All Together Again for Thanksgiving!

When my boys were younger and off at camp during the summer, nights never felt quite right. Mamas just want all their babies in their own beds under the same roof at the end of the day. I wonder if this will ever change, because while I may be slightly used to the fact that our oldest no longer sleeps here at home, I certainly don't like it.

But he was home for Thanksgiving weekend and I couldn't have been happier about five whole days together!!!

It has been really hard lately keeping up with sewing and orders, in addition to life in general, but I wanted to have these days as a family without worrying about needing to finish a bunch of things. I worked hard to complete as many things as possible, and then I just worked on stuff here and there when nothing big was going on. #mombosslife I guess! I know there was some drama, because with seven people, how will there not be some drama? But truthfully, I can't even remember the details of any of it now. So my memory is basically just a highlight reel of the whole weekend. Hooray! :)

Caleb, where are you?? ha ha

We had our very own feast at home, and then headed to my parent's house for another meal. Whoa. We'd been hoping to host a family in need for dinner, but it didn't end up working out- someone at our church offered to prepare and serve all of the families who were scheduled to eat with host families, which was extremely generous and thoughtful, but it also kind of left everyone else out of the whole thing. I wanted my kids to be able to participate in something meaningful, too. 

This has been the dreariest fall on record here in NH. It's been awful. I was thrilled to see the sun, even if it only lasted for an hour. By the time the table was all set, the sun was gone. :(

My Mom and Levi- he kind of looks like he's giving her the stink eye, but he absolutely adores her, ha ha.

We had some other service ideas in mind for the weekend, too. We ended up donating sheet sets, blankets, and toiletries to our church for families who stayed right there on the premise for several days, gathered clothes to bring to our local crisis pregnancy center, and gave away lots to a friends of our family who will be now acting as guardians of their three young granddaughters- it's a sad situation, and I hope we can be a help and encouragement to them (they are my parent's age, can you even imagine the transitions taking place there??!!).

And here is what November has looked like so far:

Hopeful that the lighter sky meant sun was coming. Nope. It never even appeared, though this sky was so pretty.

Same here...

WHAT!!?? Blue sky!!??

Some sun!!! I remember that day, that moment, so clearly because dayyyyyysssss go by without even a hint of sunshine. It was cloudy and dark again with twenty minutes. Twenty minutes! I feel like I'm losing my mind. We need sun!!

On Saturday, my in-laws came over for dinner, but we'd already gone from fall to Christmas, and I've been slowly adding more things each day. We were so hoping to get to the tree farm since everyone was here, but Saturday didn't work, and Sunday was miserable and rainy...until about 4:30, when we headed out for our town's tree lighting party, but Ethan was already gone. :(

Thought I had a picture from Saturday night, but they must still be on my phone...

We had to get to the town square early for chorus, and Levi was feeling pretty good about everything. Fast forward fifteen minutes, and he wouldn't let either of us put him down!

For the record, that's my hat. That's supposed to look cute on me. Except it doesn't, and someone had been eyeing it all week and I finally let her take it, and of course it's the cutest thing ever on her. Also, why does she look fifteen here!?

Christmas carols! Santa arrive shortly after, in the firetruck with the sirens and horns blaring, which Levi was totally smitten with. He didn't care much about Santa at first, but then he warmed up and wanted to go say Hi. The line was massive, and I know he would chicken out when the time came, so we walked by him in the gazebo and waved from the outside. Win win. :)

There was hot cocoa and so many cookies! Just a really fun little event for families. I can't wait to get back and take some more pictures, it's so pretty!

I hope your Thanksgiving was full of family and love and gratitude!

MOTHERHOOD MUSINGS

Some photos from our month:

Motherhood is hard. The passage of time, looking back at the years gone by in just the blink of an eye, desperate to go back to a particular moment or season. To once again feel those feelings of delight and wonder and promise that the first smile, first words, first hug- a whole myriad of firsts- bring. The firsts with older children are quite different. These firsts are preparing them to leave me, us, and it is hard. I've begun praying much more over their futures, their future spouses and families, and this is helping me. It fills me with the hope of even greater things to come, more wonderful firsts.

But lest I get too far ahead of myself, there are still plenty of Mama things for me to do right here and now. I don't want to lose sight of those as my heart aches for the things already passed. I'm excited for my boys as they grow and mature. They are so genuine and talented and razor-sharp smart, and God has a distinct path for them to help build His kingdom. (Jonah was invited to spend the morning running statistics and math-y stuff at a local college...so NOT my thing, ha!) I'm excited for Isabelle as God reaches her heart, and though the struggles are real (and super intense at times!), I know that Truth will always win. I see her growing and learning in remarkable ways- I cannot wait for her to get the chance to be a big sister!!!

I know we are blessed. Our children are healthy, we're able to provide for their needs. Our extended families are close by. Friends of mine have lost one or both of their parents already, and their children no longer have grandparents. How unbelievably sad. Nothing is perfect, and I sure have my issues (whoa!) but what I hope others -especially my children- see in me is a deep sense of gratitude and thanksgiving in my heart.

The first picture happened when I picked up Caleb from baseball practice a while back. It had been a cold and grey day, and then out of nowhere, this amazing sunset just appeared, and we literally chased it down. We drove out to an area where we could stop and snap some photos of the colorful expanse laid out above us. It was breathtaking and overwhelmingly beautiful, a moment to share with my little boy, a memory to treasure up in my heart. I believe in God's sovereignty over the whole world and in my life, and this verse calms my soul. Sorrow will pass, grief will be no more, joy will be everything and everywhere.

But take heart, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Love, Marriage and an Etsy Order

Well last week certainly held a few surprises! Remember this post? Not so fun. I was both encouraged and challenged by Jenny and Heather who left such thoughtful comments for me- thanks ladies! I don't want to waste an opportunity to show Christ's love, so after thinking all week about what I should do, I've decided to write a short note apologizing for the things that seem to have bothered the neighbor so much. I can't say I understand completely, but that doesn't really even matter- I just want to do the right thing.

And all last week Caleb and Isabelle Kate attended Vacation Bible School & had a blast! The theme was "Shake It Up" and every day they did an art project, a science experiment, and whipped up a little something in the kitchen- it was so neat! I was so impressed with all the hard work that went into such a wonderful week for the children! (They were at Isabelle's preschool- our own church does some things for the kids, but it would end up costing us over $200 to participate, so, um, I don't think so.  I wish it were different, but I'm so thankful for the church that welcomed us in this past week!

I just love this picture of Caleb as one of the days was wrapping up

So...after Terrible Tuesday, the next morning I was completely surprised to see that someone had bought one of my skirts for sale on etsy! I was so excited!!  And then, two people "favorited" my shop!! It felt like such a special affirmation from God and I'm very thankful. I don't know what I'm doing most of the time for all this business stuff- I'm just trying to raise money for the adoption, and it's so easy to get my feelings hurt and feel disappointed when things don't go the way I think they should. But God is in control so all I have to do is obey. He gave me this love of photography and sewing, so I intend to use them. If you want to visit my shop, click on the picture to the right. And if you really want to make my day, you can "favorite" me!  Ha Ha!

this is the skirt I sold...well, this is a size 3/4, and a 7 was ordered- I just finished the new one today!

Speaking of adoption, Bill and I have been feeling really overwhelmed with the costs involved and some of the other details. We were really having a hard time, and it was spilling over into every other aspect of our family life. The past couple of weeks haven't been too great, to tell you the truth. But suddenly, I felt the greatest, most amazing peace from God, and Bill and I were able to work through some important things. What a relief! Nobody likes turmoil, and it was beginning to take its toll. Parenting is so much harder too when there is tension between Mom and Dad. For me, my biggest problem is my thought life, letting certain thoughts creep in, and then they stick, and it's SO hard to dislodge them! I need to be more aware and vigilant with the thoughts I allow to occupy my mind.

We also decided that we need to be more purposeful in getting out and doing fun things together! We went on a little date Friday night (thanks Dad for braving the crew solo while poor Mom was sick!) and then brought home Chinese food and watched a movie from Redbox. Nothing over the top but really special to me. It's so easy for bills and chaos and fighting kids and cats puking on the new rug and cramps and humidity and everything else life throws at you to take over. We're going to try harder to keep those things in perspective and save our energy for what matters more.

On Wednesday, Isabelle had a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa so it was just me and my boys and I got to spoil them a little bit! Ice cream and swimming for starters!

 Ethan stole my towel and said "a real man can handle pink" - ha ha ha

of course I miss Isabelle when she isn't with us, but it was so fun to stay in the deep end of the pool without a wriggling body kicking and splashing at me!  =)

we had lots of fun!

We all laughed when Grandma and Grandpa showed up at the pool an hour later with our swimmer girl- she is still such a fish! So we all hung out and played together, and then I might have escaped for a minute or two to the deep end all by myself. Maybe.  ;)

I'd gotten some t-shirts on clearance at Old Navy last month and had been waiting for a lull in the activities and such to surprise the boys with them...so I placed them outside their doors in the morning so they'd find them when they woke up. I love that small things like this really make my boys happy, and they thanked me several times! I know I was not nearly as grateful for things when I was their age. Sorry Mom!

And the thing they are still talking about???

They were pleased with their new shirts, but they were absolutely ecstatic and thrilled that I made coffee for them for breakfast, ha ha! Of course it was decaf, but shhh! I didn't tell them that!

oh yeah, I forgot about the cookies- it was a nice cool morning, perfect for a little early morning baking

I did have to fish my very ripe bananas out of the trash because Bill mistakenly threw them out- eww, that sounds so gross! It was a clean bag with nothing else in it, and they'd be baked for the banana bread anyway, so....that's okay, right? Well, we demolished that bread, and it was so so yummy, and none of us died, so I think we're in the clear!

Whew! I'm exhausted, and I didn't even get to Saturday and today! Good night y'all!

Laundry Baskets & Shoe Boxes

I rarely complain about household chores (except mopping, ugh, I hate mopping!), but I especially enjoy doing the laundry.  Maybe it feeds that slightly OCD, recovering-perfectionist, clean freak heart of mine.  I love the whole process, really, everything from sorting to watching the colors go round and round in my front loader, and folding wonderful-smelling, clean laundry into the appropriate piles.

As I was happily tackling the mountains of clean clothes yesterday morning, my heart was very nearly ready to burst with gratefulness for the fact that I can provide my family with these essentials, plus many extras.  I thanked God for the simple yet profound joy of having clothes to wash and the means to do it.  I know this chore is really a luxury in disguise. 

Anyway, I got a kick out of what my bed looked like by 9 am, and I hadn't even finished with the rest of the loads....just clothing, too!  Sheets and towels are Thursday's fun!  :)

3/4 of the way done!

Here's what Isabelle Kate does while I'm folding...she dances with her babies to "Jesus songs" and then gives them train rides in the laundry baskets

...and then she bundles them up and keeps them toasty warm in my slippers...ha!

This girl lacks nothing in the imagination department!

This morning, there are more piles, but they're on the kitchen table, and they're for the shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and they make my heart so, so happy!  What a beautiful way to show Christ's love and compassion for those who would otherwise go without.  I know it is a very small thing on the larger scale, but I believe those little things add up, so please consider filling and donating a shoe box (or any plastic container) for a child in need around the world.  Donations are being accepted through Friday.  

Visit Samaritan's Purse for more information.

We are also getting into full swing with our Angel Tree Ministry at church. This ministry helps children whose mothers and/or fathers are imprisoned and unable to provide Christmas gifts for them. I just love picking names off the Christmas tree there and taking a special shopping trip for those children. It's something so small but so meaningful! We pray over the toys and things we give, for the recipients as well as their families.

Visit Angel Tree Ministry for more information.

Another organization close to our hearts is the Chapman's ministry Show Hope. There are many ways you can help!**click on the sidebar to visit the site**

And of course ADOPTION itself is where our hearts are at. Please consider giving a child the ultimate gift of family!

 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Forever and Ever

There is an important date in our family that went by unnoticed, or rather, unacknowledged...until now!  September 4, 2008 was the day that our family was reunited after a long and difficult separation- the final stage of Isabelle Kate's adoption.  That day (night, technically) will remain one of the most cherished, perfect times in my whole life!  Hugging my boys again after SOOO long was simply indescribable!  I can only imagine how sweet reunions are where more months, and even years, have passed. 

So last night we celebrated our special day, the day our Forever and Ever Family was together again!

Poor Ethan had a stomach ache and wasn't feeling well enough for pictures  :(

Our family will forever be changed because God put the desire to adopt in our hearts,

and no, it wasn't easy, but it was His plan.  Thank you, God, for our precious gift!

Dedication-ed

**Okay, so I wrote some of this yesterday...and I'm not editing now  :)

And today is my parent's 41st anniversary!!  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!**

Today we had lots to celebrate-

Caleb and Isabelle were dedicated to the Lord at church this morning!

What a humbling, awesome responsibility and privilege this parenting adventure is, and I truly felt the love and support of our entire church family as we stood in front of the congregation and were prayed over.

Thank you Jesus, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me parents who know and love you,

For giving Bill parents who know and love you,

so that we have the honor of raising our children to know and love you- what a legacy for our family.

Thank you for being the life force of our marriage and family,

for giving us the wisdom we (often) lack,

granting us mercy and tenderness when we fail (also often!),

and for loving us with a love unlike any other!

You amaze me, God, and it is my heart's greatest desire to lead our children to You,

Father, Creator, Redeemer, and Friend.

I just LOVE the way Caleb has his little hands folded up on his heart when we were praying!

A picture with Pastor Butler- our church has been blessed this past year since he and his wife joined us almost a year ago...and of course, someone had just had enough picture-taking for one morning, ha!

How this boy melts my heart!

For reals!

My little girl looked so beautiful in her *Easter* dress and new posa (butterfly) sandals

I think this will be her beach portrait dress too- I altered the pattern a bit and added a full lining, which was more of a headache than I'd anticipated, but I think it turned out pretty cute!

I was very proud of my children as they stood up in front of our congregation- Caleb was nervous, which I'm still not used to, as he is such an exuberant, life-of-the-party kind of boy, and this morning at home all he could talk about was not wanting to be dedicationed...it was his nerves, poor little guy.  I am so incredibly awed by all three of our boys' hearts for God, so giving and generous, and I strive to do everything in my feeble ability to preserve and encourage that wonderful spirit.

Isabelle Kate, as I suspected but didn't have total confirmation until this morning, can work a crowd something fierce!  She smiled and waved, waved and smiled, sang out "Hi, Hauntie" to Aunt Kristen, capturing the chuckles of the audience, which of course egged her on even more!  I know God has such incredible things in store for her bold and loving little spirit!  And Jonah was squeezing my arm so hard I'm practically wincing in some of the pictures, ha!  He was not letting go of me for nothin'!  Ethan was his usual crowd-friendly, easy-going self, smiling and at ease.  (He doesn't get that from his father, hee hee.)

I'd better log off- my family is taking me out to dinner so I don't have to cook...or clean up!  :)

**So...yesterday morning I was still up way earlier than I'd hoped to be, and no amount of gentle nudging would make the mister budge.  (Hey, it was my day!)  At all.  So I sicked a kid or two on him.  Still nothing.  Then I mentioned that some kiddos were heading downstairs to make me a full pancake breakfast.  All by themselves.  What do you know?  He moved!

Cutest partners in crime ever!

We don't usually do bath time in the AM...but vanity mandated it- her curls look so cute right after a bath, ha!

Oh there he is!  But he doesn't look terribly thrilled....hmmm....

I was given such wonderful homemade gifts and cards, my absolute favorite kind, and beautiful flowers to plant around the yard.  And as I mentioned above, a night off from cooking and cleaning- blissful!

Thank you Bill, Ethan, Jonah, Caleb and Isabelle for a wonderful, special day!

How did you celebrate Mother's Day?