Prichardsix

31 days of January

2012-01-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

Favorite January Photo

2012-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Looking back through January here is my favorite photo of the month. Two of my favorite cowboys!

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

Our Sunday snapshop includes Girl Scouts cookies. Definitely a sign of our last week! We haven't bought ours yet but they are so tempting with all those cookies in our house.

Brianna our little seller!

Struggling and Carrots

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Years ago when I started this blog it was to focus on adoption and waiting for our son to come home. Now as I blog I walk that tight rope of knowing what to keep within our walls and what to tell. For some time now life has been a little rough around the edges here. A time as has come to admit to myself that I need help and the tools I have for parenting are not always enough.

I have come to learn that sometimes kids hurt in ways that we can't understand, but in order to give them wings to eventually fly we have to get tools to make that happen. In ways it feels like failing as a parent to ask for help and yet knowing that in the long run we will all be better off.

One of the greatest places of solace that I have found with Andy since he came home is out in the garden. He, like me, loves to get his hands in the dirt and grown plants. Yesterday we dug out carrots and boy did we find many treasures.

So just like the carrots we dug we will continue to dig deeper into this little boy. For he is one of my greatest treasures in life.

For more great Friday photos click the button below to "The Long Road to China"

January Days

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

January days mean a lot of time inside for us. Everyone has their own activities going during the day. The girls finally pulled out their Barbies to spend a little time playing...they got Andy to attend their play wedding as Ken.

I have had a little time to knit this winter and finish some long awaited projects.

Riley loves to create and spent some time making salt dough which would eventually become a cub scout project.

I bought some cherries this summer and finally decided it was time to make a pie. I am not really the pie maker of the family..that is my sisters job...but at least it didn't run all over our plates.

Katie is always creating. It takes very little supplies to make her mind go into create mode.

January Days..sometimes they feel cozy and some days cramped, but always feel like family.

Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year from our home to yours.

I was hoping to get both Andy and Katie in this as the Korean New Year is also happening. Katie however has been not feeling good and wasn't up for Mom's pictures today. We plan to make some Chinese food this weekend and celebrate two countries that gave us so much.

Reading

2012-01-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Reading has become a favorite pastime to many in this family. It has always been one of mine and now it seems to be rubbing off on others. Watching Andy sit here and read is amazing. When he came home he could not sit, he was constant energy. Now he is mostly energy but does sit and look at books quit a bit. Ignore the bear in his mouth, he has a smelling sensation with them, but is one of his favorite reading buddies.

Riley may pass me up this year in pages read! He is a book worm.

Katie is our newest reader. She too seems to love it. I have to say many times a day I make deals with myself like just one more load of laundry and then you get one chapter, or just fifteen minutes and you can then clean the bathroom. To have more book "escape" artists in our house makes my heart happy!

Look at my new page on this blog..keeping track of books I have read just to see my final 2012 count.

Stock Show

2012-01-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

A trip to the Western Stock Show. A rodeo and then some animal seeing. Most kids did great...some liked it better than others but all asked to go again. Some continue to play with little cowboy men. Continually telling us we are not playing correctly:)

Andy and nephew Sam were the most excited. They were so cute and the goat isle held the most excitement..never mind the owner who didn't want Andy "baaaing" at her sheep! What's a Mom to do.

Gotcha Day for Miss Katie

2012-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Katie's Gotcha Day. Five years home with us. Amazing as we remember the first pictures we saw, first kisses, and all the memories we have from then on. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms and feel her heart to mine.

A photo of Katie in Korea. This was very near to the time we meet her. She was so loved by her foster family.

Miss Katie we love you so much. My heart and prayers will always be with your birth Mom. You are amazing and we love you to pieces.

Sunday Snapshot

Baby Shower Preparations

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

We were helping to plan a baby shower...the girls were so excited. They spent all week planning what they would wear. I don't think they really got the concept of a shower but they loved the prep work!

They made if very clear this was a thing to do with just Mom and no boys were to be allowed!

They had a great time there and loved helping in anyway they could. We even made a feeble attempt at a diaper cake:)

Everlasting Friendship

2012-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Twelve years ago we meet our friends Brian and Julie. Many years later, kids, and all of life changes still finds us with a friendship that will stand the test of time. We don't live by each other anymore but keep in contact many times a week and look forward to our times together. How much fun we have and how it seems like we can just pick up where we left off! CAN'T wait until we see them again!

Miss Lauren

Miss Katie doing a lot of swimming at our "usual" hotel which is our halfway meeting spot.

Have a kid or two???

Andrew is at every event just being Andy:)

Railyn Michelle

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Railyn was the last of our nieces to have her pictures take by me. I took these right before Thanksgiving and then never sorted through them. She is a doll. Has Uncle Brian right where she needs him.

I have never meet a child that is as easy going as Railyn is. She might just be the definition of peace.

Terrible Two's----I think not:)

Christmas Memories

2012-01-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have just now gone through Christmas pictures. Seemed like a crazy two weeks with so much going on. One of my favorites parts of Christmas morning crepes with chocolate!

Riley is the oldest and was the most excited on Christmas morning!

Holidays seem to be very hard for Andrew. Way to much excitement and sensory overload it seems. This was a sweet moment with his Dad and a moment of calm.

My sister and brother in law aboard the "Santa Express" . That was a crazy experience to say in the least.

My favorite Christmas photo of niece Railyn.

My two sisters with the awesome hats Tam made. We were all busy "creating" this season!

Christmas morning. Now life is back to normal. Kids back to school today and Brian back to work. The holidays bring their own special memories but regular life is good also!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Prichards. Wishing you all a day filled with peace and love!

Sledding

2011-12-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

We had Brian's parents for our Christmas celebration last weekend. A highlight of the weekend was new sleds and snow to try them out on. Even Katie who normally does not like snow had a ball!

Grandma Prichard with our cute cousin Alexa!

I can still hear in my mind Brianna laughing as she went down the hill. If only I can remember that laugh in years to come:)

Snow Fun

2011-12-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a white Christmas our house would be the place to come. So much snow this week and after so many hours inside the cousins and our kids had to get out and play!

Day two of the storms!

Cousin Abby working very hard for Aunt Teri

Riley Lynn lives for this weather...says he is moving to Alaska one day!

Visiting Santa

2011-12-15T08:32:00.000-08:00

A moment to see the man from the North. I was so hoping for a picture of the four but Katie was very scared of Santa until the end. Some believe and some do not but all were willing to participate!

Giving Back

2011-12-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest values I hope to pass on to our children is to give back. It seems this time of year brings out the "I wants" to an extreme point. For awhile I can take it and then I had to shut down the "I wants" and try to create the giving feeling in the house. As one of our actions to give back each child picked an angel from the angel tree. I have to say in the shopping trip with all four "shopping" I wasn't sure my point was getting across to them but I am sure hoping so.

Snow Day and Decorating

2011-12-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite decorations. Brings back memories of my Grandma.

Due to our weather we had a snow day this week which proved the perfect time to decorate. The kids all did very well doing this. It is fun to see where all the ornaments are hung and how the levels of them change from year to year as they grow!

Tree Hunting

2011-12-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind in posting some pictures. Last weekend we went on our annual tree hunt at our friends house. We had plenty of snow to join us this year! Always a very fun day with friends!

Once again Andy got to carry the saw..maybe as our way to insure he would follow along "joyfully"!

Brianna loved her time with friends and did well in the cold...and it was cold!

We found our tree!

Fall

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

I know more pictures...or so my kids say. Couldn't pass this one up. All four with the same sweatshirts from Indiana. My parents had gone there this fall and brought these back and I horded them until this fall break. That is so they would be nice and clean for these pictures!

I am thankful for...

2011-11-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

Friendship

Memories

Family

Happiness

Creativity and Health

National Adoption Month

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

November a month to be thankful, a month to reflect, and for us a month to think about how our little ones came to be part of our family. This is National Adoption Month. Both of our five year old came in different ways to us. Different backgrounds, different counties but both needing a family. My heart is passionate about adoption. I would adopt again and again if I could. This is not to say it has always been easy. I remember when Andy came the rejection I felt as a Mom to not be able to console him. I remember about learning about cleft lip and walking our way through surgery and starting speech therapy. Katie is asking more questions and they are not easy to answer for truly we don't know the answers. I have learned that love of the heart is wide and deep. My love for these two is no different than that of Riley and Brianna. It is an amazing love. I write this for the person out there thinking of adoption. It is a ride that is so worth it all. For us who have adopted there is that little pull in our hearts telling us to keep going forward. It is at night when I kiss them in there warm cuddly beds knowing how many children worldwide received no kiss tonight. For that reason alone I will always be passionate for kids who need somewhere to call home and family.

Veterans Day

2011-11-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

For Veterans Day the Cub Scouts went to the Veterans home to deliver cards, snacks, and most important some hugs and ears to listen to stories of the past. All of our family got to go on this outing which meant a lot. I loved the feeling of our kids giving back.

It was interesting to watch the kids reactions at the Veterans home. Andy who is a wild man was very reserved. Katie too was very nervous there. Made me realize we have to do these things more often. Brian and I used to go and visit older people many times before we had kids and as life got harder we quit. A great reminder this was to me on Friday. The stories Riley came back with were amazing. How many thanks yous we owe all those who served and serve today.

More Niece Time

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our niece Alexa came to visit....baby time!!!! I couldn't wait to try out some photo time on her!

She had on her ballet outfit just for Aunt Teri.

The oldest and the youngest cousin. Riley was really good with her!

Precious!

I know these sweet days once existed in our house...how fun to have again for a time!

Seriously Aunt Teri I have had enough:)

Mini Me- Miss Abby

2011-11-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Our neice Miss Abby and I went on a very cold morning to take some pictures. I call Abby "Mini Me" as she reminds me of myself in many ways. She has that look in her blue eyes that says she will get to the place she intends in her own style and way. She has an energy that makes most tired I am sure!

It was great fun to have one on one time with Abby. We had some fun discussions in that priceless five year old way!

When Abby gets upset she has this look...and oh how hard it is not to giggle! Those blue eyes can really shine!

I feel so blessed to have the chance to spend this time with her and to hopefully watch her grow up, because I know what that look of determination means...I have seen it in my own eyes!

Candy Apples

2011-10-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

For some reason I had a desire to make candy apples with the kids. They all had a ball making them and we had carmel everywhere. I thought it was funny they were ok with their apples not being completely covered:)

Just a little tasting for Katie!

Those spoons are just irresistible says Miss Bri.

The finished product. We all decided these apples were more fun to make than to eat!

Snow

2011-10-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

Our first snow storm of the year...Andy could not wait to be out there. He played and played. When we got Andy this dog I wasn't so sure but seeing them playing out there today reinforced that we made the right decision.

Exploring...

I finally got him to sit for minute. Flip flops yesterday...snow today equals Colorado!

Nephew Time

2011-10-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Our nephew Sam came to visit. We were all excited! So this morning when everyone was at school for awhile him and I headed to the lake for some photos. It had turned very cold up there and he was tired of Aunt Teri but we did get some shots!

I know Sam and I both wish I could be a little faster at getting these!!

I love this one...what a cutie he is!

This is our Kenny Chesney shot!

Sam had just turned 4 and loved his new hat he received for his birthday!

After we were all done and cold we went to the cafe for some very yummy cinnamon rolls!!! Loved this one on one time with Sammy!

Harvest

2011-10-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

It was time. The weather has turned and even though a deep frost was not to happen it was time to gather everything in from the garden. So my crew and I got to work...how nice to have eight hands to help. They all worked very diligently...and how fun to pick those green tomatoes that I had been on them all summer about NOT picking:)

So the garden is mostly gone to bed for the winter minus our potatoes and carrots...we will save them for another day. I will miss the garden and all it gives us..easy meals and a place to find peace. Andy (my main gardener) and I will be ready with seeds soon enough!

Applesauce

2011-10-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer I do a lot of canning...and for the most part love it...not so much with applesauce. Of course it is one of our favorites in the year so it was time to make some this year.

So I enlisted some help this year...and for the most part they did a lot of helping.

After all they all love to eat all those peels that come off and then dry the rest for later snacks!

I have to say I am glad applesauce is done but when the snow flies how good it will taste.

Apple Day

2011-10-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Apple Day in the town where I grew up...

It was my kids turn to ride in my Dad's Model A in the parade with him.

After a wait it was our turn. Don't blink or it would be over...but we all loved it...with a free apple along the way.

I love this part of the car...a rusted pin showing a little town where much family history happened.

American Pride

Apple Day is a social event where I grew up. This year there was a big freeze which took away the apple crop but never the less a day to celebrate. We felt so privledged that Dad had wanted us to ride with him this year. I remember riding with my Grandfather so wanted the same for my kdis. They were a tired group of kids and enjoyed a hanging out time with Grandma.

Prichard Happenings

2011-09-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Fall came fast with a lot of acitivty around here! A season of soccer is in the works...three of four playing!

Riley loves this game...and plays so hard!

Fall comes and I become a squirrel. Trying to squeeze in the last minute canning. Peaches from Palisade are a family favorite. Palisade was our first home as a married couple. I have to say these hold a special place in my heart. Our marriage grew in the early years right next to peach trees of Palisade.

Andy is my helper. Brian calls us the farmers around here!

A fast chance to enjoy the beauty of fall. A calming moment!

The kids ready for "Purple" day at school. They do make my life crazy busy but what they give back is more than life itself. How happy they look...and no life it not like that all the time...but on a whole we are living life as full as we can!

Family Weekend Away

2011-09-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

A weekend away with the whole family...Grandma with her whole crew! We were so lucky to stay in the mountains and just enjoy each other.

My two sisters just hanging out. My amazing friends!

Aunt Teri and Railyn on our "hike" She loves her Mommy but I stole her for awhile!

Our newphew Sam so reminds me of "Woody" in Toy Story in his favorite hat!

Our own personal pool for the weekend...they swam and swam!

Railyn Michelle-what a doll and the baby of the family!

2011-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Andy....couldn't get this to post earlier...but one could not leave out Mr. Cool!

Thinking

2011-09-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

For the past week I have been thinking about these shoes. These are Miss Bri's sparkle shoes. Apparently these are the "hot" item of the year as I find myself looking at the ground as I walk through the school. Lucky for Bri she has a Grandma who was willing to indulge her:) So I was thinking about what was popular when I was in first grade? I don't know...can I even remember 1st grade...very little if at all. I remember fads later on...after all Michael Jackson did hit the scene at 5th grade. It is just funny to think of these shoes that she so treasures and realize that in years to come she just may hardly remember them! So just a thought after apparently walking too much with my head down at school....

Hot times

2011-09-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

It is hot so on an afternoon waiting for the bus it was time to run through the sprinklers. Even though school is on it still feels like time to play.

Miss Kate even liked the water better than her bro Andy. Very unusal. We have just made it through two weeks of Brian being gone for school. Tomorrow we will pick him up and we will all be glad to see a new face.
Time to capture some pictures of Bri and Riley, you can tell they are gone more now.

Andy at 5

2011-08-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Our Andrew at five. He wanted his pictures at Papa and Grandma's house. A perfect setting for him!

What a ham he can be! That watch is huge...but Riley has one so he aspires to be like his big bro!

Our little cowboy...I don't know where life will take him but I have huntches it will be in the great outdoors!

He loves animals...and had to have Grandma and Papa's dog in some pictures! His puppy was less than interested in these shots. So really any dog will do and a couple dog kisses are always a favorite of Andy's. Now to wonder why my allergies are always out of control:)

5 year old pictuers

2011-08-28T17:31:00.001-07:00

Time for Miss Katies 5 year old pictures. How sweet she is. I have said it before but she is my calm in the storm. You can just feel how she takes life as it goes. She is amazing! She wasn't too excited about these pictures but ended up doing ok with them!

2011-08-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

2011-08-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Camping

2011-07-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

Andrew Xiao Tong loves to be outdoors! He found this "log" as his Dad said to carry around and did it up and down the mountain!

A camping trip would end out vacation week. We would hike to this beautiful waterfall. I remember a day we couldn't all make it to the top...this time the journey was short.

Our four they are quite the hikers. It seems so peaceful on those trails!

Our little girl growing up so fast. This picture is funny because they all commented on how many freckles I have...just goes to show most days I am in makeup:)

Katie showing her adventurous side. Not really her personality but who could resist those big rocks!

Yes Riley is nine, yes he is going into fourth grade but he still loves his Mom. He may not like me posting this picture in time but I couldn't resist. Wasn't it just yesterday that I held this boy who weighed a mere 4 lbs in my hands...now he stills my heart!

Camping was family fun and Mom even managed to get a C grade out of the deal. Not really my thing but family time is priceless!

Vacation

2011-07-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

A new camera plus four kids equals a little tough to get a good picture of them. They don't have much time to wait for Mom especially when all the butterflies were flying over our heads. So for now the four of them!

Vacation

2011-07-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

A little American Girl time for Miss Brianna. This was a carryover from her birthday as this is what she had asked for! Have to say the little girl in me loves it too!

Vacation

2011-07-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Some tarantula time for Andrew. Went to the Butterfly Pavilion which had a little something for everyone. He wasn't quite brave enough to hold her:)

Vacation time

2011-07-04T15:38:00.001-07:00

A start of vacation at the Rockies game. It was hot! Kids basically liked it especially after Mom and Dad wised up in the 6th inning and got icees for everyone!

Brianna is 7

2011-07-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Brianna's 7th Birthday today. She could hardly wait and was counting down the days until today. It was a day filled with all she desired. Breakfast of donuts...a rare treat...a family party of bowling...and then a dinner of her choice with homemade strawberry ice cream. Most important a day to enjoy her and marvel in all that she has become. A girl growing so fast she will pass me in height very soon, a girl with the biggest heart I know, and a girl who makes me remember the days gone past with a wonder of what is to come. So very loved.

2011-07-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Brianna's 7th Birthday!

2011-07-02T19:56:00.001-07:00

Brianna and Katie together in the summer heat. They have very opposite personalities so get along really well.

Black and White Wednesday Andy Gotcha Day!

2011-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Our handsome boy three years home....we are so blessed!

Gotcha Day

2011-06-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Three years ago Andrew became our son. I had waited so long it seemed for this day. I prayed for him and hoped to hold him soon. Seems like a lifetime ago now as I can't imagine my life without him . As with any change in life we have had our ups and downs and changed in so many ways. They had always told us he was active and that has certainly been true. I give him the credit for keeping his Mom's stamina up. At first Andy would only want Brian and how my heart ached. I longed for him to call me Mom and want me to "make it better". It took some time and lots of persistence in showing him he was home and loved him forever. Now many times I can find him on my leg saying "Mama" his name he alone calls me. I can only imagine what his mind thought on those first days and how much pain he felt. China is on his mind a lot and he talks about it. We always vow to go back one day and help the "Andy's" that are left for they all need someone to call Mama.

Fishing

2011-06-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

This week we got to go fishing with Grandma and Papa. Went to a fun little pond and the kids all liked it. Some are more fisherman than others but all have fun outside. We are so blessed with Grandparents that want to spend time with us and be a part of our kids lives. They love their time with them and I will forever hold these memories close to my heart. These are the days summer break is about...

2011-06-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Fishing Trip

2011-06-11T21:36:00.001-07:00

2011-06-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Baseball the name of the game right now in our house. It was a full weekend of baseball and everyone is seeming to like it. Riley is playing 10 and under this year basically the kids are pitching now. It is a learning experience for everyone including coach Brian. More pictures to come on our little T-Ball players.

Birthday

2011-06-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I turned 37 and my little sister turned 31. Memories come back of 1980 when she was born and when we found out we had another June 4th birthday in the family. She was the perfect gift for me a new baby to hold and help with. Then as we grew I would always think of June 4th as our special day one that made us unique. This birthday was also shared with my cousin. This would be the first year he would not be with us. Even though many years ago family and distance made it so we didn't spend the day together he was always close to my heart especially on this day. I believe he is with God and in painless peace but that didn't fill the hole his absence left yesterday. I know to be thankful for life and goodness both my sister and I have in our lives and I know my cousin would want this too.

May

2011-06-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

May was a very crazy month so here is my catch up for the past hoping to post more in the future! We finished school each with a good year behind them. Tears for missed teachers on the last day and words the "best teacher" came from their lips. A time for transition as we get used to new schedules. A time for end of year programs, field day, and a couple of field trips. Life is flying by as I want it to stand still. Took a wonderful photography class to learn even more how to capture these moments. So very fun! Now on to June and all it will bring!

Mothers Day

2011-06-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

May

2011-06-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

A trip to Bents Fort. It was a great day for this, we had a wonderful guide and learned so much!

Catching up on May!

2011-06-02T20:31:00.001-07:00

A birthday party for our niece Railyn. What a sweetie she is...so loved by all!

New scooters!

2011-05-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

New scotters for the summer and they seem to love them! Quite a few crashes but they all get up and try again. I even tried it myself and liked it!

Riley

2011-05-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Riley at 9. Is this a pre-teen shot? I am taking a photography class and he was less than excited to be my subject:) He is changing and starting to "challenge" us! A good kid though and doesn't matter how big he gets he will always be one of my favorite subjects!

Ballet-girls

2011-05-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

We just had our ballet performance last weekend. The girls all did so good. So fun to have both my girls dance and my niece also got to join us! While learning to dance Katie is trying out those roller skates...a girl always on the go!

2011-04-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

A new family photo for us. A little tough to get with everyone but it is us all in all!

Easter Fun

2011-04-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

The beauty of Easter comes in so many forms. We spent the weekend at Grandma and Papa's. Lots of kids with tons of activity and energy. We loved it even if we are very tired tonight! I had a chance to take some pictures of all my Dads plants that he cares for so dearly! What gift for me to do. The kids were all so cute today and even if some are getting older you can still see the excitement in their eyes!

2011-04-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

All of us girls were at one of my scrapbook workshops this past weekend. This was the first time we all did this together and it was so much fun. Plus we usually are finding we only take pictures of kids so this is great to have one of us!

Riley and Mom

2011-04-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Riley and Mom just being. Right before school I thought Riley needed to be with me for the picture of the day which is my goal this year. Riley is so much like me that I can just feel where he is coming from or what his motives are. Mostly they are some time to be alone in his world of star wars, reading, and a little brother and sisters that make it challenging at times. He will be in 4th grade next year which seems wild to me. Right now girls are gross and even though I tell him one day that will change he is not buying it...fine by me:) He is my right hand guy which has its good and bad points but hopefully one day the good outweighs the bad.

New to blog

2011-04-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi

Ok I am slowly figuring this out but if you would like to follow my blog via email please sign up on the right. Then when I post you will recieve an email notifying you.

More pictures today... I hope!

2011-04-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air! We are loving it. Even got a foot of snow that was very wet. Part of the garden is already planted and we are ready to eat out of there! These are flowers from Dad's garden which is always fun to go to!

2011-04-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

A whole bunch of Snow Whites, a cowboy and a dragon went to see Disney on Ice. How funny it was to see those boys with all of these "princesses". It was a fun show! Riley, Dad, Uncles and Papa went skiing, there was no way Riley was going to attend this event!

2011-03-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Riley not so ready for my picture right after schoo! Andy and Katie were playing even if we were having a little rough time:) My lavendar so ready for spring just like me!

2011-03-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ok so I received a new camera for Christmas and I love it. Want to learn and learn more! So anyway I am trying to learn it. Here we have a little beauty shop going on. Our brother Riley was so nice to go along in the game and he was glad the Oh la la shop had some star wars reading! The carrots we found as a surprise when getting the garden ready! Should have seen those little ones, so last years carrots were for dinner that night:)

Happy Birthday Riley

2011-03-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

Happy 9th Birthday Riley. You are an amazing kid. Dad and I are so proud of you for the type of person you are becoming. We got to spend your birthday with your friend Ben and his family. You had so much fun. We remember well the day you were born and how excited we were to be parents. You have taught us a lot about parenting but more about life. We are excited to see what this next year brings and always remember you are loved and were always wanted!

Any

2011-03-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

Our New Neice

2011-03-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

On March 2nd we became an Aunt and Uncle again. Brian's sister Lisa had Alexa Marie. She is such a cutie with a ton of black hair. Everyone is doing is well. We are so excited to welcome her in to our family and look forward to spending time with her.

My cousin

2011-02-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Febuary has been a month of grief and loss in our family. My cousin and Godfather passed away this month after a long fight with cancer. He fought it to the bitter end and had many years of living in these past years. He was 50 years old way to young and with that comes many questions of why. He farmed my grandparents land and loved it out there. I figure God needed a farmer to help him out. He loved farm work and his family. Their raw pain is very hard to see. He left a hug imprint on this earth which was shown by all who came to his memorial. For me personally he was one of those people in my childhood who made me feel special. He took his role as my Godfather seriously, then again that is a common trait him and I shared was being very serious:) He and I along with my sister shared the same birthday. That was three first cousins all on the same day. That is a day I am dreading but believe he is in heaven and pain free at last. It is best to remember how people lived and he lived as God would want us to. We will always miss you.

2011-02-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy month and we are trying to catch up. The kids are busy at school and after weeks of snow days and late starts we are trying to get it all back together. I don't think winter is done but it sure does feel like the days to start looking at seed catalogs. I am busy teaching ballet dances for our annual performance and for the first time figuring out costumes for all those little bodies. Friday all four of them went to the dentist. Now that is a time to be had. Crazy trying to figure how who needs what and where we are all at. Good new we all got a clean bill of teeth health!:) A windy and cold weekend but a chance to do what needed to be done and a little of what we want to get done!

Catching up

2011-02-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

2011-02-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Moment so Jan

2011-02-01T10:29:00.001-08:00

Feb here already...where did Jan go. It was a quite month really but then again is it really ever quite here? We were glad to get into routine and even got a couple of snow storms. Today in fact it is freezing outside. Figures since we just planted seeds in the greenhouse. Can't help it last week it was in the 60's here! Kids played outside without socks or shoes. Katie has a serious dislike for socks:) Riley is busy working on his first science fair experiment. Wanted to build a flying car but that was more than his Mom's mind could help him figure out so he will need to do that in the coming years. Big kids went skiing for the first time this year. Now it is back in there blood it seems there will be a couple more trips to come. My sister took me to a ballet for my Christmas present. How fun is that to just be sisters for a night. We almost forgot what it felt like to be together just the two of us. It will be a night I will treasure!

On to the month of love and of course Chinese New Year!

2011-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

My Sister Tam and I.

2011-01-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Snow day and Riley couldn't wait to shovel! He loves that cold and worked really hard. For the playoffs we let them eat in the living room. Big deal at our house. They thought it was so fun. We all pick our teams and whoever wins picks out what we eat for dinner one night...if I win we eat out!!

2011

2011-01-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

2011 and my first post how sad:) We have spent the month trying to get into the swing of things. With snow days late starts and a long Christmas vacation it hasn't been easy but here we are. Looking like a regular week of school and schedules. Loved the break with them, we did a lot and saw a lot of people. Ate and cooked and basically had a nice break with great weather.

As you know kids say great things but one of the top of my head was Katie. When asked about the music she likes she told me she likes only good music like you know " Carrie Underwood". We didn't even know she knew this..but you can tell she is with me most or she would have said KOA sports talk if her Dad was here all day:)

Looking forward to 2011 and all it brings.

Four Years Ago

2011-01-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

Four Years ago today Katie came home to be with us. Many memories have happened and we have all grown and aged. Ok so the kids pointed out the last as we watched the movie of her coming home day! She has blessed us in so many ways from her classic smile to her easy going ways. Thank goodness for that. She is all about art and music and you can just feel her artistic ways as you look at her art desk. To me as I have always said my heart and emotions were the same in adoption and birth both of which are overwhelming and beyond what words can say. She is our little lady and we love her!

Gingerbread houses

2010-12-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Years ago when I was working and the kids were at daycare they always did these gingerbread houses. This is something they still like to do each year. One candy for the house one for their mouths. They are so cute and each house has their own personalities showing through.

Andy and Sandy

2010-12-25T09:55:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Andy. This was at my parents the other day after gingerbread making. No matter what shows up in Andy's world he loves his bears the most of all.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas....all the gifts are open won't be long until kids are tired! Some were up at 2 telling me they couldn't sleep! Oh my....
Now our house is filled with new sounds of the new talking toys. Andrew said this was the best Christmas ever! They all seem happy and content. Funny how you work so hard and then it all goes. I love to watch their little faces and think of all this year has brought for each of them.

Enjoy your day...we think of each one of you as we celebrate Jesus's birthday and the greatest feeling in the world of giving.

Christmas

2010-12-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to our friends and family,

Wow where has this month gone. It is really fast or I am really slow. Kids are very excited as each day on the advent tree gets open. There are no presents under the tree yet as I am waiting to make sure they stay under there and don't accidently get opened. Lots of cookies have been made so far and many parties have occured. The visit with Santa was funny. Andy was less than impressed that when you ask for a Stinky the Garbage Truck toy and he gives you a bell that it was not worth your time asking. I am pretty sure Mrs Clause did not know how to respond. We are on break now for a total of 19 days. Who's counting well I do love them home but by day 15 or so we will be ready for a schedule again. We had our first snow fall so felt more like Christmas rather than early spring. Kids loved it especially those boys. Girls I have to say spend more time wining our there than playing:) I will try to post more pictures soon...you know I have taken a lot!

Santa Visit

2010-12-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season

2010-12-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the "tree" day with our good friends and families. We got the tree and the kids loved it. Beautiful weather and lots of great choices. Andrew was given the saw by his FATHER not his mother as he played the most recent tree hunter! It is just the start of all that is to come. Those two little ones just love to touch the tree so I am hoping it remains upright! There is much excitment in the house and long lists for us larger people here. We always try to ground them in the real reason of Christmas as we talk about the man in red daily:)

Trip to see Friends

2010-12-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

A trip to Denver to see our good friends was so much fun! The funny part is you can take the kids out of the country but not the country out of the kids. You can see they do not live by a lot of people and busy streets mean nothing to them. It was funny to watch. Highlights of them outside of the best of seeing their friends was the free bus on 16th street mall. They loved this and have talked about it a lot. We all got to catch up and enjoy each other!

One Armed Bandit

2010-11-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Riley Lynn has become our one armed bandit. He broke his thumb during a soccer game and is in a cast for the time being. He is amazing with it as he learns to do everything left handed. The sad side was that he had to miss his last 3 soccer games which he loved but that is the way it is. As Riley handles everything he is taking this in stride!

Katie

2010-11-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

Ballet has started again this month and this is Katie's first time taking ballet. She is just a doll in class. I love to look at her as she always has a smile on during class. They are a bunch of cutie little girls that is for sure. She could not wait until soccer ended for ballet to start! A girl after my own heart!

Andy

2010-11-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture of Andy. He has been running around in these glasses the past could of days. Says he is a bad guy in these???? Not so sure about that but nevertheless it makes me laugh when I see him.

Mr Getting Bigger

2010-11-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Andrew Xiao Tong has turned a big corner this month! He is starting to become a big boy and doing really well in school. This wasn't or hasn't been easy but all the sudden it just clicks..no more tears as I say goodbye and he is really listening to those letters coming out of his mouth. Even likes to play with Katie now and seem to be best of buds!

Brianna

2010-11-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Not sure I can explain this photo except this is our Brianna. She is the one who will more than likely turn all my hair grey or maybe make it fall out but at the same time be the one to buy me a wig! She loves to be silly and here she is in kindergarten enjoying her first big time school party.

Halloween and Dad

2010-11-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

When Dad is home without Mom it is good times ahead! Brian spent one Sat creating carboard projects with the kids. Riley ended up with his knight costume and everyone else got crowns, swords, and binoculars. Now this made Brian very cool however Riley said they were not only creating they were recycling...they get that from me!:)

Oct

2010-10-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a whole month since I have been on there. Life is marching by. It has been a month filled with many events and emotions. As the days go by and school gets more routinue some kids are having a tougher time. Very hard as parent as we struggle daily with those emotions and our own. I have belonged to a book club for many years now and the book we are reading is about raising children in our "fast" paced society and all that this brings to our children and their lives. It has made me stop and think about this as we raise our children and the choices we help them to make. I think of my Grandparents and even my parents and what having chilren meant to them. I think that they let kids be kids more than we do today. The simplicity must have been easier in so many ways. But we have kids in 2010 so the question of the month for me is how to raise kids today in the world they live in and bring some of that simplicty of yesterday.

2010-10-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

A trip to the pumpkin patch. For our niece and nephews birthday we headed to the pumpkin patch. It was a lot of fun and NEVER in my life have I seen as many pumpkins. Not only the pumpkins but the people...a steady stream. The kids had fun finding just the "right" pumpkin.