Celebrate Every Day

March Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 15:24:00 +0000

#1 did lots of reading this month! We have found some fun book series on his reading level and he's flying through them. He also enjoys audio books and is listening to The Lord of the Rings right now.

He's continuing to work hard during school time. In PA we have lots more requirements than most states, so in April we'll be getting him ready for a standardized test and getting his portfolio ready for the evaluator.

#2 is doing new things, like being more independent when we're out and about and putting on and zipping his coat all by himself! So proud of him.

Sweet brother time!

He loves playing with blocks! In fact, in my pre-spring cleaning, I got rid of all the toys in the house except for his blocks, #1's Legos, and a few trains and cars. They haven't missed anything and tidying up is a lot faster and easier!

#2 had an appointment with a new doc in Hershey, so of course we had to go to Chocolate World!

Warm enough for some tennis! Looking forward to more warm days this spring!

This Week: It's Still Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:52:00 +0000

It's still winter at our house! Lots of days out of school and delays. We're having fun though!

#1 made a video of himself playing the x-box. You can check it out on his website!

My car ride buddy to Starbucks.

Reading his Bible.

Being cute and funny at school.

Wiggling that loose tooth non-stop.

I have to sit in front of the dishwasher to keep #2 from opening it.

Playing in the snow!

February (So Far!)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 02:26:00 +0000

I'm a little behind on sharing all that's going on at our house! All these snow days have me off my routine. Speaking of snow days ...

#2 does not like them at all. One day he wore his backpack for an hour because he wanted to be ready for his van driver.

#1 and I are still plugging through his school, snow days or not!

#2 had some oral surgery a couple weeks ago. He did great!

#3 is in a new class now, and his old class made him a book with notes and pictures to say they missed him!

#1 and I got to see Moses at Sight and Sound. So cool!

Mommy & #1 Head to Hogwarts

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:45:00 +0000

For Christmas, Lee got #1 and me a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, FL! We got to go earlier this week and had so much fun!

Leaving the snow and ice behind!

Here's #1 at the airport and in our room. Since most of our vacations are to visit family, this is the first time he stayed in a hotel since he was two years old. He loved it.

We got early admission to the park an hour before it opened for everyone else.

We headed straight for the Harry Potter attractions!

#1's favorite part was visiting Ollivander and getting his own wand!

His favorite ride was the Despicable Me ride, where we got turned into minions (and then turned back, thankfully).

Watching the parade

Visiting Jurassic Park was fun too!

#1 decided he wanted to be team Slytherin. They have a reputation for being the bad guys, so I wondered why, but he reminded me two Slytherins save Harry's life. I love when bad guys turn out to be good, and I guess #1 does too.

This Week: Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 01:44:00 +0000

#3 got his holiday haircut!

#1 enjoyed singing with the kids' choir at church on Christmas Eve.

The boys enjoyed opening their gifts Christmas morning.

Playing with Harry Potter Legos and watching a Harry Potter movie.

Getting kisses in front of the Kisses.

Enjoying an unseasonably warm day.

This Week: Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 19:56:00 +0000

#1 working hard on typing his first report. He thought it was fun. At least the title and first sentences were fun!

Checking out the decorated tree.

By the light of the tree and the iPad.

We got to see #1 in his theatre production! He's Luke in The Homecoming.

Happy kiddo!

This Week: Dad's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:24:00 +0000

Our school district gets the day off for the start of hunting season. Unfortunately for my school-loving boys, it comes after Thanksgiving break, so they feel like they've been out of school forever. #2's therapist came to the house and helped him stay busy and happy by working on the letter J.

Getting my good night kisses.

#1 finished the Harry Potter books and movies, so we played the Scene It? game as our "test." He loved it!

It's opening week for #1's latest play and he was exhausted from the late rehearsals. He's doing great though and Lee and I can't wait to see him!

Out to lunch to celebrate his birthday!

He had both grills going to get ready for a few friends to come over.

I had to teach him how to put his hands in his pockets. It's cold waiting for the bus!

This Week: Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:54:00 +0000

The weather has been wild this week! One day it's sunny and warm and a couple days later we're getting snow. #3 is ready for whatever comes though.

We thought this shirt was appropriate for him.

#1 got to watch the final two Harry Potter movies this week. He loved them!

On one warm day, we got some work done outside.

We celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with my parents and sister this week. It was so much fun! Happy to have #3 with us this year.

This Week: In the Leaves

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:32:00 +0000

#1 has moved on to a new math curriculum and it excited to start multiplication.

The boys had fun playing in the leaves in the back yard!

#1 is enjoying learning about all the states.

#1 helping #3 with his homework. Such a good big brother!

This Week: #3 Starts School

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 21:53:00 +0000

#2 was out of school the first two days of the week, so we thought we'd head to Hershey and Chocolate World! We all had a good time.

#2 took advantage of the days out of school to dress like Buzz Lightyear all day!

#3 started school this week! His class isn't a very good fit for his needs, but his teacher is wonderful and is taking good care of him. We're very thankful she's advocating for him to get what he needs!

My two first graders!

The van is getting a new transmission, so we're all squeezing in the little black car for a while. It's cozy in the back seat!

This Week (and Last Week Too)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 12:58:00 +0000

I think I missed a week and it included a big birthday so I don't want to skip it! Here are some of the highlights from the last two weeks.

#2 usually wears comfortable athletic pants to school and saves the nice clothes for Sundays, but sometimes (like when I'm a little behind on laundry) he has to dress up for school. He looked so cute one day last week I had to take a picture. It was such a big deal I got a note about how handsome he looked from his TSS and a comment when I saw his teacher. Maybe he should dress up more often!

This boy turned 9 years old! He got a used, refurbished x-box and a few games. He also had a friend spend the night and they had fun playing #1's new games together. He said it was his favorite birthday ever!

Our first family pic with all five of us!

A family from church gave us some hand me down clothes and they included this suit! #1 had been wanting to wear it for weeks, but we decided #3's first Sunday at church would be a great day to celebrate by dressing up.

I had #2's IEP meeting this week. It went well! I always enjoy talking to his team and hearing what they see in him.

#1's been working hard in October to learn more about all the states.

We started out the week with temps in the 80s but today the high is just in the 40s! Time to put the shorts away.

#3 has been working hard strengthening his motor skills and learning more, like lower case letters and numbers. He starts school next week and we hope he will enjoy it and continue to develop.

This Week: Enjoying Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 13:35:00 +0000

#1 had an audition this week for a local theatre's Christmas production. We'll hear soon if they have a part for him.

#2 got new shoes!

We went to a local park that has stuffed animals on display. #3 loved seeing some of his favorite animals (like bears) and learning about new-to-him animals (like antelopes).

My sweet Aunt Lyla made sure all three boys were ready to cheer on the Oklahoma State Cowboys this fall. Aren't they cute?!

Love the scenery in PA this time of year!

This Week: Appointments & New Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:05:00 +0000

We had a big week, getting #3 to some important appointments and learning to cook new foods he would really like. Here are the highlights!

#3 had a physical this week at our family doctor and went to the eye doctor. Both appointments went great! Next week he has an evaluation with our school system so they can decide the best classroom placement for him when he's ready to go to school.

We also stopped by the church when it was empty and quiet so he could look around and check out his Sunday school room.

#3 is a great eater, but he's still adjusting to some American food, like hamburgers (his fine and gross motor skills are underdeveloped, so holding a burger together is hard for him). So this week I tried some new recipes and he loved it all!

The weather is getting cooler, so we are trying to spend time outside when we can!

#1 is counting down the days to his birthday this month! He's also looking forward to auditions for a new production at our favorite local theatre next week.

This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 13:13:00 +0000

We've been helping #3 strengthen his gross and fine motor skills.

#1 enjoying Lego club at the library.

Lots of apples to make apple sauce!

He's not sure he likes his hoodie.

Impressive bed head.

This Week: New Normal

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 13:22:00 +0000

We are adjusting to a new normal around here! I wrote about our time in China on my other blog, so here we'll focus on how things are going at home. I've noticed most families who adopt don't blog about how it's going for at least a month. That gives time and space for everyone to adjust. So I'll just share some highlights from each week as I have time and feel comfortable doing so.

I really missed hanging out with #2 in the mornings, waiting for his school van.

I also really missed playing Minecraft with #1! He had some surprises to show us when we got home.

#3 checking out our garden.

This Week: The End of Summer Countdown Is on!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 02:09:00 +0000

A local park has a sensory garden we always have fun going to! #1 likes to work on the dam and #2 likes to get as wet as possible!

I love the quiet moments we have on our swing outside.

He's decided he really loves tire swings. The dizzier he gets, the better.

Enjoying an audio book!

Friends at church did a shower for #3! It was so much fun and came at exactly the right time since we found out on Friday that we'll be traveling to China next month! We're counting down the days and crossing things off the to-do list.

This Week: James's Least Favorite Week Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:55:00 +0000

This will probably go down as #2's least favorite week ever. We potty trained and we went to a feeding therapist. He's not a fan of undies or trying new foods. He did great though and we will keep working on both in the couple of weeks we have before school starts again.

Got our potty training necessities!

Every day he asked to wear a diaper instead.

Trying new foods--steak and peppers!

My cucumbers didn't produce well, so I won't be able to make a lot of pickles, but we'll enjoy the ones I can make. And the brussel sprouts are coming in nicely. They grow at the base of the leaf stems. So interesting!

We've gone bowling almost every week this summer. #1 has gotten better and is enjoying it more now than he did when #2 beat him every time.

This Month: All the Pictures and All the Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 00:45:00 +0000

I can't believe I'm so behind on sharing pics this month! We've had three busy weeks in a row but are going into August with fewer activities on the calendar. Just what we need to get ready for #3 to come home in September! Here are some of the highlights from July!

We spent July 4th hanging out around the house together.

#1 started 3rd grade July 1st!

Both boys had a fun week at our church's VBS.

#1 and Lee enjoyed an afternoon of fishing and boating.

We spent a week in Florida, celebrating my parents' 40th anniversary. We had a great time, as you can see!

This week our church hosted a sports camp! #2 was able to go this year, with help from his TSS. He participated in the day camp for younger kids. #1 did the full camp, including baseball, soccer, basketball, and kickball. He said basketball was his favorite!

This Week: Daddy Gone, Grandma Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 01:29:00 +0000

What a fun and full week we had! Lee was down in North Carolina for doctorate classes, so Grandma flew in to help. We had busy mornings, laid back afternoons, and lots of fun together!

Hoping fresh flowers will make up for little messes around the house.

Trying to find all the countries playing in the World Cup.

Everything he needs for a good day.

Making his favorite food with Grandma--deviled eggs!

#1 went to tennis camp a couple days this week. He had fun!

Keeping both eyes on the blonde head in the pool.

The thunder and lightning were a little scary, but less scary in Mom and Dad's bed.

#2 had some swing anxiety this week, but by the end of the week we conquered it and he was back to loving it!

It was also #3's birthday this week! We saw pictures of him celebrating with his class. We are thankful the teachers made him feel special!

Around Our Yard at the End of Spring 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 01:31:00 +0000

We had a hot few days this week! I got out my real camera (instead of just the camera on my phone) to take some pictures of our fun in the backyard.

This Week: Last Week of School

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:45:00 +0000

This was our last week of school, but I didn't realize it until Monday morning! #2's last day was supposed to be the 18th because of all the snow make-up days, but the district decided to pay a fine instead of having so many days to make up (the fine was less than busing in and feeding the kids). I'm sure they sent an email telling me about the switch earlier, but with the deluge of emails from school (95% of which don't apply to us) I missed it! So, we had to fit two and a half weeks of plans into one week! #1's last day ended up being Thursday and #2 finished up with a half day on Friday!

Switching up my usual view.

We had another adoption yard sale Thursday and Friday! Thursday went great and Friday was slow, but we're pleased with how it went, and that we have less stuff around the house!

#1 after his last day of 2nd grade celebration lunch.

#2's collection of toys he doesn't like to leave home without.

Eating lettuce right out of the garden! (We had just watered, so it was clean. Plus, we don't spray anything on our garden, so it's safe.)

Family Trip to Gettysburg

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:31:00 +0000

On Friday we realized our weekend was wide open, with no big obligations or places we had to be. So we planned a trip to Gettysburg on Saturday. Lee has been over there a few times but the boys and I had never been. You spend most of the tour in the car, but we got out quite a few times to get a closer look at things and let the boys explore. It was a beautiful day to be out and we had a great time!

This Week: Wrapping up May

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:21:00 +0000

Watching Captain American and then dressing up like Captain America seemed like a good way to spend Memorial Day!

So did grilling outside.

The end of the school year is tough, but we're pressing on!

He'll do anything to get me to fill up his bowl with Goldfish.

#1 had the great idea of moving the old TV and the Wii into his room. He drew out a diagram of where it would go and even made a prototype to see if it would fit. So we said yes. Temporarily at least. He loves it, even when #2 went in his room at 5:57am and asked him to play the Cars racing game.

This Week and Last Week

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Mon, 26 May 2014 01:00:00 +0000

One day math was so hard we had to sit on the same side of the table to figure it out.

On a trail walk!

All of us together! Yay!

Busy with his trains.

Back on the courts.

#1 had lots more performances.

He wrapped up his play on Saturday and we had the strike party on Sunday. He had a great time and is looking forward to his next opportunity!

This Week: Opening Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Sandra Peoples) — Sun, 11 May 2014 16:20:00 +0000

We had one busy week, planing our garden, getting ready for Nana and Grandad's visit, and doing final preparation for #1's play's opening weekend!

Getting our plants and seeds.

Such beautiful weather for playing outside while we waiting for the school van.

The garden took extra work this year to get prepped, but we got it done!

#1 had a few late-night rehearsals. One night #2 was already asleep when it was time to pick up big brother, so he just snoozed on the couches at the theatre while we waited.

Fun with Eric Carle stickers!

The weather was so nice, #2 wanted to go play outside from the time he got home from school until bed time.

#1 got to pick wherever he wanted to go for lunch on the day his play opened. He picked our favorite cupcake place!

Opening night with our star! You can read more about it on my other site. He did a great job and has four more shows over the next two weekends.