Angie's First Missionary Trip

Angie participated in our church's SMI missionary program this spring and summer. SMI stands for Student Missionary Internship program. It is a lot of work and dedication, and we are really proud of her for doing it. They are going to Anaheim, California to talk to the Muslim community. It is a great experience, and we are really happy she had this experience.

Sandra's Graduation

We all picture things in our mind on how things are going to work out and we should know by now that it never works out that way! When Sandra asked if she could come and live with us for her senior year of high school, we envisioned a much different year than it has been. It has been great to have her here to help with rides with the kids but it was not the bonding experience we expected among siblings. Unfortunately, Sandra arrived with a boyfriend still in WI that she had gotten over the summer and decided to try and continue as a long distance relationship. Rather than putting all of her focus on her siblings and enjoying this once in a lifetime opportunity to finally be together, she was busy concentrating on her relationship. Her lack of respect for her parents also didn't sit well with us and what we are trying to teach our kids so she definitely didn't act like a good role model. Unfortunately, Juan and Ingrid then got in a fight on Sandra's graduation day and Luis, who was here visiting from WI, decided to solve the problem his way by punching Juan in the face. Unfortunately he was already ready for Sandra's graduation so his new outfit that matched his sisters is now ruined. No good pictures today! Sandra leaves after graduation for the summer. When she comes back, she will be living on campus at GCU, Grand Canyon University. She plans to major in theatre.

Beach Time Again!

We have the opportunity to go to Carlsbad Beach in California for Spring Break again this year. We aren't going on any special excursions this year but just going to enjoy the beach. We are in survival mode most of the time, and we hope the kids will be able to enjoy the week.

Christmas Is Here

As stressful as this year has been, the holidays are still my favorite time of year. We continue to do our best to make the best of the situation because we do not really know what to do. Sandra is living here and Luis is joining us again this Christmas, and the kids are really excited to see him. We tried to plan a trip but no one was cooperating so we made the decision to go away on our own to Pinetop and let the kids all stay home and enjoy time together. We need a break and this seems like our best solution!

Time for Soccer Again

It is time for another soccer season for Ingrid, and she loves playing. I don't have any good pictures, but Juan played soccer for Odyssey for the first time also this year and enjoyed it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is that time again and although it has been a year of challenges, we are thankful for all God has blessed us with. We definitely went into this with blinders on and all we can do is our best to parent the kids and figure it out one day at a time.

Angie's 17th Birthday!

 Angie enjoyed having a few friends over for her 17th birthday and going to Westgate. She loves Frozen so that was her theme. Unlike Ingrid and Juan, she cooperated for pictures!

Take Your Child To Work Day

Honeywell offered a take your child to work day, and Ingrid was super excited to go. She spent the day with Dainis at work, learning first hand what he does. I think she had a great time and know it was a great experience. Ingrid thrives on one on one time so that was an added bonus!

A Start of a New School Year

It is time to start school again and Sandra has asked to come and live here and finish out her senior year! She planned to come to GCU and liked the idea of being her earlier. Maybe it will help! So, Sandra will be a senior, Angie will be a sophomore, Ingrid in eighth grade, and Juan in seventh grade. All four kids are still at Odyssey. Life is definitely a struggle right now with the kids so we will see how things go with school. The biggest blessing with Sandra here is she will drive them to school everyday! We have read a lot of the adoption books, but the kids are very opposed to any counseling. They need coping strategies and help but for now we continue to just be in survival mode and do the best we can.

Ingrid and Juan's Birthdays

Ingrid turned 15 on July 10th and had another pool party with friends. She loves dolphins so that was her theme. Juan turned 13 on July 27th and also had a pool party with some of his guy friends. He loves soccer. Neither cooperated for pictures so no birthday pictures this year.