Graduation

Serena gets her diploma for graduating from Kindergarten! Kira in her cap and gown.

Serena in Steve and Kim's backyard. We spent the past weekend with Steve & Kim for Ricky's graduation and Memorial Day.
Ricky graduates - posing with Scott.
Gabe and "Duke" - Steve's dog.
Ricky & Stu

Ricky with Serena & Garret.
Steve & Kim with Ricky.
Damien & Rick.
Gabe wants to make a basket.

bowling

Kim strikes!

almost!

When we feel like complaining, look around.

This is hard to believe, as we sit in our homes here in America, THIS is happening.
Please take the time to read this article about the current crisis in Ethiopia. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24731042/
Maybe we should all ask God what He wants us to do about it.

A little talk with Jesus...

The amazing men @ our church - (mainly my husband:)

Hint: pause my other music, before playing!

Maria Sue Chapman

Our hearts are breaking today for the Chapman family. I scared my husband this morning as we were drinking our coffee and watching the news, when "tragic accident" came up on FOX news, I yelled, "NO!" as I read about Steven's son running over his youngest daughter, Maria. I went and lay down with my own 5 yr. old, still warm and sleepy, not ready to get up for the day. I held her and thanked God for her, as I tried to imagine the pain the Chapman family feels. We love them, and their testimony to this world. They have played a part in why we adopted ourselves. We went to a concert of his years ago, and have been impressed by him ever since. He is a humble man, yet vivacious in serving God through him music.

After telling our kids what happened, here is their impressions:

Damien said "at least he got to write a song about her." He is referring to the Cinderella song where he is trying to put the girls to bed, and they are dressed in Cinderella dresses and they ask him to dance with them, so he puts down his work, and dances with them "before the clock strikes midnight, and she'll be gone..." That line is extra poignant now. I agree with Damien - at least Steven realized that these moments are precious, so he took the time to enjoy them. Damien also compared it to how it could be like him in a few years, driving over his much loved baby brother, Gabe. wow.

I was brushing Kira's hair, and her eyes started getting red and puffy. I asked her if I hurt her with the brush, and she said, "no, I was just thinking about if it was Serena who died."

Please join in prayer for the Chapman family.

The weekend to celebrate Jodi! (Home on leave from Iraq.)

The beautiful Symington ladies. From the left: San (married to Rod), Jodi, Cheri (married to Beau), Jacqui (Rod & San's daughter), Mom, & Bea (married to Cy).

Beau playing Stratego with Garret - our game lover.

Stu out playing ball with the big boys.

Cousins and best friends: Luke (Cy & Bea's) and Skip (Rod & San's).

Rick (Steve's) waiting his turn in the tennis "tournament".

Before & after pictures of Serena's hair. Kim & I tried something new - & it turned out!

Kira trying out her cousin's guitar hero.

Scott (Steve's) helping make eclair cake!


Goodbye to Jodi! She's off to Iraq today - for another 9 months. Prayers go with her!

Priceless art

Kira painting a "box of love".

A neighbor boy who melts my husband's heart.

A note from Serena.

"Celebrating" Mother's Day is the best when you've got kids in Elementary school. The various presents they bring home from school are priceless. My Kindergarteners describe their mom with affection and a lot of guessing. My mom is 57 yrs. old, weighs 99 pounds, and is 57 inches tall. My 4th grader made an ABC book about me - and I learned a lot about myself. My family's favorite page is the E page. "Exactly perfect mom!!" with a picture of me laying on the couch!