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.