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.