Hana Alexandra's Journey

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T04:45:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all our family and friends! Wow what a year it has been. Looking back we went through a wide range of events and emotions.
The beginning of the year we decided to build a house and move to Georgia. This was an emotional task for all of us. But, we know it was a great decision for the 3 of us. We have settled in nicely and truly love it here!
In the Spring we lost my father in law to cancer. "Bud" was a funny, happy go lucky sort of man. He loved music and his Kansas City Royals. We miss you Bud and love you so much.
End of summer we moved. Hana then started her new school!
Fall brought us cooler weather, we started making new friends, the family gathered for Hana's 6th birthday in Georgia and the leaves began changing color. We also spent time with our 3 big kids in Virginia around Thanksgiving.
Winter took us into another range of emotion. We lost Larry's mom. My mother in law was the most amazing, gracious, loving women around. Memories of her are precious and happy. She always had a smile on her face. Opal (Grandma Opal), you are missed. But we know you are in a happy place. We love you.
Then we ended our year with NO one being sick. The past 2 years one of us had been sick at each holiday. We are so thankful for the feeling good times in our house.
We want to wish each of you a Happy 2012! Hard to write that number. It seems time is passing by so quickly.
From Our House to Yours! May you Live, Laugh and Love More in the New Year Ahead! (OH, don't forget to check out older post. There are lots of Christmas pictures to see!)

Look what Papa, Mama and Hana woke up to Christmas morning

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Thanks for my cookie Santa! Hope you liked yours.

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Yes, the reindeer ate some carrots!

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Church on Christmas morning

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To me there is nothing more awesome than going to church on CHRISTMAS Day! I love when Christmas falls on a Sunday. It helps put the past year behind us and look forward to a wonderful God Gladliness year ahead! Remember Jesus is the Reason For the Season.

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Ready for church

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Christmas Day Evening

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We have been fortunate to have made so many new friends. So Christmas Day evening we invited 15 adults and 2 children over for dinner. We had no idea so many would be available to join us. We had a GREAT time! All brought a dish to share and Larry cooked an awesome ham. Lots of laughs, plenty of food and never enough wine was had by all. It was great getting to know our new neighbors!
This made a nice ending to a wonderful Christmas Holiday!

Christmas Eve 2011

2012-01-09T03:12:00.001-08:00

Another wonderful family gathering at Mimi and Pops for Christmas. Larry, Hana and I went to my parents on the 22nd. Christmas Eve day we had a brunch which was wonderful (Thanks to Aunt Christine). There was plenty of yummy food as usual at our gathering. After eating, the little kids looked for the green pickle in the Christmas tree. They know who ever finds it gets a prize. This is how sweet my mom is, because Carter and Hana are the youngest they only look for the pickle. Mom bought 2 pickles so they could both win! Love you Mimi! Carter and Hana were so excited to both win. After that excitement we then opened gifts. Mom always does a stocking for each of us. Much thought goes into this special sock. We all look forward to it. This year we were all there except my nephew Dustin's wife Kelly who had to work Christmas Eve. We also had my sister in law April's brother and his 2 children there from Indiana. All 16 of us received a stocking! After a fun filled time at mom and dad's we headed back to Georgia so Santa could come. Hana was beyond excited on the trip home. It probably seemed like a long ride to her. Remember she doesn't sleep in the car. After we arrived home she was quick to get ready for bed after putting cookies and milk out for Santa. OH yes and reindeer food out too. Twas' the Night Before Christmas was read and then lights out.

Christmas Eve Brunch at Mimi and Pops

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Uncle Joe, Uncle Tim, Mimi, Pops and Mama

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Uncle Joe, Mama, and Uncle Tim

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Mimi and Hana making cookies!

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This picture is so cute. Larry was getting Hana ready for bed one night during our Christmas visit at Mimi and Pops house. They were looking for the blow drying and came across this wig. Hana had never seen anything like this before. Brave Hana put this on and came out to where we were in the living room. It was sooo cute and she was so shy about it. We all got a big laugh, even Hana.

Blonde or Brunette?

2012-01-09T02:51:00.000-08:00

Cocoa and Cookies with Santa at Kinderlou Forest

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A star is born

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Hana and Papa's tradition of placing star on Christmas tree

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Only 5 more days until Christmas! There is one excited little girl in our house. The family fun is about to begin! We are leaving Thursday for Mimi and Pops house in Florida. We will celebrate our Christmas a little different this year by having all the family together for a Christmas Brunch on Saturday, Christmas Eve. I am so thankful for family flexibility. A big thank you to my brothers and their wives. This allows Larry, Hana and I to travel back to Georgia Christmas Eve so SANTA can come!! OH BOY
Christmas Day we will see what magic fills the air! Gift opening, Christmas church service and then 15 of our new friends coming over that evening to share in the Christmas spirit for dinner. Looking forward to a fun filled day!

Once again we are blessed to have Hana in our life. She is growing fast and learning so much each new day. We are so proud of her.

We miss our big kids Melanie, Stephanie and Chris along with their families during this time of year. It was great to share time with them during the Thanksgiving holiday. We love you all!

May Your Holiday Season Be Merry and Bright! Remember Jesus is The Reason For This Beautiful Season!

Merry Christmas! Thank You Jesus for the many wonderful blessings you've given our family.

Hana and Grandma Opal 2011

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Hana, Grandma Opal and Grandpa Bud 2010

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An Angel We Will Miss

2011-12-17T17:57:00.000-08:00

On December 5, 2011 someone very precious to me passed away. My mother in law, Opal Mae Shriner-Milligan. Opal was 92 years old born June 18, 1919 in Deepwater, Missouri. She had two sons Darrel and Larry Shriner. She out lived 2 husbands, Roy Shriner who died in 1987 and Bud Milligan who died April 2011. This women touched my heart in so many ways. From the first time she wrapped her arms around me in 1988 to the day she died, I was greeted with loving and caring arms. When you were around her you couldn't help but smile and be positive. She saw the light in everything she did and said. We were a lot alike and we both knew it. She and I could spend hours together just doing nothing. We loved to shop and had fun doing it. We trout fished together and both love to sing. I am saddened by her passing but what fills my heart with joy is knowing she is in heaven. Opal was a member of the church since 1940. She was the 2nd oldest living member the day before she died. So my memories are priceless, cherished and never forgotten. I can say I have truly been blessed to have a wonderful mother in law and husband. Thank You Opal for the wonderful gift you gave many years ago, your son Larry Shriner. May you walk the streets of gold and smile. I Will Always Love You and Miss You.
Save three places up there for Larry, Hana, and myself.

Dear Hana, I want you to know that your Grandma Opal loved you to pieces. She was always amazed at how smart you are. But she loved your big hugs and smiles. So even though you only knew her from May 2009-December 2011, she thought you hung the moon. She gave you a few stuffed bears-keep them forever. I have a special gift for you from her that you can wear when you are older. She gave me a pair of diamond earrings and necklace that your Papa's daddy (grandpa Roy-you and I never met him) gave her many years ago. She wanted you to have them so you can remember she loved you.

Opal Mae Shriner-Milligan 92 years YOUNG

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What a whirl wind of a weekend. Our house is decorated inside and out for Christmas. Feels good to have that done. Thanksgiving weekend I decorated my parents house in FL. I have been doing this for quite a few years for them. They love it and I love it MORE! But, it takes me a week to get into decorating ours. Well, time is usually the issue. So this weekend we did it all and it looks good. We are ready for Santa (well maybe a little shopping left to do). Hana is very excited! She will first tell you it is Jesus' birthday then Santa comes. It really is cute!
We took Hana to see the Nutcracker. She loved it! We were so proud of her sitting through the entire show because if you've seen it you know it is long. This weekend also including our churches Christmas musical. Wow was it fantastic! We absolutely love our church. Hana has an awesome Sunday School teacher Brooke Barr. We love Miss Brooke and are thankful for her desire to teach.
We also got a surprise visit from Hana's past two babysitters that live in Florida. Danielle (16) and her sister Lindsey (14) came by with their parents this afternoon. The girls play on a travel soccer league and had tournaments in Atlanta. So wonderful to see them! Hana was most excited!
OH yes, Jack (Elf on the Shelf) was in the same spot for 2 nights. OH my did I come up with a little white lie for Hana. If you are not familiar with Elf on the Shelf, Google it. Very cute story for kids! We survived that drama and note to self MOVE JACK EVERY NIGHT! Love having a little one in the house. Please let her stay this little for a long time. I know she will grow to fast. I am trying to enjoy every moment of this precious child. Love you Hana! Love the joy you bring my heart.

2011-11-30T05:56:00.001-08:00

I've added more pictures. Enjoy and don't forget to look at older post pictures of our Thanksgiving week!

Valdosta's Fall Season--Love it! Beautiful trees all around town

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Mama always at school helping. :)

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Kindergarten Thanksgiving-Hana is an Indian (1st row, second from left)

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Happy Holiday Season!

2011-11-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Holidays are Here!! Thanksgiving fast approached and now gone. Christmas is fast approaching with much excitement in the air.
All are well in the Shriner home. We are now getting ready for Christmas decorating. It has turned very cold here in Valdosta. We may get a freeze and it is only the end of November. Brrrrrrr! I truly love it. I also love the change of seasons we get here. But on a more exciting note, Jack is back!!! Yes, Jack the Elf (Elf on the Shelf). He flew in two nights ago with a note from Santa saying he received Hana's letter she wrote saying she had moved to Georgia. Let me tell you we have one excited little girl. Now the morning motivation is to see if Jack came in the middle of the night. If you don't know about Elf on the Shelf, Google it! Cute story!
We have an exciting month ahead with church Christmas program, taking Hana to see the Nutcracker, family visits, shopping and of course the daily routine of school. May you find as much excitement in your home as we have in ours right now. We continue to Thank God for this awesome gift he sent us. Her name is Hana!

Chris, Larry, Hana and Melanie

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Larry, his son Chris, and grandson Silas

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Baby Silas

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Rowan (Hana's nephew) and Hana

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Thanksgiving Day!

2011-11-29T18:13:00.000-08:00

We had 29 family and friends at Aunt Brenda and Uncle Roy's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Food was wonderful, laughter was heard and visits were cherished on this special day. Larry's Thanksgiving prayer made us all stop to think how Thankful we should be for every thing and every person in our life.

Before Thanksgiving Visit with big Kids!

2011-11-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

We had a great trip to Charlottesville, VA to see Larry's oldest daughter Melanie and her family. Chris, Larry's son along with his family came down from Woodbridge, VA to be with us as well. It was great to see everyone. As you can see Hana has 4 nephews older than her and 1 that is younger. All makes for one big happy group! Age obviously doesn't matter in this family. On our way back to Georgia we had a quick visit with Larry's middle daughter Stephanie and her family in North Carolina. The visit was too short. All in all safe and wonderful visits!

Melanie, Aidan (9), Paul, and Rowan (7)

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Steve, Andrew (10), Stephanie (sissy) and Adam (9)

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Chris, Silas (1 year old) and Michelle

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2011-11-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

Winter is slowly approaching us here in South Georgia! Love it so much! The trees do turn beautiful colors of golden yellow and reds. Just perfect! I had no idea it would be that colorful this far south in Georgia. This morning we had our first freeze. It was 31 degrees when we woke up. Frost all over the ground. It was actually pretty when you looked down the street. The day has turned into a sunny cool 60's kind of day!!

All are well in our house right now. Hopefully we will stay that way. It seems around Thanksgiving someone gets a cold. Let's keep our fingers crossed that doesn't happen.

We are leaving Friday 18th heading to Charlottesville, VA to be with 2 of the 3 older kids and their families. We are very excited about all getting together for a long weekend in Charlottesville at Larry's oldest daughter Melanie's house. Larry's son Chris and his family are in Woodbridge, VA and will be driving over as well. Can't wait to see all our family. We have a new grand baby that we are anxious to meet. After we leave Charlottesville will are heading to Maggie Valley, NC to see Larry's middle daughter Stephanie and her family a few days. Look forward to this as well. It is so difficult for all the families to get together at once. This seems to be the best way right now. No matter what it will be wonderful!

Thanksgiving will be spent in Florida with my family. We gather at my Aunt Brenda and Uncle Roy's home for great food and family laughter. We are blessed to have a family who looks forward to being together. We will be in Orlando 4 days. Can't wait!!!!

Hana is doing well. She read to me her first book this morning with only a few stumbles. She has been reading a few words from books we read but nothing alone. The book is "The Snow Baby". She was so excited as so were we. It has been great watching her grow and learn so much. Some stuff of course we wish she wouldn't learn and hear. But oh well, such is life.
Hana is now taking tennis lessons and loves it! I knew this would be a sport to her liking. Gymnastics just isn't busy enough for her. Tennis is her thing for sure.

Grandma Opal (Larry's mom) is in an assisted living in Missouri. She is 92, has macular degeneration but can still take care of herself. Bless her heart she is amazing. We worry about her and call often. Larry's brother and his family are close by so we are thankful!

May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday. We all truly have so much to be thankful for. Give thanks to our Lord everyday for the blessings large or small in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the festivities are over! Hana had a great time trick or treating with her new friends. Larry started out taking her on the golf cart with other families in the neighborhood. I stayed home to pass out candy! Lots of candy, like 4 super sized bags!! After Larry and Hana were gone for a while, Larry called and said I'm coming to get you, put candy on front porch. You have to see how much fun Hana is having! So what a great sight watching her run from house to house! I use to LOVE doing that when I was young myself. So needless to say Hana had a blast!
I have pictures of 3 of the 4 costumes she wore during her busy weekend. Too funny, right? I did not get a picture of the princess costume she wore at the Fall Festival on Sunday afternoon. But I think you will enjoy the others.

Happy November 1st! Wow the year is almost over! YIKES

Can anyone say CANDY?

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Hana as angel at Kinderlou Halloween party!

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Sailor for school

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Mermaid for Trick or Treat

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We just keep passing a nasty cold around our family. I wish there was a magic answer for keeping our house sick free. I am sad for Larry when he gets sick. It takes him so long to recover and he is miserable. Hana seems to be the stronger of us all but probably the germ carrier. What to do? Wish there was an answer.
I am on the better side of a terrible sinus infection that went into a chest cold. Now Larry has it. Doesn't seem fair. But we say it is what it is.

Hana had a great weekend. We took her to her first Halloween neighborhood party last night (Larry felt lousy but was a trooper and went. They had the GA vs FL game on TV so he sat and watched that). She played games, did her first cake walk (no cake) and met a lot of new kids. We had a fun night!
Church on Sunday just Hana and Mama!
Meet our wonderful friends Janet and Bill at Exit 16 McDonald's for an ice cream. They are passing through going from FL to Indiana. Then Hana and Mama went to a Fall Festival at a local church many of our neighbors go to. Hana loved it! They had her favorite-- a bounce house! Much fun was had by all!

So Hana dressed up last night as an angel. She was a princess at the Fall Festival. She will wear her sailor outfit to school. (kindergartners get to wear a costume to school) then for Trick or Treat she will be a mermaid. Has anyone ever had so many costumes? It just turned out that way because Hana was given several of these costumes and she wanted to wear them now that they fit. Our friend Janet asked her why so many costumes? Hana replied one might get dirty! Too cute I'd say.
Pictures of these adorable costumes to come...............

Prayer for Larry to get better. Good night

2011-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hana loves her papa!

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Reading is something papa and Hana love to do! Hana is into short story books and papa loves reading them to her. Love seeing them together!

Hana has started going to Awana's on Wednesday night at our church. We joined a wonderful church. Crossroads Baptist Church has so much to offer kids. Hana loves it! Anyway, on Wednesday nights they learn Bible scripture, hear Bible stories, and play time of course. Hana has learned to recite John 3:16. We are so proud of her. She loves school, church, her friends, being alone, you name it she loves it! We have been blessed!

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Happy Fall! There is a beautiful cool feel to each new day now. A few trees are changing color and some leaves are falling. Love this time of year!
My big project right now is going through Hana's clothes. That girl is growing so fast. Jeans to short, sleeves to short and dresses tooooo short. So a shopping we will go very soon! Hana is 44 inches tall and weighs 40 pounds. She continues to do well in kindergarten. She just received her 1st report card. All "S" for satisfactory! Proud of this little girl!!
Our day starts out with me getting Hana up an rolling at 6:40am for school. Larry takes her. He loves this time just her and him. They talk all the way. (Imagine that) Probably Hana doing the talking. :) Larry and I are still doing little house projects. We always have something to do. It has been really nice having just Larry and Wendy time again. We sometimes just sit an talk for hours. Love being able to be home with him. I pick Hana up from school. Yes, she is still talking when I pick her up. Too funny! We do homework, have snack, then it is off to play with her friends in the neighborhood. They are usually coming this way. So happy for Hana! Then the day is over with dinner, bath and story time. Larry and I aren't to far behind Hana when it comes to bedtime. We are early to rise and early to bed these days. But Love every minute!
We are happy in our new home, new church and new school. We've made some nice friends and look forward to meeting others.
Until next time, enjoy the Fall cool temperatures!

Happy Anniversary Larry

2011-10-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

On the day we married I called you my "husband". Since then you have been more than I could ever imagine. I'm proud to call you my "friend, partner through life's journey, and a blessing from God". Thank you for each chapter in our life book. I Love You! Happy Anniversary Larry!

Happy 23rd Anniversary

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Happy Birthday Hana! October 2, 2005

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Happy 6th Birthday! What a fun filled weekend we had. My family all came up from Florida to help with the celebration! Hana was glowing with joy to have them all here.
Hard to believe Hana is 6. At 3 1/2 she came into our lives. What a blessing this time has been. It has been a joy to watch her grow and change. Right now she has many favorite things. TV watching is the first I'd say (unfortunately it is limited), computer time, playing with any kind of a ball outside, gymnastics, writing her letters to spell words, and snuggle time with mama or papa.
Her favorite color has been pink but just informed me she likes orange. Hana loves school! She gets up in the mornings eager to go. We are thankful!
Hana we love you! So happy God brought you into our life. May you have many wonderful birthdays!

Happy 6th Birthday!

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Cousin Carter looks on!

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First dollhouse!

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Mama 50, No Way!

2011-10-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

Mama turns "50". I guess we all have a birthday number that bothers us the most. We'll this one is it. FIFTY, the number seems unreal but it isn't. I hope I can do another 50 and be just as happy as the first. Happy Birthday to me on September 27, 1961

Don't Blink, "50"

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This will keep me young! Hugs from my Hana.

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Can't be 50!

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2011-09-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

Larry and I signed a letter to China saying that we are withdrawing from their adoption program due to a happy increase in our family size. The past 5 years I have thought about China adoption alot. I am glad for the closure and the positive out come of our going to Russia.
Hana, when you read this no doubt you will have already heard our wonderful adoption story. We Love You and are so proud of you! You truly are the BEST!

Interesting News Today

2011-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Many of you knew that Larry and I started our adoption journey planning to go to China. Well, today Larry received an email from Great Wall of China adoption agency letting us know we should have our papers up to date that we should get a referral soon. It has been 5 years and one month since our paperwork arrived China. That was August 3, 2006. It is a bitter sweet thing but we feel so blessed to have been lead down the path with Russia. NO we are not pursuing China. We both did say if we were younger we'd do it in a heart beat. But we are not, so we shall not.
Our adoption journey with Hana has been more than we could have ever asked for. She is growing leaps and bounds. Love you Hana All the way to the Moon!

Whoopsie! Forgot to add one of the best rooms in the house the KITCHEN with Larry in it!

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Our move!

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We have had a successful move! Each new day finds us a little more settled in.
Hana loves her new school and so do we. She is slowly making friends. She has much to say everyday when we pick her up from school. She says she has to listen all day so that is why she talks so much when we pick her up. (Laugh Out Loud) Too funny!!
We had 200 boxes of STUFF! Yikes, does any one family need so much. Twenty two years of marriage and now a child. No complaints, everything has a place. If not, we'll find one. Hana did a super job helping us unpack and get organized. Her favorite part was unwrapping to see what was inside. WOW WEE, Oh I didn't know we had this or that. Again, only through the eyes of a child.
My best friend Michelle came up from Florida to help us unpack. She and I were able to get through MANY boxes. Michelle, I love you and don't know what I would have done without YOU. The time we spent together was priceless. Thank You my friend.
Larry is doing well. He is staying focused to get done what he can. This move was much more difficult for he and I both. OK, older I guess. His positive attitude, determination and drive keep him going. Love this Man!
Me-- I'm Good! This move was more difficult but each day is getting better. My 50th birthday is just around the corner this could be reason for slowing down. Or maybe a 5 year old daughter. Either way, all GOOD! I am just thankful to God for all we can do and have. Blessed is a big word in our family.
OK You asked for pictures here they are, lots of them. Enjoy! Go to older post to view continued pictures.
We love our new home! Just another chapter in our life book!

Our new home in Valdosta, Georgia

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Start of Hana's new room. Pretty in Pink

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Living room

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Breakfast room. Door to left goes outside, door straight ahead is screened in patio.

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Love the packing paper!

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Organizing the pantry

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Kindergarten here I come! I have my backpack and lunchbox so I'm ready for my day.

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Mrs. Patrick---Kindergarten teacher

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Hana and Mama first day of kingergarten

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Ready for the ride to kindergarten.

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Our first new house visitors. My brother and his family!

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We have been in our apartment a week, Hana has started kindergarten and our new home is almost ready for moving in.
Our apartment experience has been fine. Hana has enjoyed meeting new friends at the apartment pool. We had my parents come for a visit and that was nice.
Hana has started kindergarten at Westside Elementary. She loves it! Her first week went very well. Mama misses her but I know she is a happy little girl. We walked her to class for the first 3 days of school then it was car drop off. Wow was that hard to do. Yes, I've cried several times like most mommies do. I have to say watching her walk away from our car bothered me the most. I knew she was fine because many teachers were there guiding the kids to their classrooms but it was the idea of it all. Picking her up is a happy time for us all. Hana smiles from ear to ear each day excited to tell us what she has done that day. Well, not everything but alot. See Hana loves to talk. May be a problem in school. Whoopsie we say quite often. I look forward to volunteering at school and getting involved. I want to get settled into our new house first before jumping into school activities.
We are anxious to get into our house and get settled. Larry is there everyday checking on things. Over all experience good. This is the 3rd house we've built. We have been fortunate to have had good builders. We continue to meet new neighbors. Look forward to getting to know them better when we move in. LOTS of kids!!!! OK enough of my chatting I know you want to see pictures. Have a great week and we'll post again soon. :)

NEWS ALERT!

2011-08-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Happy August 1st!! Once again it has been a month since I posted. :( Our summer is passing us by so quickly. Hana has enjoyed her time with her cousins and friends. She's been swimming, played at Jungle Zone (indoor bounce house), played on a farm, been to the movies, and then just chilled out with mama and papa. School starts soon, so much excitement fills our home.

Speaking of HOME, we have spent the last 6 months building a new home in Valdosta, Georgia!! OK close your mouth now-Yes, Georgia! We are very excited about another new chapter in our life book. Many changes have taken place but this is a big one. We just want to get out of Florida's retirement area. I personally did not want to move to Orlando or any other larger city in Florida. Been away from the big city to long and like the small town feel of things. So why Valdosta? Pre-Hana, Larry and I bought a lot in a golf community (Kinderlou Forest) that friends introduced us to. If you know anything about golf they do the Nationwide Tour there. When Hana came into our lives the dynamics of things changed. So, after doing research of schools and the community we thought why not Valdosta. Hana starting Kindergarten seemed like the perfect time to make the change. So we began our building process the beginning of this year and have an August 20th move in date. Hana will start school this Friday August 5th with open house on the 4th. So we have rented a furnished apartment for a few weeks so she can start school on time. In the meantime, what about our home here? Our house was on the market to sell for 6 months. Had many lookers but nothing serious. After taking it of the market with option to rent, along came a prospective buyer. YES, we have a contract on our home!! This news couldn't make us anymore happier. God has his hands in this entire change. We are thankful for the smooth transition so far.

We will miss our short visits with our Orlando family. But like I told them and Hana, now when we visit our visit will be quality time and not so short. I am blessed to have 2 GREAT parents who understand that we have to do what is best for our family. They will always be a huge part in our lives. Hana will always be a huge part in their lives. I will see to that! So instead of an hour drive to our house it will be a 3 hour drive to our house!
Our little nephew Carter was so excited when he told Hana, "my dad said when you move we will come stay 2 or 3 nights with you", Hana says "WOW" and smiles. Only through the eyes and words of a child. Love this!
I will soon post pictures of our new home with it's address.

Life's journey takes many turns. This is one we are all 3 excited about!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!!

2011-08-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

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Pops, Hana, cousins Carter and Brianna

2011-08-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

So excited about learning to tie a bow!! :)

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My two favorite people! Love you both!

2011-07-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

2011-07-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

Wow, hard to believe it has been a month since I've posted. What a busy month since schools been out. First, we made a trip to Clinton, Missouri (Larry's hometown) to spend some time with his mom. Opal Mae Shriner just had her 92nd birthday on June 18th. Grandma Opal is an amazing women. She continues to have an upbeat attitude about everything. She recently lost her friend/ husband to cancer, went into an assisted living home and sold she and Bud's home all within a few months. Her uplifting spirit amazes us all. As we were there visiting we had a chance to spend quality time with her in her new home. She was so proud to show all her housemates "her kids from Florida".

I have to tell a little story about Hana and our driving trip to Missouri. As you can imagine it is a long drive from Florida to Missouri. Every time we entered into a new state Larry would announce we are in Georgia, Alabama, etc. When we arrived in Missouri (4 days and many stops later) Larry announced Welcome to Missouri. Hana immediately said "Thank You Jesus". Larry and I laughed until we hurt. I guess she truly thought we were never going to get there.
Another ah ha moment.

Hana spend one week at Vacation Bible School at Northlake Presb. Church. This is were she went to preschool. She had an awesome week with many of her preschool friends and teacher.

This week Hana is completing a fun time in gymnastics camp. She LOVES it!!
She attended Wiseman Gymnastics Academy. This has been an amazing week for Hana. She said she wants to do gymnastics now and not soccer.

During this month Hana has accomplished snapping her fingers on both hands, whistling (which she hasn't stopped doing) and tying her shoes. YA to all of these. I told her I'd by her shoes that tie and not Velcro now.

So let's see what July will bring!!
Happy 4th of July to all from the Shriner's!

2 Year Gotcha Day at Butterfly Rainforest

2011-06-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

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Gotcha Day Celebration

2011-06-01T04:56:00.000-07:00

Gotcha Day was May 26th however, since we had school and preschool graduation that day we celebrated on Saturday the 28th. We drove to Gainesville, FL to the Florida Museum of Natural History. Our journey took us to the Butterfly Rainforest. Hana could not believe her eyes. Butterflies were everywhere big and small. As you walk along the path you see a peaceful running stream of water surrounded by vibrant colored flowers. This was a day to remember.

2011-06-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

Don't blink-high school graduation is next.

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Proud Papa and Mama

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Hana with Mimi and Pops

2011-06-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Preschool Graduation 2011

2011-06-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

Preschool graduation at Little Blessings graduated 30 little students. Hana was in a class of 10. She and her friends put on a wonderful program for family and friends. Hana is truly ready for Kindergarten. Another proud moment!

Happy Gotcha Day!

2011-05-26T19:47:00.000-07:00