Federation

Today, Cherish participated in her second year of National Federation competition (piano). Derek and I are proud of her for learning her music and pushing forward to play before judges she didn't know even though she was so, so nervous.

We love you, Cherish, and we are ALWAYS proud of you!

Way to go!

New Picture!

We received an updated picture of our son in China!

What a gift!!

"WE LOVE YOU, BUDDY!!!!

We just got our home study done.

We are working on getting to you as soon as we can!

We will hold you soon, precious one!"

Love,

Your family

Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year to all of our family and friends! We got to celebrate CNY today with our local chapter of Families with Children from China (FCC) and had a great time!

Daniel's facial expression says it all!

He was having a grand time dancing with his sister!

 Pappy and Nanny came to support the children in their dances!

 Watching the show:

I want to give a special shout-out of thanks to the Malone family for keeping our children in Chinese clothes! J

Daniel's Dedication

Special thanks to Ted Kosters for capturing Daniel's Dedication to the Lord.

 And, thanks to our friend Jenelle who captured this precious moment:

It was a wonderful to have our pastor and church body join in praying over little Daniel. He truly is a blessing from the Lord!

Just hangin' out

Clean Bedrooms

We have decided to try something new to motivate the children to keep their rooms clean and neat. Every night around 7 p.m. we have room inspection. Each child can earn up to 25¢ a night for their part of the bedroom.

At the end of a week--or whenever it is best for the family--we throw an ice cream party. The children each "buy" their ice cream for a $1, and toppings cost 25¢ each. (Therefore, the money recycles for the following week.)

The "cleaning" money can only be used as "dessert money". Thus, dessert will now be once a week at home, but the results will be super yummy!

Tonight after the children were in bed, we announced a surprise "dessert night". The children grabbed their money and raced to the kitchen.

Out came the desserts with all sorts of fun and delicious toppings!

Wow! What a fun and exciting way to start out our new way of doing chores.

There were lots of smiles as the children got tucked into bed for the second time tonight!

Good night, sweet tooth!

First portraits as a family of 6

Because someone is gonna not look or have their eyes closed...

Daniel:

Andrew:

Hope:

Cherish:

Daniel:

Andrew:

Hope:

Cherish:

Look how hard Daniel is saying "Cheese!"

 Daniel:

 Cutie pie!!