Soccer May Just Save Us

Today was the first day I had an opportunity to see E-man in action on the soccer field. Emmanuel was very excited I was coming to his game, Scott was probably more excited I was coming. I do not have a subscription to psychic friends network, but I predict we will be spending a lot of time on the soccer fields in the next ten years. Emmanuel did score two goals again today and he is lighting

I'll Get You My Pretty

Practicing their meltingWant some fire scarecrow?Few things are funnier than hearing my kids sing commercial jingles with a Liberian accent, "save big money at Menards." But lately they are obsessed with The Wizard of Oz. My sister brought it to them when she visited. They have this whole elaborate scheme of how we are all going to dress up as the characters for Halloween, it includes several

Memorial Day Fun with the Zabinskis

Last Sunday we had a great Memorial Day picnic at a very fun park with Martu and Mackie's family. We even rented a couple paddle boats.Happy 6th belated 6th Birthday to cousin Cameron!Quotes From Eman:"Daddy, how come you don't drive a pick-up truck?"

Sue on The Early Show & The Weather Channel

For those of you up early this Memorial Day, you may have seen Sue on CBS' "The Early Show" or The Weather Channel this morning. For those of you who slept in (like the kids and I) I've embedded the CBS story below.Sue was able to drive by Loren's home this morning and it looks to be in good shape. Although, there was lots of hail damage in the area to go along w/ the tornado's

How Much is Gas in Your Town?

Gas Prices Worldwide in US DOLLARS: Friday before Memorial day we're at $3.85/gal in MinnesotaLondon $8.32Iceland is $7.91Ethiopia 7.50 Norway $6.82Hong Kong $6.25 Beligium $6.16Liberia 4.50 Brazil $4.42India $3.71 Saudia Arabia $0.91 Kuwait $0.68 Nigeria $0.35 Venezuela $0.12

Soccer, School, and Success

Abegail's First Soccer GameFrom ballet to Soccer. Abegail has started her season. Yes, she was going to play baseball but Mommy can't figure out all these extracurricular activities which is a world in itself and I signed her up for the wrong team. It turned out great though, now she's on a team with her best friend from school. Abegail's team won their first game!Daddy and Annie have fun

Ballet Beauties

Today was the last day of ballet until fall. Abegail and Annie were very proud of the first medals they've ever gotten!

E-Man's World

Quotes From Annie:At the dinner table Abegail asked what everyone wanted to be when they grew up. Annie never shows negativity toward her brother and sister who she seems to adore no matter what they do to her. But we got a hint of her true feelings tonight!Annie: I want to be a doctor!Daddy: That's great, we are so proud of you!Mommy: You can do it too!Annie: Then I'm going to give Abegail a

I don't like to be black

When we were preparing for A&E's homecoming, we mentally prepared for a lot of stuff, a lot of hurts they could come with. But we thought enough love could solve everything.Ten months after they arrived I admit I was far less prepared than I thought. So many things I didn't think of including a conversation with Abegail that's been common recently.Abegail: Mommy, I don't like to be black.Mommy:

Happy Mother's Day

E-man gives Mommy a great Mother's Day Present!We had a great time visiting Scott's cousin, Loren in Hugo yesterday and meeting his new wife, Kelly and very fun kids Carter and Tori. Then we got a special treat to see Scott's Aunt and Uncle, Lyle and Lola. Loren has a new granddaughter Katie. The kids really love to see a baby! Not sure if the baby felt the same.

Soccer Update

E-man's team, now named "The Lightening"...is now 2-0. They won 3-2 on Saturday. And of course, E-man scored all 3 goals again this week. He's really enjoying it and it's so good for his self-esteem!!After scoring his 2nd goal yesterday he came running over to me and said, "Daddy, I'm going to score THIS MANY" as he held up 3 fingers. I said that sounded good...but that it was his turn to sit

The Three Piggie Opera

Abegail's first grade class performed the three piggie opera this morning. Each kid had a line and they all did spectacular!!!Quotes from Abegail:Scene: we are walking to the bus stop, I'm wearing one of my best sweat suitsAbegail: Is that what you are wearing to my school?Mommy: Um, maybe, why? Do you want me to wear something nicer?Abegail: Yes, nicer. Maybe you could wear pink with black

E-Man 3 -- Blue Team 2

So we decided we needed to get E-man into SOME sort of sport. Originally it was baseball, but the standing around, throwing of hard spherical objects, and swinging of aluminum bats just didn't seem to be the right fit for him.So we went w/ SOCCER! And am I glad we did!!!! Oh yeah, E-Man had a good time too...We got there and I tried to teach him the rules, but you know how that goes. He just

At The Old Ballgame

Annie and I got a great opportunity last night to go out onto the playing field to watch batting practice. It was really cool...probably more for so for me than her...but judging from her smile I think she had a pretty good time, too.

Little Miss Sunshine

The last picture is a drawing Abegail made for me after a day I wasn't pleased with her. Click on it to see it enlarged. Emmanuel is really struggling with his medication and she gives him no leeway. I was very touched by this and so proud of her.Yesterday I took E-man by himself to the grocery store as a reward because he had three good days at daycare. He was so out of sorts. By the time we