His Tune

The photo credit goes to Ryan's preschool teacher. How she captured his most precious smile is a mystery to me. I see it every day, but when I take his picture a different smile appears ;)

Have I mentioned he sings A LOT? Not for show, just for himself, although many times we benefit. Sometimes its the perfect song at just the right moment. Like when I was reading an email from a friend who needed prayer because two boys, "like sons to her," had been in a terrible car accident. As tears welled up, I heard him "randomly" singing in the background "soon and very soon we are going to see the King... no more crying there, we are going to see the King."
Our bedtime routine has always included reading books and then singing each child one worship song. As babies it was usually "Jesus Loves Me" and as they got older we transitioned to songs they might hear on Sunday mornings at church.
Most nights by bedtime (which keeps getting later) I am done and my heart is not in the reading and singing, but usually by the second verse my heart is changed. Amazing how that works ;)
Certainly it would be quicker and easier just to kiss them and say good-night. After all we have been doing this 11 years (!). However, Ryan's singing, reminds my heart it's not just for routine. These songs are being pressed into their minds and hearts. I pray the words will forever come quickly to their minds and draw them closer to their Father.

"I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Psalm 89:1

Our Fun-Filled, Work-filled 3-Day Weekend

We had very minor and vague plans for Memorial Day weekend. I was okay with that because most weekends are too busy (in my book). It still ended up being FUN. The perfect combination of productivity and family time.

On Friday evening, we ate dinner on the back porch. It's been a slow start to eating out there as the pollen has plagued it. Anyhow the weather was so gorgeous, I nonchalantly said, "it be a great night to sleep on the porch." My sister and I slept on our grandparents porch A LOT. My kids have never done that until this weekend ;) That's all it took and EJ was setting up the tent. He even rigged a movie. The kids were super excited. Avery did not sleep out there and Mason didn't last all night. But it was fun to play in most of the weekend.

  

On Saturday, we did lots of chores and house projects. Then we went to a baseball game with another family from church. Avery was much more comfortable at this game than the one we went to a few weeks ago. She also sat through the fireworks, more like clung to me with ears covered and barely peeking. But she did it :) Avery wasn't too sure about the cotton candy. If she had it last summer she definitely doesn't remember.

Sunday evening, was Mason's birthday "party." He invited one friend to a nearby drive-in movie and sleepover (his first). They saw Tommorowland and got back super late :(

 Waiting for the movie to start with a juggler for entertainment.

The Littles and I enjoyed a quiet dinner at home, a walk and frozen yogurt. 

They weren't sad to miss the movie at all ;_

 

Somehow on Monday, I managed 2 hours to myself at home. It was heavenly! I ate lunch all by myself and spent time on pinterest getting organized because next week we are starting another home renovation!!! Yep, it's about to get messier up in here. The contractor starts Monday on our 47-year-old-master bathroom. I am nervous about the interruption in our home especially with the end of the school year quickly approaching. But the changes are exciting for sure! It will be worth it in the end.

Mason's 8th Birthday

He is such a joy to celebrate. 

His meal choices were SO funny. Sausage was his request for breakfast. We added waffles and raspberries (his favorite) to the menu. Hot dogs, mac and cheese and asparagus for dinner. How could I complain, cheap and easy ;)

One of the local YMCAs opened a new indoor family pool with two slides and a splash pad. I took the littles on Tuesday this week and we HAD to go back with the bigs. It was perfect for a rainy birthday afternoon!

 

My birthday cakes are getting lamer, but the kids don't mind and it allowed us to have more fun together. Win, win!

 

 If we are not careful, this one, flies under the radar. Especially in his own little video game world. He continues to do great in school and I am very proud of his work-ethic. He makes friends easily and with that smile, seems to be attracting the girls too, yikes! He enjoys playing baseball, basketball, video games, cub scouts (especially camping) math, and eating (he is our biggest eater). He is much more content in the quiet at home, like his momma. We can't wait to see what 3rd grade brings for this boy. Happy Birthday Mason. You are SO loved.

His Course

This is going to seem a bit deep for the subject matter, but my first-born is getting ready for middle school, so bear with me ;)

He had his heart set on the trumpet. He was fifth in line for the fitting with 12 spots for trumpet open. Surely it was a done deal. He choice 3 instruments to "blow into." He choice 3 because that's what the teacher said to do, he would have been fine stopping after the trumpet. He told the teacher his first choice. We waited for an email.

We received the assignment. Trombone, not the trumpet. Devastation and confusion. Yes, he wanted to play the trumpet, but his lips wanted to play the trombone. It is a far more natural fit for him, according to his future teacher. Her opinion didn't really convince him. I can't say I blame him, he doesn't know the lady, but since she is the band instructor, she clearly knows more either of us ever will (at least in my thinking).

 In their hearts humans plan their course,

    but the Lord establishes their steps. 

Proverbs 16:9

When Owen received the assignment of trombone, I hoped he would quickly change his tune and trust that God knew best. Easier said than done. When I sat down to write this post, Proverbs 16:9 popped to mind for him. Just because we think we know what is best, isn't always what God has in mind. God is there.
Well, now that I have written this, I realize the lesson is really for me. You see, my heart starts racing when I stop to think he will be in middle school soon. He will be a small fish in a much bigger pond. A pond that I know very little about and will rarely be invited into.
I am praying mostly for the new friends he will make, the ones I will know very little about, at least in the beginning. I am tempted to fear that his choice of friends will likely determine his future in middle school. Friends can be very persuasive after all.
As his mother, it feels like my job to steer him away from "harm" and protect him, because surely I know best. Soon I will have less and less steering control.
The promises and comfort of knowing God is there in Proverbs 16:9 is for me too, God is there establishing Owen's steps even when he has his heart set on the wrong thing. Just like he establishes my steps as a mom when my human heart wants to cling too tightly.

Just a Girl Learning to Twirl

Avery is far from the "girl" girl type. However, she has recently been curious about her dress-up bin. The one with hand-me-downs from friends, that remains accessible under her crib, that I have secretly hoped she'd dig into, but hasn't been interested in until now ;)

 

 She discovered the twirl. And was just a wee bit excited.

I didn't capture her priceless smile and giggle on camera, but it's stored in my heart. Grateful for these early childhood treasures.

Enjoying the Games

A lot of evenings and weekends are dedicated to sports these days. It's a good thing we all enjoy it. My parent's are faithful fans too. Even Aunt Lissa and Tripp occasionally come cheer. We eat a lot of meals on the sidelines. Pinterest has been a huge help for easy dinners on the go. Two new favorites include, Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta (I swap tomatoes for cucumber) and 5-ingrediant pasta salad. I have make-shift Bento Boxes for Ryan and Avery and often divide salad ingredients up if I don't think they will like the real thing combined. Wraps and PB&J work too ;)

Mason's Team- Just an iphone picture. He is on the far left, standing.

 

EJ is the score keeper for Mason's team. That is Mason at bat.

 

Occasionally, I take his place if he is only counting pitches (the "visitor" team counts pitches, "home" team keeps stats). I am not ready for the real stat book. It's fun for me, because it means EJ is at the beckon call of Mason's littlest fans instead of me and I get to really watch the game.

These two are such good sports.

 

The summer is going to seem might boring after our spring calendar dies down.

Taking the Field- Soccer

As with any sport Owen sets his mind to, he goes at it 110%. Basketball still has his heart, but he is not letting his 5 years off from soccer, slow him down. He has sprinted onto the field and not looked back. It helps that his good friend, Matthew is on his team :)

 I admire his determination, enthusiasm and lack of fear.

He wanted to learn how to curve the ball in a long kick so what's a boy of his generation to do, youtube lessons of course. Then he went out in the yard and practiced until he could successfully do it over and over again. And if any siblings or I were willing, he'd practice some more ;)
Ever since he was a small child his focus on the field has been remarkable and I only recognize this now, because I see a major difference from his siblings. His head is always in the game. Even as a spectator this is true of him.

It has been a joy watching him run like crazy out there. I really can't believe this "big" boy is mine.

Preschool Ends

First Day                                                        Last Day

 Ryan "graduated" in a ceremony Wednesday evening.

First Day                                             Last Day

They have both had a wonderful year at preschool. I am thankful for their little school. Avery will go two mornings in the fall and it will be strange not taking Ryan too.

Cherished

This will be hard for some to read. I have debated writing it, but I must, because I might need to look back on this one day, to be reminded of the good stuff. I know their are strained marriages, broken marriages and women longing to be married or widowed. Not to mention the heartache Mother's day can bring to those who long to be mothers, lost their mothers, lost children, the list goes on.

 

Ephesians 5:28-30 "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body."

EJ loves me well. Truly. I am not suggesting he is perfect or loves me perfectly, but I honestly see effort every day and this is amazing and humbling all at the same time. I do think some of his personality traits assist him ;) but overall, he chooses wisely, with the Lord guiding him.

On Mother's day, we had a plan. Not a huge, detailed one, just that he would fix dinner and I would be free from that daily routine. He involved the kids in the menu making- he is teaching them to learn about and know the lady of the house ;) Their future wives have my husband to thank.
Saturday evening he took the older 2 to get the needed items. Shrimp and Crab cakes two of my favorite, plus asparagus and key lime pie. Yum!

Plans changed. We had a houseful of guests from 12-4 on Sunday. We couldn't have been more thrilled. We met a baby cousin (4 weeks old) for the first time and saw cousins we haven't seen in awhile, all while giving thanks to the Lord that our newest baby cousin (1 week old) arrived safely despite his 6 week-early appearance.

We rolled with it. I have come a long way. 3 years ago I wouldn't have rolled with it with near as much flexibility. 4 kids will do that for a person, at least for me ;)

Despite our busy afternoon and extra eating ;) my hubby got to work and prepared a fabulous dinner for all of us. Owen lucked out with leftover bbq b/c he doesn't like most seafood.

During dinner, EJ took the opportunity to ask the kids what they like most about me. He didn't have to do that. He had been on his feet most of the day serving my extended family and now the 6 of us. But he did and after a little coaxing they each shared. The first round of compliments weren't very deep, "my cooking" "playing" etc. But then they kept offering more and more. Wow! What a blessed momma. Just when you think no one notices the million things you do every day, they really do. But it did take practice and time and reflection for them to say it out loud. I am thankful my husband is teaching our children these things because I am not the only one who will be blessed.

My most favorite compliment was just what I mentioned above, about being flexible. EJ noticed how stress-free I seemed with our change of plans and house full. The fact that he noticed and took the time to say something really encouraged my heart. I am grateful that the Lord is changing me and that he has given me a spouse who is nourishing my heart and cherishing me. I do not want to take these things for granted. To Him be the Glory.

Mother's Day

Some girls dream of being a mom. I dreamed of never growing up. Never in a million years, did I imagine myself a mom of 4. Now I can't think of anything else I'd rather be. And since Ryan guessed my age to be 89, on his preschool mother's day card to me, I suppose I really have grown up ;)

Ryan Plays Ball

Between lots of rain cancellations and his unexplainable anxiety, pictures of Ryan playing Tball this spring have not happened until this weekend. Finally 7 weeks into the season, Ryan stepped onto the field and didn't look back, with no tears, either. It was AWESOME and a huge relief for this easily heart-broken momma. The best I can guess is stage fright, which seems hard to believe because in all other walks of life he is an outgoing talkative-goofy kid.

He is the one closest to the coach, doing "jumping jacks".

 Running home

He really only likes to bat, the rest is "boring." 

I can't say I blame him, the only play they make each hit is to throw to first base.

 

We are SO proud of you Ryan, for giving it your all and being so brave today.

All 3 boys had games at 9 AM on Sat. on 3 different fields. 

She never complains, although I do have to bring a lot of snacks ;) 

On Stage

If you've been on this blog for awhile, you know our girl has always been a silly-face maker. This collage is pictures of Avery while we were still in China. In the beginning, they were a defense mechanism used mostly when nervous which was pretty much all the time. Now, I rarely see a funny face (which is huge) but it's still almost always her tactic when she is nervous.

 

Last week, the nursery class that she is in while I attend a women's bible study each week, sang a few songs up front. She was uncomfortable the moment she walked in the room. So as you can imagine her face making was at it's best!

Our girl is continuing to make huge strides. I was gone for the weekend, two weeks ago with my AMAZING adoptive mama's group (if you need one or want to start one (anywhere) go here.You'll be glad you did). We sat and talked and talked and talked. And now that so many of us have almost 2 years under our belt, we talked less about our adoptive kids and more about being moms to all of the kids with whom God has blessed us.
When I returned from my weekend away, I was not sure how Avery was going to react. She responded beautifully. She was so glad I was home but was also able to continue on with her day. In the past she would have clung to me out of fear that I would leave again.
She ALWAYS says, "you came back" and it KILLS my heart every time. But now when she says this, it seems more like out of habit than a surprise.
Since my weekend away, she has spontaneously told me, "I love you" almost every day and sometimes more than once. It may have taken 20 months since coming home, but it was SO worth the wait.