Leaving for Destin on Friday!

The final days of work and school before spring break are winding down ... we're Destin-bound Friday night, March 30! The condo has an internet connection and Drew and I have to be able to check our email (ha) so you can count on a few updates while we're there, Mar 31 through Apr 7! Stay tuned!

Pampering the Princess

Abby and I had a little girls' time today ... which included a trip to the salon for her. She loved hopping up in the big chair and getting her hair combed and trimmed. I had about an inch taken off the length of her hair, as the ends are getting kind of thin. But it's still pretty long, still close to the middle of her back. The stylist also did ear piercing and *almost* talked mommy into cute little earrings for Abby as well. But I chickened out :-)

Maybe for her 5th birthday ... or heck, maybe just when it matters to her enough to ask for it!

Teen Conference

We're so proud of Drew for his involvement with the Tazewell County Youth Board ... their teen conference was yesterday and he had another opportunity to do a tv interview. I would have been a mess if someone stuck a tv camera in my face at age 17 and expected me to be coherent .. but he does well!

www.week.com/Story.aspx?preview=&type=ln&NStoryID=57255

There is a blue "video" link at the top of the story where you can see his interview.

I drove George Washington to school today!

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Today was TJ's 3rd grade "Biography Day" and as you can see from the slide show ... he chose to give his report about George Washington. He had to read up on Washington's life and then present a 3-5 minute report to the class, dressed in character costume and give the report from George Washington's perspective. So I dropped "George" off at the school door and wished him well! Can't wait to hear later today how it all went. Parents were not invited to be part of the presentations ... this is the first time for such a big presentation for these kids, and they did not want to make them even more nervous with more people in the room!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai ... which in Mandarin means “Congratulations and Prosperity!”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
Interesting info on Chinese New Year as it is celebrated in China


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Abby, Drew and I had a great time yesterday at the local "Our Children from China" celebration of Chinese New Year! We dined on great Chinese food, talked to lots of the 150-ish people in attendance with children from China, and were treated to an incredible Lion Dance to celebrate Chinese New Year!

I have some pics, but hope to get some better ones sent to me of the Lion Dance. It was crowded and I was not in a good spot for pics ... and then the camera batteries went on the blink. By the time I reloaded, I had missed a lot. But in a way, I'm glad I just watched it and didn't just see it through the lens ... it was a wonderfully authentic presentation by the owners of the Chinese restaurant where our event was held. The closest thing to being in China without leaving Central IL! The kids loved it, even though the drum was loud. Abby went up to the boys who were in the costumes and talked to them forever, she just thought they were so neat. Only 4 and already a groupie! :-)

The owner of the restaurant went to great lengths to give these children a taste of Chinese New Year, and he really endeared himself to the adoptive families in attendance. He gave each child a special, traditional Chinese New Year gift ... a "lucky money" envelope with a crisp dollar bill. Of course in China it would have RMB and not a dollar ... but when in Rome ...

Snow Days!

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Yesterday it snowed all day ... I'd say we ended up with 10 inches or so. It's hard to tell with all the drifting. Our patio/deck have some 2-3 foot drifts around the furniture and fish pond. School was out again today due to the blowing and drifting snow last night ... so the kids have had fun with their 2 days off and mama is enjoying her two "bonus days" at home with the kiddos! Be sure to check out our cat at the end of the slide show ... I think he is ready for the kids to go back to school! :-)

Basketball Tourney

TJ and I headed off to Galesburg yesterday for the 3rd grade traveling team tourney ... had a good time watching some basketball and swimming at the hotel pool after they played 3 games. It was just a little crowded at the pool, as you can tell in the slide show!

Mitch stayed home with Abby and Drew because there was a high school dance last night ... so it was split duty this weekend for the family. TJ has really enjoyed being part of the team this year, and is kind of sad that the season is coming to a close!


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IMEA Honors Chorus

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We were proud to have the opportunity to see Drew perform with the IMEA Honors Chorus today ... a high honor for high school vocalists around the State. The event was held at the Peoria Civic Center, and Drew spent 3 days there at the conference. It was such a great experience for him, and he ran into a few people who were in his choral camp at Eureka College last summer. The photo show above shows a distant shot of the Honors Chorus and a blurry, closer shot ... but not great lighting for a mediocre camera to get good pics ... and then a shot of Drew and his grandparents, who were able to be there to share this special day. Congrats, Drew!

Abby is 4 Today!!

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Today is Abby's birthday! She has really grown and changed, as you can see from the slideshow! Last night we worked on her princess birthday cake, which you can see in the pictures. She had fun putting on her princess dress to have her picture taken with it. Happy birthday, sweet girl!

It's (Almost) My Birthday!

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Last night we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant to eat ... and since Abby's birthday is only a few days away, we couldn't resist telling them she was celebrating so she could get the full "song and sombrero" treatment! She thought it was pretty funny ... and then everytime they sang at another table she would say "Mommy! They are singing for my birthday AGAIN!"

Only a few more days until her big day on Wednesday. She has ordered a pink cake with pink frosting from mommy ... and she's ready for the big day!