The Story of the Linne-Laughlin Family!: January 2008

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Melanie, McKenzie and Lili

It's so hard to believe the end of their trip is already here and they are on their way home. Lili is so happy and full of smiles. What a beauty! Safe travels!! Love Tracie

Thursday, January 24, 2008

I have officially completed the Operation Smile Student Education Sponsor training workshop in Virginia Beach, Virginia and have received my first medical mission assignment!

Drum role please.......

My students, Claire, Sarah and I, will be heading to Cebu City, Philippines, February 22 - March 1st!!!!!!! We are excited beyond words to visit and educate children and families in the hospitals, orphanages, shelters and schools.

Wish us safe travels, as this mission is coming up really fast!! Tracie

Thursday, January 17, 2008

On Clearance at PETCO! Ha ha ha!!! :)

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Styling in my new Poncho from Grandma Judy!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!!!!!

The Linne-Laughlin Family had a blast with party hats and noise makers New Year's Eve! Everyone got into the spirit (even "Mao Mao" the Panda) and we even almost made it to midnight! :) Have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. May 2008 bring you each lots of joy, happiness and love!!

A Profound Quote From my Friend Marry

QUOTE OF THE DAY: I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make a life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a person humanized or de-humanized.If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and together with Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival forms one of the three major Chinese holidays. Since the summer is a time when diseases most easily spread, Dragon Boat Festival began as an occasion for driving off evil spirits and pestilence and for finding peace in one's life. The festival was later enriched by the legend of the patriot Chu Yuan. Dragon Boat Festival is highlighted by the dragon boat races, in which competing teams drive their boats forward rowing to the rhythm of pounding drums. This lively and colorful tradition has continued unbroken for centuries to the present day. The festival's significance as a time for warding off evil and disease is symbolized by a number of customary practices such as hanging calamus and moxa on the front door, and pasting up pictures of Chung Kuei (a nemesis of evil spirits). Adults drink hsiung huang wine and children are given fragrant sachets, both of which are said to possess qualities for preventing evil and bringing peace.