A blog and new location

Let's see...Now that we have moved back to North Carolina, the state I love, maybe I will be a better blogger.  You will just have to wait to see!

Yes, so long to Virginia, hello to the place we call home.  Good ole North Carolina.  We are still unpacking, but have made much progress.  Layne and Liam are glad to be back in school, although we found out the school in this area is a Year Round school, so they have missed 6 weeks of school.  The got to be a part of 3 weeks and are now 'tracked out' as they call it when you are out of school for 3 weeks.  This will give the kids time to 'catch up' on some of the work that they have missed and help Mommy unpack the house (ha, yeah right!).

I was able to stay with Capital One working remotely at home, but some department changes have come up and they have found an admin assistant for one of the people I supported, so my job ends on October 21st.  I am currently looking for part-time work and another remote opportunity through Capital One.  As for Mark, he has been enjoying his new job, and has been traveling most every week and getting training.  I think the biggest adjustment will be the weekly traveling.  Hopefully, with time, he will be able to have some of those weeks where he works from home.

Liam had his 7th birthday on October 5th and as he didn't have much time to get to know many friends, so he plans to get together with just a few friends for his birthday party, possibly this weekend.  He did locate a friend from his class in our neighborhood and he is really excited that he can ride his bike to go play with him.  Brenne has also located a few friends her age, one being our next door neighbor.  We just need to find some friends for Layne.

Overall, we are just glad to be settled, have our own space again, and just get ourselves involved in the area and meet new people.  With time, things will fall into place, so check back when you get the chance, and I will make a better effort to keep my blog updated (now that I am happier).

If you want updated contact information, i.e. phone numbers, address, just e-mail me or send me a message on Facebook.

A New Year

Okay, 2011 is already underway, so it is time to recap what happened during 2010. We will start with the kids and what has happened to them since they started a new school year.

Layne, age 9, is in the 3rd grade and has made many new friends and has adjusted to a new school setting. She really does not like homework, but she does like art, music, and playing with her friends. A big celebration for Layne is that she entered an art contest for school and won. The students were asked to submit a black and white picture, all drawn with no assistance that represented the school and had the title ‘Hillside Elementary School-2011’ on it. Layne won the back cover and a 2nd grader won the front cover. Her name is listed on the inside of the front page and she was very proud of her accomplishment. We, of course, are very proud of her work and that she won as well. She also drew a picture on a big piece of packing paper and the images and scenery she drew were so well done, that we framed the artwork and put it up in her room. Layne has also come to enjoy reading books and her favorites are Ramona Quimby, The Little House series with Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Layne also had her first sleepover party for her 9th birthday. It was a wild time, but she really had lots of fun with her friends. Layne is very loving girl, with a strong-willed spirit (that has its challenges), and loves to discover things that are odd and hilarious. She has the best laugh and it is fun to watch her discover jokes and ways to be humorous.

Liam, age 6, is in the 1st grade and has enjoyed the new challenges of learning much more, but of course, like Layne, does not care for the homework. Liam has also adjusted well to a new school and has made many new friends. He had a great birthday celebration, his first ever in the States, at Chuck E Cheeses and loved it. Liam joined Cub Scouts and is a tiger cub and has enjoyed the opportunities to be involved in the community and being part of a boy’s club. He recently participated in the Pinewood Derby tradition, where you shape a piece of wood into a car shape, paint it, add wheels and race it with the other cars made by the scouts and enjoyed the environment of racing his car. He also received a bicycle for Christmas and is now able to ride his bike with no training wheels. He is very excited about this accomplishment. Liam starting losing his baby teeth and loves the frequent visits from the 'tooth fairy'. Liam also loves to read and is determined to figure out new words on his own. Liam has a very tender heart and loves silly tickle games and still loves board games.

Brenne, age 3, is staying at a home daycare while I am at work. She has thoroughly enjoyed the time away and being with a small amount of other kids in a home setting. Brenne really enjoys Disney princesses and loves the small pocket size dolls that she received at Christmas with her princess dollhouse castle. She loves to dress herself, although she doesn’t always match, but it is great to see her independence. She loves to carry around a purse of multiple trinkets and absolutely loves lip gloss and calls it ‘lips’. She is a bundle of sunshine, loves to dance, sing, and be goofy and silly whenever she gets the chance. She really enjoys having sleepover nights in either Layne or Liam’s room, and sometimes with Mom and Dad.

As for Mark and me, we have kept ourselves occupied with work and our short time with the kids. Mark has enjoyed being home with the kids when they get off school and helping them with their homework. I have enjoyed my work at Capital One, but recent events have unfolded and my contract will not continue with them for the long term, as they will not be offering me full-time employment, therefore I am currently searching for a new job. I am still with Capital One until they have found a permanent placement for the role I am currently supporting. It has been a challenge for us to get settled here, as it just a busier place to live, so we haven’t really gotten involved with a church or with the neighborhood the way we would like. We have made a few friendships and have gone out and explored some of the Northern Virginia area and Washington DC. Hopefully, with the new year, we can get out and explore a little more and get more involved, but there are lots of other options we are considering at this time, so we will see what happens.

Thank you to all our family and friends who have kept in touch with us.  We love sharing our stories and hearing about your comings and goings as well.  Happy 2011 to all, may it be an adventurous year!!

It's For Real!!!

Okay, my chance to update has somewhat diminished.  Especially with pictures.

Our move to Virginia is now officially happening.  I had an interview with Capital One the last day in June, got offered the position on July 2nd and I start working as an Executive Assistant in McLean, VA on Monday, July 12.  July has started off in a whirlwind.  I leave for Virgina on Saturday (that's tomorrow). WOW!!! This is really happening.  My family is going to be back together, with a small temporary delay.

To help with getting adjusted and situated, my kids will be spilt between the grandparents for the next two weeks.  This will give me the chance to locate daycare/summer care for the kids.  We have located a rental home in the Ashburn area and plan to move in at the first of August.  Thank you Lord for such wonderful parents between myself and Mark.  1)We are so grateful for their generousity and willingness to take care of our children for a lengthy period of time, and 2) That they only live about 20 minutes away from each other, and 3) That Virginia is a border state and our new town is about 4 1/2 hours away from Raleigh.

July is going to be a very challenging month, mainly emotionally, with a lot of adjustments.  I ask for all your prayers as me and my family are about to open up another door of opportunity, adding new experiences into our lives.

Thank you to all you have helped me and my family along our journey and stayed up-to-date with our current situation.  I thank the Lord for the journey he has taken us on.  I am blessed to have been able to stay in North Carolina and further develop strong relationships with my own parents and my parents by love, other family members and friends.  It has enriched my life in so many new ways and I will cherish every moment and memory.  It has been a true gift for my kids to have been able to make such loving bonds with their grandparents.  I know that they will cherish the memories they have made with them as well.  I also would like to thank my brother-in-law, Eric and Jenny for being flexible with their schedules and helping us out with taking care of the kids when the grandparents were not available to do so.

For now, I say farewell for a short absence.  I would love to hear from you.  If you would like my new contact information, please let me know.

Much love to you all

More posts to come

Much has gone on since I posted on Mother's Day.  Layne's school play, 12th wedding anniversary in Washington DC, fun outings, and school is out for the summer. Bear with me as I get my pictures together and play catch up once again in a couple of days.  I need to give myself a day for blogging so I can stay current for you who follow regularly.  Happy summer to all!!

School's Out-New Look!

Before

After

Layne has sort of had a tradition since Kindergarten that she likes to get her haircut for the summer months.  This way it feels cooler during the hot season and if she decides she doesn't like it, the cut will have grown out by the start of the next school year.

She has really wanted bangs for the last few months, so a few days ago she braved a trip to the salon and had 2 inches cut off and added some bangs.  Surprisingly, she looks really good with bangs, a little older, I must say, and Layne is really happy with the result.  Along with the change of hairdo, she officially told me that since she will be entering 3rd grade, she is going to start calling me 'Mom' instead of 'Mommy'.  Oh, why do they grow up sooo quickly?!  Enjoy the photos.

Mother's Day

I had a joyful Mother's Day and Layne, Liam, and Brenne made me feel very loved and special.  I was provided with many hugs and kisses, beautiful homemade cards and gifts, and lots of 'I love you's' throughout the day.  I had gone out shopping with my Mom a few days before, so I had a nice new outfit to wear for Mother's Day.  I appreciated all the cards and loving words I received from my Mom,  Mother by love, and Mark.  I also received my all-time favorite movie, The Princess Bride in Blu-Ray format to replace my original copy.  It was a very special day and God has truly blessed me with a wonderful family.

I hope that all your Moms received a very special day as well and I know you cherish the love you receive from your children.

Outings with Brenne

I enjoy my time to run errands and be out with Brenne.  It is great to share these small moments with her.  One day, when I go back to work (which will be soon), I will not be able to go out on these little adventures with her.  Anyway, back around my birthday, I went to have coffee with Loreen.  Brenne really enjoyed having a 'coffee' cup.  So this picture was a good captured moment of what looked like she was enjoying her own 'cup-of-joe'.  It was apple juice. 

We were running errands another day at Walmart and this geese family was waddling around the parking lot.  The little goslings were so cute.  Lots of people were capturing this photo with their phones, me included.

Yesterday, after much debate and desire to say no, Brenne received her first haircut.  It was a little sad for me.  Brenne was great sitting by herself and immediately touched her hair after the cut.  She kept saying 'haircut, haircut'.  It was too cute.

Let's Play Catch Up

It seems I tend to get a little slack on my posts sometimes.  So, let us catch up with some happenings I have missed and not posted on.

Layne turned 8 in January.  Mark was also there to celebrate her special day before heading back to Qatar. She had a roller skating party with mainly school friends and enjoyed the celebration.

Jumping ahead to the end of March, Spring Break up in Virginia with Mark and with my brother-in-law and his family in Pennslyvania was a great mini vacation.  It was great to get to explore Ashburn, VA with Mark and to see the surrounding areas and where we will be moving to and getting settled this summer.  It was great to spend time with Mark.  The kids were very excited to see their cousins and enjoyed being together and being separate; boys vs. girls.  Brenne and Cole did a lot on their own, but Brenne tagged along with the girls club when she could.  It was great for me to get to see how Greg and Ashley interacted with the college students and see how they are impacting the student's lives with their ministry. Finally, right when we got back we had Easter. The kids loved hiding the plastic eggs.

Birthday Awareness

I think a 'light bulb' moment came with my 32nd birthday.  There are many things that define all of us, we are each unique and God made us that way.  I do not need some 'that's it' defining sentence or list of words to describe me.  Plainly stated, 'God created me, by his design, that I would do wonderous works.  Who am I? is no longer my search.  I am a child of God with many talents.  I will cherish every moment I have with my loved ones.  I will continue to search the scriptures, knowing that whatever comes my way, I will be prepared with the full love and assurance I receive from believing God.  I will cherish my husband, as one of my gifts is being a wife. I will train my children to do the same, as one of my gifts is being a mother.  
I will be M E!!!!!!

It was great to be surrounded by so many loved ones this weekend.  I had a great chat over a cup of coffee (which I rarely drink) and outing with Loreen, my mother by love.  I then enjoyed a decadent chocolate cake and gelato ice cream with my Mom at Macaroni Grill.  Mark arrived right before the kids got home from school and we had a fun weekend together.  Other family members were present, so it was great to just feel the love from everyone who was there.  Thank you to all who provided me with birthday wishes and gifts.  I appreciated them all.

A successful new start for Mark

Mark has been welcomed into Northern Virginia. He has reported back with high marks and a 'two thumbs up', that the Asburn, Sterling, Reston area of Virginia is very beautiful and will be a great place for us to move to and settle down for awhile. The kids and I plan to venture up there for a short stay during the kids Spring Break and do a little exploring.
As for Mark's new job with Accenture; he is very pleased with his new opportunity and really feels that his position with Accenture will be very beneficial to his career goals.
Our tentative plan is to all move up there sometime this summer before the new school year starts.  It will be a new and exciting change that we are all thrilled about.  I do look forward to sharing all the new adventures with you as they approach.

Slowly making progress

Okay, I started off this new blog site with a goal in mind and the progress has been very slow. But, I am leaving my self-discovery in the hands of the Lord, for he is the one who knows my heart and will reveal my inner being to me. It is a very true bible verse, but it is hard to take it all in sometimes;
Psalm 139:13-14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (NIV)
As I read in another friend's blog, spring is quickly emerging and a sense of renewal has sprung in me. I know that discoveries can take awhile to be found, so thank you for your continued support as I continue to travel in my search for definition.
With that, I would like to give a huge 'SHOUT OUT'to all mothers out there. Being a Mom is really, really hard work. It is for parents in general, but there is this extra bit of responsibility that I think falls on moms. So, all you Moms, know that you are not alone in your ups and downs of raising your children to be unique, well-educated, respectful, obedient, and curious individuals; and the list goes on and on. Praise and prayers to you all.
So, for now, I will let you know that I am aware of new changes within my self. I just cannot define them yet.

Pictures of Snow Fun Saved

So some of my pictures of the kids playing in the snow were saved. Hooray!!

Mark is Home...Let it Snow

On Friday night, Jan. 29, the kids and I headed to the airport and picked up Mark from his long flight from Qatar. Qatar is no longer a part of his life. His last day at his job in Qatar was the day before. Mark and all of us are glad that he has left a job environment that was not suited for him. Mark will be with us here in NC until the beginnning of March. On Monday, he accepted a job offer in Reston, VA with Accenture and will be working in the Information Technology department. We are all excited that he has found a job within the United States. The kids and I plan on joining Mark in Virginia once the school year is over.

As for the snow, it began to fall as we were heading home from the airport. We had about 5 inches of snowfall here in Raleigh. Today is Tuesday, Feb 2 and the kids are still at home. The kids are enjoying being at home, but I think secretly would like to be back in school. They did enjoy playing in the snow on Saturday. It has been kind of mushy since then. I had really adorable photos of them playing out in the snow, but lost all the pictures when I was uploading them to Picasa.  Now, I know to be more careful when I upload pictures and make sure that they are all saved before anything gets deleted.  It is suppose to snow again, so maybe I can get cute pictures at the next snowfall.

Brenne is 2--Birthday Celebrations Part 1

Brenne Loreen Sovereign turned two on December 11, 2009.  She had a wonderful birthday celebration with family members.  I made up a Dora the Explorer adventure for her.  She had her own map and backpack and had to go to areas in the house to get to her final destination, the birthday party.  She had a lot of fun with it, even if she wasn't sure of everything that was going on.  She has a very sweet personality and loves to play games with Layne and Liam.  She really is coming into more vocabulary words and loves Dolls and Dora/Diego.

Here is a look at the many faces and changes of Brenne from birth to age 2.  I have many, many more photos, but uploading photos takes FOREVER, so I went with what I already had on Picasa.  Enjoy the slideshow.

Getting in Shape with Wii Active

I am sure that we all have resolutions this year, possibly one is to get into better shape.  I know it is one of mine. I also just want a healthier body on the inside, as well as the outside.  I received the Wii game called EA Sports Active for Christmas.  I have been working out on it all month. 

I have been doing the medium level and it has been a great workout, but I wanted to challenge myself a little more, so I have done two intense level workouts and man has it made me sweat and really worked my arms and legs.  I have been doing the 35 minute workouts.

I must say that Nintendo Wii does have its pluses with this program and it is really motivating to feel the burn.  Plus, it is fun to be involved with the program as if you are a part of a 'game'.  I now look forward to working out.  I also have the Wii Fit program as well, but the Active is a little more involved.  Now, I just have to get my nutrition into gear, stay away from the processed sugars and sweets I crave, and my body will be much healthier.

So, if you have the resolution to get some exercise in this year and you have a Nintendo Wii, then I highly recommend that you look into the Active game.  If you don't own it, then find a way to get exercise into your life in a fun and motivating way.  It really does make you feel great and your body will thank you for it.

Let me know what you do for exercise and keeps you motivated.

New Year: Time to Start Fresh

I have posted my new profile and it is a challenge I hope to reveal within a relatively short time.  My goal is to write more inspiring posts, as well as keep you posted on the more regular happenings of my family.  So, first I must 'listen to the inner promptings within my heart' that will pinpoint what I love, what I am most interested in, and what I have discovered that puts a new perspective on life. We all possess individual interests that make us unique, God designed us that way. 
So, please, my fellow blog followers, bear with me, as I tread into this new area of posting.  I hope you will return here frequently to see what I have to provide. 
May your 2010 year provide you with much richness in blessings, love, laughter, and happiness.

I hope you enjoy my new blog site.

Merry Christmas

Our Dear Family and Friends,

We would like to wish all of you a joyous and love filled Christmas season. However you celebrate this time of year, we wish you much happiness with your family and friends. We would like to thank you all for the time you have spent to keep up with our family. We have had an adventurous year in 2009 and know that 2010 will provide another amazing journey for our family.

The best Christmas present we received this year was a personal surprise. Mark took time off work and made a long journey from Qatar to be with me and the kids, as well as other close family members. It was such a joy to see him sitting in the Sovereign's family room after going out to see Christmas lights. I was so shocked that I had to step back into another room to compose myself as the tears started flowing down my face. So far, we have all re-connected as a family and it is just a blessing to see the kids interacting with Mark and for me to get to spend the quality time I need with my husband.

We shared wonderful Christmas memories with my parents on Christmas Eve.  One event was identifying the key people in the story of Jesus' birth with the nativity scene.  Brenne and Liam enjoyed that part the most.  We made cookies for Santa and opened presents from my side of the family.  On Christmas morning, at the Sovereign's house, we held the kids back for almost an hour before we tore into the presents, but once they opening began, they didn't mind the waiting.  We enjoyed a simple brunch and gathering with Mark's brother, Eric and his family, Jenny and Luke.  It was a relaxed day and it was fun to play with the kids and their new toys.  We are grateful for all the gifts we received: Thank you.

As the year comes to a close, I again thank you all for the friendships we have made. Every journey is made with keeping old friendships, making new ones, and keeping close with your relatives. May the year 2010 be a wonderful year for each of you. I look forward to keeping up-to-date with you and sharing our stories through the year.

Love,
Mark, Adriel, Layne (7), Liam (5), Brenne (2)

Blog Comments-Part II

So, I hope that you are checking back frequently to see what is going on. As I had stated in a previous blog that I appreciate comments, right now and for the past several months, I am not able to receive comments. Thank you to my sister-in-law, Sarah, for pointing this out to me.
I have been checking into this through the blogger site, trying to change my HTML, but I am not having luck.
If you feel so inclined to drop me a note, please e-mail me at ahsovereign@gmail.com. But, don't feel like you have to, I know now that you are visiting me and that is enough.

A quick post

WOW!!!

I am not keeping you all informed about what has been going on. Much has been happening, but I guess nothing 'major' for me to write frequently.

Here are a few things:
The kids really, really enjoy their elementary school and are making really good friends. I am glad that they are feeling settled and not sad about missing their old school.

Layne and Liam are really enjoying the AWANA church program on Sunday nights at Colonial Baptist. They are making friends there and really enjoying the lessons and activities.

Brenne turned 2 on Friday, Dec 11 and absolutely loves Dora, dolls, shoes, and is already showing signs of pickyness with clothes. GIRLS! We had a great b-day celebration here at the Sovereign house. More to post later.

Thanksgiving was great, as all the family came together. It was a bit sad for me, as I really was missing Mark not being there as a whole family. I know that I have a very supportive family and I am thankful for all the blessings that God has provided for my family. Mark is safe and doing well, but of course would much rather be with us.

The Christmas season is upon us and I feel joy to be among a very loving family. I miss Mark tremendously and so do the kids. I know that Mark is lonely and really misses being with us. Please pray at this time for us and his absence from us right now.

More posts to come, so stay posted and check back again soon.

Closing the chapter on Germany-Welcome back to North Carolina

Our adventure in Germany was amazing. I must say that it was sad to leave, as being in Europe provided us with a chance to explore all Europe has to offer, but there is a chance we may head back there one day. We explored many areas and of course there were many we wanted to explore and never did. We loved Switzerland, Belgium, England and the areas within Germany we saw, like Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein castle and Garmish. I know I will miss the picturesque countryside that we saw all around the area we lived in.

We also made some great friends that we will miss and the kids will miss their friends. I think every stop you make in your life is a cherished memory, has you make connections, grow from them and then reap the benefits from the experiences you made. We have been truly blessed to have experienced living overseas over the past 4.5 years. Thank you to all who contributed to the very precious memories we will never forget.

Saying goodbye to Mark was a very emotional time. It was quick, at the airport and then he was gone. The kids and I were on our way to North Carolina, to America. The long 8 hour flight was not as bad as I thought it could be with just me, and no Mark to help. Brenne had her moments, but the kids were great overall. It was nice that the transition to arrive at the next gate was long, but not too long, as it never gave Brenne a chane to 'wander' around the gate waiting area the way she likes to.

We finally arrived at Raleigh airport and were picked up by my Mom. The kids were sooo excited to see her, as was I. We really enjoyed our time staying over at my parents house. Grammy and Grampy were just as excited to be able to enjoy special moments with each grandchild. We went to the NC State Fair with my sister, Lisha, and her two kids, as well as my Dad, and visited my Mom, since she was working at the Fair. Liam and Evan loved being able to play with each other again. All the kids enjoyed riding on the rides at the fair and playing a game or two. Thanks Lisha for coming out to Raleigh to see us.

Now, we are settled over in Mark's parents place with Loreen and Warren. Gramma and Papa were thrilled to see Layne, Liam, and Brenne and so far we are making progress with getting settled. The kids have really enjoyed all this time with the grandparents. We have seen Mark several times already via the internet and keeping in touch with him has helped with our separation. He has gotten settled over there in Qatar and has been adjusting to his new work schedule.

We start a new adventure. For now, we know that for a least a year we will be here in NC. We pray that Mark will remain safe while he is away from us and enjoy the times when he can travel out here to see us. We will pray for our time here in North Carolina with our family and friends, knowing that they are here to support us and ease our separation from Mark. Thank you to all who have acknowledged our current situation and have been praying for our family.