A Time of Giving...

Each year we try and do a little by "giving" to those in need. Usually, we donate some new toys to "Toys for Tots". In addition to this, we wanted do more.

This year we "adopted" a family through a local non-profit organization here in Lincoln called, the Lincoln Lighthouse. It's a resource center that provides a variety of medical, family services, and counseling to those in need.

We adopted the Wren family.They have 5 children (4 boys and 1 girl) from ages 5 to 11 years of age. The Wrens moved to Lincoln recently to get a better life and get away from the "bad" things that they were surrounded by in another city. Unfortunately, unemployed and trying to get back on their feet, they came here with little to nothing. They had no beds for the kids, no microwave oven, and no table or chairs to eat on, etc. They were lacking many of the "necessities" that most of us take for granted like coats for the children.

We were on a mission so, we went out and bought 5 brand new jackets for the kids along with matching caps and gloves. We also thought to ourselves, "what's Christmas without toys?" So, we also purchased age/gender appropriate toys for each child and made sure we knew what their interests were. Toys ranged from an electronic basketball game, Barbies w/houses, a video game, power rangers, and sports. In this spirit of giving,Lance was also able to get his colleagues/friends from his office to donate as well. One family donated and delivered a dining set, food, a new microwave oven and, purchased a special Christmas dinner. Other friends donated clothes, furniture, money, and toys. Our givings created a little "snow-ball effect" and others were happy to help out this family too. How wonderful it was!

This whole experience was a positive one, especially because Joshie and Jayden were a big part of it. We talked about those less fortunate and how sad it must be especially during the winters and holidays. Joshie and Jayden were right there with us picking the jackets and toys and delivering the items to the Lighthouse. Joshie and Jayden were happy to be a part of this and were very excited to give these great things to the Wren family. On another note, Joshie was assigned to write an essay on what he would do if he was Santa Claus....the number one thing he would do in his own words was,"help all the families who could not afford to buy their children
toys".

We received a touching thank you card and letter from the Wrens. They were very thankful for our help and gifts and were overwhelmed with everything. Their children were so excited and happy and said that this was the "best Christmas they have ever had!" This is what it's all about. Being able to give to others and help them and knowing that we made a difference in their lives.

We feel truly blessed that we were able to do this and give from our hearts to a family we don't even know. This was also an important lesson for Joshie and Jayden and hopefully this will keep them mindful on how very lucky they/we are and to appreciate all we have.

A Memorable Thanksgiving...

This past Thanksgiving was a memorable one to say the least. It's usually a fun time when the Shigios, our spouses, and families get together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas (since we don't get to spend Christmas together). It's usually a time where all of the kids and grownups are running around and playing from morning to night. Unfortunately, this year was quite different. When Kevin, Tracy, Emma and Hannah arrived from Denver, the girls were running fevers and apparently had some type of stomach flu/virus. To make a long story short, the virus spread and affected all but my Mom, Joshie, Jayden and Lisa. It was pretty miserable there for a while. Fevers, aches, vomitting and (other things that I won't mention), dehydration, and so on. The worst part was seeing the little ones suffer, especially the ones that are usually full of energy, instead, they were lethargic and practically lifeless...it was awful.

It was especially sad because this was probably the last time that we'd all be together (at least for a while). Donnie, Lisa, Alex and Marisa recently moved to Colorado Springs. The cousins just adore each other and get along so well and usually get to enjoy each other fully, but, because of the illnesses, it just couldn't be done. Who knows this may have even been the last Thanksgiving that we'd be able to spend all together.

There was about a day in a half where we were able to have a little fun. On Thanksgiving day, some of us were getting better and Donnie and family weren't affected by the "bug" yet. On Friday, we were able to go bowling (minus Donnie since he came down with it that morning). By the time we got home, Alex and Marisa came down with the symptoms and worse...experienced dehydration and were taken to emergency!

We can't change anything and we couldn't help what happened but through it all, we can still be thankful for being able to be together and have at least a couple of pretty good days. Afterall, it could have been a lot worse, right?

Hope everyone else had a wonderful "Turkey Day"! Again, this will be a very very memorable Thanksgiving celebration.

Outstanding Academics Award

Joshua received another award for "outstanding academics". Way to go Joshie!

This trimester, he also received his first award for "perfect attendance".

Stage Fright

Here's Jayden right before his Thanksgiving performance with his class. Notice the little smile? Well, the second picture is just a taste of what came next...stage fright! Could this be? Our future "Chris Daughtry" just couldn't handle the pressure of all of the fans. During the performance he just FROZE! He stared out into the audience and that's about all he did! Poor little fella. Not sure if he's cut out to be a rock star....only time will tell.

Next Belt Test

It's that time again, Joshua has been practicing and waiting for his next belt test. He will be testing for his purple stripe next Wednesday evening. Good luck Joshie!

Happy 43rd Anniversary!

Just wanted to wish my parents a happy anniversary. Hopefully, you two will be able to go and celebrate as soon as Dad gets rid of his cold! Wishing you the best not just today, but everyday! We love you!

Thank A Vet!!

Today is Veteran's Day...so, thank you to my brother for serving in Iraq, and thank you to my father for serving in the military.

In my opinion, if you were able to open your eyes today to the freedoms we have here in America, you too should thank a Veteran.

You don't have to support the current War in Iraq, but support those that have bravely volunteered to represent our armed forces.

If you are a Vet and are reading this, "Thank You" also...

The Force is strong within you...

This year the boys coordinated their halloween costumes. Joshua was Anakin Skywalker and Jayden was Darth Vader.

Everyone thought that Jayden was the smallest Darth Vader ever! It would've been cute if he chose to be Yoda...but, he wanted to be "Lord Vader" instead. You see, Joshie likes good guys and Jayden likes the bad guys...so, Joshie said he was the "good" Anakin before he turned to the "dark side".

They had a great Halloween...parties, haunted houses, and lots of treats, that's for sure!

The Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday, Jayden's class attended their first field trip of the year to the Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland. Lance and I both went along on this little trip. Jayden and his class had a great time. We watched the pig races, went on a hayride, played on the forts, picked our own pumpkins, rode the train, and fed the animals. It was a fun day for all.

STRIKE!!!!

Joshua requested to have a small but special celebration for his birthday this year. Instead of the usual 20 kid party, he wanted only his closest friends...Connor, Blake and Mikey. It was a little difficult to coordinate with the 3 families since Joshie wanted all 3 there...not just 1 or 2. So, this is the reason for the delay.

Per Joshie's request, we took the boys to Strikes (a brand new bowling/arcade/rock climbing family fun center in Rocklin) and by far the best bowling alley we've ever been to.

On his first turn, Joshie had a STRIKE!!! Pretty cool.

After 2 rounds of bowling and lunch at Strikes, we stopped at Jamba Juice and then let the boys come over and play.

The boys had a great time and didn't want to leave our house when it was time for them to go home (a trend of all of Joshie and Jayden's friends who come over). Joshua really enjoyed his "party" this year...so, it was a SUCCESS!

Still Chris Daughtry's #1 Fan

It's been several months since Chris Daughtry was voted off of American Idol. One thing that has remained the same is the fact that our little Jayden (who just turned 4) is still Chris' #1 fan(atic)! Now with posters in his room of Chris Daughtry, his rocker paraphernalia like, his leather bracelets, belts, shoes, necklace, a number of rings for his fingers and of course, Chris' signature chain on his pants...Jayden feels like Chris now. Since I wouldn't allow him to shave his head like Chris, Jayden opted for a new "do"...a head full of spikes (rocker style). He's got Chris' moves and facial expressions down to a science. He can't go a day without his Chris Daughtry fix via songs or videos from the internet, his favorite site is Chris Daughtry Rocks. He's probably Chris Daughtry's youngest and most dedicated fan! Check out previous entries on this topic..."Jayden's Broken Heart" and "Chris Daughtry's #1 Fan".

Blue Belt

Joshua recently received his blue belt in Taekwondo. As always, he practiced hard, not only at school, but at home too. We're very proud of him and his latest accomplishment. He's such a natural, it's actually pretty impressive. Being only 7 years old and taking Taekwondo for just one year, he has shown great patience, commitment, dedication and focus. He has already said that he will go all the way to black belt, and not just 1st degree black belt, but 10th degree!

He has already learned his new "form" to test for the next belt which will be purple stripe.

Congratulations to our little Taekwondo kid!!

Aloha and welcome to our new blog site

As you can see, we've moved blog sites. You can still access our previous blog site at blogspirit. New entries coming soon. Aloha for now.