skating party

Today the fourth graders went for a skating party followed by a day at the local park. Sara and Ruth have both learned to skate recently, and Sara has a very unique method, holding her feet about 3 feet apart from each other....it looks like she is constantly about to fall. This is a picture of Sara with Crystal who is a Sr. in High School. Crystal comes twice a week and works with Sara. Since Crystal plays basketball, Sara has decided that this is her goal too and we have signed her up for basketball camp.

They also had a great time at the park, having to avoid the puddles from last night's rain.

Chess/Swim lessons/new school

Today was very busy! After school Sara was in a chess tournament at school. She won all of her games, no surprise!

Then off to her first swimming lesson. She was so excited. She did well and blended in with the other much younger kids. She is putting her head under water and trying to swim to her instructor. Her Nana and Papa(aka Jeff's parents) worked with her while in Florida last month. Ruth is interested in furthering her swimming skills now.

After swim lessons we ran to pick up one of Sara's friends and we were off to the school that they will attend next year-5th grade. Sara had to ask the director two questions:

1) what time is lunch
2) do you have a chess club and can we play chess every day.

Lunch is at 11:30, yes there is a chess club, but it meets only once a week.
We are working out what type of class Sara will be in. She is too advanced for Newcomer's classes and too behind for mainstream, so I am waiting for a call back from the ESL coordinator at her new school.

Artist Ruth

Today was the showing of Ruth's artwork at school. She chose to take photos of her Grandmother's garden (my mother). My mother and father have green thumbs-my mother for flowers and my father for vegetables. Ruth took all the photos, mounted and framed them for the presentation. This is Ruth's art teacher with her.

Trip to Austin

Sara and her 4th grade class made a trip to Austin to tour the capital and the Bob Bullock museum. It was a long day. We had to be at school at 6:30 am to leave and they returned at 8:30 pm. On the way back they stopped at a host school and had pizza for dinner. Sara loved the chartered buses, complete with bathrooms. Ruth can not wait to get to 4th grade now.

Renaissance Festival

This weekend we went to the local Renaissance Festival. We spent all day and had so much fun. The girls even got to ride an elephant. This is our third year of going.

Easter

We drove to my parents for the Easter holiday to spend it with family. We took our new black puppy Cooper who will be allowed to return. My niece also took her dog Malory who also won an invitation to return, hopefully when there is not so much rain and mud outside to run around in before coming inside to mom's lt blue carpet....yikes!!!


It was a cold and wet weekend. We missed the snow at our house in N. TX. We ended up hiding the Easter eggs in the house and the kids had fun, especially since we hide MONEY inside the eggs...all college kids except ours and they always need money, and an incentive and what better than money.

9 years ago we got Ruth

Here is the first picture of our new family 9 years ago today when we adopted our daughter Ruth. She was all of 10 days old at the time. We flew two days with a lay over in Hawaii (lucky us) and landed the second day in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. We were greeted by Lena, the woman who ran the birthing house, and both given beautiful hand made lays, then taken to the birth house. We walked in and there was a tiny baby in a carrier on the table. That was our daughter and I cried like a baby. We were handed Ruth and then taken to the hotel. We had a few hours together as a family and then Ruth's birth mother came for a visit--it is an open adoption. We talked as much as we could and cried a little and just watched Ruth be cute. That night, being first time parents, we had heard how babies keep parents up all night, we were up all night waiting for her to cry and to make sure she was still breathing, but she slept all night long. this was the first and last all nighter for MANY months to come. That was on Monday, and on Wednesday, we went to court to finalize the adoption and run around and finish the paperwork. We were with another couple who adopted a little boy and we still keep in touch with them--hello Jonathan! On Friday, after a VERY tearful farewell, we were on the plane again for our 2 day trip home.

Ruth rides into the sunset

Today Ruth learned to ride a two wheeler bicycle. She tried a number of times unsuccessfully and we finally got her a scooter. With the she got the feel of balance and steering, without the fear of falling. Before school the girls get ready and then we have time to spare. We usually play Uno Attack, but this morning the girls wanted to ride in the driveway, so I move my van and open all the garage doors and off they go. Ruth thought she would try her bicycle one more time, and she was off. Now she loves it and wants to ride all the time. I am thrilled for her.

Mask it

For theatre Arts class Sara had to create and make a mask. With a little help from dear old mom and the Paper Mache recipe from my sister Chris, we got the mask done. Sara painted it, arranged the yellow feathers, and chose the diamonds to adorn it. Here is a picture of Sara with her teacher.

12 yr wedding anniv

Today is Jeff and my 12th wedding anniversary. We had met on a blind date 10 months earlier. We have faced many things together, some good and some bad. We now have survived two international adoptions and have 2 beautiful daughters, lost many pets and family members, survived one move. We now know all about coordinating carpools and birthday parties, and are learning how to deal with two kids who do not always love each other...LOL! I love you Jeff!!!

birthday slumber party of 4

Today after soccer, we had 3 of Ruth's friends over for a birthday party extravaganza. First we went to see The Last Mimzy. It was very interesting and appropriate for the girls. I think very young children would not get it and may be frightened. The girls enjoyed junk food to their hearts delight. Sara and Jeff even enjoyed the movie.

We got home and the girls played outside, some on the swing, some in the tree house, some roller skated. They were all gracious and let Sara party along with them...Ruth is a great little sister. Then it was Pizza time and they all ate in the tree house, followed by more play until it was too dark outside-do you see I was trying to wear the out!!! Then they watched a little TV then it was birthday cake and party time. Then a little movie time and then craft time.

We made the foam sun visors and applied a lot of stick-0n foam shapes. The big hit was the glow in the dark paint. Then upstairs for the evening. Sara played on the computer and the girls giggled and watched TV. I set the room up for them to all sleep on the floor. Sara came to bed in our room at 11:00. Jeff said they got up about 11:30 for snacks. The next morning, I found out the did not go to sleep until 3:00! Augh, the making of a good party. Then I filled them with sugary donuts and sent them home!!!!

Skating along

The girls feed on each other and teach each other so very much. Today Sara finally got the standing up part of roller skating, quickly followed by little sister Ruth. They had spent so much time on the ground that I thought they needed butt pads. Thanks to my nieces for handing down their old roller skates. They are a little big-by about 4 shoe sizes, but as usual this does not slow down the girls.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH-9

Today is my little Ruth's birthday and she is 9! Today I had lunch with her and took her the littlest birthday cake..sorry we ate it before I got a picture.

CANDY MACHINE

Today Ruth's 3rd grade glass had to present their Wonka Candy Invention. This is a gifted class and the imagination in these kids is awesome! I always stay for all of their presentations, and actually learn something from their independent studies. Ruth's invention-Super-Duper Crazy Nerds-Coated With Fun and Laughter- took blue candy, a pulley pulled it up into a funnel and as it traveled through a tube, it turned the candy yellow and popped it out at the end. She included nutritional facts on the back ie: vitamins F,U, and N. She said no Trans-giggles because it was not good for the funny bone. This girl is too funny!

Oh- they are ready Willy Wonka and sturying simple machines which is how this project came to be.

Spring Break to Florida

Are we there yet were the first words I heard as we backed down the driveway for our 10 day tour of the south....it was from my dh Jeff!!!! The girls settled in with their DVD player and their 10 DVD's-I guess they thought it was going to be a short ride!- and off we went. First night we stayed with Jeff's Uncle Joe. It was my first meeting as well as the girl's and we had a great time. Uncle Joe has a dog named Sheba who was adorable. We spent the night and were off the next day, Sunday, for Clearwater and to Jeff's parents. We arrived in time for one of many wonderful meals. The next day, we were off to the beach for some sea shell hunting. While there we saw a number of dolphins in the distance having a great time jumping around. The girls made a haul with the shells!



Though it was cold, the girls went swimming and Nana and Papa were teaching Sara to swim. They helped to teach Ruth many years ago. NO! I did not get into the pool---way too cold for me, but the hot tub was just right.


On wednesday we drove SE 4+ hours to visit friends we made in Nanchang. Angel and Rodney adopted Gracie, who turned 1 in Jan. They also have 3 wonderful boys, the oldest Chase stayed with us last year. Sara and Gracie were inseperable just like in China. We went to a build-a-bear birthday party for their friend's little girl, and that evening we all went out to an Irish Pub for a great meal.

On Friday we left for a 2+ hour North to surprise Sara's orphanage friend Mailia. Sara and Mailia were in the SWI together and both came home the same time, meeting up in Guangzhou. We did not tell the girls about the surprise and Sara and Ruth thought we were heading back to NANA and PAPA's house....glad they can not read a map yet.


Oh yea....Sara taught Ruth how to blow a bubble. I have learned that if the girls are busy blowing bubbles, they are too busy to talk....we will ALWAYS cary bubbl gum on long tripe hehehe

Horors, and taking the Fifth

It has been a while...but we are back and running. Both girls got on the A/A-B honor roll and we are very proud of them. Soccer practice is in full swing. One evening we practice at their school, so we take Sara's bike and some friends meet her and they ride for the time. Ruth's soccer skills are amazing!

On Saturday after an early practice, the winds kicked up to 50 mph and we suddenly had west Texas in our laps. We lost some shingles, power went out everywhere, and we could hardly see to drive. We ordered new windows for the home, maybe these will keep west TX out of the house.

Last Sunday miss Sara was a bear and so I saddled her with her dad...hahaha! I went with Ruth's 3rd grade class to see the movie Bridge to Terabithia...not so sure I would have taken her if I had viewed it first. I thought it was a bit mature for an 8 year old, but I guess kids grow up fast. Jeff grilled and Sara was so excited that she insisted I take a number of photos. We had a picnic outside and enjoyed the day.

The girls are also planning ahead for the trip to their grandparents and we had to go get new swimsuits.

Monday I got the call from school, and I was not sure which one would be coming home since Ruth had been feeling bad too.....it was Sara. She has Fifth disease, usually a childhood virus that includes cheeks that look like thy have been slapped, though not an original name! She slept for two days, got to visit the doctor, and back to school on Wednesday in time for school pictures-rosy cheeks and all. Also able to attend her teacher's birthday celebration.

Yesterday we got a radiant barrier sprayed in the attic, ridge vents installed, and more insulation added....planning for the 110 summer! Last night was open house and the book fair. Both girls were proudly showing off their school work and Ruth bought 3 books, Sara 3 fancy erasers....I hope she is not NEEDING this many era seres, but is only thinking they are cool!

Tonight is soccer practice, followed by a high school girl's soccer game. Tomorrow is the first game, followed by a trip to my sister Lisa's home, followed by a quick drive back to town for a sleep over for Ruth....always on the go.

Wild animals, and children

Today was a beautiful day and we spent it with our friend Tami and her daughter Lauren-Jeff had to work. First we went to the Rain tree Cafe to eat. They also got balloon animals made..Sara a rabbit, Ruth a tiger, and Lauren a monkey. Then to the park for bike/scooter riding. Ruth is doing very well on her new scooter...not ready for the bike yet.

Today Lauren and Ruth taught Sara how to hula hoop---very funny to watch. Sara has also lovingly taught Ruth to play the flute from school. For each song the learn, they get another colored bead, so once Ruth learned all three beady, we tied a string with beads onto her flute. They were both very proud, and I was very proud of both of them.

CNY and Daddy/Daughter Dance

Today was the first time we each had to take one girl and go our separate ways. This morning Ruth had soccer practice...I watched from the car most of the time because it was cold and VERY windy. Shortly after I left with Ruth, Jeff took Sara to the Asian Market, then downtown for the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration at a museum was holding. They had a great time with crafts, snacks, watching martial arts exhibit, listening to music, and actually being in the parade, complete with dragons! While they were still there, Ruth had a birthday party and another town and she was delivered to the home for a carpool-thank you- and will be returned. They rode hosed, did a cookout, and had a great time.

Then both girls and Jeff were home....Jeff grilled some dinner quickly because we had 30 minutes to eat and Jeff and the girls attend the local Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart dance. As you can see, the girls have a very sophisticated sense of fashion, and Jeff looks great too! They did a lot of dancing and Sara won a door prise.

sleeping, or not!

While saying our nightly prayers in Sara's room, Ruth noticed how warn her bed was, thanks to an electric blanket, and decided that she would share the bed with her. This lasted a few days and they were both thrilled...like a slumber party!

Nothing like waking up in the morning and mom being there with a camera! Do not even TRY to do this to me and assume you will live...because I am not so beautiful the first few minutes each day.

"I know how to make a baby mommy!"

Jeff and I and the girls were spending time together Friday night and Sara announced that she knew how to make babies-she is 10. Well, maybe she does. She giggled and ran upstairs as I wondered if I needed to have a talk with her. A little later I went upstairs and she had made a baby, out of her clothes--life size. Apparently this is how they made their play dolls at the orphanage. Sara's baby spent the night with the girls, on the floor on a pillow with a blanket. The next day Ruth jumped right into it and made a baby too. They are so creative and I have to learned to listen to ALL that Sara has to say before I have to jump to a conclusion...she almost got an education that she may not be ready for. I did explain to the girls that it is best NOT to tell their teachers or friends that they know how to make a baby, but how to make a doll. I do not want calls from school for from other parents!

Valentine's Day & Chests

Happy Valentine's day. I woke to two dozen flowers, some red roses and some mixed, both beautiful. When I opened the frig, there was a bag with a necklace and pendant. Today we had parties at school.

We also received and opened the wooden chests ordered while in Guangzhou. One set was damaged and we are awaiting a visit from an adjuster. This one is a set of seven, you are seeing the three largest....and the girls are already fighting ove them.

Culture Parade-school

Our school is studying different cultures this month. On Monday Sara got to talk on the school intercom saying Hi, how are you in Chinese. On Tuesday Ruth did the same phrase in Marshallese-Yokwe.

Today was the culture parade. Children researched their heritage and made a parade through the school representing their culture. It was all lead by a Chinese dragon for Chinese New Year-18th.
Note Ruth's dress is home made and she is holding the Marshalese Flag and a basket from he country. Sara is wearing an outfit we bought her in Guangzhou and is holding an unbrella she chose there also. Today was a very cold day and they quickly changed to warmer clothes after the parade, plus the fact that Ruth does NOT like wearing dresses and I would NOT let Sara wear white Satin any longer than necessary..the child is a mess.

Science Fair

Today after soccer practice, we went back to school to see the presentation of the 4th grade science fair. Sara (mom) got 6th place for her classroom. Her first question was, why no 1st place-this girl is competitive! The projects were judged by the University of TX professor and three of his students. On the side, Sara's teacher said that Sara (mom) actually got first but the teacher explained that Sara got a lot of help, so they switched her to sixth out of 22---not too shabby.