Team America

We have some of the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Sarah and I are always saying if we win the lottery (even though we don't play) we wouldn't move to a fancy neighborhood, we would just remodel like the dickens (even though we are kind of already doing that) - and the reason is because we love our neighbors so much. One household, whom we affectionately call the "Canadian Neighbors" recently had some big news, and subsequently, are now known simply as the "Canadian Neighbor." After many years of having a green card, Brad completed his interview process, naturalization test, raised his right hand, and became an American citizen. Team America just grew one team member stronger. To celebrate, they threw a huge American themed party. Everyone wore red, white, and blue, and jeans and sneakers - everyone except Sarah that is. Grace was also in attendance as an infant lady liberty - sans green robe, book, and torch - ok, she only wore a crown.

The Canadian Neighbors, Brad and Jessie.

Jessie, the lone remaining Canadian Neighbor enjoying time with Grace

During Brad's process, he would ask me many of the study questions on the naturalization test he would be required to pass before becoming a citizen. I've linked to the test questions and I challenge all of you to take the test without looking at the answers. I will admit I got many wrong - who new the first amendment granted 5 freedoms? I thought it was just three.

Naturalization Test from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, HERE

Thanksgiving Update

Our busy schedules have allowed us time enough to play, but not the time to relay the stories of our adventures. It's Sunday, and although I should be studying, I'm taking time to try and retrace the steps of some of the more eventful moments of the past couple of months. Look for posts on "Team America", "Operation Toque", "Grace out of Graceland", and "Grace Gets Chomping."

While waiting, enjoy our photos from Thanksgiving!

http://picasaweb.google.com/scott.templin/Thanksgiving2010#

Happy Turkey Day!

Hope everyone has a fun-filled, calorie-packed, safe holiday with blessed friends and family!

Ready for Denver

We will be traveling to Denver tomorrow for a t-day visit. Grace's first airplane ride - we are a little nervous. Also, Denver is a bit colder than Tacoma... for that we are prepared.

Grace Is On A Roll

Okay....she officially rolls over. It may only be to her left, and only from her stomach, but she's doing it lots! She's also started chewing on her feet as of this week. Scott and I find it so enjoyable to watch. I know, I know, enjoy the immobility as much as possible now because we'll need baby gates all over the house before we know it. Sleeping is still an issue. Grace is actually screaming as I'm writing this as we are working on her getting herself back to sleep again. She's had a little cold, her first one at that, but it seems to have completely thrown her for a loop and she's somehow forgotten how to go to sleep without a fight. I'm just glad the books guide you through this process, letting your baby 'cry-it-out' has to be the hardest thing ever.

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween! Grace had a blast carving a pumpkin with her dad as pictured. The usual Halloween parties took a year off so there was no dressing up in the Templin household. Everyone kept asking what Grace was going to be, but let's be honest, dressing her up would be for our pure benefit and laughs, not Grace's. She's already starting her bedtime routine by the time the first trick-or-treaters came to the door. But we are already brainstorming great costume ideas for next year when Grace is a bit older to enjoy it.

Grace Gets Baptized

Grace was baptized at St. Leo's Catholic Church on October 17th, alongside her Godparents Sonia and Justin Buckmaster (my sister and brother in law.) We were very blessed to have many friends and family present to celebrate the special occasion. Some time ago I thought it would be a great idea to make something special out of my mother's wedding dress, one that her mother made for her. Once we decided on a date for Grace's baptism I knew a christening gown would be the perfect project. My mother took the scissors to her dress that has been packed away for over 35 years and used the fabric to make the bonnet and the bodice of the gown. The outfit turned out beautiful and Grace looked like a little doll! Thanks to everyone for making the event so memorable for us.