Nole's First Christmas

Hope you all had a wonderful, Christ-filled Christmas! Nole's first Christmas home was too much fun! Here's a snapshot of his first Christmas home...







Nole' wishes everyone a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Nole's First Christmas

Hope you all had a wonderful, Christ-filled Christmas! Nole's first Christmas home was too much fun! Here's a snapshot of his first Christmas home...







Nole' wishes everyone a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Who's Got a Beard That's Long and White?

Santa's got a beard that's long and white.

Who comes around on a special night?

Santa comes around on a special night.


Special night. Beard's that white.

Must be Santa, Must be Santa, Must be Santa, Santa Clause!

Who's Got a Beard That's Long and White?

Santa's got a beard that's long and white.

Who comes around on a special night?

Santa comes around on a special night.


Special night. Beard's that white.

Must be Santa, Must be Santa, Must be Santa, Santa Clause!

My Fashionista.....

Oh my, are we in trouble! We have a budding fashionista on our hands......

When Grace saw the "Shake it Up" (Rocky & CeCe) clothing line at Target, she just had to have it! How could we say no?

She loves to look at herself in the mirror from every angle and then gives herself a double "thumbs-up" and says, "Perrrrrfect!"

She is just too much fun! I wish I could have her self-confidence and positive body image!! You, go, Grace!

My Fashionista.....

Oh my, are we in trouble! We have a budding fashionista on our hands......

When Grace saw the "Shake it Up" (Rocky & CeCe) clothing line at Target, she just had to have it! How could we say no?

She loves to look at herself in the mirror from every angle and then gives herself a double "thumbs-up" and says, "Perrrrrfect!"

She is just too much fun! I wish I could have her self-confidence and positive body image!! You, go, Grace!

Finally, I Return!

Hi All! Just popping in to say "hi"! I just noticed it has been a whole month since I last posted. I am not even sure if anyone really reads this old blog anymore (except maybe Grandma), so am trying to decide if it is time to retire from the blogging world. I must say, though, that this blog is the only time I have ever recorded any thoughts, pics, etc. about my family and our life.

I didn't even do baby books.

So, perhaps I should just force myself to keep going.....so at least I have a scrapbook of sorts for when my memory is fading (which feels like it is happening sooner rather than later.)

Today, I am in Sioux Center, IA, with Elizabeth. We are visiting Dordt College as a prospective student. She just loved it here. She is actually staying overnight at the dorms with some girls and I am at a hotel all by my lonesome. What a treat!

The last month was one of the most stressful, agonizing months of our lives. So many overwhelming things happened. The biggest I won't even mention here because I have to respect the privacy of the family member. Let's just say it is so hard!

So, my life is going through some changes, the least of which is that my eldest will be going off to college in less than a year. I am so proud of her, yet will miss her terribly!

Thanks to all of you who continue to read this blog. If I do decide to keep going, I will have to commit to doing a much better job, huh?

Blessings, Paula

Finally, I Return!

Hi All! Just popping in to say "hi"! I just noticed it has been a whole month since I last posted. I am not even sure if anyone really reads this old blog anymore (except maybe Grandma), so am trying to decide if it is time to retire from the blogging world. I must say, though, that this blog is the only time I have ever recorded any thoughts, pics, etc. about my family and our life.

I didn't even do baby books.

So, perhaps I should just force myself to keep going.....so at least I have a scrapbook of sorts for when my memory is fading (which feels like it is happening sooner rather than later.)

Today, I am in Sioux Center, IA, with Elizabeth. We are visiting Dordt College as a prospective student. She just loved it here. She is actually staying overnight at the dorms with some girls and I am at a hotel all by my lonesome. What a treat!

The last month was one of the most stressful, agonizing months of our lives. So many overwhelming things happened. The biggest I won't even mention here because I have to respect the privacy of the family member. Let's just say it is so hard!

So, my life is going through some changes, the least of which is that my eldest will be going off to college in less than a year. I am so proud of her, yet will miss her terribly!

Thanks to all of you who continue to read this blog. If I do decide to keep going, I will have to commit to doing a much better job, huh?

Blessings, Paula

Bella Watching "Annie"!

Here's our Bella watching the musical Annie...."Why anyone would want to be an orphan is beyond me!" (Miss Hannigan) Bella agrees with Miss Hannigan!

Bella Watching "Annie"!

Here's our Bella watching the musical Annie...."Why anyone would want to be an orphan is beyond me!" (Miss Hannigan) Bella agrees with Miss Hannigan!

B. E. L. L. A.

While sitting at supper, munching away on her Sissy's homemade waffle, Bella looked up at Sissy and signed "B e l l a".



She is one amazing little girl--especially considering she came home to us after living 4 1/2 years in an orphanage.

We are so thankful for everyone who has helped Bella develop her emerging skills: teachers, therapists, grad students, respite care workers--not to mention friends and family. Bella is proof that a little love and instruction go a long way. We are so proud of you, B.E.L.L.A!

B. E. L. L. A.

While sitting at supper, munching away on her Sissy's homemade waffle, Bella looked up at Sissy and signed "B e l l a".



She is one amazing little girl--especially considering she came home to us after living 4 1/2 years in an orphanage.

We are so thankful for everyone who has helped Bella develop her emerging skills: teachers, therapists, grad students, respite care workers--not to mention friends and family. Bella is proof that a little love and instruction go a long way. We are so proud of you, B.E.L.L.A!

A Witch, A Princess, and A Sock Monkey.....

After a long blogging break, it's great to be back to share some Halloween party fun! Our high school, Magic City Campus, Character Counts Club hosted a Halloween party for the DreamCatchers baseball team (for kids with disabilities) last night.

They had a blast......

Carving pumpkins.....


Eating pizza.....
Strutting their stuff in a costume fashion show:

But, the little sock monkey didn't like the applause so much....

Grace and Chelsea are sooooo scary.....

Thanks to Character Counts Club from the DreamCatchers!

It was a fun night for all!

A Witch, A Princess, and A Sock Monkey.....

After a long blogging break, it's great to be back to share some Halloween party fun! Our high school, Magic City Campus, Character Counts Club hosted a Halloween party for the DreamCatchers baseball team (for kids with disabilities) last night.

They had a blast......

Carving pumpkins.....


Eating pizza.....
Strutting their stuff in a costume fashion show:

But, the little sock monkey didn't like the applause so much....

Grace and Chelsea are sooooo scary.....

Thanks to Character Counts Club from the DreamCatchers!

It was a fun night for all!

Go Vikings!

My favorite Viking fans.... and, yes, I have a jersey too!

PS.....this may be the reason Kevin likes having FIVE children....more to influence towards his Vikes. It's sad really.... :)

Go Vikings!

My favorite Viking fans.... and, yes, I have a jersey too!

PS.....this may be the reason Kevin likes having FIVE children....more to influence towards his Vikes. It's sad really.... :)

30 Toes.....

When Grace was first born, we found out that one of the first clues that medical staff look for if they suspect Down syndrome is the toes....specifically for a gap between the first two toes.

I think we are safe to say that all three of my children with Down syndrome have this feature....

GRACE.....

NOLE......

BELLA.....
This past summer, Sam was looking at Bella's toes and asked if she was missing some toes! We had a good laugh at that one!

But no matter what, we love all 30 of those toes!