We're Back!

Whoa....2010 was a year of growth and exciting changes in the Lawyer Home.

It was a great year and I am so grateful to my many, many friends and family who have been diligent in keeping up with us. I know I could use a little work in that department. Here is an update of our recent coming and goings.

JOSEPH



This kid has got to be the BRAVEST kid I know!

Coming to a new country, getting to know a dad he hadn't seen in 12 years, meeting a new step mother for the first time, going to a new middle school, learning a new language, a new culture. He has done it all this last year.

JoJo is his nickname that has sort of stuck. We asked if we could call him Joe as a nickname. He said no but JoJo is fine. Ben thinks it has something to do with joe meaning elephant or something in Japanese.

His English is really coming along. He is doing really well in school. He grades keep getting better and better. He has lots of friends and likes school most of the time.

Video games is still his love but he is really taking to photography. His Grams and Pops Parr bought him a new camera for Christmas and he is enjoying it. He is looking forward to getting some pictures of his own framed and put on his bedroom wall.

He has grown and inch over the last year. My guess is that his is going to be taller than his dad. I think he will end up at 6"5 but don't suggest he play basketball because he has no interest in that. Soccer is the name of his game and he is going to be playing indoor soccer starting next month.

All in all. Joseph is a great kid. He is funny and silly and the best addition to our family. We love having him here and look forward to seeing what this next year brings.

BEN AND JEANNE

Ben has had a busy year being a husband, father, student, and Army dude.

He is currently working on a Master Degree at the Academy of Art Institute. He is working on their online program and just got straight A's this last semester.

This year Ben was able to conduct his first piece with the Army. He conducted it at the Army Band's Christmas Concert. Of course, I think he did a great job and it was fun to see him in his element....doing his thing.

We had to purchase an IMAC this year for school. It was required for Ben's program. He has been having a lot of fun making and composing music. You can find him on facebook under Ben Lawyer, composer if you want to hear some of his music. I must say, it is pretty good.

Jeanne has had a busy year adjusting to being a mother to a teenager and becoming a full time student. Plus we can't forget all the crafts that need to get done. :)

I have gone back to school at the Academy of Art online program. I am majoring in Photography. I just finished my first semester with straight A's. It has been very gratifying to work on my talents and get such positive feedback from my professors. It is very rewarding to know that they see great potential in me. I guess I have the talent I always thought I had. I will always do some portrait photography but I am seriously considering going more into Fine Art and having an online gallery. Keep posted for some of my recent work. I am sure you will like what you see.

This year is no different than any other in regards to crafts. There is always so much to do and no time to do it in. However, I manage. I have had lots of friends request that I start blogging again and posting my projects and pictures so stay posted for some of my latest work.

My goal for this next year is to reconnect with my friends and family. I feel like I have been in a bubble this last year. I really had to focus on myself and my family but I finally feel like I am in a place where I can take on more and I look forward to getting back in touch.

Here is to a wonderful 2011!

It's always fun at Grams and Pops!

This last week we were able to spend some time with my parents in Utah.

What a great day we had.

I always knew my parents would be great grandparents

but they have exceeded my expectations.

Taking Joseph as he is their own was fun to see.

Joseph had a great time being spoiled and catered to.

He and my dad went on a bike ride up to the Bountiful Temple.

Joseph was so nervous but very excited.

From the look on his face I am pretty sure he enjoyed it.

You think?

I was amazed at how much Joseph opened up to them.

And they took right to him. We all got spoiled

We were taken to dinner.

Joseph and Pops sat and chatted.

While he and Grams played games and watched some movies.

They bought him his favorite cereal for breakfast

and favorite treats for the ride.

Pops gave Joseph some super cool sunglasses

and both grandparents gave lots of hugs and kisses.

When we got home... Joseph asked when he gets to go back

to Grams and Pops. This is very fun, he says.

I think his grandparents would agree.

Yes, it is always fun at Grams and Pops house.

This every happen to you?

I know many of you may laugh at this post

BUT

keep in mind I have only been a mother for a few months

and not to a baby but a teenager.

You see, most everything has a place in my house.

I like order.

Well....trying to convince Joseph

that is a different story.

As you can see from the above picture.

His Star Wars Men love to battle.

Where do they battle, you say?

On the stool in the living room.

Why?

I have yet to figure that out.

Everytime I ask Joseph..."can you please put those away?"

His reply, "no, they are fighting!"

My reply, "why can't they fight in your room"

His answer, "not enough space"
Maybe if he cleaned the legos and clothes off the floor he might find some.
You think?

So, I guess for now things that used to sit on the stool

now reside on the floor.

If you notice in the picture above.

Even Hero is confused. He too would like to know why everything is out of place.

Joseph Happenings

Here is the recent photoshoot I did of Joseph.

 Let me tell you how much harder it is to take a picture of your own child. Especially when they are not in the MOOD

and trust me...Joseph was not in the mood.

Joseph is really starting to adjust to living in the States.

The culture is so different from that of Japan.

I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.

Learning English has been a challenge for him but he is doing AMAZINGLY well.

He has brought much laughter to this home.

He is very witty and smart.

He also is adorable when he trys using his English.

Just yesterday he said to his Dad, "I want KFC"

I asked him, "What is the magic word that follows?"

His reply, Kentucky Fried Chicken.

He now knows the magic word is please.

Yesterday I gave Joseph his first experience with POP ROCKS!

One of my favorite things as a kid. (as an adult as well if truth be told)

Only thing, I didn't prepare him for what would happen.

I wish I had a video camera. I am still laughing today.

He told me, Danger, Danger mom. I am going to die. My throat has closed off.

So mean. But I must admit that it was worth the laugh.

Joseph is loving school

 He has many friends.

He is a natural whiz at Math.

Science on the other hand brings frustration and tears.

Apparently Science in the States is 2 years ahead of Japan.

Not to mention that many of the words do not translate.

But he still hangs in there.

Joseph will begin soccer in a month.

He is so excited. It is all he wants to do.

I must admit that I can't wait to go to his games and watch him play.

Life with a teenager has it's challenges. I often wonder if I was that moody at that age.

Happy one minute, mad the next.

And showers, lets talk about the fights to take a shower.

Why do boys think they don't stink?

Even though we have had some major adjustments...

Laughter keeps us going.

Jospeh continually makes Ben and I laugh.

Plus he loves hugs and all the attention he can get.

He especially loves time with his dad. Getting his hands in the tools and being outside together.

After school he enjoys coming home and telling me about his day.

I have learned that girls at his school are "not good company to keep"

PE is really hard, (he doesn't like push ups) and American teachers are way nicer than

any he had in Japan.

All in all. Life is good. We enjoy being a family.

Best of all we can't wait for what life brings next.

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend is always busy for us. It started off with Ben's Easter Parade. Ben was excited because this is the first parade that Joseph was able to go to and see what his dad does.

Ben on the bass drum.

We usually don't dye Easter eggs but that wasn't going over well with Joseph. He wanted to do it all. The egg hunt, the dying of the eggs and the Easter basket. Obviously Nala wanted to join in on the fun. We kicked her off serveral times but she wasn't haven't it either.

I must admit. I enjoyed my mom Easter egg. It was a first for me and I loved every minute of it.

Jospeh is growing fast. He is already 5"8 and has grown an inch since he lived here but that inch didn't help him get the sneaky egg dad hid way up high for him.

After we enjoyed the wonderful General Conference we went to some friends for dinner. I have to tell you that these last few pictures of Jospeh are my favorite. All though they might not seem like much to you....they bring me great joy. When Jospeh first got here to the United States he was so shy that he wouldn't talk or do anything. He is still shy but with persuasion and love he has really stepped outside himself and has tried things he has never done before. He has been practicing basketball. He got right in there on the trampoline with the other kids and kicked some butt. He has such a contagious smile and I see it more and more everyday. Who would of thought he would bring us such joy.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We thought about all of our loved ones and most importantly we thought of our Savior and the Atonement. What a great way to spend the weekend.

Tender Mercies

I am sure many of you heard the news headlines in the last few weeks of the couple Arthur and Lesley Redelfs. It made the World News. They were the couple that were gundown and killed in Juarez, Mexico while waiting in their car to re-enter the US after attending a birthday Party. Juarez boarders our town here in El Paso. He  was a police officer and his wife worked for the US Consalete in Juarez. They had a beautiful daughter Rebecca who was miraculously unharmed in the event and Lesley was 4 months pregnant with their son. It was a senseless murder but one that is becoming more and more common in Juarez.

He was a member of the church, she was not. They were in our ward but not active. However his mother, brother and sister all attend our ward and are the sweetest people you will ever meet. I sang I am a child of God with the choir at the funeral and Ben played his bassoon. The spirit was strong and it was a wonderful missionary oppourtunity as 800 people gathered in the LDS Chapel to pay their respects to this lovely couple.

It is always events like these. Ones that hit so close to home that make you ponder. I remember sitting at the funeral and hearing them say that Lesley was born May 20, 1974. I am three days older than her. It hit me hard. Life is so short. So precious.

My heart has been heavy this last week as I have thought about their beautiful baby who is now left without her parents. She will never remember them she is so young. The family is praying that she will be able to be raised by his mother but that is all still being decided. As my heart ached for this family during their tragic loss. I gained some comfort today as I sat in sacrament and listened to them bless this beautiful baby. After the blessing, all the family bore their testimonies all the while strenghening mine. Even though the future is unsure for this child. The Lord will be with her. She now has the opportunity to be raised in the gospel and was blessed that she would serve a mission if that was what she desired.

Our assigned temple is in Juarez. We have been promised by the Stake Presidency that if we go straight to the temple and come straight back we will be blessed and protected. However after these events, they canceled our ward temple night last week and we are not sure what is going to happen. Many of our brother and sisters live in Juarez. They live in the colonies there in Mexico and they are being kidnapped and killed for money.

Living in El Paso I have gained a deeper understanding as to the problems that are in Mexico. The members of the church in the colonies are trying to stand firm and stay in their homes but many are being threatened and are starting to flee. Please pray for our brother and sisters. Pray for those that live this everyday. Pray for their protection.

As I sat pondering today. I wondered how I would feel without the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without knowing the Plan of Salvation I am not sure that I could endure such a trial. I am so blessed that I have a testimony of the Savior. I testify that he lives. I love the picture displayed above. Christ holding one child as he helps another not to fall. I testify that our Savior does that for us daily. If we just ask. Sometimes he does it even when we don't ask. I am so grateful for the knowledge and testimony that Famlies Can be together forever. I testify to it's truth. I am so happy that we can attend the temple and do work for our kindred dead. Sealing families together for eternity.

I love the Lord, I testify that he lives. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of the Lord. I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel in these Latter days. I testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon. I know that families are eternal and can be together forever.

In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

St Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day was fun this year. Even though I love my hubby and he is my friend. Life is more exciting and fun with kids. Maybe it's because I finally have an excuse to do kid things.

We decided to have a Green party and boy was it fun. Joseph helped me decorate and I must say that he did a great job.

For dinner our friends, The Hatch Family joined us. We had green pesto pasta, green salad, limeaid and of course mint chocholate chip icecream and cookies that they decorated in green frosting. Not just any green frosting but sparkling green frosting. It was fun.

We tried explaining St. Patricks day. The leprachauns, the pot of gold, the clover but Joseph just wasn't really getting it. Just another crazy holiday celebrated by his "Crazy"  American Family.

Oh well, at least we had a good reason to invite friends to dinner and have a good time. You know me. Any reason for a party.

Did you know?

Since most of you have not had the chance to get to know Joseph, I thought I would share a few things with you about this Fabulous Kid!

Did you know?

Joseph is 13 and he is already 5"8 (he has grown an inch since he has been here)

Joseph doesn't like vegetables and acts like he is going to die every time I make him eat them.

Joseph LOVES video games and I have a good time kicking his butt in Mario Kart. (anything else we play I lose but Mario Kart, I conquer)

Joseph has a great sense of humor. He is continually making me laugh.

Joseph wishes I would cook more fish.

Joseph loves beauty just like his dad.

Joseph wants to be a computer programmer when he grows up.

Joseph HATES peanut butter. (now this one seriously confuses me...I can't imagine anyone not liking peanut butter)

Joseph LOVES LOVES LOVES pizza and spaghetti.

When we have spaghetti this kid eats more than Ben and I combined.

Joseph LOVES to put things together. The other day I was working on a grill and he asked to help. Next thing I know, he said he didn't want me to work with him any more because I didn't know what I was doing. He did the rest. (funny thing, his dad doesn't like to do projects like that with me either. hmmm)

Joseph loves building things with his dad and his eyes get big every time he sees his dad pull out some tools.

Joseph LOVES Legos. He continually amazes me at the things he builds. Everything has secret compartments and is very complex. I think we have an engineer on our hands.

By the way...do you know how much Legos are? It is killing me. Especially the Star Wars Legos.
I keep telling myself that I would rather him create with his Legos than play video games. I am just not sure what to tell my pocket book.

Joseph also loves Hero (our dog). His favorite color is blue and he calls me his CRAZY American Mom.(do you blame him) He is such a great young man and he brings great joy to our life. He recently informed us that we could bring more joy to his if we could give him a little brother. A sister would be ok but he would really prefer a brother.

We love you Joseph!

Firsts

Well the last several months have been a lot of "Firsts" for our family. Becoming a first time mother to a teenager has taken some adjustment. I have never been so tired in my life. I also have never felt so much joy and love for a child. Joseph has been a wonderful addition to our family and I can't imagine life without him. It often makes me think of Tomoyo (Josephs mom) and the great sacrifice she has made to have Jospeh live with us here in the States. We have been so blessed to have the chance to help raise this fine young man.

Ben has not seen Joseph since he was 1 so we have completely enjoyed the time spent bonding and spending time together. Here are some of the firsts we have experienced.

Our first meeting at the SLC airport

First picture with the grandparents in 11 years

First hugs

The first time trying to communicate without Tomoyo translating. Thank heavens for google translate.

Joseph did not know any English when he came here but in the last 3 months he has come a long way. The poor kid is a trooper. He has been so overwhelmed but he keeps plugging along. He is really starting to use his English and we are so proud of him.

First picture with his cousins his same age.

More first pictures with cousins.

And more and more pictures. Poor Joseph was so sick of having his picture taken. He has gotten used to it now and is a much better sport about it.

Our first trip to Temple Square with Joseph.

Our first Christmas.

Our first New Years.

Our first sand angels. (you see here in El Paso we have to improvise....since there is no snow we go to a place called White Sands and pretend it is a White Christmas. If it wasn't for the blazing heat...I might be able to convince myself)

Our first time sledding at White Sands.

Our first family vacation.

More of our vacation. I must say we are a cute family.

First Father and Son photo.

Our first family photo.

We are looking forward to years of more firsts.