So sweet...

He makes me smile...
Just minutes ago, he says,
"I'm thankful you adopted me, and I have a family."
Melts my heart....
He's really been talking about being adopted lately, asking questions, and accepting of how he came to the family. We love our little guy...wait, I stand corrected by Jay-R-"big guy."
Always making us smile!

Another First...the Ocean!

Jay-R loved, loved, loved the ocean on our recent trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Even my jellyfish sting on Day 2 did not deter him from jumping in and splashing around. It's so much fun experiencing things for the first time again through the eyes of a child.

Camp Mabuhay 2011

We had a great time at the 2011 Camp Mabuhay in Kokomo, Indiana. It is such a wonderful experience for both the children and adults. This was our 3rd year, and it feels like a big family reunion. We encourage you to consider coming. It is worth the drive. The 2012 event will be held on Saturday, June 9. Typically, it starts around 9 and lasts until about 4. There is a Filipino song and language session, a walking museum, a Sari Sari store, dance lesson, cooking demonstration, games, craft, and of course great Filipino food made by wonderful Filipino folks. The theme was "Wow Bohol!" Here are some pictures from the day. Filipino Pabitin (like a pinata only the kids jump to try and grab a bag while the pabitin is lowered and raised). The older kids had to play on their knees!

Leigh-Anne, our exchange student, doing the Tinikling dance

Jay-R eager to spend his pesos at the Sari Sari store.

The best part...the Filipino food! There were different kinds of pancit, lumpia, menundo, rice (of course!), chicken adobo, fresh fruits, and cake. Halo Halo was served later.

Dancing a an American favorite-The YMCA!

Jay-R showing off his "pesos" to spend at the Sari Sari Store.

Ashleigh & Leigh-Anne displaying their project for the Walking Museum-the History of Bohol.

The Traditional camp Birthday cake

Our 2011 Camp Mabuhay family photo minus Dad who had to work.

Jay-R doing the Tinikling dance.

Recent Life Happenings in Pictures

Jay-R received his orange belt at karate.

Jay-R after his first 1K race at the Toledo Zoo. He did awesome!!!

Before the Dart Frog Dash at the Toledo Zoo-me, Jay-R, and my cousin's husband Chris.

Mother's Day with my kiddos.

Ashleigh practicing her piano recital piece.

A New Found Love

Running...something I once hated that I love now. I crave time to run. I love running. When I first started losing weight unexpectedly as a result of some health issues, I began working out. I decided that I would not be a weakling. I ran maybe half a mile or so on the treadmill. My sister challenged me to do a 5K. So, once I got the okay from my surgeon in February, I started running. I love it! I'm not interested in competing. I compete against me-for the sake of my health. When I feel crummy, running makes me feel better. The best part of it, it's something I can do with my kids. Ashleigh has gone on runs with me, and so has Jay-R (although he likes to do sprinting competitions with a little cheating on his part...lol!). I'm excited because I just registered for my first 5K at our local zoo. Jay-R is way excited because he's signed up for the Kids' 1K. It's next weekend already! Ashleigh has other commitments, but she plans to join me for a 5K later this summer. I will post pictures. Can't wait!

Easter

We hope everyone had a blessed Easter! Our schedules have been a whirlwind of activity. This is definitely the busy time of raising children! But I love it! And isn't Jay-R darling in pink?

Rest In Peace...we love and miss you, Kody!

Kody...September 1998-April 1, 2011, our beloved black lab...faithful friend. We will always love and will forever miss you!