My New Camera

It usually take me months to make a big purchase. I entertain the idea and casually research until I finally feel comfortable enough to go and buy it. I have been thinking about buying a new washer and dryer for nearly two years and I have yet to replace my old ones so to go and buy a new camera like I did today is totally out of character for me. But after using my old camera on Jonny's field trip today and realizing just how many pictures I take... I went out and took the plunge!

I am such an amateur at this point.... boy do I have so much to learn.

Are there any teachers out there?

So I Went and Did It

And I am overwhelmed from information overload. Can I do it? Should I take a class? I am so excited.... I hope I don't drop it. At least I put the strap on right. There is so much to learn. I will probably need tons of practice.

I think I have found my new hobby.

The battery is charging as we speak.

A Special Morning With Jonny

Today was Jonny's field trip to Home Depot. It was walking distance from the school so a bus wasn't necessary, and Home Depot covered the rest of the costs-- making it free! I hear of so many districts cutting back on this and that--- with field trips being the first thing to go. Thankfully, the kindergarten teachers at our school have found places for our kindergartners to go and explore "for free." Our guide was a hit with all the children. Can you guess who she reminded me of when she called one of the kids a potato?

She gave us all a tour of the store and played some fun games along the way. One game was trying to get as many kids into this shower as possible. Can you believe that 13 fit inside?

After the tour, the kids got to make a planter. After gluing and hammering his stand together, Jonny planted jalapeno and cilantro seeds in potting soil.

Home Depot even provided the kids with snacks! Can't beat that!

After this picture, I teased Jonny about the big kiss I promised to give him. He shyly whispered that I can't kiss him in front of his friends.

You wanna make a bet? Smiling.

I AM ADOPTED

Just Julia and Jonny were in the van with me the other day running an errand. Out of the blue, Jonny asked Julia if she was adopted. I am pretty sure he knew the answer so when she answered yes, he looked at her quizzically. I used this time to explain how when you accept Jesus into your heart and ask God to be your Heavenly Father He adopts you as His Child and that is why Julia answered yes.

"Hopefully one day you will choose to be adopted too Jonny," I said.

To which he shouted-- "I AM ALREADY ADOPTED MOM!"

And of course happy tears immediately ran down my face and confirmed in my heart that the path that John and I are walking down-- though not always easy-- is the one that God paved especially for us.

Praising God for a much better week!

Way to Go Son!

Sveta's Sentence

I can t knot have candy now.

Sveta has weekly spelling homework. Tonight she had to write sentences using her spelling words. As I was going over them, I smiled when I came to this one. The t was erased on her paper.

Pure Decadence

Strawberries are in season! And oh how our family loves strawberries! Today I bought a flat and they are already gone!

Adam and I dipped strawberries in white chocolate together..... while we chatted. We agreed that the next time we dip strawberries they should then be rolled in crushed Oreo cookies. I know what I am getting tomorrow!

These decadent berries were delicious!

Adam and Julia's Spring Recital

Last Saturday we all went to watch Julia and Adam's music recital. This time not only did Julia play keyboard, but she also sang and played the tambourine. I am so proud of my daughter-- she conquered one of her biggest fears-- singing in front of an audience! I think both of them did a fabulous job as did the rest of the students!

Yes, His Love is Beautiful!

Digest 17

Rachel said...
Just wanted to let you know I gave you an award over on my blog! Have fun with it!
Rachel

http://reapingwhatisow.blogspot.com/
April 12, 2010 8:53 AM

Wow, thanks Rachel! How nice of you to include me. It looks like we have alot in common. I don't Twitter, I would jump at the chance to move although there are so many things I love about us living here, and I love to cook and bake. Sorry, I have never blogged in the bathroom-- although it sounds really peaceful.

According to the rules, I have to share 10 honest things about myself with you, and then pass the award on to ten of my favorite bloggers. Here it goes!

1. I love to sing in the car!
2. I do not take Hormone Replacement Therapy now that I have had a hysterectomy for fear that it could increase my chances of getting breast cancer.
3. I can't wait for Toy Story 3 to come out! It will be the first movie I have seen all year.
4. All of my kids that know how to play the Wii can play much better than I can.
5. I share my shoes with three of my daughters because we all wear the same size.
6. I didn't go to church this past Sunday.
7. I hate getting medical bills that should have been paid by insurance. They are such a hassle to take care of.
8. The pair of shoes that I am wearing right now are six years old.
9. I can't stand a floor that is not swept. Between all of us, the floor gets swept at least three times a day.
10. Most of the time I put on my seatbelt after I have started driving down the road--- me bad.

Now I tag Cara, Holly, Christina, Anna, Donna, Tumbleweedgirl, Mama in Uganda, Renee, Angela, and Molly. Congrats! You are all awesome women!
********************
nadia said...
I am a Russian born American citizen that has lived in U.S. for nineteen years. What this woman did is awful and would harm other good families like yours from adopting the kids. Good thing she didn't murder this child like the recent American adoptive parents did to other Russian kids. I think Russia should not let pure blooded Americans adopt these kids, because we don't want them to take chances. Once these kids are adopted, they are out of sight, we don't know what kind of abuse they will sustain. Let Russian people living in U.S. adopt Russian kids. Some Americans are truly crazy like this mental mother from Tennessee. Outrageous!
April 10, 2010 11:43 PM

Hi Nadia. Your comment has some truth to it, but I don't think that keeping Americans from adopting Russian children is the answer. Children need families... children need love. It may be the answer for the few that end up in homes that are not equipped to raise a child, but I do believe that the majority of Russian children that are adopted by Americans are incredibly blessed to have a family that has chosen to love them forever. I do not think Russian parents would treat the kids any better just because they happen to be Russian.

BTW, I am Russian-- from both sides of my family.
******************************
Holly said...
Well? Please share! What does infant or young child baptism mean?!?
Inquiring minds want to know! :)
April 15, 2010 6:39 AM

Hi Holly, I don't think I am going to explain this very well, but I will try. I think a child baptism is similar to a baby dedication. It's not the same as a person declaring on their own that they are accepting Christ into their lives and being born again as it is with believer's baptism but it is John and I declaring to the church that we are choosing to raise our child in a Christ-centered home and the church reciprocally declaring support of such. To us, baptizing the boys means sewing the seeds of the Christian faith into the fabric of their being which may not make sense but baptism is a sacrament which means "mysterious" so it is ok not to fully understand...it replaces an old tradition of males becoming into the family of God via circumcision on the 8th day--also something done without the child's knowledge/consent.
*******************************
sylsumida said...
Cannon Rebel! It is an SLR and takes AMAZING photos! Bought it at Costco for $800. Pricey but certainly one of the best investments I have ever made and it has certainly more than paid for itself the past 4 years.....and still doing great! Can take up for 440 photos too!
April 15, 2010 5:25 PM

I have enjoyed my Canon too! After checking out all of the suggested cameras, I am leaning towards this one. But....

Molly said...
We have the Olympus Stylus 850 SW. It is just a point and shoot, but it is freezeproof, shockproof and waterproof. You can drop it from 5 feet, take it in a swimming pool, etc. We've done both-- even dropped it when horseback riding once and it was fine. I bet it would be a blast taking it in the pool in the summer. Ours is almost two years old and still going strong. We have a nice, expensive camera and then this one and we almost always reach for this one, because we don't have to worry about breaking it.
April 15, 2010 5:26 PM

This one sounds really cool and practical-- perfect for our family! I know they are totally different but I think I would enjoy either one! Now how to choose.... that is the question.
*********************************
Sally-Girl! said...
Love Phase 10! Lauren and I addicted to it and also SLAM now too!
April 16, 2010 7:42 PM

I saw that Phase 10 is a card game too and SLAM sounds like a fast and quick variation to Scrabble. How fun! Any other quick and fun game suggestions???
************************************
Anonymous said...
Hi Christie! First of all, I would say you and your family is totally delightful! Thank you for sharing!
My name is Lera and I’m russian. I’ve seen you on youtube and now read your blog from time to time. It’s very fascinating :)My english as you see is fair to middling, but Russian is ok :) So, if you need any help with translation or with finding something in russian (like cartoons, movies or something else), I’ll be glad to help you with the greatest pleasure!
I haven’t blog here, so you can mail me on kakbiya @ mail.ru
April 18, 2010 5:33 AM

You are so thoughtful. Thank you for your offer. I will keep you in mind. What part of Russia do you live in?
****************************
Paige said...
She looks SO MUCH like Julia.. and I see William too. So, I'm with everyone else...could she maybe be a Reed?
April 18, 2010 8:34 PM

We would have loved to see her become a Reed. However, as things are right now, that is not possible. Our hope is that one day she will be adopted by a caring family.
*****************************
Tina in CT said...
What is the speaking engagement for?
April 19, 2010 3:27 AM

I was asked to be the guest speaker four months ago to a small group of older ladies that meet regularly at their church. A few of the ladies and I go way back--- nearly 12 years when we worked in a young Mom's ministry similar to MOPS together. I was nervous at first, as usual, but I ended up having a wonderful time--- the ladies made me feel so welcome.
***********************************
Lisa said...
I just have a few questions. Is Sweet Miss O, a respite visitor? Is she up for adoption? Yes it was a fantastic warm nice weekend and today it rains which is nice too.
I had to giggle about the Home town buffet, my kids love that place but I hate it. I much perfer the Golden Corral, which is an hour away so we only go every few months, its so worth it, strangly enough I only eat the mashed taters and the pot roast gravy and corn but its so yummy!!!
I will be praying for peace and calm for you tomorrow. Speak from the heart and you will be fine.
April 20, 2010 8:27 AM

Miss O was here on a host program. We didn't host a child but we signed up to be an alternate if any of the children needed a home while they were here. The opportunity came up so we agreed to have Miss O for the remainder of her visit. However, after just a few days, the family was able to take her back. I do not think she is eligible for adoption at this time--- hosting programs are just that--- hosting programs. It is wonderful when it works out that the child you host is the one you end up adopting-- but just as we learned, that is not always the case.

BTW, We have eaten at Golden Corral too--but it has been years!
****************************
ЮЛИЯ said...
Christine, there is many European/Russian/Slavic/Ukranian food markets in the US. The go by different names but I am positive there are several in California. There are also on-line stores. Here is a link to the Russian sunflower seeds you can order in the US: http://www.russiantable.com/store/find.asp?find_spec=%F1%E5%EC%E5%F7%EA%E8
Our family loves sunflower seeds and we buy them all the time.
April 24, 2010 10:28 AM

Thank you so much! I have yet to find a Russian market where we live. I have to look and see if they sell Seputchkas!
****************************
sqeaky has left a new comment on your post "A Great Question":
I'm not saying he doesn't look 150 % better but he is still shocking to look at. You cannot blame that or peoples reaction to him on "bad parenting".
Posted by sqeaky to Smiles and Trials at April 23, 2010 6:07 PM

I beg to differ. I am pretty sure that most everyone young and old has been introduced to the concept-- treat others as you want to be treated. I personally don't like being stared at or made fun of or being called fat or ugly-- so I don't do that to others. Is that too much to expect from people-- common decency--- really?

Speaking of treating others as you want to be treated, I was walking Alex and Dennis to the preschool class just as some of the kids were coming out of the cafeteria. One girl was gawking, and wincing as she oohed and aahed at Dennis to which I replied-- Please don't stare, just keep walking out to the playground--- would you like to be stared at? She turned around and ignored me as I rushed the boys to the classroom. A little miffed by not only her behavior but mine as well, I chalked this up to yet another Mama Bear protects her baby cub from hurtful people moment. To my surprise, this little girl and her friend met up with me and Dennis as we were walking back to the van. The little girl was crying and immediately apologized for staring. I could tell she felt bad. I knelt down and told them how beautiful it was that they came over to us because most people wouldn't bother. We began a conversation and I explained what had happened to Dennis. These two girls were so precious---- what a powerful way God used them. What a wonderful encouragement they were to me today.
****************************
Jennell said...
International adpotions need to be reformed, I don't get why parents like this are allowed to adopt in the first place.
April 22, 2010 6:30 AM

Jennell, I personally think that adoptions do not need reforming--- not much else can be done in order for adoptive parents to prove on paper that they are prepared to parent an adopted child. As it is, the amount of hoops that adoptive parents have to jump through is utterly ridiculous mainly because of its redundancy. Fingerprinting three times?? And what about birth parents who neglect and abuse these children in the first place that make them available for adoption? There is really no difference, and yet they don't have to prove anything when they decide to become a parent. A teenage, homeless, drug addicted girl can choose to become a Mom and yet I have to jump through 20 more hoops just because some other woman returns her child? How would that prevent me from doing something to my adopted child if I wanted to? It doesn't. However, I think it would be incredibly helpful if adoption agencies shared realistically the challenges that could arise from raising an adopted child. If they were more honest, I think some people would think twice before adopting-- which would undoubtedly lower the number the adoptions, but in the long run I think it would be more helpful for parents to really understand what they are getting into. Agencies should also share stories like the one about the Tennessee woman so that families can be aware that there is help available instead of resorting to doing what this Mom did. It would also be helpful if adoptive families were hooked up with a local adoption community before they ever adopted. We found local adoptive families before we even signed with our agency so that we could get a glimpse of how our family might look and feel like after we brought home our children. It was an eye opener for us to talk with other families about the ups and downs that they were going through.
*****************************
Anonymous said...
My heart goes out to these precious children and their parents. I believe their is a family out their that they will flourish in. What a difficult decision to have to make. I do believe my husband and I will once again adopt from UA or possibly thru disruption. I will keep these siblings in my thoughts and hope to hear the right family has been found very soon.
Kelly Selkirk-Ohio

Thank you to all who lifted these children up in prayer. It seems as if the prayers have been answered. Numerous families inquired about making these children a part of their family-- the show of love and support nothing short of amazing. The struggling family believes they have found the right family for these siblings but your continued prayers would be much appreciated. Praying that everything works out.

"That's My Baby!"

Miss O brought these to our house. Rachel was so excited to eat them with her! She can't wait to go to Ukraine when we adopt. She has informed me that she will be buying a few bags of these exact sunflower seeds. Isn't the bag adorable?

My kids are weird. Why?

Because they do weird things like drink soda out of an empty eggshell with a straw. To me that is just weird. :)

Tonight we had company. We babysat for two little ones. One a newborn, slept the whole time-- the other six months old, was always in one of our arms. The boys enjoyed making the older one smile.

Dennis kept telling me that the baby I was holding was his baby!

Change of Plans

Miss O is leaving in the morning. Our whole family is sad--- especially the kids. Miss O will be fine though-- and that is what matters. Just got back from Open House at the kids' school where she ran around and explored each of our children's classrooms. Hopefully she expended all her energy!

P.S. I am a little disappointed in myself. I promised myself I wasn't going to get emotionally involved---- and I did. I have to remind myself we were only a respite family.

Teach Them I Say!

Goodbye sun-- hello storm. No bike riding today that is for sure. But that's okay because there are plenty of things to do inside.

Miss O and Dennis picked out their coloring books and got busy. Dennis chose to use markers-- double fisted at times-- while Miss O preferred the coloring pencils. Miss O colored perfectly in the lines while Dennis chose to draw pick circles on his page. He then proceeded to tear out his page-- at least half of it.

Alex has a very weak grasp that prevents him from holding a pencil correctly. He gets tired quickly and loses interest as his frustration builds--- so the Occupational Therapist gave me some neat things to have him play with at home. She gave us these little button like plastic thingies that interlock. Alex has to pull them apart and then lock the pieces back together to form a ring. This is very challenging for him, but this last time he did it, I only needed to help him with three pieces. This is huge progress for Alex!

Miss O is quite independent-- she did her own hair this morning. Yesterday, she let me do it for her.

Another neat activity that both Alex and Dennis enjoy playing is picking up these furry balls with plastic tweezers and dropping them into a bowl.

Dennis was tired of tweezing the tiny little hairs and thought it would be easier if he could just open up the tweezers wide enough to pick up the whole ball!

Alex enjoys music so much! It is not unlike him to ask me to take a picture of him while he is moving to the groove.

Miss O got in some computer time today. She is such a fast learner! She was repeating everything on Starfall right along with Alex. She was able to play many of the games, but what surprised me most was how she compensated for the language barrier. She is one smart cookie!

*******************

On another note, have you heard about unschooling? I watched this video and my jaw dropped open. I may not know much about homeschooling, but I do know that it is hard work and takes way more patience than I have. And I do still take the time to do something with my kids (see above)because I know that they thrive off of structure, activities, and opportunities to learn and their minds are like little sponges absorbing every new thing they are exposed to. But according to this video, these children are not being exposed to anything-- not even discipline-- bascially left up to make all decisions for themselves. Eat where they want, watch tv all day if they want, and raise themselves... that's what I got from the video. Hopefully, this is not the case with all families who choose unschooling for their children---- if so, I think they are doing a huge disservice to their children. I can go on and on about this, but I'll save us both the torture. It hurts my brain just thinking about it.

I guess I am just old school.

Homeschool or send your kids to school-- but kids need school!

They Can Do It

So what if John could do it. Big deal... its not like I am jealous or anything.

Actually, I wish I had the patience to keep trying something like this until I got it... but I don't. Nor do I have a steady enough hand.... I can barely thread a needle. Nice job honey. I guess this is something they did on the gameshow "Minute To Win It." Are you a fan? Personally, I have never watched it but I know someone who just loves it!
****************************
I told you the kids went swimming over the weekend. And they actually swam-- not just a quick dip like a few weeks ago.

Miss O is such a go-getter. She basically taught herself how to swim this past Saturday.

At one point, she would throw a floaty into the pool and jump in after it. Each time, she would throw it out just a little bit farther.

Sveta was not the first one to get in--- I think that ticked her off a bit.

Even Miss Coldie-Coldie Anna jumped in a few times.

What a beautiful, sunny, California weekend we had.

Later that day we went out to HomeTown Buffet to celebrate with another family who has decided to adopt-- how exciting!

Miss O loved it just like all my kids do.

Julia took her over to the food and thought it was cute that Miss O was so content serving herself from one table that she didn't even bother checking out the other tables.

If there was a crown for Hometown Queen, Annalyn would be wearing it undoubtedly. She enjoys mixing up her drinks and coming up with the craziest desserts--- I think she would come here everyday if she could.

Anna made Dennis' day when she brought him a Slushie. I think Dennis ended up eating the most desserts. It was hard for each of us to resist getting Dennis just one more little bowl of ice-cream when he kept asking so sweetly.

*******************

Thank you for your words of encouragement about this coming Wednesday. I am at peace about sharing--- and figure that the worst thing that could happen is that I won't be asked back. ;) I'll let you know how it goes.

I Don't Want To Stress

It has been a full day- or shall I say weekend. A few hours ago we got back from our small group where the kids played and played-- they got me to bounce on the trampoline with them, and tried to talk us into bringing home another dog. John and I both said, Maybe for Sveta's birthday.

Anyway, my point in sharing this is-- I am tired.

Did I mention they all came home nice and dirty from running around barefoot, climbing trees, and building forts? Which of course means lots of showers... and packing lunches for tomorrow because of school.

The coming week which starts in just a few hours is going to be a very busy one--- and so I am feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. Back to school night, BSF, music practice--- but my biggest thing going on is a little speaking engagement I agreed to nine months ago. Nine months ago, it didn't seem like such a big thing-- and now I am stressing over it. Ugh. So, I am off to bed to spend some quiet time with God and get a good nights sleep so that hopefully in the morning I will know exactly what it is I am supposed to share.
***********
Oh, and Miss O and all the kids are doing great! But.....

I forgot to turn on the nightlight when I tucked the girls in tonight so Miss O got scared and started crying until I came in and figured it out. Now all the kids are asleep which is what I should be doing--- so goodnight.

Pictures of Our Day

Miss O is such a vibrant, outgoing girl! Words like energetic, fearless, and spunky also come to mind!

We are all enjoying her visit with us. Right now they are all out swimming!

Today is a beautiful day! Andrew, Jonny, Dennis, and William like being high in the sky!

There is nothing Miss O is unwilling to try.

And everything she has tried she has done well with-- amazing!

The kids just hanging out.

Sveta soaking up the sun while eating an OtterPop.

John took Miss O on a motor scooter ride. She loved it!

And it was cool the way she let her hands fly beside her-- trusting John's arms around her.

Anna is a cartwheeling queen!

Miss O can ride a bike!

Go Miss O Go!

Going to Bed

I am so excited. Just tucked the girls in and had to come and share. Miss O is going to do just fine here. I was told that she takes a while to fall asleep so when she took the play phone to bed I knew I had to address this issue. I told her in my broken Russian not to play in bed-- tomorrow we will have lots of time to play and she tucked the phone in the mattress slats in the bunkbed above her. Did I mention that she is very bright? Then when Julia went to the restroom she noticed the counter had a big gob of toothpaste and lots of water on it from when she brushed her teeth. I sweetly called Miss O to the bathroom and showed her the mess and how to clean it up. She seemed to understand and then happily went back to bed. Us girls enjoyed a conversation about what kinds of food we all like and that seemed to really break the ice for all of us.

I told her that tomorrow we would all play outside and perhaps even rollerskate. Her eyes perked up when I mentioned that. :)

She's Here!

Miss O got here about two hours ago. She is adorable. She is little. She is seven.

Goodnight y'all!

Ring Ring, Can you....

take a little girl for one week?

YES!!!

I am excited! I offered to be an alternate family for any of the Ukrainian host children here right now that need a back up family. You know, sometimes the original family ends up having prior commitments, or something comes up, or the child and family are just not a very good match-- things happen. And so we are having company tonight.

I hear she is cute, fun, and wild----- sounds like she will fit in just fine!

He Did It!!!!

As an adult now, I often think back to my childhood and remember doing things as simple as cooking breakfast or climbing our tree house, or hanging posters on my walls. I picture what everything looked like from the green carpet in my room to the stainless steel sink in the kitchen-- and these small memories simple as they might be make me smile. Oh what I would give to have more pictures from my childhood.

Now that I am a parent, I believe that one day my own children will appreciate all the pictures I took of them-- albeit doing the simplest things.


Here is Anna helping to cook breakfast. If she has the spatula she is one happy girl!

Adam and I have been playing this game called Phase 10. It is especially nice when we can squeeze in a game in the morning before school. The game is so simple and the nicest thing about it is you can stop at any point, put the game away, and resume playing it later.

Here is Anna at the Lion King presentation. She did a great job. And she really enjoyed herself. (But see the poor quality of the picture. I so long for a camera that will zoom in and take a nice picture with a sharp image.)

When Caleb watched this-- he decided that he would do it too. So he practiced and practiced and practiced. I thought it was impossible.

Clearly it isn't. Thank you Caleb for showing me that nothing is impossible. Thank you for reminding me that perseverance pays off.

I Can Really Use Some Suggestions

I should of expected this. It was the worst camera I have ever owned anyway. My Panasonic Lumix 10X optical zoom will no longer take a picture. It was working one evening and the next morning it wasn't. Part of me is shouting hooray because now I have an excuse to get a new camera, but no part of me is excited about dropping a few hundred dollars in a new camera.

Maybe I should look into a used camera off of Ebay like the one I bought before this-- identical to my all time favorite camera the Canon PowerShot G2 which I dropped in the river. But then again, still a few hundred dollars with no guarantees. At least my used Canon G2, old as it may be, is still taking pictures. So that is what I am using for now. That and another camera that my cousin gave me last year when he bought his new one.

Both are getting old, one drains the battery quickly, and the other memory card doesn't fit my computer. Ugh. Honestly, I think it is time to get a new one. But I have no clue which one I should get. This is where all of you come in. Pretty please, let me know what your favorite camera is and how much you paid for it. Thanks ahead of time!

Busy, busy, busy

This week has been busy.

Anna had her musical theater dance performance one evening. We all went to cheer her on!

She had so much fun and it showed!
****************
Adam and Julia have had music practice every night this week. I happened to catch the last fifteen minutes of tonight's practice and boy am I excited!
****************
I attended Sveta and William's annual IEP meetings. Two hours later I felt really good about their achievements, goals, and future plans for the next year. It was pretty much decided that Sveta would stay where she is and not be moving up a grade. This decision came after lots of discussion and I am at peace with it. So is John. Sveta is doing so well where she is at-- why rock the boat? I asked for her teachers to include teaching her simple measurements for cooking that I can reinforce at home by having her cook more with me. Right now she helps with a lot of the prep work when I cook-- which she enjoys-- but I can't wait till she learns how to bake a cake all by herself because she can at least identify and understand what a 1/2 cup is. I know she will be so proud of herself!

William is being evaluated in the classroom by the psychologist-- but boy is he smart. Even though she didn't let on that she was in there evaluating him specifically, he figured it out and was on his best behavior. So, she plans to go in a few more times and also have her assistant evaluate him so that they could compare notes. It will be interesting to see if they come back with anything. He is still classified under Autism and it is crystal clear to everyone on the IEP team that he continues to struggle with social skills and pragmatics all the way around-- but we still have not figured out what behavior modification plan would be most beneficial for him. By the end of the meeting we all agreed that continual positive encouragement with short term incentives seems to be the best thing for him-- but what we are unsure of is--- Is it enough?

Teachers for next year were discussed for William and Sveta-- something I normally let fate decide. I am pleased with the suggestions they have made and I think that William and Sveta will have a better school experience placed with a teacher who is familiar with each of their individual needs.
****************
Today I took Caleb to the Orthodontist. We got some great news! After what seems like three plus years-- Caleb finally has a definitive time frame as to when his braces will be coming off. Praise the Lord-- Caleb will enter high school with no braces! The highlight of the trip was my Mom coming to the dental office to sit with us and visit since she lives only five minutes away. Afterwards we went shopping at Costco and then had lunch together. The visit was very nice but way too short!
*****************
John and I have decided to have Alex and Dennis baptized this coming Mother's Day. We had held off until now because we wanted to get a clear understanding of what this meant since our last church only did believer's baptism and child dedications. Now that we have an understanding of what baptising our two youngest sons will mean we have excitedly decided to do this.

Last One In Wins!

Caleb is my last kid to leave the house in the morning. Often we have 10 or so minutes to talk-- which is always nice. Quite often he makes me smile with his little stories.

Mom, would you be mad if I was tardy to class?

I gave him the look.

LOL, don't worry Mom, I haven't got one yet. You would have to sign the tardy slip if I did.

I smiled a show of relief.

It's just that me and the guys play this game all the time-- and I just wanted to know how far you'd let me go. Caleb's spirit was totally playful and I could tell he was trying to pull my leg a bit.

"Oh yea, interesting-- LOL. What's the game?"

Well, we all wait--

"Whose we?"

Eric, Zack, and I.

"Uh-huh, go on."

Well we wait until the first bell rings and then all of us stand outside our doors and see who can last the longest before going inside the class. The last one to go inside wins!

"Wow, what a fun game. So who usually wins? Let me guess. You?"

Yeah me or Eric S. wins. Zack never does.

"Doesn't Eric P. play?"

Nah, he doesn't play games like that.

"Well you better make sure you don't lose as in get a tardy."

"Don't worry Mom, we're allowed three and I have never gotten one-- you know that."

With a playful poke-poke in his side I waved him out the door to school.

We Are Inspired!

Just watched this video-- wish I could remember who brought it to my attention. It is an inspiration-- so much that I had my kids sit down and watch it too as a kick off to our devotional time.

Be Inspired!

On a Mission

Weekends are wonderful-- aren't they?

Julia had a friend spend the night. Saturday morning Julia practiced her recital pieces while they both sang at the top of their lungs. Near the end, John joined them too.

Rachel and Annalyn helped me organize the bookshelves.

It took a few hours, but the end result was awesome. We not only organized books by age and size, but we sorted through crayons, pens, pencils, and puzzle pieces.

John helped Anna and William with their fourth grade mission projects. He got them so pumped up that soon Andrew, Annalyn, and Adam were helping out too!

Early afternoon, Adam and Julia practiced their two recital songs that they are doing together.

Still working on mission projects. This was an all day thing.

Adam and Andrew were a big help.

John-- an awesome Dad and husband-- sportin' new glasses from Zenni Optical. Thanks to all of you who suggested the website!

It was neat to see the missions come together... piece by piece.

Anna and Annalyn really enjoyed the painting part of the project.

Can you recognize what two missions the kids made?

Alex and Dennis played outside nearly all day yesterday. Every time I glanced outside, the two boys made me smile.

For dinner, I made homemade waffles. The kids were thrilled of course!

Then back to the mission projects.

Finally around 7 pm. the crew called it quits for the day. They still have another week before they turn them in so they will finish them during that time. William was so sweet how he complimented his sister's mission without a competitive bone in his body. It is times like these that make parenting such a blessing. Today was full of smiles..... only one trial.