Yep, things have been more than a bit busy around our way lately.I have been trying to share some of our family doings for a while now, and truthfully; I’ve just been too tired to share.Forgive me for that one.Because I know there are some family and friends from afar who use this blog as a “what’s going on” board, let me see if I can play catch up.
Welcoming the newest member. A few days ago, we were able to post a picture of the newest addition to the family.Both mommy and daughter are still doing well.FatherWinter and Superbug saw her on her first day home.As Honeybee still had a bit of green mucus, I decided not to go.I can’t wait to hold and love her though!She’s such a big baby already!
SuperBowl .In true Winter family tradition, the family gathered at one of the siblings homes and watched SuperBowl.It was a nice time for the most part…minus that last play.(REALLY?!)
Only two people of the 20 or so gathered were cheering for the Patriots, so every other face in the place ended up looking like this…
(Thanks, Clark Mitchell and Chat Sports for the swipe)
Yeah, it was a shocking development.I heard on the news this morning that the Seahawks coach says he wakes up at night thinking of that call and that play.Hmmm….I bet he does.
I think one of the highlights of the game for some of the guys was the Katy Perry halftime show.I mean, it was pretty okay.I liked the “lion” moving across the ground with the team and her roar, but this show wasn’t my favorite in SuperBowl performances.I think the highlight for me was seeing Missy Elliot.I had fun reliving some high school and college moments with her appearance. It was all blue and gold and band dances for a moment…
…sorry, marching band flashback. Thanks for letting me see how the new heads do it now that I’ve flown the coop 🙂
But still, I think the show was just okay.(Don’t go off on me, Perry fans.) Katy is a super talented artist, but I think she and her performance was a “safe” choice for a sporting event that has seen more than it cares to remember in the way of controversy (a la Janet Jackson anyone).
Overall, it was a pretty good night for family, food, and fellowship.
2nd Semester Awards.On last Friday evening, Superbug came home with a letter informing us that he would be receiving an award for the 2ndSemester on the following Monday.He was very excited as he has been working very hard this semester.All weekend long, he reminded me of the ceremony and was worried I wouldn’t be able to make it.Fast forward to Monday morning and I awoke about 20 minutes earlier than I usually do so that I could make sure everything and everyone was ready to leave the house on time.Instead of allowing Superbug to catch the bus, I drove him to school and then drove Honeybee to her daycare.I immediately dropped her off and then returned to the school to watch the awards ceremony with 15 minutes before start time!Woo hoo!
A couple of weeks ago, Superbug’s class had to learn portions of famous speech’s.Superbug decided to learn the 2nd half of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech.I was unable to hear him recite the speech (which was so sad for me), but was pleased that he was the only student in the class to receive a 4 (highest) on his speech!As the awards ceremony began, I was surprised to see my Superbug on stage with three of his peers reciting the speech.Superbug had the hand motions, the articulation, and the voice control down!I was SO proud of him!I couldn’t stop snapping pictures! After the recitation, the third grade teachers handed out earned semester awards.These awards focus on the core character values taught at the school.I was very pleased and humbled when Superbug received the Helping Hands award.According to his teacher, Superbug has a massive heart and is always the first to help teacher, staff, or student.He goes out of his way to make life easier for everyone else.She spoke other very kind words about him as well.I was SO very, very proud of him again.He’s only 8, but he already has so much love in his heart.He puts me to shame sometimes J .
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father which is in heaven (KJV) .That’s our Superbug to the letter.
1st Birthday Party.Yep, I’m super excited.Our Honeybee is about to turn 1!In a previous post, FatherWinter calmed down a massive planning.So, I’ve adjusted fire and we’re still doing a nice birthday party with pink and black décor and color scheme.Think Minnie Mouse meets chic fashion.Yeah, it all works in my head!
Pinterest and Vistaprint have been great helps.The board has given me some great ideas and my fellow blogger @FlourishingHope has been wonderful in the encouragement and creativity department!
No, Honeybee’s name isn’t Rylee, but isn’t this a cute cake?!
Honeybee will have a host of her family and friends at the event.We’re even including her Interim Infant Care family and her social worker Ms. Care.I can hardly wait to share pictures of the day.I’m still disappointed that we can’t share photos of her face from that day, but it will still be fun to show everything else.
The Hearing.From my previous post, you know that Honeybee’s TPR Appeal trial was continued until some legal requests from the judge and GAL could be fulfilled.The wait is excruciatingly long AND each day there is something else to thin about with regard to the hearing.Today, Ms. Care contacted us to inform us that this may not be an over and done with hearing come the continuance date in the Spring.Without getting involved in all of the legal and personal information related to our Honeybee, a legal intent statement was via email today that completely set my mind in a different and none to pleased place.
It likewise caused Ms. Care to be extremely frustrated.It is very frustrating to know that you love your child so much, are giving them everything they need, some of the things they want, and have been doing so since shortly after their birth, but someone else who has never even seen or acknowledged your child has the ability to cause so much strife.Sigh, you all keep praying for us.This road is stressful to say the least.I know that whatever the outcome, God will have his glory, but I would be lying if I said my thoughts have always been butterflies and rainbows.Sometimes I’m just so frustrated that I find myself wishing it was already done by now.But I know there is a blessing within every struggle.I’m just tired of walking in that struggle.
Hopefully and prayerfully, this will come to a resolution in a few months. In the mean time, we’re going to continue to love Honeybee as best as we know how…with all of us.
We hope you have a great evening and check back soon. Plenty of upcoming things in our Winter family. Keep us in your prayers please.
After the recitation, the third grade teachers handed out earned semester awards. These awards focus on the core character values taught at the school. I was very pleased and humbled when Superbug received the Helping Hands award. According to his teacher, Superbug has a massive heart and is always the first to help teacher, staff, or student. He goes out of his way to make life easier for everyone else. She spoke other very kind words about him as well. I was SO very, very proud of him again. He’s only 8, but he already has so much love in his heart. He puts me to shame sometimes J .
