Snow Day!!!!!!

The ice and snow storm kept everyone home from school and work today, and we had a blast with the Ventrescas and Brittany!!! We're pretty sure it doesn't get this cold in Shantou and that Clare had never seen snow before we brought her home. She LOVED it!! The two videos are classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." The first video shows the three girls, Daniela, Clare & Brittany, hurtling toward the dumpster! Amazingly (thank you, Jesus), they slid right beside it instead of into it! The second video is of Jim and Clare sailing backwards then off the curb into a parking lot. Sandra opened the 4 lb. can of tuna at noon, and we gorged ourselves on tuna salad sandwiches. This evening, we dined on egg drop soup and pizza - one of Angelo's special combinations. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful and FUN neighbors!

Videos of Pinata Whacking

Triple Birthday Party

On January 10 we had a triple birthday party for Jim (January 8), Clare (January 6), and Sandra (January 13). The Ventrescas brought a pinata, and everyone braved the cold to watch the kids whack it with a baseball bat.

CatholicVote.org

CatholicVote.org

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Choose Life!!!

Hmmmm . . . they removed the video from youtube "due to terms of use violation." Check out all the other trash on youtube to see what others can get away with, but try to save human lives and get removed! What is this world coming to?!?! Jesus, help us!

As of now, you can still view the video by clicking on the "CatholicVote.org" link in the post above.

Working on the Alphabet

Clare's ESL teacher wants us to work with Clare on learning the alphabet, so we've been doing just that. We thought she would immediately learn the letters, but we have discovered that this is going to be a bit more difficult. When we get a bit frustrated we stop and think what it would be like for us to be thrown into the Chinese culture with no choice but to learn the language. How well would we do? Now we are working on just a few letters at a time. We have her write the letters over and over and say the letter out loud each time she writes it on the board. Her ESL teacher also wants her to keep a journal.

Bicycle Built For Two

We all pooled our Christmas and Birthday money and bought a "Half-Wheeler" to hook onto Brycie's bicycle so that Clare could ride along with us as we exercise. Looks fun - is fun!! And, it's quite a workout for Brycie. Clare loves it. She can pedal - or not pedal - and sail along with Mama.

Brycie Begins Final Semester of Law School

On January 12, 2009, Brycie began her last semester of law school. The road is long and arduous, but the end is in sight. She will graduate on May 16, 2009, and take the Oklahoma Bar Exam in July.

Clare's ESL Teacher

From the moment we arrived home with Clare, we have been anxious to begin her ESL (English as a Second Language) training. Our plan is to send Clare to Rosary Catholic School as soon as she is ready (hopefully next Fall). So, we contacted the Putnam City School System (the school district where we live) and scheduled an appointment. Brycie and Clare met with the director on January 5 and he arranged for a teacher. Mrs. Dorothy Smith is a retired ESL instructor and comes to our home at least once a week for several hours of training. We believe that Clare will be a quick learner and will be ready for Rosary next Fall. Thank you, Mrs. Smith.

Full Moon of January 10, 2009

Jim just can't seem to stop "mooning" people. Another beautiful winter moon over Oklahoma.

Clare's Big Brother Drew's Basketball Game

Last Thursday Clare and Mama went to see Drew play basketball. He is #14 in the white jersey. Drew scored a LOT of points, and his team won!! Way to go, Drew!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARE!!

Clare had a wonderful birthday yesterday - her first as a US Citizen and as a member of her forever family. She had a little party at school; she got to go to her favorite resaurant; our friends, the Ventresca family, came over with a gift and to share cupcakes! Whew! Happy Birthday to our little angel!!

Please Vote for Amy Eldridge - $35,000 to LWB!!

Please go to http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/sweeps/smart_cookie_finalists09/entry/long/ and vote for Amy Eldridge. If she gets the most votes, she will win $35,000 so that Love Without Boundaries can help more orphans in China - WOW!!!

Clare's Headbands

Tomorrow is Clare's birthday and Mama got her some headbands to wear so she could show off her pierced ears. This picture is Clare after Baba helped put on her headbands.

Guess Who Got Her Ears Pierced?!?

Clare has been asking if she could get her ears pierced, so, today we took her to the mall and got it done. She was a little trooper. She didn't even bat an eye or flinch.

Clare Meets Meme!!!

Just a pretty picture of Clare

Clare and Meme
Meme and Gary

Last night Meme and her boyfriend, Gary, came to meet Clare! Clare has been looking forward to this moment for a long time. She was so excited all day! The visit was short, so Clare didn't have time to really open up, but the stage has been set for next time!

Clare's First Christmas!!

It was interesting watching how Clare reacted to her first Christmas. From family gathering together to all the wonderful food to the opening of presents Clare was, very simply, in awe. Just look at her little face. We spent a lot of time telling Clare about Jesus and just why we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas 2008

We spent Christmas in Guymon, Oklahoma, at Brycie's dad's and step-mother's. All 6 grandkids were there, and everyone got to meet Clare!! We had a great time!! The meal was unbelievable - prime rib, lobster, grilled shrimp, grilled salmon, shrimp cocktail, and Cheesecake Factory cheesecake - YUM!! Thanks, Granterrie!!!

The whole group.

All the grandkids - Mia, Drake, Morgen, Drew, Marina & Clare

Having fun with big brother Drew and cousin Morgen

Cousin Morgen

Cousin Mia

New Year Wishes From Jim, Brycie, and Clare

The Loepp family wishes all our family and friends a safe, happy and blessed New Year!