The Knopf Family

Snow Days!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-07T11:14:00.000-06:00

We love snow days!
The kids have been out of school for a week now and we just got the call that we are out tomorrow too! Okay, so mom loves snow days too but 5 in a row??? Hmmm, not sure if I am as excited anymore, haha!
Landon and his friends made an awesome sledding ramp at our neighbors hill and the kids have been enjoying it. I might have to give it a go tomorrow!

lashsicles!!!!!!!!

Mayli trying to be like her brother and build a fort

IT'S MAYLI DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-10T13:29:00.000-05:00

3 YEARS AGO TODAY MAYLI BECAME A KNOPF!

3 TOP REASONS MAYLI IS INCREDIBLE

HER STRONG WILL TO GO AFTER WHAT SHE WANTS.
HER SWEET CHARMING SPIRIT
HER HEART

DEAR MAYLI,

YOU COMPLETE US AS A FAMILY! YOUR HEART IS PRECIOUS AND WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED FOR EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE MY SWEET GIRL. I LOVE HOW YOU WALK INTO A ROOM WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH. YOU SHINE DEAR GIRL!

PAME INDIAN VILLAGE

2010-09-10T11:24:00.017-05:00

In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Brian, Brianna, Landon and I took our first medical mission trip this summer. I have been wanting to take our family on vacations with purpose for some time now. Next time we will bring the girls (wanted them to mature a bit:). The experience-AMAZING! No cell phones, no tv, no computer and for part of the trip....no showers! And guess what we loved it. EVEN ME! I get bored so easily (u know my undiagnosed ADD, which is probably close to being diagnosed, ha).

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It was very inspiring watching Brian relate to the people of this village. Alexa was a great translator. And, as always prayer can break through any language barrier!

Our teens are awesome! I remember when Brianna and landon were toddlers and I would get so exhausted from all the baby stuff - people would say to me "just wait until they are teenagers". Well so far they are wrong. I love every single day with them. I have to say Brian and I thoroughly enjoy them. All the teaching moments, all the moments they teach us, challenges, emotional times, watching their personalites emerge into something more beautiful each day. I LOVE IT ALL! My kids will forever be my heroes. I was asked what inspires me to be a good mom....MY KIDS inspire me to be a extraordinary mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brianna and landon- I was so proud of you on this trip! You handled every bit of it with grace and dignity. You lived up to your name! Dad and I couldn't ask for better teens (even if we wanted to you are ours haha)

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-15T18:57:00.006-06:00

We had fun at Lake Family's Fall Halloween Festival....bonfire, pig roast and trunk or treat! Every year we love carving pumpkins and roasting pumpkin seeds with the kids! Brianna and Landon still really enjoy it. We told them they can never get out of this tradition! I hope they always love it!

M i c k e y........M o u s e!!!

2009-11-15T18:37:00.003-06:00

We had such a wonderful vacation to Orlando!!!!!! We went to Disneyworld, Epcot and one of the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon. We had so much fun!!! As the kids get older, it is so much fun for Brian and I to watch their personalities form. Even through the chaos of parenting, we have so much fun! I am so happy to have such a wonderful journeying partner! We truly enjoy our kids and this family. Sometimes it isn't easy, but Brian and I are both so good at laughing and recognizing that the challenging times will pass and knowing that we just have to enjoy each and every moment of this journey together! It still makes me laugh that we had 2 different times where someone told us that our family was entertaining to watch....haha! Ya know, you have to ask yourself..."what exactly does that mean"? It makes me giggle because YOU KNOW they were referring to the "energy", the laughter, the CHAOS. I am soooooo thankful that our kids are lively, energetic or I guess you could say wild, outspoken. I call it plain F U N!!!!! I have often wondered why God didn't give us just ONE quiet child but then, I remember that we have to keep life exciting. I want our journey to be active and full of life. Us Knopfs...we love adventure and challenge! We are a team (though we forget this many times) and WE LOVE LIFE!!! As Brianna says, let's be the fruitloop in the bowl of cheerios!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go teammcbabllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Day of School!

2009-09-05T22:31:00.004-05:00

Do we really have 2 middle school age children??????? That is crazy how time flies. I remember older, wiser friends and family warning us about how fast time goes with children when we had 2 babies in diapers. They would look at us and say "Enjoy them while they are little because before you know it, they will be grown". That is such a hard concept to believe when you are in the midst of busy parenting, diaper changing, constant chaos, busy schedules. It is still a hard concept to believe in the midst of running kids around, family schedules, wondering who has what when. Brian and I juggling where everyone needs to be -often times splitting up to make sure everything is covered. I remember thinking date nights were hard when they were little still in diapers, but wow...now date nights are even harder. The older they get and the more kids...the more things to coordinate. If only we would have known back then to take advantage of those "slow" times. It takes more coordinating, more juggling, we have to work harder on our relationship. It is even easier to let that fall to the back burner now. We thought it would get easier as the kids got more self sufficient. Oh...the lessons of life:)

The kids are enjoying school. Brianna is still in taekwondo, Landon is playing middle school football. Carli and Mayli are enjoying 1st grade. Carli loves reading and Mayli loves music class!

2009-09-05T21:49:00.002-05:00

Grandpa is fun!!!!!!!!!!!

We love Gpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandpa Bob, Grandma Charlotte, Lindsey and Maddy came to visit us before school started. We had fun at the pool with them!

Grandma and Grandpa Camp!

2009-07-05T22:03:00.006-05:00

Carli and Mayli spent a week in Arkansas at Grandma Marys and Grandpa Lens. Gma and Gpa kept them busy with many activities, such as a petting zoo, alligator farm, tennis lessons, fishing, boat rides, visiting friends and helping out with the dog Toby Joe! They loved it and are ready to go back next summer. Carli already requested that they stay 10 days next time! haha gma and gpa!

The girls had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa!!!

This is what grandma said about their visit.....

Everyone who met the girls comments on how outgoing, loving, intelligent and of course how cute they are. They have been so good. (Of course, I had to throw in grandmas words:)

Our new boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-26T13:47:00.004-05:00

Our Friends, the Ovingtons totally blessed us with this boat. Their family enjoyed it on the lake for years and since thier kids are all older, they passed it on to us!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brian and Landon have had such a fun time getting it to work again---THANKS MIKE MENGES, the boat expert:) Landon has really taken ownership of it. It has been so fun and so inspiring to see his happy face when he tells us about how they made this boat come alive! We have already had such fun going out on it and it's only month 1 of summer. YAY for the Ovingtons and YAY for out new boat! We are definitely hooked on boating now..........uh ohhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

me n the kids with cousin Conner

Congrats to our kindergarten graduates!

2009-06-15T22:57:00.007-05:00

All of the other kids just walked in very calmly with their hands at their sides but NOT CARLI!!!!!!!!!!!! She walks in like a celebrity....a grand entrance!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and here comes Miss Mayli..........................

Stand in the Rain

2009-06-05T08:04:00.004-05:00

Isn't life about the climb? As we were listening to the radio one day, Mayli looks at me with big passionate eyes and says "Mommy, I love this song, I feel it in my heart, my brain and my fingertips". We have known that music moves this little girl from the day we met her in China. The song was CLIMB by Miley Cyrus. It starts out "these dreams I'm dreamin, I can almost feel it, but a voice inside my head says, you'll never reach it". She belts that part of the song out. She is trying so hard to learn all the english words so she can sing this song at Gma and Gpas church. Her drive is tenacious and her passion is inspiring. I believe this little girl knows in her heart that these words move her because she has already had to climb, she has already had to stand in the rain of life. Watching her even through my frustration teaches me valuable lessons about life.

Here are some pics on a rainy day when the girls and I decided to play in the rain on our driveway. I was reminded about this song below (you'll have to stop the music I already have on here by clicking the stop botton on the playlist at the bottom of this page so you can hear the video) and about how we do have to stand in the rain of life. We must stand our ground when that voice says we are going to fall. Often times it is a choice we must make. Everything within us says to lie down, but we must not let our emotions make that choice for us. We just have to stand, have faith... and simply trust.

Lovin Being a Mom!

2009-05-11T10:02:00.003-05:00

It is official.........Brianna and Landon are both taller then their mom!!!!!!!!!!! Each year has been my favorite age with the kids. I love 12 and 13! Of course I also love 6 and what is cool is now I have experienced each stage the girls will get to with Brianna and Landon! (i should be a pro and know what is coming, haha) It is so fun to see each age, each stage. This weekend as I was getting ready for church in a very quiet house (smart husband that took them for breakfast and let me sleep in:), I was thinking about something that each of them did this weekend that made me smile, made me very proud to be their mom!

Landon- As we were sitting by our bonfire Sat night with friends and neighbors, he was showing off his pryo tendancies by lighting body parts on fire with GermX (of course all of this was under the supervision and participation of his father)

Brianna- watching her test for her black belt Sat morning. I am so proud. She was so tough but I could see her "having fun" giggling and smiling while sparring against the boys. She is precious. Sharing clothes, shoes and accesories is fun too:)

Carli- goes up to the neighbor and says "why are you so lazy and don't mow your own yard?"

Mayli- she actually followed instruction when I reprimanded her. I told her she was an angel so the rest of the weekend anytime she would test me, she reminded me "but mommy, I am an angel" as she put her halo over her head and smiled really big

Sometimes I want to run away from my children but mostly I am very happy and proud to be their mommy! Happy Moms to me!

gotta love this angle (double chins)

I know it doesn't take much to be taller than me but it still feels weird

Briannas black belt testing!

2009-05-11T09:44:00.004-05:00

We are so proud of Brianna! She had her black belt testing on Saturday and SHE DID AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life of the Chickens:)

2009-05-04T18:52:00.003-05:00

the neighborhood duck came to say hi to the chickens, lol:)

Yes, these chickens are still living in our garage!!!!!!!!!!! They are doing well. I am so proud of the kids for taking such good care of them. Too bad we can't keep them. They will probably be going to Connies farm at the end of the month. Brianna is very sad about it:(

Fishin Fun!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-20T08:13:00.004-05:00

Here are the latest "catches of the day":) Brian took a little sanity trip to the river this past weekend all alone. (His favorite escape:). He caught a 22 inch Brown (way to go honey:)!!!!!!!!!!
The other pics of the kids are from when Brian took them to our neighborhood dock. They have caught this same turtle 2 yrs in a row! They know it is the same guy because my kids know their turtles, lol. The girls are becoming quite the fisherwomen. Carli catches and reels hers in ALL BY HERSELF now. Neither of them mind touching the fish.

our turtle friend

Brian helped Mayli catch this one

Carli did this one ALL by herself...what a pro!

Carli also caught this one!!!!!!!!!!!

More Easter Fun

2009-04-13T09:14:00.005-05:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-11T01:24:00.001-05:00

coloring eggs!

I can't believe I let the kids talk me into baby chickens..............

Happy 13th Birthday Brianna!!!

2009-03-18T20:57:00.007-05:00

WE CAN'T BELIEVE OUR LITTLE GIRL IS A TEEN!
13 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU UNIQUE BRIANNA!

How you use wisdom in making decisions...you have done this since you were small.
Your heart for orphans and the children we sponsor in other countries. God planted this seed in you at a young age and watching him cultivate this has been amazing. (yes I know your sisters can still get on your nerves sometimes my child....you may be normal:)
Your perseverance through your commitments.
Your bright smile even in dark times
Your willingness to take in animals (But YES, we still have to limit you, haha)
Your creativity with projects
How you are growing in grace and love for God
You have an amazing fashion sense
Your talent with hair...I love this and so do the girls
Your chef abilities especially with desserts:) YUM
How you make friends easily
You give everyone a chance
HOW YOU AREN'T AFRAID TO BE THE FRUIT LOOP IN THE BOWL OF CHEERIOS!

You are 8 yrs old in this pic...you have always loved critters. You were so excited about this treefrog

One of your first lemonade stands with friend Emily (you are 6 in this pic) and her sister Lizzy. You two have been friends since you were 3. Here is a note from her:

Brianna,
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY!! You are an awesome friend. I don't know about you, but I can remember things that happened when we were 4 years old. Like running through sprinklers and I told you that if you would swing high enough, you would fly into outer space. We would make houses for squirrels and we prayed for the tree in my back yard that got struck by lightning. We have had some great times together and I hope we will forever be friends.
Love you,
Emily

First day of 2nd grade at new school in Missouri after we moved from Illinois:age 7

You found this turtle fishing with dad....

summer after we got Carli, age 8

Easter age 9

CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR PARTY !!!!!!!!!!

15 years.........

2009-03-12T08:52:00.004-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY......

I'VE GOT YOU ON MY MIIIIIIINNNDDDDD!

Brianna, Landon and I excited about our new appliances...Yes we are watching the clothes wash, lol. It's good to get excited about the little pleasures in life....RIGHT?

LANDON TAKES 3RD in Districts!

2009-03-08T16:13:00.001-05:00

WAY TO GO TOUGH GUY! NEXT ....REGIONALS, MARCH 14!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO

2009-03-08T15:53:00.004-05:00

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY CARLI!

MAYLI, CARLI AND ANNA GRACE

BRIANNA AND LANDON AT MOTEL POOL (WE WERE THERE FOR DISTRICTS)

JUMPIN ON THE BED IS PART OF STAYIN IN MOTELS!

Dear Carli,

You get funnier every day, every year. I am still laughing at what you said to the lady at the money table for Landons wrestling districts Sat. She was going to mark your hand with an x to show that you had paid and you stopped her and said, "wait, can you tell me my choices please?". You didn't just want an x, you wanted to know your options. She laughed and drew you a star. You have a way of brightening everyones day my love. I love that about you girly!

Love you to much,

Mommy

LOVE....

2009-02-17T14:08:00.004-06:00

While Brian and I were sitting at dinner at the Melting Pot in St. Louis, I started looking around at the different Valentine couples around us. I love doing that (people watching....I just LOVE people and learning things about them even from a distance:). I commented on how sweet some of them looked, noticing how some of the couples looked at one or another or "NOT". Sometimes I see behind peoples eyes wondering if they are truly "okay". As I was discussing this with Brian over dinner, he looked into my eyes with a smile and simply said "You just love people, you even love the people you don't like". That comment made me laugh at first. It just sounded so funny...I love people that I don't really like. The more I thought about it though, I realized he is right. I loved that he notices that about me:)

Isn't it interesting that the english language only has one word for love? I have always found this very incomplete for some reason. Since I can remember I have always had 2 spellings for the word love. I use the word "luv" to describe how I feel about a certain food or a certain activity. I noticed in the past few years I will use this spelling especially with those people that do not know me well. It is as if I would like for them to distinguish the difference in my mind for the word "love" . I do not wish for my passions to be misinterpreted or misplaced. Interesting huh?
In some ways, it is unfortunate that the English language has only one word for love, which has so many meanings and shades of meaning. Japanese has several different expressions that English speakers would translate as "I love you," as do many other languages. Greek is quite specific in this regard, having three different words that are translated into English as "love." Eros refers to sexual, or erotic love; filios is used to refer to love (storge' love) between family members (i.e., siblings, parents and children, et. al.) Agapao love is to be totally given over to someone or something. Agape love is lavished on others without any thought of whether they deserve or are worthy of the love. It is totally unconditional love. It proceeds from the one giving the love and not from the attractiveness of the beloved. It is a commitment, not a feeling.
Not a feeling? Wow, we humans tend to think that is incrediby difficult, don't we? Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about unconditional love. She informed me that she doesn't believe unconditional love is possible in a relationship, that we always have conditions, expectations. I pondered this ideal for quite some time, months to be exact. I thought about all my relationships, even the temporary for a season ones. I started going over them in my mind and made it a point to think about what I am saying and doing as I interacted through life. I was reminded of Corinthians 13, the love chapter. My dad always reminds me of this chapter. Recently I asked him about he and my moms 40+ years of marriage and that chapter in the bible is what he referred to. I realized my dad had come to peace that "love" isn't about a feeling, its a choice to commit to that other individual. I am certain that my parents have learned that life lesson together along the way. WOW, how enlightening. It isn't like this is a new concept to me. I have heard about God's unconditional love my whole life, but obviously I am at a point in my life where I need to meditate on this more deeply. I sat down one night and just started writing my own definition for love and it made sense to me. This is what I truly believe love is: I think love is a verb... an action word. It's not a "thing" that exists between us. It's something we demonstrate over and over again in our actions and reactions. Love is a behavior that we choose...now that is unconditional love to me! Choosing it when we don't feel it.

Here is a fun quiz to determine which of the 3 types of love is most important to you. It is interesting to know how we define "love" individually. I think it is positive for couples to both take this quiz to understand how the other "loves". Have fun. Leave a comment on the blog with your thoughts or which one you were. I will tell you mine too!
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_kind_of_love_is_most_important_to_you

2009-02-16T09:09:00.003-06:00

Brian and I organized the kindergarten Valentine parties for the girls. It was fun and the girls loved having us there! Here are a few pics!

Mayli's class

Carlis friends and Miss Valentine!

Little Miss animation. She kept cheering everyone on with their lips telling them to "GO FOR IT" LOL

2009-02-10T13:41:00.002-06:00

My silly friend Faye put this image on her facebook and I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Makin this my motto for today (maybe everyday) HAHA! Now that I started school I haven't been taking as many pictures to blog. I am going to have to get creative:)

SNOW DAYS......

2009-02-02T16:07:00.003-06:00

LOVING OUR SNOW DAY....BRIAN AND I ALWAYS TAKE THE KIDS SLEDDING ON THE HILL BEHIND OUR HOUSE.....NOT SURE WHO LIKES IT MORE....US OR THE KIDS:)

SNOW ANGELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2009-02-02T15:57:00.001-06:00

SLEEP OUTSIDE IN 0 DEGREE WEATHER....WHATTTTTT???????

YEP, LANDON PUT UP THE TENT ONE DAY AND HE AND BRIAN PRETENDED TO PLAY SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST AND SLEEP OUTSIDE IN THEIR FANCY SCHMANCY SLEEPING BAGS....THEY SURVIVED!!!!!!!!! I LOVE MY BOYS:)

2009-01-26T22:45:00.003-06:00

THE YEAR OF THE OX...........

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!

"May you become prosperous"

Starring Mayli Shuxiang Knopf:)!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-19T17:01:00.002-06:00

Mayli got to spend the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa this past weekend. She had the privelage of singing for their church on Sunday. She loved it and OF COURSE wants to do again. She says "I am a singer, I sing everyday"! She sang one of her favorites, Amazing Grace.

Reflecting on the past year!

2009-01-12T15:44:00.003-06:00

Getting younger? Interesting concept, huh? Enjoying life as I live it is something I have always tried to do.

Excitable, enthusiastic, whimsical…3 childlike characteristics I have always carried

I have been reflecting on this past year today, the year I turned 38 years old. The first thing I thought of is that I am even more childlike now than I have been in the past. I feel younger. Not more immature but younger... YES younger. The older I get, the more I learn and the more I learn the more I appreciate life …those people and things around me. I never want to stop learning. I am curious by nature. I want to always cultivate my curiosity. I don’t want to hold back in fear of rejection or in fear of discovering something maybe not so pleasant about myself or another person or an ideal. I love to study lifes lessons and often times restudy them over and over. I love to see what new things I can learn each time. Those are the things that make me younger.
This past year was the year that I have been out of High School for 20 years. WOW! I started pondering what I have learned in 20 years and the list went on and on in my head.

20 things in 20 yrs!

1. There is something wonderful in every situation….we have to look with our heart.
2. Something wonderful in every person as well….we must accept, we must search from our soul to find it.
3. We need to find at least 5 small things to be completely excited about each day!
4. No day should pass without laughter! Laughter is the best solution for most everything!
5. Dance parties are a must….LOTS of them too, even if they are in your living room with your childrens kid cds….especially then and especially when you feel like an overwhelmed parent!
6. Everyone pees in the shower….most people just don’t admit it! Just admit it…it’s freeing!
7. I will never understand stress during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season…it is a time of JOY!
8. One can live through flea, tick and lice manifestations
9. The marriage relationship is very complicated and EVERY couple experiences many ups and downs
10. Girlfriends will always make me smile! GIRLS NIGHTS OUT……A MUST!
11. Everyone has struggles…..how wonderful to be REAL with one another. YES, even people from church
12. The "younger" I get (yes I said younger) the more I understand and appreciate my parents. (even the dysfunction of our family )
13. I love being "me" and feel more free to do so.
14. I am thankful for my many struggles through life….For they have made me the person that I am today!
15. If you have to wait until the New Year to change something then you probably really don’t want to do it. HA! I resolve to change each day things that need changed
16. Perfume and panties….2 very small things that make me happy!
17. It is about "moments" not days….we will always remember moments above days
18. Sometimes connecting with another soul isn’t for life, it is for a season…we can learn from each person we meet
19. Humans long to "know" and be "known". Let others in, it feels great!
20. There is such thing as unconditional love…it’s a choice!

AND BECAUSE, I can never stop talking when I say I am going to, I have one more

21. One does not write about how they feel younger each year until they are actually aging in physical years....RIGHT? haha.

Do you have room in your heart and home?

2009-01-12T08:32:00.002-06:00

Hi, my name is Niu, and I am going to be turning two years old this week!I was born with a very sick heart, but, because of some nice people like you, I have had surgery and am feeling so much better.

I live at Heartbridge Pediatric Healing Unit in Beijing, where I spend my days playing on the floor with other kids and listening to the world around me. My legs are weak, but Iam working very hard to walk. I can now stand alone as long as I have something to hold on to. I will need one more heart surgery soon, but I was really hoping I could have my new mommy and daddy with me before I have to go to the hospital again.

Overall I feel pretty good, and I will make a very wonderful daughter. My file will be returned to the CCAA soon if my mommy and daddy do not find me; so will you please help me look for them? Thank you so much.
For more information about Niu, please contact CCAI's Waiting Child Program at 303-850-9998, extensions 25, 35, 38.

Happy Adoption Day Carli!

2009-01-04T21:27:00.004-06:00

It was 4 years ago today that Carli ChunMei became a Knopf!

We all went out to Touch of Asia for dinner and of course read the adoption book before bed! Carli is such a sweet little girl and we can't imagine our family without her!

Carli now..................

Carli then............

Carli's foster mama bringing her in the conference room to meet her new family!

She looked like a marshmellow in her layers of winter clothes....we thought she was chubby until we peeled off the layers to find this very tiny skinny body.

I love you baby girl and I am your mommy forever!

already giggling with her family within one hour of meeting us!

Dear Carli,
I remember when your foster mom carried you off the elevator how you smiled and giggled at us as we were walking behind you. I remember the feeling I had as I watched the sadness on your foster mama's face (you had touched her heart too). I so wanted to make a connection with her at that moment. As we sat with the translator and I was asking her ?s, I asked if you liked animals. Her answer was that you loved turtles. I started crying and told her that our family loved turtles too. I let her know that we spent the past two summers rescuing them out of the roads and that your brother and sister made a turtle house under our swingset, kept them all summer then let them go to hibernate for the winter. She laughed and grabbed my hand. I sensed her peace at that time. I loved how God used something as silly as turtles to connect us at that moment. I call those confirmations kisses from the king. Those small things that God does to give us peace that we are in the exact place we are supposed to be right then. What a great feeling!
I love you,
Mom

2009-01-01T23:20:00.002-06:00

Cousins Alec and Sam got to come stay 3 nights at our house. Landon was so ready to turn Princessland into Boyville! The boys built this awesome survival shelter in the woods across the street. They did such a good job. I had to venture into the woods for pictures of their rockin fort! All those survival shows must have taught them alot, because I was totally impressed with their skills!

this is the waterproof side

The pics below are from when Brian took the kids to Bagnel Dam to spot eagles. The kids like doing that every year around this time. Eagle Days start in Jan:)

2008-12-28T14:30:00.003-06:00

REFLECTION

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! Christmas has always felt warm to me. As I sat in candlelight communion service at our church on Christmas Eve, I started thinking about what my past Christmas' as a child meant for me. It was such a sweet thought, because the thing I remembered very vividly at that moment was Christmas Eve service with my Grandpa. I remember going to service with he and Grandma. That particular year those in attendance gathered in a circle to pray and share what we were thankful for. The only person I remembered their exact words was G'pa. He thanked God for his health as he always did and then in the most sincere yet strong voice, he thanked God for the privelege of providing coats to children that didn't have them in our local community. I was reminded that THAT is what this time of year is all about. God gave us the greatest gift of all. We are to do that in return. That memory caused me to reflect on what I have done and what I can do. My grandpa was instrumental in teaching me that lesson. He was a giver and NEVER ever do I remember him expecting anything in return. I am thankful to him for teaching me that very important lesson.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

We celebrated Christmas with Brians mom, Len, Tim, Niki, Alec and Sam the weekend before Christmas here at our house

Sunday was Carli and Mayli's little program at church....Carli was a wonderful shepherd and Mayli a perfect angel:) They also got a big surprise that morning ....SANTA came to our church!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Eve highlights were church and sprinkling the reindeer food on our lawn (big sister Brianna was in charge of that)

Christmas morning at our house, the 6 of us! Santa was good to all of us. After gifts we headed to St James to my sisters for dinner with Lisa's family and my parents.

One more Christmas on Sat with Brians dad, Charlotte, Lindsey and Maddy. It was our first time to meet Maddy and she is a doll. Enjoy all our pics below. I grouped them all together because there are soooooo many!

2008-12-28T13:57:00.002-06:00

MEMORY MAKING WITH G'MA MARY...

Brian's Mom always bring this book that her mom, G'ma Gussie used to read to her. Carli remembers every story and always LOVES listening to G'ma read to her....PRECIOUS!

2008-12-28T13:07:00.006-06:00

CHRISTMAS FUN!

2008-12-17T12:43:00.006-06:00

Christmas for Kids!

Brian and I went to the Annual Lake Area Christmas for Kids Benefit Sunday! FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-08T01:50:00.005-06:00

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY MAYLI!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Mayli,

I love how you are so full of life! You bring excitement into every room that you enter! I love your determined spirit, how you keep trying until you succeed. Like on Thanksgiving at Aunt Lisa's when you were playing basketball with grandpa. You kept shooting until you made a basket. You are like that with everything that you do. I noticed that about you the day we met you. That quality is going to take you very far in life. I am so blessed to be your mommy. It is so fun to watch you learn new things and grow! You amaze me every day sweet girl! You have so many strengths and your daddy and I love watching them develop!

Gang bei!!!!!!!!!

What Mayli loves these days:

Carli of course....LOVES her sister and still doesn't like her out of sight

princess everything

loves dressing beautiful

singing

kindergarten

animals

grandparents

answering the phone....she runs to it now! Likes being a secretary

eating.....still always HUNGRY

2008-12-08T00:31:00.003-06:00

WOW BRIANNA!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU BRIANNA! Brianna participated in her first tae kwon do tournament this past weekend and she got a 2nd place medal!!!!!!! She was so nervous and conquered her fears. Now, she wants to do another one! Thanks Linda for encouraging her to do this tournament!

2008-12-07T23:21:00.002-06:00

Look at my book club friends!!!!!! We have a new member........it's CONNIE!!!! Welcome to the official book club my dear........NOW YOU GET TO READING THAT BOOK GIRL (we didn't vote you in for nothing, now get busy or you will get kicked out)!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-07T23:11:00.003-06:00

TREE TRIMMING!!!!!!!!!
November 30...brianna is so fun with her little sisters!

2008-11-16T22:03:00.002-06:00

Landon made the 6th grade Laker "All Star" Team this year. They won their game against Osage on Saturday....GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!! He played Running Back!

2008-11-02T22:47:00.004-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I took Landon , Carli and Mayli trick or treating at the nursing home. They got TONS of candy. Brianna was at a friends 13th bday party so she trick or treated in Marias neighborhood. Sorry, no pictures of Brianna. She was an 80's girl! FUN! Brian left for South Dakota that day for his annual pheasant hunting trip:)

2008-10-21T22:54:00.002-05:00

LAKER CHEER CAMP!

THE GIRLS ATTENDED LAKER CHEERLEADING CAMP LAST WEEKEND AND GOT TO PERFORM THEIR CHEER AT THE FOOTBALL GAME FRIDAY NIGHT! THEY BOTH LOVED IT! BRIANNA DID THEIR CHEERLEADER PONYTAILS!

THIS IS MY NEW TURTLE, HOPE! I FOUND HER WHEN I WAS OUT RUNNING LAST MONTH AND WANTED TO POST HER PIC ON HERE! SHE IS SO TINY, LIKE A QUARTER (probably a little bigger than a quarter)

2008-10-20T12:46:00.004-05:00

PUMPKINS=HAPPINESS:)

I love pumpkins! One of my most favorite things is taking the kids to the pumpkin patch every October to pick out their own pumpkin. I think pumpkins should be under the word "happy" in the dictionary!

mr pyromaniac, lol

2008-10-15T15:53:00.003-05:00

CONNIE AND I ARE RUNNERS

NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

ABOUT A MONTH AGO I CALLED CONNIE AND SAID "OK, I SIGNED US UP FOR A 5K RUN". THIS IS WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS GIRL....SHE SAID "OK, WHEN IS IT, WE'LL DO IT".

Pretending to be competitive, lol. We ran our first 5 K in 33 min something minutes. Watch the video and see how Connie sprinted at the end to beat me by 1 second. That was really important to her:) I was just proud to finish. We were behind the hard core runners (but not last) and way ahead of the hard core walkers. I think we came in the top 1/3. There were probably about 75 runners/walkers. It was fun. I am ready to do another one! GOOD JOB CON, I am sooooooo proud of us and I love you for being the friend that is "up for anything".

2008-10-06T21:20:00.005-05:00

BRIANNA'S OVERNIGHT YOUTH EXCEL RETREAT AT WINDERMERE!

Brianna attended a youth excel leadership program over the weekend through a 4H program. The leadership activities go through December. She loved this one. Her favorite part was the poverty simulation. They put the kids into families and gave them a situation. The family had to build their own shelter. She had so much fun! She'll add more about it tomorrow:)

2008-10-05T22:05:00.005-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OUR SUPER COOL NEPHEW TURNED 12 AND HAD

A FUN BIRTHDAY PARTY ....

GLAD YOU HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY ALEC!

WE LOVE YOU!

UNCLE BRIAN, AUNT NETTIE (I absolutely love your hair btw), BRIANNA, LANDON, MAYLI AND CARLI

2008-09-28T17:17:00.019-05:00

BRIAN'S DAY! Happy 38th Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian Robert Knopf

born September 30, 1970

9lbs 7 oz

Memories of Your Childhood

September 30, 1970 at 6:00 a.m. I awoke with labor pains. Called the doctor at 7:00 and had my neighbor drop me off at the hospital at 8:00. Your dad was out of town on a trip and would get back to St. Louis as soon as possible. There were three student nurses observing your birth and at 10:15 a.m. you were born - 9 lbs, 7oz. Your dad arrived at the hospital around noon. He had called in along his way home and was told you weren't going to wait for him!

You were a very active child and always smiling with a very sweet, loving, caring, disposition. I remember when you were about 2 1/2 years old, I brought home a rubber alligator toy from Florida. You looked at it and took it to your room. Minutes later you returned to me smiling and said "I made him friendly". You had cut the teeth out of the alligators mouth!

When you were about 7 years old, you tried to save a sick, blind baby duck you picked up at the pond. The mother had abandoned the baby and you found it swimming in circles. In spite of making it a little bed out of a Kleenex box and feeding it bugs and worms, the baby duck did not survive. I explained survival of the fittest and you buried the duck in the woods.

I remember you built a rabbit trap and put it out in the woods and caught a rabbit, to my surprise. You also spent hours building forts in the woods with your friends and then there was your bird phase when you built many, many bird feeders and houses.

You loved to fish, we tried gardening (remember the strawberries and cucumbers?) and you spent hours swimming in the pool and water skiing. Lots of afternoons the whole neighborhood would be over to play in the pool. I remember the flips, dives and jumping while catching a ball off the diving board.

As you grew taller, you would enter the family room and jump to touch every beam on your way through the room!

I was the one who introduced you to cookie dough which I totally regret.

You were always a very good student. However, I remember one day getting a call from your 3rd or 4th grade teacher in the spring of the year saying she felt you needed a hearing test because you weren't paying attention in class. I told her your hearing was fine and it was spring. You were probably tuning her out and thinking about turtles, fish, forts, and dirt bikes!

As I look back on you as a child, not too much has changed! You still fish, swim, dive from high places, have pet turtles, jump through rooms, eat cookie dough, care for the sick, feed the birds, love nature and most importantly, have a sweet, loving, caring disposition and a great smile!!!!! I am very proud of you as a child and a man.

Love you and Happy Birthday,
Your Mom

Brian showing off one of his many crazy dives (he still does this stuff:) and holding up his fish. His mom and brother Tim are also in the picture (and Emmy the dog, I think:)

Dear Brian,

I can't even tell you how proud of you I am! I realize my biggest accomplishment in life as I look at the men that you and Tim have become. You both make me so proud and give me such great joy as I watch the wonderful fathers and husbands that you are.

I always remember the fun times we shared snow skiing together, the trips we went on together and watching you and your awesome barefooting skills in all your waterskiing adventures! It was fun watching you grow up and is just as fun watching the man that you have become. You are a wonderful father to your children. You have always excelled in all your academic and professional endeavors. However, what gives me greater joy is watching you excel in your family life!

Happy Birthday Brian!

I love you,

Your very proud Dad

Bro,

It seems like only yesterday, you tickling me while I was innocently giving you a ride on my bike, mom pulling rocks and cinders out of our bloodied knees and elbows. Or the time we went sledding, "Timmy, just lay down in the sled, I'll sit on your back". I still don't remember how you got me home after the head-on tree collision. Good Times. Have a great birthday! Hopefully you can sneak away and catch some fish on your "special day" without hurting anyone too seriously.

Timmy

a song from Mayli and Carli...

Dear Daddy,

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful dad. Thank you for being such a good role model. I know it must be exhausting always helping Landon and I with our homework, but you do it anyway. I couldn't imagine if anyone else was my dad because you are the best at being a dad. My favorite "little girl" memory is when you played tickle monster with Landon and I. We would scream and laugh at the same time. I love it when you take me on dates. (speaking of dates, I think its time to take me on one, hint hint).

Love you,

Brianna

Dear Dad,

Thanks for hangin out with me and doin guy stuff. I love all the adventures you take me on. Only a dad like you could put up with sometimes grumpy me. Lets go on an adventure soon.

I love you,

Landon

To Raul From Sabine

Brians memory of me in HS was cheerleader me bee bopping into french class (we were Raul and Sabine) singing this song by Tiffany! I still sing it for him all the time and make him dance with me to it, lol. I was going to put on my cheerleader uniform and make a video for you, but I thought NO ONE wants to see that! So, I will save that for later when I think we are alone, HA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUemWFuMDzg&feature=related

2008-09-28T15:27:00.005-05:00

GO TITANS!!!!!!!!

LANDON HAD HIS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME ON SATURDAY! HE DID AWESOME. HE PLAYS DEFENSE (LINEBACKER AND NOSE TACKLE) AND OFFENSE (LEFT TACKLE). HE PLAYED ALMOST THE WHOLE GAME! HIS LITTLE SISTERS LOVED CHEERING FOR HIM ...CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW!!!!!!!!!!

GO NUMBER 9!!!!!

2008-09-22T21:45:00.004-05:00

Corine is a big girl now!!!!!!!!!!

Brian took Corine on her first trout fishing adventure on Saturday and look how good she did..................YAY Corine! Doesn't she look like a true fisherwoman? A HOT ONE! Corine with her small mouth bass (excuse my error, lol)

2008-09-12T14:59:00.004-05:00

GOTCHA PARTY!!!!!!!!

We had a special dinner party to celebrate Maylis 1 yr anniversary as a Knopf! I gave her a choice between a thanksgiving dinner (turkey and all the fixins, one of her favs) or homemade chinese. She chose chinese FEN FEN as she still calls it. We think she means something with rice when she says this (or soup). We know that it means "meal" in chinese and in China most all meals come with soup or rice (her all time favs). We had cashew chicken, lit a candle to remember her china parents, grandma and papaw came for dinner also! When I asked Mayli what she loves about America, she responded with "I like America okay, but I don't like mean spankings", LOL. She's a smart girl! The pictures above are the girls "chinese dancin".

Dear Mayli
The first moment I saw you,my heart skipped a beat.
I was not looking for you,but you were waiting for me.
Across the lands and oceans,on the other side of the world.
Our family blessed once again,God has chosen a girl.
A little life so full of love,and perfect in every way.
A little soul so full of hope that only God could create.
Our family seemed to be complete,
we never imagined it changing.
But after seeing your smiling face,
we now know what was missing.
God gives us little signs each day
`of what he would have us do.
He showed me a picture late one night
that led me straight to you.
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Happy GOTCHA DAY Mayli!

2008-09-10T14:18:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it has been one year since Mayli came into our family. She is now speaking english and in kindergarten. When I ask her how her day was as she gets off the bus, she says with a smile PERFECT mom, perfect! She is such a sweet little girl and I am so blessed to be her mama! I pray almost daily that I can be a good mom, a mom that meets the individual needs of my children. Each time I pray that, God assures me in small subtle ways that He will compensate for my many imperfections. Look for pictures of our Family Gotcha Day celebration this week!

Mayli came right up to me and said Wo Ai Nie mama...I love you mama!
Gotcha Day, September 10, 2007

Click here to read Maylis gotcha day story from her adoption journal

http://www.myladybugjournal.com/knopfgotcha.html

and here to watch our travel partners The Lees awesome video that Jill made!

http://www.missiontomacie.blogspot.com/

We love you Lee Family and are so blessed to have you as our forever friends. China would not have been the same without you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love The Knopfs

I love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-09T14:50:00.003-05:00

Some days we don't have the words to speak before our Father, but God always knows our hearts, doesn't He? I am so thankful for that. That is the wonderful thing about a dad...sometimes what we need is to simply run into His arms! Why do I forget that so often?
Don't forget to scroll down to playlist and click stop so you can enjoy the music on this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=468LxGJlJHc&feature=related

Fishusses!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 things I LOVE about campin!

2008-09-01T21:59:00.010-05:00

Family FUN and laughter

floatin in the river

SLEEPIN IN A TENT....with my sweet lil battery operated fan that Brian bought me

the campfire...singin songs on the rockstar rock

Brian gets to feed his fishusses....and be with the family, HIS DREAM!
one more....its really fun when we take fun friends like Connie, Greg, Nick and Anna
Ok, 2 more....watching Brian run to everyone's rescue on the river (he always plays superhero to everyone that gets stuck, hurt or their canoe turns over. It's sexy watching him save lives:)

We went campin with our good friends, The Glors this weekend. I have come a long way with camping since my first girl scout camp out at age 9. I cried for my mom and my dad had to come to the camp at midnight and take me home. I never really camped as a kid so not much experience. Brian has taught me how to be a good camper. Right after we got married he took me camping and it stormed really bad. The tornado sirens were going off and everyone in the whole camp was packing up and leaving but my husband WAS sure it would stop soon. We stayed in our leaking tent and got soaked, lol. He finally decided we should load up our stuff and sleep in the back of his S10 truck . Yep.... us and ALL our stuff. It was crowded but newlywed FUN! Since then I have camped a lot. I can't say that I always LOVE it but Brian would now say that I am a trooper and what I do love is that the kids love it and he has given them such an appreciation for nature. I would never want to be the one that spoils that especially for the girls. I want them to be tough girls when it comes to camping (so many grown up girls seem to hate it)and learn to make the best of it even in the most remote situations. Which is what we have camping with their daddy! No toilets, no showers.

Brian caught a 21 inch trout....WOW! (anything you would like to add honey, I know I didn't go on about that fish enough...fill em in!)

Introducing Gregs first trout at age 50.....yay for you. Brian loves helping people catch their first trout or witnessing it anyway.

Me n Con had fun being silly on the river. We floated on rafts down the river starting at our lot heading towards the falls and almost drowned....yep it was quite humorous. We managed to retreive our flip flops and our drink though. We could not STOP laughing. It was so funny. Several canoes of guys were cracking up at us and told us they wish they had their video camera for utube. We were glad to be of entertainment to them that day, HA!

Omg, look at Annas marshmellow.....it is completely charred.

Makin eggs and bacon:)

Sarah and Brianna decided to get creative and decided to roast a grape and fry a smore....here are the results!

Landon (above). Nick, Sarah, and Brianna (below)

Fun with the Herberts!

2008-08-24T21:58:00.004-05:00

Brianna and Landon look forward to spending time with their friends Megan and Riley each summer. Their family has a lake house here in our neighborhood and come from Los Angeles 3 times each summer. The kids practically move in with them while they are here. Paul and Gina do such fun stuff with them. We love it when they are here. They are such a neat family and we enjoy spending time with all of them. Megan and Riley get along so well with Brianna and Landon. Landon and Riley even look and act so much alike. Gina gave me these awesome pictures of some of the fun they had with the kids this summer. They just left today to go back home to LA. WE will miss them and look forward to seeing them next summer!

Paul and Gina took the kids on a biking adventure all the way over the toll bridge

All the girls on the boat when we went to dinner
Megan and Brianna

Landon and Riley

At JJ Twigs after riding bikes over toll bridge

behind their house on the lake

Did All 4 KIDS OF MINE REALLY START SCHOOL THIS WEEK??? YIPEEEEEEEEEEE FOR ME!

2008-08-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

ALL 4 KIDS STARTED SCHOOL ON MONDAY! THEY ARE IN 3 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS NOW. BRIANNA STARTED MIDDLE SCHOOL (7TH), LANDON IS STILL IN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (6TH) AND CARLI AND MAYLIS SCHOOL IS 25 MINUTES AWAY FROM THEIRS, ELEMENTARY (KINDERGARTEN). THEY ALL HAVE HAD A GREAT FIRST WEEK. CARLI HAS A SWOLLEN EYE IN THESE PICS...SHE GOT BIT BY A MOSQUITO OR SOMETHING....POOR GIRL!

GETTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT TARGET

Are We There Yet???????????

2008-08-14T23:05:00.006-05:00

What do you get when you pile 13 teenagers and 2 adults into ONE big van to drive all the way up country??????????

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.......

boredom, smell, chattiness, giggles, sleepiness, hunger, HORMONES, annoyances:)

Landon went on his first without dad backpacking trip with our church youth group for almost 2 WEEKS. He did great. He was the youngest one to go and I think HE IS HOOKED NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

My best friend Connie was one of the adults that went.

Pastor Mike started these "character building" trips years ago. I won't say what Connie said when I asked her if it built her character.....HA. No actually she loved it and found true joy in taking these kids....what a gift she has!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS JEFF AND CONNIE FOR LOVING OUR KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a Beautiful Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-14T22:48:00.005-05:00

Brianna got her braces yesterday! She was such a good patient.

Way to Go Brianna!!!!!!!!!!!!!

88....88...eighty eighty eighty eighty EIGHTY 8!

2008-08-11T14:07:00.007-05:00

Is it really possible that Brian and I have been out of High School for 20 years! NO WAY! And for those of you that were wondering... No, we were not HS sweethearts. Many people in our class said to each of us when we told who we married...."And you married who? When did that happen?" LOL. Yep we started dating after our first year of college. Brian offered to tutor me in my college algebra class that summer....smart boy! No actually I was the smart one....damsel in distress..."help I am flunking algebra....all I want is a D....can you help me?

Seanna, Karen and Steve

Debbie gave me the name AJ in HS...we are singin Take it on the Run by REO....no they didn't have karaoke but we thought they should.....LOL

Kevin, Dan and Doug
Famous Footwear buds.....we worked there together in HS....I used to throw shoes at Doug and Tom from across the store and then hide...sneaky huh. Of course for old times sake I had to take a shoe off for them and throw it while dancing:)
Are we cute?

Funny Moments with our Kids

2008-08-10T22:23:00.002-05:00

Carli has had this undying curiosity about who she is going to marry lately. She approached Brian and I very seriously one night while we were at our pool swimming and said "Guys what if God gives me a dumb prince?" She explained to us that she doesn't want a dumb one, she wants a smart cute prince. Then she asked us a million ?s about how we knew we wanted to marry eachother etc. She said she just wants to know who she will marry and wants to know when it will happen. She then asked if she has to have her baby out of her belly or if she can go to China for her baby. She informed us that she does NOT want to have her baby out of her belly and

wondered how long after she gets married can she go to China for her baby. Aren't kids so smart with the things they come up with. We had this long sweet conversation with her and there was NO convincing the girl that she really doesn't need to worry about this RIGHT NOW. We finally talked her into focusing on going to Kindergarten next week instead but then today the ?s about marriage came up again. That girl keeps us on our toes (well they all do actually)

Best Friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-08T12:16:00.001-05:00

I love it when I come home to this kind of stuff....Brianna was enjoying her little sisters....she got them all dressed up, did their hair and posed them for pictures while I was out running errands!!!!!!!!!

Look at how sweet Carli and Mayli are in these pictures. Brianna was babysitting them on this day and decided to do a photo shoot of her little sisters! She is such a good big sissy, isn't she? Check out the video!!!!!!!!!

Girlfriend trip!

2008-07-29T23:47:00.002-05:00

My friend Connie and I went to Eureka Springs Arkansas and stayed in the Crescent hotel this past weekend. We stayed in haunted room 218 that has been on the ghost channel. I think we scared the ghosts away because we didn't see any.

This is Michael who supposedly haunts this room. He fell during construction and died where this room sits.

We were laughing at how we pack

Connie and I

We had a fun trip visiting all the shops, bath houses, and seeing some bands while were there. We needed a get away. Thanks for being such an awsome friend Constance Jean Glor! I love you.

More Fun Days of Summer!

2008-07-21T20:47:00.003-05:00

We love going to the pool in our neighborhood in the summer. You can see it from our deck. We go there almost everyday. Mayli and Carli have become quite the little fish. Mayli hadn't been swimming at all when we adopted her last September. Carli learned how to swim without floaties last summer so of course, Mayli had to keep up with her Carli. It didn't take her long this summer to catch up with Carli. Some days the girls go to the pool twice, once with mom during the day and then with dad in the evening. We also enjoy our family swims. We are usually the only ones at the pool at night...it's GREAT!

Throw me HIGH daddy..........

Me too!

The girls are the only ones that get excited over Brian's fishingboat RIDES, haha
Summer can wear a girl out...here they are in our bed one morning

Happy 4th!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-14T16:54:00.003-05:00

We spent July 4th weekend visiting Brians mom and Len in Hot Springs Arkansas! We always have fun there. Tim and Niki, the boys and Lens kids Scott and Ellen along with their spouses, Allison and Micheal were all there as well. We always enjoy visiting with all of them. The 4 big grandkids stayed in Hot Springs with Gma and Gpa all week. They did lots of fun things like go to the science museum, the alligator farm, the petting zoo, shopping, movie.....WOW, doesn't that make you want to go to Gma and Gpas????????

All the kids with Uncle Scott, Aunt Allison, Uncle Michael and Aunt Ellie

Sam and Mayli

Tim and Niki at the fireworks

Brianna playing Gpas piano...Aunt Allison taught her some new things.

Livin at the Lake!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-30T22:20:00.007-05:00

We have had so much fun the past 2 weekends hangin out with Scott and Courtenay on their boat. I like how Courtenay puts it.....We live at the lake so let's enjoy it. They took our whole family plus 2 extra kids out this past Saturday for watersports fun! I have pics of Brian slalom skiing but I have to get those from Courtenay. So, there is more to come!!!!!!!! Brian likes to show off his skills on the water. He is really good and does tricks.

Brian and Landon on the tube!

Me and Brianna....we stayed on the whole time...WE ROCK (you were not going easy on us Scott, don't lie)

The girls loved it...Mayli fell off and said MORE!

Maria and Brianna

Courtenay, Me and Grandma Kathy

Sean, Brian and Scott

Boatin Girls!!!!!!!!!!

Video of Brianna and I tubin!!!!!!!!! Crazy girls.

Happy Birthday Anna Grace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-22T22:46:00.004-05:00

Our sweet friend Anna Grace Glor turns 5. We went to her bday party at the park on Saturday. Mayli and Landon were at Grandma and Grandpas so Brian, Brianna, Carli and I went.

Anna's daddy, Greg helping her with her candles!!!!!!!

Anna was adopted from Kun Ming China 3 years ago in August. Connie and Greg go to our church and decided to adopt after we adopted Carli. Carli and Anna have been close friends for almost 3 years now! Mayli loves her now too:)

Nice Horseys

Great Aunt Connie and Brooklyn

Brianna and Sarah....still little girls!

Girls turn to push....all the guys piled on the merry go round. Needless to say, we didn't get it going very fast but we DID get it going:)

Cure for the Marriage "BLAS", LOL

2008-06-18T08:32:00.002-05:00

Ok, you all...I thought this article was VERY interesting. I want your input. And, no not just you girls.....your husbands opinion also:)

Go read it and give me your comments...I won't say another word!

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2008/06/11/2008-06-11_married_couple_has_sex_for_101_days_stra.html

Happy Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T20:19:00.003-05:00

Here are pictures of how Brian spent his fathers day weekend!!!!!!!!!!! He took the little girls on their first daddy float trip at the river lot. They had a blast but daddy was tiiiiirrrreeedddd when he got home. Did I tell you Brian has NEVER come home before dark after a fishing trip? HA HA.

He said the girls were DEFINITELY hight maintenance campers BUT that they did pretty good for being 5:)

Look at the pretty water

These are the cutest canoe girls I have ever seen!

Wet Dog

Nice Fish Daddy

Campin with Daddy is Fun............

Thanks for a fun first canoe campin trip daddy. We love you!!!!!!!!!

Your little princesses

Fun with The Parkers!

2008-06-09T09:35:00.004-05:00

We ended our trip with a visit to Amory MS, to see our friends The Parkers. Gerald was also in residency with Brian at Eglin. We hadn't seen them in over 5 yrs. They live on a river and Gerald took us out on the boat for some water skiing and wakeboarding!!!!!!!!! It was so fun to catch up with them!

Mayli, Sam and Carli on the boat. Sam was so cute.

Me n Jane

Lesli and Brianna....we told them about how they used to play when they were babies....and now look at them, all grown up!

Gerald and Brian

All the Parkers with Carli and Mayli.........

A few more beach pics!

2008-06-08T19:13:00.003-05:00

Brianna and I got pedicures........check out our toes!

Landon had fun getting buried in the sand. He wouldn't let us help him get out!

When all 4 kids are playing happily together.....I MUST TAKE PICS!!!!!!!!!!

Brian and Brianna riding the waves....................

We are Home!

2008-06-08T18:29:00.005-05:00

Here are some more pics from our trip. The girls got to make a cheetah at build a bear. Mayli's is Sheedah and Carlis is Wreck!

We met up with some old friends, the Justices-Wayne , Wendy and Luanna.

Wayne was one year ahead of Brian in residency at Eglin. We hadn't seen them since residency.

Brianna and Luanna

Brianna loved her!

Our Dolphin Cruise

2008-06-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

This was our last night in Florida! We went on a dolphin cruise that seemed to last forever but the kids liked it. We saw a few dolphins and the girls had fun petting crabs (you aren't supposed to touch them but try telling that to Miss Mayli). We met a family from Missouri on the cruise (from Republic) and then found out we knew the guys cousin....Brianna's friend Conner from school, his mom is this guys cousin...small world. I love it when those things happen. That is exactly why we should all talk to lots of people and tell them lots of detail because you just never know what you might have in common!

Sand castle building contest!

2008-06-04T15:30:00.006-05:00

Brian,Brianna,Landon, Tray and Brinn entered a sand castle building contest today. They created flip flops in the sand (Brian's idea). They didn't win but it sure was fun and I of course think they should have won! They did good. Check out the flip flops......
We have had fun hanging out with Tray and Brinn this week. We were friends with them when we lived here and lost touch for a while. It has been fun reuniting. I also got to spend time with Brinns mom and sister Kim and Brandee and will post those pictures soon. We have gotten in touch with some long lost friends...MORE TO COME!!!!!!!!

Tray and Brinn working away

Landon and Brinn

Tray and Brinn

Check out those cool flip flops

Cutie Girls

2008-06-04T08:03:00.003-05:00

I am still "working" on figuring out how to get our video on here! Any tips would be great... you bloggy people! I can't get past upload video. It always starts to upload but then stops and says error. HELP.... all you experts!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are a few more of the great pics that Jill took inside our condo of the girls!

I JUST HAD TO POST SOMETHING.

Family Pictures!

2008-06-01T23:55:00.006-05:00

YAY! Family Beach Pictures. We had a beach picture taken when we lived in Florida during residency. Brianna and Landon were age 2 and 3 at the time. I have been saying for years that I wanted to update that picture. And look, we got to update with our "complete" family of 6 (yes I did say COMPLETE, we are maxed out). Jill did such a good job with our pictures...THANK YOU JILL, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!! I was laughing today telling Jill and Russell about my expectations of marriage when Brian and I got engaged. I told Brian there were 2 things I wanted....Lots of Family pictures and Christmas Lights on our house during the holidays, lots of laughter! I guess I did discover a few more expectations through the years (I was young, ha ha)

HERE WE ARE....................

I love Brian's face in this pic....PRECIOUS!

Mama's boy

The girls with Macie

Cutie Carli

Happy Mayli

Married 14 Years........wow, where does the time go

My boys............

Stay tuned for more Destin vacation......maybe soon I will get some video on here. Jill has been giving me blogging lessons and I am so excited to use my new skills!

Gilligan and Skipper!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-01T15:10:00.003-05:00

Kayak fun.....here they go!

Peyton

Here go Gilligan and Skipper.....Stay Tuned.........

What the heck? Did I say Gilligan and Skipper?

New Friends.........Landon and Peyton

Stay tuned for more live coverage of the Knopfs first beach vacation as a family of 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beach Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-01T12:53:00.005-05:00

We got to Destin on Friday evening. We had a bit of a delay on the way here. We were driving on the hwy outside of Birmingham and a car flew through the air and hit us. No one was hurt. This guy was towing a car and lost it on the highway. I have video of after the accident. I'll try to put it on here later. It was pretty scary....like something out of a movie. Cars were all over the highway and we were the only ones that were hit. Our car will get flatbedded back home and we will rent a car to go home in.
The Lees from Mississippi arrived Saturday evening. We had fun on the beach this morning and have our own professional photographer Miss Jill. She is so good. She took all these pictures. She is my inspiration. I want a new camera now. Maybe that will be my new obsession, lol! Jill is taking our family photos on the beach this evening....YAY!

Eleven Point River Adventure!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-31T21:25:00.003-05:00

the camp on the river

Scott and Hunter

Brian and Landon go on this father/son float, camp, fish trip every year with The Yorks, Scott and Hunter. They float all day and camp on the river, get up and do it all again.

Mayli's first turtle and Brianna gets fed up with the girls!

2008-05-14T22:15:00.002-05:00

Mayli and daddy spotted our first turtle of the summer on the way to preschool Monday! She was so excited.....GUEI GUEI she said (gway gway)

Ok now this only happens at Lake of the Ozarks right? HA. Brianna got fed up with her little sisters and decided she had enough so she came up with a bright idea. Good thing no cars driving by got the wrong idea. The girls were laughing the whole time.

I told them to act like damsels in distress, LOL.

Carli looks to Mayli "OK, Mayli you led into mischief now GET US OUT OF JAIL, I can only be your acomplice for so much"

Laughing Sisters!

2008-05-10T22:57:00.002-05:00

Gpa Bob and Gma Charlotte's visit

Listening to Carli and Mayli laugh together is the most amazing thing. I love it. They are so close. I honestly do not know what Mayli would do without Carli. It is so obvious that she loves her so very much. God knew exactly what He was doing by placing her in a family that had another little girl her age. She was so used to that in China and God knew. They are so good for eachother and miss eachother when they are apart.

2008-05-10T22:54:00.000-05:00

Contentment
The Rolling Stones sang a song about satisfaction. What is it that would keep someone from obtaining satisfaction? What is it exactly, that he sings of? Has he not ever experienced happiness? What is your definition of contentment? What is my definition of contentment? I have been thinking about this question in my mind a lot lately. Thinking of it in terms of my relationships, in relation to movies I have watched recently, in relation to my dreams, my desires, my pleasures…my very own satisfaction. A few synonyms for the word contentment are happiness, satisfaction, pleasure, comfort, peace. The dictionary defines the word as gratification, pleasure, satisfaction. One philosopher even quoted that contentment is moral laziness. Now that’s interesting to me. That view shines a positive light on those that are in constant search of that so called "contentment". For some reason, I have always believed that if I didn’t feel content, that it was a bad thing.
.
Contentment is such a pleasant sounding word. It conjures pictures of green meadows, trickling streams, peacefulness, and calm serenity. Contentment is a place where all your needs are cared for. It sounds like fantasy doesn't it? Is this for real? Where do we get it, why do we need it? Are there people that just don’t have it in them to find it? I have heard that contentment comes from God alone. Some say that seeking God and getting to know God brings us contentment. The apostle Paul wrote about it in Phillipians 4:10-12 when he said "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content". I know this place exists, for I myself have been there from time to time. From time to time? What? Does that hint that constant contentment isn’t a possibility. If we are content all the time then how to we have imagination to "dream" to set goals, to ACHIEVE more.
Recently, I was reminded by a friend about my own contentment. She and I hadn’t talked in years and she said "I miss you, you just always seemed to be happy with right where you were at the time". She reminded me of how I would just sit on the porch and talk to her, encourage her. I thought to myself, WHAT? ME…content? No way. I am a searcher … constant searcher and what she just said to me was that she sensed "contentment" in me. It then hit me…she sensed it because sitting on the porch talking to her was me living in my strengths. I am a born includer and communicator, personality. I thrive when I am in interaction with others. I have always known this all my life. Recently through a womens study at our church I took the Clifton strengthsfinder test that confirmed these talents. I am learning to focus on my strengths not my weaknesses and definitely to NOT make my strengths a weakness as I always tend to want to do. There are some strengths that do not go hand in hand with the definition of contentment. Some people will always have that whisper of discontent, always wanting to do more. THAT IS A GOOD THING. Does it mean those people can’t experience contentment? NO WAY! They will experience contentment by living in their strengths. Maybe some of us just need to be content with being discontent. Now that isn’t a simple way of looking at it but not everyone is SIMPLE. Adam wasn’t content with all that God created before God brought Eve. What would have happened if Adam just said okay fine, I am content with the animals, the sky and the trees…..THEN WHAT? God needed Adam to long for more to fulfill HIS plan. He needed Adam to give in to that whisper of discontent. God needs those personalities that aren’t naturally content to continually search so that He can fill His plan for their life as well. Not being content doesn’t have to mean unhappiness. It doesn’t have to be viewed as a bad thing. It is a strength in some people. We don’t want to quench it. Contentment and happiness do not have to be one in the same. You can experience happiness no matter what.
What does contentment look like? This will be different from person to person. God has shaped each one of us differently. Therefore the action we take will depend on which gifts, talents, abilities, life experiences, and personality God's given us.
So, lets celebrate contentment in many forms! Embrace who we are…..HOW GOD HAS MADE EACH ONE OF US!

Cute Kids

2008-05-02T21:38:00.003-05:00

The beautiful Dogwoods.................

I love pics of all 4 kids together. They look so happy. I try to remember this when they are all bickering at one another.

Couple Time

2008-04-17T22:50:00.007-05:00

Brian and I attended a Focus on the Family medical professional conference in Colorado last week. It was a really good 5 days for us! The little girls went to Grandma and Grandpas. Brianna went to Sarahs....THANKS KORI! and Landon went to Jakes and Conners.....THANKS Denise and Aunt Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The conference was just as much geared towards the spouse as it was the physician....I LOVED IT!

Go BRIANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-09T09:22:00.007-05:00

Our sweet 12 year old!

Look at that kick!

P
Proud Daddy!

Brianna's inspiring instructor Mrs. Black!

We are so proud of Brianna! I am going to start calling this blog a BRAG instead of a blog. Our kids keep amazing us and all I can do as their mama is brag about them. I am a blogger bragger I guess! Brianna has been so diligent and persevering with taekwondo. She started it 3 yrs ago and has really stuck with it. She just earned her recommended black belt last night. LOOK OUT.....we are going to have a black belt in taekwondo soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD JOB SIS! WE love you! Mom and Dad

Landon turns 11 and takes 4th in State Wrestling!

2008-03-31T22:29:00.007-05:00

We are so proud of you Landon.....4th in State.....WOW!

All of the Camdenton Medal Winners!

Landons bracket...Age 10-Under 110lbs 1st -6th place

Proud Daddy!

This was a tough match.....I was having a heart attack!

Look at this cool airbrushed state qualifier singlet he is wearing....whoooo hoooooo!

Dear Landon,

Happy Birthday to you (March 28). We can't believe you are 11 yrs old. You have come a long way from your 2 yr old temper tantrum stage:) You have so many qualities that I completely admire. I love your passion, your drive, your desire to be your best. How you stand up for what you believe in inspires me. We are so proud of all your accomplishments but most of all we are proud of who you are!

Love you,

Mom and Dad

Brianna turns 12

2008-03-22T00:26:00.002-05:00

We had Brianna's party at a local resort so all the girls could swim and have a sleepover. I reserved 2 joining rooms and stayed with them on her birthday! It was so fun. The girls had a great time!

Dear Brianna,

We are so proud of the girl that you are. You are so responsible, fun and always bring light to our family and all those around you. We LOVE being your mom and dad and appreciate you so much. Your love for people and animals is very inspiring. Thank you for all that you contribute to this team.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

Landon the CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-16T17:27:00.002-05:00

We are so proud of Landon. He got 1st place in Regionals for wrestling on Saturday! I have never seen him wrestle so intensely. He beat the kid that beat him last weekend at Districts. He pinned the guy. Way to GO Landon.....YOU ARE STATEBOUND!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!

Carli's Birthday Party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-09T22:27:00.011-05:00

Little Ninja Girl!

Cutting the cake with a sword........COOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!

The girls had so much fun!

Big Sister and Big Brother had fun too!

Daddy's Girl!

Mr. Sheppherd and his daughters give such FUN parties!

Games

More Games!.......YES SIR!

What a fun party! I have decided we will do parties like this AGAIN! We had about 25 kids here and even the big kids had fun. The taekwondo place did everything....I just showed up with the kids! Poor Carli is getting sick and you could tell she was trying so hard to be a trooper....her little eyes looked so tired but she had tons of fun with her friends.....THANKS EVERYONE!

Carli and Mayli are in the paper!

2008-03-08T09:32:00.002-06:00

Thought I'd share an article the Jefferson City Newspaper did on our local Chinese Language School!
http://www.newstribune.com/articles/2008/03/06/news_local/300local03chinese.txt
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Carli ChunMei Knopf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-07T09:00:00.003-06:00

Our little PEACE girl is 5 YRS old today!

Mayli and Carli in thier new dresses that we bought for 2.99 at Childrens Place....gotta love a sale!

Dear Little Carli,

You were only 22 months old when we brought you home from China and now look at you....almost ready for school. As your mommy, I am so proud of the person that you are and the person that God is shaping you into! I feel so blessed, so honored that God is allowing me to be a part of your sweet life! You have brought so much to this family and none of us can imagine it without your sweet sweet spirit. I don't think I have ever seen a little girl so compassionate, so in tune to others feelings at your age before. Your zeal truly touches my heart, my life and I KNOW it touches many others the same way. I love how you approach people with genuine love and kindness. I love how you always always find a way to compliment each and every person in such a "real" way. You are sincerely unique and I am just so excited to see all that God has planned for your life. Happy Happy Birthday precious girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you so much.

Daddy, Mommy, Sissy, Bubby and Mayli

More Snow Fun!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

Thought I'd share these new pics of our snow day Last week!

Aren't they precious? Mayli absolutely adores Carli and doesn't want to let her out of her sight. Carli needs Mayli breaks sometimes but they are still just the sweetest little sisters! I see how God chose Mayli for us....He makes it more obvious to us each day....what a blessing!

Landon takes 1st place at Tri-Cap tournament

2008-01-21T19:59:00.001-06:00

Landon is the one in black. This is Landons 3 yr of wrestling. I can brag because I am his mom. He does very well:) What I love about him is his perseverance. Landon is a good athlete because when he makes up his mind to do what it takes to be a good athlete.......he does it! I love his strength and his intensity. The last tournament before this one was a tough one for Landon full of lesson and challenge. He will admit that he did not handle it in the most healthy manner but what I love is that he was wise enough to take what he learned from it and apply it this past weekend.....HE GOT FIRST PLACE! I love you Landon and dad and I are so proud of you.

Sad Day at our House............

2008-01-18T17:50:00.001-06:00

Sidney Jo, the cat was in our family before Brian and I were even married. Brian found Sidney while he was in college at SMSU.....he was the trashcan cat that all the college students fed. When Brian graduated he just couldn't leave the cat behind. Sidney then went to Med School with Brian in Columbia. He then made it through getting married, having kids (used to climb in their cribs with Brianna and Landon), moving to Florida, Illinois, back to Missouri and then 2 more little girls that joined our family. Our friends that have known us since before we were married were always surprised that when they would come visit after many yrs that we still had those SAME CATS. Well today is the day that we finally let Sidney have peace. He had been losing weight and spunk for quite some time , so we made the hard decision to let him go. Brian and I were both messes. It was way more sad than we imagined it would be. This post is in honor of our sweet friendly cat that could fetch, Sidney Jo Knopf!

To all my "Mom" Friends.........

2008-01-02T14:17:00.001-06:00

This is sweet..............ENJOY!

http://llerrah.com/whenyouthoughtiwasntlooking.htm

Christmas Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-30T22:29:00.000-06:00

Look what Santa brought!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-16T16:26:00.000-06:00

Mayli loved the snow.....she woke up and said look mommy frosty the snowman came back (she had just sang in her daycare program frosty the snowman and remembered the part in the end where it says he'll come back again someday). The kids had a ball. WE LOVE SNOW!

Where is Mayli's face???????? WILD WOMAN!

Dear Santa

2007-12-14T08:15:00.000-06:00

My good friend Jennifer Garner sent this to me today......thanks JEN!

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree onthe school playground. I was hoping you could spreadmy list out over several Christmases, since I had towrite this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, andwho knows when I'll find anymore free time in thenext 18 years.Here are my Christmas wishes:I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which Ialready have) and arms that don't hurtor flap in the breeze, but are strongenough to pull my screaming child outof the candy aisle in the grocery store.I'd al so like a waist, since I lost minesomewhere in the seventh month ofmy last pregnancy.If you're hauling big ticket items thisyear I'd like fingerprint resistant windowsand a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast anyprograms containing talking animals,and a refrigerator with a secretcompartment behind the crisper whereI can hide to talk on the phone.On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy"to boost my parental confidence, alongwith two kids who don't fight and threepairs of jeans that will zip all the wayup without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetanmonks chanting "Don't eat in the livingroom" and "Take your hands off yourbrother," because my voice seems tobe just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.If it's too late to find any of theseproducts, I'd settle for enough timeto brush my teeth and comb my hairin the same morning, or the luxuryof eating food warmer than room temperature without it being servedin a Styrofoam container.If you don't mind, I could also usea few Christmas miracles to brightenthe holiday season. Would it be toomuch trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscienceimmensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demandingpayment as if they were the bossesof an organized crime family. Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wantshis crayon back. Have a safe trip andr emember to leave your wet boots bythe door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.Help yourself to cookies on the tablebut don't eat too many or leavecrumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

MOM

...P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

*Santa has asked that this gets passedon to all the mommies you know.

Dressin Up Fun!

2007-12-11T09:37:00.000-06:00

Brian and I attended a Lake Area Children's Benefit Sunday Night with our friends the Sparks....it was FUUUUUUN!

Handsome Landon

2007-12-11T09:31:00.000-06:00

OK, this is as short as Landon's hair has been in a long time......doesn't he look handsome? The kid loves his hair:)

Mayli is 5 today.....DEC 8!

2007-12-08T22:41:00.000-06:00

Present from Aunt Niki, Uncle Tim, Alec and Sam!
Brianna is so wonderful with these girls. I honestly don't know what I would do without her. She got them all pretty for the party and then taught them dance moves while I was preparing for everyone to arrive. I love this girl.....she is the best oldest daughter in the entire world and I DON'T TELL HER ENOUGH HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE HER!

When the party started Mayli sat in front of her cake waiting and waiting for "cake time". The girl wanted everyone to sing to her:)

Carli's day started out pretty rough with jealousy but by the end of the day she was kissing Mayli saying "HAPPY BDAY MAYLI". Carli has such a big heart and is so sensitive....it's hard to see her get so upset because we are so used to her just being the happiest sweetest little girl. WE LOVE YOU CARLI!

pretty birthday princess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great day with all our friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday our sweet sweet girl! We love you sooooooo much and are so happy you got to spend your 5th bday with your FOREVER FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!