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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. |
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I know that funerals aren't supposed to be an enjoyable gathering. But in all honesty, I had a great time attending my grandfather's funeral and being with my relatives this past weekend. Having a pastor father means that my brother and I attended numerous funerals and memorial services. We have seen a wide variety. Nothing is so special, though as watching your own father conduct his father's service. I was deeply touched with the honesty and realness he showed. It meant a lot to know that he loves his dad, would miss him truly, but was so happy that he's now in heaven. Two of my three aunts sang during the time also, and this brought back lots of happy memories hearing them sing throughout the years. My grandpa was quite musical, so the service began with two friends playing several hymns, while we watched a slideshow of his life. My dad talked about what a priviledge it had been to care for his dad in his final week of life, doing things like shaving his whiskers and feeding him lunch. Grandpa was the last of his siblings to pass away, and so a lot of cousins - who had already lost their parents - attended the funeral. After this we drove to the cemetery where many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great-grandparents are buried. We sang "Amazing Grace" and listened to scripture. Dad ended with the reminder that while "Death" may have won a temporary victory this time, ultimately the grave has no sting because of the redeeming blood of Jesus. How glad I am for the hope that allows us to grieve with an eye to the future. I know when it comes time for me to close my eyes here on earth, I'll open them looking into Christ's face! 2 Corinthians 5:8 |
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So, my wonderful husband is making it possible for me to fly to the Midwest for my Grandpa's funeral. He knows how important it is to me, so in spite of the fact that his birthday is this Saturday, he is encouraging me to go to the funeral. He is staying with the children, taking off early on Friday so I can fly out earlier. It is no small task for him to be with our kiddos, especially Charity, as she requires just a bit extra. He will no doubt do beautifully, but I am quite sure he will be exhausted, and glad to see me return. I am grateful that he is willing and excited about having all of this time with his children. He is a very involved Daddy and loves to be with these wonderful little people. Speaking of them, I noticed a lot of whispering going on this morning. I assumed that since my head was a little full and I was maybe a teensy bit grouchy yesterday, they were treading lightly, letting everybody know that Mommy was back to normal, but "be careful". However, this wasn't the case. They were planning a little surprise. Knowing that I couldn't take any food or water through security with me, and knowing I'd be hungry, they each chipped in some money and wrote a nice card, telling me to enjoy a nice snack at the airport. How about that? I will definitely do that - Chloe told me to make sure it is nutritious :) I'll miss those guys and wish it was possible to bring them all along with me, but since it isn't, I am grateful for my husband, who will watch over them. |
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http://www.rhapsody.com/-search?query=I%27ll%20fly%20away&searchtype=RhapKeyword Click on this link and pick the Statler Bros. singing "I'll Fly Away" Congratulations Grandpa on finally getting your chance to "Fly away"! I'll bet it is the MOST glad morning for you - we will miss you, but we are glad for the happy memories, for your staying married to Grandma for over 60 years, for raising a great son (my dad) and super daughters (my aunts). Grandpa Ray 1913 - 2009 "Some glad morning, when this life is 'or, I'll fly away..." |
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Those of us in the homeschooling community, owe a great debt to the men and women who have gone before those who have paved the way and to those who are working still behind the scenes to help homeschoolers across the USA and the world. We have a number of heroes who have given much time and energy to allow families to homeschool freely. One such hero is Chris Klicka. Please join me in praying for his family today as they grieve the loss of this wonderful man. Take a minute to read this entry by his wife - but grab a tissue... http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisklicka/journal |
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I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!!!! I mean it...I really do. There is nothing like being with these little people all day long, and having the priviledge of teaching everything from "where babies come from" to "what is 2 plus 2" . I especially have enjoyed watching my oldest children grow so much in their ability to think things through logically and to question why people are the way they are. I like watching them as they try to figure out what the right thing is, and what to do about it. I get truly excited when they pick the upright and moral way, or stand up for injustice, and speak out for those who have no voice. My children are all brilliant in their own unique way. The best part of having more than two children, is that I get to teach the same things again and again, but to different people. Harrison is learning the same things that Ellie learned and Chloe learned and Tucker before that. Charity will come next, and believe me, she will have more than one teacher. The super deal with homeschooling, is that once one of my children masters something, they can't wait to teach one of their siblings everything. Ellie will no doubt catch on to multiplication tables easier this year because she has already been memorizing them - thanks to Chloe. I get tickled when I hear Ellie teaching Harrison the correct way to pronounce his letters, and Harrison is in on it too. He is making it his personal goal to teach Charity to walk... So, maybe homeschooling isn't always easy. Some days we don't accomplish much. Some days we skip altogether when Charity ends up unexpectedly in the hospital. Sometimes, I have a headache, or everybody is sick. Some days I feel discouraged because NOBODY IS LISTENING TO THEIR TEACHER!!!!! But, thankfully those are just some of the days :) Most of the days, we learn a lot, more from each other than our books. Most of the days, we pray on the couch for our country, for our family and for people who need Jesus. Most of the time, we are delighted to be together, and I'd choose homeschooling again and again. Maybe it isn't for everyone, but I'm glad it is for me!
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The kiddos and I made a quick jaunt to the hospital on Monday afternoon to have a ultrasound for Charity. She of course, yelled through the whole thing, but the other four sat quietly glued to the TV set where a kid's movie was playing. Charity can't stand anyone poking or proding her anymore. I wonder if she has just enough already!?! Regardless of her opinion, the technician was glad to report that she was "stable". Last time we went in for a check-up, we ended up being admitted for three days. It was the same technician and she was thrilled along with us...stable doesn't mean super, but it doesn't spell H-O-S-P-I-T-A-L either! We will return on Monday to meet with the urologist to discuss the ultrasound results and to check out that very nifty vesicostomy site. So far, Charity is doing very well after the surgery and I personally am happy about our new nighttime schedule. In times past, Charity would wake up every few hours for a drink or a fuss or whatever, but since the latest vesicostomy, she has been sleeping at least 7 hours in a stretch. I am definitely feeling more rested!
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overheard conversation between my son, and a neighbor boy... neighbor: "Do you wanna get married?" son: "I dunno" neighbor: "well, if you do, you should try looking at Baskin - Robbins" son: "what?" neighbor: "yeah, there's always lots of girls there..." |
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It has been wonderful to be home for a week now. Charity is healing nicely, though we don't want that hole to heal up too nicely and close itself up again! She appears to be getting another yeast infection around her vesicostomy site, which is likely due to the antibiotics that she has been on for awhile. Last time the infection spread and became quite uncomfortable, so hopefully we will catch it before it gets too itchy and sore. The weekend was fun, the boys went to a motorcycle extreme hillclimb event, see www.skipspromotions.com they enjoy the noise, and the bikes and the food and everything. They come back sunburnt, exhausted and totally bonded! Harrison is wishing he can join them, but he has to wait another year before he can do the all-day or overnight event. It is a highlight each year, and because Charity was in the hospital in the Spring, they willingly skipped the event...however, Tucker is now trying to figure out how he can earn enough money to buy a motorcycle in order to enter the amateur events next year. Anybody need their lawn mowed, garden weeded, toilet cleaned...?
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