Passing

Over the last two years Johnny and his brothers have been caring for their Dad and their Aunt Fern. During the day we've had a care giver that's been able to lesson the load. Johnny, my brother-in laws and sister-in laws have stood strong for the last 2 years not wavering in the care they've provided for their Dad and their Aunt Fern. Last Thursday Johnny's Dad, James went home to be with the Lord. His boys unwavering dedication remained strong. After his passing the boys and the grandson's all helped bath and dress James prior to the funeral home coming into the home. Then the day of the funeral the boys met early at the cemetery and dug their Dad's grave. After the services were over two of the boys and a few of the grandson's and family members remained behind to bury him. James was a very dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was not much of a talker but he spoke wonders with his actions. He loved to joke around and he loved to spend time with his grandkids. I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize James and the great job he did raising his four boys. I also want to recognize his boys and our entire family for the dedication not only to James but to one another. For anyone that has cared for a loved one in the home you know what time and dedication it takes from everyone to provide the proper care needed. Our families still continue to stand firm and are dedicated to continue to care for Aunt Fern. We ask for your prayers during this difficult time.

Blessings to each of you.
Tina

Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour

Pass me not, O gentle Savior

Hear my humble cry!

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.
Savior Savior,

Hear my humble cry!

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.
Let me at a throne of mercy,

Find a sweet relief:

Kneeling there in deep contrition

Help my unbelief.
Savior, Savior,

Hear my humble cry!

While on others Thou art calling

Do not pass me by.
Trusting only in Thy merit

Would I seek Thy face:

Heal my wounded, broken spirit,

Save me by Thy grace
Savior, Savior,

Hear my humble cry!

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.
Thou the spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me!

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heav'n but Thee?
Savior, Savior,

Hear my humble cry!

While on others Thou art Calling,

Do not pass me by.

Vietnam Camp

Well on Thursday we headed to Vietnam Heritage Camp. The kids had a wonderful time. First on the list of things to do was to go to the Zoo. We spent Thursday morning at the Zoo. To tell you the truth I was a bit disappointed in the Zoo this time around. Last time we were there they had more to see this time around the Polar bear was gone (he died), the Low lands were closed and the exhibit for the Seals was closed. Of course the kids didn't know any different so all was good with them. On Friday night we met with the adoptive families for dinner and the kids played. On Saturday morning we joined back up and the kids made arts and crafts, learned to make spring rolls and learned a dance. That evening we got back together to eat again and to let the kids play together again. Then on Saturday the kids came together again to do some arts and crafts while the parents met with the Dillon staff to find out the latest on adoptions in Vietnam (or lack thereof for the U.S.) and to find out about birth mother searches. Some families are choosing to do birth mother searches at this time. Johnny and I are a bit leary about this. Our agency said that from what they gather from adoptee's the adoptee feels it's their right as they get older to decide if they want to do a search or not. The problem is the longer you wait to do a search the harder it will be to find people that might move. So we'll probably wait and let Alex decide if he wants to do a search for his birth mother as he gets older. We finished the day out with another meal and then we headed back to the hotel where the kids enjoyed time at the pool. The pool was their favorite pass time over the entire weekend. If you have little ones and you spend time in Tulsa I'd recommend the Radisson Hotel on 41st street. They have an indoor pool/park for the little ones and it's a big hit. My kids ask all year "when are we going back to the hotel again?" We ended the weekend by going to see Marmaduke. I have to say it was ok but not as good as I thought it should/would have been.

I'll attach a few pics from the weekend.

Blessings to you all.
Tina

Crazy Critters

Climbers.. Addie made it to the top!

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts

Alex and Miss "E"

Can you say Vacation!

Well sort of anyway..

We're packing up and heading to Tulsa so Alex can go Vietnam Camp. Our agency hosts a heritage camp each year. Last year was our first year to attend both kids heritage camps. We feel like it's important that the kids learn about their heritage and also just as important for them to be around other adopted kids. Tomorrow we start off at the Tulsa Zoo and then camp begins Friday. Looking forward to spending some time just relaxing around the pool also.

So last Saturday spent time cleaning out my closet. I asked Joe to help me haul the stuff out to the car. Alex noticed Joseph caring clothes outside so he asked him what he was doing. Joseph told Alex he was moving out. So Alex proceeded to come find me to ask me if Joseph was moving out. Of course I figured out that Joe was just giving him a hard time so I said yep he's moving out. Alex looked at me very intently and said.. but, but, but is he taking the XBox? Yep was worried about that xbox! I just cracked up. I eventually told him Joe was just kidding. So Sunday I was in the laundry room and Alex came in very serious again and says.. Did Joe move out? I said Alex you know Joe was just kidding that he wasn't moving out. He looked at me and said "But the XBox is gone!" I had to inform him that Joe had taken it to Jake's but that he had not moved out. Joe said he knows now where he ranks!

Addie started gymnastics last night. I think she did really well. I'm anxious to see how she improves and if she enjoys it. Alex wanted to know why Addie got to do something and he didn't.. How quickly he forgets that we've been playing t-ball for almost 3 months now! T-ball is almost over so we may sign him up for Karate or something. I'm not trying to be stereo typical or anything but I really think he'd be good at Karate.

So off we head to Tulsa. Last year someone felt the need/desire to let themselves into our home where they felt the privilege to rummage thru Ashton bedroom and thru Johnnys stuff plus left empty bear cans in our home. We feel like we know who it was and if it happens again I will not refrain from pressing charges. That is breaking and entering and so much not respectful! That person knows darn well we don't allow that type of behavior in our house. Joseph should be at home and on guard this time around!

Have a blessed week.
Tina

Ears pierced

I'll have to post pictures of Miss Addie's ears. This weekend I was checking FB and noticed that Addie's friend Charlotte had her ears pierced. I showed Addie and then she wanted to talk to Charlotte on the phone. After we hung up she proceeded over an over to tell me she wanted her ears pierced also. She has asked for a while and I've been putting it off but I thought since it was a 3 day weekend that it was probably a good time to have it done so we could watch them and doctor them. We headed over to the mall and had them pierced in no time. She sat very still and quiet and never let on a peep. She was such a big girl and said it only pinched a little. She's done well with them and they don't seem to be bothering her any.

After that we went to La Huerta and ate lunch and then headed to have our manicures and pedicures. I enjoyed this much more than Addie did. I've never had a manicure and I was tickled to get to have one done.

We're getting ready to go on a trip next week to Tulsa so tonight I went and had a spray on tan done. So far it looks pretty good. I don't see any streaks or anything odd. May be a different story when I get in better light! Anyway I didn't have time to tan and really didn't want to be the big "white" woman standing out in the pool. We'll be seeing several families who've adopted from Vietnam next week so believe me my "whiteness" would have shown bright and clear at the pool.

I'm working late tonight. One of my co-workers is out on vacation and I'm on call so I got the job of restarting some of his applications. Waiting for another co-worker to finish his part so I can do my part and head home. Alex had a ball game tonight so I had to miss his game for work. I hate that part of my job. Pray for me that my job won't interfere with my time with my family.

Have a blessed week.
Tina