Treasuring More 2011 Christmas Memories

Showing off his Christmas present, a Draxter Building Set which he worked on with Carlos' help.


A Trip to the Carolina Ballet to see The Nutcracker.


Surprise visit from the Garcells. It had been 18 months since they left. The Santos Family came over to catch up too.


Enjoying a good time at our Spanish Ministry Christmas Party. I may not look all that happy, but I was!

Treasuring 2011 Christmas Memories

Wrapping presents he bought for his sisters with his 'good behavior character cash' at his school's auction.


Decorating Cookies at the Library.


Celebrating Caleb's Piano Recital.


Putting up Christmas decorations.


Dropping off our OCC boxes which went to Ecuador this year.


Surprised to run into Santa Claus at WakeMed Hospital while performing for the Rehabilitation Patients. The girls totally know that Santa is not real, but they couldn't help to give in to the moment. So sweet!


About to crack open our first pommegranate for the season - a Soca family tradition.

Thanksgiving 2011

So blessed to celebrate an awesome holiday with awesome friends and family! Thanksgiving with the Rodriguezs is becoming a tradition.
Thanksgiving Dinner.


Carlos working the bird. He was a great help all day.


Black Friday fun at Pullen Park.

Wake Forest Strings Recital

Wake Forest Strings (WFS) is the fancy name I give my sweet group of violin students and families. We've only been playing for 4 months, and you should see how awesome these kids are! God has totally blessed this effort. This fall we had our first recital and it was so special! Here are some highlights of the night. Unfortunately, I don' have Avery's performance which was by far the most delightful! Of course I am going say that, I am her mom!

Look Who's 7!

Ms. Hannah Soca is! This year we had a low-key celebration for Hannah, but special nevertheless. She finally got her American Girl Doll she wanted, and a lot of love from NJ and immediate family! I'm so glad I video tape these special occasions. It's priceless to watch her open her gifts.

Here they are celebrating the big day swimming at the Y.





Uncle Hector paid for Hannah to attend a Violin Training in Chapel Hill as her birthday gift. It was an awesome day for Hannah. The main instructor was Dr. Terry Durbin who was a hit with the kids. The man is crazy.

Joshua's School

So Josh has already completed half of his first school year at Franklin Academy. Dear friends often ask me how we are doing with this change. I am honestly pleased with how things are going for Josh and for the rest of the family. It's a little strange to be on both sides of the fence, pro-school and pro-homeschool, but this is where we are. We have no idea what we will do in the future. For right now, we are at peace with Josh thriving at school and the girls thriving at home. Here are some recent pictures of Josh at school. The girls and I volunteer during lunch hour and then we stay for recess which is the highlight of the day, of course. The girls are like superstars!

Josh playing soccer during recess.


Josh in front of the school.


Josh hugging Avery at recess time as she runs up to him.


Thanksgiving Lunch.


Lunch time.


Mrs. Kusilek, Joshua's homeroom teacher. Sweet, sweet teacher!!


Josh going to school in his PJs as a reward for making Accelerated Reading!


Coming back from recess hour.


Greeting Hannah on the soccer field.


.

Ladies Retreat - October 2011

This past fall our Spanish Ministry Ladies had our first Retreat in the Mountains of Virginia. It was a sweet time of fellowship, learning, and fun. We studied the book, The Lies that Women Believe and the Truths that Set Them Free, by Nancy Lee DeMoss.

Grilling some smores at 10pm in the freezing cold.


The entire group and a partial view from the porch, which was amazing.


Sunday Morning Worship.


And, the only non-Spanish speaker of the bunch, my dear friend Sue Lorenz, who is a blessing to me.