Merry Christmas

Sorry it has been such a long time since my last update. I have started working again on a PRN status. I have been learning 3 different MRI units and trying to grasp all the new processes at 43, um 29. It's like that saying, "trying to teach an old dog new tricks". I am lucky, though, that Terry is the sevice engineer for all 3 units. I can come home a gripe about what I don't like and he tries to help me understand the in's and out's. We have been very busy lately with Christmas, church functions, SAT preps, college enrollments, cheerleading, etc. We had a bit of snow here this weekend and we all went sledding. We had a ball;o)

A Trip down memory lane....

I have been doing a little reminiscing lately and found these pictures the other day. Can't believe how fast kids grow! I remember like it was yesterday when the doctor placed my two boys in my arms and the day that we were given the greatest gift, the sweetest little girl in the world. Where did all the time go?

Computer Issues, school around the corner, and kids say the darndest things.....

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog. We have had server issues for quite awhile. We finally have a new server and we are back up and running smoothly. The kids are winding down from all the summer fun and activities and are gearing up for starting school soon. Can you believe we will actually have a senior in high school!? It blows my mind everytime I think about it. Zachary has already started his Gov. class at Richard Bland college. He is persuing an Advanced Diploma so most of his credits are finished already for high school. He will be able to get 3 college credits for this class. He has been up at 6am on Tues. and Thurs. to do this and he is just loving it. NOT!! Volleyball practice started over a month ago and the first game is Sept. 1st. He is still lifeguarding and playing with his band. They have worked really hard this summer at the recording studio trying to finish their first CD.

Lucas did have his follow-up appointment at MCV on 8/5 and his lung functions improved 5 points. He is now at 93% lung function and we are so thankful. Thanks for all the prayers!! He was so happy not to have to go in for a tune-up right in the middle of summer. We were able to go and visit friends from Ohio who were in VA for a fast-pitched softball tournament. Lucas is growing and is excited about being a 7th grader this year. We just went and purchased a new pair of soccer cleats because of such a big growth spurt!;o) He went from a size 12 shorts to a size 16 in about 4 months! He looks so good and healthy. His docs were so happy with his health.

Miss Olivia is the bug bite queen!! The mosquitos love her. We have had such a time this summer trying to keep bug spray on her because everytime she goes outside she comes back in with another bug bite. I keep telling her, that is the price you pay when you are sooo sweet. She says she doesn't want to be sweet anymore.;o) She is also excited about being a 2nd grader and she has been busy this summer reading chapter books for the summer reading program at school. They get a little party if they read the required books for the summer.

Last night we were all able to eat a meal around the supper table. It was wonderful to be able to do that. With Terry's schedule, Zachary's schedule and just being plain busy it has been difficult here lately to do that. We always have fun as a family just cutting up and telling about our various happenings of the day. After discussing the "zebra burgers", (pork chops, with grill lines on them) , Zachary said, "SSSHHH, listen." We all got quiet. He said, "There is someone in the basement". We all listened, didn't hear a thing. We started laughing. He kept saying, "SSSHHH, be quiet". Finally, I said," Zachary, I don't hear a thing." I got up, went down the basement stairs, let out a little fake scream, and came back up. Anyway, as we sat there still laughing and giggling, Lucas said, "Mom what would have happened if someone was down there and they shot you!!". Terry piped up and said, "well, we would get lots of insurance money. "That's Terry for you. Lucas said, "Is that the same thing as "heratance". We were all stumped. Then is dawned on me that he was referrnig to "inheritance". Too funny.

Here are a few pics of us going places doing fun things......

Having fun at Virginia Beach, visiting with the LaFave family from PA

Olivia and Julia

Visiting with the Eierman family in Sterling, VA, (Alexa, Olivia, and Carrie)

Three precious friends

Laying low and a few prayers needed.....

I think we have all been a little tired after a week in Daytona, so we have been resting this week. Before leaving for the beach, Lucas had his 3 month check up appt. at MCV. His pft's were low and they were not happy with that. So, we are now doing some antibiotics and breathing treatments/chest P.T. 3 times a day. We have another appt. in a month to recheck his pulmonary function. If he has not improved, they will put him in for a "tune-up". Lucas is so worried, so just send up some extra prayers for Lucas. In between treatments,the kids have been playing with some of their friends and Zachary has been in full band mode since returning home. They have been to Cary Town to get "professional" band pictures taken. They have also been selling band t-shirts, so our basement looks like a t-shirt factory. So, if anyone out there would like to support Zachary's band just let me know and I will gladly send you a t-shirt. (1 for $12 or 2 for $20 ;o)

Practicing "Barrel Rolls" with the big girl "Cheer Stars"

Playing at the pool with the "big" girls.....

"Another Treehouse Acquaintance" band promo pic.....

Vacation in Daytona Beach.....

We had a great time in Florida and really enjoyed seeing Terry's family again. We were able to stop over in Summerville, S.C. to visit with Brandy and Gregory. He is so cute and had a great time swimming with Lucas and Olivia at the hotel pool. Grammy took the boys to their annual Daytona race and they had a blast. Lucas is still talking about it. We had ice-cream at Cow Licks a few times and also we able to make a few sand sculptures. Here are a few pics:

Enjoying time with little Gregory......





Brandy and Gregory.........


Dad and his kids.....

Chillin' in the Florida sun.....

Zach skim boarding.......

Lucas and Livie playing frisbee......

Our family...........

Father's Day and Belated Mother's Day pics for Pa, Edie and Ga Ga...

We had all the grandkid's picture taken around the 1st of June for my dad for Father's Day. We took he and Edie out to dinner Sunday and gave him the picture. He loved it! "Z" at 17 does not particularly like his picture taken, so I took advantage of all 3 being in the same place at the same time. Luke hates his picture taken also, but Miss Priss loves it! As they have gotten older, I don't have as many pictures of the kids together. What a great bunch of kids!

More awards and THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

LUCAS!!! We are so proud of you! He received 7 awards at his 6th grade award's ceremony. He received an award for all A's, all year in English, Science and History. He also received National Physical Fitness Award, and Art Award, An Honor Roll Award, and the one that makes me so proud is the Citizenship Award. He is such a great kid!

OLIVIA!!! We are so proud of you! At her awards ceremony today she won an award for Perfect Attendance and all A's all year. How great is that!! She was a little sad to leave today, because she loved her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Williamson.

Here are a few pics......................................

Checking out his award.......

Good Friends.....Jacob and Lucas showing off their awards.....

Olivia receiving her all "A" Honor Roll Award

Olivia getting a hug from her 1st grade teacher..........

Good Friends Olivia and Brooke............

Happy Anniversary to US! and other stuff....

Today is our 19Th wedding anniversary! It is truly hard to believe that I have been married for 19 years. We have actually known each other for 21. Wow, what a ride it has been. We have been busy the past week. Zachary's band, Another Treehouse Acquaintance, won the high school talent show Friday night! They played great and everyone commented on how good they are. We think so too. Saturday night, they had a gig at Alley Kats. Terry and I went and what a treat that was. Olivia had field day yesterday and her "end of year picnic" today. Lucas has his awards ceremony in the morning. Whew! .....Here are a few pics......

First Place in the Talent Show!

Playing at Alley Kats

Doing the Hula Hoop Run...

Running the 50 yard dash

Congrats Zachary!!!

I have just returned from the high school where Zach was presented an Academic Achievement Award. This means that he has made Honor Roll for the entire school year. He also received a soccer award and a 3 year lettermans pin Tuesday night at the 2009 Spring Athletic Banquet. We are so proud of him! Here are a few pics...

Walking across the stage......
Oh son!?!!? Why the hair!! I know, I know, you're in a band

Coach Petrosino and Coach Anderson

The baby boy turns 17 and last game of soccer season...

On May 22, our oldest son, Zachary turned 17! We had a small dinner/cookout with our family and Zach's friends. I baked his favorite chocolate cake and the kids had a great time enjoying the warm weather and a game of backyard baseball. We also had the privilege of "loving" on baby Brody too! Here are a few pics:

Here are few of the last soccer games for Liv and Lucas:

Successfull Great Strides Walk

Even though we did not go to the CF walk this year, it was a huge success. After returning from China, Lucas made the decision to play in his last soccer tournament of the season. It was the same day as the walk and at the same time. So, we left that decision up to him. Thank you so much to those who donated to cure this disease. We were able to raise approx. $1,400.00 this year. We still have donations coming in so I will update later with the grand total. All of the Richmond Great Striders raised a wopping $203,371.96 as of today! We are so happy that so much research will be able to happen because of donors like you. On a sad note, one "CF friend" did not make it to the walk because she passed away in Feb. She was only 17 years old. This is the reason for our determination to do everything we can to raise money for this foundation. If you would like to see the walk please watch this short video.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pnACu34jJE

Thank you.....and a new title....

I have tried to revise the blog today. It will no longer be a blog about adoption per se, but a blog of our family for our family and friends. It was really hard to start this again, so just bare with me while I figure some things out. We have been through some really rough times in our life but we know that we will eventually come thru to the other side and hopefully better people because of it. We will continue to pray for "Xin Min Feng" and know that God is in control and he will find a special family to adopt her. We appreciate everyone who has emailed us, called us, sent us cards and prayed for us. We love you for that.
I titled it "Soccer Mom" because that's where we are most of the time, on the soccer field. All 3 of our kids love the sport, play the sport and watch it on T.V. Zachary will be a senior next year and will have played soccer since he was 5 yrs. old. He will have "lettered" in soccer for 4 years. It is so hard to believe my "little squishy baby boy" will turn 17 on Friday. Now he is a very tall, handsome, young man. We are so proud of all of his accomplishments. He is a wonderful musician, a great athlete,a lifeguard, and a very sweet boyfriend, to a very sweet girl. ;o) He also has done a wonderful job of keeping his grades up after being so active in sports, church and school.

The beautiful dogwood....

At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.
To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.
"In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

I told a friend that I would paint her a mailbox with dogwood blossoms on it. Well, I went outside this afternoon to find some inspiration...I took a couple of pictures of the dogwoods outside our home and enjoyed the weather and the peaceful quiet of living "in the woods".;o)

Everybody needs a little Brody sometime....

Is this not the funniest picture?!! A little baby slobber on his shoulder makes it even better!! I tell Zachary all the time that Brody reminds me of him when he was a baby. He was so "squishy" just like Brody. I LOVE "squishy" babies!! The expression on their faces' is priceless. We love when Ashley brings Brody over to visit. We all get our baby fix and lots and lots of baby sugar!!

No front teeth...

Olivia is almost seven years old and her front teeth just came out. She lost ( I pulled) her one front tooth last week, and came home Monday afternoon completely toothless! She said that she was messing with it in class and it started to bleed , so she went to Nurse Moseley and she pulled it out! Here she is, THE TOOTHLESS WONDER OF CHURCH ROAD, VA!

Fundraising for CF

Today Terry and I went to pick up our fundraising flyers that we mail to friends and family every year. Our son, Lucas, was diagnosed at 17 mos. with cystic fibrosis. We try really hard each year to raise more that we did the previous year. So far, we have succeeded! This year we would like to raise at least $3,000. With Chloë's adoption, it has been a little harder getting everything ready to be mailed. So, I am hoping that through this blog and our CF fundraising letter we will be able to meet our goal. If you would like to donate you can go to:

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/FundRaisingSummary

If you would like to walk with us that would be great too! Every year the CFF has a walk. We are hoping that we are walking for a cure for this disease. One day Lucas hopes that a cure will be found and his life will be a little easier. Join us on May 16th and WALK FOR A CURE!

Friends and Sleep-overs.......

Arn't these two just peas in a pod?Olivia and "A" had a sleep over this past weekend and had a blast together. "A" was one of the babies adopted the same time as Olivia. Her family now lives close by and the girls love to play together. "A" was in the same orphanage as Olivia and her family and ours always get together each year at a local Chinese restaurant to celebrate the girls' "Gotcha Day". Olivia had last spent the night with "A" so, at our last dinner together, "A" said it was her turn to spend the night with Olivia. They started the night by playing teacher and school and ended with "writing" their own books complete with illustrations! By the end of Saturday, they had each written 2 books apiece. I had never seen so many pieces of paper, crayons, glue and markers. We even went shopping at Target for a birthday gift for one of Olivia's other friends. These two were a hoot!!! They were like 2 little old ladies discussing what she would like and not like. They giggled and laughed the whole time. It was so much fun watching them play together and have such a good time.

Olivia the Cheer Star!!

Olivia and the "MINI" Cheer Stars were AWESOME this weekend! They competed with 11 other "MINI" teams at George Mason University in Fairfax. They won a 3rd place trophy!! All of the teams were great and we are so proud of them. GO STARS!!!!
On the flip side, Olivia HATES the makeup part of cheerleading. They have to wear "glittery" eye makeup on stage and she is a total "drama queen" when the time comes to apply the makeup! After we got in the van to go home, she always wipes the makeup off with baby wipes. While doing this her eyes are watering and she is totally upset. Because her eyes are shaped like beautiful little almonds, she does not have an eyelid and the eye makeup irritates them. Her comment this time was "I hate my Chinese eyes mom". I said, "Oh baby, I LOVE your eyes". She said, "Then YOU can have them!!!" That's my Livie!!!

Congrats Lucas!

We all went to Derbyshire Baptist church on Sat. and enjoyed Lucas and 3 other youth from our church sing in the All State Baptist Choir. They were awesome!! It still amazes me that they had one practice day in Jan. and come together for a weekend and can sound so GOOD!! The directors and musicians really work well with the kids and Lucas enjoyed it so much!! We are so proud of our West Ender's!! I don't know if you can spot Lucas but he is wearing a white shirt, 3rd row back, in the middle. He sang in the Treble Two choir.

Zachary's Band Music

I wanted to share Zachary's music with anyone who is interested in POP/PUNK music..;o) Yes, this is what Zachary's band plays. Being a mom, and even seasoned in age, I have to say that their music is pretty good. I am a little partial though. Check it out and see what you think!

http://www.myspace.com/anothertreehouseacquaintance

They have an upcoming gig in Richmond on March 7th. Their website tells all about it. Olivia and I will be at JMU at a cheerleading competition so we will miss it.;o( Please go and support our little Dinwiddie band. We are so proud of them!

Snowday!

The kids were so excited to find out that school was closed last night. In this part of Virginia, we hardly ever see snow and finally last night it started. We had about 8 inches on the ground this morning! Our good friends joined us in some sledding fun and the kids enjoyed hot chocolate afterwards. It was nice that Terry was able to stay home (only because he couldn't get the van up the driveway)!! Our cat, Max, had never seen snow before so first thing this morning we let him out and he made some pretty neat cat paw prints in the snow....