Luke has been smiling and laughing for weeks, but we actually caught some giggles on tape. He cracked up when we blew raspberries on his belly (aka belly farts). I thought it was too precious not to share!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Faith and Thoughts of China!
Faith often talks about how God sent us to China to get her. She goes over every detail that she can remember. She seems more curious about the process now that she has watched Luke join our family (through pregnancy and birth). She tells us that she is happy that God sent us to get her. We are sure to tell her how blessed we are to have her. When I look into Faith's eyes, I am often reminded of what an awesome God we have. Adoption is definitely a plan A! Faith's holds a special place in my heart and our family.
Just wanted to share...One day Luke had a diaper rash and I was putting Desitin on his little bottom. Faith asked me, "Mommy, Do you think that put desitin on me when I was a baby in China?" I simply answered, "I don't know honey!" I do know that God was watching over!
Just wanted to share...One day Luke had a diaper rash and I was putting Desitin on his little bottom. Faith asked me, "Mommy, Do you think that put desitin on me when I was a baby in China?" I simply answered, "I don't know honey!" I do know that God was watching over!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Preschool Orientation
Do you think they learned from their moms?
Faith and Lorelei are Busy Bees!
Daddy stopped by at the end of orientation!Faith's preschool orientation was today. She did great! It helps that Lorelei (her cousin and best friend) is in her class. At first Faith was very shy and would not tell the teacher her name. As a little time passed, she opened up. It will be interesting to see how she does next week when I actually leave her there.
I think this year will be great! Faith's teacher seems very nice and the preschool is grounded in Christian teaching and values. I look forward to hearing about all that Faith learns and experiences.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Back to School!
Samantha and Noah headed back to school today. While it is an exciting time, it is difficult to get back into the grind. Personally, I wish that summer would never end and the kids could just stay home. Doesn't that sound good? Then again, I want my kids to be well educated and have many opportunities. Maybe, they could just extend summer! Or seize to assign homework? Okay, that may not be to realistic, but I do hope that their homework is realistic and reasonable. Don't get me started on that! All I can say is "Yikes"!
Noah was very excited to get back to school. He has a good attitude and is looking forward to a great year in Mr. Farrell's class. He was very proud of the table points that he earned! It looks like it is going to be a fun and educaional year. It will be interesting to see how Noah handles the homework, as last year was not too demanding in that regard.
Noah walked home from school with a couple of his best friends. It was a little hard for me not to pick him up on the first day, but he really wanted to walk. I think Sam will probably start to walk too. I have to be honest, it is very difficult for me to let them do this. With that being said, I think they need to develop this type of independence. I was realizing that Sam is in the 7th grade and I can still count the times she crossed the street without me. Both schools are about a 10 minute walk from home. It will also be nice to spare the little ones this trip. Going to soccer and theater practices will be enough running around for them.
This year we dropped Samantha off (as close to her locker as we could) with her overflowing backpack. That thing must have weighed 50 pounds, which is more than half of her body weight. I was afraid she would tip over if she leaned to far in any direction. I was a little nervous for her, as she couldn't get her schedule until she arrived on campus. Apparently, all went well. She had a great time and is happy with her classes. It helps that one of her best friends is in almost all of her classes.
Faith has preschool orientation tomorrow. She is very excited to start school with her best friend and cousin, Lorelei. Her official start date is September 3rd. We are praying that she doesn't have an extreme case of seperation anxiety.
I will post the pictures tomorrow.
Noah was very excited to get back to school. He has a good attitude and is looking forward to a great year in Mr. Farrell's class. He was very proud of the table points that he earned! It looks like it is going to be a fun and educaional year. It will be interesting to see how Noah handles the homework, as last year was not too demanding in that regard.
Noah walked home from school with a couple of his best friends. It was a little hard for me not to pick him up on the first day, but he really wanted to walk. I think Sam will probably start to walk too. I have to be honest, it is very difficult for me to let them do this. With that being said, I think they need to develop this type of independence. I was realizing that Sam is in the 7th grade and I can still count the times she crossed the street without me. Both schools are about a 10 minute walk from home. It will also be nice to spare the little ones this trip. Going to soccer and theater practices will be enough running around for them.
This year we dropped Samantha off (as close to her locker as we could) with her overflowing backpack. That thing must have weighed 50 pounds, which is more than half of her body weight. I was afraid she would tip over if she leaned to far in any direction. I was a little nervous for her, as she couldn't get her schedule until she arrived on campus. Apparently, all went well. She had a great time and is happy with her classes. It helps that one of her best friends is in almost all of her classes.
Faith has preschool orientation tomorrow. She is very excited to start school with her best friend and cousin, Lorelei. Her official start date is September 3rd. We are praying that she doesn't have an extreme case of seperation anxiety.
I will post the pictures tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
San Diego to San Luis Obispo
With a new little guy, we decided it would be best to vacation close to home. We packed our bags and headed south to San Diego. We went to the San Diego Zoo, a couple of kid friendly museums and did a little shopping.
The San Diego Zoo is incredible. They actually have a bus tour that takes you around the zoo, as it is very expansive. Lions, tigers. and bears - Oh my! Faith really loves the zoo and it was refreshing to experience it through her eyes. We took our time and did not stress about seeing everything. The Koalas were so cute, the chimps were very playful, and the giraffes stood tall and proud. Everyone enjoyed the skyfari aerial tram! What a beautiful view! Did I mention that we saw polar bears and camels?
Balboa Park has 13 museums, a miniature train ride and carousel. It is a beautiful park! We visited the San Diego Air and Space Museum. It was interesting to see how the airplanes had changed through the years. The kids had fun riding in the simulators! After visiting Air and Space, we headed for the miniature train. The walk was beautiful! As with the rest of the trip, it was a challenge to make sure Luke's little bald head did not get a sunburn. Funny, how you forget about this part of parenting. My little guy was such a trooper! He seemed to enjoy the train ride, along with the rest of us.
The Science center was our next stop. Samantha had the brilliant idea of talking on the phone while walking, which didn't work out so well for her. On our way to the science center, she took a hard fall. Poor girl, she has her mom's coordination! However, I think she might have learned a lesson! When we finally made our destination, we had to go straight to the first aide. In the meantime, Luke is crying and desperate to eat. Yikes! What do you mean there are no chairs with arms? I think it is time for the I-Max. I never was so glad to learn about Mummies!! Despite the rough start, this was a highlight of the trip. The science center was all hands-on! My favorite part was solving one of the math puzzles before Evan. They had a box with several blocks and you had to try to arrange them so they fit inside without hanging over. Let's just say those packing skills come in handy! This girl can get a lot of luggage in a small space!!
Mid-week we headed home for Samantha to get her schedule and books. We could have skipped this, but I hated for her to not know what was going on that first day. Imagine how cranky I felt when the school did not even have her schedule! I wanted to explode, but I held it together. Do they realize some people change their vacations because of this stuff? Somehow, I doubt they care! I just get mad, when the kids are expected to meet deadlines and the school or teachers cannot. I sense a tangent coming on!
Last year Samantha had a ridiculous amount of homework, which she was expected to fully complete without protest or complaint. The teachers at her school were in contract negotiations and many of them refused to update websites or spend an extra minute at the school. They asked us to be understanding and supportive. Don't get me wrong, we were in support of their raises (as evident by Evan's involvement with the district's finance committee), but this work slow down was not a way to win me over. It just proved to me again, that the parents are the only ones who really give a rip about the kids. Kids first folks! Somethings wrong, when the kids are expected to do several hours of homework, take tests on demand and handle it with grace. Oh yeah, what about their contract? They somehow get it done or fail out of school! Isn't amazing that kids these days attempt to play sports, perform in plays and try to balance a family life? Maybe, we should tell our kids that they should renegotiate for a better contract! Okay, I'm calming down now! The reality is that I want my kids to be successful, so on this end there will be no excuses and the expectations will remain high, even when they are not paid a dime. I want my kids to learn that once they take on a responsibility they must complete it on time and beyond what was expected. Life or wages are not always fair, but you can choose to work with "character" and dignity in any circumstance.
To make a long story, a little longer, our stop over at home didn't quite go over as we expected. However, it turned out to be a good thing that we came home. Both Noah and I ended up getting on antibiotics for sinus infections. We both got better just in time to start the new school year.
Thursday we headed to San Luis Obispo for farmer's market. This was one of our college traditions! Everyone use to come downtown on Thursday night. Honestly, I rarely bought any produce. It was more about the atmosphere and getting out. It was a great time, as two of my college roommates met us downtown. On Friday, we drove the kids around the Cal Poly campus and reminisced about days gone by. We drove the kids up to see the pigs and dairy farm. We got really lucky, as we arrived right a milking time. We also ran into some friends we know through our adoption agency. (Totally unexpected, but not an accident.)
Well, that is it about our vacation. It's taken me over a week to finish this post, which means it is probably too long and boring. Oh Well!
The San Diego Zoo is incredible. They actually have a bus tour that takes you around the zoo, as it is very expansive. Lions, tigers. and bears - Oh my! Faith really loves the zoo and it was refreshing to experience it through her eyes. We took our time and did not stress about seeing everything. The Koalas were so cute, the chimps were very playful, and the giraffes stood tall and proud. Everyone enjoyed the skyfari aerial tram! What a beautiful view! Did I mention that we saw polar bears and camels?
Balboa Park has 13 museums, a miniature train ride and carousel. It is a beautiful park! We visited the San Diego Air and Space Museum. It was interesting to see how the airplanes had changed through the years. The kids had fun riding in the simulators! After visiting Air and Space, we headed for the miniature train. The walk was beautiful! As with the rest of the trip, it was a challenge to make sure Luke's little bald head did not get a sunburn. Funny, how you forget about this part of parenting. My little guy was such a trooper! He seemed to enjoy the train ride, along with the rest of us.
The Science center was our next stop. Samantha had the brilliant idea of talking on the phone while walking, which didn't work out so well for her. On our way to the science center, she took a hard fall. Poor girl, she has her mom's coordination! However, I think she might have learned a lesson! When we finally made our destination, we had to go straight to the first aide. In the meantime, Luke is crying and desperate to eat. Yikes! What do you mean there are no chairs with arms? I think it is time for the I-Max. I never was so glad to learn about Mummies!! Despite the rough start, this was a highlight of the trip. The science center was all hands-on! My favorite part was solving one of the math puzzles before Evan. They had a box with several blocks and you had to try to arrange them so they fit inside without hanging over. Let's just say those packing skills come in handy! This girl can get a lot of luggage in a small space!!
Mid-week we headed home for Samantha to get her schedule and books. We could have skipped this, but I hated for her to not know what was going on that first day. Imagine how cranky I felt when the school did not even have her schedule! I wanted to explode, but I held it together. Do they realize some people change their vacations because of this stuff? Somehow, I doubt they care! I just get mad, when the kids are expected to meet deadlines and the school or teachers cannot. I sense a tangent coming on!
Last year Samantha had a ridiculous amount of homework, which she was expected to fully complete without protest or complaint. The teachers at her school were in contract negotiations and many of them refused to update websites or spend an extra minute at the school. They asked us to be understanding and supportive. Don't get me wrong, we were in support of their raises (as evident by Evan's involvement with the district's finance committee), but this work slow down was not a way to win me over. It just proved to me again, that the parents are the only ones who really give a rip about the kids. Kids first folks! Somethings wrong, when the kids are expected to do several hours of homework, take tests on demand and handle it with grace. Oh yeah, what about their contract? They somehow get it done or fail out of school! Isn't amazing that kids these days attempt to play sports, perform in plays and try to balance a family life? Maybe, we should tell our kids that they should renegotiate for a better contract! Okay, I'm calming down now! The reality is that I want my kids to be successful, so on this end there will be no excuses and the expectations will remain high, even when they are not paid a dime. I want my kids to learn that once they take on a responsibility they must complete it on time and beyond what was expected. Life or wages are not always fair, but you can choose to work with "character" and dignity in any circumstance.
To make a long story, a little longer, our stop over at home didn't quite go over as we expected. However, it turned out to be a good thing that we came home. Both Noah and I ended up getting on antibiotics for sinus infections. We both got better just in time to start the new school year.
Thursday we headed to San Luis Obispo for farmer's market. This was one of our college traditions! Everyone use to come downtown on Thursday night. Honestly, I rarely bought any produce. It was more about the atmosphere and getting out. It was a great time, as two of my college roommates met us downtown. On Friday, we drove the kids around the Cal Poly campus and reminisced about days gone by. We drove the kids up to see the pigs and dairy farm. We got really lucky, as we arrived right a milking time. We also ran into some friends we know through our adoption agency. (Totally unexpected, but not an accident.)
Well, that is it about our vacation. It's taken me over a week to finish this post, which means it is probably too long and boring. Oh Well!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Childhood Vacations!
Vacation has always been important to me. Everybody has priorities and this is top on my list. When I was a kid, we would go on vacation every year, no matter what. I recall staying with family and friends on many occasions. We did not always go fancy, but we did have tons of fun. We got away from our regular lives and spent good quality time together. Those were the days before cell phones and internet.
Did I mention that vacation wasn't always fun? Even so, I wouldn't take back one of them. We blew out countless tires in the motorhome, found ourselves in interesting motels (can you say rented by the hour?) or drove miles out of our way (or in circles). Those unwelcome and unplanned events are now fond memories. I learned a lot in those moments. Just a couple of quick examples:
- It seemed like we had an annual date with my aunt and uncle in Lodi, as we seemed to always need a new tire for the motorhome. Trust me, nobody was laughing at the time. In retrospect, I loved the extra time I spent with my family in Lodi.
- My dad and I shared some bonding moments walking (and catching a ride) to gas stations, swimming at the Delta (with Sheryl) while pushing our broken down boat, etc.
Here's a couple of funny things about travelling (or caravaning) with my Papa and Grandma that make me laugh...
- When travelling to a family reunion, I was in the back of the camper with my aunts, as my parents followed behind. We would put signs against the door for people to read.
- My papa and grandma are pretty neat and do not really appreciate fart sounds and horsing around. My sister and I almost had to switch cars with my three young boy cousins on the way to or from a reunion. The boys were being boys and farting like crazy. Papa was not happy! I think my dad taught them this obnoxious behavior. I still wonder why Papa thought we might be any better (he,he).
- My grandparents met us in Reno, NV for my uncles 40th birthday. Cellphones were very new and my grandparents had just gotten theirs. We tried to call them to find out where they were, but they wouldn't answer the phone. It turned out that they did not know how to answer it. Papa and grandma probably had to listen to their phone ring a hundred times, as we kept trying to call. Now cell phones are second nature to all of us.
Funny moments aside, anytime I spent and continue to spend with my grandparents is priceless and extremely special. They are a great couple and an awesome role models. Did I mention they have been married for 60 years, have six children, 16 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren?
At some point in the future, I will try to blog about my 1980 trip to Arkansas in the back of a Dodge D50 pickup truck. Other vacation highlights I hope to write about include camping at Travel Village in Valencia, boating on the Delta, and touring Washington DC.
Monday Memories!
I just wanted to mention a couple things that I was reminded of this week....
Samantha
When Samantha was a year old, she had already put sentences together, but she had her own words for a couple of things.
Samantha
When Samantha was a year old, she had already put sentences together, but she had her own words for a couple of things.
- moke = milk
Speaking of milk, Samantha did not like milk for several months. We had to keep reintroducing it to her. I was very concerned that my first born would not drink her milk. How would she get those strong bones? By fourteen months or so, she was drinking milk like a champ.
- yong = yawn
We were reminded of this when Faith yawned yesterday. It was funny to recall! I hate that I didn't write these things down earlier.
Faith
Faith had no problem pronouncing milk properly, until one day when we smelled the milk and announced that it was yuck. For months after this happened, Faith would ask for "Yuck" instead of milk. It took the longest time to break this habit.
Noah
When Noah was a toddler he had a favorite joke. He would crack himself up! His reaction was the best part of the joke.
Why did the Cookie go to the hospital? Because he felt crummy.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Luke at the Beach!
Can you see Luke in this picture? It is difficult to go to the beach with a baby. The biggest concern for me was the sun. Babies are not suppose to wear sunscreen for six months. I put him in his bathing suit and long sleeve rash guard. Did I mention he also wore a hat and the baby carrier hood?
Have you ever tried to breastfeed on the beach? Not fun! Of course, we forgot to bring chairs. Just loading four kids, two surfboards and a couple of overwhelmed parents was exhausting. Hopefully, we will be better organized for our next trip. I make no promises. Despite the lack of chairs, Luke at fine and we had a great time.
Sand Boy!
Noah loves the sand! Through the years, he has literally brought buckets worth of sand home. During the preschool years, it would fall out of every article of clothing. His shoes held the most sand. There were times I would want to cry over the mess, like right after I washed the car or cleaned the house. I was reassured by many that these days would quickly pass. Little did they know!
During Noah's first grade year, one of Samantha's former teachers was telling me a story about a boy. She said that she noticed this kid was covered from head to toe in sand. Apparently, it was quite a sight! Upon further investigation, she realized it was Noah. I had to chuckle! That's my boy!
Just this past week while Sam was desperate to ride the waves, Noah was just as happy to play in the sand (new surfboard and all). He loves to build and design! Over the years, I have learned to overlook the mess a bit, as I have come to enjoy and appreciate his creativity. As long as he doesn't build his house upon the sand, I think we will be okay.
During Noah's first grade year, one of Samantha's former teachers was telling me a story about a boy. She said that she noticed this kid was covered from head to toe in sand. Apparently, it was quite a sight! Upon further investigation, she realized it was Noah. I had to chuckle! That's my boy!
Just this past week while Sam was desperate to ride the waves, Noah was just as happy to play in the sand (new surfboard and all). He loves to build and design! Over the years, I have learned to overlook the mess a bit, as I have come to enjoy and appreciate his creativity. As long as he doesn't build his house upon the sand, I think we will be okay.
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