The Greatest Gift is Love

Halloween 2011 Fun

2011-11-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

The kids were alot of fun this year trick or treating with their cousins. Trayjan was a Zombie once again and Jie has to copy everything her brother does (when she gets by with it), so she was a Zombie Crosseyed Hobo...lol. Trayjan decided he was going to be a Zombieland Zombie and I was supposed to be a Ninja Zombie. I really enjoyed spending Halloween with them. It is Trayjan's favorite Holiday, he absolutely loves for us all to dress up and it is such a joy to enjoy his excitement.

Enjoying our daily lives

2011-10-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

I guess my average post is about every six months. The kids are doing wonderful. Trayj is playing traveling Baseball and recently was promoted to Blue Belt in Karate as well as earned a National title in Self Defense in Karate. He is in the Alpha program at school and is making straight A's. We are so very proud of him. He's an amazing boy. He is so funny and makes me laugh every day. My favorite thing about him is he's confident and loving. He hugs me so much and it melts my heart everytime he does. My cup runneth over : )

Jie is doing wonderful. She is in a daily pre-k class and loves school. She is not only a little princess, but seems to be pretty tough compared to most little girls. We are working on her to toughen up (Trayj and I). She is so sweet and loving. She reminds me everyday life is about the little things. I love seeing the world through a childs eyes. She tells me she wants her hair to grow as long as Tangled's hair. I said ummmmm I don't think so, but you can grow it a little longer. She is excited to get her ears peirced for her birthday in January.

THEY DO EXIST

2011-01-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

It has been insane......I can not believe I havent made a post since August 2010. So much has happened in the last 6 months. Both kids are doing well. Trayjan is currently playing on a traveling basketball team and loves it. It's a bit more aggressive of a team then he's used to, but he's doing well. He really enjoyes it. Jie just advised me she wants to Cheerleading, thankfully we know a great Cheerleading Coach and hope to get her involved in Cheer/Gymnastics, I think she will build a great deal of strength in her arms and she is a little flipster, she will love it.

This December was a bit emotional for us....(well for me, mostly, haha). The kids and I traveled to Marion to visit our favorite light show. This has been tradition since Trayjan was 5 months old. It brought many memories back and I'm so thankful we didn't not go, just becuase life is different for us. The kids loved it and we all chose new favorite light displays. The kids absolutely loved seeing all the displays. It was truly a wonderful memory we will always keep with us.

2010-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

The kids are getting ready to start school........I will so miss our Monday's all day together. I have loved having Monday's off work, knowing I get them all day. It is amazing to realize Trayjan just turned 8 and will be going into 2nd grade. Jie is beginning her second year of pre-school. I was watching videos of when Jie got home back in 2008 and she looks like a little baby girl. They have both grown so quickly.....I think God for each and everyday with them. Some days are not always perfect, but they are the absolute reason I wake up everyday. I love them so much and I pray that they always know that God placed them into my life for so many reasons.

I would love to just slow time down a bit, but then I would miss out on all the amazing things they do. Trayjan is by far the funniest kid I will ever meet and Jie is my little shadow, such a sweet girl, always trying to please. I can't wait to experience the rest of their lives with them. I love you both so very much! God bless you each and everyday. I pray you both grow to realize God is always your strength, turn to him always. Hugs and Kisses, Mommy!

Fun with Friends

2010-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

It is such a blessing to have family and friends........

My kids love hanging out with cousins and this weekend was all about Skyler and Isabelle!

We were also blessed to get together with the Krakora's in the same weekend. We met the Krakora's when Trayj was in the 4 year old pre-school class. Four years later we have the closest friends anyone could ask for. Carrie and I are best of friends and our kids love eachother and have grown up together. God has truly blessed us each day to have such wonderful people enter out lives. We pray we will be a part of eachother lives for many more wonderful years.

Monday's are our Chick Filet Play Dates. Jie just adores Evan and it was so good to have Issy and Skyler with us, as it made for a big fun play group. Issy and Grace play so well together and Larissa is just one of the boys with Trayj and Skyler.

FIRST PLACE - CONGRATULATIONS TRAYJAN

2010-07-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

This year was such an exciting baseball season for Trayj. He began the year at first base and ended with playing Short Stop. It was alot of work and he did such an amazing Job. He hit many singles the first part of the season, then managed to pull a double. Finally ending his season with a triple. He was so excited and said his goal next is a homerun! The season ended before he was able to accomplish that goal, however, many times he was able to score a run for his time, coming into home plate! He is a phenomenal hitter! I just adore watching him play.... he loves the sport and it shows. Even last night as I was talking to him on the phone, he turned to his dad and asked if they could play catch after he was finished.

Trayjan's team placed first winning the Championship June 25th 2010.

It was a great season and Trayjan did such a great job. He had quite a few cheerleaders, including his biggest fan Mom & Jie, Grandma & Grandpa Phifer, Grandpa Stout, Chaslyn, Ray, Donnie, Leslie and her boys, a few other friends. We are all so proud of him and can't wait for next year to watch him play again.

Congratulations Trayjan..........WE LOVE YOU! Mom is so very proud of your hard work!

Indiana Beach

2010-05-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

The kids and I decided to take a short trip to Indiana Beach on Sunday. I hadn't been since I was a child and the kids have never gone. It's so nice to have a theme park just two hours away from home. It was a beautifully hot day for a theme park. Trayjan is so much fun wanting to ride all the ride. I think his favorite is the Big ship....I swear my stomache about drops everytime I ride it, thankfully he wanted to sit in the middle and not at the end where you feel like you are going to fall out. Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa took Jie on a few rides while Trayj and I were in Dr. Frankensteins Haunted Mansion. She had a wonderful time, they have a mini ship for the little kids and she was was all about the smaller rides just for her. The kids both had such a fun time. Near the end of the day, they wanted to visit the water area. It was good for them to cool off, it was such a hot day! I had the time of my life with them.....they are both so precious and it is so much fun to watch them enjoy every step of their lives.

Time for a Swim

2010-05-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

Jie had the most wonderful time at her swimming class. She was adorable! The instructors are amazing, and I think it will benefit her arms so much. After her class she looked at me and said "Thank you Mommy for buying me swimming". She did such a wonderful job and loves it.

2010-04-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

Blessings this Life:

I have so many blessings in my life that I am so very thankful for. The many friends and family who when I decided a great life change was necessary didn't turn their backs on me, they didn't judge me and they didn't assume lies being told were true. In times like those, it truly brings you closer to the people who mean the most in your life. I love my children with everything inside of me and each day I have lived for the past 8 years has been for them. I love how much laughter there is between my children and I. How much fun we have together and how many hugs and kisses I get everyday from them. They amaze me everyday and being a mom is the biggest gift I could have ever received. They give me strength everyday to be a better person. They help me to breath ever so easily and they have put a forever smile on my face and tattoo on my heart.

I think it is so vital for us to live our days in happiness and to not regret a minute in our lives. We can all make poor choices or mistreat someone we love, but what we do to redeem ourselves and mend the hurt is what we will be judged on at the end of our lives. I don't regret a single day of my life. Each minute made the next minute happen. Each experience both good and bad brought me to this place, which is the exact place I am meant to be. I love life and sometimes it may be difficult, it is all a blessing and how beautiful of a quilted pattern my life would be, full of love, color and joy!

Trayjan

2010-04-08T18:41:00.001-07:00

What a sweetie this precious boy is....he looked at me before vacation and said "mom, I really need some Sean White shirts". So off we went to find the shirts he wanted. He was alot of fun, I have alway shopped for him and it was adorable that he wanted to actually shop for clothes. He is my kid for sure! LOL He looked so stinkin cute in the shirts he picked out and he was asking me how things looked in layers. He also informed me of his new girlfriends at school the same day...haha!

He also began baseball practice and loves it. He is such a fun athlete to watch play even at his young age. He seems to have a natural ability, although to be honest, I think it's more that he was exposed at a young age and developed the skills necessary to perform at his highest potential....haha! Just bragging on his great parents!

Well, I'm so excited for this seasson of baseball. Basketball was such a joy to watch and he's finally at the age where he's really playing a real baseball game.

Happy Early Easter Celebration ! ! !

2010-03-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

I got to celebrate Easter early with my beautiful children.....they will be leaving on vacation with their daddy and will be gone on Easter Sunday. I'm uncertain why the schools schedules the beginning of Spring Break on Easter....but it really stinks! However, I had the kids all to myself on Sunday so we had a wonderful time. When they arrived, the eggs were hidden, the surprises were ready and we got to go to their favorite place for lunch. They loved the entire day as much as I did watching the pure joy explode from their little souls. Trayjan had a ball with his new paintball gun and Jie loved her new little laptop. The cutests was their new stuffed pet ducks. They both named them the cutest names. Trayjan's was Ducker McQuakercans and Jie's was Quack Quack. She has carried that big yellow duck everywhere since she got it, she calls it her baby Quack Quack. What a beautiful, fun day we had. It allows us to reflect on the meaning of Easter.....all of this is possible because of our Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us so much and that love gives us strength each and everyday to be the people we are and share the gifts we have been so fortunate to receive.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2010-03-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Oh WOW, I can't even express the fun I had with Trayjan and Jie after I picked them up after work today. We went to eat at one of our favorite restaurants...the kids love it, because on Wednesday they have a Balloon Artist/Clown named Giggles that makes Balloon characters for the kids. Trayjan got an Alien and Jie got a beautiful flower. It was alot of fun for all of us.

The kids didn't realize I had a special fun time planned once we got home. Such excitement when they realized they had a couple special bags full of fun little prizes and candy. They loved it, but what was the most fun, was a Rose Art Kit, that they got to make their own Bouncy Balls. Very cool and the balls were awesome!

The kids had a first tonight....GREEN KOOLAID.....hahaha! I grew up on Koolaid, but no way do my kids get it, two quarts gets 1 cup of sugar, HOLY COW! Now I know why the get 100% Juicy Juice. Well, it was a blast, they love drinking out of fun little glasses, so I picked up some shot glasses so we could have tiny little glasses. Needless to say, they picture looks like a fun little Apple Pucker Adult drink, but it is for sure Green Koolaid and the kids loved it so much, we did it three times.....cheering with each glass of Koolaid.

We also all put on Matching Shamrock Tattoos....Such a wonderful and fun, memorable night! I love these amazing children God has blessed me with!

Jie's Mom's Day

2010-03-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Jie and I had a wonderful time at her Pre-School Mom's Day. It is so cute to see all the wonderful things she has done in class. She gets to make the placemat for our snacks and juice. She made me wonderful air scent pack for my car (which right now it desperately needs due to the messiness of winter). She sang the sweetest songs and I was so happy to watch her interact with her friends. Such a joy to be a mommy! I love her so much and it brought back wonderful memories of my Mom's Days at the same preschool with Trayj. What a beautiful blessing God has given me in my children.

Wow, where has the time gone?

2010-02-07T11:49:00.001-08:00

Many things have been going on in the Phifer home some I'll post and other's are personal, but my blog has taken a hit from the chaos and craziness of life. I have had a few friends who have been telling me how much they miss reading about my beautiful, precious children and quite truthfully, I deeply miss my bloggy friends. I apologize and plan on getting back to blogging my children's fun, exciting and entertaining lives.

Jie and Trayjan have been so busy beginning in November. Trayjan had a wonderful Basketball season and was so amazing this year. He rocked the court about everygame, leading his team in baskets and by the end of the season improving greatly on plays and rebounds. His daddy coached him again this year and I think they had the most fun ever. Jie has been busy with school, she loves school and would love to go much more throughout the week then she is now. We are working on that right now, next year she will go three days per week, but I think she would benefit so much if she went 3-5 days per week. She loves to play, socialize and learn and is doing so wonderful each and everyday. Jie also had her birthday January 8th and turned 4. She loved her Minney Mouse Party Dress and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday Cake. Oh, and can't forget our Amazing Trayjan, he won his Math Challenge at school and got his T-shirt. So very proud of his hard work.

I will post a few pictures of how things have been going for the kids......they are absolutely a blessing from God and we love them so very much!

Kids are LOVING the SNOW!

2009-12-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-13T13:26:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-04T03:47:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T10:41:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-09T13:07:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-11-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-19T02:55:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-10-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-23T23:23:00.001-07:00

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 ! ! !

2009-09-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T09:21:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-08T11:18:00.001-07:00

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!

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for beautiful adoption stories. I just read of a wonderful entry on a close friends blog on how God has spoken to them at different times during their adoption journey's. I am so very thankful for all the wonderful times when we were waiting for Jie, God spoke to us many times to bring comfort to our aching hearts.

I am thankful for the power of friendship and LOVE. I'm thankful for a 17 year marriage that although we have disagreements, we value our love and committment to eachother before God.

I am thankful that each day as I speak to God and pray to him to watch over my children, he blesses my children with healthy and happy lives. I pray that my children grow to be faithful to our Heavenly Father.

I am so very thankful for nights lying down with my son. As he went to fall asleep last night, he hugged me and said "Mom, you are the best mom in the world". Oh, how that boy brings such joy to my life.

I am also very thankful that although raising a child is difficult, it brings the most joy to my heart. I'm thankful that both Jie and Trayjan never go without saying "Thank You" to each of us for the teeniest of things. What great manners they both have!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2009-08-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin, this Thursday, I have worked through so many decisions and tough choices. Thank you Lord for being there as the voice telling me what to choose. Thank you Lord for giving me a life to make choices and family and friends to share those choices with.

I'm thankful for my little guy who now rides his bike all alone. I'm especially thankful for Bike Helmets as he crashed and cracked his helmet this week.

I'm thankful the little girl who was under my feet non stop all week long as Daddy was out of town. I'm thankful that although she is a busy girl, she is the sweetest little girl I have ever met.

I'm thankful for new and old friends alike, some have been in my life for such a long time and others only recently, but they make such a difference in the person I am.

I'm thankful for a young lady who I believe God just brought into my life. I pray that I can mentor her in any way she may need. I don't believe people just come and go from your life...I believe they forever stamp your heart with their presence.

Trayjan the Bike Rider

2009-08-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Trayjan has learned to ride a bike! We are very proud of him as he has not had any interest until the last couple of months. He decided he wanted to learn so we went and bought him a cheap bike not knowing how long he would stay interested....to our surprise he wanted to give it a try for more then a day. Travis had put training wheels on Trayjan's bike per his request. This whole training wheel thing was just down right useless, Trayjan learned nothing, including keeping his balance.....so after two months of playing around with the training wheels it was time to just do it. I had Travis take the training wheels off and began to teach Trayjan about balance, putting his foot down to stop himself from falling, using the handle bars to stay balanced once riding, going down a driveway, using his foot pedal brakes and so on. It took him about an hour of coaching and he was up and riding....it was amazing...he is such a quick learner! So by day two we had a rider on our hands, although not without many crashes. He wears his helmet of course but hasn't put his elbow or knee pads on. I have to say after the effects of two crashes in one day, we have made the rule that not only will he be ALWAYS wearing his helmet, but knee pads and elbow pads are required until he's a bit more experienced. All this week we have had the pleasure of going on Family bikerides, which are the most fun ever! We have so many paths and trails in our neighborhood we can visit a different way each time we ride.

p.s. Jie is so funny, she has all these little pink bikes and mostly just rides Trayjan's little bike we have had since he was 2. He even put x's on it and 01 for the General Lee when he was 3. He loved it and it is so sweet to see another child riding it, I don't think I could part with it ever.

Trayjan's 1st day of First Grade

2009-08-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well, this amazing little guy was so very brave and ready to take on the world this morning for his 1st day of First Grade. Quite a different little boy then last night as he was fighting his sleep because of nerves. He is growing up so quickly and I know although Daddy was so very proud he wanted nothing to do with any of us walking him into school (including mommy which should never happen), he broke my heart. I was miserable for a bit this morning missing him and feeling like the picture I had made in my head of how this day would go was just crumbled because of his wonderful confidence and independence.

I love this precious child so much. If only he knew my heart is not quite ready for what he realizes he is ready for. If only he knew he takes my heart with him each time he leaves me. Although my tears were shed, I couldn't be more proud of who he has become. He may have fears and hesitance but he knows he is strong enough to get through anything. He knows that he has been raised to take on situations that may not always seem so great in the beginning, but through his confidence and trust in our words, he will pull through everytime. I know that he prays when he is feeling scared or anxious. I know and trust that he knows God is there to get him through it. Thank you Lord for being with him (and his little sister who put pretend cake and ice cream at his bedroom door so when he got home he could have some). Thank you for giving these precious children the confidence to get through their fears.

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

I purchased a new CD for a song that we love....Boom Boom Pow, by Black Eyed Peas. Trayjan loves to listen to our new songs over and over again and although I don't think a little 3 1/2 year old girl (named Jieuse) is even paying attention.....she is! After about 10 times of hearing the song...I all the sudden hear this little voice in the backseat saying things like, mmm boom pow, and it occurs to me, she hears every word. Now when we get into the car..she says Mommy, I hear my favorite song #1. So today, I am thankful for the precious songs being sung from my backseat each day by a precious little girl, who not long ago, had no songs to sing.

Last night as I was getting into the shower, Trayjan said I want to take a bath and just talk. Boy, sometimes that little guy sounds like he's so much older. So I said sure, you take a bath and I will shower and we can talk. He does this once or twice per week and last night he said, "Okay mom let's tell Jokes". Sometimes he wants me to tell him a Pee in your pants story, a scarey story or a vomit story. (He loves to be told stories). So we began telling Jokes, he and I laughing very hard at each ones Jokes. So what seemed like just another joke, was not just another joke, but time well spent with my little guy who is growing way to quickly. So today as well, I'm thankful for a son who always wants to talk to me and listen to my stories and jokes (and he loves them).

Lastly today, I am thankful for summer days watching my kids play outside. I'm thankful that each summer we have a waterslide for the kids to play on. They love playing in the water. I pray that they never think they are to big to play outside and enjoy things like our waterslide.

Summer Fun

2009-08-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say, I don't think BOYS every grow out of their TOYS! Trayjan's little hummer came from Grandma and Grandpa Stout when he was about 3 years old. He got a couple great years of usage then moved onto some other toys. So there it sat in the corner of our garage in our old home and now in our new home for over 2 years.....poor thing just collected dust on top of dust. I decided that I would try to charge it and if it charged let Jie have it, but needless to say, it charged just like new and Trayjan decided he wanted to ride around in it. His buddy came over and they were officially CRASH DUMMIES (which is why Helmets are on). They have loved it for the last week and have been riding it everyday. They are so darn cute in it, even though their combined weight doubles the weight limit (I think! Notice the caved in tires).

Trayjan has officially advised us he doesn't want to be the only kid in our neighborhood who does not ride a bike, so we went out and bought him one and he is slowly becoming brave enough to take it on. He may be riding it by next summer by himself (he simply doesn't want to practice every day and the other day he told me I couldn't practice with him only dad could). Well, if that is the case, dad is gone all the time, so it quite frankly might be next summer or the next summer or quite possibly the next summer. He may be driving a car before riding a bike. Ha, Ha, LOL!

Dance Recital

2009-07-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Jie was a doll at her recital. She was so distracted by the crowd, she barely performed. I think she did 3 to 5 things the entire 40 minute time it took for the recital. One thing I'm thankful for is even through all that was going on, she still was smiling. She was very happy to be there and loved every minute of all the fabulous video daddy took, the pictures mommy took and her flowers and help Big Brother, Trayj tried to give her. She was very proud of herself!

In Ahhhh

2009-07-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

What a blessing each day brings:

waking up each day is so easy, knowing I have two beautiful children to spend time with. I found a newspaper clippng from our trip to China, Helen our guide had given it to us. It was the newspaper clipping of when Jie was found on the steps of SWI and the clipping was put in the found children section. It had stated her birthdate and said she had big eyes and a regular face. As I looked at the little face, I can hardly recognize this little face as our precious girl. I know that I have all of her future, but what I wouldn't give to know what she was like as a baby. I'm blessed with every minute of Trayjan's life.

I know not long from now, I will know Jie longer then I have not known her, which will be an amazing time to celebrate. I love how many times Trayjan's ask me about when he was born and I love to tell the story. Jie's story is different, but nontheless just as special. Jie looked at an album the other day with family pictures of Trayjan with mommy and daddy, and she broke my heart when she kept saying, "Where Jie go?". I kept telling her she wasn't home yet, but it just did not satisfy her, so i went to get the 1st family photo taken when she arrived home and added it to her little album. She was very content after I add it. The beautiful thing is she doesn't remember a time without us.

What shall we do with our lives, we can just sit idle and wonder where our time shall be spent, or we can enjoy each minute, creating a life for our families filled with laughter and memories.

Chasity

A wonderful Birthday Celebration for our Boy!

2009-07-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Trayjan had the most wonderful birthday. He began his celebration with a big party at his favorite Bounce House Gym, Bounce Zone, where he invited his friends and cousins. He was able to see friends from kindergarten and a few close friends along with his cousins who he adores spending time with. We then had a cookout at the house where we had a Water Slide Party for him. He was able to have a friend stay over for a sleepover that night. On Wedneday which was his actual birthday we went to play bowling then glow in the dark putt putt. Daddy has taken a few days off work for his birthday so he is getting alot of play and fun time. On his birthday he chose our meals for the day, breakfast was Ice Cream Cake, Lunch was BK and dinner was a favorite of ours, Michaelangelos. They have a fun Balloon Artist in Wednesdays and both kids love it. Since it was Trayjan's birthday, he got two of his favorite balloon characters made. It is so exciting to celebrate birthday's and holiday's in our home. We have always loved to celebrate and the kids make it all worth celebrating, they are such a joy to watch and each experience they have is like a first for us. They are such great Joys in our lives.

2009-07-14T14:42:00.001-07:00

Jie is loving to dance lately, mostly with Daddy (because he's so silly), but she also wanted to dance with Trayjan, so I was fortunate enough to grab my camera to get a cute video. She starts dance class next week and also loves her little tutu and dance shoes.

2009-07-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

PRECIOUS FUN ! ! !

Wii fun with Grandpa & Grandma

2009-07-01T05:42:00.001-07:00

Last night I was able to attend a Digital Scrapbooking demo with my best friend Rhonda, and my parents came down to stay with Trayj & Jie. They had a wonderful time as Trayjan played Wii with Grandpa as Jie and Grandma cheered him on. Poor Grandpa didn't have anyone cheering for him. I guess they picked the right competitor as Trayjan knocked Grandpa out while playing boxing. I thought they were both going to send their remotes through the TV. We were laughing so hard at how they were completely into it. It was priceless! Trayjan was having a wonderful time. Jie was able to play as well, she knocked Trayj down a couple times, but he did end up getting her with a KO as well.

2009-06-25T15:17:00.001-07:00

Thankful Thursday's are the days I'm reminded to stop and remind myself of all these beautiful blessings God has given me. I try to take the time more then just on a Thursday, but Thanks to Thursday's I know that I will stop and remind myself.

I love the saying Yesturday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery and Today is a gift, which is why it is called the present.

Someday's I sit with a peaceful feeling, when nothing more needs to be done, the house is cleaned, the kids are fed and safe, homework is complete, the bills are paid and often tears will just began to fall. I feel that at these times I am so close to God, that he is holding me tightly hopefully very proud of the wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend I have become. I pray that each tear gives light to the reason he placed me here. I couldnt' imagine my life any differently, This wonderful day I'm so blessed and thankful for the Love that surrounds me each day. I'm thankful that through many road trips, my children always come home safely.

All that we have accomplished you have done for us [O LORD]. Isaiah 26:12

Thank You to Thankful Thursday

2009-06-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am so very Thankful for this little boy, who often lets me know he's bored and needs some entertainment. I'm thankful that although God gave me the gift of motherhood, I also received the gift of entertainer, playmate, craft maker, toy shopper, and chef!

I am so very thankful that each day this precious little girl gives mommy her list of what she would like for breakfast. She has so many choices and always has the gift of good nutrition.

I am so very thankful for a Husband and Father who adores and loves his family. He's an amazing provider for his family and offers many gifts to his children including knowledge of self-defence, a fun person to play with, and the person who always catches the kids when they jump into the swimming pool. Oh, and he always provides a competitor for mommy to beat at everything!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATE!

2009-06-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Trayjan had his Kindergarten Graduation on Monday June 1, 2009. It was a wonderful celebration with songs and his diploma ceremony. We are so proud of him for all he accomplished this year. He made so many new friends, he was the 1st Kindergartner to make it Math Challenge 11 and as his teacher, Mrs. Zabst put it, he is such a bright wonderful student. She said he is the most well behaved, kind young boy. She also said he's quite loved by all the little girls in class. She said that when it was his turn to pick a partner for Circle Time, she always had to wonder which little girls heart would be broken that day. I know we have loved every minute of taking him to school, picking him up and being so excited to see what he did in school that day and if he had a great day. He began the school year uncertain of his like for kindergarten, but it didn't take long and he just loved school. He was unsure because it was so different then his 3 years of pre-school. We were so happy as he quickly came to enjoy his days and couldn't wait for the next day of school. We are very proud of him and couldn't be more excited for his all + grades on his report card. Great Job Trayj!

Memorial Weekend

2009-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating and remembering loved ones with family. Trayjan is at an age that he is so very curious about what we do and why we do things we do. We explained many times throughout the weekend what it meant. These conversations went from family members who have passed to our fallen soldiers from different time periods. He not only wanted to know how many soldiers have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, he had to know all about when and where it occured. We also added to his prayers for God to watch over the men and women protecting our freedom every day. I believe he has a great understanding of what it meant. Jie really isn't ready for all of the information, so she just played and swam all weekend with family.

We are praying for families this memorial day as they remember their loved ones.

TURKEY RUN

2009-05-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

We have been caught up in the things in life that are not significant to our happiness. It seems that the more we want, the more we buy, then the more we realize all this "stuff" can not and is not meant to bring long term happiness to our hearts. It is so fun to buy new things, but minutes or hours later the feeling of unhappiness is still there. We see it in ourselves and in our children. Mostly Trayjan because he's so used to getting new things. He'll be so happy for an hour or so, then he moves onto one of his old things or wants us to play something with him. The stress build up from all the wants, just is not healthy for any of us.

We woke up on Sunday and knew we needed to spend some true family time together, so we had lunch and headed to one of Indiana's state parks, Turky Run State Park. I remembered going years ago with my best friend from school, I think we were about 12 years old when her family took us. We spent a few hours walking trails, climbing rocks, walking through streams, balancing on logs and climbing so many stairs, it felt like we were on the Great Wall again. Needless to say, we had the most amazing time. Trayjan continued to say how cool it was. He loved all of it, but said trampling through the mudd and climbing the rocks were the best. He even found a bright emerald bug (not sure what it was), but it was so bright, it took many minutes of our time staring at it's beautiful color.

The entire day was quite an event for Jie, she started strong, but had to be carried many times by daddy. Her little legs were getting so worn out from the climbing and constant walking. She began to ask for water not long into the adventure. She acted as though she hadn't drank for days. However, she was able to pull through and did a wonderful job keeping up and enjoying herself.

Trayjan was a such a joy to watch. He truly enjoyed every minute and never complained once. He actually went so fast through things, we had to slow him down. He was like "Bear" on Man Vs. Wild....one of he and his daddy's favorite shows. The amazing thing is he was pointing out things we could eat and ways we could gather water if we were lost. It was precious to watch and listen to him.

The entire day was amazing and such a beatiful blessing for all of us. It was exactly what we needed to put us back on God's path for us. He intends for us to enjoy eachother and live life to the fullest. We already have many plans ahead of us, that are far more important then shopping and wasting our time on non essentials. We had a day of focusing on all the blessings we are so fortunate to have been given to us.

For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things come for whome we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things come and through whom we live. I CORINTHIANS 8:6

The Kids Hugging: Thankful Thursday

2009-05-14T17:30:00.001-07:00

I am constantly reading many of the wonderful family blog sights I follow about what they are Thankful for. It has been given the title of Thankful Thursday. I have been so inspired by these wonderful families who seem to have so much love for their children and are dedicated to the Lord.

I am thankful this Thursday and every Thurday for:

1. My daughter who looks at me and mimics everything I do each day, the sweetest is when we are setting at the dinner table and she tries so hard to bend her arms in front of her body just as mommy is.

2. My sweet boy, who gives everything 100%. I'm so proud of him, he is the only Kindergartener to make it to level 11 Math Challenge. He is doing problems in the 60's both plus and minus.

3. For the wonderful sunshine given to us for free.

4. My awesome Wii workout video that I was given for Mother's Day and have been dedicated everyday to accomplish.

5. My precious parents, who light up when they see their grandkids

6. The air that I'm so blessed to breath each day.

7. Being a mom.....oh how I love being a Christian Mom!

8. Listening to the same beautiful bird sing outside my window every morning.

9. The inner peace I feel at this very moment.

10. My husband who works so hard to give me the opportunity to stay home with our children.

MOTHER'S DAY BLESSINGS

2009-05-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

I can remember my 1st Mother's Day with Trayjan and this year is my 1st Mother's Day with Jiesue. I am so thankful for the gift of motherhood. Travis and I have been married for almost 17 years and to think we never felt like we wanted children. I am so thankful to our Heavenly Father for guilding me to the most amazing place in my life. I remember it perfectly, when I was about 27 years old, I began to feel like I needed and wanted more from my life. It wasn't until I was 29 that I was blessed with this amazing beautiful little boy. The boy who changed my life forever. I have never been able to get enough of him. I fell completely in love with him and my life was changed forever. I tried so many careers in my life and was never happy and it wasn't until I found Motherhood, that I knew where I was supposed to be. The completeness that I feel from being a mom and raising my children....there is nothing like it. I can not even begin to imagine what is in store for my family. God has given us so much. When we made the decision to add to our family and had multiple miscarriages after Trayjan was 2, we felt a strong presense guiding us to Jiesue. The most amazing thing that I will never forget is when I had my last miscarriage, Jiesue's wonderful mother was pregnant with her and gave birth the same time I would have been giving birth had we not lost the baby. Even though it was difficult to lose something so precious, God knew exactly where he wanted us to be. Our daughter was so far away waiting for us. Now I have two of the most precious children whom I could not imagine my life without. They are the air that I breath each day and I am so thankful for the little things each day. Like when Jie tells me "I love you soooo much", and when Trayj tells me "Your the best mom in the world". Trayjan told me yesturday that he loved me so much because I make him laugh and play with him. Their laughs are my strength, their happiness is my life. I'm so grateful to celebrate Mother's Day, each and everyday! Thank you to my beautiful amazing children and to my wonderful, rock of a husband. My cup runneth over.

Beautiful Zoo Day

2009-05-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

We decided to enjoy a beautiful day at the Zoo on Sunday. The kids were excited and the day was perfect to spend it outdoors. Trayjan loved seeing the Monkey's, Sharks and Snakes, while Jie enjoyed the Elephants, Monkey's and Big Kitty's (Lions). It is amazing how much more comfortable she is with animals. I think as she has watched Trayjan snuggle with our big St. Bernard, Tiko, it has truly influenced her being so comfortable with animals both big and small. It was a fun day and the kids really had a wonderful time.

Jie enjoying Reading Time

2009-04-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Jie reading in her room on Thursday morning. She was talking to what we thought was to herself for quite sometime, so Travis wanted to know who she was talking to. Upon entering her room, we realized she was reading one of her favorite books...Thomas! She loves her Barney book too.

Trayjan's having a ball!

2009-04-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Trayjan has began his 3rd year of Baseball, he is such a little athlete. He loves Baseball, as much as he loves Basketball. He's so much fun to watch. This year Trayjan's playing 1st base. He is doing such a great job. We are so very proud of him. Here are a couple pictures of his 1st two games, as well as a fun little surprise he made for Daddy while he was out of town. Mom of course took every opportunity to enjoy him wanting to use my Cricut and scrapbooking equipment. He is a true boy in and out, so him wanting to do anything crafty was a huge surprise. Dad will be very surprised and impressed....Trayj did it all by himself.

NOT REALLY A GOOD IDEA

2009-04-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

Well, for Christmas Santa brought Trayj a mini 4-wheeler, however, Santa did not make certain it worked after putting it together from the box, so for the last couple months it has been in the shop being worked on. Not the best way to spend your time with a new present. Well, we finally got it back on Wednesday and mom and dad were very excited to see Trayjan try it out. Needless to say, it really didn't go well. After we convinced him to try it out, he crashed within a few seconds of being on it. I laughed so hard, until realizing his little knee was bruised from where it fell on him. I felt horrible, but thankfully he wasn't hurt bad. I think mommy is done promoting the 4 wheeler adventures until he gets a bit bigger.

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Easter was a wonderful time for our family. The kids enjoyed a few wonderful celebrations, but most importantly we celebrated the love our Heavenly Father has for us, the sacrifice he made for our sins. We are so greatful for every blessing before us.

Easter Family Picture

2009-04-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

We took a couple family pictures from our Easter Weekend.

VACATION

2009-04-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

We returned from a wonderful time spent together on our vacation on Wednesday. Trayjan and Daddy chose this vacation to New York. It was fun, exciting, busy and interesting. We stayed near Time Square and boy was that an experience of a lifetime. We enjoyed ourselves but it was mass chaos the entire time. It's nice to visit, but certainely not a way to get away and relax. The beatiful thing was the kids enjoyed the entire trip, even the driving (I think it was the excitment of where we were going).

While in New York, we made our first stop to the USS Intredpid. It is a ship that fought in WWII, it was amazing to see and Trayjan loved it. Our next stop was to Time Square, then the largest Toys R Us in the world. Trayjan and Jie both absolutely loved it. They had so many items that our toys r us doesn't have, plus they had amazing Lego exhibits for Trayj and Thomas the Train exhibits for Jie (she loves Thomas the Train). We as well got to visit the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 memorial sight. Thankfully we had a couple days that the weather was pleasant and sunny, but by the 3rd day we opted to go ahead and head back west to make our stay at Hershey. The kids love Hershey and by the time we got there the weather was back to sunny from rain and snow. Hershey is such a fun place to visit. The kids love Hershey World, and it seems each time we go, we learn something new about the process of making Chocolate.

Trayj loving his swim time on vacation

2009-04-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

Jie loving her barney shirt and barney song on Vacation

2009-04-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

GRANDPARENTS DAY!

2009-03-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Trayjan had a wonderful day at school. It was Grandparents Day at his school and he was able to have his Grandpa Terry, Grandma Diane and Grandma Susan there. Mom was supposed to head out, but it was just to cute to miss and someone had to run the camera and video camera.

Trayjan sang some songs for all of us, then did a craft with his grandparents, then took them on a tour/scavenger hunt throughout his school. The time together ended with wonderful cookies and lemonade. It was priceless, he truly loved it and had a wonderful time. We are so thankful Grandparents are close and are able to enjoy these special times with our children. What a blessing they are.

A sign from God

2009-03-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

Even before we traveled to China to adopt our daughter, I felt the need to add more children to our family. I have the perfect plan which was to have another child, then adopt the child opposite the sex we had. It sounds like the perfect plan to me. Travis thinks I'm crazy to want 4, but is amazing at all the crazy and wonderful thoughts that enter this crazy head of mine. I think my wanting of a big family is mostly due to my wonderful family. I have 3 siblings and couldn't be more thankful for all of them and my parents. We are all so very close and truly love eachother.

Right after we got home from China, I was having feelings of getting started to adopt again. However, with so many adjustments of coming home for Jie and for us, it seemed to stress me out everytime I think about it. However, even with the stress, I continued to push forward thinking God was guiding me in this direction. A close adoption friend of mine who adopted from Guatemala had past on information to me of a young boy in a wheel chair in China that resides in the Philip Hayden foundation. He was about to expire out of the system in June 2009, which means he is turning 13 and will longer be on open for adoption. My heart ached for this boy, who deserves a wonderful family, but I didn't feel was my son. So I have continued to pray for him, he is still waiting for a family to give him a forever home. I felt a great amount of guilt for not adopting him, so I turned to God, to guide me in the right direction as I continue to keep him in my prayers.

I felt like I was being guided to adopt, so the same friend turned me in the direction of WACAP. They have many children who most of the expenses are paid for to bring them home. I looked and immediately found a little boy who was 7 days older then Jie. Although Travis thought I was crazy, he didn't prevent or discourage me from pursuing this beautiful boy. I continued to look at this boy for days without moving forward to viewing his profile. It wasn't until Tuesday of this week that I realized my role in all of these signs from God. Last weekend, I was asked by someone close to me about adoption, so I knew I needed to pass on http://www.wacap.org/ 's website to her, then on Tuesday, I was approached by a mother of one of Trayjan's classmates at school who is aching in her heart to adopt. She needed some advice and ask me how she could adopt with little finances. OH MY GOODNESS! Now I knew for sure the reason I was led to this organization. Although I know the time may come, I don't feel it in my heart to adopt at this time, so I knew my confusion was GOD leading me to this information in hopes to bring children home through others. The amazing thing was as I looked for the boy on the site Thursday morning, he is no longer available. So I know he was not meant to be our son, I know God was just using me as his voice to lead people to WACAP. Our God is so amazing, we just have to listen to him.

These children need homes, and we are all GOD's children. I look at my son and my daughter as my children. I know God led Travis and I to both our children, just in different ways. I pray today and each day for these children. So as I realize and listen to God's signs today, I pray that others will listen and follow his guidance to adopt a child, to give them the loving home they all deserve.

Amazing Trayjan! We are so proud of you!

2009-03-19T16:29:00.001-07:00

Well, our wonderful boy won his kindergarten MATH CHALLENGE at school. It had three different levels and he passed each one of them without missing a single problem. The first level was all addition, the second level was all subraction and the final level was mixed problems. He was the only child to not miss any on all 3 levels in his entire class. We are so proud of him. We have been working math problems constantly since last summer and he has done so great. We have a Math Bingo game that Grandma Susan bought us as well that he worked too. He just is so bright and learns so quickly and easily. He truly has made our jobs as parents so simple and joyful.

I got him to pose with his Winning T-shirt on with his best pal, Will after school today!

CONGRATULATIONS TRAYJAN, WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, how we love a good celebration. Holiday's are the perfect reason to celebrate. The only thing our children know about St. Pats Day is the we wear Green and some people drink Green Beer (of course not us). However, I think what the kids like best is that they get a couple prizes. Yesturday we celebrated with a build a bear trip and Red Lobster for dinner, and this morning they woke up to a little celebration with something fun and full of sugar for breakfast. The kids loved their little presents. Jie got a much needed bike princess helmet (which she should wear all day as much as she falls down) and a Sleeping Beauty pillow book. Trayjan loved his glow in the dark gun with a little lego set (which took no time at all for him to put together). They are so much fun, and it's even more fun when they don't know a holiday is coming!

Pray for Abby

2009-03-13T11:38:00.001-07:00

I wanted to add a prayer for a beautiful little girl. I have been following her journey and she is such a little fighter. She is fighting a rare form of Leukemia. Here is her story:

Abby is four years old. She was adopted by the Riggs Family from Guatemala when she was six months old.
In July 2008, three years old, she was diagnosed with a high risk, aggressive form of Leukemia. Over the months, her prognosis has worsened as other complications and conditions became know.
We thank you for taking time to learn more about her, and even more, for your prayers.

Here is her family blogsight so you may visit and see how she is doing. Please pray for her family. http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com

Happy 4th Birthday Tiko

2009-03-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Today Tiko turns 4, she loved her cookie she got after breakfast and the wonderful toy from Trayjan. She just ran around the yard wanting Trayj to chase her to try and take her toy from her. She is such a wonderfully, sweet puppy.

Trayjan also had Friday playing with her this morning, so I added a couple pictures, as Trayjan is loving her and then putting her on Jie's face.

Enjoy!

Now that's Talent

2009-02-27T03:02:00.000-08:00

The kids decided to start singing (well actually screaming) yesturday, so I caught a little video of them. Jie is jumping around singing her favorite song, while Trayjan made up his own song after beating a character on Cartoonnetwork.com. Trayjan's was something like "I beat another one" and Jie's was basically repeating "So What", over and over and over again. It's very pleasant on the ears!

When They Were "3"

2009-02-26T10:53:00.001-08:00

Today as I took a photo of Jie, I was tempted to look up a photo of Trayj when he was her same age. I found a couple pictures of Trayj at 3 right around the same time of year. At 3 Trayjan was 37" Tall and 32 pounds. However, as Jie turned 3, her measurements are 32" Tall and 24 pounds. I remember when Trayj was 3 he was in a 3T in both shorts and shirts. Jie has just graduated from 18-24 months into a 2T and now since I like her pants long, she can were a Gymborree 3T in leggings. I just think they are both so precious and adorable at 3 years of age. Trayjan was such a little doll and Jie has become such a little princess.

The first picture is of Trayjan at 3 at his Great Aunt Myrna's Easter Egg Hunt, the second is of Trayjan at home during our Easter Egg Hunt at 3 yrs, and the last is of Jie today posing for mommy so very beautifully at age 3. These kids are such a blessing from God. Thank you for each day he is blessed us with them. They make us better people everyday.

I love a quote in one of my favorite books: The Answer Book for Today's Mom, Christian Encouragement & Practical Advice on Your World, Your Work, And Your Home, the quote is "What can I do to add Brightness to my day?" I know I can add brightness to my day by being so very thankful for my children. God blessed me with my children. To take each day as a blessing and not let one minute go by where I have taken the people I love for granted. Don't wait for something great to happen to give your children a smile, if you wait for another time to come to us, it will never come. Our children are great, every minute of thier lives.

Oh, this boy!

2009-02-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

I think mommy is beginning to see signs of my baby boy getting bigger. He still loves to cuddle and hug me, but he is now asking me to leave his bedroom when we're in there sitting around doing nothing. In a way, my heart breaks everytime we wants me to go, but in another way, I know he is growing into a young boy and he makes me so proud.

I can not believe God chose me to be this beautiful boy's mom. I feel so blessed with my children, but now Trayjan is no longer that little boy who needs me for everything he does throughout his day. I feel like Life is going so quickly, although I'm so blessed to be home to see every minute of his life. I remember when Travis and I finally got pregnant and were blessed with this perfect baby boy. Life changed for us and the love grew so deep for him. Niether of us could leave him, we missed him so much when we were not with him. Everything we have experienced in life, we have experienced with Trayjan.

I find myself in reflecting mood as I have been looking over pictures of his baby and toddler years. He is the most precious, handsome, intelligent young boy. We are so proud of him and are so excited to see him blossom before our eyes.

Today, as we did his homework (math addition problems), he didn't even have to think of his answers, it just all came to him so easily. I am so amazed with him each day.

The pictures I'm posting are of a day when he was 3, and decided to splash in the mudd in our backyard. Afterwards he was eating watermelon with his cousins, dirty hands and all. He just looks so little, and thank goodness for pictures, his little eyes were still blue, but now they are green just like mommy's.

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

PSALM 116: 12-12

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time as the kids both woke up to a fun morning and afternoon planned for them. I was so inspired by Kate Gosselin's traditions for her 8 children, I decided this year to do more then just a few presents and lunch out. Last night, after Trayj & Jie went to sleep we decorated the house all over with hanging decorations and fun little things. I had new Monkey slippers by both kids doors when they woke up this morning. They were quite the hit, except Jie couldn't walk down the stairs with hers on and got upset that Trayj wouldn't wait on her. Once they both came downstairs, I had fun gift bags for them with silly items like Valentine Glasses, Candy Necklaces and candy. Then they got to do a scavenger hunt throughout the house to find their real gifts. They both enjoyed it, although Jie really hadn't ever done one, so she just followed Trayj from clue to clue until finally at the end he helped her find her presents. She got a new Disney CD player, a Princess Movie and Sand Digging toys (which she wanted to take a bath right away to use them in the water). Trayjan loves his gifts, he got a new Mario DS Game, a Indiana Jones Lego set and a Ben 10 DVD. It was so wonderful watching them both enjoy so many fun things. Trayjan got a little extra game, I had hung cute puffy lips throughout the house on pictures and he had to find them all, he had a ball finding all of them. This year not only did we do the fun stuff, we made a Valentine breakfast with heart shaped pancakes and chocolate, along with a wonderful lunch and Fondue Desert. The kids loved the desert, they were both a mess with chocolate all of them with the help of Daddy putting it on their noses. I loved that we made it such a fun and family day. Usually it's simple, but this year was so much more special with all of us togther for the first time for Valentines Day.

Trayjan Rock Climbing

2009-02-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

Trayjan had his first experience Rock Climbing this evening. He was invited to a friend from school's birthday party and he had so much fun. He didn't hesitate at all to get going on climbing, he was the first to make it to the middle of the Rock Wall. He was so brave and just loved it. I had to drag him out after 2 hours to go home. He amazed me with how high he kept trying to get. He didn't quite make it to the top, but was so close many times. He really wants mom and dad to try it too, it really looked like it was a great workout and alot of fun.

Our First Tooth Loss

2009-02-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a big day for Trayjan, he is 6 1/2 and we were beginning to think he would have his baby teeth until he was a teen. LOL! Actually his pediatric dentist said he would lose his teeth later since they came in so late as a baby. Anyway, he was so excited when he woke up Sunday morning and had a very loose tooth, he played with it most of the day and by evening time, it was ready to come out. He decided that we would make a new holiday in our home. February 8th is offically the Holiday of Trayjan's 1st Tooth Loss. We are to celebrate the day each year (he is so darn funny)! Since he has such beautiful teeth and no cavaties, the Tooth Fairy gave him $10.00 for his tooth, and of course it was burning a hole in his tiny pocket, so he had to spend it. That boy has his mommy's blood, just can't hold onto money very long.

Time with Dear Friends

2009-02-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Saturday getting to spend time with the Bourke Family. We traveled to China together and have a very special bond with Kevin, Janet, Ted & Philip. We just love their family and the kids adore eachother. Trayjan is such a wonderful big brother figure when he is around Philip. He loves to play and spend time with him. Trayjan, Jie & Philip enjoyed their time as we went to lunch, played at Recreations Unlimited, and ended our visit at Maggie Moos for Ice Cream. We had a ball catching up and playing, we also were blessed with many laughs as Janet and Kevin attempted the curly slides. It was so funny, the slides are very quick, but at one point Kevin was stuck in the middle. What a wonderful time.

We're Just Having Way To Much Fun!

2009-01-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we took the kids and a friend of Trayjan's to the Children's Museum. It was alot of fun, as it always is. The kids wore me out as we would race up and down the ramps at the Museum. I raced with the boys all the way down, then up again, until the last ramp. I let Travis race them as I took Jie. The boys had a blast seeing the Dinosaurs, Comic Book Heros, Glass Art, and the play areas. Jie loved just about everything. I think her favorite was digging for Dinosaur bones. She loved her Aquamarine Goggles.

On Thursday as Travis was at meetings, I took Trayj & Jie to my MOPS group playdate. It was at a great place we used to take Trayj to often when he was little. It's called Recreation Unlimited. We used to buy Thomas the Trains there, but after Trayj got out of Thomas we stopped going, although now we find out they have Webkinz, so I'm sure we'll be visiting more often. The place is AWESOME because they have indoor play areas set up (which are the best quality we have ever seen), plus they have an indoor trampoline and indoor basketball goals, along with Train tables, which Jie loves. We met many people there, but Trayjan was convinced to go knowing his girlfriend Larissa would be there and her little brother Evan, whom Jie loves to play with. The kids love all the slides, playgyms and swings. It is so much fun to go and it's WARM....that is so important to mommy! We also got to have lunch before Trayj went to school with our friends. What a wonderful Morning!!

Jie's Final 3rd Birthday Celebration

2009-01-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time at our favorite Pizza place....Pizza Shack. It is the only Pizza Trayjan will eat, so it was an easy decision where we would hold Jie's Pizza Party. We had over 30 people at her party, it was so wonderful to have so many family and friends there.

Jie had a wonderful time, besides the time she was eating, we could find her at the cake table, wanting to touch and eat her cake as well as eating the nuts and mints beside the cake. She was so funny, it was like she was guarding the table from everyone else.

Jie loved opening more gifts, I'm glad her celebrations are over, because she was getting used to getting gifts. Now we can take time to be thankful for what she received without any other gifts coming. She is currently in her room playing with one of her favorite gifts...her vanity table from Grandma and Grandpa Stout. I hear her hair dryer going (it's pretend and she loves it). She received so many wonderful things, like Dress up clothing, hairpieces, puzzles, Little Pet Shop, pajamas, necklaces, purses, Barbie cell phone, bracelets, and even received homeade presents from friends. She absolutely loves everything and I couldn't imagine spending her birthday with anyone else then the wonderful family and friends.

Trayjan was kind of over the celebration, he has enjoyed her birthday, but after a month of celebrating he was done. Thankfully, he kept busy with his friends and cousins at the party, which he loves to spend time with. We bought him a little gift before the pary (Mario Brothers DS game), so that kept him busy. I took a picture of what I seen of him after eating....it's of his back, along with his cousins Dawson and Isabelle!

After everyone enjoyed Pizza, Salads, Spagetti, drinks and Birthday Cake, Jie opened her presents, then Jie, Evan and Eli had a balloon fight. Jie couldn't really hold up to the boys, Evan and Eli are boys and quite frankly, Jie is just a big girly girl. People seem to think that is great, personally I have to toughen her up. She does love karate so we hope that helps...it sure did help her mommy not to be a little whimpy girl and her brother is pretty tough from growing up in a karate family. Well regardless of her being a girly girl, she is our precious girly girl and we love her so much! We are so happy she has enjoyed her month long birthday!

Trayjan the Basketball Star!

2009-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

Friday was Trayjan's very 1st Basketball practice and 1st Game as well. His team is the Michigan Wolverines, which are all Kindgergarten children in our area. His team name was chosen by Trayjan and his coach, Daddy! It was so exciting to see him play for the first time and we couldn't be more proud of Trayjan, he did very well his first time, he would dribble the ball down the court to shoot, in which he shot a few shots and made a basket for his team. He passes the ball well too! GREAT JOB TRAYJ!

Jie was Trayjan's little cheerleader on the sidelines. She was yelling with Grandma Susan "Go Trayjan, Go Michigan"! She did a good job as well, well at least until she got bored and laid down on the bleachers with her legs into the air.....not good with a dress on Jiesue! Daddy got her ready and apparently forgot the BLOOMERS!

Trayjan & Daddy

2009-01-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

I found this picture and absolutely love it. Trayjan and his daddy are walking down the sidewalk after leaving the Big House. Trayjan attended his first Michigan Wolverine Football game when he was almost 5 months old. He went again when he was a 16 months, which is when this picture was taken. He looks so adorable walking with Daddy all decked out in his Michigan Gear.

Also, these other pictures are how Trayj decided to brush his teeth before Bed the othe day. Quite creative on his part. The hilarious thing was when it was time to rid his mouth of the leftover toothpaste....I truly thought it was going to end up in Daddy's hair. He is such a wonderfully, creative, fun boy. We love him so very much!

Happy 3rd Birthday Princess Jie

2009-01-08T07:16:00.001-08:00

This morning we woke to celebrate Jie's 1st Birthday home with us. She turned "3". She has been singing Happy Birthday all week to herself, so the day is finally here. She is so amazing, we ask her what she wanted for her birthday and she said "Aquamarine and Yellow socks". Of course she got her socks as well as a new outfit, and some Princess stuff. She didn't care of any of the toys, just the socks. She put them on right away and guess what............ she put one Aquamarine sock on and one Yellow sock on. Sounds familiar doesn't it. She sooooo belongs in this family. If everyone remembers, Trayjan's trademark for the first 5 years of life was two different color of GAP socks. He would match his clothes with two different color of socks each day. It was precious and broke my heart when he finally hit 6 and wanted Nike ankle socks. He is such a big boy, but the tradition will continue with Jie.

We will have more celebrating for her today after school we're going to bouncezone to have some fun, then we're having a big family party on January 24th.

A Reflection of our amazing Year!

2009-01-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

As 2008 is behind us, we reflect on the blessings of our year. Travis and I have been so fortunate to spend each and every day with our precious children. They truly are the reason God placed us on this earth. Each day, they bring great joy to our lives. They amaze us each day with something new, whether it be a growth of intelligence, something funny, or just their precious smiles. Everytime we look at them we are reminded of the love our Heavenly Father has for us. The pure gift of being their parents is enough happiness to last many lifetimes.

This past year, we have been able to travel many places and enjoy a great deal of time together. Our children are so amazing and are filled with so much love in their hearts. Trayjan and Jie will hug and kiss us many times throughout the day and each time our hearts swell with so much love. Trayjan and Jie will also love on eachother all day long, so we know God is guiding us in teaching our children to love. They are both amazing at expressing thier feelings for eachother and Travis and I.

Our children are a reflection of our love shown towards them. I remember when Trayj was a baby (up to age 3), Travis would sit and count how many times I would kiss him. Honestly I didn't have any idea I was doing it, but Travis would count into the hundreds each day. Each night as we lie Jie down to sleep, she'll express her love for us. She will continue to kiss us and tell us she loves us over and over again. She will even kiss our heads, ears, noses, hands, and arms....as she tells us. Usually, we both have to pretend to be asleep for her to finally lie down and then every few minutes she turn over or will lean in to tell one of us she loves us again. She is such a loving child, and is completely in love with her family. What a precious gift she is to all of us.

Our 2008 was so amazing and we know our Lord Jesus Christ made it all possible. He continously provided for us over and over again. He brought us even closer together and he blessed us with Health and Happiness. How blessed we are to be loved so deeply by him!

We just wanted to post some wonderful pictures to reflect our amazing year! Happy New year to everyone, and God bless you each and everyday!

Our Christmas at HOME!

2008-12-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

The kids were amazing Christmas morning, they both came down the stairs (Jie a little to slow for Trayjan's taste), but to their surprise, Santa had been to our home and gone, leaving the most amazing gifts for them. Their faces at 1st sight were just to precious for words, I think it was a bit overwhelming and took a few minutes to take it all in.

Santa had left Trayjan a blue Mini 4 Wheeler, which he loves (he says it is one of his most favorite gifts). Trayjan also said the other favorite is a gift from mom and dad which is his Imaginext Mr. Freeze, which had to be orderded, since we have searched despartely in stores and had no luck......thank you to EBAY!

Jie got a new Dollhouse for Christmas filled with furniture, she has already put some polly pockets and barbies in it. She truly loves it! Her other favorite gifts include her Dora Lil Quad 4 wheeler, she thinks she is big stuff riding it through the house. Which after mommy mopped the floors this morning, it will be seeing the basement (way to many black tire marks had to be scrubbed off my wood floors).

Both the kids had such a blessed Christmas, they were very thankful for all their presents. We are so proud of them, they are amazing children, full of love for everyone and everything around them.

The kids bought mommy and daddy some wonderful presents. Daddy got a new football and a rubber Malet....which he has always wanted! He also got some fun colorful golf tees, cologne and Nike shirts. Mommy was blessed with new clothing, new movies, inclusing Mama Mia and Horton Hears a who, I also got these awesome Monkey massage slippers.

Of course the most amazing gifts are to be blessed with eachother each and every day. God truly is so very present in our lives. He loves us so much and we are so very thankful for the lives he has allowed us to have.

Grandma & Grandpa Stouts Christmas

2008-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

We always loved going to my parents for Christmas and this year was even more special, as we all are so thankful to be blessed with eachother. This year, Jie is home and Trayjan finally has a sister to share the celebration of Christmas with.

The kids loved going to Grandma & Grandpa's, they got to have a wonderful meal, lots of goodies, play with their cousins which they adore, then open presents from Grandpa & Grandma. Trayjan's favorite gift was his new Huge Star Wars Lego Set. He loves Legos, and he is so great at putting them together. Jie loved her V-Tech Laptop and her new baby dolls. They both were wonderful and so very thankful. They are such great kids, I am so proud of them.

Grandma and Grandpa are such a blessing to my children. They love them dearly and the kids can feel that extreme amout of love. Jie has felt right at home with them since getting home in July. She had to tell them she loves them many times before we leave, it is precious. Although Trayjan loves them, he gives Grandma and little chase before she gets her kiss goodbye, he is so funny!

Well, this year as every year and everyday, we are so blessed to have our families. I absolutely love my 2 sisters and brother and thier families. I thank God each day that he brought us all together.....our family is so very special!

Christmas with Friends

2008-12-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

Trayjan and Jie had the most amazing night Christmas Eve, as we spent it with Rhonda, Jeremy, Zach and Maggie. Rhonda and I have been best friends for 25 years this year and our kids have known eachother all thier lives. Trayjan is finally old enough he plays video games, so he and Zach played his new Army game most of the night and Maggie played with Jie, she pushed her in her baby doll stroller most of the night, it was adorable!

Each year for the past 4 years we have gone to the Midnight Service at our Church with the Hagerty's. This year we did the same after we had dinner and opened gifts. The kids loved thier gifts. Jie got a Princess Chair and Princess Slippers and Trayj got a new Lion Webkinz and Magnext, which he loves for building.

We bought the kids all matching pajamas. They had sock monkey's on them and the kids all wore them to church. They were so adorable!

Phifer Grandparents Christmas

2008-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Sunday spending it at Grandma Susan and Grandpa Tom's house. This year was very special because Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Leach were there. It was so nice to see them at Christmas time, they usually are in Florida during Christmas. It was also very special to us because December 21, 2007 was the day we got our Pre-Approval from China to adopt Jie, one year ago, we were approved and it took 6 more months to get her home from China. This was her first Christmas home, and boy did she catch on fast to opening presents.

Trayjan and Jie both got wonderful presents, but I think they enjoyed spending time with family and playing with cousins. Trayjan got his Batman Batwings Cape and Jie loved her Magic Slippers (which she has on again today).

This year at Grandma and Grandpa's was also very hard because last year on December 22, Aunt Tanya passed away. She is missed so very much by everyone who loves her and we know she is looking down upon this amazing family and she is so proud. We are so blessed and this year was a time to remember all those blessings, and all the wonderful and amazing things God does for us each and everyday. We keep all those who are suffering, who are ill, who have lost their homes, and who are away from their families in our prayers. We pray God is watching over each and everyone today and everyday.

Mommy Turns "35"

2008-12-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this morning was alot of fun. Trayj and Jie woke up to wishing me happy birthday. Jie was very shy about telling me, but once she got the hang of it, she wouldn't stop singing "Happy Birthday Mommy". Trayjan is so wonderful about birthday's. He can barely wait to get downstairs for everyone to open their gifts. He organized my presents according to size, which I opened the small packages first, then saved the biggest for last.

Not only did I have great gifts and wonderful birthday wishes, but the kids and Travis made me a Chocolate Birthday Cake for "Breakfast". Well, one thing for sure, there is a reason I dislike Donuts so much, I'm sure the cake had equal amounts of sugar and my body went into over load after eating a small portion of icecream and cake. Of course all the donut/sweet eaters (Travis, Trayj & Jie), were just fine with all the sugar. Don't get me wrong, I love my chocolate, just not at 9am in the morning. A Bit Much!

Cookie Fun

2008-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we had my younger sister and her children over to bake cookies and have a playdate. The kids had a good time, playing and baking their homeade cookies (I tasted Trayjan's and they were very good). The kids filled their cookies with lots of mini m&m's, chocolate chips, and assorted sprinkles. They were all so funny, how they didn't want to get their hands dirty. Logan and Jie I think ate more candy then they put into their cookies. Issy's was the biggest, Skylers was almost a perfect circle with Candy cane punched into his, Trayjan made Candy Cane shapes, Jie's was a glob of dough and candy, which she loved to play in.

Walkway of Lights

2008-12-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time this year at our annual tradition of visiting the Walkway of Lights. Trayjan has always loved going, all the lights are so beautiful and fun to see. There are so many moving lights, Trayjan's favorite was the Skateboarding Elf, mine has to be the Elf that gets run over by a snowball. They are all so cute, and Jie absolutely loved them, she was in ahhh the entire time.

After our trip through the park, we always visit Santa and get our yearly Walkway of Lights ornament, which we have done each year since Trayj was only 5 months. Jie reacted the same as Trayj always has and has never wanted anything to do with Santa. Jie walked in took one look at him and we ask her if she wanted to see him and she said "Noooooooooooo". We ask her a few times and each time it was the same, so we all had our picture taken with Santa, which I loved even more!

This year was even more fun, because it was Jie's 1st year. She had a wonderful time. I love that Trayjan can not remember the lights from year to year, he is so amazed by all of them and it makes it his 1st every year seeing them, plus they are great about moving them around each year, so you never really know what you'll see next. Also, what I love is that each year we get our pictures taken in front of the same light display.... Travis & Trayj in front of the castle..... and Me and Trayj in front of the Angel display. I can not wait to do a scrapbook of our Walkway trips, it is so neat to look back over the past 6 years and see all the pictures, I would be heartbroken if they ever decided not to set up the Castle and Angel Display..... I think we would have to buy them for our yard! Neighbors would love that!

We had our amazing snacks, which the kids had so many more choices this year. I think they managed to get Dip n Dots, brownies, big league chew, gatorade, and chips. I can't resist their cocoa!

Decorating the Tree

2008-12-11T04:45:00.000-08:00

Trayjan has always loved to put all the decorations on our Christmas Tree, and Jie was able to enjoy the fun this year. It's funny, because each year, I want this beautiful tree decorated in Red and White Decorations only, and each year when I get only Red and White Decorations out to decorate, Trayjan wants to know where the rest of the decorations are.

I have told myself, that I will decorate a Tree in the livingroom with all my Red and White Decor and give the kids a tree to decorate for themselves with all the colorful decorations on it. However, each year, once all the colorful, fun, memorable decorations are put on the tree, I take a look at it, and it is the most beautiful tree, I have ever seen. It means so much to me that our tree, has pictures, Michigan Wolverine Ornaments and homeade pipe cleaner candy canes that Trayj has made in school. I love our colorful Christmas Tree and each time I look at it, it reminds of all the beautiful blessings God has given me in my life......A remarkable, intelligent, funny, loving Son.......a Unique, loving, funny, outgoing little girl.......a loving, giving, wonderful, hardworking husband.....a life filled with wonderful parents, siblings, friends, and family. How blessed we are everyday, even without this beautiful Christmas tree and presents in our family room.

p.s. Since Trayj was a baby, we have had him put the same White Star on top our Christmas tree and this year he about broke my heart when I told him when Dad gets home, they will put the star on, he looked at me and said, mom I don't really want to put the star on. He said let Jie do it. Well, that did not happen..... I told him even when he comes home from college, he's the person who puts the star on our tree. I told him, we will create something that only Jie will do every year. It is the most special thing for me to see his dad lift him up as high as the tree and put the bright beautiful star on top of our tree. I think this year, we'll buy a family ornament that only Jie can put on each year, she loved putting the ornaments on the tree and yesturday, she was moving them around a bit!

1st SNOW 2008

2008-11-30T14:25:00.001-08:00

The kids woke this morning to a beautiful 1st real snow. We have had a couple sprinkles, but this snow was a couple inches. Of course they wanted to go out right away, but mom made them eat a good breakfast first (against their will). It was so fun to get all bundled up to go outside. I knew when I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving that I should have bought Jie snow boots. I looked at all these pretty boots, but opted to just wait, so Jie went out in Tennis shoes, the good thing is she just stomped around in the snow and stayed dry.

Trayjan and his dad built a very large snowman named Frosty, then we looked outside after coming inside and Frosty was officially "dead", as Trayjan put it. He had toppled over, so once it snows again, we'll build another Frosty, just not so large next time.

After playing and having a ball in the snow, the kids came inside for some Hot Chocolate with marshmallows and warm cookies. I think the kids ate more marshmellows then cookies, but we all had a wonderful time. Jie didn't really like the Hot Chocolate, even after it cooled she kept saying it was "Hot". I think she would just prefer her cold milk with her cookies.

The entire event was so much fun watching Trayjan enjoy the first snow this year (each year his 1st snow is like his first, I just love it). Jie was so cute watching her stomp around in the snow, she loved seeing her foot print. She wouldn't have anything to do with lying in it or throwing it like Trayj did. He enjoyed throwing snowballs at all of us and even threw some at his dad's truck!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

We all had the most wonderful Thanksgiving Day. The kids began their morning by coming downstairs to their Thanksgiving day presents (I know, who does that), but we have always given Trayjan gifts for the Holidays. It is such an amazing sight to see his precious face even though he knows the gifts are there (well, he's hoping they are at least). Jie is still quite funny about presents. She will watch Trayj for a few minutes, then look at us and say "Jie's" as she shakes her head yes to open them.

After our wonderful morning at home playing with the kids, we headed out to visit our families. Trayjan has always loved to visit family, he enjoyes everyone, but mostly he loves playing with his cousins. Jie seems to be pretting smitten with all of her new family members, as we knew she would be, what is there not to love.

Our Thanksgiving was so very blessed, just as each and every day is for us. We have so many people who love us in our lives and we can only pray that we are thankful everyday for what God has blessed us with. He has given us so many wonderful things, but the greatest is Faith, Hope, and Love!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

Fire Safety Field Trip

2008-11-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

Trayjan's class had a local field trip to our local firestation. He learned more about Fire Safety and it was wonderful because I was chosen to attend the field trip and help Mrs. Zabst with the children. Trayjan was excited for me to go, we even got to sit together on the school bus! I was happy to hear Trayjan thought the school bus was to bumpy (if he lets me take him to school forever, I will be grateful). I'm not a fan of my children being driven by anyone else (especially a bus driver on a bus with no safety seats).

Trayjan did learn alot, Fireman Mitch told him to make sure his family had a plan for his home. We always had one at our old home, but haven't discussed it in our new home. So we got straight to work once we got home to make sure he knows what to do and where to go in the unfortunate event of a fire in our home.

Trayjan brought Jie home a fireman's hat, so she was happy, although she shed many tears when we left home and she had to stay home with Daddy. She was not happy at all!

2008-11-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

2008-11-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

65th Wedding Anniversary

2008-11-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

Last Night we took the kids to visit Greart Grandma & Great Grandpa Leach for their 65th Wedding Anniversary Party. What a beautiful day, Travis' grandparents have spent 65 wonderful years together. We should all be so gracious to get to spend that many years with the person we love sent to us by God.

He made everything beautiful in it's time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

The kids had so much fun. Jie played with some toys, while Trayjan visited Grandpa's Slot Machine. He said he could do this everyday (uh-oh). I think he has the Phifer Gambling Blood in him, we better break that habit right away! The kids enjoyed themselves. Obviously Jie's favorite was the wonderful cake and icecream.

Mr. Potato Head Kids

2008-11-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

Jie has such a funny little personality (most of the time). Today, she sat on the office floor and was playing with the Mr. Potato Head and decided the glasses would look much better on her precious little face. She looked at me and said "Mommy Look". Of course I began to laugh and she loved it. Trayjan had his own fun time with Mr. Potato Head, although he was more interested in shoving the Mustache up his nose. I love these funny kids. They are so sweet and so creative. Trayjan will find anything and make it fun to play and I think that will help inspire Jie to use her creative side as well. This week with Daddy out of town, mommy's room turned into a fort. Alot of fun has happened in the Fort this week, including a campout last night with the three of us sleeping on the floor amongst the tent like structure. We even told Campfire stories and talked alot about when mommy was little and all the times that Grandma and Grandpa Stout took me camping. I think camping is a wonderful time to spend quality time together, I can not wait for Trayjan to experience it as well. "So Mom and Dad, if you read this soon, let's plan a great week away camping this summer (with the entire family) so my kids can experience all the beautiful memories I have been fortunate enough to experience while camping. Trayjan would love it, and we know Jie would, she loves everything new and fun!

School Party and Voting Counts

2008-11-05T05:47:00.000-08:00

Trayjan had his school party and it was so nice to be able to enjoy it and take pictures, although he wasn't so cooperative, he was quite a funny guy as each time he seen me taking a picture he would be silly and hide his face. Trayjan enjoyed laughing with a couple of his buddies from school. He is such an easy going kid and has so many friends, both boy and girl. The funny thing is he has had a girlfriend now since pre-school. I didn't have my first boyfriend until 3rd grade and we all know Travis had his.

Well, Trayjan was so very excited to know his vote counted. At school on November 4th, the children were allowed to vote for President. The school made it a special event where the kids could cast their vote by computer. Trayjan truly felt like his voice was heard. It was amazing to see how much thought he had put into his decision and how he noticed the decision of others. He truly made his decision all on his own. I absolutely love that his school made it a point recognize how important it is for children to learn about voting and how they can make a difference.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

The kids had an amazing time trick or treating. We went with a few neighbors and it was a great time. Jie wanted nothing to do with the wagon, she was a big girl and wanted to walk the one entire circle around our neighborhood (then daddy took her home, while the rest of us did a few laps).

Trayjan and Will had a wonderful time trick or treating together. They are best buddies and have to do everything together. They were going so quickly, Jie and Daddy had to set their own pace as I kept up with the boys.

Jie filled her basket with just enough candy to make her happy, then she came home and ate it. She is in amazement with people giving her candy. All she kept saying was "Mommy, Canny".

Well, Jie's 1st Halloween was so fun, she had a wonderful time and couldn't have been a cuter puppy dog. Trayjan's favorite holiday is Halloween, so he'll be sad for it to all be over, thank goodness the candy can last for a week or so, which helps to make the holiday a bit longer.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ! ! ! !

Carving our Pumpkins & Halloween Gifts

2008-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

The kids finally carved thier pumpkins, Trayjan is not a fan at all of getting his hands dirty, Jie however didn't mind, she even kept tasting here pumkin goo (yuk)! Jie really enjoyed herself, Trayj just wanted his pumpkin finished.

The kids woke up this morning to their Halloween prizes. Trayjan has been wanting the new Webkinz Snowman, so he was very happy to see he had received it. Jie absolutely loved her Snow White Princess shoes, she even wore them to get cookies for Trayjan's class today. She just shuffled around with them (moving so very slowly).

Trick or Treating at Grandma's and Grandpa's

2008-10-28T06:34:00.001-07:00

We usually take Trayjan to both grandparents homes before trick or treating on Halloween, but this year, Trayjan will have a friend join him so we decided to take both children to their grandparents homes on Monday. Besides why not get the most wear out of our costumes as we can. Both, Trayj and Jie love their costumes, so it is so cute to see them get dressed up and excited to trick or treat.

Trayj and Jie got a great surprise at Grandpa & Grandma Stouts, he got their and his cousins Issy, Skyler and Logan were there, which he adores playing with. He also had a wonderful time at Grandpa and Grandma Phifer's since he hadn't been for a while to play, they both found toys they hadn't seen for a while and was excited to play.

Pennsylvania Trip

2008-10-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful short trip to Pennsylvania. We were able to do so many things in our short trip. The kids visited Hershey Chocolate World, which is always nice, there are so many things for us to do while we were there. Trayjan had seen it before, and still loved it. Jie thought is was incredible and she really enjoyed all the fun stuff.

We also went to Hershey Park in the Dark. We had such a good time trick or treating and going to Zoo America the kids only rode a couple rides. I think we needed a couple more days to do all that we really wanted to do. Trayjan was a huge hit with his scarey Swamp Skeleton Costume and Jie was adorable in her St.Bernard (Tiko) costume. The kids go to trick or treat at Hershey, which is incredible, because there is no way to get any bad treats.

When we went to visit Zoo America, we took our flashlights to find all the fun creepy crawlers. We have never been to a zoo in the dark, it was so neat, except I felt bad for some of the animals trying to sleep and us shining our flashlights in their poor tired eyes. Trayjan loved it, and Jie just kind of went along with everything. It's all new to her, so she is always excited to see new things.

We as well were able to find time to visit Gettysburg. It was an amazing piece of History to actually get to see. Trayjan loved it. I truly think he thought he was going to see a Ghost which would have been the highlight (and scariest) part of his day. He has already viewed the pictures we took trying to find a ghost in the pictures. He really was able to enjoy it, beings how Abraham Lincoln is his favorite president. He understands the significance of the battle and it has changed the lives of so many people.