The Wrights

Medieval Times

2011-10-24T12:33:00.001-05:00

Steve wanted to go to Medieval Times in Chicago for his birthday... We all had a blast. We surprised the kids, they thought we were only going shopping!

Finally!

2011-10-19T15:45:00.001-05:00

iPhone has an app for that! Yay! Blogger now has an app...maybe I can keep this up to date!

The kids are growing soooo fast!
Jesse is in 8th grade and Myah is in 2nd grade this year! Where has the time gone???

Birthday Present

2011-08-08T20:43:00.001-05:00

Jesse's 13th...

View PhotatoBug Slideshow

Myah's Cheerleading Camp

2011-02-15T14:53:00.002-06:00

Time

2011-02-15T13:49:00.005-06:00

Time is something we cannot pause or stop or rewind....and it seems like we never have enough time to get everything done!

I am so behind on keeping up with this blog it's pathetic!

I'll throw in a few pictures....

Jesse and Myah at Christmas time.

Myah's Christmas Program

Five Years Ago Today...

2010-09-16T06:15:00.004-05:00

This might be TMI (too much information) for some...

Five years ago today, I went in for a laparoscopy...the scope found cancer the size of golf balls on my ovaries. I had Stage 3 ovarian cancer...Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women, and it causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stages. It is usually quite advanced by the time diagnosis is made. The outcome is often poor.

*About 76% of women with ovarian cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis.
*About 45% live longer than 5 years after diagnosis.
*If diagnosis is made early in the disease and treatment is received before the cancer spreads outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is about 94%.

I don't want to say I didn't cry my eyes out, nor do I want to say I wasn't depressed because I did and I was. My surgery was quick...only about four hours long. I was in the hospital for 7 days. OH...and we had only been back from China for five months with our daughter. Less than a month after surgery, I started chemo. Due to chemo, my incision didn't heal right, so I had to go to the hospital and have it packed...everyday...including Christmas Eve! I lost all of my hair...even my eyelashes, but not my arm hair. Hair falling out is painful, we shaved it. The chemo was the long treatment...only 5 hours of sitting in a chair with and IV. I don't do needles, at least not without fainting, especially the time that my blood started spewing out the needle site, and then it started siphoning up the tube. The shot to increase white blood cells hurts, and continues to make your bones hurt, but not a moderate pain...an intense pain for 24 hours straight! The drugs the doctor put me on so I wouldn't become sick, knocked me off my feet for four days, but otherwise I couldn't sleep. But after a while, I had to really think about this situation I was in and what it was all about...

If it were not for my cancer, I would not have my beautiful daughter from China, I would not have improved my crocheting skills, I would not have grown closer to God, I would notave realized how well off my life really is, I would not have three belly buttons, I would not have met some of my friends, I would not be able to sympathize with bald men, I would not have ever had a hat party, I would never have had the experience of shaving my head, I would not have learned patience while waiting for my hair to grow back, I would not have known how much my husband truly loves me, I would not know how strong my son is, and I would not be able to share my story and be able to help others going through similar cancers.

Life is given to you...you make it what it is!

2010-07-29T19:23:00.002-05:00

Another great canoe trip with friends and family!

Summer Time

2010-07-01T11:28:00.010-05:00

Nice to have a break from school...but all the summer activities keep us busy!

Myah at camp.

She has been going to Douglas Hart Nature Center for "Creative Creatures" day camp. She has had so much fun!

Myah has been working on this tooth for some time now!

She was super excited today when it came out!

"Look Mommy! Look Mommy! It FINALLY came out! Now I can get some CASH!"

Catching Up

2010-06-21T10:23:00.006-05:00

I doubt I will ever catch up...SO, I will just move on and try to stay up from this moment on...

My baby turned 12! It is scary letting him go and letting him learn about life. I worry about him all the time. I don't think I'm ready for him to grow-up, even though he is ready! Although, he is nervous about going to Jr. High!

Jesse and his cake...no one ate any because we were soooo full from dinner!

I recently traded my grandma's rocking chair for her sewing machine...so I had to practice on making something. I ended up inventing and creating this dress for myah...without a pattern. She loves dresses and it gave me something to practice on! I thought that I needed to learn how to sew, since Steve and I would maybe like to homestead one of these days....maybe...

Myah showing off her dress:

Myah showing off the back side.

WOW!

2010-06-01T09:51:00.003-05:00

I can't believe the school year is over and the previous post was done at the end of January! I do need to up date this and vow to find time this summer to do it!
So, keep checking back...I should get to it sometime, but first I need to clean this house! ☻

Referral Day

2010-01-31T22:50:00.001-06:00

Today 5 years ago we received our referral to adopt Myah!

It was a glorious day!

♥ Christie ♪

Christmas Fun

2009-12-24T13:26:00.005-06:00

Christmas was at our house this year...the kids were excited and had a wonderful time seeing what Santa brought them!

Jesse's Christmas Program

2009-12-18T22:19:00.002-06:00

All the grades did a nice job! This is the last year for him to be in a Christmas program and Mrs. McClure is retiring also.....So we all cheered a little louder for this group!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-13T14:32:00.001-06:00

Jesse's First Band Concert

2009-12-06T21:13:00.003-06:00

They did an awesome job!

Jesse didn't look so excited, but they all did wonderful!

(Watch the video...just don't pay attention to how shaky it is! It's hard to take video when a squirmy 5 year old is on your lap!)

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T21:28:00.006-06:00

Our main dinner was at Steve's parents this year. We ate well!

I was able to snap a few pictures of the cousins playing (Brian, Jesse & Myah).

Afterwards, we headed to Springfield for some family time with my family and some much needed shopping. We were crazy and did the Black Friday shopping. We started at 4:30 am, but we did seem to get most of our Christmas shopping done this weekend!

Kindergarten Fall Sing

2009-11-29T20:27:00.002-06:00

Myah had her Kindergarten Fall Sing.
Her and the other 59 kindergarteners sang their hearts out!
It was so cute watching them!

Myah's Journal

2009-11-18T19:50:00.003-06:00

Myah's teacher gave us some ideas to work on with her, so to help her not become bored.

She has loved everything we have thrown at her! Piano lessons (She tries to practice every day without being told!), a handwriting workbook (ok, that one was my idea), and a journal. The journal has been where I have seen her biggest independent improvement. The first entry, I had to tell her about capitals and periods and help her with handwriting and spelling things. This most recent entry, she spelled everything on her own and I didn't have to help with any of her handwriting either! Her sentences are just awesome....again, I'm just so proud of her!

Myah Is Reading!

2009-11-18T15:39:00.002-06:00

I just had to brag about Myah reading...

She is so cute. It just amazes me that this little 5 year old can read Junie B. Jones - grade level of 2.7.

I just think she is so amazing! I am so proud of her!

When we brought her home, the doctor told us that she would need lots of stimulation since she had a flat head from being in the crib too much at the orphanage. I think we may have over stimulated her...LOL!

Fall Leaves

2009-11-08T21:05:00.004-06:00

Finally, we had a decent day to get outside and play in the leaves!

Halloween

2009-10-31T20:58:00.003-05:00

The kids had a great time...

Jesse handed out candy with the youth group at church for a while, then joined Myah Trick-or-Treating. Always ending up at Grandma's for a big bag of goodies!

We didn't go all out on costumes this year...but it's what they wanted, so we did these...kinda cute and simple all rolled into one!

More Updates...

2009-10-15T19:38:00.003-05:00

We also celebrated my mom's birthday on October 3rd, even though it was October 14Th...
I made my first homemade pie with meringue! We also went to the Arthur Pumpkin Patch and froze, but we had fun!

I'm Terrible

2009-10-15T19:11:00.007-05:00

I have been so terrible in posting lately!!!!!

It has been such a busy school year already! And we are keeping busy around here too!

August 22, 2009

We were given tickets to Holiday World, so we ventured over there....It was actually very cold that day, especially for the water park, but we went and did it all any way! Jesse even braved an actual big roller coaster!

September 21, 2009
They had picture day, but we haven't gotten the pictures back yet. I just hope they look as good as this one!

October 2, 2009
We had another testing for Tae Kwon Do. This time Jesse tested for his Black Belt and came out with flying colors...literally a flying side kick! He broke both of his boards on the first try! We are so proud of him! Myah is now a Blue belt, and I am Red Decided. We are both one step closer to our black belt.

First Day of School

2009-08-21T12:32:00.002-05:00

Most would be sad that their little ones went back to school today...but I'm glad they went! The only thing that does make me sad is that they are growing up way too fast! Jesse is in his last year of "middle" school with being in 6th grade. Myah started Kindergarten, and boy was she ever ready! They were excited for a new year to start and happy with the teachers they got!

The pictures say it all!

Washington DC

2009-08-05T09:35:00.003-05:00

We are just about finished with our vacation here at Washington DC...Jesse and Steve have enjoyed looking into history and Myah and I have enjoyed arguing with each other....but we are all having a wonderful time!

We have seen as much as we can...we didn't get our request in soon enough to go inside the White House, but Myah did like seeing Obama's house....

Go Fish Concert

2009-07-27T22:26:00.004-05:00

Our little town and church had the Go Fish Guys for a concert... 500+ people

Wonderful concert!

Guiping China Sisters

2009-07-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

A few of Myah's Guiping China Sisters got together and spent a fun day playing and hanging-out!

Myah, Anna, Carly M., Kailee, and Carly B.~she is not from Guiping, but a friend!

Anna, Carly M., Kailee, and Myah

Tae Kwon Do 2009

2009-07-16T21:41:00.004-05:00

Steve tested tonight for his black belt...he passed!

The rest of us moved up a rank too.... Myah is now purple headband (1/2 way through purple), Jesse is now red/black (recommended black belt), and I am now red belt....

Here are the best of the pictures....

Mark Twain Lake

2009-07-14T07:44:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful time on Mark Twain Lake (Perry, MO) with family and friends, although Steve had to work and couldn't come with us...
Jesse beat his fear of tubing, found a few rocks, and was the best helper a mom could ask for...
Myah LOVES boating and has no fear of anything! (Hopefully, this will adventually change or we'll be doomed when she's a teenager!)

"Vacation" in Springfield

2009-06-29T22:57:00.003-05:00

We had a whirl-wind "vacation" in Springfield while visiting my mom and sister we did the Lincoln sites.

On Saturday we went to Lincoln's Home, Old State Capitol, Lincoln's Law Office, Lincoln's Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery and also visited my [step] dad's gravestone. Then on Sunday we spent most of the day at New Salem, and then went boating in my sister's boat. While there we also celebrated Jesse's birthday, and went to my step-brother's surprise birthday party.

I took about 400 pictures, but I didn't share them all...

Camping Trip Vacation

2009-06-23T01:51:00.002-05:00

One of our small vacations this year was camping at Lithia Springs at Lake Shelbyville...
My mom joined us for part of the time. It was truly uneventful, except for the bike accidents...
Jesse fell on his bike, I got scared which made me brake too hard and flip over the handlebars of my bike. Jesse was unscathed, but me... I have more bruises on my body than I ever have had in my entire life! Only a few bloody scratches, though.
Naturally, I was the one behind the camera - so, there are no pictures of me...

We did have a fun time, though...

Neoga Days

2009-06-23T01:35:00.002-05:00

Kids enjoyed the rides....
They joined Jade and Dakota for extra fun! (Okay...Myah latched on to Jade...they have become good friends through Tae Kwon Do)

Father's Day

2009-06-23T00:19:00.001-05:00

Steve didn't really have much of a Father's Day. He spent the day gathering wood from the storm...we use the wood in our furnace, so anytime there is free wood - he is snatching it up!

Christie

Christie, Steve, Jesse~10, & Myah~5 Guangxi China

http://thewrights4.blogspot.com

http://thewrightsadoptionstory.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php

Jesse's 11th Birthday

2009-06-19T22:02:00.005-05:00

Jesse has had a wonderful birthday today....

I can't believe that 11 years ago on a Friday at 8:46 pm a little guy was born...6 lbs, 5 1/2 oz

Jesse wanted a peanut butter pie for his "cake" so I made him one...He was so full from dinner that he didn't even eat a piece...

Eleven candles for my baby!

Jesse loved the Baukugan presents that Myah got him...so much that it deserved a hug.

Jesse enjoyed his presents right away (new MP3 player).

genetic testing

2009-06-09T12:12:00.002-05:00

Just to let you know....prayers have been answered....

My breast cancer genetic marker test came back NEGATIVE!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!

Christie

Making our Patio

2009-06-03T11:52:00.003-05:00

Here are the entire day of photos...

Steve and his dad worked very hard all day to get the patio done....
I'll have to post pictures later when I'm allowed to put the furniture on it...
The kids and I just had to keep the toad from the concrete...4 times I had to catch that thing!

Our 13th Anniversary

2009-06-01T21:51:00.004-05:00

We have been working on this patio since last year's anniversary... it kept raining and so we never got it done...we pour the concrete tomorrow!

Steve dug the entire area out by hand, then filled it with 10+ ton of sand, then we graded it...tomorrow we pour it! yay!

CT scan and blood work results...chemo?

2009-05-29T21:40:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know about my latest test results....

drumroll please.....

I AM BACK IN THE NORMAL RANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO CANCER, at this time...in three months, I will have blood work done again to check on my levels.

We are not sure why it went down...could have been stress or the high blood pressure that I have been having...

BUT I am back in the normal range which below 35 is normal and I was 31.9!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers and in August, lets do it again ;-)

I just have to keep my BP and stress level down and maybe loose a few pounds!

Christie

Christie, Steve, Jesse~10, & Myah~5 Guangxi China

http://thewrights4.blogspot.com

http://thewrightsadoptionstory.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php

drs appt

2009-05-08T13:34:00.001-05:00

To those of you who prayed or thought of me....Thank You!

I did see another dr today...Dr. Dy

I have changed drs already if that tells you anything!

He did agree with the other dr that my cancer is coming back, though. He didn't agree that I need to start chemo so soon though. When my CA 125 hits 100 or it shows up on the CT scan, then I'll start chemo (right now it is 37.5). The CA 125 could be increasing for other reasons, but none that applied to me - fatty liver/liver damage, heart conditions, or oxygen use.

He also strongly suggested that I get the genetic testing done, that could help detect breast cancer possibility in me, my son, and my sis...which we'll do once we see how much out of pocket expense it will be....

He also explained that the PET scan I recently had done was unnecessary. Besides the fact that my insurance does not pay for them unless the drs office calls them... the PET scans can not pick up ovarian cancer due to the fact that the sugar dye does not adhere to the ovarian cancer cells. Also, the cancer is probably so tiny that even a CT scan will have trouble finding it mainly because it tends to hide and wrap around the bowel. So regarding the PET scan...looks like we got "screwed" there!!!!! (Steve was livid! Imagine Steve mad and you'll know this really upset him!)

So what now...live life monthly! I will have another CT scan and CA 125 blood work done on May 21st and then meet again with the new dr....

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!!!!

Christie

Christie, Steve, Jesse~10, & Myah~5 Guangxi China

http://thewrights4.blogspot.com

http://thewrightsadoptionstory.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php

Church Camping Trip

2009-04-26T19:22:00.001-05:00

As always...we had fun with our little group...
We did ride our bikes about 7 miles this weekend...saw the deer, the beach cemetery, and just plan had fun! Myah and Jesse played with friends and hung out! It was nice to relax with everything going on in our lives!

Myah's Haircut

2009-04-26T15:49:00.003-05:00

Myah finally let me persuade her into a new do! Her hair kept tangling up in the moring and she just hated me pulling through her hair...it's so much easier now and so darn cute! We should have done this ages ago!

~Christie

Cancer Update

2009-04-18T13:38:00.001-05:00

Apparently, the cancer is coming back...the scan did not show anything, but my CA 125 continues to rise...the dr said it only be time when it will show up on a scan... Just keep us in your prayers...for the sanity of my family and a smooth chemo treatment (which will more than likely start in June)...if it will go as smooth as 3 yrs ago, then this will be a breeze!

Keeping postitive,

Christie

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T00:37:00.001-05:00

We had Easter at our house with Aunt Mel and Grandma...it was fun, especially for the kids!

Up Dates on the Wrights

2009-04-06T08:02:00.002-05:00

We have been a busy little bunch!

Tae Kwon Do seems to dominate our lives right now... I guess, though, if it wasn't Tae Kwon Do it'd be something else! Steve and Jesse have made it to red belt, Myah is green with her headband, and I'm a brown belt that is taking it really slowly.

I've had some cancer issues that we can't seem to figure out. My CA 125 blood work has been creeping up in the number count. 35 being normal and I was 35.2 this last month. The dr has had some addtional test done with normal results that apparently aren't worry-some to him. April 14/17 I have blood work done again and I see the dr again. We'll see if he can find anything or be able to tell us anything.

April 4th marked Myah's 4th gotcha day....we didn't exactly celebrate since we do a family day celebration on April 14th - That is when the plane landed in IL and we officially became a family of 4! But it is neat to honor the day and pull up her pictures to see how tiny she really was and how our life began with her! Check our adoption blog by clicking here...it is the journal I wrote 4 years ago while in China. It is still missing some pictures, but one of these days I'll have enough time to add the 600+ pictures to it!

So stay tuned to our little lives and e-mail me if you need me!
Christie

test results...

2009-04-01T19:00:00.002-05:00

I finally called the drs office to find out the results...
one of the nurses said that the results look good....
I'm still confused about why my numbers keep going up from the blood work....I'll ask the dr on th 17th...
Meanwhile, I need to work on that weight loss and getting back to a healthy weight!

Tae Kwon Do Testing ~ Feb. 26, 2009

2009-02-28T22:15:00.003-06:00

Here are almost all of the pictures I took...some didn't turn out ~ blury, and some didn't want to upload. Steve said I got a picture of his mistake. And I say, boy don't I look horrible in white...and OMG do I ever need to take better care of myself! Myah however you look at her is adorable! Love the picture of her looking up to Mr. G! And the picture of her sparring and....I just love her pictures. (You can click on any of the pictures to take you to the slideshow to view bigger pictures.) Jesse didn't test this time. He had a little trouble breaking his board with his jump side kick, so maybe next time! (He wasn't the only one, in fact none of the red belt kids tested!) Sabrina and Charis made it to Black belt! Yay!!!!!

Myah's 5th Birthday Weekend

2009-02-16T14:37:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Springfield with the family. Uncle John and Jonathan also received presents for their belated b-day from us....so it was a celebration weekend! We ended the weekend with a trip to Build-A-Bear and a ride on the Ferris Wheel at the mall.

2009-02-07T21:49:00.001-06:00

I was so proud of my creation...I just had to show it off!
Diaper cake for a baby shower...Congrats to Jen and Ryan!

Chinese New Year Party 2009

2009-02-07T21:47:00.003-06:00

We had another party this year on Feb 1, 2009.....the kids had fun!

Snow Fun!

2009-01-28T16:21:00.004-06:00

We had a little fun out in the snow on our day off from school...

we played, we went down the slope/hill on the sled and then we went for a walk on Lake Mattoon!

NOT MOVING

2009-01-03T14:30:00.002-06:00

Steve finally decided to not take that job in Greenup!
We are not moving!
I'm relieve in one way and yet I will continue to worry about his present job in another....will it survive this economic turmoil?
Stay tuned!

NEW BLOG - OLD BLOG

2008-12-30T23:31:00.002-06:00

I made a new blog for our adoption from China story...Please check it out and let me know if there are any typing errors! I have not gotten all of the pictures uploaded, yet, but I will soon!

http://thewrightsadoptionstory.blogspot.com/

Christmas Photos

2008-12-29T11:10:00.001-06:00

5-acre House GONE!

2008-12-11T10:21:00.002-06:00

Man...I must have been in dreamland too long...the house was trade with the owner's niece.
NOT FAIR!
I so liked that idea of a house!
SO, we will have to keep searching...AS long as Jesse starts school in the fall there, I will be happy!
Keep praying for us...that He knows his plan for us! (cause I'm getting a little impatient!)

Seasonal Pictures

2008-12-09T20:52:00.003-06:00

Just to add some cheery smiles...here are some cute ones of my cute two!

(Sad to think that this could be our last Christmas at this house and at this school!)

House? Job?

2008-12-06T23:40:00.005-06:00

Still keeping this from the kids...so, shhhhhh! Oh...we haven't told the in-laws either...so shhhh! We don't want anyone to worry or really talk Steve out of the most secure job he will ever find...
I finally got him to look at houses....we haven't "viewed" them with a realtor yet, but...
This is the house we are looking at...okay, I want this one....if he gets the other town job ~ He'll know by Dec. 31 and then the board votes on Jan. 5th. It has 5 acres with a pond! I just pray that it doesn't get sold out from under us....now we just got to get this one ready to sell and on the market, hopefully by early spring. (A good sellers season, especially for our lake home!)
Please, keep praying for our family! We need prayers for the right choices, the right words to tell the family, the right house, that the good Lord will show us what we all need to do.

Isn't it cute?! And later if Steve wants to build again, there is a ton of room to do that too! It has 5 acres, a pond, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms...and I am getting way ahead of myself....but I like to have a plan...I don't want to be left scrambling at the last minute for a place to live because there really isn't much over there!

Keeping Up

2008-11-23T19:43:00.002-06:00

Some days...it is really hard to keep up!
It has been sooo crazy around here...I don't seem to have time to add pictures or anything...so if you want to see the kids, come and visit! ;-)

Okay...here's the up dates...

My oncology appt. went well with a non-English speaking doctor...yeah and if you believe that...I am in the normal range with the blood test, but I went up AGAIN! UGH! Next appt. is in March and this time there will be a scan and blood work.

Steve's interview with Ameren didn't go so well...or at least that is how he felt it went...we'll just have to wait and see. That other town maybe in our future....

Oh...to top off the week...I went in for an oil change at the dealership...and as I was pulling in, the spring on the garage's door broke and, well, fell on my car hood! Steve and I found 2 dings and some paint missing, so now we have to wait for them to get it fixed! UGH!!!!!! I didn't even get a free oil change...you'd a think they'd give me a complementary oil change for all of that!

One up side to the week...Carie taught me how to knit...
I'm still learning, but not too bad so far...THANKS CARIE!

More Frustrations!

2008-11-14T20:52:00.003-06:00

STRIKE!?!?
My work is looking into striking....arguing about money and insurance....
Keep us in your prayers, especially with Christmas coming up! That would mean no money there for Santa to bring presents! (Cause we'd be too busy trying to pay bills instead!)

On a good note....Steve has an interview with Ameren on Friday....prayers! Maybe he'd make enough there that I wouldn't have to worry about a strike! Wouldn't we be blessed then!

More prayers needed....I have my oncology appointment on Thursday....pray for good results!

Frustration!

2008-11-11T07:55:00.002-06:00

That would be our Steve!

He's going back and forth between which would be better....Ameren or the other job....

He tested with Ameren and passed....now we wait for them to call him for an interview....

He has had many meetings in the other town with different board members, but no official interview...

So, we wait and wait and stress out! Pass me the chocolate, please!

Ramblings

2008-10-29T21:39:00.003-05:00

It looks like the blog is getting a ton of hits...probably due to our delimas going through our house....
By the way the kids DO NOT know about the stresses of our work/moving situation....

Steve had a good birthday last Friday...or at least I hope so!
Mine was Monday....I worked ALL day and night!
We did spend the weekend in Springfield...it was a whirl wind...in and out...then back home to laundry!

Well, Steve's work situation is getting worse...the plant is closed right now due to a slow period as are other plants in the area. Thank goodness Steve is a supervisor, he is working right now while others are off.

Steve does have a test for Ameran on Tuesday...hopefully he'll do well on it and get an interview...

Then of course there is the other town job...

We just wait and wait and stress-out!
Thanks for your prayers and keep praying for us....we all need it in this rough economic time!

WOW!

2008-10-24T13:53:00.002-05:00

There really weren't any houses over there....
Only two with possible potential....one of those I lean toward than the other, but man....
only 2 beds and 1 bath (on both of them)....it just had a bigger yard than any others, but we are extremely spoiled here!!!!!!!!!!

The move probably won't happen (although, he could surprise me, doubtful!), but maybe it will get a fire under Steve to work on this one more!

job possiblities

2008-10-23T22:55:00.003-05:00

I wish I could say more....but Steve has a job possiblity that could mean a move (only 20 minutes away from here and even in the same county, but a different school for the kids)...he has to move to be within the city limits for this particular job...he wants the job, but he doesn't know if he can move from this home....be praying that he makes a decision...They talked about November being the date to interview...be praying that if it is what God has planned that we find a house that we "fit" into...be praying that all of us adapt well, especially Jesse...and be praying I don't strangle Steve through this all!
Christie

Jesse's School Olympics

2008-10-21T20:53:00.002-05:00

Jesse's school had Olympics last Friday. The newspaper took some really good pictures, but I can't "steal" them....so check them out soon before they're gone....http://www.jg-tc.com/ , then scroll down to the middle and click on the NMS olympic slide show...
Thanks Carol for giving me the heads up that they were on there!

Proposed call for Illinois Constitutional Convention

2008-10-08T20:14:00.001-05:00

Vote NO, NO, NO !!!

On November 4th, we'll be voting for a new president -- but residents of Illinois will also be asked to vote yes or no to a proposed call to revise/rewrite the Illinois Constitution. You have probably already received a blue pamphlet informing you of this.

While this pamphlet is informative, it neglects to mention that there is an effort afoot to deny teachers and other state employees their hard-earned pensions.

We cannot allow anti-education lobbyists, who support spending $78 Million on a constitutional convention, the chance to get language inserted into our state constitution that will effectively take away what minimal security Illinois teachers (both new and veteran) currently have. If ever you believed in 'trickle down' theory, imagine how the dominoes would fall, and who would be hurt the most, if this were to happen.

If you feel as I do, please forward this to as many Illinois voters as you can. Tell them not to be misguided by the blue pamphlet they've received from the Sec'y of State.
Ask them to vote NO on November 4th.

If you'd like more information, go to http://www.ieanea.org/. Under the dark blue 'legislative' tab, click on 'con con'.

Thanks for listening/reading...VOTE!

ok...I'm caught up now...

2008-09-16T09:42:00.001-05:00

I think that I am caught up on events that have been happening in the Wright household...
we might be going to a Tae Kwon Do tournament this weekend... then I'll have to do more photos... stay tuned!

Chicago!

2008-09-16T09:31:00.003-05:00

Sharon (co-worker) and I had to go to Chicago for a conference on hearing aids and cochlear implants on Saturday the 13th (even though the pictures say the 12th). Steve took us, thank God! He decided to take the kids to the museum and aquarium... So, we all piled in my little Yaris at 4:45 a.m. and traveled up there. While we sat inside learning some interesting things, the "kids" ran around and did some sight seeing in the pouring down rain! Enjoy the pics...apparently they have added some mummy things!....Steve took the pictures....little on the fuzzy side....

Lincoln Log Cabins

2008-09-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

My mom, sister and step-niece came for a visit and we went to the Lincoln Log Cabins before they close October 1st....
Can't believe they are closing! Stupid governor! (that's a personal opinoin...sorry...)
We had a wonderful afternoon walking around looking at things....beautiful weather....we also stopped at the cemetary where Lincoln's parents are burried.
Then we went to Richard's Farm resturant in Casey where Kasey took some neat chicken pictures.

Back to School '08

2008-09-16T08:48:00.002-05:00

Pictures are late.... I know!

Jesse is now in 5th grade! Myah is on her second year of Pre-K and loving it! Jesse not so much, but he did get the teacher he wanted this year! I just didn't know that there would be soooo much homework and tests...He has 4 this week! We are super busy with Tae Kwon Do and school and me teaching Monday nights...makes us all a little stressed!

Guiping Sister's Reunion

2008-09-01T18:12:00.003-05:00

Maya R., Kailee, Anna, Julia P., Claire, Carly, Emma, Myah W., Ella, Julia B.

All 10 families were able to get together this Labor Day weekend and it was a fabulous time!

There were many activities and smiling faces! All the girls looked so cute interacting with each other! Myah wanted to be best friends with anyone who would let her! She chased many of them around trying to hold their hand to get them to play with her! I'd have to say, in my opinon, Myah is the most out-going one of the bunch! And the most energetic! She sure didn't get that from us...that must be a birth parent trait or just a 2nd child trait, maybe?

Relay for Life

2008-08-15T09:27:00.002-05:00

Relay for Life for Cumberland County had a fundraiser...Old Time Photos!
The kids had a blast dressing up and "playing" while taking pictures! I did get the copyright release, so you'll see these on your Christmas card, I'm sure!

Melissa's 40th

2008-08-12T21:07:00.002-05:00

Mel's 40th was July 26th...I've been busy and never did get pictures up....
Sorry they are sooo late Mel.....SO just view them on the Walmart site if you want to see them!
http://photos.walmart.com/home/t_=11901631
e-mail me if that doesn't work!

School Starts Tomorrow!

2008-08-10T19:43:00.002-05:00

I am soooo not ready for my school year to start!

Neoga doesn't start til the 25th, so Jesse and Myah will be going to Grandmas for 2 weeks!

Other schools don't start 'til around the 15th, so I guess I'll be tinkering around the office doing something....not sure what, though....I have to wait to make my schedules when the teacher's have theirs, but that isn't going to happen until the schools get in full swing....ugh...

Summer isn't even over and I gotta go back....

Storm/Saddie

2008-08-02T21:08:00.002-05:00

We have offically decided, again - okay maybe more than one time...to change the kitten's name...this time it's now Saddie.

So Saddie it is....

Storm is here!

2008-07-31T22:06:00.003-05:00

We got suckered into another cat...kitten, actually.
Oh but she is soooo cute....The pictures are of her and I playing while working.
We've contemplated names, but Storm seems to be the pick....
Bear loves her, Baxter wants to eat her, and Tinkerbell doesn't want any part of her!
Jesse and Myah are in love, again!

Canoe Trip Pictures

2008-07-28T22:36:00.001-05:00

Laney shared her pictures...Thanks!!!!!!

Digital Vacation Photos

2008-07-22T20:15:00.003-05:00

I did get some pictures on my digital....not of Six Flags or of the actual canoe trip...they will come later....

Vacation

2008-07-22T14:48:00.003-05:00

We went canoeing with 3 other families down in Missouri. We had a blast! Canoeing zoomed by though and we were done in no time! But the kids played, we had great food and company too! Can't wait to do it next year!
Then us four headed to Six Flags....after we stuffed the little Yaris up to the brim...literally!
Six flags isn't much of a family place any more....Jesse wouldn't go on much cause he was too scared....so they had smaller rides or bigger rides, but not much in between.... We spent a wad for nothing....good things tickets were free! Parking and stroller and food....WOW!!!!! We decided to do the cabins at the KOA...$10 more, but there was a storm last night...good thing! We "lost" our green tubes....the wind blew everything thing down...only at our site....the tubes...well we saw them on someone else's porch! Not sure if they were there's or if they took them or if they blew over there.....wasn't wanting a fight so we left them....$4 gone! I know we're chicken, but if they took them they must have really needed them....I put it on my comment card....we had fun being a family on vacation though....we don't do that often enough!
(My battery was dead on the digital...so I show pictures later when I have them developed)

Tae Kwon Do Testing

2008-07-02T12:05:00.000-05:00

Jesse is now a BROWN belt (2 more and he is a BLACK belt!)
Steve is now a BLUE belt
Christie is now a CAMO belt (I can spar now!)
Myah is now YELLOW with a head band (1/2 way to CAMO)

Jesse's Birthday Party

2008-07-02T11:09:00.003-05:00

Jesse had his 10th birthday in Springfield at Chuck E Cheese with his step-cousin Kasey (her 1/2 birthday). He actually ended up coming home from camp early due to possible sun poisoning and/or the flu. (He will hopefully get every one's cards sent to him here at home.) For his actual birthday, he was on the couch sick! But he did get feeling better by Saturday which was when we had his party. Oh, and he gave it to me which I then gave to Steve....

Please help with Jesse's Birthday Card Shower

2008-06-02T12:50:00.002-05:00

This is the first time ever that Jesse won't be home for his birthday!
He chose to go to church camp during his birthday! How awesome is that! I was wondering if we could shower him like crazy with birthday cards....I think he would get the biggest kick out of that! And you only turn 10 once!

He will be at camp June 15th - the 20th (His birthday is on the 19th). If you are able to send a card or a little note, please send it a little early so that it arrives on time!

THANKS for helping a mom make her son's b-day special! Okay... this mom might be more sentimental than he will be! I mean...my baby...turning 10!!!!!

His camp address:
Jesse Wright
Self Defense Camp
Jensen Woods Camp
RR #1, Box 150
Timewell, IL 62375

Up Dates

2008-06-01T21:03:00.004-05:00

Okay a few up dates and info!!!!

Summer is as busy as the school year! This weekend was a busy one too!

Friday...Tae Kwon Do clinic....Beware, I can flip and fing mean nunchucks! Watch your toes too cause I drop them a lot!

Saturday we saw Indian Jones' new movie....Not the best plot of the four! Jesse loved it!
Then we spent the night grocery shopping....what a night!

Sunday our anniversary!
We enjoyed our 12th...doing nothing together or alone...kids, gotta love'm! After church, we did do an adoption group thing...I'll add pics later...
We went out for pizza...they came to our table telling us that we've been waiting too long on our order due to one of their ovens breaking down and gave us our entire meal free, PLUS added bread stix and cinnamon stix! Happy Anniversary!

Weight Watchers was put on hold....and I paid for it...7 lbs! I'll get back on track soon! I tried to day, but FREE pizza...couldn't beat that deal! I didn't really eat too much...And we went for a LONG walk! Keep me in your prayers, though, for strength!

More on Memorial Day Weekend Pics

2008-05-27T22:53:00.002-05:00

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-27T21:45:00.003-05:00

We had fun camping! I only took a few pictures due to the wonderful rain!

Steve DIDN'T Accept A New Job!

2008-05-17T08:43:00.001-05:00

Can you believe he decided to turn it down?
He had a list of reasons why not to take it....
The main one was that they didn't commit to which shift he'd be on...in other words, he could have been stuck on 2nd shift and we'd never ever see him!
So, whether it was a good choice or not...I just don't know....we'll find out, I guess.....

Steve Accepted A New Job!

2008-05-02T09:35:00.003-05:00

He accepted a new job at R. R. Donnelly's Printing in Mattoon and he'll be starting May 19th!

He'll still be on 3rd shift, but he moves to salary pay and he'll be in an air conditioned office programing PLCs....No more uniform! Only a dollar pay-cut for now, but he has a higher max-out!

He sounds excited...
I think...
He's nervous about starting something new and not having the seniority!

Family

2008-05-01T22:41:00.004-05:00

Uncle Jim from Oregon has been visiting my mom in Springfield. So, a couple a weeks ago the family got together....

Pictured: Mom, Uncle Skipper, and Uncle Jim

Sing Baby Girl Sing!

2008-05-01T14:41:00.003-05:00

This was sent to me via e-mail, but I just had to share it with everyone!

It is soooooo adorable!

Enjoy!

TKD Testing 4/24/08

2008-05-01T05:15:00.001-05:00

Tae Kwon Do Tournament

2008-04-30T19:59:00.001-05:00

BUSY BEES!

2008-04-27T22:29:00.004-05:00

It has been a crazy April and May to come will be even crazier!

To start it is the end of the school year! For a special ed. techer that means a meeting for every student that I have...most after school....One lasted 3 hours! another last from 11am to 3pm! And then there is the checking into schools for students for next year! I went to an orientation with a student's class....that lasted forever! Or at least it felt like it! ugh! And then there is the final days at the college...trying to finish those last few days up and write a final!

Then we've been busy with my Uncle Jim visiting from Oregon....We went to Springfield to visit him and then they came here today to see the "updates" of our house...last time he was here was 10+ years ago....lots of additions and updates since then!!!!

We've also been busy with Tae Kwon Do! We all tested recently and passed....Myah and I are now yellow belts, Steve is now purple, and Jesse is now a blue belt! We also went to our first tournament....BOY that was horrible!!!!! At least for Steve and I....we were so nervous! I forgot half my form and added some new moves to it too! But at least I finished 7th out of 8th and not 8th! Steve did well, but didn't really place. He did get a kick to the head of his apponent! His first! But the other guys were better! Jesse placed 4th...not too bad...Myah took home a first! (All Tiny Tigers do, though) They both got trophies...Myah's is almost bigger than her!

I'll post pictures some time soon, so check back soon....or at least by next week!
~Christie

Adoption Group Easter

2008-04-09T20:53:00.005-05:00

Our adoption group (FFAC) had an Easter egg hunt and party this last weekend! It was a blast for all the kids.....Lily, Ryan, Rachel, Myah, and Jesse (the white boy....we teased!)

Gotcha Day!

2008-04-04T20:59:00.006-05:00

Today is Gotcha Day! Three years ago today, we met our baby girl to become one of us! It has been a blessing, even through those grumpy times!

Chinese Name: Jin Yan Jiang

Given Name: Myah Alexis Jiang Wright

Born: 2/13/04 in Guiping, Guangxi China

Referral Date: 1/31/05

Travel Dates: 3/31/05 to 4/14/05

Gotcha Day: 4/4/05

Adopted: 4/5/05

Forever Family Started: 4/14/05

Proud Brother: Jesse!

You Know you....

2008-03-30T22:00:00.001-05:00

need to clean the bath tub when your son states that Myah's DNA is rubbing off and covering the tub.... whoops!
Of course I explained things to Jesse....

EASTER WEEKEND

2008-03-25T21:00:00.011-05:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

We had a fun weekend! My mom, sister, and niece came for a short visit. We played games, colored eggs, played on the Wii, had an indoor clue/scavenger hunt watched movies, went to church, out to lunch, had an Easter egg hunt, and an outdoor scavenger hunt! You could say we were busy! But it was a blast! (Naturally~AGAIN!~ I didn't get pictures of the kids and everyone in their Easter Sunday Best!)

Tae Kwon Do Testing (February)

2008-03-20T05:39:00.003-05:00

As you can see we had testing again...This one was different, though! Steve and I tested too! I earned my orange belt, Steve earned his green, Jesse moved up to purple, and Myah earned her 1/2 orange headband! It is fun, but a huge commitment for us as a family!

Myah's 4th Birthday

2008-02-13T19:53:00.001-06:00

Myah turned 4 today!
I can't believe that she is another year older and such a big girl!

We celebrated last night..... Jesse & Myah

Myah's homemade cake...all smiles!
I'm 4!
Blow it out!
I did it!

Been Tagged???

2008-02-12T20:20:00.002-06:00

My friend Amy http://themaninfiors.blogspot.com/ tagged me and I am to list 7 things you may not know about me.
The rules: are to link the person who sent this to you and leave a comment on their blog so their readers can visit yours. Post the rules on your blog. Share 7 strange/weird facts about yourself. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
1. I am addicted to e-mail, the internet and my computer.
2. My nose can wiggle like a bunny.
3. I have worked at the same place for 13 consecutive years.
4. I really do LOVE my job, except on rainy days!
5. I have to sleep with a teddy bear....even when Steve is at home!
6. I'm not fond of meat, unless it is hamburger....I do like fish and poultry though.
7. Believe it or not...I got my fairytale life that I dreamed of as a little girl! (Minus the white picket fence.)

Now I am tagging the following blogs: (I only know 6 that Amy didn't Tag already....I'm a looser!)
http://www.meetingmaxwell.blogspot.com/
http://www.schmidtfamily5.blogspot.com/
http://redboysfamily.blogspot.com/
http://www.appleknocker2.blogspot.com/
http://lookingforourluckyladybug.blogspot.com/
http://paprockifamily.blogspot.com/

Jesse's Glasses

2008-02-05T08:57:00.000-06:00

Isn't he sweet!

More Chinese New Year Photos!

2008-02-05T08:51:00.000-06:00

Follow the link below to see them at Shutterfly.com
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AZOG7Jo4asWEJ

Chinese New Year Party

2008-02-03T20:16:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year party with our Asian adoption group (Forever Families with Asian Children - FFAC). Tammy read books to the kids, I lead them in a song and crafts, and then we had a parade with our dragon masks and rat crowns. We played in the Christ Church's preschool area and had some fabulous Korean and Chinese food that we all shared. It was a blast and the kids had a ball! It is so nice to see all the kids get together and play! Thanks Amy, Tammy, and Anita for the wonderful treat bags and gifts, too!