The Gym we WON'T be going too

Look at Sophie's cute little tummy poking out, it's good to see them put on weight

Then work it off

Balance beam in pairs...

The pictures look ok, but this was really a gym class from you know where. When we walked in, I was surprised to hear the parents yelling at their children and pointing out everything they're doing wrong. Then they very loudly asked about my girls, and couldn't believe they were three years old, let alone 3 1/2 (yes, I know they're small for their age, and adorable :). As the class continued, there was a very disturbed girl who kept saying "I don't want to stand by the babies" (she was a tall 4 year old). As her mom was trying to force her to be nice, she said I don't want to sit by the babies, and their breath stinks (very nice, they always brush, she was just being naughty). When they all ran to sit on a star, she lost it and said Sophie was sitting on her star. Good thing I love kids, I kinda felt bad for her as the mother yelled and spanked her, and took her home early. I'm all for firm discipline when needed, but this girl has no example of the proper way to act. Even after she left I had to chuckle as the other children kept calling our girls "the babies". This was a very long 45 minute class and the teacher was no fun at all. The poor kids were tired of doing the same thing over and over again, no music, no variety, and they had to do it perfect, just like the teacher, in a small dull room (and people pay money for this? No thanks). As I was leaving, the embarressed and somewhat naive other mothers told me how wonderful I was for adopting our girls from China and they will see me next week, I thanked them and told them I felt like the lucky one to have them, and I would not be back to this gym. What a "trial" class. The girls and I weren't impressed, to say the least.

Pampered for Valentine's

My awesome husband took great care of me for Valentine's, like always. He had the day off, so we started the morning by taking the girls to Little Gym. We enjoyed watching them play as he video taped. Then he treated me to my favorite restaurant for lunch. The best part is, this is a restaurant I only enjoy with friends, Paul hates it- Mexican food. He chose this and even ate with me, now is that love or what? Then he gave me a choice of a shopping spree at the mall, or a beautiful watch he had looked at for me. He ended up getting me the watch and a very cute skirt and top I tried on (wow, he went shopping with me). He earned all kind of points! When we finally got home, I gave him his gift basket with a favorite movie, healthy snacks & drinks (he's on a strict diet), silk gown (for me, but really him;) etc. We ordered pizza, watched our movie, and enjoyed our evening. Thanks hon for a great Valentine's Day!

Our First Gym Class

The girls thoroughly enjoyed their first "Little Gym" class. They loved the activities, being with other children, and most of all the fun teacher, Miss Kim. I was happy to see it was my friend Kim (our boys were in Little Gym together a few years ago:). The girls really liked her and actually let her help them, as long as I was standing nearby. They had a fantastic time and did very well! We are checking out a few different gyms to see which one is best for our girls, this one will be hard to beat.

Ending the class with songs and bubbles

And a big hug for Miss Kim

Valentine Sweeties

My Treasures...

Fun Skating Party

Our ward (Church) had a skating party tonight. It was supposed to be ice-skating, but it's been too warm for the outdoor rink, so we quickly changed to roller skating. Sophie and Sage had a ball. They couldn't quite control the scooter, but they loved the roller skating. They danced to the music and enjoyed the Hokey Pokey, and of course the yummy cookies. They were so much fun! They wore me out (Paul had to work), and wouldn't let me get more then 2 feet from them. Thanks to all those who tried to give me a hand, someday they'll allow that.:) Only a few minutes in the car headed home and they were out. My boys were too fast and I couldn't get close enough to get their picture. Everyone had a good time.
Here's my Wild Card for Donna's FFFF Challenge, get better quick!

Six month Anniversary

Six months ago today we were finally able to hold our little girls for the first time. The time has gone by fast, and I can't imagine life without them. Many people have asked about their language and how they're doing. From the start, they have understood what we say very well. Because they communicate with each other, they held on to their Chinese language longer but have been trying hard to grasp English. Now they very rarely speak Cantonese (hate to lose that, even on a 3 year old level) but we are happy to see them learn more english even if we can't understand it all (twin language?). They love to sing and have learned a lot through children's songs. They are little chatter boxes and it's so cute to hear them tell you stories. They speak in full sentences and are saying more each day. In other areas, they still sleep well, eat good (but getting more picky), take naps (tend to be getting shorter), potty trained (yae!) and are slowly branching out to others. We are working on teaching them boundaries (they are learning quick, but they came to us very active and strong willed), not being so scared when mom or dad leave, and all the other fun stuff 3 year olds need to learn. They are turning into to little ladies and we love them dearly.

Sleepy Head

Here's my "sleepyhead" post for Donna's FFFF.

Sage, my sleeping beauty, had to try out her new nighty & slippers...

I don't have many pics of them sleeping, I had to dig to find these precious pictures of Sophie and Sage on their "Gotcha Day".

Happy to see they both fit perfectly in my arms

Sophie and Dad ~ Day 2 ~ I love this picture!

I'll never forget this amazing day. At age 3, they knew what was going on, and they were so scared and sad to leave the only home they've ever known. It didn't take long for them to bond very tightly to us. They know how much they're loved and it's great to see how happy they are in their new home and new family. I often catch them talking about their brother's... Everyday they ask about them while they're at school- "Where did Nick go?", "Where is Josh?" and Trevor? This is their version of the ABC's... "ABCDEFGHIJK mommy, daddy, LMNOP..." Glad to see they're thinking of us in the middle of reciting their ABC's :) They are a joy and worth all the work, energy, and sacrifice children deserve.

We are working on a video of our journey to our girls. We didn't post much of our trip after getting our girls (wonder why?), so watch for it coming soon...

They love their dresses!

Don't forget to smell the flowers, even if they're fake
(notice the top left pic)

Sophie and Sage love getting dressed up and going to church. They're not so sure about sitting still for soooo long (can you blame them), but they're getting better, and they love singing time in Primary. They're even getting used to their sweet new Sunbeam teachers. Today Sage even took her hand while going to class :). Everything's fine as long as mom or dad are in reaching distance at all times. This means, dad get's to go to sunbeam class with the girls since mom is busy in the Primary. Thanks dad!

Never too early to start!

Look sis, you hold your hands like this

FFFF- Profiles

This weeks Friday Foto Challenge from Donna's blog is profiles. Here are some "pretty profiles" of our girls from the past til now.

This is right after we got home from China.

They asked for pigtails from their awesome big bro, so here it is....
Yes, looks like crazy hair day, but we love the adorable orphanage buzz they had when we picked them up!

Beautiful Sage on Blessing Day

Sophie telling Sage an exciting secret

sisterly love

Jetted Tub, Jamba Juice, and lots of rest...

Haven't blogged for a while because we've all been sick. It finally hit mom, but luckily dad took over and let mom rest. Then dad started to feel sick. Dr. mom's orders are a long jetted tub, jamba juice w/ immune vitamins, and a lot of rest. We are all on the mend now...

Do you think mom and dad will take the hint?

Making their beds

Shortly after we got home, as I was unpacking, Sophie and Sage came running in, so excited to show me something. They were so proud to show me they made their own bed! What tidy girls. Good thing, because they're real good at making messes too. Notice the smiles and giggles in the middle pictures. I didn't know making your bed was so much fun, of course, everything's fun when you're 3!

Weekend Get Away

We had a well needed get away. This city may not be my first choice to take my family, but Paul had some work meetings in Vegas, so we joined him for the holiday week-end. We had a good time. The kids loved the chocolate factory and Siegfried and Roy's Secred Garden. Paul and I enjoyed the sights at the top of the Stratosphere- kinda freaky looking down! It was fun and relaxing, and a bit warmer then home. To our delight, the girls traveled very well. They liked their own room with beds just like at home. Thanks Brian for the awesome accomodations- great resort! Hotel rooms weren't built with families in mind.
I love seeing the architecture and designs of many of these buildings. How inventive and imaginative! When I was a young"er" design student, my dream job was designing large hotels/casinos/resorts or temples- I know, quite a contrast, but I would love to design with an unlimited budget, the skies the limit. Maybe someday...

Six Month Home Study

We had our six month home study with Anne today. She was looking forward to meeting our Sophie and Sage, it was a very nice visit (check up). Everytime I think about our girls birth mother, my heart goes out to her. I can only imagine her strength, her courage, and I'm sure, her sorrow. She loved them enough to walk away. If only she could see their smiles, giggles, and hear them sing. See their closeness and special bond between two sisters, and how much they love their brothers. They will grow up knowing that they were loved in the beginning and will always be loved!
It's hard to believe Sophie and Sage have been home this long, but I can't imagine my life without them. They are such a joy!! Here's a copy of some pictures needed for the homestudy...

Let it Snow...

Oops, lost a glove

Trevor's new sled

Nick turning sled into snowboard

so much fun!

The girls are thoroughly enjoying the winter with their brothers. They love playing in the snow, then warming up to hot chocolate. Below- we went out to build a snowman, but the snow wouldn't stick, so they played on the playground instead. A little snow won't stop them from swinging, sliding, and jumping on the tramp. We love the sunny snowy days, could do without these last few frigid days.

My first slide show

Love the dresses Jill S. Thanks!

Happy New Year!

Look at Sage laughing at Sophie's face, if she could only see her own face.

We danced in the new year, ate too many treats, watched the ball drop, and enjoyed our street lined with fireworks. Wishing everyone a great 2007!