The Life and Times of the Sicards: January 2006

Chinese Scholars to Christian School

Last week, I brought a group of three Chinese Scholars to Abundant Life Christian School to observe. It was really a fun day. These scholars are usually PhDs from Chinese. These three are education professors who teach at Chinese Universities. Scholars are Madison any where from 4 months to a few years to study at the UW school of Education. The UW school of education is the #1 education school in the country.

They wanted to attend a 'private, Christian' school. In particular,they wanted to see a Bible class. They attended three classes and had conversations with each teacher. We had lunch with the principle.

The school welcomed us with open arms. As we left, the scholars mentioned the difference of behavior and moral training. They were impressed. We will return in February to attend the grade school.

Scholars chatting with High School Bible class teacher.

Chinese Scholars a Abundant Life School

Three Chinese Scholars

Christmas dinner - what a story

Last Saturday, our family had a belated Christmas/holiday dinner with some relatives we never thought that we would see.

Silvia and "Aunt" Vera have been connected to my wife since Mary Alice's birth. Silva had a twin sister who passed away. Between the two of them, they were god mothers for the three "Thompson" girls. When the twin passed away in her 20s, Sylvia took over for all three and has taken it very seriously. We see her and her mother, whom we call 'Aunt' most times when we go to Chicago. Vera, a darling woman, is now 100 and 1/2. What a feat!!!

Jackie, the oldest has had a series of tragic events in her life due to mental illness which would include being estranged from her family (except us) for over 20 years. With three marriages and four kids adopted out, it has been sad and we have been in the middle of most of it.

Just recently, one of her adopted out sons, Adam, looked Jackie up and there has been a fantastic reunion. Last Saturday represented the first time these two families have met and I had a chance to meet a nephew, Adam.

There was a time after the meal when we all gathered around the piano. Claire went first and played for us, Yankee Doodle. She was great. Then Mary Alice followed by Adam, 23. Adam was fantastic at the key broad. He was asked to play and he asked for music. Some classical music was found : Bach, Mozart. And he began to play like a master.

What a great reunion. Much of this was due to Sylvia who has made it happen by keeping touch with Jackie and offering her home. Thank you Sylvia.

Jackie and Aunt Vera (100 years old.)

Mary Alice with sister Jackie.

Claire with cousin Adam.

Mary Alice's godmother with Auntie Bobbie. Sylvia is on the left.

Olivia and Special Olympics

Olivia is closely involved with a great, very well known group of Special Olympics. The group is very active in Madison. It is not all about competition. It is about getting special needs kids together and doing sports together. Olivia has been involved in track, bowling, soccer and currently, gymnastics. We got involved as well.

Olivia loves her Special Olympics friends and they love her. Tracy W, the organizer of our local group is wonderful and a tireless worker. Many thanks to her volunteer hours. She also does girl scouts and boy scouts. I really don't know how she does it with a special needs child, Marcy. But she does.

We are a blessed family.

Mary Alice got in on the Special Olympics act as well.

Olivia and some friends at Special Olympics getting ready to run.

Claire and Olivia at special Olympics gymnastics stretching.

Hannah, our oldest, turns 16

On Dec 29, Hannah turned 16. Yikes. I can remember when she was a baby. Time moves so quickly. She has turned into a lovely young lady. Now in the throws of learning to drive. Only one scrape so far.

She is currently a sophmore at Abundant Life Christian School and has lots of friends. She is very active in youth group. In fact, she frequently 'crashes' the youth groups of her friends. As she did on New Year's Eve as she stayed up all night at her pastor daughter's friend's church. How do they do that??

Hannah blowing out the candles.

Our lovely Hannah at 16 not wanting to be photographed.

Hannah turning Sweet "16."

Work continues on the Ginger Bread House. This time with Claire and Auntie Bobbie.

Christmas at the Sicards

Thought that I would show you a few photos from our Christmas. It was just like we like it - quiet and fun. Sorry this is a bit late. I just took these photos off my digital camera and could not resist showing you.