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,

Kara's12th Birthday

"Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of  Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. . . ."

The image on Kara's cake is the symbol on the cover of the Hunger Games books. I had no knowledge of these books, so I questioned Papa, the avid reader, about them. I must tell you when I read the above description I was horrified that Kara would be reading these books. Papa tells me they are really good and he loved all three of them. He testified that they are acceptable reading for Miss Kara. Personally, I find it very strange for a twelve year old to read books on such a subject matter. I guess Nana has to get with the times.

Kara had a great time at her family party. Her very words were, "I love having parties like this where everyone you love and everyone who loves you are here."

Miss Kara had a sleepover the next night to celebrate with her friends. Lots and lots of friends!!!!
Hugs and kisses,

Christmas of 2012 ~ Our Most Wonderful Christmas Ever

This year it seemed that summer was never followed by fall, let alone the Christmas season. Papa and I lost all sense of time from July 11th through December12th. Once we learned our Kristen was cancer free, time marched on.Our fingers began burning our keyboards as we ordered gifts for family and friends.

We decorated our house. Papa did lots of running from store to store, while I was busy making cookies and goodies for Jesus' birthday. Our celebration began, as always, on Christmas Eve. Shelley's and Don's friends Debbie and Andrew, who have blended into our family, joined in the festivities.

One of my Facebook friends shared a wonderful poem relating the birth of Jesus centering around  M&M's. I put together four bags of them for our four wonders and placed a copy of the poem on the front of each bag (You can see them in the above layout.). Kara read it as our grace before dinner. So apropos for our family; we LOVE M&M's.

We have always loved Christmas. Anyone who knows me is aware of how much I love to give and get presents. This year's gift will never be surpassed. Thank you, Baby Jesus; my special friend.

Oh my gosh, I almost forgot. Everyone always says our Alex has a smile from ear to ear every time they see him. Not so much in the picture in my layout above. I had many where he sported beautiful smiles, but I just had to prove a point; no one smiles all the time. Not even our Alex!!
Hugs and kisses,

Middle School Christmas Concert ~ 2012

Tamarac's Middle School concert was every bit as entertaining as in past years. The children were dressed in their finest and sung out clearly and strong. Then the band had their turn. It is so great to hear  how the band improves from one year to the next. I was disappointed when the night ended. I was ready to sit and enjoy the evening for much longer.

Uncle Corey, where are the pictures of the band? You were in charge of my camera!
Hugs and kisses,