Spring Concert ~ Emily and Alex

Hugs and kisses,

Easter at The Baldwin's ~ 2013

I'm finally getting back to doing some scrapbooking. We had a great Easter as a family at Shelley's and Don's. Brunch was delicious. We had far too much food again this year.

I'm glad I thought of doing the steps and stairs picture. It shows off the way to get to the boys' loft.

And as always, Nana stayed inside while everyone went outside to hunt for Easter eggs. I sat and enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee loving the quiet:~)

I love our Easter celebrations. Even though we eat at home, it is always somewhat formal. The table setting was very festive. Aunt Shell always thinks of a new way to make the place cards. This years was a marshmallow chick holding the place card.; a very neat idea.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Lost and Found Letter

A couple of  weeks ago The Film's and The Baldwin's decided to stay overnight at the Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park in Lake George. They got out an overnight bag and, to everyone's surprise, found the above letter from Kara to Nana and Papa inside.

In fifth grade Kara attended Nature's Classroom, an extension of the classroom where students participate in exciting hands on activities which are both academic and enjoyable. The following quote made by a teacher was taken from Nature's Classroom web site and sums up what it hopes to accomplish:

 "I expected students to grow in trust, caring and sense

of place in the world and how each person touches

and affects others around them. I expected their knowledge

 of the environment to grow.... You all have more than met

my expectations. In 13 years of outdoor education,

this is the strongest  program I have experienced."

After reading Kara's letter, I think every child should experience this camp. Every child should feel she(he) can be herself. Kara's letter tells us a lot about education in schools today. Just take the time to read between the lines.

Now, please peruse my layout and find the following: an owl, a deer, three birds and a squirrel.

PS - Alex is the first to let me know he found all the animals. He is the winner of a crisp new one dollar bill!

Hugs and kisses,

The Power of Positive Thinking

 I have known for a very long time that both our daughters are strong. I just didn't know how strong. The day Kristen and Corey told Papa and I that Kristen had breast cancer, she stressed the importance of  her being surrounded by positive people. There could be no crying, no sadness. And, by gosh, her family and friends pulled it off. Then we all rejoiced with her. Her cancer was gone.Was it influenced by the power of positive thinking? No one will ever convince we otherwise. You go, Kristen. Back to living your normal life. God bless you.
Hugs and kisses,

Celebrating Chinese New Year ~ February 10, 2013

Emily, I must apologize for not adding our family celebration of Chinese New Year this February 10th to our blog. This year is the year of the snake; not my favorite reptile. But then, I don't have a favorite reptile. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about your Dad's and Grandma's trip to WuWie, China, Gansu Province to bring you home to your forever family. You came to us so happy making all of us fall in love with you with no effort. It just happened.
Hugs and kisses,

Zack Receives January's Trustworthiness Character Award

Congratulations to Zack for being recognized as one of the Students of the Month on Feb. 1. The awards, which were read over the morning announcements, are part of the Middle School’s Character Education Program to recognize students in front of their peers. Trustworthiness was the Character Education Theme for January and the faculty selected Zack as one of the students to receive the award because they feel he embodies this quality and serves as a great role model for other students, as said by Assistant Principal Chris Rockwell.

Zack, you are a great young man with a fantastic personality. You are a High Honor Roll student. You can dream big and shine as bright as you set your mind to. I have always been very proud of you.

Oh, I would like to mention that Kara also achieved High Honor Roll status:~)
Hugs and kisses,

Remembering Our Amanda

I can think of nothing to say; I will love you always and forever. Some day we will celebrate your heavenly birthday together.
Hugs and kisses,