First Ride

"Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time."

I think this was the first time that the "Dumpling" rode a horse.  She never wanted to ride when I was with her.  She's not afraid of animals, loves them as a matter of fact, but riding a horse was never in the cards.  They decided it was time for her to try. She wasn't too happy about it at first.  As the pictures progress, it looks like it was becoming a little more enjoyable.  Those tears finally turned into a slight smile.  Now I'm wondering if she will be anxious to try it the next time.

On a differenet note, will you please go to http://www.ourplacecalledhome.blogspot.com/ and read about Teresa.  She needs a MIRACLE!!  Her family, along with many others are praying for one.  Maybe if enough of us join in, she will get her miracle. 

Sweet Tea

"Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister."

 This is from our weekly trip to McDonalds for breakfast.  Cali never wants to leave so that is the sad part for her.  We do make a stop at the dollar store, if they behave AND eat their breakfast.  Every week it's pancakes, sausage and orange juice.  This week Chloe decided on a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit and a sweet tea.  She knows that I get a sweet tea every time, so she decided to try it.  She also said that it would keep her awake in the car because she was tired and didn't want to fall asleep before we got to the dollar store!  It's only a 2 minute drive from McDonalds!!  This is their very favorite shopping place.  The cashier doesn't even put their things in a bag anymore, she just hands it to them.

Abe and George

"I hope I shall posess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."  George Washington

The girls and I celebrated Presidents Day on 2 different days.  On the first day we dedicated the day to Lincoln and the next to Washington.  I tried to explain a little of their history, which Chloe was more interested in than Cali. In a few years, I'll go over everthing again with Cali.

Chloe did know a few things about George Washington.  They learned all about the cherry tree in music class.  She was very proud of herself to be able to tell me what she knew.

The tree was made by tracing their wrist and hand.  The cherries were made with their fingerprints. As you can see, Cali really got into this!

The Greats

"Your talent is Gods gift to you.  What you do with it is your gift back to God."

My great niece and 2 of my great nephews (sister and brothers) were on a mission trip in NYC.  This was their school break and they chose to go with Planet Impact into the city to share their testimonies with the less fortunate.  They are such great kids. Emily, 16, is the oldest of five children.  She is such a terrific big sister, doing whatever she needs to in order to help out the boys.  By the way, there are four of them!!  I can't imagine having 4 little brothers.  She  takes advanced courses in high school, plays the flute, sings, does ballet and several other kinds of dance.  I really need to do a post JUST about her.  Her two oldest brothers, Jonathan and Mason, went along on their first mission trip. Emily has been to Mexico City, Costa Rica, Georgia and England on previous trips.  She is going on another international trip this summer.  I'm not sure if the boys are going on that one. They may be just a little too young for that.  I'm so proud of you three and love you to death!!

Sorry Mason, I couldn't get your picture to load.  Please go to Planet Impact's blogspot and see what these amazing kids have been up to.  You will also see their pictures.  http://planetimpact.blogspot.com/  

 

Birthday Wishes From the UAE

"Love is the flower you've got to let grow."

These pictures were sent to me on my birthday from the UAE.  They just made my day, even though I don't really like birthdays.  I guess I shouldn't mind birthdays because it means that I've another year with all of my Treasures.

20 More Days

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankrolls smaller, homes happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

ONLY 20 MORE DAYS UNTIL I HOLD MY BABY BOY!!!

If you're following my blog, please let me know by clicking the button on the RH side.  Just want to know how many of you there are!   I LOVE COMMENTS!!

Cooking Away

"Happiness held is the seed;  happiness shared is the flower".

This was another fun day with Camryn.  She loved the window clings but kept moving them around.  Her new stove is a big hit.  We were making daddy some chicken and broccoli.

It is so hard saying goodbye to her.  She gives me a kiss and big hug.  That has to stay with me until the next week.

Loving My Treasures

"If there is ever a time when we are not together. . . there is something you must always remember.  You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than  you think.  But the most important thing is, even if we're apart....  I'll always be with you. 

Chloe, Cali and I had a good time celebrating Valentine's Day.  We started out by finishing Chloe's valentines and cupcakes for school.  Cali and I made heart cookies.  While they were in the oven, we played heart games, did heart puzzles and played St. Valentine Says (Simon Says).   The girls made valentine placemats last week.  Of course we made our usual -  heart shaped pizzas.  Chloe said it was the best pizza she's ever had!  Our red juice we called "love juice."  I told Chloe that the juice would help her have a good  day at school.
We dined in style with heart paper plates, napking and cups.  The girls thought it was fine dining at it's best.   Happy Valentine's Day.

Using "Pork Chops"

"The eskimos had fifty-two names for snow because it was important to them:  there ought to be as many for love."

The girls and I were celebrating Chinese New Year.  They always love to do special things for holidays.  One day we had chinese noodles and mandarin oranges.  Another day we had rice, pork and watermelon.  They tried to use their chop sticks, that I brought them from China, to eat their meals.  Actually, Chloe did pretty good with hers.  She was so funny   because she kept calling them "pork chops".

Victory for Cole

"Come live in my heart and pay no rent."

Last week at the wrestling match, I took 20 pictures and they all were blurry.  I felt so bad because I haven't had many pictures of Cole and Carter to post.  On Saturday, I took a different camera when I went to their tournament.  Cole went 4 for 4, so he had a great day. He is such a coachable kid, always listening to his coaches and doing, or at least trying to do what they tell him.  Wouldn't you know it, while I was there Carter got a forfeit, so no new pictures of him.

C A L I

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life."

Cali is learning the letters in her name.  She knows how to spell it, but can't always recognize the letters.  At least that's what she tells me.  She knew her shapes for weeks before she would tell me their names.  She has known her colors for a long time, counts to 20 and further sometimes, says the abc's,  ALL WHEN SHE WANTS TO.  I don't really know what all she CAN do, the little stinker.  She has to be in the mood!  Her secret is out of the bag now, so it's on to bigger and better things.

Tree Topper

"Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart."

I think she's just about the prettiest tree topper I have ever seen.  Looks like she enjoys being up there!  She can be the topper on my Christmas tree anytime.

New Doo

"How can I control my life when I can't control my hair."

My precious baby is so adorable.  I think someone was messing with his gorgeous head of hair!