House Painting

After 14 years, we finally had our house re-painted. The original paint job lasted so well we really didn't need to do it sooner, but the trim looked pretty bad. It was teal and rose colored and screamed 90's!
The more I looked at paint samples the more I couldn't stand to look at the house. Its hard to appreciate the colors and overall look of the paint job but it looks fantastic! We did not do the work ourselves as our house is very tall, especially in the back.

Now I am working on the yard. A lot of plants were dead or overgrown in the front. I have removed and trimmed but still need some bark and more color.

Deiana has been at (day) camp this week so I've had some free time to get some work done.

Now if we'd just get some summer weather!

Gymnastics

It was picture day at gymnastics so I took a few quick shots myself. This is their team leotard.Complete with official hair style.

Deiana and her best friends in gymnastics. They have great moms too!

Last Day of School

The last day of school! Although someone is not so happy, she loves school! We'll have to stay busy this summer so she does not get bored.

It does not feel like summer at all. We've barely had any nice weather. Notice the jacket on in the pictures.

We did a curly hair style for the last day. I should have been taking pictures of hair and clothes throughout the year. I don't know how much longer she will let me fix her up.

We are fortunate to have the bus stop right in front of our house.

Overall its been a great school year. Deiana loved first grade and made lots of friends. She has progressed in reading, math and speech therapy this year. I hope to encourage lots of reading this summer, and we are taking a break from speech therapy, (formal that is, as we do speech therapy at home all the time)

Deiana and I will be busy with gymnastics, some day camps, trips to the beach and camping.

After a fun summer we will definitely be ready for second grade.

Spring Soccer

Deiana just finished spring soccer. It was a short but sweet season. We could barely fit it in with gymnastics, but she really likes it and I don't think first grade is the time to choose an exclusive sport. She continues to be a fairly serious and somewhat aggressive player. But I will say she is by far the best at congratulating other players and cheering her teammates on.

These pictures are not great but they are all I have! I seem to have the back of her in most of them. She is #40.

This was taken right before she made a goal!

Mimi came to all her games last fall and really truly enjoyed watching Deiana play. This spring we have really missed her. Deiana asked me one day "do you think Mimi is watching me from heaven?"

I know she is, and cheering loudly.

MEXICO

We recently returned from our family trip to Puerto Vallarta,Mexico. It is a trip we all enjoy. It was Deiana's third trip to Mexico! We were joined by Jeremy, his girlfriend Sarah, my Dad, my sister "Aunt Susie", and some of my parents best friends. Jordan was not able to go due to school, so he stayed home and took care of the house and dogs and cats. My mom was missed very much, this was our first trip without her. In the past I have always had Deiana wear a life jacket in a pool so I didn't have to worry. This year I decided not to bring it. In about one day she was all over the pool and swimming and diving in deep water! Not too surprising for a strong and active girl.

We stayed in an awesome ocean front villa. It had a private yard that adjacent to the beach. It had a private patio and 5 sliding glass doors! Susie and Dad stayed right next door. We were right by the pool for added convenience.

The view from our place. Our yard.

Our kitchen and dining area.

Night time walk on the beach.

Our group at one of our dinners out.

 We also celebrated our anniversary while we were there. I won't mention how many years as we are posing as younger parents.

Me, Sarah and Jeremy

Jeremy and Sarah..... I have never had so many pictures of Jeremy! When he was little I had to pay him to be in a picture!

More Mexico

Deiana liked the shopping aspect of Mexico. The vendors would put jewelry on her and give her clothes. I tried to get her to negotiate but she wanted to pay whatever they wanted. She talked her dad into buying her this black dress (its very cute!) My sister and me.

Another friend made along the way.

Deiana negotiated this white dress by herself. After a while we had to keep her out of the shops!

 We had a nice relaxing time in the 85 degree sun with a nice ocean breeze. We returned nicely tan to lovely Oregon rain and 50 degree temperatures. We're ready for spring!!!

School Project

Deiana had a school project to make a robot out of recycled materials. Next week she has to give a speech about her robot to the class. That won't be a problem for her, she loves to talk and is NOT shy. She does enjoy school work, and especially a project. By the way she does not wear glasses, she just likes to wear my reading glasses when she is working on something (or pretending to)

Fortunately she loves school, and is doing well. We've started some extra reading out loud at home to improve her reading and pronunciation. She does get irritated with me always correcting her speech and grammar, but she understands why.

I'm sure those of you who know her are surprised (and pleased) to know she can actually sit still for extended periods of time and work on something!

Happy Birthday Jordan!

Our baby boy just turned 22! Hard to believe, but he has become a hard working, responsible, independent and fun loving guy.

Just try to get a serious picture of him... maybe someday, when he grows up.

Spring Break

We had a nice getaway to the beautiful Oregon coast for spring break. We even had a couple of days of nice weather. Our days consisted of some bike riding, shopping, bowling, and movie watching. As an extra bonus, our friends were also down for the week and we all had fun together. I'm a little short on pictures as I forgot my camera. Up next is our trip to Mexico!! Can't wait for some warm sunny weather.

Orthodontist Visit

Because of Deiana's cleft palate, she is in store for a lot of orthodontia. We have a great cranio-facial orthodontic specialist that we have seen before. They have determined that she will have all of her permanent teeth, as some kids with cleft palate have missing or extra teeth. Yesterday we had a visit to determine if we would start treatment.
Deiana has a history of not behaving very well during medical visits. She is pleasant but won't sit still at all, and constantly interrupts when I am trying to talk to the doctor. Even though we talk at great length about acceptable behavior and I offer a reward, she can't do it. She can recognize afterward that she did not behave appropriately and is sorry, but I am convinced that she CANNOT control herself. Maybe it is anxiety or over-stimulation but she reverts immature behavior every time. I find it interesting but very frustrating.
Anyway, the orthodontist says her teeth are ready for treatment but he is not sure she can sit still and cooperate long enough for them to get things done properly. She has a very high pain tolerance but is too squirmy. He wants to wait a few months and try then. Somehow I don't think a couple months will make much difference.
She does however want braces, because she thinks they are cool. Maybe that will be some incentive. I'm thinking some sedation might be in order!

Winter

Today is a snow day! The first of the year. Not too dramatic but a big deal for these parts.

Just one week ago we were at the beach enjoying sunny (but very cold) weather.

Deiana really wanted to have her picture drawn, and was willing to sit still to have it done! It turned out really cute.

When at the beach we must ride the merry go round! It was a nice get away. Grampa joined us and that made it extra special.

I am looking forward to feeling better soon. We have all been sick but I ended up with pneumonia after several weeks of illness. Hopefully a healthy spring for all!!

3 Great Years

It has been three years since we adopted Deiana, and it really seems like she has been ours forever! She has changed and grown up so much!!