House Full of Joy - Homeschool Blogger

Cheeks

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:45:00 -0600

How 'bout those cheeks...

holiday time advertisement!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0600

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

hard things to bear

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:35:00 -0600

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...

just the boys

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:37:00 -0600

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."

welcome party

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:18:00 -0600

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...

Bath time for Neko

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:31:00 -0600

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.

Ellie's weight gain...

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:35:00 -0600

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: !?!?!

a love affair

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:12:00 -0600

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!

Latest Family News...Neko James

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:40:00 -0600

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

brother sister love

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 18:15:00 -0600

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..