State Bound...

So proud of Josh tonight, as he finished second at the Regional Tournament. But what makes me even prouder than that is the good sportsmanship he modeled tonight, along with his dad/coach. Josh lost 14-15 at the buzzer, as a result of a very controversial call. I had thought he won, or was at least tied, and was completely shocked when the other guys arm was lifted. I learned later that the play-by-play announcer for the streamlined (winNW.com) version of the match declared Josh the winner too. Of course, Coach Crebbin immediately went over to the scorers table for clarification, but Josh and Mike displayed nothing but positive sportsmanship when the referee did not change the call. No bad mouthing, no throwing of head gear, no punch walls, all of which I have witnessed by other wrestlers in similar situations. I'm hoping that it just sparks a bit more fire in Josh heading in to the state tournament at the Tacoma Done next week.

Coach Crebbin and Coach Farmer after a tough loss.

On the podium....

Sweater Shorts Day...

Yep, my hunka-hunka husband looking hot on Sweater Shorts Day! What, you've never heard of Sweater Shorts Day? Maybe that's because he and three of his childish math teacher friends decided to wear matching outfits to school today, declaring it Sweater Shorts Day. Let's hope this fad doesn't catch on...

 I think his Vibram Five Fingers shoes really make the outfit, don't you?

Second Time Around...

Remember this photo from last year?

That was taken last year at Districts, after Josh took second place. Well check out the shot from this year. Josh looks much less tired, and the grins are even bigger, as Josh placed first this year:)

Josh was down 3-5 in the second round, after getting out of a near pin in the first period. Josh was a good boy listening to his dad coach when he called shouted out a move, and Josh pinned the guy. I took this shot just moments before the mat was slapped.

Couldn't wipe the grin off his face until this photo...

Guess it's a requirement to not smile when you are with a group of boys:) Now on to regionals next weekend...

Who Needs Girl Scout Cookies...

That's right, who needs Girl Scout cookies when you can have these amazing homemade gourmet cookies (and ALL of our proceeds go to a good cause compared to theirs). Once again we are selling cookies to raise money towards the Chaoyang, China orphanage. This year's are Valentine themed; hearts, lips, and flowers. Red, white, pink, or zebra pattern:) You can pick them up before Feb. 14, or pay a little extra to have them delivered on the big day (unless you are reading this from off island...sorry)! She/he will love them you even more than flowers! 

Add caption

We can personalize your cookies other than "Hot!"

These are photos from last year's Easter cookies, so you have to imagine them in Valentine colors. Also, flower bouquets can be on sticks.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in supporting the cause. Thanks!

过年好 (guò nián hǎo)...

Happy New Year! Yesterday was the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the year of the Dragon. Michael is a dragon, so this is supposed to be his "special" year. We had our annual get together with other local adoptive families, only with a twist this year. Two of the adoptive families have exchange students this year, and brought some other exchange students along with them, so it really was a multi-cultural experience! Taiwan, Mexico, Germany, and China (exchange students, not just our daughters) were all represented at our celebration, which was a lot of fun.

Only Josh was missing, as he stayed home because he knew that Chinese buffet would be too much of a temptation and torture, since he had to make weight the following day (today...and his dedication paid off, as Mike just sent me a text that he won both his matches tonight, as did the team).

The Reappearance of Normal...

After six solid days of snow and ice, I am happy to say that we are getting back into the swing of normal, whatever that is.  Yesterday was the first time since last Saturday that the girls got out of the house in a car, and boy, did they need it. One stop was the library, and 20 books, 4 books on tape, and 3 videos later, I wish we had all these earlier in the week.

After two canceled practices, the girls are eager for their basketball game today.  Because of match count, Josh wasn't heading to today's wrestling tournament, but Mike headed out early this morning, only to find out no one told him the tournament was delayed two hours. Now they have to squeeze into their schedule the match they missed this past week, before districts begin in two weeks.

Speaking of squeezing in, now we have to make up the four school days we missed. We won't know for sure, but it looks like Mike and the kids will be in school until June 20th. With me leaving for China that day, looks like I'll have to catch another ride to the airport. June 18th will most likely be my last day now, which doesn't give me much time to prepare for the trip. Now let's just pray the snow is done for the season, because if we miss more days, that could really mess things up!

Day Four, and Boredom Sets In...

Yep, this is day four of snow, and my kids are bored. Well truthfully, me too. Sunday's snow was perfect to play in; fresh, dry, no wind, and blue sky. Monday didn't bring much new snow, but it was a holiday, so enjoyed the day off. Tuesday morning added another 4" to the already 6" that came on Sunday. Was a bit windy at times, with that grainy type of snow pelting your face. The kids went outside between winds, so when they complained of boredom inside, we could kick them outside. Today, it is snowing once again, but not in a fun way. Through my window, I am watching the heavy snow laden trees sway in the wind. The snow is more swirling than falling, and it is only supposed to get worse. Tonight's forecast is for winds up to 50 mph, with a windchill factor of zero. Oh power, please don't go out tonight!

Yep, she's eating this snow. Ate quite a bit of it actually.

A free ride back to the top. Way to go Dad!

Jaelyn was so proud. She made this one all by herself. Love the teeny tiny head!

Sunday we made Snow Ice Cream, Monday we made Rice Krispy Treats, Tuesday Rocky Road Brownies, so what shall we make today? The recipe can't include milk, because we are completely out of that. Think maybe this snowstorm is going to cause us all to gain weight due to lack of movement and excessive munching. Fortunately Josh's wrestling match for tonight is cancelled, so he doesn't have to worry about making weight:)

Ice Cream Snow!

Fortunately we had an unopened puzzle, and we also passed time playing Apples to Apples Junior that Jaelyn got for her birthday. Now that was a hoot, but how many hours can we play it today? I could get some housework done? Nah, for now I will just lounge around in my robe and enjoy the family time!