Team Houston

2nd Place

2011-02-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

Simone found out today that she was a Staff's Choice 2nd Place winner in the PTA Reflections Contest.

She was so excited when she found out!

Here is little Sister Sophie cheering her on!! Note she is still in her little blue bikini!

100th Day of School

2011-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Simone in her 100th Day Hat that she made at school!

She also made a book Tittled Hip , hip horray! It's the 100th Day!! Written and Illustrated by Simone

I wish I had 100 Cat's!

I can eat 100 coklit chips! (chocolate chips)

I could never eat 100 Scwosh!

I wouldn't want 100 finggers.

I can made 100 kits!

I can lift 100 crayons! That are red.

She is having a fun time in 1st grade!!!!!

Ricks Marathon and Happy Birthday

2011-01-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

I hurt my back a few days ago so Rick had to purchase his own birthday cake this year but we still celebrated a couple of days later........

Scott and Rick ran a half marathon so we decided to celebrate that and his birthday at the same time since I was "down and out".

Here is Scott resting after his first impressive Half Marathon!!!

Way to go boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dadd!

2011-01-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

Church

2010-12-28T19:55:00.001-08:00

I am so excited that we found a Church to attend which is located right by our house. I love it, the Girls love their classes and I am learning so much! The Church is so close that we can walk there or ride our bikes this summer. The Girls and I enjoy it so much. To top it off I have a special friend that attends there along with her family!

Jake Found IT!

2010-12-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

Jake had heard that there might be a Nativity make out of Lego's....He finally found it just before we left in a room that we almost missed!!

Simone found a new favorite above.

"MOM you GOT to see this!" Simone loved this night!!

I think this is one of my favorites above. It was so tiny and this photo does not do it any good.

What a memorable evening!!!

Kids Craft Room

2010-12-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

Sophie's Baby Jesus above.

Simone's Baby Jesus below.

Kids Craft Room

2010-12-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

I loved this craft that they were able to make....Baby Jesus....

They even had more in the room for them to do but the kids were starting to get hungry.

Kids Craft Room

2010-12-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

Simone was trying to get Colton to fallow her.

I love the way Simone talks to babies!!

Kids Craft Room

2010-12-10T22:46:00.000-08:00

Baby Colton is so sweet!!!!!!!!

Jake is being a big helper.

Kids Room

2010-12-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

Sophie enjoying dressing up like an Angel.....

Kids Room

2010-12-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

Lauren wanted to dress up like Mary.

Kids Room

2010-12-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

Rachel and I are going to make these some day.....

Kids Room

2010-12-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

Kids Room

2010-12-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

Sophie, Simone and Lauren.

Nativity

2010-12-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

Really I like this one even better!!!

Sophie directing Daddy to go over there.

Nativity

2010-12-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

One that Lauren liked.

Nativity

2010-12-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

Simone changed her mind. This is her favorite now.

Nativity

2010-12-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

Sophie above and Jake below.

Nativity

2010-12-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

We were invited by our buds the Sautters to check out Nativity Scenes at a Church near our old stomping grounds and we loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so good that I would like to go back next year. I am also searching for a new special one this year to remember this event. I went looking for one over the weekend but could not find a special one any where....You know they are hard to find. There were even two harpists playing on the stage in one of the big rooms we were in. The time and effort that was taken to set this event up was amazing. Here are a few photos from our special evening.

The above Nativity belongs to Rachel, it is from Mexico.

Simone was so into having me take her picture by her favorite "one"!!!!

Lauren and Simone

12 Days of Gifts and Fun

2010-11-30T23:17:00.000-08:00

First Week of Advent

2010-11-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Sophie Wei and Simone above.

Tonight we started our first Advent - Christmas tradition. My friend Andrea suggested the idea to me and I love it!! My goal is to keep it simple, fun and educational for everyone in our family. So far so good.

I found the candles above at our local craft store and the "circle wreath" holder at the local Catholic Store. I am going to add evergreens as soon as they arrive....I am going to clip some off of the wreath that I ordered for our front door.

The girls were excited to light the candles so we added a candle lighter job and a candle extinguisher job, yes we did it twice because it was so excited.

Sophie below.

During dinner I talked about the meaning of Anticipation along with the anticipation of Christmas. I also talked about the following meanings:

Our circle (wreath holder) = God is eternal, no beginning - no end.

Purple Candles = a time to prepare.

Pink Candle = the joy of Christmas is near.

White Candle = Christ Candle.

Evergreens = everlasting life, new life.

Why Candles?: Jesus is the light of the world.

Advent - Prepare our hearts with Hope, Joy, Love and Peace as we eagerly look forward to Christmas.

Opening Prayer = "Dearest Lord, thank you for the beauty and joy of this first Family Night in Advent. Bless us as we gather together in your name, O Lord, to share, to grow and to love. Help us to make this Advent a time to prepare more than we ever have before for the coming of "Emmanuel." Amen." (from the book Family Nights for Advent and Christmas by Terry and Mimi Reilly. If you click on this link, I found a link for it on Amazon. I found this at our local Catholic Store.) Since the girls were so sleepy by the end of dinner I skipped this opening prayer and went right to the closing prayer but we will do it next time.

Scriptures = The book I purchased gives examples of good scriptures to read together which we might add later.

Entertainment = Play a game of charades with family members acting out special Christmas Characters. (from this book.)

Sharing = (from the same book) We did not do tonight.

1. When did you feel especially joyful during the past week.

2. When someone felt close to God.

3. When someone felt loved by another family member.

Closing Prayer:

Gentle Lord, thank you for this evening together and for your presence in our midst. Bless each of us this coming week, Lord, and help us to reach out in kindness to all we meet. (from this book.)

Depending on how things go in the next week I will go into more details about the candles. For now they get the white Christ candle I think because it is the biggest and that makes sense to them.

Candle of Hope - It symbolizes faith in God keeping his promises to humanity.

Candle of Preparation - Love - reminding Christians to get ready to receive God.

Candle of Joy - it recalls the angels joyfully singing about the birth of Christ.

Candle of Love - reminds Christians that God loves them enough to sen his only Son to Earth.

Christ Candle - stands for Jesus Christ.

These are just some ideas I gathered from my new book Family Nights for Advent and Christmas by Terry and Mimi Reilly, some from the Internet and some of my own. Really you can add or change based on what parts of the story you would like to explore/learn about.

If you are interested in reading more about this book you can find it here.

As you can see we did not do every thing in one night. We will see how the week goes and what nights we can add some of the other fun ideas. I might change things up or add more as I learn or change what works best for our family.

Little Buds Arrive

2010-11-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

Introducing Sparkles with Sophie.

Introducing Snowflake withe Simone.

The Girl's received these special Elfs from their Aunt Andrea and Uncle Jason. Magical delivered them early one morning. They can touch these Elfs and every night they sprinkle them with snowflakes! They are also very silly, they hide under toilet paper and bring fun little gifts in the red velvet gift bag. They even bring them to church with them.

New Warm

2010-11-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Jones came by for a visit and brought these warm hats and jackets for the girls. They LOVE THEM!

Simone and Mommy.

Sophie and Mommy.

Magical Is Back

2010-11-28T18:55:00.000-08:00

Our very special Elf on the Shelf is back.

Her name is Magical. The girls are apparently very excited because there were around 20 of these photos that Ii found on my camera. They must of taken these photos when I was gone off at the store. So funny!

Oh how much joy you bring us Magical!

The Disease

2010-11-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

(These photos were taken a few weeks ago when the girls were helping us decorate the outside of the house for Christmas. Simone loves to have her gymnastics leo on most of the time.)

Sophie just came in from outside to say, "We are outside searching for Lewey Poop! Simone stepped on a poisonous mushroom, she does not know if she has THE Disease."

Such Troopers

2010-11-27T18:47:00.000-08:00

Reagan and Nixon letting Simone mix them some kind of healthy drink.

Ohhhh, Cooper is so super good with the girls. He pretty much does what they ask of him. Here they dressed him up like a Kitty Dinosaur Pumpkin Cowgirl!

Mystery Can

2010-11-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Simone was so super excited because it was her 2nd turn with The Mystery Can from school. The children take turns and she has been planning on what to bring since her last turn. She loves that her Teachers do this.

Here are the three clues Simone wrote down:

"1. It is made of glass.

2. It is from China.

3. It has a design on each sides."

She even took our napkins and carefully wrapped it so it would not brake.

Cool Give Aways......

2010-11-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Click on the Title Above and it will link you to her page. FUN!!!

After School

2010-10-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

Reagan came home with us today after school so we can take her to our school Fall Party tonight! Her family went to the High School Homecoming game since her older Sister Nixon is a freshman now and has a lot of work to do at the game for her leadership class.

The girls were so excited.

6th Tooth

2010-10-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Simone lost her 6th tooth today!

Today is Halloween, she loves to have her teeth fall out on big days (Examples: Chicago Family Party, First Day of School, Halloween!)

Sophie's Projects

2010-10-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sophie brought home a spider today from preschool!! She was so proud of it and still loves to chew sugarless gum!!

Her Teacher was so sweet and also mad a set for Simone!!! Love them. Thanks Teachers!

Red Plate Day

2010-10-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

(Yes Simone loves to show everyone her tooth that is almost falling out, it gives me goose bumps!)

Simone had another Red Plate Day at school because she moved up another reading level.

She was so excited.

We also learned some good strategies from her Teacher so we could help her more at home. At times Simone will get pretty hard on her self and helping her learn to read at home can be frustrating........hard to admit but true.

Some of the things that we learned that really helped her are: doing a picture walk first, staying some vocabulary words first, have her read to our dog, Sophie or a stuffed animal before we read together, keep the book at home for another night and try again if she gets frustrated. After trying all of these strategies it REALLY helps.

I love seeing her little smile above.

I also want to remember her planner this way below. Every night she checks off what she completes or talks about at home.

The note from her "pretty teacher who loves to shop at Target."

When?

2010-10-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

While riding to school this morning Simone said, “when will I get to meet my Birth Mom the one who got me out ? This Chinese song makes me think of her.”

Sophie said, “what about me??”

Simone said, “yes you too, you are from China because you were born there.”

I told her that I am not sure. I said that we do not know much about either of your birth moms or where she lives but I do know she loves you both because you went to a safe place, then the orphanage where the Ayi's took care of you. We can one day try to find her. Maybe we will but maybe we will not.

Simone said, “what about when 3^rd grade.”

I wish I could remember exactly what Simone send next so we can remember this moment but I don't....It was some thing about how she "wishes her Birth Mom could see what she was like and what she does."

Then a few minutes later as I look in the rear view mirror Simone has her two hands in a ball covering her eyes while they squint shut and says some thing like I am going to think about what she looks like now.

Then we talked about what they might look like.

After that it was time to take Sophie out of the car and drop her off at preschool.

Later at dinner we talked about it with Daddy. When I started to tell him about this morning Simone "giddily" started to slump down her chair with a smile on her face. Did not seem to be uncomfortable but maybe happily thinking of her Birth Mother???

We have talked many times before about their Birth Mother and Birth Father so I am hoping that has helped them with being able to talk about this subject. I just did not think that "When" would come this soon. I think it has also HELPED me because it was not as hard to talk about as I thought. Just sad that we do not have any information at this time or may never.

I am glad that Simone feels she can talk to me.

I pray that our Girls will be able to sort out what they are feeling about their Birth Story and if they have any questions or concerns that they will continue to ask and be able to talk with us or other close family/friends.

I know this will be hard as I have had to deal with this is a child growing up. Wondering what my Dad looked like and why I did not get to see him. The only difference is that I was reunited with him when I was 16.

It is all in God's plan and timing for what happens in the future.

As I write this I have tears and I am not even sure why because compared to what other friends that I know are going through at this very moment it could be a lot worse but today in the minds of our 6 year old and a 5 year old they are starting to process where they came from and it is a big deal.

For today Daddy thought thoughtfully while he wrote sweet things in Simone's family journal homework and I just held our Girls a whole lot tighter and give them many kisses.

I look at them and thank God that they made it to the Orphanage. They are survivors.....

I hope they always know how much they are wanted, how long we waited and prayed for them and how much WE LOVE THEM!

Rick Does The Portland Marathon

2010-10-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Rick finished the 26.2 Marathon in 4 hours 15 minutes and 24 seconds. He beat his personal best from last year.

We were able to meet him and cheer him on at the 16 mile marker and finish line. The finish line is so inspiring!

A little bit rainy today but Rick did not mind at all.........Sophie expressed that she did not like all the rain, LOL!

10/10/10

Red Plate Day

2010-10-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Simone came home today with a note stapled to her her planner. She was SO EXCITED because she had a Red Plate Day, "a special day!"

When I asked her why she got this she said, "because I wrote two whole pages today."

We were invited to a friends house for dinner tonight so we brought the plate with us.

What a fun thing her Teachers are doing along with the 1st Grade Team.

10/8/10

Micheles Half Marathon

2010-10-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

I came down with Strep Throat just in time for my Half Marathon.

On Thursday I went to the Doctors because I was so sick and found out that I had strep throat.

I cried in the doctors office because I have been training for this for a long time.

I will have to wait until next year to try it again.

We Finger Paint With Shaving Creme and Finger Paint

2010-09-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today we received a fun note from Sophie's PreSchool Teacher:

We Finger Paint With Shaving Creme:
Sophie said, "My hands are sad 'cuz they're all messy."

We Finger Paint With Paint:
Sophie said, "It's cold. It's warm."

On another note last night the funniest thing happened:

When I went up to bed at ten pm last night I collected all the things that needed to go back to their "home" in my arms and then started to climb the stairs.

I dropped hair bows and headbands in Simone and Sophie's bathroom, dropped Sophie's dolls off in her room and then went to Simone's room to drop off her Zoo Zoo Pet Hamster.

Well I pressed against the Zoo Zoo Pet Hamsters back and it started to make loud noises so I ran out of Simone's room into the hallway. I put it down, Simone moved but went back to sleep, Sophie let a little cry out and Daddy, not so happy.

The Zoo Zoo pet would NOT stop!!! So I ran it to our bedroom at the other end of the house. Well Sophie still heard it and is crying by this point so I go back into her room. Daddy tries to turn Zoo Zoo Pet off with no luck.

I lay in bed with Sophie and start to laugh. She gets mad at me because I am laughing and tells me "you too loud!!"

Rick gets even madder and takes Zoo Zoo Pet down stairs.....I laugh even harder, Sophie thinks this is not funny and I get a look from her!

I laughed so hard!!! Simone slept through it all.

I just asked Rick what happened to that Zoo Zoo Pet last night??? He said, "it is in the garage with the batteries taken out."

Memories ;)

Letters

2010-09-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

(This photo of Sophie and the one below of Simone is from our beach trip this summer.....I will post photos soon.)

I am so proud of Sophie tonight. With out asking she got her "homework" out of her folder with out me asking. I made a few sheets up for her to work on while Simone does her homework every night. I printed her full name and numbers lightly on the computer for her to trace. We also have alphabet cards for her to trace. So happy she is starting to enjoy "homework" and there are no tears.

My Heart

2010-09-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

This evening I could not stop thinking of how proud I am of Simone.

During her prayers tonight she just kept praying and praying. She prayed for about five minutes and Sophie was so good while she did. Sophie just sat there listening while I held her and sucked on her fingers.

Here is some of what I could remember:

Simone said, "I love my sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet Sister. I have God in my heart and Jesus loves me in my heart (the worked on a heart project earlier this week at school. I can't wait to see it.) In Utah all the dinosaurs are dead."

Before I forget....A few weeks ago when Sophie was saying her prayers she said, "please watch over my Uncle JJ so he does not get arrested and locked up in jail!" (Her Uncle is a police officer.)

Little Buds

2010-09-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Simone and Sophie enjoy playing with each other. Not only are they Sisters but they are best friends.

One day they decided to bring down all of their "little Buds!" They love them. You will even see my Strawberry Shortcake Doll and Brown Bear from when I was a little girl!

Thanks to Becca I found this chalk board at one of her favorite vintage spots!! I love it and so do the GIRLS!

School

2010-09-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Simone took these photos around the gym today. I am actually glad she did because it gives me a reminder of where I go to work every day, teaching PE. Above are the PE Rules.

I love my job and I am so blessed that I made this my career choice. It is hard at times but so rewarding when I get to work with the children.

I am also very excited because Simone is able to attend school here too!! I love being able to see her at school. Both of her Teachers are very welcoming and loving!

Below is a very special note from a student.

Closure area: Muscle review, Skeletal Word review, CBA review, special helper, shoe award, personal best sticker and line up poem.

It is kinda funny that Simone took this photo of the skeletal area....She has been coming to the gym for years now and she is finally not scared of it!! I use to have to take it down when I would come to work after hours.

Spelling

2010-09-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Simone was working on the white board in the gym after school. When I came out I found this. I happened to bring my camera to school this day so I had her go out to take photos.

I want to remember special things like this.....I wonder what they were working on in school today????

Honey

2010-09-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

I guess I use the word Honey a lot!! So much that the Girls named both of their new Scarecrows "HONEY".

Time to think of a new nick name, well maybe ;)

2010-09-11T15:43:00.001-07:00

Girlfriends Half Marathon Final Sept 08
Find more Runs in Vancouver, Washington

Happy 5th Birthday Sophie!

2010-08-20T00:11:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Sophie!

Today was such a busy day.

You awoke early, like usual.

Then we played around in the morning.

Then we went to the airport to help welcome your new friend Elise home!!!! It was such a memorable time!!! We talked about it before and I reminded you not to crowd them because her big brothers were going to see her for the first time. You went right up to her when her Mommy sat down and I had to gently remind you to step back. What a blessing for their family!!!

Then we came home and Mommy had a little brake down because she has been so busy but she got over it after a short rest.

You played with Emma and Sara as well as Auntie Becca and Uncle Scott.

Then we went to watch Simone's Ballet/Tap performance.

Let's see if I can remember who you talked to today on the phone.....Grandma Jones, Auntie Jeni, Grandpa/Grandma Gong Gong and Uncle Jason. You told Grandpa that you wanted to go spend the night at his house....It was so cute. Then right after you were talking to Uncle Jason and told him the same along with information that we were coming to their house soon, LOL! Daddy corrected you, next summer. Too funny.

That is a quick version of the day.

Love you SO MUCH Sophie, you are the light of my life!!

You and Simone demolished your cake, Daddy's idea, not mine.
We stayed up way to late.
xoxo Mommy

Happy 5th Birthday Sophie!

2010-08-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Simone's First Tap Performance

2010-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

This evening was Simone's last day of Summer Ballet and Tap. This was a six week long session and her first time. They started learning this dance during the second class.

Simone enjoyed meeting new friends as all of the little girls in the class were so nice. There was one absent today.

It was SO much fun to watch her and she enjoyed doing it. I am not sure who was grinning more, Rick or I.

We are so proud of you Simone.

Simone Ballet

2010-08-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Here is Simone doing a Ballet warm up. She was having fun and says this is one of her favorite parts.

The Star Festival

2010-07-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Here is Sophie showing off her wish: "to be a Mommy."

My wish was to be healthy.

Rick's was for health.

Sophie putting her name on her wish.

7/12/10

Star Festival

2010-07-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Simones wish: "to grow up to be a Doctor."

Listening to good Japanese Music.

7/12/10

Decorating our Bamboo

2010-07-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Snack Time

2010-07-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

The provided us with Green Tea and spicy snacks.

Story Time

2010-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

The girls enjoyed story time.

Here is some great information which I got from the Portland Japanese Garden Web site. All of the words below are theirs, not mine. I would like to credit them. If you click on the link it below it will take you directly to their site.

"Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata has its roots in a Chinese legend about the love between a young princess, Orihime, who was a weaver, and a handsome young cowherd named Kengyū (represented by the stars Vega and Altair). As a result of their great love for each other, the weaver neglected her work weaving cloth for the gods and the herdsman neglected his cattle. In punishment, Orihime’s father, the emperor of the heavens, moved the star-lovers to opposite sides of the Milky Way and stated that they would only be allowed to meet once a year: on the seventh day of the seventh month. On this night a flock of heavenly magpies use their wings to form a bridge that the weaver can cross to join her lover. The magpies will only make the bridge if July 7 is a clear night; if it rains, the lovers must wait another year.

While Tanabata is often considered a festival for children, who make other bright paper decorations to hang on bamboo poles to attract the attention of Orihime and Kengyū, many adults are often drawn to write their own poems or wishes. Tanabata bamboo poles are placed in front of schools, some homes, and many businesses. Some big department stores have huge bamboo groves and provide strips of paper for customers to write their wishes on.

Qi Xi, which was celebrated in the Kyoto Imperial Palace beginning in the Heian period. The festival spread to the general public by the early Edo period, became mixed with various O-Bontraditions, and developed into the modern Tanabata festival. In the Edo period, girls wished for better sewing and craftsmanship, and boys wished for better handwriting by writing wishes on strips of paper. At this time, the custom was to use the dew left on taro leaves to create the ink used to write wishes.

One of the five Go-Sekku seasonal festivals of Japan, Tanabata is traditionally celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month."

Moon Bridge

2010-07-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

The girls on Moon Bridge.

Sophie at Heavenly Falls

2010-07-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Simone at Heavenly Falls

2010-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Simone at Heavenly Falls

2010-07-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Lets Go To Heavenly Falls

2010-07-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Falls is above.

7/12/10

Lets Go

2010-07-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

7/12/10

Simone at Star Festival

2010-07-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

7/12/10

Japanese Star Festival

2010-07-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sisters. I love the shoes they picked out and the fact that Sophie put shorts on under her dress.

There goes Sophie, going, going gone.....

7/12/10

Uncle Jason

2010-07-21T23:07:00.001-07:00

Sophie says while we are driving in our Honda minivan tonight, "Uncle Jason can't fit in this car."

I turn the music down.

I (Mommy) says, "yes he can there is enough room for his head." (as I motion my hand above Rick's head.)

Sophie says, "when he drove this he almost did not fit, his head right up here (as she points to the roof." (referring when Uncle Jason was out here for spring vacation they had Sophie in my car for the day with out me, I was at work.)

Sophie says, "how he get like that?"

I said, "he was born a big baby around 10 pounds and then grew up to be that tall."

Sophie said, "hmmm."

Simone Plays

2010-07-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sophia, Simone and Nicole above.

Simone was invited over to play at Nicoles house. Her friend Sophia was also there. They were all in the same Kindergarten class.

These photos are from Stephanie, Nicole's Mom.

Simone Playing with Friends

2010-07-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Nicole, Simone and Sophia.

All photos from Stephanie, Nicoles Mom.

Simone Plays at Nicoles

2010-07-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Simone and Nicole playing.

Ballet and Tap Class

2010-07-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

She learned so many vocabulary words and moves for her first day. It was amazing.

Once again I was so bummed when I forgot my camera so these are taken by my cell phone.

I had to capture this moment. Simone was having so much fun!

On Toes

2010-07-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Simones First Ballet and Tap Class

2010-07-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today Simone had her first Ballet and Tap class!!

She LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!

I could not stop smiling in class as I sat and watched her. I was so proud!

Here are a few photos just before we left home.

I Want A Cat

2010-07-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Simone has wanted a Cat for a long time now.

She is now much verbal about it.

When Sophie went in to get her shots Simone was upset and was saying how she wanted a cat so BAD!

So later that day Rick and Sophie went to the store to purchase this Cat. It moves and makes sounds. Simone named it Lilly and for now she is happy........

Blood Draw

2010-07-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today Simone had a blood draw to help the Doctor figure out what she is allergic to???

We should know in a week the results.

She was very brave and did not even cry. She did remind us that she would like a Cat!!!!

They took two viles of blood. We went to the mall after to look at back packs.

Sara and Em's Horse Show

2010-07-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Sara and Emma's horse show. We missed Sara but got there just in time for Emma. It was fun and impressive. These girls know how to handle their horses.

During a brake Scott let Sophie and Simone sit on their horse Bucky.

They loved it.

Once again I had to use my cell phone.

A Day In The Life Of Me

2010-07-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

(photo from my lap top photos, compliments of HP)

Today was a great day and a sad day all in one.

I finally feel like I am on vacation. I did nothing today that had to do with work.

We all slept in.

Emailed Simone's Allergist. Responded back and forth.

Made a new to-do-list since the other one is not motivating me.

I went for a run.

Rick went for a bike ride and then to his friend John's house to sign up for a race.

I took the girls for a walk to our nieghborhood park. Sophie rode her bike there for the first time!! Big deal!

Turned up the tunes and had a mini dance party. Made a silly dance video.

Rick wanted to take us out for lunch down on the Columbia River at a little cafe which sits on the water. It was pretty hot (94) but since it was his idea I thought it would be fun and worth a try. They had misters around the eating area so that was cool. Love the sun. Love my husband.

Went to purchase Ballet shoes for Simone. She is in heaven.

Came home took a short nap.

Took Simone's Kindergarten Teacher and good friend out to lunch as an end of the year celebration and thank you.

Went to a few stores and the craft store to pick up a "project". Simone picked out an unfinished wooden rocket ship. Sophie picked out an unfinished flower magnet to paint. I found a few cute things to make cute cupcakes and of course fun sprinkles.

Rick went for a run.

Had a long talk with my Brother! I miss him and his family. Love that kid!

Rick puts girls to sleep.

Sophie Cries. I go up stairs. Hold both girls. Go back to bed easy. Thats all they wanted was a bit of love.

Quick comment to Cousin Patrick on fb. Miss him and his family!!

Watched TV, blogged and fb'ed.

But as I end the night I think about my family that lives far away!! I wish we all lived in the same town! I wish that I could just drive to there house and come home in the same hour. I wish we could see each other when we needed each other. When it was someones birthday I wish I could hand deliver them a card or give them a hug. So for all of you that live by your family, cherish it! For all of your friends that are your family cherish them.

A little about a day in the life of me.

Getting Dressed

2010-07-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

This morning Simone got dressed all by her self.

She took one of Sophie's Christmas Dresses and put it on.

Sophies Hot Tub

2010-07-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sophie getting ready to go down the water slide.

Sophie calls this "warm" pool her hot tub!! So funny!

Double

2010-07-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

So much more fun when you go together!! Lauren and Simone going down our water slide.

Jake

2010-07-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Jake had so much to tell me today!! He is so adorable!

Lauren

2010-07-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Lauren having fun!! She is so sweet!!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!!

2010-07-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today is my Dad's 60th Birthday!!

I wish we lived in the same town so I could just go over to his house, wrap my arms around him and say Happy Birthday.

I love my Dad!

No Luck

2010-07-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sophie has had no luck with her teeth. She recently had about 8 cavities filled/fixed. She was a trooper and would march back every time although it was not fun for her.

Here is Simone and Sophie at the Dentist's office.

(once again another bad photo from my cell phone.)

H Girls

2010-07-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

I give thanks every day for our little Girls!!

They are so much fun to be around.

Us visiting Ilwaco.

Sisters Again

2010-07-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Crash, don't worry they were not going to fall over into the water.

Silly Sisters

2010-07-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

Simone and Sophie are so silly together. They love to get each other going! Some times they just look at each other and laugh.

Sophie

2010-07-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sophie letting me take photos of her.

Visiting my Mom at her work.

Love you Sophie, I mean "Sparkles" (some times she pretends to be Sparkles the Cat/Dog/whatever animal it is at the momment.)

Simone

2010-07-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Simone not so into me taking photos but she let me.

Love you so much Simone.

Lost Roo

2010-07-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

From left: Me, Ryan, Sophie, Rick, Simone and Anita. (Marci taking photo).

We are having a great vacation at the beach (our home town where both Rick and I grew up).

Rick's Cousin Ronnie suggested that we go to lunch at a new Restaurant called the Lost Roo. It was yummy. While waiting for them to arrive we ran into some old friends from high school who we got to hang out with the night before. It was so cool! Marci has a very cool phone and was able to snap this photo for us.

What a fun visit.

Auntie Gloria Update

2010-07-02T20:36:00.001-07:00

Auntie Gloria is home as of this evening.

THANK you everyone for the prayers!!

xoxo Michele

Please Pray

2010-06-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my Aunti Gloria.

Here she is pictured at Sophie's last birthday party at the beach.

She is at a very good hospital having an angiogram as we speak. She suffered a stroke a few days ago.

She is a very special person to me and my family. I have known her since I was a little girl and have so many happy memories with her.

We love her so much and this is hard on us all.

Thanks, Michele

Sophie Goes To Visit Her Surgeon

2010-06-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today, bright and early we go to visit Dr. R. (Sophie's Surgeon).

I will try to post a video of her xray.

What a brave Girl you were today!
The head of Sophie's right femur is getting enough blood and growing well. Her acetabulum looks good as well. Plate and four screws still in the same place ;)

We will not have to have another xray of her hip until one year from now. Not out of the woods but getting there.

If the next visit in one year from now looks good then we will not have to have another xray of this area for three years!! Good news.
Compared to our last visit six months ago Sophie's right leg is even more shorter than the left. 1 centimeter difference. Last visit it was 3/4 of a cm.

Sophie receives two new fresh lifts for her shoe and one new leather one. She does not like the new one so she sticks with using the softer one.

The Doctor will watch this closely. If this stays under 2 cm then her treatment will be the same.

If it goes over 2 cm - 6 cm then she will have to have her growth plate of her "healthy leg/left" drilled to stop it from growing so the right leg can catch up. This would be a "day" surgery and she would be able to come home in one day. Most likely this would be around age 11 so the right leg would have a couple of years to grow and catch up until around age 14.

If it becomes a 6 or more then the shorter leg would have to be lengthened but that is a HUGE surgery as it takes many days before you could go home.
Sophie says, "PLEASE I do NOT want a cast......" After the Doctor says some thing like,
"you ready to put a cast on today..."

This brings us to the topic of her Achilles tendon on her right leg. This is because she was born with club feet. Her Achilles tendon is very tight, at the point where she needs to be casted now.

We have had a brace for Sophie to wear for a few months now but have not been "very good" about making her wear it because it makes for a ruff night for all of us. (She is suppose to wear it for a minimum of 8 - 9 hours a night and since she is a light sleeper any ways we have not been pushing it very hard until now.)

The Doctor tells Sophie and Us that if she does not wear the case over the next three days then she has to come back on Monday and have her leg put into a cast. Once in a cast she would have to be re-casted every two weeks. If that does not work then surgery.

The Doctor said it was up to us. We could leave today in a cast or wait until Monday. If she does wear the brace then we could wait to be reevaluated at the start of the school year (September). He usually likes to cast during the winter time.

So here we go sweet GIRL! What a good time to do this, during summer vacation because you do not have to go to school the next day and we can remind you many times during the night while you are having a fit why it is important that you need to keep your brace on....SO your Achilles tendon can stretch and hopefully you will not need surgery.

Here we go.

YOU CAN DO IT SOPHIE!!!!

Enjoying the View

2010-06-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that Rick thought about us driving up here on our way home!! I love that about him.

Mt. Hood

2010-06-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

Simone and Sophie in the parking lot at Mt. Hood.

Rick had a great idea that we would stop at Timberline (Mt. Hood) on our way home from our vacation at Kah Ne Ta.

WE HAD AN AMAZING TIME!!

Shuffle Board

2010-06-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

We spent time playing the shuffle board at Timberline.

It was so cool and the table was so long!! The girls loved it and so did we.

(Taken from my cell phone.)

Mommy and Simone

2010-06-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Simone and I on top of Mt. Hood.

Daddy and His Girls

2010-06-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Daddy with his girls!

Exploring in our Keens!!!

Exploring

2010-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Exploring Mt. Hood

SUN!!

2010-06-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

I forgot my camera so these photos were taken from my cell phone......Good reason why I need a camera phone ;)

This is our first glimpse of SUN and Mt. Hood!!!!!!!

All four of us were so happy!!!
On our way to our much needed vacation at Mt. Hood with the Watsons and the Glassons.

End Of The Year

2010-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

It is almost the end of the year for me at school.

I love teaching but this has been one of my most challenging years yet. Go figure, who would of known that my 11th year would feel like this.

I miss my Teaching Partner Paula!!

I am also thankful for my Parent Helper Elizabeth, our PTA and Track Meet/Field Day Parent Helpers!! With out them I could not do all that I do.

I also have the best bunch of PE Helpers that I love!! They are so much fun and so helpful!!!

I am also so very Thankful for my Teaching Friends that have always been so supportive, listen and are there for me!!! I also feel so thankful to have such a wonderful Principal.

I am excited for summer after I finish grades, cleaning and organizing!

Schools Out for Summer

2010-06-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sophie,

You finish your last day of school today.

We have decided, with much thought and conversations with your Teachers to have you do another year of Pre School. You will be going back to the same school next year which would be easier on you because you are so familiar with it and you love your teachers. Another year of consistency.

You have learned so much this year.

You are now writing your name and recognizing more letters.

You probably would do good in Kindergarten but you need more time and another year will give you that. Since you turn 5 at the end of August it feels like the right thing to do. We hope when you are older in the 3rd and 4th grade we feel this would help you to have a little bit more of maturity behind you and that you do not struggle withe academic demands.

We love that you love school and that you LOVE your friends!!

You are very social, silly and a sponge!

We love you so much Sophie.

Last Day of Kindergarten!

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Simone,

It is the last day of school and you already call your self a first grader.

We can't believe that you have completed your Kindergarten Year!!

You are so excited to go to the first grade!! You say, "first grade will be so SILLY and you can't wait to learn about more."

You are doing wonderful in school!

We are so proud of you.

Field Day

2010-06-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today Simone participates in Field Day at school.

It was a special day because I am her PE Teacher and in charge of field day!!

You loved the squirt station, play doh and face painting the best!

It rained so we had to have field day in side but you did not seem to mind since you know no difference.

(Love the new head bands I received from the Cox family!)