Beating the winter blahs

So, we are still living in a winter wonderland (I know it's only February, but I am so done with winter this year) and I think we all have serious cases of cabin fever.  Over the weekend we went to a power tumbling place with all sorts of mats and trampolines to burn off some energy.

Coaxing the younger brother into the "wheel of death." ;)

Another brother gives it a try.

The boys also had their very own slam dunk contest (when there was a short break in the weather).  This photo makes more sense if you are an avid NBA fan and/or you watched the slam dunk contest.  ;)

Mission impossible...

Sunday morning before church... a mom, a (new) camera, and two squirmy preschoolers.

Attempt #1:  Jason's "tummy pose"

Attempt #2:  "Mama, he won't stand next to me!"

;

Attempt #3:  Jason can't remember where the camera is...

Attempt #4:  Jason is still mystified about the camera's location
(and enjoying it!!)

 

Attempt #5:  Jason is done with the photo shoot.  Sarah takes a picture with the valentine doggy!

Attempt #6:  Sarah demands a wardrobe change!!

At which point mom decides to cut her losses...photo shoot is over!  :)

Baby Picture therapy (a.k.a. Chicken Soup for a Mother's Soul)

One of my favorite quotes about parenting teenagers:
"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. "~Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly, 1874

At our house we have two teenagers, a tween, and two preschoolers.  Most of our days are busy, busy, busy.  Crazy busy.  As a mom of two teens, I've heard my share of  "teen parenting horror stories."  But in all honesty, I really enjoy our "big boys" most of the time. 

They are fine young men who make me laugh and have good friends.  They love God and strive to do what's right.  Please understand,  we definitely have our share of struggles and arguments, but so far I am counting my blessings!

With that being said, there are definitely days.  Days when I feel like banging my head against the wall.  On those days, I can look at these angelic baby pictures of our boys and remember all over again that they are truly precious children of God.

Kind of helps me put things into perspective...

And now we finally framed one of Sarah's baby pictures.  So now her picture will be added to the wall.  :)

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Our little ribbon dancer (CNY 2011)

On Friday night we attended a local Chinese New Year celebration.  We look forward to it every year.  It's a lot of fun to meet and chat with other adoptive families and the kids love all the activities. 
This year was extra special because the girls were invited to learn a ribbon dance.  Sarah was a little shy at first, but in "true Sarah fashion", once she saw the ribbons and all the other girls, she was ready to go!

Here she is learning the dance with the teacher.  She just beamed the entire time.  She loved it!  (Sorry some of the photos are blurry/grainy.  I was playing with my camera settings before the party and it wasn't a good idea!)

  The ribbon dancers!  I could hardly hold back the tears when I saw all of these sweet girls together for the first time!

We also learned more about Chinese New Year, how to say "Happy New Year" and how children ask for red envelopes. 

    Logan's red envelope

The gang's almost all here (Justin had an indoor track meet).

       Jason and Sarah love the lion masks and the lion dance, too!

新年快乐

xīn nián kuài lè