Finally an update...

I can't believe almost a year has past and wow how fast time has gone. The kids are getting so big and life is busier than ever. Genei has transitioned from a baby to a precious little girl with a big personality. She is 100% girl and full of girl drama. Seriously I didn't know it was possible for such a small child to whine so much. The contrast between Genei and her brothers is like night and day. I am so blessed to be able to experience the joys and differences of parenting a daughter.

Genei started preschool this year and has adjusted well. The boys went to this same school and most of the teachers supported us during our adoption process so they were excited for her to join them this year.

Braeden continues to have a big happy personality. He is enjoys school and is friends with everyone.

Garrett is thriving in second grade and has been placed in an advanced math class.

Ethan is getting bigger and older. My little boy is gone and in his place is a moody tweener that likes to argue. We joking refer to his mood swings as his symbiotic alien from the planet Pubertron. The next...oh 8-10 years should be interesting.

Todd and I are doing well. He still works for Stanley and is happy to be blessed with employment. My job changed some in November as I was reassigned to the Bariatric unit abd ICU. The transition was difficult at first but returning to critical care feels like coming home. I love staff development and the autonomy that comes with educating in creative ways.

Probably the most exciting and unexpected thing I have to report is that I have joined a roller derby team and I love it. I was looking for a fun way to be more active and co-worker introduced me to a local team. I'll post more about derby later but you can check out my team @ www.ccsrollerderby.com P.S. My derby name is Spleana Rupture :)

Sorry it's been so long and hopefully I can update more often.
God Bless
Alisha

Almost a year!

The Face of an Angel.

It has been one year since we first set eyes on the face of our daughter and I thought I loved her then. I always knew that I would love her, but it still surprises me how much my heart has grown and how it continually overflows with love. Genei is amazing, so full of life and love. She truly is a little piece of heaven here on earth. Thank you God for entrusting us with this amazing gift.

Happy Easter!! Praise God..Jesus is Risen!

Thank God for his merciful forgiveness and blessed promises. I know our house is full with His grace and love.

March Update

Garrett participated in Destination Imagination Rising Stars this year. DI is an academic club that engages kids in creative thinking and problem solving. They are encouraged to use their imaginations and think outside the box. Garrett's group created a play about inventing something to help others. This group of 6 first graders created a play and song with only the guidance from a team leader. Way to go Garrett!!

Happy Birthday Braeden! My baby boy turned 6 on March 10th. Everyone is growing up so fast. Braeden has grown so much this year. He can read and his writing is progressing so well. I am happy to report that even though he is growing up, he still loves to cuddle with me and isn't embarrassed to give me kisses in public (yet).

Is that my little girl in big girl panties? Well yes it is. Does this mean she is potty trained? Uh No. We were just practicing and well she just has a cute tushy.

A day of great weather in March means time to get outside. A
few pictures of cabin fever release.

What does a half day off school plus four bored kids get you? A trip to the children's museum and pit stop for vomit :( You know how sometimes when your kids are being dramatic and uncooperative you are hesitant to believe every complaint that they offer up. Like "Mom I don't feel good....my stomach feels weird" I won the BAD MOTHER OF THE DAY AWARD. I thought my oldest child was just trying to get out of going to the museum....until he actually vomited when we got there. Fortunately, no vehicles were assaulted in the process. So how did I end up getting pictures if he got sick? After he said he felt better...and well we had already driven all the way downtown.

February Update

February was busy as usual, but we also made time for some fun. My birthday was on the 17th and I chose to celebrate by having a girls night in. Genei and I shooed the boys out and several of my "girls" came over where we ate good food, danced, sang karaoke and played games. We had a great time and I'm thinking it should be a new birthday tradition.

Our oldest child, Ethan, turned 10 on the 28th. First of all I can't believe he is already ten. It is amazing to me that my 7lb 4oz baby is now 95lbs and over 5 feet tall. How did that happen? To celebrate both of our birthdays, DH and I took the boys skiing at Bittersweet Ski Resort. Todd and I have always enjoyed hitting the slopes and it was really fun to be able to share it with the whole family (well almost, Genei wasn't quite big enough this year).

Ethan also performed in the 4th grade music presentation. He did a great job with the western style jig and I know he was proud of how hard he worked.

Happy Birthday Genei!

My baby girl has turned 2. I can't believe how big she is getting and how much she has changed in just 6 short months. She is doing so well and had a great time being the center of attention for her big day. Oh wait, that is nothing new in this house, she's always the center of attention. Well, we're just trying to make up for lost time. Enjoy the pictures, we sure had fun making them.
God Bless!