Kids are LOVING the SNOW!

This morning bright and early (about 8:30am) we all got dressed up and hit the snow. The first snow that is nice enough to play in is always so much fun. We had a snow ball fight, the kids against the adults. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be. My nephew was over so it was 3 against 2, which I think is fair, especially that my nephew is my size, it was fun when he decided to football tackle me...

It was fun to play and Trayjan and Jie made some beautiful snow angels before we trampled through all the snow. Trayjan was eating the snow, Jie was making footprints and Skyler my nephew was just enjoying himself by rolling like a snowball in it, then he was rolling Trayjan like a snow ball. Joyous Memories and Fun!

Always Thankful

As I sit here I am listening to the beautiful sound of laughter from my kids playing freeze tag. Jie has this little high pitched curly scream everytime daddy chases her and Trayjan has the most joyous laughter when he's hurrying to the base. Such a joy it is to listen to the kids be so happy and have so much fun.

I missed the Thankful Thursday post so today my post is Always Thankful! I love that although I like posting on Thursday, I have to remind myself everyday of the many blessings the Lord has provided for us.

I'm very thankful for girls night. Last night I was so blessed to meet some friends and my sister for dinner. Although we still sit and discuss our children and families all night, it is such a joy to have the time to get out with them for dinner. When I came home last night, I told Trayj I needed to meet a bit more often, he said "No mom, I will miss you to much if you go more". He is such special sweet boy.

I love that when some of us are grouchy in the house, princess Jie doesn't even know what being grouchy means. This little girl is so very happy all day everyday. She loves us so much and will tell us many times throughout the day. She is such a blessing to our lives.

I'm thankful for the power of prayer, I pray for each one of you each and every day. My God lead and guide you throughout your lives.

Thankful Thursday

I have had a couple weeks of literally just being blah...I've been trying to pinpoint what it was about, at first, I thought I was just needing to settle down and relax about Jie learning so much, then I thought maybe I need to go to work a couple days per week like I did when Trayj was growing up, then I thought I was just lonely with my husband traveling so much the last 17 months, then my husband came home and I was ready for him to travel again....LOL

Well, I have been reading my bible more and I have been listening as God is speaking to me, it truthfully isn't about any of those things, it's more about the fact that I'm a mom 24 hours per day, giving all I have to others and I have forgotten about myself. I take care of my children, help to keep them healthy, working hard and instilling an education in their little minds and along the way, I have forgotten what it is that I need. Being a mom is and will always be the single most important gift the Lord has blessed me with, but in order to be a good mom to my children, I need to not forget about my needs. Don't get me wrong, i'm not one to never buy myself a new outfit, or never get a pedicure or my hair colored, but those are not the spiritually rejuvenating things that keep my soul strong.

I have many days where I'm keeping the peace between a brother and a sister, making breakfast, lunch and dinner, giving children baths, brushing 3 sets of teeth at least twice per day, saying prayers, reading stories, doing homework with a 7 year old (which by the way is very simple to do), wiping noses, picking up used kleenex, wiping bottoms, washing hands, doing laundry, unloading and loading the dishwasher, cleaning the house top to bottom, oh yes I can't forget feeding and cleaning up after two puppies (one 125 lbs I might add, not a small task to clean up after her) and still managing to get my two showers done each day, get two kids to school, pick two kids up from school, can't forget my time checking my emails and my facebook (which I'm way to addicted to), all the while being a single mom to two kids as my husband was gone over 1/2 the month.....but all of these things are daily events that occur each and every day, and during this time, I didn't manage to forget my blessings, but I forgot how to have fun doing all these things.

I am so happy God has given me the blessing of being able to enjoy all these things with my children and I'm very thankful I have my precious children, I couldn't imagine my life without being a mom. I am so thankful that God reminded me we must enjoy each and every step along the way. God spoke to me very clearly and reminded me that as I'm being a mom, I have to remember to keep my love tank full in order to keep other's tanks full. So my thankful Thursday is all about being thankful for when I'm lost or don't understand things, my Lord Jesus Christ walks me through my darkness, that he knows my direction and he guides me to where he wants me to be. My children deserve the best of me, and so do I.

........and the tree is up!

On Saturday the kids were so excited to get the Christmas tree decorated. It is the most wonderful time to share this with our children. This year was even more special because both children have their own ornaments that they add to the tree. Trayjan kept asking how old he was in ornament pictures and when he made certain ornaments. Our tree has so many ornaments that have so many special meanings to them. Trayjan has been getting a Michigan Wolverine ornament from Grandma Susan every year since he was one. We also display pictures of family on our tree, so it's so fun to see the pictures from the past that are only brought out for our Christmas Tree.

The kids wore their matching pajamas they were bought two years ago to decorate....they looked so sweet matching eachother. I know there are not many more times, I can get by with them matching for anything.

It was a very special time decorating and the kids had so much fun, they just kept looking for more ornaments to add to our already very full tree.

Thanksgiving Tree

At my wonderful MOPS meeting on Thursday we made these wonderful little trees. The idea came from a mom in our group.

My kids loved the idea of writing what they were thankful for and adding it to the little tree. I think Jie said she's thankful for ABC's and McDonalds and Trayjan was thankful for Family, his Dogs, Toys and Friends. It was precious to have them get so excited for this new centerpiece for our dining table.

I love to create little fun things that our family can do each year, so now this little tree will be our Thanksgiving Tradition. It will fill our table each year with lifes past and present thankful gifts.

MEMORY BOX MONDAY

Okay, this is just a wonderful picture of Trayjan. I remember this time so well, we had just moved back to Indiana from Ohio and we were enjoying having family over to play. Trayjan had found this mud puddle in the back yard and began to go crazy stomping in it. He had mud everywhere and it was absolutely priceless! So this Monday I have a picture that is irreplaceable of my precious boy. It's so hard to believe this was over 4 years ago. He's growing so quickly and I don't want to miss a second of his life. I pray the Lord guides him to follow all his dreams and to always enjoy the earthly life God has given him. I know we enjoy every second with him.

MEMORY BOX MONDAY

I have the most special posting this Monday about what is special in my memory box. When I was in 5th grade, it was such an exciting time as the Cabbage Patch dolls were storming the retail shops. My parents would wait in line for hours to get my sisters and I a doll, only to finally get told they had sold out for more money then my parents had to spend. I remember friends had their dolls before I did and it seemed so agonizing for the wait, but we were raised to be thankful and appreciative of what we had, so I never (remember) once whining to my parents about not having the most beautiful doll in the world. I can remember, not only did my mom want to get my two sisters and I a doll but she was particular on wanting the doll to resemble our hair color and facial features.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity my mom was able to find me a doll. I think she paid over $350 for this doll. I know she knew how much I loved my new doll, because I carried her everywhere with me, even getting a Cabbage Patch Horse for it eventually. It was by far the most special gift every purchased for me by my parents as a child.

I began the search for Jie a Cabbage Patch doll when we first made the decision to adopt and accepted her into our lives. I searched for almost two years when last Christmas I finally found the perfect doll for her.....it doesn't have her hair color, or resemble her in any way, but the reason I chose her baby doll was because it has Jie's exact Birthday of January 8th and it was wearing the EXACT same outfit as the doll my parents had purchased for me 25 years ago.

I couldn't believe how happy it made me and how perfect this Cabbage Doll was when I finally found it. Jie loves that we both have a doll with the same clothes on. My dolls name is Cicile Farrika and Jie's baby dolls name is Imogene Jessica. I will forever remember and keep these dolls in my heart. I wasn't really a doll girl when I was growing up, but my cabbage patch doll was the most special gift I carried on from my child hood and knew I wanted to give Jie something as special. Jie's doll baby is the one on the left and mine is the one on the right with blonde hair.

BASKETBALL.....WHOO HOO!

Basketball has finally began for Trayjan.....he had his first game on Saturday. He was able to participate some, but with just getting his little cast off on Thursday, he says his wrist is sore when he shoots.

We are excited to see his team this year, they are first graders and the game was pretty good. We did lose 32 - 24, but holy cow, that is alot of points for 6 and 7 year olds to score in a 30 min. game. Trayj wasn't able to play, so of course we think had he played it would have at least been tied. (LOL)! He could have scored 4 baskets easily!!!! Well, hopefully, he didn't practice most of the summer with his broken arm....oooops!

His Team is the ROCKETS! Whoo Hoo, Go Rockets!

Halloween Trick or Treating

Our kids loved dressing up and trick or treating this year. Trayjan has been so creative the last couple of years with his costumes, we are so proud of him. Last year he was a Zombie, the year before he was a Vampire, this year he has been a Medical Patient Zombie and on Halloween he wanted to be a Mummy, but he didn't want to buy a costume, he wanted to make his own. Of course we had a few costume malfunctions Halloween night, but all in all, he looked adorable.

Jie wanted to be Barney, I went against the idea up until Halloween day when I knew it was going to be cold and she would need a coat anyway. I really wanted her to look adorable, but she really wanted to be Barney. I even tried to tell her Barney was a boy not a girl, so she couldn't be Barney.....but she insisted she could be a boy and be Barney. To cute! Needless to say, she was so happy that mommy let her be Barney this year.

We had a wonderful night, eating at Trayjan's good friends house before we all headed off to Trick or Treat together. Lots of special memories.

Thankful Thursday

This I call to mind

and therefore I have hopes:

Because of the Lord's great

love we are not

consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

LAMENTATIONS 3:21-23

I am first most greatful to the Lord for giving me this earthly life, that one day I will rest with him. I'm so very thankful that he called upon me to be a Christian daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. For all I do in this earthly life will prepare a place for me in my Father's Kingdom.

I'm thankful this Thursday for the Fall season. As a family we have the most fun in the Fall. We visit local farms (3 times already this Fall), we pick our own apples, decorate wonderful pumpkins, which the kids love to do. We get to enjoy outside without blazing heat. I have to say I just love living in Indiana and getting to see the changing of the seasons. It is so peaceful to watch how beautiful it is to see the first blooms of flowers, to watch the leaves change to bright oranges, reds and yellows, to anticipate the first snow and then to be blessed all over again the next year. Although some days are colder then I prefer, it is such a blessing to experience it all every year with my family.

I'm thankful that I do not have to work and can experience days like today with Field Trips and School parties with my kids. I couldn't imagine missing out on these fun days with the kids.

I'm very thankful for my bible time. I keep my bible in my car and get to read it each day for about 30 minutes while I'm waiting on Trayj to get out of school. I love that time that is all mine to devote to God with no interruptions.

MEMORY BOX MONDAY

I absolutely love a wonderful families blog that on Monday's posts a Memorial Box Monday posting. Memorial Box Monday is a post that represents something special from times past. I have been wanting to begin a Memorial Box posting and have finally taken the opportunity to do so.

I wanted to make my first posting about a lovely little box that everytime I see it, it brings such fun memories back. My husband and I traveled many years ago to Budapest Hungary to compete in a World Karate Championship. It was the most amazing time for us as we were in our mid 20's and very active in competitions. We were both ask to compete on the United States Team. We had the most amazing time as it was our first time leaving the country. This little box holds all the foreign money we kept from our trip and also from many other trips we have taken. We always make sure to keep little coins from our travels. Our little box has coins from Budapest, London, Japan, and China.

I think this beautiful little handmade box from Budapest reminds me of my younger days and how active I was for so many years. I love karate and LOVE competing and haven't done so since I was 7 months pregnant with my son (7 years ago). Each time I see this little box, it makes me want to compete again. I take great pride in the many State, National and World Championships I have earned over the 17 years I have been in Martial Arts. It holds such a special place in my heart. I began taking Karate in 1992 and absolutly loved how it made me feel about myself. It still makes me feel like I could take on the world. It has given me confidence to do so many things in my life. Karate takes a seat as one of my greatest loves in life, after God, and my Family.

WE HAVE AN AUTHOR ON OUR HANDS!

Trayjan has been writing his little books for a couple years now, but now that he is beginning to sound out words the books are getting better and longer. He has been a lover of Goosebumps stories for a few years, I think we have read about 30 of their books over the last couple of years. He especially loves any of Goosebumps books with Slappy the Ventriliquest Dummy in them. He even got a Slappy for his birthday last year. He really enjoys all Goosebumps books. On Sunday, he decided he wanted to write a Goosebumps story and ask me if I would be the illustrator....I said of course, so he began to write, then he decided we would share in writing as well. This is his final little book and he is very proud of his story.

Trick or Treating EARLY.....what a fun surprise!

Sunday morning Grandpa Terry called to let us know that the kids were welcome to come to trick or treat at he and Grandma Diane's campgrounds in the evening time. The kids of course were very excited to find out they can get dressed up and go trick or treating on the 4th day of October....how cool is that!

Jie loved getting dressed up as Snow White and her favorite part was mommy putting blue eye shadow on her. She thought she was BIG STUFF. Every morning when I put my light pink eye make up on she asks for me to put some on her. I always tell her she isn't big enough, but she can use my big brush and put some on her cheeks. Needless to say she was so very excited.

Trayjan decided to choose his outfit he wore for his surgery (thankfully the hospital told us we could take it home). He decided to be a Zombie Medical Patient. He loved getting to dress up so early and had a wonderful time.

Eli joined the fun and loved trick or treating with the kids. It was so much fun watching the 3 of them trick or treating. The campground was a great place to trick or treat. Everyone gave out awesome candy....and lots of it!!

Stuckey Farm

Trayjan and I were invited by Trayjan's best friend and his mom to visit Stuckey Farm on Wednesday. Trayjan's school was closed for Teacher's conferences so it worked perfectly and the day was just beautiful to be outside picking apples and enjoying the Fall atmosphere.

Trayjan was enjoying testing all the apples, I'm not sure how many the boy actually ate, but along his apple testing he managed to lose a loose tooth. The funny thing was it was the lesser of the two loose teeth. The bad thing was the tooth fell somewhere in the grass and is forever lost at Stuckey Farms. We'll have to just leave the tooth fairy a note and Trayj can draw a picture of his tooth.

Thankful Thursday

As I sit here about to type all the things I'm thankful for, I am reminded of a beautiful young lady's blog. I met this girl not to many months ago and she lost her mom in High School. I pray for her each day, as I couldn't imagine not having my mom with me in High School (or even now). How blessed I am to be 35 1/2 years and have both my parents alive and activily a part of our lives.

I know God has a plan for all of us and sometimes we don't completely understand that plan, but in time will learn how to adjust and move on after the plan. I write this and I'm thinking about my husband's sister who at the young age of 42 passed away from Cancer. Today is her birthday.....Happy Birthday Tanya, we miss you terribly! so I am so thankful that my son got to be a part of his Aunt Tanya's life. We got our LOA the day before she passed away to bring our Jiesue home. Travis was so happy to tell her Jie was coming home. I know she is looking down upon us and loves us all so much. (The first picture is of my kids not long after Jie came home in 2008, Travis' parents and Tanya's two boys). God bless them each day!

So today I'm so very thankful for the lives we are given. Sometimes, things are not as we think they should be, but even through the disappointments, sadness, or even loss, we are in control of our happiness. We decide that we can go on, we decide that with our Lords guidance we can get through anything life throws at us. I see this quality in my dear husband. After his sister passed away, he took a new look at life. He loves life, and he always tells us and shows us how much he loves us. I hope that for all of us, it doesn't take a loss in our lives to realize how much we should love our lives and take nothing for granted. Live life to the fullest each day, give hugs, and kisses to the ones you love, pass a smile to someone you have never met. Change your outlook on life and find all the happiness you deserve.

SUCCESS ! ! !

Trayjan has his bone reset surgery on Tuesday, he did well and it was so very fast. "Thank you Lord". He came out of surgery in quite a bit of pain, so once we got that under control he did wonderful. He is home resting for the last day then tomorrow will return to school. He's a bit nervous about writing, but his wonderful teacher told me to let him know not to worry, she will make sure he's okay at school.

Thank you for all the prayers, we were quite nervous seeing our baby wheeled away from us to the operating room, but so many prayers helped to bring peace to our hearts and help Trayjan to be okay! God Bless All of you!

I added a little video I took of the kids that was taken on Saturday morning before Trayj fell off his bike on Sunday, the kids were enjoying their puppies, our St. Bernard Tiko and our Dorkie puppy Friday!

Trayjan took a Fall

Trayjan's daring activities has finally caught up with him. On Sunday afternoon he was on a bike ride with Dad and I got the dreaded call that he was in an accident I needed to come and pick him up. Well about 30 seconds later, I was around the neighborhood ready to see a child with his head bleading or something, but instead I was greated with this very sad, upset little boy with the arm the size of loaf of bread. He had crashed his bike and landed in the grass on his arm. Unfortunately it twisted somehow in the grass and he managed to break his Ulna and Radius bones in his Right arm.

We went straight to the ER where they informed us we needed to see an Orthopedic specialist as soon as we could get in on Monday. I wasn't fond of the idea since I knew if it was a clean uncomplicated break he would have instead needed a cast on Monday. We managed to get to the specialists and we are informed Trayjan will need surgery to straighted the bone before a cast can be put on his little arm. Needless to say, the nerves began in everybody.

I think we have had every conversation with Trayj to keep him calm, but mom and dad's nerves are shot. Much praying has been going on in the Phifer household and by friends and family, so as Trayjan has his surgery this morning (he will not be opened up, just put under to straighten the bones), we know he will be lifted up in prayer and his surgery will go quickly and easily.

Here are a few pics of him, he let me get one picture when we got home from the ER in bed, but informed me I am not allowed to get pictures in the hospital with a hospital Gown on. He was quite funny, as he said "Mom, your not scrapbooking me in a gown, because someday my friends will look at the scrapbooks and they are not seeing me in a gown". So I will respect his wishes and I at least got a few pics of his best buddy Will and Trayj enjoying BK for dinner on Monday evening. Thankfully Will came over and played with Trayj and eased his mind about his procedure on Tuesday. The little stinker wouldn't even look at my camera!

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday's seem to come so very quickly, which although I'm so very thankful, I'm sad that time flies by much to quickly.

I spend much of my Internet time each day reading other blogs and journals. I have met some wonderful families through my bloggy days. One thing that I love is to read inspirational entries. Each day, when I read something nice, funny, inspiring or motivational...it truly helps me to be a better person. I'm very thankful that blogging allows people to welcome me into their lives and blesses me with wonderful stories, beautiful pictures, inspirational writings and most of all, many entries thanking the Lord for what they have.

Although this is something that is not a necessity, I am very thankful for Trayjan and Jie's Great Grandpa Leach's slot machine. Trayjan and Jie's great grandparents are in their mid 80's and to be very honest, what child wants to go spend time with elders instead of playing outside, but although they are in their mid 80's, I have never had to convince Trayjan to visit. Trayjan loves to go over, see Great Grandpa and Grandma Leach and play Grandpa's very old Slot Machine. I believe is a big hit with all the kiddos, but it brings great joy to see how much fun is spent on that crazy old machine.

As I have spent some time fasting this week, I have been reminded often of the children who each day do not receive nourishment and must go hungry. I can not explain the feeling I have thinking about putting my precious children to bed hungry. It brings great pain to my heart to know children are suffering anywhere. So today, I am so thankful that God gives us the opportunities to share our lives, hands, hearts, time, and wealth with others. What can you do to help a child in need?

Jie's 1st Day of Preschool

She did wonderful! We are so proud of Jie for her bravery going to school today. We have been speaking about school for a few months now, talking about how mommy will come to pick her up just like I pick Trayjan up and how she will meet friends, dance, sing, color and play. She was excited but nervous this morning for her 1st day, until after we dropped Trayjan off at school, then she just couldn't get to school fast enough. It was quite cute to see how excited she was.

She had a wonderful day and was a very big girl for her first day. Her teacher gave her a little certificate for her Good Job today. She didn't shed any tears and told us she played, had a snack, sang a song and got to use Markers (which mommy doesn't let her do often, she uses crayones at home), there is the obvious reason when I picked her up, she had orange marker all over her new Gymboree shirt. Needless to say, I better stock up on Shout Wipes just for princess Jie.

I promised her she could go buy a necklace after school if she was a big girl and didn't cry....so of course she went to the store and picked our her new necklace and some princess rings. She was very excited to get a special prize today with just her and mommy!