iee yah class...translation - Karate

Lukas went to his second group class Friday night. We were surprised to find out that our neighbors were there as well. Lukas was excited to see R there. I don't know if that helped get Lukas to participate or if it was just because the last class ended on a good note. He did really well tonight following along and doing everything. We evidently need to work on jumping jacks since it is pretty obvious he doesn't quite get how to do them.

Since we didn't really have anything going on Saturday we took him again this morning. We officially signed him up for 7 months worth of classes. He also got his uniform today. He didn't seem to mind that everyone else had one and he didn't.

Here is some of the live action.

WORKING WITH MR. DUMAS

PRACTICING CHOPS

PRACTICING UPPER PUNCHES

Birthday Party #3...

Lukas was the only one from his class to be invited to this party. The birthday girl specifically asked that Lukas come. They have had a special attachment ever since A joined the angelfish class last spring. Lukas kind of took her under his wing. So after Karate we headed to the Jump Zone for the second time in 3 weekends.


LUKAS AND THE BIRTHDAY GIRL


FUN ON THE SLIDES


CHILLIN IN THE OBSTACLE COURSE


THE PARTY CROWD



FUN ON THE SLIDES


SHOOTING HOOPS

Snow Day means playtime with friends

THE SNOW KING

SNOW MONKEY MAKING A SNOW SLIDE WITH FRIENDS

PLAYING WITH FRIENDS




MY CUTE LITTLE SNOW MONKEY


We took a break and went to fetch daddy's car. A little digging out and we were headed back home.


OUR HOUSE GUEST TAKING A LITTLE SNOOZE (Henneliese)


TIME FOR SOME SLEDDING...SOLO RUN


TRIO CRASH LANDS AT BOTTOM

GRACIE PLAYING IN THE SNOW


LIVE ACTION OF LUKAS' SLEDDING ADVENTURE

Two down, Three to go...swimming in winter at a friends birthday party

Strutting his stuff... Practicing his swimming.... How many friends can fit in one intertube...

Martial Arts Class 2...Swamp Monsters

Lukas had his first group lesson today. He walked right in, took off his shoes and socks and sat down just like the other 2 kids that were already there for class. He was very curious about all the things in the room and was asking the instructor all sorts of questions. He was doing great as they started out with the Ninja creed until they got to number 4. He then came over to me and said he wanted to leave. He struggles with all the chit chat at the beginning. He just wants to get right into it.

The instructor informed us this was quite normal for the first class or two. That's why they give the trial offer. We convinced him to sit and watch as they went through the exercises. Then came Swamp Monster game! He listened to what was going on and then once they started he jumped off my lap, ran ove and joined in.



The premise is that two of the instructors close their eyes and try and touch the ninjas with the foam sticks as they move across the floor. If they get tapped they have to go back and start again. This clip proves to me that Lukas really can listen and follow directions.



His next class will be Friday. We'll see if he stays in for the whole class this time.

Sledding before school....Yeah!!!

We had some icy snow Monday evening so Lukas had a 3 hour school delay Tuesday morning. He has been dying to try out his new sled but we haven't had the right kind or enough. So, what better way to start the day than some sledding in the driveway (didn't want him to crash into the fence sledding down the hill in the yard). The court had been cleared and there was no traffic so away he went.

READY, SET, GO.....

YEAH, THAT WAS FUN!

After his first trip down he looked up at the sky and said,"thank you snow, thank you snow, thank you snow!" After his first trip down he looked up at the sky and said,"thank you snow, thank you snow, thank you snow

Some live action

Farewell to a trusty and loyal companion...

'Farewell my good and faithful companion; enter into the joy of your Master.'

In Memoriam
Mikaela Marie
Dec 1, 1997 to Jan 20, 2011

Sadly, my girl was taken from this earth this morning. An unknown tumor had been growing inside and she began bleeding internally this morning. She collapsed outside this morning as we were getting ready for work. I carried her inside and went to get something to make her more comfortable. When I came back she was at the bottom of the stairs wanting to come up to where I was. She slowly started up the steps and collapsed halfway. I carried her the rest of the way and laid with her on the floor. I thought she was gone but she hung on. Lukas came downstairs and sat in my lap and hugged me. He asked why I was sad. I told him the truth that Mikaela was very sick and was probably dying and we needed to say good bye. He then laid down beside her and petted her for a little bit. Then he climbed back in my lap. As we prepared to leave to take her to the vet Lukas came up to me with a handful of tissues and said," Here mom, you need some tissues since you are crying." What a sweet, sweet boy!

My mother had spent the night because she was leaving her dog with us while they are away. It was such a blessing, because she was able to drive and I could be in the back to comfort Mik on the 1 hour drive to the vet. My, sweet, loving husband carried her to the car and took Lukas to school. As we were driving I looked out the window as we crossed the bay and saw a portion of a rainbow in the clouds. God was sending me a message, it was time and he was there with us. The vet was waiting for us when we arrived. Mik kept her head up for the entire drive and just looked out the window like she was taking it all in. She regained enough strength that she walked in on her own. Dr. Chad pretty much knew what I suspected and took her in the back to confirm the diagnosis. I lost my first shepherd to the same type of cancer. Her belly was full of blood and there was nothing that could be done. I got to cradle her head in my lap and say good bye as he put her to sleep. During the whole process he talked to her with me. She went very quickly and peacefully. I am greatful for that. He left us alone until we were ready and after I left the room they took her away so we could pick her up around back. She is buried on the family farm with the rest of the family pets who have gone before us.

Wayne headed down behind us but was to far away to be there when she passed. Thankfully my mother was with me. He caught up to us at the farm to bring me home.

It will be somewhat somber around here for a while. Fortunately we still have Gracie and we will have Hennie Pennie for 3 weeks so it won't feel quite as empty just yet. Mik was a wonderful pet. She loved children and had a very sweet disposition. She was always by my side during the 13 years we had together. I couldn't have asked for a better companion during my single days and for Lukas when he came along.

Rest well my sweet baby girl, you are no longer in pain, but there is a great whole in our hearts today.



March 1998
3 months old






She loved to swim in the water




We nick named her Baywatch dog because she would watch the kids in the pool and swim out to them or run around the side and bark at them if they were misbehaving.




Spring 2009
11 1/2 years old and still going strong

Our little Ninja

We were offered a free one month trial offer from the local Martial Arts facility and decided it was time to take them up on their offer. Lukas had his first lesson tonight. It was a private lesson so I opted not to take photos. She took him through some blocking and kicking exercises. Then his favorite part was when she let him break a board with is foot (shoe on for this). She then awarded him his white belt and put it on him. He wore it home. Saturday he goes back for his first group lesson. If he is able to maintain focus and not disrupt things we will sign him up for the full 7 month Ninja class and he will get his first uniform free. I may take some pictures or video on Saturday if it isn't to distracting to the Ninjas.

Let the birthday parties begin...

Today was the first of a run of 5 birthday parties Lukas has in the next 5 weeks. Three of them will be here at Jump Zone which is one of Lukas' favorite places. Lukas' cold didn't slow him down during play time but you could tell he wasn't quite himself when it came time to eat. He pretty much chilled the rest of the day.

Headed up the slide
















Down he comes!

























Riding on/in the cars

Sharing the big birthday chair with his pal C.

GO RAVENS

This was taken before the great loss on Sunday.

Hangin' with the cows

We went for a walk over to the farm and caught up with my nieces while they were photo catologing the herd for their dad. Needless to say, if the girls were hanging out with the cows in the herd, then so was Lukas. He was quite entertained by the idea of pull up grass and having the cow eat out of his hand.

The first time his reaction was a loud, "ewwwww!" It didn't stop him from getting more grass and feeding her again. So, here are some pictures of Lukas feeding Daisy. Cheyenne finally told Lukas the cows were tired and needed a nap so they could get him out of the pasture.



And, yes, that's about an 800lb cow he's feeding!

Happy news from Taraz on the Taraz 10

In the last couple of weeks 2 more families, the first families from Canada, have gotten positive decisions from the municipal court. Only 4 more to go! Since late fall things seem to be back on track for International Adoptions in Taraz City. There are a few more families currently in the court process waiting to get their decisions and 2 more waiting to re-file their petitions.