More changes...

OK, this post is extremely long. BUT, there is a lot going on!

WE STARTED SCHOOL!!! But not just any school, Acaciawood School. Lukas says, "Not an ordinary school, but the GREAT Acaciawood School!"
We are adjusting, slowly, but none-the-less adjusting, to our new schedule. Actually, to any kind of schedule. AWS is a far cry from our relaxed days of homeschooling. School has been in session for two weeks. Tue and Thur mornings at 7:30 Drue has PE. The other mornings the bell rings at 8:25am. We only live about 5 min from the school and that has helped.
Starting from the youngest.
Launa is attending "Eagle's Nest". A Preschool - Kindergarten for the kids of those serving. She is in the Pre-K program and loves it once she gets over the initial separation from Mom each morning. Today we spent some special time together for lunch and remainder of the afternoon. She loved that and I hope will help with next week. She says the days are too long and she has to take a nap. Those are her only two complaints. She is learning her numbers and doing very well. She has made a very good friend, Olivia (emphasis on the "O" because her name starts with an O.) and they embrace each time they meet. She also received an invite to a bday celebration of another friend. I do believe she will be fine!
Samuel has started Kindgergarten at Eagle's Nest. His first day was very rough (we will leave it at that) but on his second day received a "Star Student" award and has had many compliments on his behavior since. He had been homeschooling in first grade since May, so academically he is not learning much, but he is getting very educated in being around people all day! His Chinese teacher (yes, he is learning Chinese) says he is a natural. She said he doesn't even have an accent, he speaks it just like the Chinese. She spoke to him in Chinese today in from of me and he answered her in Chinese. I think he said thank you. Maybe we will pursue Chinese a little more. He wears a red collard shirt (tucked in), blue pants and a belt everyday. He looks so cute each morning as he comes out of his room.
Lukas is back in third grade because of his age. This makes our transition into school a little easier. He is in a third/fourth grade combo class. There are only 14 kids in his class. The break up for Math and LA, but do all the other subjects together. He has around an hour of homework each night. He is very diligent to get it done. On the weekends (we have now had two) he completes his homework on Friday afternoon so that he does not forget. He wears a green collard shirt with a logo tucked in, khaki pants with a belt and black dress shoes.
Drue is in seventh grade. This is a very hard year to begin at AWS. She has about 3 hours of homework each night and sometimes more. She begs us to go to bed! She has to do a science fair project and a National History Day project by Dec. She is in Pre-Algebra and has the other normal classes. This is her first experience with a locker, uniforms, and changing classes. She is adjusting well. Her only complaint...the uniform. She has to wear the green collared shirt tucked in, a belt and a khaki skirt-at her waist-and to her calf. The two places she does not like her clothes to go. This is a good training for her. She also wears knee highs and dress shoes. She looks great though.
Now for me. I also am at AWS most of the day. I am helping in the Elem. section. I tutor a 5th grader in math, spelling in first grade, phonics in second grade, PE for first and second grade, teach a 4th grade LA class and then help out wherever needed. I will also be having lunch with Launa's class two days a week. They did clear my schedule to attend the Middle Aged Training two days a week. I attended the Word of God class on Wed. afternoon. Wow, I am going to enjoy that class. I did not make the class today as I was spending special time with Launa.
Now, the best thing about AWS. We know everyone there. While here this summer we met many of the families that attend. Therefore, all the kids already had friends before school started. And just yesterday one of the teachers and I prayed together during our break. How glorious is that! A much different environment than I have ever worked in. It actually is not a work. It is so refreshing to be there all day amongst so many brothers and sisters in Christ. They start off staff meetings with much calling on the Lord and prayer, just washing ourselves from the day and turning our whole being back to the Lord. Even if we are here just a year, the time we spend at AWS will change our lives forever. Our children will have companions that can carry them through the rest of their lives. 2Tim 2:22 But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

A Few Changes...

The Moving Truck with the boys inside.


The Van with the girls inside.

First of all, our family has moved. As mentioned in the previous post, we spent the summer in California so Lance could work on Building 8. Well, after much prayer and fellowship we moved to Fullerton, California. Fullerton is a neighboring city of Anaheim. We went back to Arizona for two weeks to gather our belongings and get the business in order for our office manager and technician to run, then set out for Southern California. The packing took nearly the whole two weeks with two active days of packing the truck. At the end, we were just tossing stuff in the back not really sure if it would endure the trip. Everything made it in one piece, but did not fit into the new place. Hallelujah for an opportunity to get rid of many things. Now, if we just don't accumulate more things the next move will be easier. Yes, there will be a next move! Building 8 should be finished in a year or so and then we are off to a different place. Where the Lord will lead, we are not sure. We just desire to be those "who follow the Lamb wherever He may go". Rev. 14:4

Fun at the Science Center

Well, to get you updated... Our family is spending the summer in Anaheim, CA. Lance is here working on an International Training Center and they were great enough to house and feed us all for the summer. We arrived on June 29 for the semi-annual training which was on "The Gospel of God" and was awesome. After the training we took a two day trip to Thousand Oaks, CA to visit some great friends from Phoenix and went to Ventura Beach. We then arrived in Anaheim to begin working. We stayed for a week and then back to Phoenix to meet up with my family for five days. After dropping them off at the aiport we drove back out to CA. We are planning on leaving August 6. Lance is working from 8-5 Mon thru Fri. The kids and I school in the morning, meet him at 12 for lunch, then we go "out" until 5pm dinner. For the first week we went to the library every afternoon for four hours. We did not have a card, so the kids just read while we were there. They love going to the library. I then discovered a summer pass to the Science Museum in Santa Ana which we just love. Now we alternate between the library and the museum. I still need to take them back to the beach and we discovered the metro train this past weekend. I also promised them a ride on that. We may combine the two if its not too costly.

Anyway, here are some pics from the Science Center. I took them all in the first day so I don't have to think about taking pictures everytime we go. I like to sit in one area and read while the younger ones play and the older ones explore the museum. You can click on the picture to see them all.

Sorry if this is patchy. I am trying to get it done before something else comes up and the kids are alternating coming in and out asking me random questions that could totally wait until I am not typing! Like, "Where are the Q-Tips?" "Can I paint?" "I just need to go in my room to get one thing." "Launa is in here stepping on my papers again." "Do you remember....?"

OK, a little silence. A little detail on the science center, little being the key word...They have a robots exhibit, Smoky Bear exhibit, Hockey Exhibit plus all the regulars. We spend a day on a different section until we cover it all. Then we dwaddle in our favorites.

Firefighter Museum

This past week my family (minus Stephen) came out the AZ for a visit. Due to the outdoor temperatures (ex: 115), we did some indoor activities during the day and swam in the evenings. One of our adventures was the Firefighters Hall of Flame in Phoenix. We have intended to go for the last few years but never made it. They have a special story time for groups of 10 or more. Since we met the requirement, we decided to go that route. It was nice. A firefighter read a story to the kids and went over some safety matters, he toured us through the museum and then showed a movie. The songs really stuck with the kids and we had to listen to them sing the songs until we left. Never can get too much Little Richard (well actually we could). We took tons of pictures and you can see some of them by clicking on the photo above. I mainly posted the ones with my kids. My brother, Stash, his wife, Krys, and their two kids, Sydney and Seth were with us. Also along was Drue's friend Cassia. She has made it in a couple of our blogs! We love you Cassia as one of ours.

I'm Back

Photo taken July 2009

Well, I have taken quite a break. Not intentionally, just been busy and haven't made time to blog. We are spending the summer in Anaheim, CA and I seem to have a little more time to get on the computer. Although, I do have a first grader on my right that needs attention at times!

I will blog about my summer and try to recap the last six months. I can hardly believe it has been that long. Posts will most likely not be in order of happenings, but in order of pictures uploaded.

Drue is 12

One more year and we have a teenager in our house. She won't let us forget that. On May 23rd our oldest turned 12. We celebrated once with lunch with her best friend Cassia at Chili's and once with dinner with Papa and Bro. Roger at Olive Garden. She received a laptop (for school) from her Dad and Papa in Florida.

She just completed sixth grade and is ready for Jr. High. It is so hard to believe she is that old. She is becoming such a wonderful young lady. She is a great big sister and helps us out more than she knows.

Lukie's Bike

I just realized that I never blogged Lukie's new bike and outfits. Lance braved the crowds the day after Thanksgiving for Lukas. He had outgrown his bike and needed a new one. We discovered that Wal-Mart had some for $29 and told him he could get one. Well, they were sold out by the time Lance got there and only had this really nice one for $50. Still not a bad deal. He also bought Lukas two new "work-out" suits, which Lukas absolutely loves. We should have bought seven of them. He would wear them everyday. These were his early birthday presents from us.

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Disclaimer: All poses are the sole idea of the persons in the picture.

My Chefs. The boys decided they would make the cake without the help of Drue because she and Cassia did not let them help when it was her birthday.

The finished product. The boys added ingredients and mixed the batter. Mom did the icing. They told me I should work at Sam's Club decorating cakes. Aren't they the sweetest boys!


THE BIRTHDAY BOY very happy that it is his birthday.
My sweet boys.

My "normal" boys. Don't let the first two pictures of them fool you.

Lukie and his Launa. Now these two are tight.

The very "posed" Drue and Lukas.

Lukas, Sam, Daniel and Bro. Roger at Jason's Deli. Papa and Nick also joined us for dinner, but Papa was taking the pictures and Nick was beside him.

Lukas in his shirt from Bro. Roger and knitting with his needles and yarn from Daniel.

Lukas learned to knit just a few days before this with two pencils and a shoe string. I would not buy him needles until he learned how to knit. I thought he was too young. Come to find out, he is too determined. Drue gives him lessons three days a week. He doesn't let her forget. (As a side note, I think Drue was "talking" on Launa's phone. Launa found it very entertaining and I didn't realize that she was in the picture. She will really appreciate this being on the internet in a few more years.)

10 years

PRAISE THE LORD! This month we celebrated our tenth anniversary. We worked all day, seperately, and then Lance and Lukas went to a friend's house for dinner. We were leaving in two days for Anaheim for a week (I will blog that later) and I had a ton of stuff to get done. However, while we were in Anaheim we went to Lance's favorite Korean restuarant and had some soup that I don't know how to spell, dumplings and lots of kimchi. He spent two months with some Korean brothers last year in Anaheim and this past summer I spent a week with a Korean family. We both grew to love Korean food and especially kimchi. We have yet to find good kimchi here in AZ and although I have been "told" how to make it, I cannot remember what she said and was never told amounts. We bought some extra and took it back to the hotel to enjoy for the rest of the week. (The point being, we did take some time to celebrate, with the kids of course!)

31

Well, today is my 31st birthday. I almost made it through this year without any birthday attention. Not that I mind being 31, I just don't like all the attention. The older I get, the less I like to be noticed. A huge change from my younger days! Lance is in California, Drue is in Florida and Sam and Launa do not have any concern with dates (except for their birthdays). However, my ever-needing-to-know-what-the-date-is son, Lukas, asked me yesterday, "What is the date today?" I said quickly, Dec. 30. He looked at me quickly and said, "Tomorrow is your birthday. Hey, tomorrow is Mom's birthday!" The secret was out. At least to those of us in the van. Anyway, it is our family tradition to go out to eat at your choice on your birthday. The kids quickly chose Jason's Deli, our new favorite place to eat (they have free ice cream). And, because Wed's are kids eat free night, I consented. No cake or candles, just a nice dinner out with three of my kids. We took these pictures the other night when we were bored. I let each kid use the camera. Launa never figured it out. We let her try at least twenty times. I told her she could try again when she is four. By the way, my Mom called while I was in the shower and all the kids were in the living room. She left a message of her traditional singing Happy Birthday and my Mema also left a message of her traditional singing the last verse of the Happy Birthday song while we were out, so I guess the secret would have been out sooner or later. Lance also called and woke me up this morning with his own rendition of Happy Birthday. I think he made it up on the spot and I don't think he could ever sing it again. It didn't really have a tune. It had some "Happy Birthday to you", "O Lord Amen Hallelujah", and "Praise the Lord". Kind of three songs in one. It was sweet none the less. He said he had just woken up too and wasn't even out of bed yet.

Figuring it out!

Hey, I am getting the hang of this blogging more and more. I just figured out how to get a nicer background. (Once again from Tiffany's blog.) I should be sleeping, but since I am up, I will update some of our very full December.

Thanks T

My dear blogging friend, but more importantly friend since 2nd grade (well, I haven't really seen her in almost 10 years, but that doesn't count) helped me to get a "shelfari" book shelf on my site. She has one and I always know what she is reading. What a person reads can allow you know them in a better way. She also gives reviews, maybe I can do that too. In fact, here is my first one:
The older kids and I are reading through the Bible. We started a while back at Genesis 1 and are somewhere in the beginning of Exodus. We do not really have an ending time goal, just want to get through it in a thorough way, trying to retain some of it along the way. We really enjoy it and it is a book I would recommend to everyone.

While trying to put this shelf on my blog I also learned how to add blogs that I read. I don't read a great variety, but am a faithful reader to those that I do read. It is really just a way for me to keep up with some friends from school and some that I have met along the way. I enjoy seeing their kids and how they are growing. I feel as if I am just as much a part of their lives now as I was in high school even though I haven't seen them since I left Florida.

Hiking

We discovered a cactus shaped like a Y. If you look over Lance's left shoulder you can see it in the distance. If you look at Sam, he is imitating it.

We have found that we really enjoy hiking. So we decided to do a little more of it. We even thought we should do some local hiking in between trips to Sedona. We go to Sedona to visit the state parks and hike at them. Anyway, we took the boys and Launa (Drue was at her friend's house) to Cave Creek, AZ to hike. We were hoping to see bugs, wild animals and some cool rocks. We found a few cool rocks, saw a praying mantis and few dogs. Afterward, we went to a horse riding place to see a teepee. As we approached the teepee we noticed that it was being inhabited by three donkeys. I did not go into the area with the donkeys, but Lance ventured in. The donkeys came out to greet us and I ran for the porch. I am of no help at all in times of danger. Lance and the kids soon followed. Sammie leading that pack. The owner told us that two of the three were friendly. We decided to stay on the porch. The biggest donkey came up to the steps and started making the most annoying "hee-haw, hee-haw" sound. The owner told us that he was hungry and he stopped making the noise as she opened the fridge. Smart donkey. She asked the kids if they wanted to feed the donkey a carrot. Sammie immediately said no, Lukas shook his head no, but Luana said she wanted to. She is so brave. After Lukas saw that Launa could do it he decided he would give it a try. Sammie still was not interested. We also saw miniature horses and regular horses. The kids did get to go inside the teepee after the donkeys went for a hike of their own.

She's Here!!!

We have been earnestly praying and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Eliana Lily for the past year. Our great friends, the Jengs, told us about their adopting of a daughter in China about a year ago. The day finally arrived and on Nov. 21 they came home. We were there with two other families to greet them at the airport. You can click on Eliana's name above to visit their blog.

Waiting.......

We can see them.......

Here they are!! YEAH!!!! After being gone for 3 weeks and24 hours of flying they are so happy to see everyone. Daniel is their 6 year old son. He and Lukie are best buds. (The one he plays hockey with)

Don't you love how the girls are "petting" Eliana. These two (Launa and Janelle) are also best buds. They had been talking about Eliana coming home for the three weeks they were in China. They are happy to have a new "best friend."

Another Orange Belt

Our newest Orange Belt

Samuel earned his orange belt in November. He did a great job. He had taken a little break so he is a month behind Lukas in earning belts. It actually works out well. Now Lukas feels like he needs to help his brother and Samuel is more open to taking instruction from Lukas.

Pictures of My Brothers

Kelly asked to see pictures of my brothers and I realized that I did not even take any of them while we were together for our family reunion. A family reunion and no pictures of my family! Imagine that. However, my mom and sister-in-law took care of me and emailed pictures they had taken.

This is our whole family (minus Krys who must have been taking the picture and Launa who must not have wanted to be in the picture).

Adults from left to right: Stash, Mom, Sheri, Lance, Dad, Erica and Stephen

Kids from left to right: Sydney, Seth, Lukas, Drue and Samuel

This is Stash's family when he was headed back to Iraq. This is Stash's family. I wanted to include a good picture of his wife since she skipped out on the first one. For those we went to school with, she used to be Krys Clemons and was, I believe, a year behind us.