Where does the time go??

    

Family Day

the one year anniversary of our family 

We celebrated with bike riding, zoo & Ethiopian dinner.  

  

Bible presentations

"G" and "A" got new Bibles at church.

  

Kindergarten Meet & Greet 

  

1st day of 3rd grade 

  

1st day of kindergarten

B had decided that she wanted to ride on the bus.  She was beyond excited!  She wasn't the least bit anxious.  "A" was thrilled to "help" little sis.

  

   

 1st day of Preschool

"G" woke up and was ready to go!  I am so proud of this boy!  I happen to think he is the coolest little dude I know.

  

God Bless America & Children Around the World

   

The kiddos have all had their school programs and have done fabulous.  I LOVE going to watch them!!!  I am so proud of them!

 

God Bless America

 

A's school did a patroitic 2nd grade music program.  It was refreshing to see the ol' red, white and blue being celebrated. 

  

".....different...different..., but we are all American - American through and through."  (I can't remember all of "A" lines.)

Children Around the World

Next, "B" and "G" had their spring program.  The theme this year was Children Around the World.  They rotate themes every 4 years, so it was fun watching and remembering when "A" first participated as a Spainish Dancer.  They did add a finale this year, and it was AWESOME!

King of the Jungle

First up was "G".  I had no idea how he would do in the program, but I was not nervous at all.  If he participated, then great.  If he froze, then I would be right there to get him, and it would be no big deal.  He did great!!  I was so proud of him, and he was so proud.  He had spotted us as he was walking in; "B" was sitting with her group really close; and he could see "A" sitting in the front with all the kiddos, so I think all of that really comforted him.

He was a little unsure as he walked up front for his turn - but smiling the whole time.  Luckily, we were in the front, so we were right there to give him the thumbs up and encourage him.

By the end, he was KING OF THE JUNGLE!!

It's been fun to see him yelling this periodically around the house.

Can Can Dancers

Their little costumes and routine were too cute.  "B" was super excited to show us her routine.  (The boys in her class did a separate routine.)

The Finale

Given the fact that our family has been blessed by international adoption and given the current situation for orphaned Ethiopia children, I "see/feel" children around the world much differently than I did just a couple of short years ago.  It was really hard not to get emotional during the finale. 

"B" class came back out together and walked around with their letters to "We Are The World". 

Then, they lined up to spell...

Then, the children started singing "Let There be Peace" on earth and let it begin with me.

With God as our Father

Brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother

in perfect harmony.

Then, everyone sang "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands". 

I have to say it was the BEST preschool show!!!  The staff, teachers and children did an outstanding job!!



Father / Daughter Dance

   

There's only one thing that is sweeter than a little girl who thinks her daddy hung the moon - TWO little girls who think their daddy is the best!

This was "B" first time to attend our church's father/daughter dance.  She was so excited.  The night before I overheard big sister telling her all the details about the dance and telling her that she was just going to love it.

  

Remembering "B" Baptism

    
On Saturday, we remembered "B" baptism.  (an annual event) She always enjoys "her day".  Some of her favorite activities are making place cards and then deciding where everyone is going to sit.  She requested chicken tenders and mac-n-cheese for dinner.  I was able to sway the chicken tenders as the main dish, but we did have some mac-n-cheese.

Unfortunately, our out-of-town family couldn't make it due to weather, but we still had a good time :)

And...the most exciting gift of the night was a cool rock with a snail in it!!  These girls were quite entertained by this rock and snail.

 

They even had to go outside to get "food" for the snail.

Dear LORD, I pray for "B".  I pray for you to watch over her and guide her.  I pray that she always knows that she is a precious child of God and that you have chosen her and that you have plans for her.  I pray that she fulfills those plans with passion and always has a heart to love you above anyone or anything.  I pray that you would give us the wisdom and courage to parent her - to provide her with the foundation she needs in order for her to be all that you have created her to be.  Thank you LORD for giving us her.  She is a blessing to us!!!

 

We love you "B"!!!!

I Am Thankful For...

 
My little turkey...
 

"G drive makina"

 

One of "G" favorite activities is to drive the makinas (cars).  This boy LOVES cars, and thanks to Nanny, we have several garage sale makinas.  We can literally spend several hours outside playing with them - doesn't matter if we are driving them or washing them.  If we are inside, and he wants to go outside, he will just point outside to the garage and say "G drive makina".

We've made this scoop his, but what he really loves to drive is....

Yes - pink and with baby in tow.  He actually loves this baby.  I see glimpses of the Ethiopian culture in his interactions with this baby.  In Ethiopia, they touch a baby's cheek as a sign of affection.  When we were there, over half of the men that passed us would stop and stroke "G" cheek and then kiss his hand.  He will carry this baby around and just softly stroke it's cheek and kiss it's hand.  It is so precious!  (Of course, until "B" sees him and wants her special B-day doll back.)

He has almost gotten the hang of it, but I still have to run along side to make sure he doesn't crash into the side of the van or go out into the road.  I'm getting quite the little workout and wishing we had a longer driveway or a flat yard.

  

Now..."G" driving the Barbie jeep with the baby is only reserved for when the girls are at school.  When they are home, it is more like...

He has to take the passenger seat and let Big Sis drive him around.  I believe this is some of the first times that I have seen "B" driving.  She is usually the passenger when "A" is around.

 

It is really interesting to watch the progression of the Big Sis.

 

Activity Catch-Up

  
Year End Celebration
May 17, 2010

Summer kicked-off with B's preschool year end celebration.  All of the 4 year olds get their graduation certificates.  It is so cute.  B will be headed to their pre-K program next year, so I wasn't teary-eyed like I was with A.  Their school is so much more than just a place for her to learn.  It is a place where she is truly nutured and supported.  I LOVE her preschool.

 

We are so proud of B!

Girl Power

May 17, 2010

A's gymnastics program was appropriately titled "Girl Power", which is something all of the girls say at the end of each class.  (I love it so much that I use it in Girl Scouts.)  A loves gymnastics, and it is soooo much fun watching her. 

When A started, her ultimate goal was to do a back-hand spring.  After that, she said that she was done.  Well, she's almost there, and now she wants to learn a front flip with no hands.  I'm sure that's years away, but it is fun to see her grow and reach for the next level.  I already find myself tensing up watching her, so I can only imagine what it will be like as it gets more difficult.

 

Miss Stacey leads A's class, and she is fabulous.  I've really tried to be intentional about what programs I put my girls in, and I've been so blessed to have other positive adult role models for them.

Papa and Gobbie congratulating A

Party in the USA

June 12, 2010

A's dance recital theme was Party in the USA.  She loves dance!!  Almost everyday at some point, I can find her dancing around the house coming up with a routine.  She says that it isn't her favorite activity, but from the outside looking in, it totally seems to be her thing.

This was our first dance recital (except for our preschool dance).  I was really impressed with the performances, costumes, music selection and overall atmosphere.  It was just the right balance of "special" and "laid-back".  A had fun getting ready, especially wearing Mommy's make-up.  At the end of the performance, all of the girls got a "goody bag" with a trophy in it.  I've determined all kids LOVE trophies. 

A during her ballet routine.  She just looks so beautiful!  And, I love watching her :)

A during her tap routine.  She takes tap, jazz, lyrical and ballet.  All of the girls loved twirling the umbrellas.

My Beautiful Ballerina

 

BB had her dance recital last night.  Her favorite part is being able to put on Mommy's make-up.

 

All of the ballerinas with Miss Donna

 

 

Besides the make-up, her 2nd favorite part is getting a trophy.

 

Miss Donna and BB - BB is giving Miss Donna some flowers.  Miss Donna does a FABULOUS job with the girls and the entire recital.  She breaks each class into their own 30 minute show, where your little ballerina showcases what she has learned for the entire 30 minutes. 

 

BB is excited to get her flowers!  Who would have guessed that just 2 hours prior to the show that BB fell head over heals down an entire flight of hardwood stairs, and she didn't even cry.  God was watching over her!!

 

We love you BB!!!!

Everyday Life...

It's a Hot Time in Cheese Town Tonight....

AB had her 1st grade program on 4/29.  She was Feta Cheese.  Her music teacher, Miss Beth, does an awesome job incorporating all of the children that want a speaking part.

Camporee...

AB and a couple of her Daisies headed to Girl Scout Camporee on 5/8.  It was a beautiful day.  The girls had a great time playing and enjoying the acitivities.  The neat thing about this day is that a Middle School Girl Scout Troop planned the entire day.  It is great to see older girls leading younger girls in a postive way.

 

Jump rope is an activity that stands the test of time...so do the rhymes that go along with it...Cinderella dressed in yellow, went upstairs to kiss her fellow, made a mistake, kissed a snack, how many doctors did it take....1....2....3 - TIMELESS

 

And, of course, you need a wood pile.

 

BLESSED!!!

Mother's Day!

Children are an heritage of the LORD...

I'm ready to increase my blessings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Swimming excitement...or not?

We started swimming lessons like this...

 

Now, we are on day #3, and she's decided that she's done...but wait we've already paid for 8 lessons.  Hopefully, she'll soon realize that it is FUN!!!  (at least for her poor instructors sake :)