Russia with Love

Celebrating 5 Years Since First Hugs!

2012-01-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Growing Up WAY too fast!!!

2012-01-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at Grandma's House

2011-12-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

Waxing Sentimental

2011-12-18T18:51:00.001-08:00

Sunday in December!!!

2011-12-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 Photo Shoot

2011-12-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

Fall in the Big City

2011-11-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

A Few Fall Photos

2011-11-12T20:38:00.001-08:00

Fall 2011

2011-11-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

A year ago today, we paid the deposit to have our house build begin. It is hard to believe that a year has passed so quickly. So last year, we spent the evening pinching ourselves wondering if we really were settling in Texas! This evening I spent in the school office with the principal, teacher, counselor and a mediator.

For those who still read and have similar issues, I'll post come information that might be helpful. Sophia still isn't reading. I don't worry one bit about her IQ or her "smarts" because she truly is a very bright kid. It is obvious in so many ways. However, she has not been successful learning to read in the manner in which reading is taught at the public school and quite frankly at most private schools.

I have done tons of research, and I believe that she is simply a right brained learner. Besides this research, I have tested my theory. About 7 weeks ago I began to teach Sophia her spelling words using right brained techniques. In all honesty, it takes me about 5 minutes to teach her all 20 words and she retains them well beyond testing. She earns a 100% most weeks and a 90% on rare occasions. THIS tells me she can learn very quickly and successful (hear my sigh of relief). If you are curious as to the technique, leave a comment, and I'll elaborate.

The problem I have is that I am forced to send Sophia into an environment that is counter intuitive for her each and every day. Right brained learners do not decode symbols and put concepts together piece by piece. They see concepts in pictures. They see the whole FIRST and then break it down into parts.

Right brained learners are usually very good at sports, very social, and highly intelligent, BUT they struggle academically when taught by good old fashioned "American" methods. I presented this group of educators with a stack about 2 inches high of right brained teaching techniques and information. You see NONE of the representatives in this meeting were even familiar with hemispheric learning!!!

So, long story short, Sophia will have to go through a 60 day battery of educational testing to determine how to help her learn to read. Of course, I already have this answer, but I don't have the time to teach her myself!!! If I had the extra money lying around, I think I'd send her to a Montessori school. I am sure that it would suit her needs better.

The school cannot change how they teach or test her until this battery of tests is done. So I agreed; signed on the dotted line; and cried quietly on the way home. Am I sad that my daughter is academically challenged? NOOOOOO I am frustrated that it has taken 2 years to get the school to agree to testing and that even now with the proof in her spelling improvement, they "cannot" teach her in a way that she learns. It is just plain sad!!!!

If you're struggling with teaching your child to read, I'd love to hear from you. My biggest worry at this point is that we get this under control before it affects Sophia's self esteem and love for learning. She is very driven and extremely eager to do well. I hope these good traits aren't lost in this uphill journey to getting her what she needs.

This is Halloween This is Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:17:00.001-07:00

A Great Way to Spend a Fall Day

2011-10-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

October 2010 Boy Time Flies

2011-10-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

Sophia's Eye is all Healed

2011-10-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

In this first pic, you can see that her eye is completely healed and aligned (yay)!
Below, you see the healing process. But in both pics with and without glasses, her eye is straight! (double yay)! The surgery was a success!

Sophia's Eye Surgery

2011-09-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

In this next picture, I asked Sophia to do her special eye roll so we would have a before photo. We'll know how successful the surgery was in about 3 weeks when I take the after pic.

Growing Up (too fast)

2011-09-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Sophia Update

2011-09-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Sophia is enjoying her last few days as a seven year old! It is hard to believe that in just 11 short days she will be an eight year old. How did that happen?!! This Wednesday, September 21st she is going to have surgery on her left eye to correct the alignment and hopefully to improve her vision. If you pray, please keep her in your prayers. She is a wee bit nervous as are we.

Anyhow, it is hard to believe that the little three year old that we met nearly 5 years ago is not a little kid anymore. She has matured into quite a compassion spirited girl. She is a sweetheart to others and always seeks to help the underdog. I love that about her.

This year she is spending time with grandma daily and is learning to be a better reader. We have seen a lot of progress in the past month or so. Hopefully,correcting her eye will help her reading as well, but we shall see.

We are praying that this is the last surgery needed for the kids for a while. Besides the surgeries being tough on them, they are quite pricey. We will be lucky to pay Zack's off by January and then we'll get Sophia's paid off bit by bit. I often wonder what we'll do with our money when the kids are grown! Well, I have a couple things kid related that I'll still be paying, but outside of that I think we'll vacation more! And eventually, (I dream) take the grandkids on lots of fun outings.

Time Flies

2011-09-06T19:51:00.001-07:00

Sundays are the Best

2011-08-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Gina plays the drums at church each week so that means we have to be there an hour before Sunday School begins. So once in a while I take the kids outside to get some energy out. This was one of those mornings. :)

A New School Year

2011-08-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

This week the kids started 2nd grade, 4th grade and 10th grade. Our house was full of excitement! I think they were all ready to go back. There is plenty of fun to be had at school.

All of the kids have there own lockers at school. It is kind of a cool concept, I think. Lots better than the open cubbies where things tend to walk away.

Bad lighting in this pic, but it captures day 2 of the new school year.

And, I even got Maddy in the 3rd day pic! :)

House Progress August 2011

2011-08-07T21:42:00.001-07:00

I have had a few people asking for photos of the house after move in so here are some. I still need to buy window treatments and a few area rugs, etc... But, for the most part it is finished.

The inside of our house almost feels like a house in San Francisco because it appears to be a huge long rectangle, but on the other side of the great room are halls that lead to the office, bathroom, laundry room and master suite. I fell in love with the floor plan the minute I saw it. The only thing I'd change about the house would be the landscaping. I'd love more red oak trees, flowerings trees and ummmmmm a pool. Did you know pools in Texas cost much more to build than they do in California? Not that we have or would spend the money on one since there are five in our neighborhood, BUT, I'm just sayin'. I think the higher cost is due to the dirt being more like clay.

Any how, below are a couple pictures of the great room.

The couch seats the entire family when all 6 of us are here. That was our goal for movie nights! Love the huge comfy couch! However, I'm not so in love with the southwest style pillows!

Poor pictures, but a couple of the kitchen.

The pantry is huge and uses all the space under the stairs! Every ounce of space in this house is used which is the first time we can say that about any house we've lived in.

The wall below is what you see when you walk through the back door. To the right is the couch/family room and to the left is a hall to the master suite. Sorry no pics today as it wasn't tidy enough. The parentals are on restriction. LOL

Below is the hall to the guest bathroom (left), office (straight ahead) and the laundry room/garage to the right.

Below is a pic from the formal dining room looking towards the doorway to the kitchen.

Next is the guest bathroom.

Formal dining room and our meager attempt at something modern. We are so hopelessly traditional.

Kids bathroom is neutral. I'm not so fond of the typical kiddy bathroom decor and the kids don't seem to mind.

The kids' family room is probably the best room in the house! Upstairs all you'll find are the kids' fam room, their bathroom and their bedrooms. There is no need for the parentals to go upstairs except to make sure it is being kept clean. Which, as you can see from these impromptu pictures, is handled pretty well by the kiddos.

The power cords from the television and cable go through the wall, BUT now that we have FIOS, the ugly cords show! I need to fix that and get curtains and hang some pictures for this room to be complete.

In the kids' family room is a dining room table where they can do puzzles, play, games, color, create, and once in a while do homework. All of the boxes you see on the half wall are the puzzles that Sophia completed last week. She asked me for some that are more challenging like 500 pieces or more. LOL

Below is one of Zack's "book shelves". This kid is naturally organized.

The rooms in this house are large which is nice. When Josh is here on Saturday nights, he sleeps on the bunk bed that also has a trundle. So actually when Josh is here, all three kids sleep in Zack's room and fall asleep watching movies.

Sophia's room is exactly how she wanted it EXCEPT her walls are not pink and I have not hung her glittery curtains yet. They are sitting on her shelf, and she reminds me daily. =D Yes, she loves Justin Beiber, and yes, I allow it. I figure that if I got over Shawn Cassidy, she will get over Beiber.

Sophia's room for the most part is tidy, but it does not come by her naturally. She knows she can't go out and play unless it's tidy, and it looks like that does the trick.

To the opposite of her bed is an armoire where she keeps her dozens of stuffed animals and various other Diva garb.

And lastly since I did not take pics of the master suite, office or laundry room is Kenny's room. I need to buy curtains for his room too. On the other side of his room is his television and entertainment stand. All of the rooms also have walk in closets so there is plenty of room to "put things away".

Kenny and Sophia are a lot alike. Their rooms are typically tidy because they know they won't have much freedom if they're not tidy. So, this is what you see when you open the door, but don't you worry. They all have drawers and closets where they keep this and that and the other.

If anyone has ideas where I can get house plants, curtains, rods and area rugs at discount prices, please let me know.

August Morning in the Park - 8AM 92 Degrees

2011-08-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Summer Evening in the Park

2011-07-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Publish Post

Growing Up

2011-07-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

California Trip Summer 2011

2011-07-11T20:39:00.001-07:00

More pics to follow as I'm able to sort through them.

The kids LOVED Captain EO! It was fun for Gina and me to see it again as well. Has it really been that long????

We love CA Adventure. It is generally less crowded than Disneyland AND it houses our favorite rides - Tower of Terror and Toy Story.

We spent lots of time with our friends the Mangs. They live in Long Beach right in the middle of the city, but they raise chickens and eat FRESH eggs!! Yummy!!!

The kids were so amazingly patient and well-behaved while we visited "old" friends here and there. In the pic above, Sophia is enjoying her Starbucks while Gina and I visit with Anissa, Gina's friend from high school. She's amazingly cool and the history they share is rich.

Downtown Disney is always fun. Sophia even got a makeover at Disney 365 - pics to follow.

Yogurtland on 2nd Street is ALWAYS our favorite place to stop for a snack!!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

We love the beaches in CA. Long Beach is where I grew up and where our fam last lived in CA. Newport Beach is where we went whale watching, and Ranchos Palos Verdes is where Gina's uncles Ed and Lou live in a gorgeous house over looking nothing but ocean. Gotta love it!!!

Pool Day

2011-06-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today we enjoyed some family time at the pool! It was a blast. I love sitting afar with my zoom lens and catching totally candid shots. Aren't they getting big???

Football Camp

2011-06-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Zack wants to play tackle football this year, and I think we are going to let him!

A Very Happy Day!!!

2011-06-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Trip to Galveston

2011-06-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

Gina and the kids hanging out in the garage waiting for Josh's dad to drop him off for our weekend getaway!

About 3 hours into the five hour drive - Sophia finally closed her eyes for a nap.

Gina teaches Sophia how to use the threads to throw a football.

Zack arm wresting our friends, Katy and Tori's daughter, Sierra.

Another Summer is Almost Here

2011-05-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that another summer is upon us! The kids are all out of school on Thursday and don't go back until August 26th. To say that they are thrilled is an understatement. Sophia and Kenny are looking forward to sleeping in and no school work. Zack is looking forward to staying up late, but if he had his way school would be year round.

We went to Jamaica Beach for Memorial Day Weekend and while out in the waves with Zack who was surfing he said to me, "Did you know Ronnie Foster (not sure if I got the name right) was the first one to study sharks up close"? I was like, HUH? He said he had read it in a book for leisure reading. Good grief! This kid is still very much a thinker. He intends to be a surgeon one day, and we won't be surprised in the least if he reaches that goal.

Sophia is still a little fire cracker. As far as type As go, she is the leader of the pack. She is by far our most driven kid with the most streeet smarts. She is also the best communicator. This could likely be because she has no fear of saying what is on her mind! Lately, she'll say, no offense but... She seems to get people. School - not so much. She still looks at school as a social gathering although she does want to learn and do well. She is also well liked by her teachers because at this point in life, she is a rule follower. (yay) She is playing indoor soccer over the summer with her club team and for the most part enjoys it. There are occasions, however, when she'd rather fish.

Kenny is finishing up his freshman year with all As and Bs. This is a huge accomplishment for a kid who would rather be out on the water and never see a book again. The Texas school system has been good for him/us because we can see his progress daily. This has helped us to create accountabilty for him and has kept him on track. He loves fishing at the lakes in our neighborhood and has caught several very large catfish. I don't think he is happier anywhere other than by the water. His goal is still to join the Coast Guard. Although, he has added to that goal going to college with the tuition assistance he'll earn while in the CG. We are glad he is thinking and being specific in his goals. We don't want him to flounder, but to jump in with both feet with direction upon graduation from high school. So far, he's on track. We pray a hedge around him each day.

Josh still lives with his dad so I don't know many details about him other than what we experience with him on the weekends he spends with us. He is finishing up 5th grade and going on to intermediate school next year. He was able to go to Jamaica Beach with us and loved being out in the water. Our hope is that we can provide him a solid family structure while he is with us so that he has great memories when he is older. We try not to be the Disneyland parents and to be responsible when we have him by tackling the fun stuff like how to cut your steak with a knife; how to set a table; table manners, and social graces. And while we do that, we incorporate lots of laughter.

Gina and I are doing well. We are still loving out church and the many friends we have met there. We have been so blessed to grow and minister there. We just started hosting a Bible study at our house and look forward to opening up our house more for things of that nature. It is crazy to think of all that has transpired since this blog began in 2006, but I am thankful that the journey has brought me to where I am today. I can honestly say that I am content and happy - fulfilled in knowing that I am right where God wants me to be.

Cool Find

2011-05-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post my top 10 finds of 2010 since January! So here it goes:

1. Nissan Versa - 60 miles round trip daily at $40 a week! :) Best find of the year hands down!
2. EXTRA LARGE hand soap from Costco - $3 for 6 months of hand washing!!!
3. Wholecouponinserts.com - Who knew that buying coupons in bulk would save me hundreds!!!
4. K Hovnanian Homes - Not a single issue with this home builder - smooth process!!
5. BBB online - if you truly get bad service, complain and be specific about a solution - it works!
6. PhotoBooks - well this goes back to 2009, but best bday gift ever no matter what age
7. Low (not no) carb eating - amazing how much better I feel!
8. Vanilla Roobius Tea from Starbucks - no caffeine, cheaper than coffee, and YUMMY!
9. Savella - who would have thought a med could make so much of a difference in my life?!!!
10. Juice Plus dietary supplements for the grown ups and kids in our house. We are too busy to eat all of the fresh veggies and fruit that we should. I worried about the lasting effect until I found this supplement. Zack and Sophia take them in the "gummy bear" form and I have noticed changes in their skin, hair and growth. https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/Home.soa?site=gm65890 Even better since my life is all about saving money lately, I appreciated only having to pay for one grown up to get one kid's supplements free!

And, not on my list but my most important find of 2010 is that prayer works!!!

Our New Neighborhood

2011-05-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

In our new neighborhood there are 5 "fishing holes". The kids can ride their bikes to them and carry their fishing poles as they ride. They catch and release lots of fish. Kenny has caught a few very large cat fish too!!! These aren't man-made lakes so there are lots of cool fish inside each time they go.

All of the kids LOVE fishing and will hang out by the lake for hours!

Easter Pics 2011

2011-05-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

I love this kid!

2011-05-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprung

2011-04-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Uncanny

2011-03-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

]

Move in day is March 26th which marks 4 years from our court date in Russia!!!! What a way to celebrate gotcha day!!

It's a Jungle out There!

2011-03-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

]

Sophia's first grade musical was tonight! She wanted to be a cheetah so I was forced to take a crash course in face painting. What do you think? Not to bad, eh?

The musical was wonderful. I have to say that the kids' current elementary school has had the best programs I've ever seen at a primary school.

Sophia Loves Soccer

2011-03-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

In the picture above, you see mostly number 19 of the opposing team, but look a little closer and you'll notice some goalie gloves around a soccer ball! Those hands are Sophia's! The opposing team shot on the goal and it was like a bullet to Sophia's face. Instead of ducking or protecting her face, she reached out and caught the ball turning her head so that the ball would not get her dead in the nose. It was AMAZING! Her coach emailed me today: "That girl is a monster"!!! "She is incredible"! Her team won 5-0 and she blocked 5 goals in a single quarter as goalie. :) I am proud of our little crazy girl!

Isn't she getting big?! I am going to miss her little girl years. They are passing FAR too quickly.

Sophia

2011-02-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

A Hodgepodge of Pictures from Zack's Surgery Day

2011-02-24T19:35:00.000-08:00

Zack's Surgery Tomorrow

2011-02-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a big day for Zack. He will be having surgery on his nose so that he can breathe clearly. Zack has never known a clear nasal passage and thus breathes like he is asleep at all times. He also has a very tough time eating politely because he can't breathe with his mouth closed.

He has seen a Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat doctor who ordered a cat scan which showed that Zack's turbinates (as seen above) are so swollen that they nearly block his entire nasal passage. He also has one turbinate that is abnormal in shape causing further blockage.
Add to this that his adenoids are incredibly swollen and his left sinus is completely filled with liquid and blocked, and you have a little boy who needs some help getting past all of this stuffiness so he can simply breathe clearly and have clarity in his little head.

After months of trying allergy meds and changing his eating habits, we have finally found a doctor who is taking us seriously enough to get things fixed! In all fairness, the doctors who told me no surgery could be done and that it was simply allergies were all in California. My experience thus far is that the doctors in Texas are more prone to be proactive rather than wait things out to see if there's a change even when the parent is saying, "This is a REAL issue"!! :) Zack had a CAT scan within 30 minutes of seeing the ENT for the first time! Praise God!

The CAT scan showed all of the above and that his septum is deviated but that can only be fixed when he is a teenager so as not to cause any malformation of his nose as it grows. You know if he has a nose like Gina's he will need ample time to allow it to finish forming! :) LOL

Surely I digress. So tomorrow around 1PM TX time, Zack will undergo a 4 step surgery:

Remove Adenoids
Remove Abnormal Turbinate
Cynoplasty on the blocked sinus cavity (like an angioplasty)
Turninate Coblation (a procedure to shrink all of his turbinates)

The doctor says he will be in a great deal of pain for 2 days, but that on the 3rd day he should be nearly back to himself other than some tenderness and possibly continued drainage.

Please hold this little guy up in prayer. Since he has been home, he has had lots of major dental work, surgery at 5 years old, and now this one. It makes me very very thankful that he is ours and can get the health care he needs. We’d move mountains to take care of him.

As a result of the above, please pray and believe with us for God's provision. Our medical insurance will cover at 75% anything over $2,500 cash out of pocket. We could be looking at some stiff bills. Even the deductible has thrown a wrench in our budget. Sometimes, however, I think God throws "faith opportunities" our way for a reason. I'll surely testify when He provides in a miraculous way yet again.

House Progress Feb 19, 2011

2011-02-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

We now have light fixtures, faucets and a brick fireplace! :)

Happy Valentines Day 2011

2011-02-14T20:23:00.001-08:00

Today I took the day off to take Zack to the Pediatric ENT and both Zack and Sophia to the dentist for a couple minor fillings. So, as usual, I took the camera along and we stopped at a couple places for some photos. One of the places as seen in the above pic of Sophia's feet is the front of the dental office. I have had an eye on spot since I had my root canal a couple of weeks ago.

The teller at the bank inside of Walmart gave the kids red balloons so I decided to pull over and let the kiddos play in a random empty lot. They had a blast, and I got to take pics to it was all good!

The pic of Sophia above was taken at a small church in the historic part of town. It is about a block or two from the dental office. So, pretty much, these are pics or our day today!! :)

Update on Zack's visit to the ENT: Zack has never really been able to breathe through his nose. We have tried childrens allergy medications and various other allergy related behavior alterations, but nothing helped at all. His breathing never changed. He sounds like he is sound asleep when he breathes, and it is very hard for him to eat politely with his nose plugged all of the time.

So, today I took him to a specialist where he ended up needing a cat scan and will likely have surgery on his nose to remove his adenoids and also to clear out his passages by shrinking some other parts on the inside of his nose. I should hear tomorrow exactly what the doc suggests.

I am just so thankful that I have insurance and can get the kids the healthcare they need! As a side note, today's doctor visit was $175 and that did not include the cat scan. And, no the insurance did not cover the $175. Ouch! But, my priority right now is getting the kids health needs handled to the best of my ability.

Sophia's glasses are working well for her. Josh also got glasses, and they are working well for him. Zack, Sophia, and Kenny have all had their dental visits and care. Gina has had her dental visit and had no cavities AGAIN! Lucky woman!

Next step is to take Zack to a gastro doc so that we can figure out why his digestion isn't quite right. Perhaps this is why his growth is a bit slower than it should be. We shall see.

Super Bowl Sunday Pics

2011-02-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Weekend

2011-02-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

A Day in the Snow

2011-02-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

Just Another Day

2011-02-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

Then and Now

2011-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much Zack has grown!

House Progress as of January 30, 2011

2011-02-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Church Worship

2011-02-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Our family has become VERY involved in our church, and we all love it. The kids truly enjoy every Sunday and this past week when Kenny was sick with fever, he was very bummed to have to stay home. To us, that is a good sign.

Anyhow, here are a few pics of our worship team and of Gina singing and playing the drums. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see our family grow in Christ along side wonderful Christians who have walked similar paths to the cross. Oh yes, ALL people have walked a similar path to the cross - Romans 3:23. Yes, yes, you are right about that! Aren't you thankful, however, that in Christ we are ALL His righteousness? Praise be to God for loving His kids. That love inspires us to lead others to a place of peace.

Snow Day

2011-02-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Everything is iced over here in North Texas. School was canceled today and already has been canceled for tomorrow. We are literally iced in at our house. Thankfully, I did the grocery shopping on Sunday. We have plenty of food and warm things to eat.

The kids begged me to take them out to play on the ice so I obliged and we walked to a spot where they could sled without ending up in the street. In the pictures, it appears that they are sledding on grass, but don't be fooled. Under that grass is solid ice! It rained and poured last night and then the temperatures dropped drastically and quickly which caused ice, ice and more ice.

Today both Gina and I were not able to get out to work, and it is anticipated that we won't be able to go tomorrow either. Unless the temps increase enough for the ice to melt, that is. Right now it is about 18 degrees outside which is HIGHLY unusual in this part of Texas.

Here are some pics of the kids having fun which is really what makes me smile!

Sophia has started using my old laptop to do reading tutorials/games. She seems to really enjoy it. We are praying that this will increase her reading skills!!!

House Progress as of January 28, 2011

2011-01-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Ice Skating for the First Time

2011-01-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night I decided it had been far too long since I had taken the kids out to do something spontaneous. So, from work, I called Sophia and said, "What would you like to do tonight"? She answered, "Well if it would snow and get super cold, I'd like to ice skate". She had never been ice skating thus the reason she thought she needed a frozen pond! LOL

So, when I got home, I took her Ken and Zack to her soccer chalk talk and afterwards started driving. The kids asked where we were going, and I told them to ask Sophia. She was confused so I asked her what she told me she wanted to do. She said loudly, "ICE SKATING"?!!!! Yep, we are going ice skating! They were jazzed.

I drove threw Taco Bell for some CHEAP eats and then off we went to the Galleria. The kids skated from 8-11 and had so much fun! I couldn't believe what a natural Sophia was. Zack did well too, but he was more of a hockey dude trying to go fast and falling down here and there because of the toe pick! Ken, well, he's nearly 16 so he skated around the rink with very little trouble.

I love love love doing spontaneous outings with the kids. I haven't had the cash to do much lately, but it sure was nice to scrape up $40 to have an evening of fun and laughter. We walked through the empty mall afterwards, and the kids were posing for shots which was fun for me!

Anyhow, it was very tough to get any decent skating pics as the lighting was impossible without professional equipment. You know when you mix moving objects with poor lighting, you usually get a grainy blurrrrrr!

Childhood Rocks!

2011-01-25T22:02:00.000-08:00

House Progress January 22, 2011

2011-01-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

Any suggestions for the color of the front door? I am considering red. Thoughts?

In the laundry room there is a special outlet and space for a second fridge.

The kids' family room opens up to the formal dining room below, but it does not open up to the family room downstairs! I am so glad we won't have dueling televisions!

The stair spindles are supposed to be wrought iron which will be fixed next week.

I love the color of the cabinets. Gina picked it.

The pantry is tough to photograph in its entirety. However, it is under the stairs and it is huge. I love all of the shelves!

A Day with Mom

2011-01-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Now and Then

2011-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Kenny Now

Kenny a few months after I met him.

Man does time fly by!

More House Progress

2011-01-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Our Family House Progress Jan 2011

2011-01-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of the kids on January 2, 2011! I cannot believe how fast time flies. They are all getting so darn big!

This past year has brought many good changes into our lives. We have now lived in Texas for a little over a year, and we have successfully made this home. The best decision our family made this year was to find a church to attend regularly. In April, we began attending Crossroads Church where we immediately felt welcomed and right at home. As a matter of fact, after attending one Sunday, we decided to try another church or two, but the kids kept telling us that Crossroads was our new church.

We aren't the type to give in to the kids, but in this case, they were right. We visited other churches and soon realized we had found our new church family on that first Sunday in early April. Since we joined the church, we have made many friends who have quickly become like family. We have also become a part of the core of the church body. Gina plays the drums and teaches adult Sunday school often. The kiddos have enjoyed singing on the worship team and even singing specials. It is a blessing to get to watch them grow in the Lord and to see the smiles on the faces of those watching and listening to them.

In 2010, Gina and I started new jobs where we are both thriving. We spent much of the year catching up on medical, utility, and student loan bills that were put on hold due to my unemployment, but God continues to come through right on time and not a minute early. We will start 2011 claiming God's promise of prosperity with the hopes of meeting our financial obligations and beyond that helping others who are in need.

One thing I know for certain: I could never put a price tag on these precious faces! On occasion Zack will ask how much he cost. I never like hearing the question and quickly retort that he is worth a million bucks. And, when I remember the financial valley bringing them home caused, I realize it is but a memory. No part of the debt will ever include any regret. I could never define these precious faces by dollars and cents.

I pray that the Lord will use us this year to help bring others into forever homes full of love. In 2011, we will move into our new home where we will get comfortable for a few years. We pray the Lord will use us in miraculous ways this next year.

For Zack (8 3/4), 2010 was a year of earning all As and grimacing at the occasional B on a six weeks report. His year included building with Legos, K'nex, Lincoln Logs, and anything else that can be assembled. He has also taken to digging up rocks and looking for fossils. His love for science has blossomed, and he has shown a true desire to learn to play the guitar and to sing. He loves to do laundry, and I mean do it all. He separates, loads the washer, dryer, and folds. What a blessing he is to us and will be to his wife, I'm sure! Zack is a deep thinker and just this year, he has begun to open up the inner workings of his heart. He has shared many of his feelings with Gina and me in regards to his life in the orphanage and his memories. The most surprising thing Zack learned this year is that Sophia is his biological sister. Gina and I had no idea that he did not understand this. To see the excitement on his face was priceless. How cool is that?

Josh is 10 now and in the fifth grade. He lives with his dad and spends weekends with us. This is cool because he gets to go to church with us each week. In 2010, Josh started wearing glasses after we found out that his eyes were working 16 times as hard as the average eyes need to work to see clearly. He is getting tall and catching up to Kenny very quickly. Josh still loves video games and enjoys eating spaghetti as much as ever! This year he is enjoying singing in the choir at school. We don't get to spend a ton of time with him, but he is very happy living with his dad doesn't miss a beat transitioning to our house each weekend.

Sophia is 7 now! I can't believe our baby is getting so big. As you can see, she is going to be tall just like Josh. These two are growing by leaps and bounds. Sophia continues to go to school for the social aspects and is still struggling to learn to read. However, her academic frustration level is much lower. Gina and I don't worry too much because Sophia is such a Type A that she will fare well in life even with average grades. Although, we do have high hopes that at some point, the reading thing will just click! Sophia got new glasses this year after we learned that she has nearly no sight in one of her eyes. She wears an eye patch for 2 hours each night in hopes that her bad eye will improve and align itself. Sophia is a non-stop energy ball and rarely is in a quiet restful state, but that is what makes her a great soccer player. :)

Kenny is 15 going on 16 and loves baseball. He also did very well in school earning all As and Bs in 2010. His baseball team went to the championship game, and he also made the off season high school team. He is already planning for his future which includes a summer job in a resort town out of state where he will stay with close friends of ours. Between working and earning, he'll get to boat, fish and camp. He's planning to begin driving in the next year of so which will include his paying his own car insurance. He's determined to reach that goal, and we are convinced that this is what is best for him in the long run. Kenny is also entertaining joining the Coast Guard after graduation. His love for anything that has to do with the ocean is driving him as well as all of the college tuition benefits. He's definitely planning which is a great sign. We are praying that by the time he graduates God will have led him to a well laid out plan for his future based upon what Kenny likes, wants and needs.

Kirstie lives in Nebraska and is getting ready to start her junior year in college. She hopes to pursue a career that involves public speaking. It's hard to believe that she's out there on her own, but we couldn't be more proud. She has spread her wings and flown. We hope for the same for the other four. As sad as it can be at times, we realize our job is to raise independent people who can fly without our help. Oh man, I am not ready for that. Good thing God gives us a few years between each flight.

Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T18:29:00.001-08:00

House Progress

2010-12-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

House Progress

Backyard fun...run, run, run

Bay windows in master bedroom

View from the back of the house

View from the side

Inside Master Bedroom

View from formal dining room

The kids up in their family room

Love these kidlets!

This is how it looks from the front now. So far, they are right on time. We shall see how it all comes to an end. :)

House Progress

2010-12-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

Before the cruise (December 5th

Upstairs Family Room before

After the cruise - upstairs family room

Sophia's bedroom window

House after the week away

Praise God for the blessings he has provided for us. We are so humbled by His generosity!

Time with Family and Friends

2010-12-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

House Progress

2010-11-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Plumbing and cable lines done. The foundation is set to be poured early this week. After that the house will go up quickly.

This is a view of the back yard.

View from the front of the house.

View from master bedroom towards the street.

View from the front curb.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

This year we had Thanksgiving dinner at my brother Jerry's house. It is always lots of fun there. The kids disappear into Kaylie's room to play the Wii, dance, and be kids. The adults get to talk, laugh, and reconnect. Good times were had by all! We all shared what we were thankful for this year specifically... I am so thankful that I have a job and that we have found a wonderful church home and made so many new friends here in Texas. And, of course, the obvious goes without saying, I am always incredibly thankful for Gina! I am super thankful that our faith walk has been hugely strengthened this year.

Oh, and we fried our turkey this year! It was the BEST we've ever tasted - so juicy!!!! Yummo!

The Texas cousins minus Josh who stayed home with his dad this year because he was sick. There are also 12 California cousins not included in this pic!

Hasn't Sophia's face changed from baby to big girl?!

The three that dwell happily in our abode! Love 'em!

Gorgeous grandma and some of her grandbabies.

Zack serenades Aubrie!

Sophia's Optometrist Appointment

2010-11-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

This was a trip the the optometrist for a second opinion. Now that we have good insurance, we want to move forward with a plan of action. We wanted to make sure we were headed in the right direction. Sophia has been referred to a specialist who will likely perform surgery on her left eye. Her next appointment is the first week of December. We anticipate scheduling a surgery date, and months of patching to help improve her sight in that eye. Her right eye is nearly perfect!

The eye drops drove her crazy! This last pic shows her trying to blink it away! LOL

House Progress

2010-11-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Forming, grading and trenching complete... Next step plumbing and cable lines.

Planting Roots

2010-11-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, we did it! The Lord led us miraculously to the exact place He wants us to lay down roots for the next few years. We aren't ready to say forever because there are so many places to experience, but we ARE ready to say we are settling in for a long while here in these parts. And, we need the tax write off (hugely)! If I told you how this came about, you'd question my sanity, but suffice it to say that the Lord has planted the perfect home in our laps. Well, right now it is just dirt, but soon it'll be a free standing single family home that belongs to us.

Going without a job for so long has taught me much! I will never take my employment for granted nor will I look at those hunting for work and think to myself that they aren't looking hard enough. What I will think is that God is a Father of love, and He has something in store for those in tough situations. The tough spots are temporary, and even though the emotion and pain of being in that position is real, God will replace it with a testimony of his grace, mercy and provision.

I never in a million years thought we would buy a home after all of our ups and downs. As a matter of fact, we weren't even out there looking or applying. Even now, we pinch ourselves and think are we really doing this? It seems way too good to be true, and yet, aren't most of God's miraculous blessings too good?

Anyhow, our home is scheduled to be complete at the end of March which is right when our current lease ends, and even better than that, we'll go from our lease payment to a mortgage payment of just about the same amount! There is a very very small variance! We never thought we would be able to take advantage of the low interest rates available now days so we had hunkered into leasing, but as we have seen, we had options and good options - no teaser rates or loans like those available a few years back! A real legitimate fixed rate mortgage...

Anyhow, our home will have 5 bedrooms. The master bedroom and one other bedroom which will be the office are downstairs (YAY!). Upstairs will be 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a family room. We will be moving 5 miles from where we live now and will be about 2 miles from my mom's house, 5 miles from my two youngest brothers and baby sis, and about 8 miles from my older brother and his family. Church and work are in Uptown and Downtown Dallas which is about 30 miles away but a nice drive nonetheless.

The kids won't be changing schools although can you believe that in one more year, Zack will finish elementary school and move on to intermediate??? Anyhow, Zack, Sophia and Kenny live with us and Josh lives with his dad about an hour away, but he visits on weekends. When Josh is at our place, he shares a room with Zack so weekends are party time for the boys and in the new house, the party will continue.

I'll update my post with pictures as the house is built for those who might want to follow the process. As you watch and read, I hope you'll thank God with us for His amazing provision.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Boo on Ballard

2010-10-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our city's Halloween celebration. This year we told the kids they needed to be something that would be non-scary, and they were disappointed at first but ended up super happy with their costumes. Sophia dressed up like pirate tonight, but her true costume for this year is a cowgirl. Tonight she said she just wanted to be a boy pirate.

We had a blast. I love seeing life through the kids' eyes. Life is so much richer with them as a part of it. We're looking forward to Halloween!

Sophia's Bday Get Together

2010-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Sophia!

Best buddies!

Family fun!

A birthday sundae...

Sophia with her cousins, Torie and Aubrie.

The whole bunch of cousins and grandma - well except our CA cousins!

Sophia's favorite present was a wireless remote controlled tarantula!

Grandma made Sophia her first hand sewn quilt square!

The four little kids in our fam aren't so little anymore!!!

Church Days are Fun Days

2010-10-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Arkansas for Homecoming

2010-10-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

My maternal ancestors going back to the 1800s lived and are buried on Mt. Magazine in Paris, Arkansas. Annually, they have something called homecoming where all of the relatives of people buried there come together for a potluck and fellowship. This takes place on the cemetery grounds where they have built benches and an extra long extra tall table full of potluck fair.

This is the first year we were able to go because now that we live in TX, it is only a 6 hour drive. The kids had a great time, and Gina and I were enthralled with learning the history of "the Mountain."

The kids found this tarantula in the wall where they were climbing!!!

This next pic is the real deal!

The kids were praying asking God to make sure Nanny (my maternal grandmother) has a good time in heaven. She died before the world changed - 9/09/01.

Behind us is the one room schoolhouse where my great and great great grandparents went to school and church.

Here Zack and Sophia clean off my great great grandmothers grave stone.

Sophia Actual Bday Pics

2010-10-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

On Sophia's bday she had some quality time at home. She hasn't had her cake or presents yet, but these pictures are from her actual 7th birthday. She got the dinner she requested and a huge bubble bath!

Happy 7th Birthday to Sophia!

2010-09-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sophia Joy turned 7! I can't believe she is already 7 years old!!! I am told to treasure childhood because it passes so quickly, and I am learning that first hand. Gina and I keep telling Sophia NOT to grow up, but she is not listening very well. When we tell her, she retorts, "I want to grow up so I can ride all of the roller coasters"! I guess we can't blame her even though I could live without roller coasters entirely.

Yesterday Sophia took 2 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to school to share with her class. She was jazzed because "most kids just bring ordinary cupcakes". LOL Last night she got to choose the dinner menu:

Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Strawberries
Bananas
Whipped Cream
Chocolate Syrup
Maple Syrup

Yes, you read that right, and I did my job and made it as ordered! Good thing it is only her birthday once a year. I think I am still in a sugar coma! The fun part was she helped me make it, and then we all enjoyed the work of her hands.

After dinner, she requested a big bubble bath in our tub - the huge tub with the jets. I got it all ready and full of bubbles and she was in HEAVEN. She relaxed in there for an hour and LOVED every minute of it. This girl is gonna be a spa girl I just know it.

This year Sophia opted out of having a birthday party with friends. Instead she is cool getting a big gift with what we would have spent on the party. We'll get together with family next weekend sometime for cake and a little celebration.

Sophia has grown up so much since that first day we met her in December of 2006. She had no smile and we looked into empty eyes. It is hard to even imagine Sophia being so stoic, and had we not been there in person, we wouldn't believe it. This little girl has blossomed into a person full of life and vitality. She is confident, caring, compassionate, driven, funny, quick witted, street smart, talkative, and loyal. Her favorite things to do are play games like memory or do puzzles. She enjoys outdoor sports like rollerblading, soccer, and bike riding. She is a joiner and has very little fear (except of ants)!

If you ask her what she wants to do when she grows up, she'll confidently say, "I don't know, but my house is going to have..." She is a visionary. I would be remiss not to tell you that she is very much like Gina. Those two keep me on my toes and keep me in line often times reminding me to lock the car, grab my purse, or turn off the lights!

When we decided to adopt, I was sure of one thing - I did not want a daughter. I wanted sons because girls are just too dramatic! But, I will tell you today, that God knew way more than I did, and His wishes superceded mine! Thank you God! I could not love Sophia (or Zack) any more if they were born of my womb. They were born in my heart and as long as I'm their mom I'll wear my heart outside my body! Hopefully, on a scholarship to USC... LOL

Pictures of Sophia's special day to follow.

Today soccer Began

2010-09-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

School Days

2010-09-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update my 6.5 readers on how Zack and Sophia are doing in school this year. Some of you have followed my blog for years and know the history of the kids and their academic growth, but for some who haven't been reading forever, let me tell you that in November of Zack's kindergarten year, his teacher began telling me he wasn't cutting it and needed to be held back. I sensed, however, that this was #1 way too soon to be making such a call and #2 that he was/is a very bright boy who had a language barrier.

I am happy to report that Ms Brown was wrong about Zack and her lack of experience with ESL students proved to be at the root of her suggestion to hold him back. For her, a blank stare meant a lack of capability to understand, but really all it meant was can you speak more slowly as I take in all of the new stuff that surrounds me. After that year, Zack has consistently done well in school excelling in reading and spelling especially. I like to refer him as the "absent minded professor". He typically has his head in the clouds thinking deep thoughts forgetting the common every day stuff that is right in front of him. I am working on helping him to find a balance between street smarts and book smarts. He brought home his progress report yesterday and his lowest grade is a 91% due to a couple of low scoring quizzes in math. All of this with no help or prodding. So proud of him for his efforts. Yesterday he was telling Gina and I that he likes art, science and music much more than he likes PE. That pretty much sums him up in a nutshell although he seems to be very athletic as well. I think he'd take a book over a football any day.

With Sophia, kindergarten was a struggle. She tried and cried. If you've followed my blog, you know I went back and forth with holding her back in kinder. I ended up pushing her forward to first grade thinking that she may have the same experience as Zack. But, I wasn't that lucky. She got so frustrated in 1st grade that she threw a pencil at the grandmotherly woman who came in to do one on one teaching with kids struggling. Boy, was that a wake up call. Sophia's frustration level was so high that she was acting out in surprising ways. She is by nature the one who likes to follow ALL of the rules at school.

Anyhow, she did first grade for one semester in Long Beach and then when we moved to TX, we figured it was the perfect time to put her in kindergarten again for some relief and academic and emotional growth. With all of that being said, I am not sure how she is doing overall, but I have been in contact with her teacher and know that her teacher has no concerns at this point. Sophia also scored 100% on her first spelling test. So far things are moving right along. I am hoping and praying that this is the year she will learn to read and begin enjoying the journey she can take through books.

The kids are all in sports. Today there are soccer games (Zack and Sophia) and baseball games (Kenny). We chose to divide and conquer. I love watching my kids compete. And, I am my father's daughter and admit it. I want my kid to be the best on the team not so much for the sake of the sport, but because I hope and pray for solid scholarships for both as the opportunities will be vaster. For me, Gina and I look forward to traveling once they all sprout their wings. Until then, I'll keep pushing them out of their comfort zones and hopefully equipping them to become the type of co-workers you'd like to work beside. Prayers are welcomed!

God is good! And, I am not deceived when He continually shows himself real in our lives.

Dental Appointments

2010-09-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Uncle Michael was sweet enough to take the kids to the dentist this week, and it ended up being a wonderful experience. Zack was told by the dentist that he is a great brusher - no cavities and clean teeth. WOW!!! I never thought it was possible for him to have a trip to the dentist with no report of tooth decay. Yay Zack, your hard work and consistency in brushing has paid off! Zack will need a spacer put in where he has had molars pulled, but no poor hygiene related work needed!

Sophia has one cavity which is stellar considering that three and a half years ago her teeth were already showing signs of decay. Way to go girl! So proud! One one trip to the dentist for a filling and she's all good until next year's visit.

I do not have the same positive dental experiences as the kids. Mine reflect Zack's early visits! I nearly always have 5 or more cavities. I'm glad that the kids are creating habits that will help prevent that.

Kenny will eventually need braces, but for now, the only work that must be done soon is one filling. Praise God!!! For those of you who have or are adopting kids, I hope this is an encouraging report. I sincerely thought Zack would have dental issues for life due to malnutrition and lack of brushing for his first 4+ years of life, but I was wrong. Kids coming out of an orphanage situation are a canvas yet to be painted. It is so amazing to see not only my own, but also so many other adopted kids flourishing.

Weekend Trip to Oklahoma June 2010

2010-09-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

A Few Recent Pics

2010-09-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

In this next pic, you can see how much each of them have grown in the last year! Josh (10), Sophia (nearly 7), Zack(8.5), Ken (15) Time sure does fly!

School is Back in Session

2010-08-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

The kids are happily back in school and enjoying daycare!!! So far each time we have picked them up, they have asked why we got there so quickly. I guess that is a good sign! We have managed to have a home cooked meal each day this week - two days - knock on wood. And, Zack even had soccer practice last night.

Zack is on the Kicks this year, and he is really enjoying his new coach. Yesterday in practice he was very driven and showed lots of skill out there on the field. I was a proud mom. I always am when my kids have a smile on their faces as the result of working hard.

Work is going very well. I am enjoying meeting lots of new people and working in a diverse population. What a breath of fresh air!! Lots of people openly praise God which is cool. Best of all, I am able to be completely honest and open. It is so nice to live in the truth.

I'm looking forward to getting my first paycheck this Friday! That would not normally be a big deal except that I haven't earned a paycheck in years! I am excited about it not because I want to spend it but because God provided it!!! Now to catch up on some past due utilities and perhaps squeeze out a dime or two for the kids school supplies. Even though the money is already gone, I am THRILLED to have earned it.

It has been brought to my attention that I have exposed myself to the "world" since I was young. I was thinking about that, and well, it is true. I left a very small world and entered a great big world. I went out and got an education beyond one way of thinking. I embraced the idea of learning more about life and people in general. I traveled the world and expanded how I see my own small place in it. I allowed myself to experience Christ in a whole new way - from the standpoint of grace and love instead of rules and regulations. My relationship with God now is infinitely deeper than it ever was when I was doing all of the "right" things. I wish I had known then what I know now; for now I know how much I didn't and don't know.

What I do know is that God loves me! And, He loves me as I am. When He looks down at me He sees His righteousness. That is Scriptural so I know I can hang my hat on it!!! I also know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Focusing on Truth is the way I choose to live. I have a new refusal to focus on the maybes, the grey areas, or on what other people think of me. What I know is that I am surrounded by love and my cup runneth over.

As we sit each night around our dinner table and enjoy dessert while we pray and read Scripture, I realize that God is working in our lives! My kids are learning and growing in Him in OUR FAMILY.

Latest Family Pic

2010-08-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

For those wondering what our entire family looks like now days. Here we are with shining smiling faces! :)