PROUD MOMMY!!!!!!!

For the last few weeks I have watched Naomi memorize scripture and practice a speech for school. She studied the scripture she chose and thought about what it means to her. As I watched her practice, I never let her know how scary speeches are for me and how I was actually a little nervous for her. Inwardly, I wondered how my painfully shy girl would do in front of a class of kids.
Last night we picked out a good "speech dress" and ironed it up. (Yes... I ironed) This morning we did her hair "pretty" and practiced once more before she was off to school. She was not a bit nervous, and in fact seemed excited and confident!

If you know Naomi, you will know that at times she is so shy she will not talk to you. You will know that she will avoid situations where she is the center of attention. You will know that she has been in speech therapy every week since she was 2 years old and still struggles with articulation due to her cleft palate. You will KNOW how big of a deal this speech was for her today!!!!!!

And guess what!!???!! My baby girl is a SEMI-FINALIST and is going to the semi-finals in March! Whoop whoop!!!!!!!  My heart is just melting.... I am one proud Mama!

Click HERE to watch her speech!

The scripture she chose to recite:

Proverbs 3:1-6

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Counting days...

313 days until January 1, 2014. Or 7,512 hours. Or 450,720 minutes.....you get the idea. I am just a little excited to spend the 1st ten days of 2014 on the beaches of Kauai with lots of family! Trip is officially booked. Woohoo! Lot's of nights ahead of me to dream of the fun & relaxation to be had!

The Truth...

Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.  - Alan Cohen

They are my sunshine...

We just had to get out and soak up a little sunshine today. It was such a beautiful evening! Love this time of year when the mustard flower is in bloom.....

Gotcha!

I have few pictures of Daniel these days. Seems like he is always moving so fast. Gonna try to capture more of my silly boy.

This was today at the park... getting, some much needed, fresh air.

He makes me smile all the time!

Influenza has hit my home.....

Pray for quick healing......

Love, love, love!!!!!!!!!

It's decided.

I will be waving goodbye to the last sunset of 2013 from the shores of Maui. I know it's a little early to be thinking of New Year's Eve.... But part of the fun of taking a trip is the anticipation!

I can already feel the sand between my toes....

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Celebrated the Year of the Snake with some stashed fireworks and friends!
(Fireworks were stashed.... Not friends. They came willingly!)

Back at it.

Going to try to go less than a year between posts! Lots has happened since the previous post. Like.... we have a new addition to our family! Have I mentioned how adoption has rocked my world!?!?

Joseph "JoJo" Aaron  was born March 26, 2012.

And today... JoJo is 10 months old and the happiest baby ever! He is crawling and pulling up on everything. He has two bottom teeth and so far loves all food! He follows his big sissy and brother around everywhere. He is a total miracle in our lives.

A quick catch up on the rest of the time away from this blog....

Naomi is 6 and loves 1st grade. She loves choir and is an awesome little gymnast!

Daniel is 8 and loves "his friends" at school..... He discovered snowboarding this winter and is great at it!

There you have it.  All caught up...more or less.