What would you draw?

Your house and your neighbor's house with the sun?
Circuit diagrams?

A Race Track?

It's all good.
Except, Sawyer was down with allergies and couldn't join in.

Enkutatas, Ethiopian New Year

Today in Ethiopia (and many other parts of the world), they are celebrating New Years. (Enkutatas) So what better way to celebrate the New Year than to celebrate Turner. He is an awesome kid. He epitomizes what is good and right with this world. SO Happy New Year to all my Ethiopian friends and to all my Jewish friends.

No, I cannot get rid of the underlines.

Turner LOVES being from Ethiopia. Loves telling people he was born there. He is very proud of that fact. (for that I am very thankful) He loves talking to the boys at Kolfe because "They are from Opiopia like me". So, when Rosey Posey (see link on side of my blog) made her grandson an Ethiopian hat, I knew I had to have one for Turner. He LOVES this hat. I have to take it away and hide it or he'd wear it everyday, all day.

Just for my Sister (she knows why!)

And Yet Another Museum

We saw TWO museums when we visited Oak Ridge. The second was a children's museum. There was history about the Appalachian Mountain community including pioneers and animals and WWII related things. There were trains, dolls, puppets, a play house, a water area and much more. The kids loved it!

If you are ever in the area, I would definitely recommend both museums. There is also a train ride which sounded interesting but we just ran out of time. Cost was not bad. The science museum is free for 5 and under. The other museum was a bit more pricey but still overall not bad for several hours of entertainment for a family of 6. You could easily make a full day at either museum. The science museum did not allow food/drink. However, there were picnic tables outside. I am not sure you could leave and come back though. The children's museum sold snack foods and had an area set up inside where you could eat. Outside, it also had a picnic pavilion and a children's playground. Plenty to keep the kids busy.

Be sure to click on the collages to see the pictures.

A Day at the Museum

Oak Ridge, TN

1940's
Manhattan Project
Atomic Bombs
That's about all I knew until we visited.
It is set in a very beautiful area.
The mountains are absolutely breath taking.
(I will say we were definitely a curiosity to folks around there )
AND
There's a Science and Energy Museum.
A must see if you have a child like Judson
Very hands on type of museum
Very kid friendly
A lot of history about the Y-12 National Security and Nuclear Energy
Lots of information about all types of energy
Something for everyone.

Just for Harry

Friday night eating with family

Harry, this is where Ansley drew the picture for YOU!

No. 8

Can you believe it? Our little guy is 8 years old!!!

How can that be possible?
I cannot even wrap my feeble brain around 8.

We celebrated all weekend.
Thus, we are TIRED.
So tonight, I'll just post birthday cupcakes.

You can tell how tired I was.
Store bought cupcakes.
No wrapping paper for gifts.

Here's a Story

It is not a story you'll read about on the news. Why? Because it's about the goodness and wonder in people. News doesn't sell if it's about goodness.

Picture it. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A poor country but a proud and beautiful country with many wonderful and beautiful people. This story is about approximately 30 orphan boys on an adventure of a lifetime. (some have made the trek before but many have not) They take a bus ride up into the mountains. The bus takes them as far as the roads will allow. Then they must get out to climb the mountain. Their destination, Debre Libanos.

It is the new year in Ethiopia. A time for Orthodox Christians to celebrate many religious holidays. You see these kids are not evil. They are not out to hurt people. They are out to celebrate New Years. They are on their way to a monastery. A church carved out of rock that is hundreds of years old. They have never been on such an adventure.

This adventure takes 2 days, for the walk is long and it is as much about the journey as it is the destination. The average teenage boy could have probably walked it (one way) in 3 hours. These are not average. These guys are also helping one of their 'leaders' up the hill. This leader must walk with help because his legs do not work well. (not much at all) So these guys walk 6-7 hours one way so that all can experience this religious event together.
Along the way, they buy sugar cane so they have the energy they need. There is very little water because apparently in this region the farmers have to bring water for many miles to water their animals and therefore have none to give to the visitors.

They are not the only ones traveling. They estimate maybe 10,000 people are making this religious pilgrimage. Most make the climb and descent much quicker than they so much of the time they are on their own trying to figure out which path to take. (In a lot of ways, it's much like their life. Many have been making life changing decisions alone for years)
Along the way, they 'shower' in a huge waterfall. They rest in another church. They sing religious songs and chants. They fall in love with the natural beauty many have not seen living in an orphanage in a big city. They become closer friends than even before. They make memories.

And when they call me, the smiles are ear to ear. All trying to tell me about what they did. Each wanting to tell me something. Me, I'm trying to decipher all the words. The one thing I get, is the joy and wonder in each as they recall their adventure. It would have made a good Disney movie, I believe. One I would have loved to watch.

I Wanna Be......Bet you can't guess?

When T grows up, he wants to be RACE CAR. If that doesn't work out, he'll be a Race Car Driver. This is what every well dressed race car driver wears: Helmet (safety first), Gloves, and a skirt. It is NOT a boo-t-ful skirt. It is a race car driver skirt. It has pockets to hold essentials such as tools and keys. He was not completely dressed on this day. He forgot Mom's old purple snow boots. Every race car driver has to have the right shoes.

He cannot decide if he will be Herbie (Dean Jones version) or Lightning McQueen. (Cars movie)

Life is full of decisions, isn't it?

A Good Day in the Life of a Home Schooler

Ask my children and they'll tell you they enjoy the freedom home schooling affords them. For instance, they LOVE being able to go swimming on a school day. (or any of a number of other things we do outside of the typical book learning)

Today was one of those WONDERFUL/AWESOME/TERRIFIC home schooling days. They got to go to Miss Kimmy's house and swim. There were 3 other families there so for all those worried my kids are not socialized, today they 'mingled' with other children. Some older, some younger. Some home schooled, some not. We did not make them sit in rows in alphabetical order. We did not make all the 5 year olds sit together, etc. We had the bestest time EVER. Miss Kimmy had wonderful food and I loved talking to the other moms. Thank you Miss Kimmy!

The only down side was I may have hyper extended my knee while doing one of my world famous jack knife jumps. Randy is bummed because he thinks my warranty ran out on Sunday. *sigh*

What did you do for your birthday?

Same thing we always do .... Ate at my favorite Ethiopian restaurant!!! My pictures this year look almost identical to last years pictures. Husband, kids and injera. LOVE IT.

The Saint (Let's Keep This Real)

You know it ain't all rosey. There are things that keep you humble and make you scratch your head and say, "Why?". I received a note from Sawyer's teacher today stating

"Sawyer had a rough day yesterday, he took his shoes and socks off and continuously told us no, turned the lights off and would laugh."

Turner Talk

This morning:

Turner: Mommy, guys driving me bonkers
Mom: The guys are driving you bonkers?
Turner: Yes
Mom: What should we do?
Turner: Put them in jail.
Mom: How long should we leave them in jail.
Turner: 5 weeks

Any morning:

Mommy: Turner how long has it been since you went potty?
Turner: Oh.....about a year.

Exactly what I'd say if I had a way with words....

http://www.xavier.edu/familyresiliency/paul-daugherty-keynote.cfm

DITTO!!!!!

Saw-Man

Gene Simmons????

So, I was not sure about Sawyer and school this year. With the negative vibes we were getting from potential teachers and the run around we got from the school system, I was just not sure I wanted to send Sawyer to school. Then yesterday, I got a call from the school telling me Sawyer had been bit by a fellow student. Apparently, he was quite traumatized by the whole event. (Sadly, this is not his first biting incident but the first for this school) What perfect timing, I had already planned on going to the school for the Meet and Greet they had scheduled.

I got there and everyone was concerned about Sawyer. Was he okay. I am so sorry that happened. The other child should not have done that. Blah blah blah. I felt better that this was an accident and they were not going to let it happen again. (Let's hope)

Then they started going on about how wonderful and cute Sawyer is. How much they love having him. How capable he is. They were gushing. Gushing, I tell you. And the whole bathroom issue that was the deal breaker with the other teacher, was a non-issue with this teacher. They've built him a step to help him get up to the toilet and he can do everything by himself. In fact, the teacher was flabbergasted that it was even an issue with the first teacher. (Yeah...welcome to my world)

So as Ansley would say it: "I KNEW IT. I KNEW IT" I knew if anyone would give him a chance, he'd win them over. He is just that kind of kid. The kind you fall in love with. You just can't help it. (Not that you would want to but still) I just wish this was the last of that kind of battle we will have to fight.

Alas, I fear it is just the beginning. I fear he will be proving himself over and over. Found out they keep moving the Special Ed programs around from school to school. This is the 3rd school he has been in since he started public school. Next year, it is likely he'll have to go to another school and prove himself once more. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

I think at this point in time, he's where he needs to be. I'm good with that.

Thank you Al Gore!!!

If you had not 'invented' the internet, we would not have this!!!

Is this cool or what? Yes, the language barrier is there but not bad. We manage to communicate. His English is quite good. He has been studying English since 1st grade. Look at that smile....

Hoops for Hope

Check this out all you UT fans and/or Down Syndrome fans:

http://hoopsforhopetn.org/

SKYPE

Fun stuff. We spoke with Tamirat and some of his friends today. What fun we had. Can't wait to do it again. Next time I'll try to get a picture of his HUGE Smile and all the other guys. Love 'em!

Prep Work

Judson is going to plant a mini-garden as part of his home schooling.
Mini- because he does not eat vegetables, per se.
Also, mini- because we're going to have to fence it off to keep the dogs away.
You can see that Ansley is offering her encouragement.
Will keep you posted.

Is it that time again?

Scout time already???? Judson is a Wolf this year. Guess who the Den Leader is? Nope, not me. DADDY. How cool is that?

Happy Tears

Today, my 5 year old daughter read her first pages. She read the first 'chapter' of one of our Dick and Jane books. If you know the challenges she has, you know how exciting this news is.

Play Date!!!!

So today we went to the BIG PARK for a play date with the people in this area who have adopted using the same adoption agency we used for Turner's adoption. Even though it was QUITE hot, it was fun! Many folks showed up. Some adopted from Ethiopia, others from China, US, and Colombia. The kids were all beautiful and happy and wonderful. We loved talking to all the parents too.

Fasion-Nista

It's that time of year again. Every fashion conscious little girl needs to sport her team colors. In this house, we are an equal opportunity team supporter. (As long as it isn't Georgia, Florida, or Alabama)

First Week of School

Well, we all survived the first week of school. Sawyer's stamina seems fine. He's on the bus around 7:45am and arrives home around 4pm. He's full of 'it' when he gets home and does not seem tired at all.

He got his first report card today. He had mostly stars for good behavior. Only a few times was he 'docked' for bad behavior. (Not listening, laying on the floor, and making noises during reading time)

All in all, I would say it was a success. Fingers crossed that the good times continue!

Check this out!

It may not seem like much to you. But this is HUGE!!! Why? Because it is made by my 3 year old. The same 3 year old that could not hold a crayon in a tripod grasp just 1 month ago. The same 3 year old whose previous colorings were so light you could barely see them. He's come a long way, baby!

First Day of School

Always Bittersweet
(for me, not them obviously)

Thursday

Randy took today off. His job: Take Sawyer to see his new school and meet his new teacher. Simple enough, eh? WRONG.

Sawyer's new school is in a cluster with a high school. Apparently, everybody in the 1000+ high school and 800+ elementary school was there. He had a hard time finding a parking place. Finally, he got there and went into the classroom. Cool, right? WRONG.

Apparently, our paperwork for registration was not completed. Not sure what happened. I thought we'd signed and filled out everything. They didn't have it. So, he spent 2 hours filling out paperwork and calling me to ask questions. During this time he had to keep up with Sawyer who was a wild man amongst hundreds of other people. STRESSED.

On the way out, Sawyer commented: "Nice School". (Meaning, I think I can be in charge within the first week)

He starts on Monday!

Then, we took all 4 kids to the local pool. After being quizzed, no, let's say, interrogated about whether my Landsend swimsuit was REALLY a swimsuit, we got in. Funny, how one lady was in there with her bra and slip on and another gentleman was in there with his hiking shorts on but my swimsuit was in question! (I digress) The kids had a blast. We met Alex and Makayla there too. So, LOADS of fun ensued. I got in trouble because I was too far away from Turner (who was in the 2 foot area) within 5 feet of his DAD. I just happened to be after Sawyer who was heading for the 4 foot area. (Again, I digress) After 3 hours of fun and sun, Randy and I were ready to go. It took some convincing to get the other 4 to go but finally, they did. 70 SPF waterproof sunscreen meant that most came back without much sunburn. A few red cheeks was all. Wish I could say, Randy put sunscreen on himself. He has a very red face and head!

It truly was a fun time and not very crowded.

Thus, ends our summer break. It was the best ever, I believe! I truly have enjoyed it.

Last Swim Lesson

OH BOY. The kids showed out today. They did so well. I didn't get very many videos as I was trying to keep Sawyer out of the pool until it was his turn. Hope you have Internet Explorer as I've yet to figure out how to make it work if you have Firefox.

This from a girl who would not get her face wet when we started.



He swam in the deep end also. However, all the videos I had of that were actually of my feet or the sky with me telling Sawyer to get away from the water. So this will have to do.




And Captain Terrific! He almost walks on water. It's so funny. But my whole goal was for him to be able to get to the side if he fell in. He can do that.




And Little T.

Guess Who Came for a Playdate????

What a time these 2 had? Turner will tell EVERYONE, "This is Charlie. He has brown skin like me and he is from 'Oh-piopia' like me". They have the best time. Charlie is a doll. Such a sweet sweet spirit.
I could not get him to look up because he was so interested in the book.

See This Guy

You want to know what he wants to do when he gets bigger? He wants to make medicines to help sick people. The first medicine he wants to make "is a cure for the sickness that killed Gladys". (Gladys is my grandmother) Then he'll move on to other sicknesses. In his spare time, he plans on working on making desserts. (Using chemistry, he will make sure they are not poisonous) Alton Brown and Bobby Flay are his favorite chefs!