Happy New Year!

We are excited to get home and begin our new year with our entire family!!
Today has been a tough day for me. Not much sleep, being incredibly homesick and hearing from home that 2 out of 4 are also home sick for mom and dad! This is killer! Not sure if Conner was "just having a moment", as Brady puts it. Or if he is really missing us that much. Either way it is breaking my heart! I know in my head that they are fine - and in good hands (thanks to Mimi, Papa Paul and Uncle JB) but the Mommy in me wants to hold them!
My on the spot tears have concerned Jorja. So, of course, I'm sad about that too. I try to hide my sadness, but sometimes she catches me.
We went to a children's park yesterday. It was nice to walk around the lake and look at some beautiful scenery. We love our guide/friend Rebecca! She is very informative and fun to be around.


Lately, when we have gone to the hotel's playroom we have had the room to ourselves. This is great as, Jorja doesn't open up too well when their are strangers around. We get to run and play and she lets us see her sweet personality! We brought some balloons with us today - and she just giggled running around throwing them in the air and hitting them. She loves to get us to play with her.

Rebecca, Joe and Winnie - what a sweet family!

The only really rough time is bed time. We went to a wonderful dinner with Rebecca and her family. (Bryan actually had a good Italian dinner! - no garlic bread though)
Jojra was great during dinner, eating a ton of bread sticks and 1/2 of my spaghetti dinner, and then finishing up the bag of gold fish that she had opened on the walk over to the restaurant. When we got back to our room, she begin crying when I told her to take off her shoes. She knew it was time for bed. And to make matters worse, she needed a bath. (not her favorite) After an attempt on her part of a temper tantrum - she doesn't realize that we have seen every type of tantrum and that doesn't phase us. :) We got everything done and in her pj's. We spent about 30 minutes talking to her in bed. We began blowing kisses and she eventually gave both of us kisses on the cheek too. This is a huge step. Jorja definitely has a personal space that she is cautious to let anyone in to. Every day we seem to break into that space a little bit more.

Thank you for all your comments. This sure helps get us through the days!!! Love y'all and Happy New Year!!
Please any misspelled words - I spend my days reading English written by Chinese (some of the spelling is too cute) and IM'ing on kids at home. They laugh at me that I use punctuation and everything! Sorry - can't teach an old dog new tricks!

Introducing Jorja Noelle

This morning at breakfast Jorja had the whole restaurant in stitches laughing! The breakfast is buffet, so "Baba" first went to get Jorja some congee (a rice cereal that she is used to eating.) When Baba came back Jorja was very happy that he came back. He left again to get some more food and juice. This time, from a distance she saw him coming... with excitement she began yelling, "Baba! Baba!" There were some families around us that knew we had only met less then 24 hours ago. From then on every time Bryan got up, her excitement with his return got louder and louder! Too funny and oh so sweet!
After breakfast we met our wonderful friend and guide, Rebecca. She took us back to the Civil Affairs office to finalize the adoption. Jorja was very nervous being back in the building. She was quiet and looking around. I'm sure she was looking for the nannies who brought her to us the day before. When we were done and back in the van to the hotel, everything was good again!
Yes, China has finalized our adoption and Chun Yu is officially Jorja Noelle!


Today you became our daughter
Our family is now complete
God blessed us with your angel eyes
And your dancing, busy feet!

Together forever, our lives intertwined
This we do solemnly vow.
What pride we feel, as our joy we share
Your're our daughter now!

Our afternoon was a slow one - but good that we were able to spend a lot of one on one time with Jorja. Daddy and Jorja shared some noodles for lunch and watched our Baby Einstein video. Jorja loved it. She will mimic words and signs, but is not using them in text - except for "shoes" and "bye-bye".
The weather was beautiful so we went for a walk around the island. She loved telling every store merchant "bye-bye". They thought it was funny and it was nice that we didn't feel so rude as we just walked by and didn't enter their stores.

Jorja had her first taste of Papa John's pepperoni pizza! She seemed to like it but was a bit cranky and tired from the long day. I tried to get her to lay down with me for bed, but she didn't want to go to sleep - exhausted but fighting sleep. (Jailyn and Jojra are going to be up all night chatting - I can see it now!) So, Bryan had to be the bad guy and put her in her bed and make her stay. She didn't cry about it but tried every way to fight for her right to PARTY!

Today we are off the a Children's Park! I guess there are games and rides. Jorja doesn't like heights so we will see how she does on the rides. She may surprise us! Then this afternoon we are off to get her Chinese passport.

Love to everyone at home! 9 more sleeps for y'all 8 more sleeps for us!! 8 sleeps and one long airplane ride. Have a great day! We leave you today with one more look at this beautiful face...

What we know about Jorja so far...

Jorja loves our "Lilly" doll. It plays music and sings a counting song (in English). Jorja will be playing with something else and all of a sudden look around for "Lilly" and push her tummy to make her sing. Constantly! She should know how to count to 10 in a few days!

Jorja loves shoes!! Don't you just love it! She also loves bracelets, but I think we have shoe shopper on our hands! After only having her in our arms for barely 4 hours she said, "Baba's shoes." (Baba = Daddy) No, she didn't seem amazed at how big they were - she was making sure Baba put them away where they belong! I love this girl!! :)

She loves to eat! When we were first introduced, Jorja did really well. Then our guide told me to pick her up - well, Jorja wasn't too sure of that - we walked over to some couches, which scared her - but then I pulled out the Cheerios. Dried those tears up immediately! :) She did get bored with those quickly - but loved the lollipop! Dee, take note - bring lollipops!

Jorja does collect her different toys. We went to the playroom in the hotel and some other girls were collecting all the toys around putting them in their own pile. Jorja was noticeably upset when they started coming our way. Baba stepped up and saved Jorja's blocks! Jorja seemed very happy with that!

Jorja's got skill!
Look kids - she found the one soccer ball in all the playroom! Is she perfect for us or what?

Jorja loves peeling and sorting stickers! Her fine motor skills are very good! She loves to sort her art work - we will have to teach to look outside the box! :) We have been using English and sign language together, and picture cards (that are kinda funny because I drew them -so that's always good for a laugh!) When she wanted the stickers I signed and spoke "open" to open the package - she verbally repeated me. We were amazed! She has not spoken much yet. When she gets excited she talks, like when we have shown her photos of her friends from the orphanage. She gets so excited!! I think she is amazed that we know who they are. And she is learning our kids names! She is doing great with this! We are still calling her Chun Yu, her Chinese name. I did slip once and call her Jorja, she looked at me when I said it - so hopefully the transition wont be too hard for her. One day at a time!

This is my favorite photo so far!! What a sweet face!! Bedtime was the only somewhat rough time, and she was a trooper! After a bath (which went well) and powdering and measuring (26.5 lbs, 36 1/2 inches long) we put her pj's on. She was good with that. She got a bit more concerned when Mama put on her pj's. We played a bit and she had her evening warm milk and rice cereal and cuddled on the bed. Jorja looked to the door with sad, puppy dog eyes but was brave and came to Mama for a hug and comfort! Can't ask for more then that! She fell asleep on my bed and later transitioned on to her bed. She has slept all night.
Thank you for all of your prayers! We are all doing well, Jodi still has a cold, but it hasn't gotten too bad yet.
Kiddos - we miss you!!! Keep emailing us - gets me through the day!!! 10 more sleeps and we will all be home!!! Be good for Mimi, Papa Paul and Uncle JB! 143

Together at last!

Together forever!!!
Jorja is beautiful and happy!
A few tears but all and all a good first meeting!
Here a few photos to show y'all our sweet little girl!
We need to get her some dinner - she eats like Jailyn! :)

Today is the day!

We will meet our daughter today! We are to be at the Civil Affairs office at 2:30pm. (12:30am- Dallas time)
Jorja is making a 5 hour drive to us. We will bring her food - hoping she is hungry and want to come to us if for nothing else food! :)
Bryan and I are very anxious - Bryan didn't sleep well last night. I am having muscle spasms in my lower back. My back doesn't like different mattress'! We will post photos as soon as possible when we get back to the hotel!

I want to take a moment to give a shout out to some friends that will remain nameless (you know who you are). They stopped by our home a few days before we left and gave us a sweet Christmas card with a monetary gift. I thought that was just so nice and was really touched, but the amazing thing happened next. Bryan had taken his truck into a brake shop earlier in the day - needing to get the brakes fixed asap! When he came home needing a specific amount of cash to pay for the new brakes, it was Christmas season - banks close early!!! He thought we would have to take money from the cash that we had already taken out for our trip. Neither of us could believe when the amount due on the truck was the same amount that our friends had given us earlier in the day. God knew exactly how much the new brakes would cost. Friends, thank you! God used you in a major way in our life! Thank you!
Question: how did Bryan get home to get the cash if the car was in the shop? Another friend knew Bryan was taking the car in, and knowing how huge our "to do" lists were - offered to let Bryan use his car for the day! Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this adoption and through Jailyn's adoption too! We couldn't have done this without your support and friendship! Like another friend who took Conner and Jailyn for the day the week before we left. I had so much to do - it was so nice to be able to get it done without feeling guilty that I wasn't spending time with them. :) And another friend who brought us a wonderful dinner! That was great!!! And the toddler beds, car seat, clothing... that has been given us for Jailyn and Jorja! Thank you sooo much!!
And of course, Mimi, Papa Paul and Uncle JB who have dropped everything to help take care of the kids at home! Thank you! Thank you!!!
I apologize if I don't get individual thank you notes written - but please know how thankful we are to y'all! and for all of your prayers!!!

Love from China! Kids - miss you soooo much! Love you!!! :)
Bryan and Jodi

Here are some photos so far!
Bryan playing games on the flight San Francisco to Tokyo!

Whit Swan Hotel lobby -
Incredible Jade Carving! The waterfall and Christmas tree and the adorable houses - made of ritz crackers - oh, yes, a new craft idea!!!

Finally in China!

Yes, we are finally here! Bryan immediately hooked up the computer so that we can feel a little bit closer to home! We got up at 3:30am on Friday and it is now 1:25am on Sunday (in China!) long few days and we are totally messed up on what day it is - as we keep confirming with each other! :)
All our flights went well! We were upgraded to some sweet seats by this wonderful woman an Japan Airlines for our longest flight (11 hours)! We were very thankful!!!
Tomorrow is a day to hang around and get our barrings, and then we meet Jorja at 2:30pm on Monday! :) Can't wait!
Our guide here in China, Rebecca, checked with the orphanage three days ago and made sure they had told Jorja about us. They said that she is ready. Please continue to pray for her - what a scary day for her!!!

Love y'all!
Bryan and Jodi

Happpy Birthday Jesus and Brady!

We had a fun Christmas Eve! We celebrated Brady's 15th birthday yesterday! He chose to go to Chili's for dinner and then chocolate cake at home! We had Mimi, Papa Paul and Grampa and Virginia join us. It was a great evening! Brady had a great time!

This morning began very early! The kids came down at 6am! When I groaned about getting up, Bryan told me "Oh, come on - you can sleep all day tomorrow on the plane!" True - but I really wanted to sleep in! Oh, well.
This is Jailyn's 2nd Christmas but it was so fun to see Jailyn really enjoy the holiday this year. She loved handing out presents and talking about Ho! Ho! (otherwise known as Santa).

The day ended with a good old fashioned game of charades! It's fun playing little things with toddlers -but it is also super fun playing with the older kids!! They crack me up!
My mom cracks me up too! When the kids were upstairs chilling out watching a new movie - this is what I caught Mimi doing!!

Enjoy the photos! (Really I am blogging at 11:00pm because I am trying to get my body on China time! We meet our daughter Monday!!!

Merry Christmas!

never a dull moment!

Brady's birthday is Christmas day - so of course, he wanted to celebrate it with his friends before - I can't believe my baby is going to be 15!!! Wow - I must of had him when I was young! :) Teenage boy parties are much easier to throw then three year old parties! He and three friends went to Steak -n- Shake for dinner. I dropped them off and went to Kohls across the street (kinda of a present for myself too!), when they were done - I took them to see a movie, they say "Yes Man". They seems to have a great time - and all the employees in their wake were still talking to them and laughing with them - so hopefully, they didn't offend anyone too much! These are 14 and 15 year old boys were talking about. Seriously, I was impressed with each one of them!

Today we will be celebrating Brady's birthday. He says he loves that everyone puts up lights on their houses to celebrate his birthday! GOOF!
Happy Birthday day Kiddo! You make us proud!

Last night, we had a little adventure. I've decided not to share what the adventure was (as one of my kids may be embarrassed -Amy you know what I mean) but lets just say, I really needed to be packing not fixing this problem.

Off to our last trip to Walmart and picking up our last needed things for the trip!

2 sleeps til' we sleep in China
5 sleeps til' we hold Jorja Noelle

Merry Christmas y'all!!

An update on our Sweet Jorja!

The last update of sizes that we had on Jorja were from 1 1/2 years ago! We were so excited to get this news today!
Jorja is 37 inches tall, 30 lbs, and her foot is 5 3/4 inches long.
in comparison
Jailyn is 34 1/2 inches tall, 26 lbs, and her foot is 5 1/4 inches long.

Oh, they are going to be soo cute together!!! Two little peanuts!!!

4 more sleeps and we are on our way to China!
7 more sleeps and we are holding our daughter!
18 more sleeps and we are back home with all our kids!!!!

Merry Christmas!

We never did make it to see the mall Santa this year, but, we did get to see Santa!
We enjoyed our annual karate family Christmas party! And Santa showed up! Jailyn was sooo excited!! We had sooo much fun!
Mom got to sit on Santa's lap too!



Here is a photo of Jailyn in her Christmas dress, on the way to church.

6 more sleeps!

Wow! Six more sleeps until we leave for China!
And I have sooo much to do!!!
The kids have been great helping me get ready for our departure and our return with their new sister!
Kenzie asked me yesterday to let her know how YuYu is doing transitioning to her new name of Jorja. She said the first thing she wants to tell her when we get off the plane is "Yu Yu, wǒ ài nǐ" Which is "I love you" in Mandarin.

Jailyn and Conner spent the afternoon with some friends. They had a great time. When Jailyn got home and saw that I had cleaned her room and put Jorja's bed out - she looked at me surprised eye's and said, "Jorja's coming home?" "Yes, Mommy and Daddy are going to go get Jorja." She jumped around her room for about 5 minutes just giggling!

I think we are all ready for Jorja to come home! Please pray that Jorja is ready to come home too!

Everyone's excited about Jorja's homecoming!

Even Disney couldn't help but celebrate our sweet little girl coming home!
Thank you Jay for telling Disney our family story!

Our version of the Gingerbread House

We began this craft tradition years ago after many years of silly looking, and incredibly messy gingerbread houses. We found this fun craft and have stuck with it!
Igloos! The photos don't do them justice. They are great for little hands and big hands that think they have grown out of Christmas crafts! All it takes is sugar cubes and frosting! So easy and the kids are always proud of their masterpiece! We had a hard time getting Jailyn to stop eating her sugar cubes though - stinker!

Some holiday traditions!

Some old and some new...
Through all the crazies that began this week we have tried to keep everything a little normal around here. As normal as the Christmas rush can be I guess. Thankfully, I have been ready for Christmas for a while - my family scorned me for starting our Christmas cards in October! Aren't they glad I did - a little less stress now!
Here are just a few fun things we have done this season - decorating, baking, crafting! Jailyn seems to be the only one who continually wants her photo taken. The other three are very particular as to how their hair looks - could it be because they know it will end up on this blog, for the world to see.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

"But it's Christmas!"

That is the answer we get from our Candy cane girl when we tell her "no" to another candy cane!!!

8 more sleeps til Santa comes!
9 more sleeps and we are off to China! ( I loosely use the phrase "sleeps" - not much time for sleep!)
12 more sleeps and we are holding Jojra!!!

Please pray that I am able to continue to check things off my list in a timely manner,
(Got the front closet cleaned - need two new shoe bins for Jailyn and Jorja!)
and that Jailyn gets over her cold. She has a cough that is causing her not to rest well. And for the health of my family who is coming to stay with the kids!!

Did I tell you I got a kennel for our dog? I can't believe it!! I had wondered a few months ago if I should reserve a kennel for him - but I didn't know when and I hate to cancel... so I didn't! Monday, after running paperwork around and getting it faxed to our agency, I stopped by our vet/kennel. They had a cancellation 5 minutes before I walked in the door. Thank you God! I could have wasted three days looking for a kennel this time of year!!! YEAH!!!!

Remember, nothing is too small to ask for God's guidance in!

Kenzie is funny!

Our day was crazy today, full of emotions - from excitement that there was 2 hour delay for school to start - to - the entire day of school being cancelled -yeah!!! Too a very sad funeral that Kenzie and I attended of a little guy, 4 years old, from our karate school. He was killed in a car accident. To, fun baking cookies with the kids, and making a craft (I will show photos soon) To - adoption paperwork stress - that has now been resolved and I am finally relaxing!
Anyway, on to the reason for the photo above... Kenzie and I passed a car like this today - Kenzie pointed and said, "They must be running out of ideas!" I thought that was so funny!!! Little does she know that, in the 80's, I loved driving my dad's El Camino! It had power!!!!

11 days we're off!

Jorja girl, your Mama and Baba are on the way!!!
Oh my lands I'm actually saying these words and believing them! It has been so long!!!

The morning didn't start out as well as it could have... last night we stayed up watching the Survivor Finale - Go Bob!!! and then I was up doing Conner's lesson plans, which I wanted to get done for the whole week, but only got one day (so I need to work on that today too.) I thought about getting the kids weekly school lunches ready, but decided I could do it in the morning... well, I forgot to set my alarm clock! UGH! 20 minutes before I had to have Kenzie out the door!!!
Finally, got her to school, came home woke up Jailyn - got her to school, came home and got Brady off to school. Settled Conner down to start his school work! Sip of coffee and the phone rang -
"Hey Jodi, it's Karla" (Karla is our International Director at Lifeline) The good thing is that usually if Karla calls it's usually good new. She emails if there is any generic paperwork or something boring like that!
"Hi Karla!" trying to be calm! I expected to hear from her this week but not before 9am on Monday morning!
The good news is that, if all goes right, we will be holding our daughter in 14 days!!!

This morning has been spent sending more paper work to Karla, and talking with our travel agent (already love her!) and jumping from one task to another trying to not let Conner get side tracked from his studies!

I am so thankful that we will be home for Christmas/Brady's birthday and will be back home for Conner's birthday!

I could chat forever but I really need to get going and get things done! I wanted to get the hall closet cleaned before my mother, stepfather and brother come to stay with the kids!
And I need to shop for some clothes for Jorja - still don't know what size to buy her though! I think we will need some bow headbands though!

Cool bags!!!

So, these are the coolest cotton shopping bags I have ever seen!
My dear friend, Amy, has gathered her five kids together to make these great bags!
Amy's two oldest kids are biological. Nicole is a beautiful, very talent young lady (check out Amy's blog and see what Nicole made her for her birthday - absolutely beautiful!!). Jessica is an incredible person. Jessica carries the burden of autism. I love to hear stories about Jessica! Thomas and Philip are adopted from Thailand, and Sarah is adopted from China (Jailyn's orphanage).
Anyway, the bags, Amy's kids are doing an awesome fundraiser for CCD and disabled orphans in Bangkok, Thailand.
The bags will be tie-died in blue and purple in a spiral pattern.
They will cost $5 each + shipping (approx. $2)
This is Amy's blog for this wonderful fundraiser http://heymannfundraiser.blogspot.com
Check it out! I'm so excited to get mine!!!

...but so many kids need a family to call their own!!!

I know the photos of these two precious kids are blurred, but you can learn more about them at www.lifelineadoption.org. These kiddos are among over a dozen beautiful children on the Special Needs list with our agency, Lifeline Children Services! Please pray with me that these kids parents find them! I know how much I worry about Jorja and just want to hold her and give her the support only a family can give! Jorja has received photos of us and she knows that we are coming to get her as soon as possible! These kids are still waiting for any hint of anyone to say, "I love you, and I will cross oceans to bring you home!"
Alex, the little guy pictured above, has down-syndrome. I've only know about 20 people with down syndrome, but what hugs they give!!! Amazing!
Josie, this sweet girl, has multiple special needs (who doesn't :) but she also loves photography, dance and to be with her foster family.
If you are interested in adoption please visit Lifeline Children Services, take a look at the special needs list and contact Karla or Janell. I know they would love to help you!!

No new news on our travel plans - but believe me y'all will be the first to know!

More kiddos will be united with your families soon!

This is a very exciting time as we wait to finally hold our little girl! We are also very excited for other families we know who will be united with their children soon!
Xiao Evelyn's parents just received there preciouse LOA!! Yeah!! We are hoping to travel with Dee and Jason, as Jorja and Xiao Evelyn are best friends in China.

This was Xiao Evelyn's 4th birthday. Xiao Evelyn is direct center - Jorja is on her right side, with the panda bear.

A friend from college (many years ago), Dawn and her hubby, Charles, just received her referral of her little guy in China. It's he just adorable? They should travel this spring/summer to him!


There are two other families who are also using our adoption agency whom I have not met yet, received their LOA a week prior to us. We are hoping to travel with them too.

Another family, the brother of another friend from college is adopting a little girl from India! They have waited so long to be with their little sweetie! And finally they are closer to holding her.


I was also able to speak with another friend this week who needed some encouragement after a few domestic adoptions fell through. She and family are ready to jump in, to begin an international adoption. This is so exciting to me! To hear about so many kids whose parents are finally finding them. Though these three kids may not be home for Christmas this year - they will never be without family again!

Pray with us that these families will be united quickly!
Of course, there are many other families who are on the verge of being united. Many of them I lurk their blogs, but I don't know them personally so I don't feel that I can post their stories. If you would like to read more stories feel free to follow the blogs on my side bar.

First snow of the year!

Not this much snow and
if you hadn't been outside playing soccer last night you may not have even noticed. But believe me, Brady will remember this years first Texas snow this year happened on Dec 9th! His high school had a fun time last night - they invited the parents to a pizza party and meeting and we were also able to watch the boys scrimmage for an hour. The scrimmaging began inside, on the beautiful indoor field (yes, in side the high school). Then, they moved us outside! Jailyn and I bundled up again to brave the winds and cold. (Thankfully I cam prepared and didn't dress like a brave northerner in Texas!) The boys were freezing! As we made our way to the outdoor field, I noticed some drops - after careful examination - I realized it was snow! Not sleet, actual snow!! Wow! The parents were allowed to watch the game from the press box, with heater!
The teams look good and we are excited for our first high school soccer season! I even signed up to volunteer - oh, what am I thinking? Just teasing, they were nice to me and gave me Communticatios - so I just have send out emails! Yeah, I can do that!
I'm off to warm up the car before I get the girls to school.

Conner experiences a new sensation!

Yes, Conner experience the sensation of dizziness for the first time today. And he does not like it!!

Today I could tell Conner was a little off. He was very cuddly, and needed to touch me or Jailyn during every lesson or activity.
Last night he didn't sleep well, we had a thunderstorm and tornado warnings. A neighbor's house was struck by lightning a few years ago and since then Conner is scared to death of thunder and lightening.(all were save) When he heard the Tornado siren go off - that was all he could take. The bad part is that Mom and Dad slept through the siren. Big brother was woken too, but just sent Conner back to bed.

Anyway, Conner did his school work. He had a harder time focusing today then he has since we began home schooling. I knew he was tired from the rough night - so I didn't push him too far today (I'll just revamp the lesson plans for tomorrow.)
This afternoon Conner had Occupational Therapy. This was only his 2nd appointment. He was excited to go, and we planned to go to the book store after. He loves that!
Jailyn and I waited for him - when he came out - he looked like he hadn't slept for a week. I have never seen him look so exhausted!! He had a headache and was sick to his stomach. His therapist apologized, not knowing what Conner's levels are at yet, she felt bad that she pushed him so far. She said, that he never told her that he was getting dizzy. He said that he didn't know that was what dizzy felt like.
Poor guy!
I haven't gotten much information out of him as he fell asleep in the car on the way home. (we didn't go to the book store) And has been asleep since - 2 hours already.

Guess OT isn't for whimps!

How sweet!

We were trying to take a photo for our Christmas cards and this is one of the shots! I thought it was so cute that Jailyn is holding her brother's faces! Now if I could get Brady to smile!

Miss. Anderson and Mr. Anderson

Kenzie and Conner have worked for 3 years for this moment!
They achieved their 1st Degree Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts! Now at the karate school they are referred to as Miss. Anderson and Mr. Anderson.
We are so proud of the commitment they have shown through the ups and downs of this intense sport! Karate has been so good for both of them! Kenzie and Conner have such different personalities but they have both learned discipline and commitment, gained self-confidence and self-esteem. We are very proud of them and are excited to see them grow even more as they begin their journey to their 2nd degree Black Belt.

We are also very proud of Jailyn, who received her High-White Belt in the Little Dragons class. I've been told that she stole the show at Belt Testing. She did do very well! She was so excited to be on the mat with Kenzie and Conner. :)

Brady has always been his siblings biggest supporter! And wonderful Belt Testing photographer! Brady doesn't mind walking in front of other spectators to get the good photo! (Tee! Hee!)

What a rough morning!!!

Oh my goodness! I really didn't think this morning would be so hard! But it was!
After months, and years of struggling with what road we should take with Conner's education - today we made the huge leap of pulling him out of the public school system.
We have decided to home school him. (At least, for the rest of fourth grade)

Going to the school was so hard for me. I have been friends with most of the staff for over 4 years! I of course, couldn't see the lines where I had to sign my name due to the tears running down my face.
Any school friends reading this, please know - we love y'all! Conner just needs some less stressful, crowded time right now. I hope y'all understand!

Conner deals with SID (Sensory Integration Dysfunction). This makes Conner have to work harder to be in sync with his classmates and friends. He is a scheduler and suffers with anxiety when he doesn't have a daily time line. We continually work with him on being flexible. With only 3 days of home schooling under our belts I have already learned that if I want him to do something I have to have it written on his daily assignments. If I try to throw another assignment in at the last minute - we have a melt down and the work is done unsatisfactory. We are learning! From now on, I think I will add more to his daily schedule then I think he will get done - knowing him, he will get it done!

As I returned home from withdrawing him from school, with mascara streaming down my face. I walked into the house - all was quiet. I could hear Bryan getting ready for work and Conner was sitting at his desk singing as he did his morning work. He looked up at me and said, "Good morning Mom!" with a huge smile on his face!
I smiled. (ready to cry again)
and he ran to me and gave me a huge hug! "Hey Mom, are you going to go tell school that I'm not coming back this year?"
"Already done."
"Okie Dokie!" and he went back to his work.

I believe we are ready for this leap! I know there will be good days and bad days, but we are excited to begin this journey and see where God leads us!