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SO...taking a picture involving six children is a bit of a challenge. This one was the best. Not sure what Harrison was doing, and I think Neko was irritated that Charity kept rubbing his head. Charity only has eyes for the "baby" as she calls him in sign language. Ellie was feeling pretty pleased with herself for being the lucky one holding the baby. We have had a busy couple of days as we've been preparing to host Thanksgiving in our home. The four oldest made two pumpkin pies - all by themselves. I couldn't have done them any better, in fact, I usually burn my baked goods! As if eating the thanksgiving meal isn't fun enough, we decided to add in a craft or two, a treasure hunt, and a scavenger hunt. We'll let you know how it goes! For now, Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!!! AND happy one month birthday to Neko (yesterday)....
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How 'bout those cheeks...
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The girls, Neko, and I attended a holiday craft boutique on Saturday. One of our friends was selling her hand crafted notecards, gift tags and a few other nifties. I was so impressed. Seriously, these are so well done. Actually two good friends have their own online stores, selling paper goodies. Just wanted to mention it with the holidays arriving, check out these adorable Christmas cards and tags! http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristinsanchez http://www.etsy.com/shop/mypaperhabit
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Trials come in all sizes and shapes. What may feel nearly crushing to me, seems to another, like nothing very much at all. We have been reading in Proverbs chapter 3, that the son/daughter whom the Lord loves, He disciplines. None of us likes trials or discipline, for that matter. We'd prefer to learn our lessons without the hard things. But, what our family is learning, is that, the Lord has the most amazing love for us. He wants us to be like His wonderful self and sometimes the best way to accomplish that, is by giving us difficulties. These are intended to bring us closer to Him, to cling to Him and thereby, become like Him. Wouldn't we all like to be more like Jesus? I would. As you know, we now have Neko in our family, and truthfully, we are overwhelmed with joy for this little boy. My daughter Chloe has been praying faithfully for almost a year, that God would give us another baby. She hasn't given up although, it lead to many a discussion as to why God doesn't answer our prayers when we want Him to... When we found out that Neko was to be a part of our family, it would be difficult to describe how Chloe responded. She saw God answer a prayer right in front of her eyes. Then, came the hard part. She had had a rash for a couple of days, but it seemed to have gotten worse, so I sent her to the doctor's with Grandpa and Grandma. The doctor felt that it was a highly contagious rash that could easily spread, particularly dangerous to a baby. Of course, that meant that Chloe couldn't hold or kiss her new little brother. She was devastated. We couldn't stop her tears for almost two days. The first week was one of great sacrifice for Chloe. She already loved Neko, and understood that though she selfishly wanted to hold him, she wanted him healthy more than that, and so she was choosing to give up her right. She began to pray for Neko's family, knowing that their sacrifice was greater than her own, and beginning to understand in a small way, how love sometimes causes us to do great, hard things. For some children, this trial would have been minor, but for Chloe, it was huge. Happily, for all of us, Chloe's rash was nothing more than a really icky rash that needed ointment to help it go away. She gladly held Neko after the alloted time, and I think with a much more thankful heart than before. Here is my beautiful Chloe holding Neko in the sling for the first time. How very thankful...
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For some reason our bed is the local hang-out spot in our house. It seems like most mornings we end up with a ton of little people in bed with us. Feet and arms and heads every which way, everybody clamoring for a spot, wrestling, pillow fights - then Dad sounds the alarm so the chores must begin... Sometimes, even when it isn't morning time, I find people using the bed as a fort or book reading nook. You name it, the bed in our room is a hot spot!!! Here are some little cuties I found there today...
"My, what big eyes you have."
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On Sunday we brought Neko to church. He slept through the whole service! It was fun to introduce everybody to our sweet guy! One of the families of our church hosted an after-church party following the service. We all met in the home for lunch and fellowship. Several of the ladies worked to make everything come together. They all purchased a gift for Neko and of course everybody who wanted to, got a turn holding him. It was a special "welcome Neko" celebration. Our church has been supportive and encouraging throughout the years of our many adventures. On another note, Charity has become quite the big girl since Neko arrived. We weren't totally sure what she would do as she's been known to be, shall we say, a little over-exuberant in her loving! We have been pleasantly surprised...she LOVES baby Neko and strokes his head while "holding" him. Here's a shot of the two of them...
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This past week when we gave Neko a bath, we enjoyed his tiny little adorable body! He is just this little ball of cuteness...doesn't he look like he is smiling? He enjoyed the warm water and the snuggle afterward!
Bathtime can tire a fellow out!
Big Brother Tucker is super gentle with Neko. He loves to sit with him on the couch holding him close.
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Conversation in the bathroom this morning... Ellie: Hi Mom, I'm gonna weigh myself Me: (still waking up) OK, sounds good Ellie : Look, I weigh 54.4 pounds Me: Wow, that's awesome Ellie: (laughing) Mom, I actually put Dad's toothbrush on the scale with me! Me: !?!?! |
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I know my blog has been strangely quiet this past week, and so it is time to confess something... I'm in love! Quite honestly, I'd rather be with him than blogging much right now...but, I needed to share... It began unexpectedly with a call just over a week ago. A precious family was looking for an adoptive family for their little son. Their son whom they obviously adore, was born with Down Syndrome and they were hoping to find a family like ours - one who already had a child with Down Syndrome and was experienced with the syndrome - who would be open to adopting. I knew right away while talking with his mommy on the phone, that this little child was the one we had been praying for so long. Will and I prayed and talked about it through the day and some of the night, making our final decision the following morning. The process was unlike anything I have experienced, heart-wrenching and yet amazing, as I observed true love in action. I saw a couple who made a decision in their son's best interest, and while it was (and still is, I imagine) ripping their hearts out, followed through with their choice, with maturity and dignity. The memory will always be dear to me. But, back to my love affair...after saying goodbye to his mommy and daddy, grandma and dear friend, Neko snuggled into my sling and came home with me. From the moment he arrived at our home, he has been held nearly all day and a good part of the night. Everybody wants a turn, and thankfully I get a chance now and then :) He began his life being loved and adored and we are only continuing that on in our home. We love breathing in his smell and kissing his soft cheek. He is perfect in every way and our hearts are completely taken with him. I didn't think it would take place so quickly, because sometimes bonding can take a little while, but there is no doubt, Neko James has completely stolen our hearts!
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Monday I flew to San Diego to bring home sweet little baby Neko James. He is a beautiful, precious little fellow and we are absolutely smitten! He has Down Syndrome like his big sis Charity. We are grateful for God's blessing to our family - rejoice with us! I have been playing catch us so I will share more pictures soon
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Just thinking today about how much I love being a mom! I remember when we first brought Charity home, and Harrison was just 7 months old, there were times when I was concerned that someone wasn't going to get all they needed. I wanted to make sure that they both had enough to eat, enough holding and loving (not like that was ever a problem), and that the other would never resent the other for any reason. My time was divided and my energies were divided, and sometimes it seemed like there might not be enough to go around. But, surprise surprise...here they are the very best of friends. Harrison watches out for Charity - he's the ever protective brother. Charity smiles for him and looks for Harrison, enjoying his company because he belongs to her...here were a few moments that I caught on film during the past week..
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We may live in the city, but who says that we can't roast our hot dogs on an "open fire"? Tucker is really interested in anything having to do with camping and wilderness. He has a cute little cooking stove and pot. Every now and again, we try to use it. Once we popped popcorn over the flames...Nothing beats roasted hot dogs and good fellowship!
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Last night we had a free dinner. I'm not sure why, but my children were really really thrilled about it being free. It isn't even like we normally charge them to eat at our home - well, we never do, actually! So, on a whim, they entered a harvest time coloring contest at Papa Murphy's Pizza. Everybody but Charity colored a picture. Apparently there were three age categories and with our span of ages, everybody had a chance to win. Harrison ended up being the first place winner in his category. Ellie, Tucker and Chloe were runner's up in their age bracket. Papa Murphy's called me to let me know that whenever I chose, I could come get my family size pizza (thanks to Harry) and my three side dishes. Tucker and Chloe chose cookie dough, and Ellie chose cheese bread. Everybody carried their prize out to the car and all of the prizes made it into the car, except for the family size pizza. Somehow that flipped upside down in the parking lot, probably since it was nearly as big as the guy who was carrying it! Pizza and cookie dough - what a combo... |
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We LOVE parks! This past weekend, we visited our favorite park. Los Gatos has a terrific park with a lake, two playgrounds, a train, and lots more fun stuff...
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We LOVE to dress up. Not only do we have tons of costumes already, but we're always checking out the local thrift store for more goodies. We dress up for lots of reasons, school special days, parties and sometimes just because! Here's our Halloween costumes this year...Snow White, Dragon Slayer, the Dragon, Cinderella, and a Bride
I don't think he's going to pull through....
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so, our field trip got cancelled on Friday, and admittedly everybody was a little disappointed. The gal in charge of things ended up being sick. But, the great thing about Friday is that we still had our beans and tortillas for dinner!!! ALso, in the afternoon before choir practice, the children dressed up in their costumes and trick-or-treated at the nearby rest home. It was a kick in the pants! I really and truly love older people. Growing up, my family visited the rest homes frequently so I learned to appreciate and enjoy the stories, crazies and the sweeties. My own children are becoming more comfortable also, although Harrison told me later that he liked the people but not the hugs! Each older person there was waiting for us in their wheelchairs or regular seats holding a bucket with a treasure. We loved the smiles. Older people tend to have a soft spot for children, especially little children. They liked Charity and Harrison in particular. Chloe was very gentle and kind, she made them each feel special. Tucker went around to each person and hugged them after receiving his treat, although he didn't get a treat from one lady who simply refused - I think she still got a hug! Ellie especially seemed to enjoy the time and was disappointed when it was time to go. I forgot my camera (again) and will have to rely on memory (oh dear) to keep that wonderful afternoon in my mental photo album...
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I often have people ask me how Charity is doing. First of all, I can never say "thank you" enough for the prayers that were prayed on her behalf. God not only has spared her life this past year, but He has helped her feel better than ever before. She is now sleeping through the night, still taking naps, and having little or no difficulty falling asleep. She has stayed healthy for many months now and although the cold season hasn't yet begun, we know that with her "new and improved" trachea, allowing her to breath easier, she will have an all-around better time battling sickness. She is gaining weight, growing and getting stronger each day. She has taken a few steps with her push toy and loves to stand every chance she gets. We think she is gaining ground in the walking arena! Life has settled down a bit and we are grateful beyond words for all that God has done in our lives.
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Here we are on the brink of Friday - my kids' favorite day of the week and I can't believe we have gone through the days so quickly. We love Friday, but not for the reasons you'd think. Reason #4: Dad's last day of work and we get him for two whole days Reason #3: We get to go to choir (we LOVE choir) Reason #2: it's beans and tortillas night Reason #1: Movie day!!! So, one extra special thing about this Friday, tomorrow, FIELD TRIP!!! Going to check out the robots that are used to perform surgeries. We have a wonderful friend who works with the company who produces the robots and she's invited us to come. Could the day get any better :) |
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The week went by so quickly. My oldest three went on their annual motorhome trip with grandparents. This is the fourth year in a row that my in-laws have taken the children to a favorite beach nearby to stay for a few days. They enjoy walks on the beach, romps in the ocean, hot chocolate, campfires, bike riding and climbing trees. They come back each time completely exhausted, but happy. While they were gone, I enjoyed the "quiet time" with just two children. Harrison may have talked without taking a breath for the entire first morning. He was so thrilled to be the big boy and rushed to help me in all of my duties. He tried to pick Charity up once, but realized some tasks need to be left to Mom. We three enjoyed a pumpkin patch visit and lots of book reading on the couch. Will took the day off on Friday so we could enjoy the day together. We rode the trains all around downtown San Jose, which is something we rarely do, but should do more. Over the weekend, we visited the beach to pick up the big kids. The waves were crazy and big, but it didn't keep all five of my kiddos from heading out into the freezing water. We have to keep an eye on Charity, as she scoots out to the waves if they aren't coming in fast enough. More than once she got knocked over and covered in sand. All in all a fun time had by all... Conversation with Harrison: "Mommy, I all packed" Mommy says questioningly :"What are you taking to the beach?" Harrison responds with enthusiasm: "a gun, bullets and almonds!" |
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One of the highlights of my recent trip to the Midwest, was enjoying a Sunday morning church service. It wasn't in a church building, but instead was in the home of relatives. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed singing with my family. Singing was a big part of our lives growing up, and we did it a lot. On the road, in church, at home, and any place that a song came to mind. My folks don't just sing, they sing well. My extended family all have lovely voices. When we get together, we sing the old songs, and it sounds good! Lots of harmonies floating around the room, weaving in and out of the song. During our church service, we spent most of the hour singing favorite hymns. One after the other, the songs that have been familiar to me always, were requested and sung. I sat between my aunt and my mom and could barely finish some of the songs because of the intense beauty in the music. What a gift. I began teaching my children my favorite hymns at birth. As much as I love singing most of the "newer" church songs, I will always love the rich theology that comes with those familiar old hymns. I enjoy hearing my children sing "What can wash away my sins?", and "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus", or "I would be true", along with, "Trust and Obey" . Here's a few more of my most loved hymns, maybe your children will enjoy learning them too! 1. I Need Thee Every Hour. |