A Mariana funny...

We were watching "Bee Movie" the other night for our family movie night, and Mariana noticed one of the male bee character's eyes and asked, "Is he wearing 'guy'-liner??"

Where did she learn that?!?! LOL

Patriot Musical

Mariana's 2nd grade class performed an exciting patriotic musical in honor of President's Day this past February. Mrs. Handy, Mariana's teacher, adapted and directed the musical, and did a fabulous job! All the students had parts to learn and all of them learned many songs, celebrating our forefathers, our 50 states, American heroes, our flag, our soldiers, American workers, and most of all, God's blessing on America.

Mariana was given the part of Sybil Luddington, the "female Paul Revere". She was 16 and rode her horse to warn the settlers of the coming British troops. Mariana did a great job, with lots expression, saying her part, explaining what she did the same night that Paul Revere rode his famous ride.

The class also performed at the Veteran's Hospital in Livermore for a room full of elderly veterans. It was so moving, especially when the students sang a medley of each military branches' anthem.

Grandma, Auntie Rosalyn and Mommy after Mar's performance

BABY ON THE WAY!!!

No, we're not pregnant! But, after almost 5 years of trying to have another baby in the family, God is answering our prayers! We are adopting a baby! We are adopting an infant from the U.S. We have just been "matched" with a birthmom. She is due on May 11! We don't know the gender of the baby, but will hopefully find out in the next couple of weeks. We are all so excited, including Jack and Mariana. Please pray that all goes well. We desire God's will for this situation, and are trusting Him to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).

I promise to keep posting on this subject...

Mariana's Speech
Mariana has to give a speech each quarter for her 2nd grade class. This quarter each student had to give a speech on their country of origin. She gave a great speech on Holland, focusing on the fact that Holland is famous for tulips, windmills and wooden shoes. She also passed out mini stroopwafels (hooray for Trader Joe's) for the kids to experience a "taste" of Holland. My favorite part was when she said that Holland is "an extra special place because her family (especially Opa and Oma) live there!"

Jack's First T-Ball Game!!

Jack joined T-Ball this spring for the first time ever! He's loving it! Most of the kids on his team played last year (it's for 5-7 year olds), but he's definitely not behind in skills. His has a great coach, and is already learning so much. He's proving to be a good listener and imitator -- watching the coach carefully to see how to throw correctly, listening where he needs to throw the ball if he gets it, etc.

His first game was this past Saturday (March 15). He looked so great in his Giants uniform! As we walked across the field to join his teammates and warm-up before the game, he said to me, "I'm kind of nervous!" So cute!


When the Giants hit the field, his coach put him in the pitcher's spot. I overheard the coaches discussing who to put there and at 1st base, since they get the most action, and Jack was one of the three boys they mentioned. At the risk of bragging, this made me so proud! In that inning, Jack even fielded a grounder and successfully threw the ball to the 1st baseman and got the runner out! The first out of the game and the season! (in T-ball they play 7 batters or 3 outs, whichever comes first -- can you guess which usually comes first?) I think we got a total of one out for the game. AND, they give the game ball to one player at the end of each game (this was new to me...), and they gave it to Jack!! Way to go, Jack!!