Thanksgiving Day 2015

My life is everything I dreamed it would be... 

...and many things I never dreamed it could be.

 
[Candles burning in my home, Thanksgiving Day, 2015.]

I dreamed of a beautiful home where my family would be safe and happy. I dreamed of being married and raising children with my husband. I dreamed of playing my violin for audiences. I dreamed of filling my home with books and creating an atmosphere of learning and imagination. I dreamed of traveling to far off lands and exploring the world. All of these things, by chance, as well as by determination, have become my reality. 

I did not dream I would adopt a child from across the globe. I did not dream that I would have the unique parenting experience of raising a child like Elisabeth. I did not dream I would climb mountains. But these things, too, have become my reality - and, oh, how lucky I feel! 

I have been blessed with the most amazing experiences and each day I feel immense gratitude that this is my life. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Climb Up Mt. St. Helens

Part 1: Why I did it.

Last March I began hiking a local hill named Badger Mountain. I found myself going up three, four, five times a week, addicted to the victorious feeling I got each time I reached the top.

One day, as I was getting ready to go hiking, I gave Elisabeth a hug and said, "Elisabeth, I couldn't take you even if I wanted to," knowing that the task of carrying her crippled body up the hill would be near impossible. Then I thought to myself, what if I had to? That's when I vowed to become strong, to work unceasingly towards improving myself so that I can always be whatever Elisabeth needs me to be.

Indeed, I decided that day that I would climb mountains for her.

Mary Poppins

Opening Night is in  

8 days!!!

 

Donald snapped the photo above while they were doing a promotional photo shoot...I am in love with it. Each actor looks the part...and the costumes and setting are...practically perfect!

Alexandra has been busy with an intense rehearsal schedule. The role of Jane Banks is large: she is in just about every scene, has multiple costume changes, 150 some-odd lines, and a long list of songs to sing. But she has risen to the occasion - as I knew she would. Alexandra has been a star since the day she was born.

Last night was the first rehearsal with costumes and I snapped the following pictures before the rehearsal began:

  

Alexandra's costume rack with all of Jane's outfits.  

Alexandra and Sydnee chatting on stage before rehearsal.  

Jane and Michael Banks. And a tattered up kite. :)  

This one made me laugh...seeing Lex lounging on the prop furniture...still waiting for rehearsal to get going (with Bert walking in front and Winifred behind). 

And one picture from rehearsal:

 

In this shot Alexandra is singing 'The Perfect Nanny'. 

"She must be kind she must be witty..."

Lorelai's Birthday Review!

The day she turned 11...

Gifts and decorations full of color and fun.

The opening of gifts...

Presents included:

~ Fitbit

~ Bubble gum

~ Shoes 

~ Clothes

~ DVD of Grace Stirs up Success

~ Racoon mug

~ Coloring book and colored pencils 

The cake...

Make a Wish!!!!

 

And that's how you turn 11!!!

Halloween 2015

Introducing...

Elisabeth Elva  

as a

pineapple.

Elsa Lelise 

as

Tiana.

Lorelai Leigh  

as a

monster.

and...

Alexandra Louise 

as

Katniss Everdeen.

My four 

daughters...

 

   

Trick - or - Treat!!!

Off they go...

 

That's a wrap!