Soccer begins and school continues!

Upwards soccer started this week and Josh & Cate LOVE LOVE LOVE soccer.  Plus they are good at it!  Upwards is a Christian based sports program that is hosted at The Chapel where we attend worship.  Each week you have scripture verses you memorize for stars plus stars are earned for Christlike behavior, Effort, Defense, Offense, and Sportsmanship.
The verse we are currently working on is

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  
1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Also a virtue is stressed each week to match the verse.  This week is "Gratitude".  What a great sports' program.  We love it.  Here's what Josh & Cate looked like at their first game.

 

 

 

On Saturday we all went on a 9 mile bike ride.  It was the first time we used my birthday present of a new bike rack for the car.  It worked great but took awhile to figure out the best way to get 4 bikes on it.  Jeff was great at figuring it all out and he had some great helpers too.  We stopped in the middle of our ride for lunch at McD's.  The kids did great at keeping up and in fact leading us.  We really enjoyed our time together as a family.  These kids have amazing strength and endurance.  It challenges us to keep up with them.

Thanks for reading the blog and following us on this journey.  We are learning to give thanks in all circumstances!  It's an easy choice for us when we see the smiles on the faces of Josh & Cate.

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew

School year 2012-2013 begins!

We had a quick trip to the zoo with our friend Isaiah.  It was actually Isaiah's birthday and a fun afternoon for all of us.  Uncle Kirk and Aunt Jenni have moved into a new house near the zoo so we got to stop there and swim in their pool.  What a fun afternoon!

The big news this week is School Begins!  Both kids were in 3rd grade last year since it was their first year in the USA.  We wanted them together and feeling safe.  Cate will move onto 4th grade but we decided to skip Josh to 5th grade.  We know this is a huge jump for him and it is done due to his age and not his academic ability.  Both Josh & Cate are way behind academically since they didn't know how to read or write in English a year ago.  They are making huge strides but are now about the 2nd grade level which is great for a year's progress but not great for a 4th and 5th grader.  Their school has been great about accomodating them where they are at.  All of that being said it has been quite scary for Josh to walk into the 5th grade room.  He is being a trooper and going everyday but I know he is terrified most days.  Both kids have great teachers and I'm praying for a fabulous God blessed year of learning!

We also had our first Upwards soccer practice for the season.  These guys love soccer!

Our friends, John & Kim Porter, came for a visit on Saturday.  We spent some time at a park with them plus made homemade ice cream in the afternoon.  Always so fun to have them visit. 

On Sunday we had a great day with Nick, Autumn, & Nolan plus Mom & Bob.  They came over for lunch, fishing, and a visit to the zoo.  It is always so much fun to see how much Sweet Nolan is growing.  He is 11 months and takes a few steps.  He is the cutest, smartest, grandson around!

Great Grandma Carol was trying to read a book but Nolan was ready to move on! 

Fishing in the pond in our backyard was quite successful.  This was Nick's 2nd biggest catch of the day.  The fun part was catching little fish and then using the little guys for bait for the bigger ones!

Great Grandma & Great Grandpa enjoyed their only great grandchild for the afternoon.
I think they all have matching hair in this picture :)

Life is sure fun for us.  We are blessed with good friends & family along with a great great God.   Please pray for Josh & Cate in school this year.  Thanks for reading the blog and continue

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew