Wordless Wednesday!! Hoola Hoopin

Kindergarten at 5 --or Not?

So this year Grace went to preschool. Love the A-becca curriculum. She has a excellent teacher we feel has done a great job with her. So then comes the big question...Do we send our little girl who will turn 5 on August 4th to Kindergarten or do we wait?  Well all year actually we thought she would go to Kindergarten next fall. Her teacher kept saying she is definitely very smart "gifted" and will be more than ready to go. 

So kindergarten orientation comes..I took her to that. They evaluate your child and you wait. Yep papers say she is academically ready. Socially she is ready. But why are we suddenly having doubts about her being the youngest. Maybe God is trying to tell us something. So I asked the question on my adoption chat I am part of . Of course I got about 40 plus comments saying many different experiences. Some people children were fine starting that young, some struggled later.. Well it was the struggling later that caught my attention on this. So I kept asking more people. Not asking them what I should do , but to get to hear maybe  some more experiences.  Still many of the same stories with both sides. I asked my sister who works in the schools as a counselor. She consulted with 4 different teachers. The consensus was wait- this surprised me. She gave me reasons I had not thought about. Looking way ahead....She would graduate at 17, youngest in class. She may be ready academically but they have seen children that hit about middle school age and being the youngest catches up to them. Not only will she always be small, but also younger. Honestly she still loves her nap time too..all day kindergarten could be really hard on her.   Her friends would all get to drive a whole year before her. Just different things that would come up because of a younger age. With every thing gathered and really praying about this. We both suddenly felt great peace ( i love when God does this) about waiting off another year until we start kindergarten.  With all taken in ....there was not one person that regretted waiting. While many did regret starting them so young. In my opinion you can never go back!!  In talking to her preschool teacher she also felt that waiting would be best...she wished she had waited with her daughter too.....She will advance Grace up another level in the A-Becca curriculum and work with her on K-5. So she will not be bored but challenged.  When she goes to Kindergarten the following year she will be older, but probably always at the top of her class . 

 I can't seem to post with out pictures can I!! 

I am happy that I get another year before my little one starts full time school....This younger age is so precious...thank you GOD for giving us peace about this decision!!!

Family Day April 16

 April 16- we celebrated our Family Day! Four years ago that our little Gracie was in our arms. This is a day I will never forget and one of the very best days in my life! If you have given birth to a child I compare her being in my arms for the first time exactly the same as when i birthed my other two children. I can not believe how fast 4 years has gone by. It seems like she is growing up so very fast!! Being our youngest child I think I really cherish these younger years.

 Lovely Cup cakes...

Daddy picked her up from Preschool- and had balloons for her-she was so excited and surprised he picked her up too..

Its tradition for us on this day to have Bulgolgi for dinner- Sooper yummy

My sister and her little one Eira made it over for dinner. :-) 

Spring Snow --we got dumped on !!

 Yep we got dumped on ..School cancelled...and about 12 inches of snow!! One little girl is loving it and trying to sled as much as she can!!

Secrets to Stress Free Living...

I read this on www.DaveWillis.org and wanted to share it with you....

I believe that the two words that have the most power are the simple words “Yes” and “No,” and when and how you use them will have more impact on your life than nearly another factor. Personally, I have a hard time saying “No.” I’m really more of a “Yes” kind of guy, but I’ve found out the hard way that saying “Yes” too often can lead to disaster.
“Dad, can we have ice cream for breakfast?” “Sure! I think I’ll have some too!”
“Dave, can you please take on this big commitment that you don’t have time to do?” “Okay! I’ll find time.”
“Sir, could I talk to you about how purchasing a Time Share could be a great investment?” “Sounds awesome!”
I’ve had to learn the hard way that without a healthy amount of “No’s,” I end up overcommitted, broke, burned out, stressed out and ineffective. Maybe you can relate to what I’m saying. Perhaps you’ve gotten into the habit of saying “Yes” a little too often and it’s time to push the “No Button” a little more frequently.

So, how do we do it? How do we restore balance and healthy boundaries into our life? Here are a few tips that I’m learning…
1. Always take time before committing.
Get out of the habit of immediately saying “Yes” and replace it with “Maybe” or “That sounds like an interesting opportunity. Give me some time to think it over.” There’s wisdom in thinking before committing. A quick decision is rarely a wise decision. Be very slow and cautious to make commitments, but then always keep the commitments you make.
2. Realize that every “Yes” means “No” for something else.
Every time I commit to something, I’m taking time and energy away from other relationship and priorities to do it. Every “Yes” comes with a cost and I need to be intentional and wise about investing in the right opportunities.
3. Don’t Give Excuses.
When I do say ‘No,” I find myself immediately wanting to rattle off a bunch of good reasons why I can’t say “Yes” and might ultimately talk myself into changing my mind. The bottom line is I don’t need to justify my decision. A simple, “Thank you, but I can’t commit to that right now,” is plenty.
4. Remember what Matters Most!
Don’t let too many “Yes’s” redefine your priorities. My Faith, My Family and My Health have to take priority and I don’t want to jeopardize any of them just to appease or impress people. If you don’t set your priorities, someone else will set them for you!
I’m writing all this as a guy who still has a lot to learn, so I would love to hear from You. What have you done to bring balance to your schedule? How have you protected yourself and your family from overcommitment?

Just some pics..and babble

 Spring is finally in the air, but still we have days where it is cold...Grace is loving to play candy land, and somehow she always wins!! Mommy happens to love this game too :-)

Hope you are all having a great wednesday!!!

Sisters Forever!

These two are so darn adorable!!

St. Patty's Day

Just total cuteness here !!!

Compliments from preschool

Yesterday when I picked up Grace from Preschool her teacher pulled me aside..She says this often to me, but it seemed different this time. She says Tina, I seriously want to compliment you and Terry on Gracie..She is such a sweet, polite, loving and kind little girl. Her manners are amazing. I said well she makes it easy. She said no, this doesn't just happen in kids...I want to compliment you both, you are amazing parents and do such a great job!!  It was a wow moment for me because sometimes life gets so busy, and as a parent I sometimes wonder am i doing enough!!  So.. It is nice when someone takes a moment to tell you things like this about our kids. It truly made my day!! We are blessed to have our sweet girl! Im so happy she brings joy to so many people!

Trip HOME...

Hard to believe time can go so very fast. Terry's Brother Merlin & his family had not even met our Gracie yet and she is almost 5 years old. No excuses other than no one could just sit down and schedule a time we could all meet up. So finally we all met at Terry's parents home. Not in this photo was Bailey who already had plans to go on a big ski trip with some friends of ours. It was great to see everyone and catch up and hang out. It was nice to see Amanda and cousin Ashley connect! Family is precious to me.!

 terry catching up with a great friend since High school Brian...Im so glad they got to spend some time together. Men need their friendships and I know for Terry he certainly works all the time and not alot of friend time happens ever for him so I know how special it was to him to see Brian!

 Uncle Merlin and Gracie. I have never ever seen Grace bond with a family member like she did with Merlin. He honestly would not leave his side. It was so cute. Where ever he was she was sitting on his lap or playing with him. So precious to see the bond!! Merlin you ROCK!!

 These two are always entertaining !! 

I love special dinners at my In laws....always so special to me to have us all sit at the same table. Family's don't do that often enough!!

 

 Nothing better than sliding down the stairs right??

 Amanda and Ashley dancing their little tails off..and the gang playing cards all night long..

student of the month

Amanda ...Far Right side..Got student of the month for her 8th Grade class!! So proud!

Eun on the farm!

Last week for Preschool the teacher took all the kids to her farm..It was not a very warm day at all for this, infact pretty cold outside. But the kids all had fun anyway!

 Baby lambs were cute and a little scared of the kids!!

She always has a smile!! My happy happy kiddo!!

Growing up before my eyes!!

 My God where does time go? I just took her photos in September and I can not believe how much she has changed and matured in her looks in just a few months. But look closely...do you notice something ?? Yep no more glasses. My little girl has grown into wearing contacts and she is loving the like crazy. So proud of her. In December she was announced as student of the month in her 8th grade class. And next weekend with a mommy heart that wants to hold her at home..I said yes to her going on a big youth group trip that is 9 hrs away from home. She has a great group of kids in her youth group.  She begged and begged to go. Knowing it is a great thing for her , I still am her mommy and I just have a really hard time letting go for things like this. I am not the mom that has signed her kids up in camps as soon as summer arrives. I am the mom that loves her kids home, and love doing things with them.  She has such a heart for the Lord...I love seeing her grow spiritually. Such a sweet girl with her head on her shoulders...not a follower..but a leader. God watch over my little girl that seems to be growing up before my eyes!!

"Who's tummy did I grow in "

Gracie has knows since forever she is really special, born in Korea, and she is very proud of it. She has seen photos of her foster family. Never really asking anything much deeper than that. Just normal talk you would expect from a 2-3 yr old.    But today the big question came...as a four year old would ask it. Out of the blue and unexpected. "Mommy who's tummy did I grow in, Did I grow in your tummy?"  I took a deep breath and thought to myself..... ok here we go. I have been wanting to talk more about her adoption, so here is my opportunity to do so. ..but in a gentle way that is right for my four year old...To myself I said "Help me God to do that and choose the right wording". 

 I am sure everyone has their very own approach as to how you talk to your children about their adoption. You just have to go with what is in your heart and what is enough yet not too much for the age that they are.   I believe that there will be many different stages in her life where she will have more questions. The older she gets the questions will be deeper..and possibly harder.  From the moment we began the adoption process I was praying for this part of her life to not be a burden for her in her life in any way.   That she would not grow up feeling like a piece was missing..but that GOD would fill that place in her heart and make it whole and give her peace always. I still keep praying for that and always will. 

Today I really assured her that God has such a special plan for all of us..His plan for her was for her to grow in her mommy's tummy in Korea, but then he wanted me to be your forever mommy and for you to be my daughter, for us to be her forever family. We talked about other families we know...Like Allyssa who was born in China..etc..  God love us all so much and wants the very best for all of us.  His plan is always prefect! 

I am fortunate that Grace very much loves the Lord, she talks about God a lot, asks questions about him. Last night the sky was pink. Grace said look mommy God is painting a picture for us, the sky is pink and purple! :-)) She is so sweet! Today I am grateful for this talk with my precious daughter!! 

From Blonde to Red

Here my goofy daughter decided to go from blonde to red ....This red is a little out dated..cause she acually went ore red this week..Ill try to get a photo to post it. Seems lately my little girl is growing up on me. Amanda has had glasses since she was 2 yrs old..but Just last week she got contacts..so no more glasses!! I feel like she grew up on me in one week. New hair, and contacts just make her look older..and this mommy has a hard time letting go ...

Merry Christmas 2012

 Merry Christmas from our home to yours!! We hope you all have found peace, love , and joy this holiday season !!

 Unto us a child is born...His name is Jesus... 

 Sharing some of our happinings for the month of December- Very hard to believe Christmas came so fast. and soon very soon another year will begin!!

Here is Gracie with her cousin Rylan visiting Great Grandma Hope's house..She is the most amazing grandma..makes all the most amazing goodies and sends us all home with sum ..thank you Grandma for a great time at your house. We miss you so much, wish we saw you more..

 Gracie loves Nanna's puppy "Bear". I see me buying one this spring..saving now... "-) thanks mom !!

 Gracie had her very first Christmas program. She sang her little heart out and was very cute to see. She is really blessed with a great teacher who absolutly loves her job. It is a great feeling when I drop her off to school knowing that she is learning so much and loved and adored!!

A yearly tradition...Pop Corn ball night!! 

My mom ..kids nanna and papa bought a second home near us..we were blessed to spend some time with them before christmas ..it's always fun to see the cousins spend time together and open gifts!! 

this isAmanda and her cousin Dillan

 My little sister with her sweet baby girl ..my sweet neice Eira..Such a sweetie!!

 Amanda, with cousins, Dillan and Rylan, my brothers kids..

 Bailey...finally a photo of my son..love him like crazy...growing up too fast. Hard to believe he will be going to college in two years...

 Sweet neice Eira!!

 My table set for Christmas Dinner!!

From us to you...Merry Christmas!!!