Katie made it on the Dean's List at IU!! Here is part of the email she received....
Congratulations! Because of your outstanding academic performance, you have been placed on the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Dean's List for the Fall Semester 2007. Eligibility for the Dean's List is reserved for those students who complete at least 12 graded credit hours in a single semester, earning at least a 3.50 GPA. You can be proud of this honor.
Students often include information about their Dean's List semesters on their resumes. If you wish to have this achievement published in your local newspaper, you can print this message and send it to the editor of your local newspaper. We cannot provide individual information to hometown newspapers, so we encourage you to make available to them as much information about yourself and your studies as possible.
I am one proud mama!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Chinese New Year
Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Rat! The actual years go from about the end of January or first of February to the end of the following year. With that in mind I am the year of the Sheep instead of the Monkey (January 7, 1968).
Mike is a Horse
Evan is a Tiger
Katie is a Dragon
Morgan is a Pig
Olivia is a Monkey
The Year of the Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
A person born in the Year of the Rat is said to be clever and intelligent. They are self-confident and have an optimistic outlook on life. They work hard to reach their goals and are considered perfectionists. When it comes to money matters they are rather careful even stingy and usually don't lend money.
Ambitious
Sincere
You can be generous with your financial resources
You are compatible with the Monkey, Ox and Dragon
You are not compatible with the Horse
The Year of the Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Year of the Ox Persons born in the Year of the Ox are diligent, patient and rather remain silent. They are consequent and reliable as friends. But they are easy to irritate and tend to be stubborn and obstinate.
A leader
Bright
Cheerful
You are compatible with the Snake , Rat and Rooster
You are not compatible with the Sheep
Year of the Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tigers are sensitive, emotional and thoughtful persons. But they also tend to be impatient. Others pay them respect but they sometimes get into conflicts of authority with elder people. They sometimes delay important decisions which leads to the result that they often have to decide in a rash and hasty way.
But they also have the guts take risks and are very success- oriented. Tigers are distrustful but also stand for courage and fortitude. They are born leaders.
Forthright
Sensitive
Posess great courage
You are compatible with the Horse, Dragon and Dog
You are not compatible with the Monkey
Year of the Hare 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Persons born in the Year of the Hare are talented and ambitious. They are popular with anybody and good entertainers which often makes them the centre of attention. Even though they are liked they are rather pessimistic, insecure and are afraid of changes. They almost never lose their temper and are very good-natured. In the business world however they are smart and make the right decisions according to instinct. Nevertheless they are no gamblers. Hares are known for their sense of art and for that reason often have beautiful homes.
Talented
Affectionate
You are a seeker of tranquility
You are compatible with the Sheep, Dog and Boar
You are not compatible with the Monkey
Year of the Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The dragon used to be the symbol of the Chinese emperor. The emperors throne was called the "Dragon throne" and according to the Confucian ideal the whole earth should be influenced in a positive way by the shining example of the emperors life. People born in the Year of the Dragon are in good health, bursting with energy, long-living, easy to irritate, impatient and obstinate.
On the other hand they are dependable, honest, brave and beam with self- confidence. They are perfectionist and demand the same from others. They always make an effort to let their positive features show through but sometimes overdo their role as the shining examples. In life Dragons are strong- minded and successful whatever they do. Among the twelve signs of the zodiac they are considered the most eccentric personages.
Robust
Passionate
Your life is filled with complexity
You are compatible with the Monkey, Rat, Cock (Rooster) and Snake
You are not compatible with the Dog
Year of the Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
People born in the Year of the Snake are considered profound and wise. Problems are solved by means of brain and logic instead of deciding according to one's instinct. They are fortunate in money matters but are also penurious and don't lend money.
They tend to be egoistic while feeling sympathy for others and helping the less fortunate. They don't have much confidence in others and take matters into their own hands anticipating that they will be solved.
Strong willed
Intense
Displays great wisdom
You are compatible with the Rooster, Hare and Ox
You are not compatible with the Boar
Year of the Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Persons born in the Year of the Horse are liked in general. They are always good-humoured, handle money well and make long term plans for their lives.
They are wise an have an artistic disposition. Even though they have an enormous sex appeal they' re weak when it comes to dealing with the other sex. They tend to be impatient and passionate when it comes to things disturbing their daily routine.
Physically attractive
Popular
You like the company of others
You are compatible with the Tiger, Dog and Sheep
You are not compatible with the Rat
Year of the Sheep ( goat, ram) 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
People born in the Year of the Sheep are characterized by their kindness and good nature. They have talents in the field of art and are elegant. They are thoughtful, shy and pessimistic.
Even though they are not eloquent they get behind their position with emphasis and passion.
Aesthetic
Stylish
You enjoy being a private person
You are compatible with the Boar, Hare or the Horse
You are not compatible with the Ox
Year of the Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Persons born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be intelligent, clever and flexible. They're very inventive and therefore solve problems easily. Monkeys have sanity and reason and are eager for knowledge.
They don't put tasks into cold storage but tackle a problem right away which makes them successful. That also leads to them looking down on others and makes them tend to be overweening.
Persuasive
Intelligent
Strives to excel
You are compatible with the Dragon, Monkey and Rat
You are not compatible with the Tiger
Year of the Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Those born in the Year of the Cock are thoughtful and very able people. They tend to take too many tasks at once and therefore are often stressed and disappointed when they fail a task.
Most of the times they are eccentric and have problems to get along with others because they are too aggressive. Very often they are mavericks and though they are said to be adventurous they are rather fearful.
Seeking wisdom
Seeking truth
You have a pioneering spirit
You are compatible with the Snake, Dragon and Ox
You are not compatible with the Rabbit
Year of the Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Persons born in the Year of the Dog have a lot of characteristics considered positive in China e.g. loyalty, honesty, friendliness, reliability and discretion. They're not into experimenting and are rather conservative. On the other hand they are eccentric, headstrong and even egoistic.
They don't care about wealth and money but are always generous. They have high moral demands and often criticise others for their mistakes.
Generous
Loyal
You have the ability to work well with others
You are compatible with the Horse, Hare and Tiger
You are not compatible with the Dragon
Year of the Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Persons born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and born sqiures. They put their whole energy in everything they do. They pursue their goals without wasting a thought of giving up. They often are fortunate in their ventures and reach their goals. When it comes to friendship they are quite choosy but once they made friends the friendship is everlasting and they are loyal friends.
They are eager for knowledge and usually well informed. They are not very talkative though and avoid discussions and arguments.
Gallant
Noble
Your friends will remain at your side
You are compatible with the Rabbit, Rat and Sheep
You are not compatible with the Snake
Mike is a Horse
Evan is a Tiger
Katie is a Dragon
Morgan is a Pig
Olivia is a Monkey
The Year of the Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
A person born in the Year of the Rat is said to be clever and intelligent. They are self-confident and have an optimistic outlook on life. They work hard to reach their goals and are considered perfectionists. When it comes to money matters they are rather careful even stingy and usually don't lend money.
Ambitious
Sincere
You can be generous with your financial resources
You are compatible with the Monkey, Ox and Dragon
You are not compatible with the Horse
The Year of the Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Year of the Ox Persons born in the Year of the Ox are diligent, patient and rather remain silent. They are consequent and reliable as friends. But they are easy to irritate and tend to be stubborn and obstinate.
A leader
Bright
Cheerful
You are compatible with the Snake , Rat and Rooster
You are not compatible with the Sheep
Year of the Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tigers are sensitive, emotional and thoughtful persons. But they also tend to be impatient. Others pay them respect but they sometimes get into conflicts of authority with elder people. They sometimes delay important decisions which leads to the result that they often have to decide in a rash and hasty way.
But they also have the guts take risks and are very success- oriented. Tigers are distrustful but also stand for courage and fortitude. They are born leaders.
Forthright
Sensitive
Posess great courage
You are compatible with the Horse, Dragon and Dog
You are not compatible with the Monkey
Year of the Hare 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Persons born in the Year of the Hare are talented and ambitious. They are popular with anybody and good entertainers which often makes them the centre of attention. Even though they are liked they are rather pessimistic, insecure and are afraid of changes. They almost never lose their temper and are very good-natured. In the business world however they are smart and make the right decisions according to instinct. Nevertheless they are no gamblers. Hares are known for their sense of art and for that reason often have beautiful homes.
Talented
Affectionate
You are a seeker of tranquility
You are compatible with the Sheep, Dog and Boar
You are not compatible with the Monkey
Year of the Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The dragon used to be the symbol of the Chinese emperor. The emperors throne was called the "Dragon throne" and according to the Confucian ideal the whole earth should be influenced in a positive way by the shining example of the emperors life. People born in the Year of the Dragon are in good health, bursting with energy, long-living, easy to irritate, impatient and obstinate.
On the other hand they are dependable, honest, brave and beam with self- confidence. They are perfectionist and demand the same from others. They always make an effort to let their positive features show through but sometimes overdo their role as the shining examples. In life Dragons are strong- minded and successful whatever they do. Among the twelve signs of the zodiac they are considered the most eccentric personages.
Robust
Passionate
Your life is filled with complexity
You are compatible with the Monkey, Rat, Cock (Rooster) and Snake
You are not compatible with the Dog
Year of the Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
People born in the Year of the Snake are considered profound and wise. Problems are solved by means of brain and logic instead of deciding according to one's instinct. They are fortunate in money matters but are also penurious and don't lend money.
They tend to be egoistic while feeling sympathy for others and helping the less fortunate. They don't have much confidence in others and take matters into their own hands anticipating that they will be solved.
Strong willed
Intense
Displays great wisdom
You are compatible with the Rooster, Hare and Ox
You are not compatible with the Boar
Year of the Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Persons born in the Year of the Horse are liked in general. They are always good-humoured, handle money well and make long term plans for their lives.
They are wise an have an artistic disposition. Even though they have an enormous sex appeal they' re weak when it comes to dealing with the other sex. They tend to be impatient and passionate when it comes to things disturbing their daily routine.
Physically attractive
Popular
You like the company of others
You are compatible with the Tiger, Dog and Sheep
You are not compatible with the Rat
Year of the Sheep ( goat, ram) 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
People born in the Year of the Sheep are characterized by their kindness and good nature. They have talents in the field of art and are elegant. They are thoughtful, shy and pessimistic.
Even though they are not eloquent they get behind their position with emphasis and passion.
Aesthetic
Stylish
You enjoy being a private person
You are compatible with the Boar, Hare or the Horse
You are not compatible with the Ox
Year of the Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Persons born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be intelligent, clever and flexible. They're very inventive and therefore solve problems easily. Monkeys have sanity and reason and are eager for knowledge.
They don't put tasks into cold storage but tackle a problem right away which makes them successful. That also leads to them looking down on others and makes them tend to be overweening.
Persuasive
Intelligent
Strives to excel
You are compatible with the Dragon, Monkey and Rat
You are not compatible with the Tiger
Year of the Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Those born in the Year of the Cock are thoughtful and very able people. They tend to take too many tasks at once and therefore are often stressed and disappointed when they fail a task.
Most of the times they are eccentric and have problems to get along with others because they are too aggressive. Very often they are mavericks and though they are said to be adventurous they are rather fearful.
Seeking wisdom
Seeking truth
You have a pioneering spirit
You are compatible with the Snake, Dragon and Ox
You are not compatible with the Rabbit
Year of the Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Persons born in the Year of the Dog have a lot of characteristics considered positive in China e.g. loyalty, honesty, friendliness, reliability and discretion. They're not into experimenting and are rather conservative. On the other hand they are eccentric, headstrong and even egoistic.
They don't care about wealth and money but are always generous. They have high moral demands and often criticise others for their mistakes.
Generous
Loyal
You have the ability to work well with others
You are compatible with the Horse, Hare and Tiger
You are not compatible with the Dragon
Year of the Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Persons born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and born sqiures. They put their whole energy in everything they do. They pursue their goals without wasting a thought of giving up. They often are fortunate in their ventures and reach their goals. When it comes to friendship they are quite choosy but once they made friends the friendship is everlasting and they are loyal friends.
They are eager for knowledge and usually well informed. They are not very talkative though and avoid discussions and arguments.
Gallant
Noble
Your friends will remain at your side
You are compatible with the Rabbit, Rat and Sheep
You are not compatible with the Snake
There is a new show in town
There is a new show that started on Nickelodeon toda (coincendently also the first day of Chinese New Year). It is called Ni-Hao Kai Lan. And let me tell you Olivia has been waiting for this day. She is a big Dora fan, so we are hoping Kai Lan sticks around for a while. It was funny though today...on the way home from pre-school she asked if Kai-Lan was on yet. Then she asked if Kai-Lan's mom got her in China when she was a baby too. Hmmmm.....maybe she really has been paying attention when we talk about our trip to China.
Pint-Size Peacemaker With a Lot to Teach
('Nickelodeon can only hope Kai-lan, the bouncy star of its new weekday morning cartoon “Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” will demonstrate the earning power of "Dora the Explorer" while teaching children Mandarin.');
}
They’re both assertive young heroines with dark eyes and dark hair, brightly colored animal friends, theme songs that feature much chanting of their names and a habit of slipping non-English words into their conversations. Oh, and they both work for the same division of Viacom.
Nick Jr.
Kai-lan and Yeye, her grandfather, in “Ni Hao, Kai-Lan.”
One major difference: Dora the Explorer has made more than $1 billion over the last eight years while exposing children to Spanish. Nickelodeon can only hope Kai-lan, the bouncy star of its new weekday morning cartoon “Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” will demonstrate that kind of earning power while teaching them Mandarin.
“Ni Hao, Kai-lan” (it means “Hello, Kai-lan”) was scheduled to make its debut in the fall. The delay has allowed it to make its arrival on Thursday, the first day of the Chinese New Year. Even more auspicious than the timing, of course, are the successful example of “Dora the Explorer” and reports of how eager American parents are for their children to learn Chinese.
Will the show appeal to a “Dora”-size audience? Only a preschooler could say for sure. To this adult there are positive signs: a charming animation style that triangulates Hello Kitty, the Powerpuff Girls and SpongeBob, and a vibrant performance by the young voice actress Jade-Lianna Peters as Kai-lan.
But here’s that comparison again. Dora, the geography nut, is a problem solver — she needs to get to her cousin’s quinceañera, or return a beached crab to its ocean home — who operates without adult supervision. Kai-lan is a peacemaker and amateur therapist whose smiling YeYe (paternal grandfather) is always lurking. The first two episodes of “Ni Hao, Kai-lan” revolve around her instructing the selfish, competitive tiger Rintoo in the value of teamwork and self-sacrifice.
Nickelodeon has announced that it wants this show to have a strong cultural-awareness component (i.e. dragon boat races, New Year traditions, dumplings), and it also seems likely that the two shows are being tuned for slightly different age groups. (Dora is 7 years old, Kai-lan 5.) Still, why does the Hispanic girl get to have adventures while the Asian girl giggles and teaches the boys about good manners and collectivism? I suspect that 5-year-old Nielsen viewers may have the same question.
As for the language instruction, a surprising number of Mandarin words and phrases are worked into the dialogue, often without translation. Presumably the preschool brain will apprehend and remember them. Given the multifarious nature of the Chinese language, choices have to be made, and some Chinese-Americans might be disappointed to know that millions of children are about to be told to call red packets — the envelopes used for gifts of money at new year — ya sui qian rather than hong bao or ang pao. They’ll also be taught to wish their family and friends “Xin nian kuai le” (“Happy New Year”) but not “Gong xi fa cai,” the traditional congratulation and wish for prosperity. (And definitely not “Gung hay fat choy”; the show is a Cantonese-free zone.)
In the meantime, xie xie and zai jian. Ask your children — they’ll be able to translate by the second episode.
NIA HAO, KAI-LAN
Nickelodeon, Thursday morning at 11, Eastern and Pacific times; 10, Central time.
Created by Karen Chau; Mary Harrington, executive producer; produced and written by Sascha Paladino; directed by Dave Marshall; music by Matt Mahaffey; Kay Wilson Stallings, executive in charge of production. Produced by Nick Jr. Productions.
WITH THE VOICES OF: Jade-Lianna Peters (Kai-lan), Clem Cheung and Ben Wang (YeYe), Jack Samson (Rintoo), Khamani Griffin (Tolee/Howard), Angie Wu (Hoho), Beverly Duan (Lulu) and Frank Welker (Mr. Dragon).
('Nickelodeon can only hope Kai-lan, the bouncy star of its new weekday morning cartoon “Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” will demonstrate the earning power of "Dora the Explorer" while teaching children Mandarin.');
}
They’re both assertive young heroines with dark eyes and dark hair, brightly colored animal friends, theme songs that feature much chanting of their names and a habit of slipping non-English words into their conversations. Oh, and they both work for the same division of Viacom.
Nick Jr.
Kai-lan and Yeye, her grandfather, in “Ni Hao, Kai-Lan.”
One major difference: Dora the Explorer has made more than $1 billion over the last eight years while exposing children to Spanish. Nickelodeon can only hope Kai-lan, the bouncy star of its new weekday morning cartoon “Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” will demonstrate that kind of earning power while teaching them Mandarin.
“Ni Hao, Kai-lan” (it means “Hello, Kai-lan”) was scheduled to make its debut in the fall. The delay has allowed it to make its arrival on Thursday, the first day of the Chinese New Year. Even more auspicious than the timing, of course, are the successful example of “Dora the Explorer” and reports of how eager American parents are for their children to learn Chinese.
Will the show appeal to a “Dora”-size audience? Only a preschooler could say for sure. To this adult there are positive signs: a charming animation style that triangulates Hello Kitty, the Powerpuff Girls and SpongeBob, and a vibrant performance by the young voice actress Jade-Lianna Peters as Kai-lan.
But here’s that comparison again. Dora, the geography nut, is a problem solver — she needs to get to her cousin’s quinceañera, or return a beached crab to its ocean home — who operates without adult supervision. Kai-lan is a peacemaker and amateur therapist whose smiling YeYe (paternal grandfather) is always lurking. The first two episodes of “Ni Hao, Kai-lan” revolve around her instructing the selfish, competitive tiger Rintoo in the value of teamwork and self-sacrifice.
Nickelodeon has announced that it wants this show to have a strong cultural-awareness component (i.e. dragon boat races, New Year traditions, dumplings), and it also seems likely that the two shows are being tuned for slightly different age groups. (Dora is 7 years old, Kai-lan 5.) Still, why does the Hispanic girl get to have adventures while the Asian girl giggles and teaches the boys about good manners and collectivism? I suspect that 5-year-old Nielsen viewers may have the same question.
As for the language instruction, a surprising number of Mandarin words and phrases are worked into the dialogue, often without translation. Presumably the preschool brain will apprehend and remember them. Given the multifarious nature of the Chinese language, choices have to be made, and some Chinese-Americans might be disappointed to know that millions of children are about to be told to call red packets — the envelopes used for gifts of money at new year — ya sui qian rather than hong bao or ang pao. They’ll also be taught to wish their family and friends “Xin nian kuai le” (“Happy New Year”) but not “Gong xi fa cai,” the traditional congratulation and wish for prosperity. (And definitely not “Gung hay fat choy”; the show is a Cantonese-free zone.)
In the meantime, xie xie and zai jian. Ask your children — they’ll be able to translate by the second episode.
NIA HAO, KAI-LAN
Nickelodeon, Thursday morning at 11, Eastern and Pacific times; 10, Central time.
Created by Karen Chau; Mary Harrington, executive producer; produced and written by Sascha Paladino; directed by Dave Marshall; music by Matt Mahaffey; Kay Wilson Stallings, executive in charge of production. Produced by Nick Jr. Productions.
WITH THE VOICES OF: Jade-Lianna Peters (Kai-lan), Clem Cheung and Ben Wang (YeYe), Jack Samson (Rintoo), Khamani Griffin (Tolee/Howard), Angie Wu (Hoho), Beverly Duan (Lulu) and Frank Welker (Mr. Dragon).
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Buried under snow.....again
Well we were hit with another snow storm yesterday. We got about 10 inches of snow. No school for the second time this week. This has been one of the hardest winter's I remember. Snow, ice, flooding, and thunderstorms. Yep on Tuesday night we had a thunderstorm. Right after the storm there was a flash freeze. The temperature dropped 30 degrees in just a couple hours. It is just crazy.
For the last two weeks I have been stripping wallpaper and borders and painting my bathroom and bedroom. It has been a good cold weather project. I am trying to do anything cheap that I can to improve our house so if we ever get a showing again, it might sell. :)
For the last two weeks I have been stripping wallpaper and borders and painting my bathroom and bedroom. It has been a good cold weather project. I am trying to do anything cheap that I can to improve our house so if we ever get a showing again, it might sell. :)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Expensive Week
So this last weekend Mike was "surfing on the net" and showed me a picture of a gun. (He is a hunter and also loves to target practice with his guns). He said, "If you need an idea for Father's Day you can get me this." I told him if he really wanted it to just buy it. (He hardly ever buys things for himself that is not a neccessity.) Well he ordered it. Hmmm, didn't think he was THAT serious about wanting to get it, but oh well. So, come Tuesday and my computer is REALLY acting up. It had been infected with spyware for about 3 weeks and just kept getting worse. It also had an overheating problem. I called my computer guys and they said for $50-$75 they could take off the spyware, but they have worked on the overheating problem and there was nothing more they could do. I called Mike and asked him "Since you are getting a new gun and my computer is 5 1/2 years old, can I get a new computer? The computer guys will build me one for $500." He gave me the go ahead to get a new computer....I am so glad I told him he could buy his gun. :) Well I ordered my computer and about a half hour later I look at the TV to see what was on and low and behold it is black. There is sound coming out, but no picture. Now this dumb TV is ONLY 3 years old. About 6 months ago we had an isssue. When I turned it on it was black, there was a loud pop sound and then slowly the picture came back on. I knew we were probably on borrowed time, but was holding out hope we would get moved before we had to invest in a new TV. SO, I made another call to Mike and started crying that we had just gotten another $$$ hit and that I would not have ordered my new computer if I knew the TV was going to go out. Needless to say he told me to go TV shopping and gave me a budget to stick within. So, that night I went shopping and got a new 37" LCD HD TV. I even only spent $800 and stayed below our budget. The new TV comes tonight, I got my computer yesterday, the gun comes next week.
*Happy Anniversary Honey! Let's take a cruise next time!!!
*Today is our 22nd anniversary.
*Happy Anniversary Honey! Let's take a cruise next time!!!
*Today is our 22nd anniversary.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Preschool Fun
I was the "helper mom" today at Olivia's preschool. I decided to take along my camera and try to catch some school action.
I really need to get a new camera. Mine takes some really crappy pictures. But here they are no less.
Don't forget snack time.
I really need to get a new camera. Mine takes some really crappy pictures. But here they are no less.
She headed right to the reading loft.
Don't forget snack time.
I can't post the circle time pics because I don't know how to blur out the other faces.
She loves preschool. We are very lucky. We live near a really small town. There are 3 preschool's available. We take her to our old church. There are 18 kids in her class and three teachers. In her class their is one other Chinese girl (adopted also) and also a hispanic girl, a black/asian girl and a bi-racial boy (also adopted). I love the fact that there is some diversity in her class. She is still the smallest kid in her class (I think she comes up to the bottom of the chin of most of the kids) but she doesn't care because she is mighty. She has learned colors, shapes, how to write (trace) her name and this month they are learning their numbers. I hope once we move we can find another program similar to this one. She is going to miss all her "fweinds" very much.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Two years ago today......
Two years ago we got the call about our precious little Yang Guo Guan. I cannot believe how long ago it seems but yet I can remember it like it was yesterday.
Go here to a look back.
To all of my fellow "waiting and totally frustrated" adoptive moms..... I can't even imagine the anguish you are going through during this looooong wait. Our log in date was 4/19/05. It is unfathomable to me that the CCAA has still not gotten through the year of 2005. I can guarantee you that every stinkin' day you have to wait will be worth it when you set your eyes on the newest addition to your family, but I also know that piece of information does not help while waiting. I heard it many times and it meant nothing to me until I was living it. I just pray that your time of waiting will soon be over.
And to my precious Olivia.....you were worth every frustrating minute that we waited and I love you sweetheart.
Our first look at Yang Guo Guan
Little Miss Olivia Guan today.Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas Love and Borderline Insanity
Well I can sit back now and sigh with relief. I am done with my Christmas shopping and even have everything wrapped. I love the spirit and meaning of Christmas. I tend to go overboard because I just love the magic of it all. This year I am even spending much more time thinking about the reason that we celebrate this season. We are all so blessed to have the gift of Jesus. Even though it is His birthday that we celebrate we are the ones that receive the biggest gift of all. I cannot fathom how I am even worthy of His gift to me, but because God says I am worthy I must believe it and be so grateful that we have such a wonderful, loving and merciful Father.
We have found a home. We have made an offer and all the details have been ironed out. Only one little catch is that our offer is basically a first right of refusal...meaning the house is not really ours until we get ours sold. This is where I have been bordering on the fine line of faithfulness and the insanity of depression and despair. In 100 days we have had 7 showings. Two of those showings it was reported that "this is our favorite property that we have seen so far". But alas nothing has happened beyond that. I could live with that if it wasn't for the fact that nothing *NOTHING* in our whole county has sold in the last 2 1/2 months that is over $250,000. AND only 4 houses in our school district have sold between $200,000-$250,0o0. (Ours is currently listed for $287,000-which a year ago would have been considered a steal in this area.) So, now we have to decide if we need to lower the price again and maybe take a hit on it, or stick with it and hope that once the holidays are over things will pick up a little bit. It is so hard to know what to do. I am a worrier. You know the kind that worries about things that I cannot control. The other day I gave it all over to God like I know I am suppose to do. The only problem with that is that I keep taking it back and then remind myself to give it back to him again. I really feel like I am lacking in the faith department big time. I HATE waiting. I hated the waiting when we were waiting for our referral of Olivia and I hate this waiting on our house selling so we can all be a family again.
Well I will leave you with a picture of our new house......maybe. :)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Merry Christmas from the Stahley's
Here is my Christmas greeting to you.
Merry Christmas from the Stahley's
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1287314064
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1288064155
Merry Christmas from the Stahley's
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1287314064
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1288064155
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
In the air at last....
WOW! What a special brother Morgan has. Morgan has had one big complaint for the last several years. She has never been on a plane before. The rest of the family has flown before at one time or another. Even Olivia has been on a plane! Now this is not a big deal. I mean I had never flown before I was in my 20's but it has really bothered Morgan.
This year for her birthday her big brother called to wish her a happy birthday. Then he told her that her present from him this year would be a plane ride! I am not sure if she really believed him. One of Evan's best friends is a pilot and had offered to take her up when he found out that she had never flown before.
So, Evan rented a little four seater and she got to pick a friend to take with her. They were up for about a half hour. They flew over our house (Evan called us right before they flew over so we could go out and watch them). They flew over her school and some other points of interest that she would recognize. She even got to fly the plane for a little bit. She was so excited! When she came home she told us that she wasn't scared at all. They only got a couple pictures but I don't have them yet.
This year for her birthday her big brother called to wish her a happy birthday. Then he told her that her present from him this year would be a plane ride! I am not sure if she really believed him. One of Evan's best friends is a pilot and had offered to take her up when he found out that she had never flown before.
So, Evan rented a little four seater and she got to pick a friend to take with her. They were up for about a half hour. They flew over our house (Evan called us right before they flew over so we could go out and watch them). They flew over her school and some other points of interest that she would recognize. She even got to fly the plane for a little bit. She was so excited! When she came home she told us that she wasn't scared at all. They only got a couple pictures but I don't have them yet.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Lock the house we have a 12 year old....
Morgan turned 12 yesterday. Oh what a tough age. Not a little kid anymore, but not yet a teenager. She is so grown up though. She decided to forgo the big birthday party and just a few friends over for a slumber party. She also requested that instead of birthday gifts that her friends bring dog and cat food to donate to the humane shelter. We then made a trip to the humane shelter so they girls could be part of the donating.
Mike and I did get Morgan a Nintendo DS and a couple games for her birthday.
Olivia enjoying cake.
Morgan and her best friends...the twins.
Morgan and Lexi in a serious chess game.
The whole gang.......Lexi...............Morgan.....Janelle.......Kelsey and Sarah
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
I am still here....
Sorry it has been so long between posts. Things have been very uneventful here lately. House is still up for sale. Not much going on there. Just a lot of day to day activities. One exciting thing that happened this weekend is Morgan got baptized. She also got to decide if she wanted someone in the baptismal with her and she asked her dad to be there with her. It was so cool. Mike got to help baptize his daughter. He prayed for her right before and he was all choked up and could hardly speak. Everyone in the audience got choked up too. It was so neat.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Cool Song
Here is a song that all moms should learn. I mean heck, we already know the words, we just have to get it to the music....
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ati3k32-NXI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ati3k32-NXI
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Please Vote!
Hi all-
I have gotten a request from Jenny Bowen. She is the founder of Half the Sky Foundation. This wonderful organization was in Olivia's orphanage and I give them most of the credit for how well adjusted and on target that Olivia was when she joined our family. Now they have an amazing opportunity. Below you can read the letter that she sent. Please vote for Jenny and Half the Sky!
Rachel
Hello again-Our volunteers in Wuhan had a great idea. It may be possible for some ofour Half the Sky children to carry the Olympic torch next year. I'veentered a contest sponsored by the China Daily Newspaper and, if I can getenough votes from netizens all over the world, I may be able to have thathonor. If it happens, I will run with 8 children from 8 orphanages inChina. Believe me, I am no runner. But I would dearly love to give thechildren a place at the party.Please take a moment and vote for me right now: I think this will take you straight to me:http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=212We need a LOT of votes. Please pass this on to your friends and family.Thanks and love,JennyJenny BowenExecutive DirectorHalf the Sky Foundationwww.halfthesky.orgHalf the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.
I have gotten a request from Jenny Bowen. She is the founder of Half the Sky Foundation. This wonderful organization was in Olivia's orphanage and I give them most of the credit for how well adjusted and on target that Olivia was when she joined our family. Now they have an amazing opportunity. Below you can read the letter that she sent. Please vote for Jenny and Half the Sky!
Rachel
Hello again-Our volunteers in Wuhan had a great idea. It may be possible for some ofour Half the Sky children to carry the Olympic torch next year. I'veentered a contest sponsored by the China Daily Newspaper and, if I can getenough votes from netizens all over the world, I may be able to have thathonor. If it happens, I will run with 8 children from 8 orphanages inChina. Believe me, I am no runner. But I would dearly love to give thechildren a place at the party.Please take a moment and vote for me right now: I think this will take you straight to me:http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=212We need a LOT of votes. Please pass this on to your friends and family.Thanks and love,JennyJenny BowenExecutive DirectorHalf the Sky Foundationwww.halfthesky.orgHalf the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
UGH!
I HATE SELLING OUR HOUSE! I am already tired of having to keep the house clean and being prepared at all times. Plus, I think there is a really good chance that we are going to lose the house we were hoping to get. The price came down quite a bit yesterday so I really doubt it will be around much longer. I am so sad....
Mike is really liking his new job. He really hasn't missed being at home too much because he is so busy at work. They set him up with a company truck and cell phone plus all the tools he could think of needing. He seems to really like the guys he is working with too. The job is the same as what he was doing but also very different. He has a lot more paperwork to do but less operating equipment than before. Also, the equipment he said is HUGE! It makes the stuff he was running before look like toys.
Olivia is loving school more and more all the time. She is so matter of fact about it too. Her attitude is "Of course I am in school. I am big."
Katie got a tattoo this week. It is a small asian character for family. I can't believe she actually laid there while they did it. She is so needle phobic it isn't funny. She said it only took about 2-3 minutes but it hurt like crazy.
Well that is it on the update. Things are fairly boring here. ;)
Mike is really liking his new job. He really hasn't missed being at home too much because he is so busy at work. They set him up with a company truck and cell phone plus all the tools he could think of needing. He seems to really like the guys he is working with too. The job is the same as what he was doing but also very different. He has a lot more paperwork to do but less operating equipment than before. Also, the equipment he said is HUGE! It makes the stuff he was running before look like toys.
Olivia is loving school more and more all the time. She is so matter of fact about it too. Her attitude is "Of course I am in school. I am big."
Katie got a tattoo this week. It is a small asian character for family. I can't believe she actually laid there while they did it. She is so needle phobic it isn't funny. She said it only took about 2-3 minutes but it hurt like crazy.
Well that is it on the update. Things are fairly boring here. ;)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Changes and hopes and dreams
Well on Saturday we put our house on the market. Now we just sit back and wait and see if we get an offer. We had our first showing today. I am really crossing my fingers and throwing lots of prayers God's way that if it is his will, that we will sell the house quickly so we can get an offer in on the house we are interested in buying. We still have several things that we need to get done around here......but that may be tough.....
Mike got a phone call tonight and an offer to work for Dyer. This is the company he was hoping for back when he lost his job in July. They told him they want him over there on Saturday. It will be tough having him away from home during the week but he will be making quite a bit more money and they want him to start as a foreman. He is pretty nervous about a new company and all, but he is going to give it a shot.
Mike got a phone call tonight and an offer to work for Dyer. This is the company he was hoping for back when he lost his job in July. They told him they want him over there on Saturday. It will be tough having him away from home during the week but he will be making quite a bit more money and they want him to start as a foreman. He is pretty nervous about a new company and all, but he is going to give it a shot.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Olivia's first day of school
Today Olivia started preschool. THANK GOODNESS! It is all she has talked about for the last month. She couldn't wait for school to start. She was up and dressed in record time. I could hardly get her to sit still in her carseat. When it was time to unload she never even looked back to the van to say goodbye. Two hours later I went back to pick her up and as the teacher put her in the van Olivia turned around and said "I will come back, okay?" Then it was jabber...jabber...jabber about what she did and her new friends. I think I am more disappointed that it is only two days a week than she is, cause I know what it will be like tomorrow when I have to tell her she has to wait another day to go again. :)
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