Our Christmas

Our Christmas went well. It was awesome to see my sister Rachel and her family. I am so thankful that she makes the effort to come up every 1 or 2 yrs. It's time that we go back down to Cally and visit her.... we will find a way!

We spent Christmas at my parents house. This was Jerricho's first Christmas so he didn't know what was going on but because he is so smart -- after the first present -- he knew exactly what to do, and was very excited to open more. So excited that he squealed LOUDLY (as those of you who have met him know he can be quite loud) and kept saying "WOW" every time he saw a new present. It was so funny!

Solomon of course totally believes in Santa, in fact he was so worried each time he got in trouble leading up to Christmas, that he thought Santa wasn't going to get him anything. I had to reassure him that I was sure he'll get something. I have to say it was convenient to use that over his head a bit . . . hmmm.

Jerricho and Solomon loved hanging out with his cousins. Jerricho had a blast just keeping up with the boys (ages 15, 12 and 9). He would crack up (that true belly laugh of his) just watching them wrestle around (which was constant). It was fun to see. It was good for Solomon to have other boys to mess around with also.

Allie and her family came over to the house often to be with us Rachel and family. They live in Parma so it wasn't much of a drive -- except with the snow and ice on the roads it made it a little scary. Coltin (age 3 1/2) was just like Jerricho trying to keep up with the older boys.

All in all there were 6 grandsons at my parents house this past 5 days. Have to say it was noisy but fun to see their carefree childlike fun. Keeps us young.

We were only missing Brian and his family. Brian and Angee were planning on a quiet Christmas by themselves with their kids going to OR. to see their other dad, but the weather wouldn't permit them go to OR. so they had the kids with them. Which they enjoyed I'm sure. If they had come here, there would have been 8 boys and one girl!

We also remembered the true meaning of Christmas and in Solomon's nighttime prayers he mentioned that "Christmas was about Jesus and that we should remember him and give presents to each other because the wise men brought presents for Jesus. I can't wait for my presents." We'll he's getting there.

Jerricho just liked playing with our kid friendly Nativity Scene. :)

Pictures from the program

Time to Update

Last week was the last week of school. I had a busy month at work as Decembers always are. We recorded a school Holiday CD, took a Choir field trip to the Assited Living Home to carol for the elderly. This last week we had our 1st/2nd grade Christmas program *which Solomon was a part of* and the Choir and Xylophone Ensemble Concert. They went well without any "noticeable" mistakes. Friday we had the school sing-a-long. So now I can breathe . . . except, WAIT, I am still painting my house! Almost finished though. Taking a break today.

That's about it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Cheers!

We're so Proud.

OK, so Solomon was in the school music Christmas program (me being the music teacher/director of course), and this is the picture we get of him! Does the apple fall far from the tree or what? :) Can you believe it? LOL. That's my boy.

School's OUT

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Programs are over.... now I can enjoy being home with my family.!!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can breathe now.

Connie Talbot -- 6 yrs old! What a voice!

Have you seen this? Watch this, then watch her on the Ellen Degeneres Show-- she's even better there (the link below).

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/10/six-year-old_connie_talbot_sin.php

Reflections of Christ

I Love this slideshow and the song that goes with it. It reminds me of how much Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love me.

In Memory of . . .

We love our Aunt Deedee . . .

Andrew's family was saddened by the unexpected loss of Charles "Chuck" Thatcher, Andrew's nephew. We went to his memorial in Washington. Chuck's mom--Andrew's sister Deedee, lives in Oregon, so we went there and visited for a few days. We were also able to meet up with Tammy Andrew's oldest sister and hang out with Grandma and Grandpa Sanders. It was good to see family that we haven't seen in a long time. Grandma and Grandpa Sanders were able to meet Jerricho for the first time!

This is Aunt Tammy, feeding Jerricho after the service.

New Pictures

Finally I'm here to update!

Here are a few pictures from this summer when my brother and his family visited from Camino Island, WA. This is Solomon with his new cousins Boston and Madison.

These are pictures when Andrew and Solomon went to a Seahawks game. Solomon had a blast. He just couldn't believe that he was seeing them in "real-life", not just on T.V. All of the famous fans wanted to take a picture with cute smiling Solomon. He was famous himself!

Solomon's throw did make it in the hole!

These are pictures from the CASI Adoption picnic we went too. There were pony rides, and a petting zoo.

This is Mason. He is one of Solomon's soccer teammates as well as a friend that was also adopted.

SNL Lawrence Welk Skit

It's been years since I laughed so hard watching SNL

Family Pics

Just wanted to share some pictures (old or new) that I like . . .

Playing the Piano

Here is the first familiar song that Solomon can play on the piano. He wanted to make sure his grandparents, family & friends far away can see and hear him play!

My Nephew

Here's a picture of my sister Rachel and my her son, nephew Zac. He won a contest so his drawing got put on this San Bernardino National Forest sign!! So talented! Just had to show off !

Vote for my dog!!!

YOU can see her video on this website! All you need to do is go to this site and vote for Chopin's video for best singer! Watch the video and click the vote for me button in the video box. :)

Tell you family to vote too! :)

http://www.worldwidefido.com/watch/5362/a-singing-composer

http://www.worldwidefido.com/dog/4585/chopin

In case you don't get to the exact page, go to worldwidefido.com enter "chopin" in the search button at the top right, and it should come up. It is called "A singing Composer!"

I didn't see any other nominees that sang on command! Ours does!

Summer going ons

We spend a lot of time at our community pool! Jerricho loves the water and has absolutely NO fear -- which is a little scary for me because he will try to swim out of my arms into the deep end!
This is a humorous picture of Solomon.... he just HAS to wear his goggles even if they fog up, he can't see, or it folds up his ear! Gotta have the goggles.



Jerricho also loves the swing. Basically he just loves the outdoors.

Solomon is going for a pass . . . he LOVES football, and he's actually catching them now!

Yummy BBQ Pineapple Recipe

Andrew and I BBQ'd this weekend and we tried this way of grilling pineapple. It's are favorite! Yummy! Even Andrew, who is not a huge pineapple fan likes it!

(click on the title and it will go to the recipe)

Faith . . . and . . . Wisdom

Two of my favorite quotes:

When you come to the edge of

all the light you have know and are

about to step out into the darkness,

FAITH is knowing

one of two things will happen . . .

There will be something to stand on or

You will be taught how to fly.

And:

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Both of these quotes have become my creedo in life. They have helped me get through the hardest trials I have had. . . with the Lord's help of course! Just wanted to share them.

Solomon riding

Solomon has learned how to ride his bicycle! He learned last Monday and has been riding ever since. Can't get him to stop! This is a huge step since he has a lot of fears. Yeah for him. Now all he wants to do is ride ride ride....

Sanders Band

It's been 3 weeks since I started teaching piano to Solomon. I've been waiting until I thought he was ready. He is, and he's doing great. He's catching on rather well. I hope he loves the piano and sticks with it. Only time will tell.

Andrew wants him to play the guitar. When he is older, I'll make sure he gets lessons. He's got the fingers for it. Andrew wants a guitarist in the house. Although I could teach him the very basics on a guitar, I wouldn't go so far as to say I am a guitarist! Ha!

Jerricho loves music. He is always playing on the piano and singing. Every time he hears music (he notices when music is playing even when we don't) he starts dancing. I plan on teaching him piano also! I think he'll sing too!

Solomon on guitar, Jerricho singing, Jen on piano . . . and Andrew can whip out his trombone (wipe off the cobwebs) and we can have a good old Sanders Band!

What would you do?

If I could do it over again, I would learn how to play the string double bass. I would love to play that in jazz combos..... way fun.

What about you?

What a rush!

Here is Mike. He looks so professional!

Last night, Andrew and I went to New Plymouth to bike ride. I took a few lessons on stopping, going, and turning. Then I attempted a small hill a few times. HOW FUN! I can definately see how motorcycling can be addictive! Andrew went up the bigger hills and did very well. Our friend Mike, who took us riding, has been great about teaching us safety that go along with riding motorcycles. We are thankful Mike is teaching us how to ride bikes.

And yes, moms and dads, we used all the proper protective gear! :)

Here is me:

Here is Andrew:

Motorcycle Ride

Andrew and I took our first lesson in motorcycle riding. Whew! I did it, liked it even though i was alittle scared . . . I'll do it again though! Andrew was really good, a natural. Maybe one day when we win the lottery we'll buy our own motorcycle.

Contagious Laugh

Jerricho has the funniest laugh that is contagious. This is a clip that is not just funny to watch but hilarious to listen to. Turn up the volume.
Just a preface. He is wearing correctional shoes for his arches. He loves "tap-dancing" on the floor because it makes noise on hard surfaces. So he started to stamp on the kitchen floor and he was CRACKING himself up.

Brothers

The boys are getting adjusted to each other just fine. Solomon is teaching Jerricho how to wrestle and pillow fight.

He is also teaching him how to run through sprinklers and get wet.
And how to brush his teeth!

India

Andrew and I went to India in January to bring our new son home -- FINALLY! This adoption took 13 months. There is so much to share and not enough time or space. We were in Southern India for two weeks. We spent the first week in Bangalore, at the orphange.

Here are a few of the caretakers at the orphange.


They care so much for the kids and do a great job. They helped us a lot with everything while we were in Bangalore; with Jerricho, getting things we need around the city and with our hotel accomodations. Below are the kids that are in the same age group with Jerricho. Jerricho is the one in the orange shirt.




We also went to the Deaf School in Bangalore. That was neat to see the children signing (American Sign mixed with a few Indian signs).




Here is an example of the Hindu Temples we saw while we were in Chennai. We were in Chennai to get the visa from the U.S. Consulate. While we were waiting on the visa, we visited a couple of different temples and both were beautiful.





We went to an LDS branch meeting in Chennai. Here is a picture of the chapel. The church is in a basement of a business building.