Aurora Scholars

Early in April we got a letter for Justin from the City of Aurora, saying that he had been chosen as an Aurora Scholar for the 7th grade in his school.  The next day we got one for Keelan!  We were very proud of our boys, as there is only one student chosen per grade in each school.

About Aurora Scholars from the City of Aurora webpage:

Honoring the students of AuroraSince 2009, the city of Aurora has honored one student from each grade in every school building in Aurora in a citywide ceremony with the city's mayor and city council, school superintendents and other designees. Students receive a certificate and gifts donated by the community.

Students in grades 1 through 12 are selected by the principal and teachers at their school for being an overall first-rate student and a excellent member of the school community. The program is designed to identify those students in Aurora who strongly contribute to the life and community of their respective school. They might be a stellar student athlete, a terrific citizen, a high academic achiever or a dedicated volunteer. But most important, they go above and beyond in whatever they do best.

 

It’s an opportunity for the city of Aurora, schools and families to come together to celebrate the achievements of Aurora's future leaders. More than 450 students each year in Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, and charter, parochial and private schools are honored annually through the Aurora Scholars program.

Keelan's ceremony was first.  It was very crowded and we ended up sitting way up high in the bleachers beside the stage, so our pictures are from the side.  And far away, zoomed in on my phone's camera, haha.  This is the front of the program and Keelan's name with his school.

I took this with my phone from far away.  But I think he saw me.  He's sitting with the other three students from his school and his principal.

Waiting in line for his medal.

And waiting in line to shake hands with the mayor.  His principal, Dr. Davis, is introducing the students at the podium.

Wearing his Aurora Scholar key.

Justin's ceremony was the next night.  This time we knew to go early, but we were still not near the front!  Here is the front of the program and his name with his school.

Receiving his medal.

Ready to shake hands with the mayor.  His principal, Mrs. Black, is introducing the students at the podium.

Wearing his Aurora Scholar key.

We are proud of these boys!

We're Moving!

Well, actually, we've already moved, but we'll be doing it again!  This house has been our home for almost 20 years.  We moved into it in October 1996, when our little family left Indiana and came to Colorado for Jim to work for Promise Keepers.  I moved into it sight unseen, as Jim had bought it during the time he lived here and the kids and I were in Indiana selling our house there.  But God knew.  He knew that we would be neighbors with dear friends who became our pastor's family.  And from that we found our church and our church family, and our lives were forever changed.

When we moved into this house Brittany was 7 and Taylor 3.  Since then we've brought two more babies home to this house and later, two more from China.  We've done a lot of living here . . . a lot of laughter and tears and prayers and seeing the faithfulness of God through it all.  We've had countless parties, holidays, and get-togethers with friends here.  God knew where He was placing us.  We are grateful.

But God put it in our hearts in January that perhaps it was time to move on from this place and onto the next.  We prayed a LOT about this, as it was such a huge idea for us.  We determined that we would not move ahead of God or try to make anything happen on our own.  (We've been down those roads before.)  We asked God to shut it down if it was not from Him.  But He didn't.  Things fell into place.  God has made it clear that He is moving us to a new neighborhood and will bring new people across our paths.  We feel that God is calling us to use this house to minister in ways that we could not in our small house, and we are excited to see what He has for us.

Our house sold quickly, without a sign even being in the yard.  We spent many, many days sorting out 20 years worth of "stuff", making many trips to Goodwill, cleaning, touching up paint; fixing this and that.  Last week we left our house for the last time and moved our family into a 3-bedroom apartment.  (Jim and I have never lived in an apartment before.  It is a new adventure!  Haha.)  And all this is because our new house is still being built, and will not be finished till summer!

And here it is.  It is framed up, has some siding on it, and the electric has been started.  But no driveway, front porch, or drywall yet.  We go over on the weekends and walk through it.  Our neighbors on the south side have two little girls around Caylie's age, and our neighbor to the north has a lift in his garage, which fascinates Keelan, who will be starting a mechanics program next year.

The sun room.

 Upstairs where the bedrooms and laundry will be.

Front door.

Thanks for sharing our excitement and new adventure with us, friends!

Easter

Sometimes I can't imagine what Samuel must be thinking.  There is always something new going on, and he probably thinks we are SO weird.  Today we boiled eggs and put them into little cups with pink and blue and green water!  What??  Haha!

But he soon got the hang of it and had a good time.  

We have talked a lot about why Jesus died and that Easter is a celebration of His rising from the dead.  This will be an on-going topic of conversation, as it is difficult for Samuel to understand.  We trust in God's Spirit to make those truths real in his mind and heart.

Easter Sunday before church.  It turned out to be a cold, dreary day with snow on the ground, so we were dressed for winter!  Poor Caylie wasn't feeling well, so she does not have her usual big smile.  This was the first time we were able to talk Sam into wearing a button-down shirt and tie! 

Happy Resurrection Day, friends.  Jesus is risen!

February and March Fun

 I am way behind in posting, as usual!  So here are some pictures and videos of our activities for the past few weeks.

Caylie's Chinese class did a dance for one of the monthly international days.  The classes study many countries and cultures, not just the ones for their submersion language.  This one was for Vietnam.  (They're wearing Chinese clothes, though!)  Caylie is in the middle, front row.

Here she is!

Here is a video of the dance.  

Is it not the cutest thing ever?  I just wish the other classes hadn't been so noisy in front of me.

Caylie's class after the show, with both their Chinese and English teachers.

Samuel's class went on a three-day, two-night trip to the Calwood Education Center in Jamestown, Colorado.  They hiked and learned a lot about nature, and had yummy food and slept in cabins.  Sam had a great time and wants to go back!  Here he is on the morning they left.

Keelan bought himself a new guitar and has been teaching himself chords and notes.  He wants to play with our church's worship band. 

The kids were with me one day when I was watching Tessa.  Caylie decided that they would give a concert by playing wooden block "flutes".  Tessa was not so cooperative, haha.  

And here is a video of their efforts!  

Introduction in Chinese and English by Caylie.

Keelan was in Gateway High School's production of the musical "Ragtime".  He played trumpet in the orchestra, and spent many, many hours rehearsing.  We went to see it during the Saturday performance, and the kids were mesmerized.  

Caylie loves this shirt from her friend Stazia.  :)

Keelan's band also had a spring concert.  My phone was nearly dead, though, so I have no video this time.

The boys have been playing a lot of foosball this winter.  

Justin has been learning the trombone for about 4 months now, and practices every day.  Here is a video of him playing the trombone part of "Boot Scootin' Barn Dance."

I still hang out with Tessa on Mondays and Fridays. 

 We have fun.  :)

Eating yummy lunch.

And giving baby a drink.

Keelan is still making ice cream at Dairy Queen.  Here he is with his friend Jordan.

And he's also learning to play the ukulele in his spare time.

Daddy and Samuel enjoying some ice cream.

We had a new sidewalk and front steps put in, so this great big truck was in our driveway.  The kids were mesmerized again!

My big boys at church last Sunday.

We've had a lot of spring-like days since early February.  Samuel and Caylie like Dinosaur Park near our house.

Daddy and Samuel throwing a ball for Jack at the school yard near our house.

One Sunday afternoon we visited another park with Brittany, Brad and Tessa.

And Caylie overcame her fear of the trampoline!

 And the very next day after that, we got this!  Yep, it was 72* on Tuesday, and 24 inches of blowing snow on Wednesday.  And now we are on our second snow day in a row, the week before Spring Break.  Ack . . . 

Stay tuned for more exciting news!

Happy Birthday, Keelan!

Keelan turned 17 on March 6.  We are so proud of the young man he has become.  He is interested in so many things - we can't wait to see what God has in store for him.  His birthday was on a Sunday, so he's opening some presents before church.  (If you look closely at the previous posts, you'll notice that Taylor, Caylie, and now Keelan all have birthday presents wrapped with the last of the Christmas paper, haha.)

Little sisters like presents.  Even if they're not for them.

One of the things Keelan is interested in is 50s and 60s music, played on a record player.  (And I don't seem to have all my pictures from that day, ugh.  Brad and Brittany gave him more vinyl!)

He picked Rosie's Diner for his birthday lunch.

Tessa and Uncle Keelan.  (And again . . . I really thought I had pictures of ALL of us!)

And Elvis dropped in to wish Keelan a happy birthday.  ;)

And the best part . . . the ducky cheesecake.  Keelan wanted cheesecake, but we were at Brad and Brittany's house when we ate it, and didn't have our regular birthday candles.  So duckies and matches it was.  Ha!

Happy Birthday, Keelan Josiah!  We love you!