On Sunday afternoon, Levi and Lorelle had their first indoor soccer games through Inner City Soccer. They are in different age groups but both play at the same time, which is convenient;) They are both thrilled to be playing soccer again. Levi's age group is more of an "academy" type thing for the first half hour and then they play some mini-games. I think this is a good thing and that he will learn a lot.
Levi...
Lorelle...
I thought I would do a quick update on The Perry Fam...
Lance: Keeping very busy at work, spent a week in Europe and will be off to Colorado for a couple days soon. He has also been working on updating our Will (to add Levi), getting things around for taxes and trying to sell our DVC (Disney Vacation Club) timeshare. He is continuing his early morning workouts, trying to eat healthier and yes, drink less wine;) All of this while being an AMAZING husband, father and spiritual leader of our family. I love him SO much!!!
Me: I have been trying to make it to the YMCA 5-6 mornings a week and I officially started my Indianapolis Mini-Marathon training this week:) So far...I am really enjoying it and I feel GREAT! I am also trying to eat healthier and not so many sweets;) I recently finished an online Disney photo album for the kids and now I am working on getting our China pictures...all 500+ of them printed and put in albums for Levi. Yep...this is gonna take me a couple weeks I think. And of course I am doing the usual cooking, cleaning, homework and running the kids too. Some days I feel like Domestic Engineer of the Year and others...like I am on a treadmill that won't ever STOP:( I need to take time to stop and pray on these days. Chatting with God, always makes me feel better;)
Lauren: Home from Germany and ENGAGED!!! We love you Andy:) I think a summer 2012 wedding is in the works. We are so happy and excited for them. She is working really hard to finish up college and her time at Ball State. She will graduate in May. She is an amazing student, sister and daughter. And she will be a WONDERFUL teacher someday. We are SO proud of the woman she has become. Did I mention she turned 21 in October. I still can't believe it!?! What happened to the 5 year old little girl, playing with her Lite Bright, that I first met 16 years ago?! Time really does go by way to fast:'(
Landan: Middle school has, so far, gone very smoothly. Landan is continuing to do very well academically. We have 2 upcoming breakfasts to attend with him soon. One is an Honors Program for Honor Roll students and the other for a "Student of the Week" award that he received. We are SO proud of him! Landan goes to the YMCA with friends 3 days a week, a Bible study group almost every Wednesday and usually attends the home basketball games to cheer on his classmates. He has also been skiing a couple times this winter. He really enjoys it and wants to try snowboarding soon. During his downtime at home he does the typical teenage texting, Xbox and computer time;) We truly couldn't ask for a better son.
Leytan: He is continuing to do very well as a 5th grader and also makes the Honor Roll. His YMCA class got canceled this last session so he isn't doing a whole lot right now:( He enjoys sledding with his siblings, got to try ice skating recently, enjoys drawing and just LIFE in general. He is my FUN, HAPPY boy!!! He got his braces off and is now only required to wear his retainer at night. He was thrilled! Oh how I wish I could have the "carefree" attitude of my sweet Leytan.
Liam: Finally walking again, Praise the Lord!!! I think this is his 2nd week back at school without that stinkin chair. He goes back to see his surgeon on Feb. 7th. He seems to be healing well. Liam is going to a reading tutor once a week and has brought up not only his reading, but every single one of his grades up since he started. It is really helping. He was also on the Honor Roll last grading period. He loves to play, play, play and his favorite things to play change often. The last couple weeks...Webkinz has been the "thing".
Lorelle: Also doing very well in school and on the Honor Roll. As stated above...playing indoor soccer again and LOVING it. Out of all of my China peeps...she really seems to be growing (filling out;) and changing the most. I really can't imagine life with her as a teenager. Oh...the DRAMA!!! She has been reading to me every night before bed and she is so animated. I still think my girl could be on the stage, under the lights, someday:) She likes to play Barbies, board games and pretend with her siblings. She continues to LOVE music and many different artists. Her fave lately is Katy Perry, I believe. She can sing several of her songs:)
Lilyan: As usual, Lilyan is doing very well in school and also on the Honor Roll. She is still quite shy with most people but seems to be making some progress. She can be SO very sweet one minute and a total "Sharpay" the next...LOL!!! Again...can NOT imagine life with her as a teenager. Oh my...I am so glad we are parenting more boys than girls;) Lilyan still enjoys her quiet alone time but also really enjoys playing pretend with her siblings. It is fun to watch her blossom and become more independent but yet still remain MY baby girl. Oh Princess Lilyan...
Levi: Well...he has been home about 4 1/2 months now and it is CRAZY the progress he has made!!! Most times we can totally understand each other and his English is really coming along GREAT! He is doing very well in school and just got the "Citizen of the Month" award. His teacher says he is doing "great" and is "a sweetie":) He is my only child that LOVES school...the rest just tolerate it. He is still VERY skinny but has put on a couple pounds. He is a really good eater and will eat just about anything now. He is still not a big fan of bread and doesn't like cheese. Wish I had the willpower to give up bread and cheese;) He continues to love soccer and swimming. He will be having a Spongebob Pool Party for his 7th big birthday soon. He is SO excited!!! He loves to play anything and everything with his siblings. He also loves to play card games. We play several games of UNO every afternoon. He is also very lovable to his Dad and I. He does still remember, speak and sing in his Chinese sometimes. He also speaks of China, his Chinese family and foster Mama often. I know he misses them sometimes:( I will be sending them more pictures soon. May God be with them!!!
Chip: Is the biggest, most spoiled, baby dog in the world. He is now on diet dog food and we are trying not to let him have any table food...easier said than done with a house full of kids;) Plus, he is a THIEF!!! He stole a burger right off the grill a couple days ago and burnt the fur on the top of his head. He sleeps right next to me and actually ON me some nights. I would definitely say he is MY dog;)
So...that is that, for now:) Bring on February...Chinese New Year, Levi's Birthday and Valentine's Day. Feeling really blessed and believe it or not, I do NOT have the "Winter Blahs" quite yet. God is GOOD!!!
