Sickness, sisters and spring!

 

Sydney was home sick this past week, I know... she doesn't look it, but this is what finding out Mom and Dad have just booked a trip to the big mouse will do to you!

Even when you are sick.  She wasn't that sick, but I did not think the mothers of the other kids in her pre-school class would appreciate it if she spread the wealth with their little ones!  And some one on one time with Mommy and of course Daddy was just what the doctor ordered.

And what could put a smile like this on a little one's face????

Why some one on one time with your favorite big sis of course!

And when that favorite big sis is giving you a foot massage.....

It's all the better!!

Love those little piggies!!

UUUHHHH... are you sure you are supposed to nibble on those piggies??

MMMMM.... smell this!

OK, maybe not quite that closely!

We are having BEAUTIFUL weather here lately!  Hope it continues.  The Bradford Pear Trees, Peach Trees, Tulip Trees are all blooming and it is just gorgeous!  Hoping to get these energetic girls outside a lot more now. 

Hope you are all having a GREAT SPRING!!

WHEN?? HOW??

I am so blown away by this......

and this....

WHEN did this happen??  HOW did this happen??  See this is how we, her Daddy and I, see her still....

BLOWN . AWAY !!

WHY.........

are these moments so few and far between???

I kid you not, Sierra will have been with us 2 months tomorrow, and this is the first time these two have played together with NO fussing for more than 5 minutes!  It lasted a very merciful, peaceful 30 minutes. 

And then it was OVER!!  Please pray with us that it is not another 2 months until this happens again.

This girl......

SERIOUSLY melts my heart!

No matter how grouchy or grumpy Mama is, which happens to be A LOT lately, she can bring a smile to my face.

The other day she wanted to play a game with Sierra.  So she set it up and then proceeded to "read" the directions to Sierra.

After she had "read" a few minutes, she looked at me and said, "But I don't know HOW to read!"

Is it any wonder she melts my heart?!

Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Chinese New Year, Congratulations Samie!

What a week this has been!  And it doesn't look like next week is slowing down any.

This week started with Samie attending cheerleading practice and try outs every day after school.  The practices lasted 2- 3 hours, then of course she would practice at home for hours!  This all culminated with try outs Friday.  Tim and I were a little leary of cheerleading..... the rep they have, the attitudes and on and on.  And please no flames, I was a cheerleader too.  BUT, this coach is so different!  She came right out and said this is NOT a popularity contest and it is NOT a beauty contest.  The squad was judged by 3 people from other schools, so no one knew the girls.  The coach has also said that any attitude and you are off the squad.  She runs this squad like a sport and you are expected to be at practices and to do what she asks of you, NOT what you want to do on the squad.

She made the squad!!   We are so proud of her. If she sets her mind to something she WILL accomplish it.  And she still manages to keep straight A's in school.  If that ever changes then something will have to give.  And NO SAMIE, not school work!! :-)

Saturday we woke up to this......

   

The girls had a blast playing in it.  They built snowmen or in our case snow aliens and loved being pulled behind the the golf cart on the sled.

  

Sydney was very upset when it was starting to melt right away.  I think we all were.  This was the good snow.  The fluffy, beautiful snow.  But there is a reason we don't live further north.  It is exhausting getting three girls dressed to go outside in the snow!!

Today was a very full day!  We woke to Valentine wishes for everyone and wishes for a Xin Nian Kuai Le!  Happy New Year!  Today is the lunar new year.  This is a very big celebration in China and many people take 2 weeks off to visit family and celebrate.  The girls all put on their Chinese outfits and off to church we went.

This afternoon we headed out to celebrate the New Year with a group of families in our area that have also adopted from China.  It was wonderful as usual.  We don't get together often enough and the girls are always asking when we will see this group again.  There were crafts to do, food to eat and friends! 

  

And finally.... to the man who fulfills all  most of my dreams. (Have to leave him something to strive for!) 

I love you and Happy Valentine's Day!

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS......

   

Isaac is in his families arms.....

Please go visit this family and see their beautiful little boy.  Anne was such a comfort to me through our long process and she finally has her son in her arms.  Anne traveled with her two daughters and they are such a great family.  Her oldest, Courtney, is the author of the blog and is such an amazing writer for such a young woman.  So please go wish them well.   http://courtneykrause.blogspot.com/