630 ish and getting ready for school. well mariah did not want to get up much less go to a new school so for those of you who know her very well my morning was HELL... we made it to school a few minutes late but everyone was outside listening to the director give his welcome and introduce all the staff so being late was great because mariah has an opinion about everything and everyone. first we went to the 6th grade huddle and i promptly went to meet drew's teacher MR.MACK . mr.mack seemed very nice and a no nonsense type of guy he shook my hand followed by drews and complimented drew on his hand shake and manners (yeah thats my boy). of course mariah would not say hello to mr.mack she just wanted to know where his hair was and did he plan to go shopping and get more mymymymymy. this kid is to much mr.mack did not hear her but other parents did so we are making good first impressions. i left drew with the class on the courts and went towards the kindergarten building and room. mariah was complaining the entire walk i dont like this school, its hot, i'm thirsty, school is stupid and so on. i just smiled and greeted the parents and other staff on our peaceful walk and thought the entire time "fake it till you make it" i really need a strong drink. into the class we go and meet MS. Vesna . wow, god really loves us because she was an angle so kind, patient, caring, organized and so many more adjectives i could add. she takes charge and the meeting starts and she invites me to pull up a chair and stay. i forgot to mention that mariah was attached to my leg and i guess ms.vesna could see that i was not going anywhere with out a huge fight, so i stayed and we sang songs, did the calender, weather, morning message, went to stations, went the the cafeteria for the morning snack and had a wonderful time. i planned my exit and told mariah that it was time for me to let her be a big girl and do her school work and i would return at 3pm ms.vesna showed her where 3pm was on the clock and off i went. i was amazed no problems and even a KISS. i am so excited about mariahs class she has a total of 8 other classmates and they seem like a great group of little kids.
i got to meet the lower school principal and she told me that she had seen drew and that there are 3 or 4 other drew's and andrews in his class so they had decided to call my drew "drewtwo" or would it be "drew2" he will have to tell me and i will let you all know.
i also ran into him in the cafeteria having snack with his class and he seem very hesitant but i did not hoover because this is not cool, i just quietly asked him how he was doing and he said fine, i told him i loved him and he said me too, as i was walking away he said that he needed a water bottle, i didn't know if i was suppose to go home and bring it back or what so i decided to do the or what and make sure he takes one tomorrow.
i left the school at around 10 and went to spanish school . more on that when i have more time. i have to delegate my girl raquel to defrost the refrigeration (this is new for me) an alot more chores. did i mention she work 6 days a week from 8am until 6pm this is awesome and i wish that we could take her to the states.
part 2 of school will come late and i hope drew wants to blog and share his thoughts.
smiles,
missy

safe, sound and HOT!!!

wow what a long day. doug and i got a few hours of sleep only to wake at 430ish this am and leave for the airport at 5. the kids were so exhausted and slept the hour and a half before our flight took off. no problems in miami and it was a breeze getting our 7 pieces of huge luggage through customs the total weight of all our luggage was 300lbs. i thought we were suppose to be getting rid of crap, who knows.
we have unpacked all the bags except the 2 plastic containers full of school supplies and this we will just take to school.
the house and yard look great and our super house extraordinaire, raquel was waiting to help us unpack, iron school clothes for tomorrow and play some games while i ran to the store.
we just returned from dinner and mariah is knocked out and i plan on holding her under the shower and rinsing off the dirt and putting her in bed.
tomorrow school starts at 8am with a general assembly on the basketball courts. mariah is protesting and drew is dragging but i feel that they will be good to go after a good nights sleep. i will post after i drop them in the morning. i am starting school myself ..spanish school ...
take care and stay cool.
missy, drew and mariah

house for sale in the dominican republic

ok just a reminder...the dr is short for dominican republic. so i mentioned this is an adventure...i have decided to put our 1 bathroom house on the market and find another place to live that has TWO toilets...i know i am spoiled but any of you that are planning to come and visit will appreciate my aggressiveness. check out the pic at the link below and let me know what you think. never a dull moment. just the way i like life. gotta run i have to supervise my better half with the packing!!!
smiles,
missy
http://www.remaxnorthcoast.com/cgi-bin/ListingInfo2.cgi?listing_id=815&lang=en

one more sleep.....

is it really happening??? we have been so busy with all the things to do before we depart for the island tomorrow morning at 7am. We had a great farewell pizza party in mariah's class. i must admit that one little guy who mariah really likes kaun cried and this really made me sad. the kids start school on thur and i will post how our travel goes and more when i arrive tomorrow afternoon. we are off to the durham bulls park for a game and special presentation of drew's baseball team. peace to all.
m

how many more sleeps?

the title of the blog is what mariah compares days and time with. well the count down is on and we only have 7 more sleeps until we move to the dominican republic. WOW..... i thought i was ready but i must confess i am not. i have so many things i need to get done and so many things that should get done. i have been traveling alot, last weekend to ny and this weekend to ny.
i wanted to write about drew and his baseball teams great win for the season, he had a blast and the team ended up being the champions for the league. he is looking forward to playing sport in the dr and making friends along the way.
i gotta run i have a doctors appt now.
peace,
m

weekend and more

wow how time goes so quickly. the weekend is almost over and it is back to school for mariah in the morning. mariah is in kindergarten and has a wonderful teacher jo anna but is not adjusting as well as i thought she would. every day last week she cried and did not want to get ready for school and when we dropped her at school she did not want us to leave. it may just take more time and patience.
the count down is on for our move to the dominican republic and for the kids to start school at the international school in sousa. we depart rdu on aug 22 and the kids have there first day of school on the 23. the 23 is also dougs bday so we will plan to celebrate before we depart.
we held a seminar on sat and it was great, i am so excited to be part of a company that is progressing and growing and to have so many great friends.
drew is such the sports guy and has been playing baseball for a couple of months and really loves the sport as well as other sports its so much fun to see his passion and to have such a great kid.
going to close for now ,
thanks for reading,
m

Family Reunion

During July28-30 we all flew to St Louis to be with the rest of the Daffron Family. The reunion was held at the Harbor Inn and Condo's by Mark Twain Lake. We have been coming here to spend 3 days of our summer for the past 10 years. Everyone has a great time eating, playing cards, visiting each other, watching all the new children and cousins get reaquainted, and the highlight is going out on the pontoon boats and swimming in the lake. Some of the family have speed boats where they go tubbing on the water. Drew really loves this. Mariah was her usual busy self and had a fabulous time with her new cousins. Missy and I had a great time being together with my family and seeing my father, Ed and his wife Helen who makes all the trip a joy. She is known for her delicious bananna pudding and her home made mac and cheese.
This may be the last time for Ed as his parkinson's is really advancing. We love him so much and only want the best for him, Helen has been a true trooper in keeping him in a loving home with help from her daughter Nancy and her friend Greg. Without these two wonderful people Helen would not be able to keep Ed at home. Anyway, all was truely fun and life is meant to have wonderful memories as these. Having time for family is always a true experience.
Doug Daffron

getting started

I am excited to journal the daily events and fun that surrounds our lives. I have spent so much time reading and following blogs that I have taken a brave leap to do one for our family. So sit back and get ready for a lot of laughs and fun times along with struggles and perseverance of our life.
Smiles,
M