Happy 2010!

We had a fun filled New Years Eve spent with friends. My hopes and wishes for the new year include walking closer with God, being wiser with the things I am blessed with and enjoying my family. I hope everyone has a safe and fun New Year.

Christmas Fun!

Our Christmas break started off with me getting sick and then both the kids. I was in bed except to feed the kids for three days. I felt bad that everyone ended up sick. We all went to the doctor and the medicine started working. By Christmas Eve we were all starting to feel better. We made Christmas cookies and both kids picked one to leave for Santa. We went to Christmas Eve service and enjoyed all the wonderful Christmas Carols. Nathan got to stay with me in the regular service and he seemed very intreged by the big screens and musicians. He was very good and said he really enjoyed everything. After dinner we read the Christmas Story from Luke and the Night Before Christmas. Both kids wanted to get in bed early so Santa could come. It seems our coughs return the strongest when we get in bed. It was very late when they finally fell asleep. On Christmas morning I had to wake them both up at 9:00 a.m. I didn't think they were ever going to get up. I'm not sure they remembered what day it was at first but once reminded they started moving. After all the presents were unwrapped and Santa gifts were discovered they were both very happy. Shay stopped one time and just said a quick pray thanking God and Santa for all she had received.
We spent Christmas day with friends and had a great time.

Merry Christmas To All

Merry Christmas!

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12

When Shay was 5!

Six years ago tomorrow a beautiful baby girl was born in China. God knew at that time she would love life and bless everyone around her. I am so thankful God let me be her mother. When she was five years old she played Mary in her preschool production, spent Christmas with her Papa and Nana, loved to dress up, saw her first snow, celebrated Chinese New Year, loved to cheer, improved and became a very good gymnasts, graduated from Pre School, played in the sprinkler for the first time, loved to swim, played soccer, started Kindergarten, decide to be a pink cow girl for Halloween and takes her mothers breath away when she watches her live life each day with so much excited and joy.

Fun Saturday!!!

We started our day at Shay's first cheerleading competition of the season. Her squad did a great job and was so cute. They are all 5 and younger. After awards Shay had a birthday party and Nathan had a flag football game. Thankfully we made it back across town in time for both activities. Shay loved her party. It was a princess theme and there is nothing more exciting than that in her world. Nathan's team did great and he scored his first and second touchdowns ever. He was so excited. We then headed over to visit a friend and do some crafts together. Both kids really enjoyed it and we not have a few fall decorations.
Saturdays are so fun and I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy all these activities as a family.

Boy Scout Family Trip

This past weekend we went on our first camp out of the year. Nathan's favorite activity is Boy Scouts. Last year we had a number of chances to camp out with his troop but we never stayed the night. Nathan and I had an agreement that if I bought a tent for our family he would try and spend the night out side. We got the tent and Nathan made it out side for the first time. He had many firsts over the weekend and I'm very proud of him.
We all had a great time. We were blessed with the perfect day for camping. During the night from 2:00 a.m. on I was freezing but the kids slept just fine. Shay and all the younger sisters slept in until 8:00 a.m. The boys were up and going around 6:00 a.m.
I think I've recovered. This is the first day I don't feel tired and worn out.
Feeling my age and lack of fitness all week.
I'm very thankful for all the leaders of our pack. They did a great job and all the kids enjoyed themselves.

First Cheer Event of the Year - Celebration of Hope

On Saturday we had our first cheer event of the season. Each year Charlotte Allstar Cheerleading starts with the Celebration of Hope. If you don't know the story of Hope Stout you can find out more at www.marchforthwithhope.org. I am so glad Shay and Charlotte Allstars is part of this event. Shay's team is the Lime Squad. We call them the Lil' Limes. They did an awesome job and their coaches are wonderful. It's fun to see all the teams perform. In two weeks the competition season begins.
Our weather was not great this weekend and both soccer and football were cancelled. Nathan did a great job surviving the cheer event. I only heard "HOW MANY MORE NOW!!!" a couple of times. Poor guy!:( He did something he's never done before which made me even more proud. Instead of playing his DS player he read a book. It was his idea. His reading is really improving and hopefully this new excitement will continue.

Flag Football and Soccer

Today was the first weekend for Flag Football games and soccer. They both got their jersey's and just happen to both get #7 and red for their team color. Both teams started with prayer (thank you SOAR) Nathan really enjoyed his game. He did a good job and had fun. Shay's team has practice first and then scrimmage games. Little kids soccer games are so funny. They all had a great time. Shay is the only girl on her team but that didn't seem to bother her. Over all very fun I can't wait until it gets a little cooler.

Second Day of Kindergarten No Stagger.

Today was our first day of Kindergarten with all the kids coming. Shay was ready to go and had a great day. She could tell me some of her number in Chinese and had fun making new friends. Nathan had his first flag football practice. I think they noticed that he had never touched a football before. We went out side today and practiced. He felt like he was already getting better. It was a beautiful day here. We are getting into our new routine. I know it is really good for us but I miss being able to let them stay up and play. It is really hard not getting to spend so much time together.

First Day of Kindergarten

Shay started Kindergarten today. Her school starts 30 min. before Nathans but is 20 min. from our house. We got up early and had a very calm morning. Hopefully I can continue getting things ready ahead of time. It makes the morning go so much better. The drive over to her school was not as bad as I thought. Since it was the first day I walked her in. She did great and was ready to start her day. Shay is in a Chinese Immersion program and Nathan is attending our very wonderful neighborhood school. I will miss having them around but look forward to a more structured schedule. The picture with both of them is the first day of school from 2007 - 2009. They have both grown so much. I have mixed emotions about that. I wish they could stay little but also enjoy watching them grow and explore all that life has for them. It's amazing but so fast.

First Day of Second Grade

Today was our first day of school for Nathan. We all got early and had breakfast and were ready to go early. Not the norm for me but nice maybe we can make it a habit. Nathan was excited which for him means wild and not regulated. He kept telling me he was getting all the inappropriate behavior out before he went to school. It seemed to work since in his words he had a good day. Shay starts kindgergarten on a staggered entry this Thursday and next Tuesday will start full time. I'm thankful we can work into our new schedule slowly. We all do better with structure so school is a good thing for our house. I look forward to an exciting year.

First Time on Skates

We tried roller skating for the first time. Both kids did pretty good. No one was moving very quickly but they both stayed up by themselves on the wood and carpet. Thankfully they let the parents walk with street shoes out on the rink. If not we all would have been in trouble. Nathan really didn't want to go but with a small bribe (game room time before leaving) he adjusted his attitude and tried. He did a great job and made it on the carpet and the wood. Shay loved it and laughed at herself and everyone around her. She didn't move very quickly and if you call scooting skating then she succeeded. In her mind she was skating and very proud of herself.

More Summer Fun

Only 14 Days until school starts. Summer is quickly coming to an end. We will miss the swimming and warm summer days. My kids love the water!!! Can you tell.

Summer 2009 Updates

Sorry for not getting our summer pictures up sooner. As always time just seems to get away. The kids start school in two weeks so summer is almost over. One of the highlights of our summer was spending a weekend in the mountains of NC with my Mom. The cabin was beautiful and had wonderful views. We had fun going to a gem mine, playing mini golf, looking around the area and spending the day at Grandfather Mountain. The flowers were blooming and the high was in the low 70's each day. Everyone had a great time.

Two Years Ago Today I Met My Beautiful Daughter

Two years ago today my brother and I were in China. God blessed me with the most beautiful girl. At 3 1/2 years of age she came into a strange room with strange people without a tear. She loved showing us her pictures and having her picture taken. Even two years later life is so exciting to her. Each new thing is met with such enthusiasm. Her smile can light up a room and for the most part is easy to find.

In her second year she has finished up preschool and is heading to kindergarten in the fall. She will attend a Chinese magnet program and will soon be learning her native language again. She is very gifted in gymnastics and cheerleading. Dress up, singing and playing make believe are her favorite activities at home.

I can't imagine my life with out her in it. I pray that she will continue to love Jesus as her Lord and Heavenly Father. That life will always be so exciting and her smile will continue to bless everyone around her.

Starting Summer 09'

We've been busy finishing up the school year and getting ready for summer. Shay has been finished with preschool for a couple of weeks. She is enjoying camp at the gym and starting Junior Preteam plus Lime Squad. Her summer will constist mostly of gymnastics camp and spending time with friends. She spent the night with one of her best buddies last night and kept repeating as she left in the car "ParrrrtY TIME" "Parrrrty TIME"
Today is the second to last day of first grade for Nathan. I am so proud of him. He has done a great job and is excited about officially becoming a second grader. His favorite activity(Boy Scouts)is over for the summer. We will be going to a couple of get togethers to keep in touch with everyone. My job for the summer is not to let him play video games non stop. Other than swimming that would be his idea of a great summer.
Both of the kids are starting to realize that we have a theme park here in town. I guess season tickets would be a good idea before long. Mom is not the best riding buddy any more due to motions sickness. I wish I could still ride like I did in my youth. I was hoping they would not realize this until Shay was tall enough to ride more but might not happen for awhile. We are all looking forward to Nana coming to visit.
I've not taken many pictures lately so I've found a couple that I love to hold over until some new ones can be taken. SUMMER 2009 IS HERE!

Fun Week for Shay

Last week Shay had a number of fun activities. First we had our spring awards for gymnastics. She has come a long way this year and is doing a great job. This coming spring she will move to the Junior Pre-team. Everyone at ISC is going to miss Andy when he leaves at the end of the month. He is a great teacher/coach/ handyman and wonderful person. We wish him the best in his future marriage and life in Georgia.

Thursday Shay's preschool had their graduation celebration. All the kids looked so nice and they did a great job on their songs. Thank you Mrs. Lisa and Mrs. Susan for all your love and help this year. Shay is ready to move on to Kindergarten. Her preschool did a great job getting them ready to succeed next year.

Last event was the kick-off party at CAC. All the cheerleaders get together for a pot luck dinner, skits and play time. Shay was a monkey last year and this year she was a sheep. The older kids make up cheers and short routines using an animal for their inspiration. Each team has kids of all ages and abilities. It was fun this year watching some of the coaches and remembering when they were out there as cheerleaders coming up in the program. Kind of makes me feel REALLY OLD but also so proud of them and the job they are doing. I can't wait to see all the routines come together this season. This will be our 19th year Go CAC!

Week 18 - I ♥ Faces “LAUGHTER”

I ♥ Faces theme for Week 18 is Laughter. I love this picture of Shay playing in the sprinkler. This was the first time this year that the weather was warm enough and our area was allowed to have sprinklers on. It might her first time ever to do this and it shows on her face. She had a great time. If you want to put a smile on your face go see all the laughter going on at I ♥ Faces.



It will make your day!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to everyone and especially my mom. Nana as the grandkids call her. Mom we all really miss you this weekend and wish we could be closer. You have been such and incrediable help to Nathan, Shay and me. I've told you that Shay is always telling me that she misses Nana. She just got down off my lap after crying and saying she wanted to see her Nana. They both can't wait to see you again. We love you and miss you.

Enjoy the pictuers. We had a warm fun day outside on Saturday. The weather was really very hot and I even got to much sun on my face and arms. The kids didn't mind and had a great time playing in the water. The other pictures are from last week. Shay and Nathan both had special times at school on Thursday for Mother's Day. Also on Thursday Shay had her first cheerleading practice of the year. Nathan's boy scout troop had their meeting at the gym. It ended up being a special day for all of us.

Best of Last Week

 

Last week we had a great time with Princess Day at school for Shay. There could not be a better theme for her. She had a wonderful time and all the Prince and Princess's were so cute and handsome. Nathan lost his top tooth at school. He has really let me off the hook so far on losing teeth. He has worked each one out pretty much by himself and doesn't seemed bothered at all by the process. I was a WIMP! Hopefully this will carry over with Shay. She gets so mad and wants her teeth to come out now so the tooth fairy can visit her also. We finished the week with a Boy Scout hike in a near by park. It was such a wonderful evening. I enjoyed playing with my camera and the kids didn't mind too much me following them around trying to get pictures.