Happy Easter!

We went to mass this morning and it was beautiful. I did, however have to take my inhaler due to the thick incense smothering my nostrils.. other than that it was great. After church we dyed easter eggs, and the kids played outside a little. It's a glorious day.

Random Pictures

Quinn rides her bike

I love my babies!!

MK and Quinn doing their do's.

The finished product!

May the force be with you.

Chef Donovan is ready to make soup!

The fishing crew with their catch.

The Hicks/Morrison/Asbell Family - Photo taken at mom and dad's house in Mooresville.

So, I was looking through my files on my laptop and found several pictures that I hadn't developed or posted on our website. Thought I would share them with you. On a random note: What's up with Yo Gabba Gabba! It is mesmerizing to my children....even the older ones....even my husband! If you haven't seen it yet, it's on Nick Jr. It reminds me of the old HR Puffenstuff cartoon we watched as kids...and just as entertaining. Lots of indie bands perform on it. The best episode so far has been Jack Black riding his mini bike....too funny!

Busy, Busy Bees!

MK and Sara

Michelle, Mags, and Todd

Alex and Lee

Lee and Harriett

Alex......swim stud!

It's been such a long time since I posted! Recently Alex went to swimming sectionals and made it to the finals in the Medley Relay and the 500. We were so proud of him. His friend Lee came over to visit from England during that time. It was fun having two teenage boys in the house. Between the two, I was amazed to the number of grooming aides that took over the bathroom!

Last weekend the girls and I trekked out to Cincinnati to my niece's First Communion at her church. It was great to see my brother's wife's family which we haven't seen in a long time. I was so proud of Maggie.

March For Life

Alex recently returned from Washington D.C. on a trip to the March for Life Rally. He respresented our St. Paul's Catholic Church youth group. He loved the march and the message of faith, but he truly loved the old architecture. He had never been there before, so he had so much to share about the buttresses in the Library of Congress, the old catacombs in the churches and Catholic University. I think we may have a future architect......stay tuned.

Yet Another Snow Day!! Woo Hoo!

I don't even care that we have to make these days up this summer. Right now I feel that the mental break is a good thing. I am actually caught up with laundry, plus ran the vacuum cleaner in the laundry room as well. I don't think I've done that since we got carpet in that room...like eight years ago. The kids rooms are relatively clean and I've been able do crafty things; like scrapbook. MK had her friend Amy over today and they had fun in the snow. Donovan climbed to a new level in his Harry Potter game, and Alex's friend Lee is visiting from England. Quinn is loving all the attention she is getting from the friends. Good news! My brother and sister-in-law are adopting international! I am so proud of them and excited, as it's an amazing journey that I would gladly do again. I'm looking forward to following their wild ride.

Little Shop of Horrors

Alex was recently the lead in the high school production of Little Shop of Horrors. We were so proud of him!! As a freshman, we think he did an amazing job.

One Year Since Gotcha Day! November 17th, 2008

I can't believe our Qian Yu has been home one year already. It's funny saying her Chinese name, since she goes by Quinn, or Quinny or Yu Yu or Quinny Bird at home. It's like Qian Yu is her secret name; a name that stayed in China and is part of one of our wonderful memories from that beautiful country. I thank God every day that Quinn was the little girl for us. I can't imagine a better fit. I do believe in that Chinese proverb about the invisible red thread that connects us with those we are destined to meet. She is just like us!! She has a wicked humor about her; a prankster. She loves to laugh, and play and cuddle. We are blessed. Her speech is coming along beautifully. She can say lots of words, but leaves off the front. She has speech therapy once a week, and it is really improving. I think by this time next year, she'll have a huge vocabulary. I can tell she is very bright and loves any kind of book...and singing....wow! ABC's, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Happy Birthday.....and songs from Little Shop of Horrors! Yes, we are one twisted family. Here are some pictures from her year with us. God Bless you all....