The Weather Can Do Wonders

I have to say when I got up early this morning in the pitch black the day after "spring forward" I was a bit of a grouch. Not exactly looking forward to the day and praying for a better attitude.

Then I went into the garage to do my strength training dvd (which I usually do on this portable dvd player) only to discover that the screen is broken. I later learned that some kids (who will remain nameless) knocked it off the shelf with a basketball on a previous day. So, until further notice I will also be exercising my ears as I listen carefully to the instructions on my dvd. I guess I won't be trying any new dvd's anytime soon.

Finally once the morning rush was over (breakfast served, lunches packed, bags ready... you all know the drill probably better then I do!) and the older boys were out the door for their homeschool academy we were finally able to catch our breath. But for some reason, Aaron's steady drumming during school with his pencil, hands, or whatever nearly drove me crazy. "STOP DRUMMING!!!!"

Until I noticed the SUN and what appeared to be warmth!! The weather can do wonders for my attitude. These two are sweet playmates on Mondays when their brothers are away. They had some sort of pretend world going on after lunch. They insisted it was warm enough for no jackets and flip flops. Okay... sure!

With potential rain the rest of the week I decided we needed a spontaneous outing. 

I picked up the big boys at 3pm and headed to one of our favorite outdoor locations. 

Do you see Ethan scampering like a little gazelle? 

They were thrilled to be outside in shorts! It was 70 degrees. 

 Ethan asked me to take this picture so he can sketch it later. ;)

 We got to the top of this hill and Irina said, "Let's roll down the hill." 

 Luke and Aaron didn't want to get dirty so they ran. 

 Ethan and Irina rolled and rolled. Although, Irina kind of curved back up the hill and had to readjust.

Can you see the delight on their faces? Is spring really coming? I can't wait!

Another One ?

Okay... this is the third baby tooth extracted in three weeks. Maybe Aaron will be the dentist instead of Irina? This one was hardly ready and was accompanied by a lot of blood and a pretty long root. He yanked it out! Sheesh, if he keeps this up he'll need to start eating smoothies for every meal.

Language Progress

Even though I really enjoy learning new languages, I highly doubt that I would gracefully handle being immersed in a new language the way Irina has handled it. She has done a remarkable job in a very short time. It is still a steady hill to climb, but I give her much kudos for her tenacity (even when she has been tempted to give up). 

She is a workbook girl, but she tries whatever I throw at her. Today in school she was working on rhyming dominos. They were a little tricky, but when she finished she exclaimed proudly, "I do them all by myself." 

If she was a quiet girl, things would have played out very differently. This is where I need to be thankful for how verbal she is. When we met her on December 16, 2012 she talked non-stop in Russian. The only thing different now is that she is talking in English. I think much of her progress is due to her PRACTICE and she practices a lot. ;)

Some cute little vocabulary misunderstandings that I don't want to forget:

"Please Mommy, you 'shark-pen' my pencil." (sharpen)

"Please you cut my 'great-fruit.'" (grapefruit)

"Can I have 'tu-nut' for lunch today?" (tuna)

"Please I go jump on the 'jumpoline?'" (trampoline) 

If you've heard how fast we talk over here, is it any wonder there has been confusion? 

This young lady is also a note writer. She wants to desperately make sure we know she loves us and is always writing special notes. She wrote this note for me yesterday. 

Jesus With Me

I'm sitting here in front of my computer trying to figure out where to begin. I'm not sure. I just need to get IT out. I can't wrap up my inner thoughts in a neat package today. Partly because I'm not a "writer" by nature (remember I was a math major). Partly because my thoughts are swirling and swirling and I don't have the time to make sense of them. 

I hope that by the time I get to the "end" and hit publish what will stand out the most is that GOD is good. He is glorious. He keeps his promises. He is faithful. He is my rock. Oh, how He loves His people!

This has been an interesting "season" for me and I'm not talking about the weather. (Although I'm ready for spring. Come on tulips and daffodils... get going! Is it seriously going to snow tomorrow?) By season, I mean that this time in my life has been one that on one hand I don't want to forget. On the other hand, I don't want to remember.  

I have no obvious hardships in my life. I have a husband who provides for his family, four healthy beautiful children, plenty of food, and a safe haven we call home. I know people who have hardships. I know people who live with terrible illnesses and pain. I know people who have nothing. That is not me. 

For some reason though, this season of my life has been very intense. I am beginning to see and accept that this intensity and exposure of my weaknesses may actually be a good thing. It is humbling and emotionally painful. Somehow in the midst of it all (the many tears, exhaustion, and brokenness), I hear my Lord whisper my name. Do you realize how wonderful that is? Years ago, I walked through a short period of depression, but this is different. Somehow this time, in the midst of my tears and confusion I know without a doubt that I am not alone. Jesus is with me. Jesus is at work in me and He is making me new. So thankful...

It's a funny thing with technology these days. Here I sit and type. I don't know exactly who reads and frankly I don't understand why they would want to at times. Certainly I could keep a private journal of my thoughts and feelings (which I do) without broadcasting them out to any interested party. The blog is no longer just about Irina or about the boys. Although, the magnitude of participating in adoption has certainly been a catalyst for this time of discovery for me. I am sure I have some family members cringing as they read along, perhaps uncomfortable with my vulnerability. 

Here is the thing: If you don't know it already, God is an awesome God. That is what I want to shout! There is no mistaking it. I have found myself thirsting for His word and amazed by what I read. No matter where I read, I am amazed by God's unconditional love and forgiveness to a very unworthy people. No amount of efforts on our part can overcome our sinful nature. And yet, He loves us anyway. He sent His son Jesus to die for US. Please, if you don't have a Bible send me an email or leave me a message. I will mail you one. It is the best book you will find. Treasure it! 

God's word has served many purposes in my life. It gives me hope, reminds me of truth, and encourages me. Right now, the Holy Spirit is also using the Word to convict me of sin. I know, some of you get uncomfortable when I mention that word. But it is true. I am a sinner and God is revealing areas of my life in which I am sinning. I can rejoice in that, because with repentance comes refreshment. If God's word says it, I'm counting on it and eagerly waiting for it. :) 

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:12

"Acknowledging sin and its consequences is a difficult, achy, and emotionally invasive procedure. But a beautiful thing happens when we take that hard road through the mountain: we do not travel alone. Jesus is with us as God's Word convicts our hearts. Jesus is with us as the Holy Spirit reveals our desperate need. Jesus is with us as our knees buckle at the devastation around us and the devastation within us. He is by our side to administer the salve of grace the moment each sin-wound is revealed.
Somewhere in the thick of this ongoing heart surgery we begin to understand: only in seeing the depth of our sin can we see the unmatched grace and glory of the Cross." She Reads Truth lent devotional

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Acts 3:19

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15 

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' Lamentations 3:21-24

I love a covenant keeping God. Do you? If you don't know Him, don't wait another minute. He is waiting for you with arms open wide. 

For the Record

I'm thankful for sweet moments today. (Definitely should be sleeping, but I want to get this recorded.) Even though Darin is traveling and I was up in the night with a sick boy, the day was surprisingly relaxed. I didn't know it was possible for me. ;) Certainly helps when I have agreeable kiddos.

I have a hard time canceling school on snowy days, so we usually just keep on our regular schedule. However, when at 9:30 we had accomplished a good bit of work (2 math quizzes, a grammar test and more) I decided it was time to have some recess! I LOVE walking in the snow.

The sick boy got pulled all around our neighborhood by his siblings and was very content in the fresh air. After our walk, I shoveled the driveway (which I love to do, but Darin usually insists on doing). 

We played and played. It wasn't too cold. 

 Our attempt at a group photo. Not sure why I'm grimacing... I was very relaxed today, really I was.

The snow was perfect for snow forts, snow walls, snow balls and snow men!

You should have seen Ethan and I heaving the larger snow balls up on this snow man. It was hilarious. We were giggling together and it was great. It felt good. We were together and full of JOY. 

We came inside for lunch and then worked on school work for a couple hours. We went sledding, had quiet time (great reading in my She Reads Truth lent devotional... more on that later), put away laundry, practiced drums and piano. Everything just seemed to fall in place (even in the midst of typical teachable moments and sibling conflict). Y'all... this doesn't happen every day. This is why I need to record it tonight before I forget. 

And since I was in such good spirits, after realizing basketball practice was cancelled (as we sat in the empty parking lot) I treated the kids to a surprise dinner out at Chipotle. Now I really must go to sleep, or I can promise you tomorrow will not be so relaxed. 

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to ENJOY your creation, these precious children, and for giving me the ability to be spontaneous today. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" 

Out of Their Element

Last Monday night, Luke and Ethan participated in a Variety Show at their homeschool academy. Each of the elementary classes had the opportunity to put on a class play. If you know Luke and Ethan, then you know performing in front of a large crowd (the room was packed!) IS NOT THEIR THING!!! I mean, seriously, not their thing! But they did it and survived...phew!

Luke's class consists of 9 kids... 3 boys and 6 girls. There wasn't exactly a part in his play with no speaking lines. Everyone had a lot to say and do. Doesn't he look so uncomfortable in the picture above? (in the middle) I think I held my breath the entire time. 

The play was called "A Blast From the Past" and it was a trip through American History (with lots of fun props and dancing!) Luke (on the right) was SO nervous for days before the performance. Two practices were cancelled due to snow last week and that did not help his nerves. I was so anxious for him, but he did it. He was not spectacular, but he got up there and conquered his fears. I was proud of him.

A short while later it was Ethan's turn. His class did a reading of the poem "Paul Revere's Ride." He had a choice to be a reader or an actor. Ethan chose to read. He was a bit more comfortable on the stage then his brother, but still out of his element. His play was not quite as overwhelming to prepare for. His class has 10 kids.

Somehow I didn't get a photo of his huge grin. I must have snapped my camera the few times he wasn't smiling because he smiled a LOT up there. I wish I got a photo of his toothy grin. So proud of my smiley boy. Did you know his Daddy's nickname growing up was "Smiley?" hmmm... 

It definitely stretched both the boys and took them out of their comfort zone, but I'm thankful they had this opportunity.

Special Tooth

When Aaron was a baby, instead of two primary teeth coming in on the bottom front row only one wide tooth grew. Our pediatrician always called it his "Special Tooth." I'm not sure what the official name is, but that one tooth is twice the width of all his other primary front teeth.

It didn't matter to us. He was still our cutey patutey red head! 

Look at those squishy cheeks and legs. Oh my goodness!!

And can you say DROOL? :)

 Well guess what? Aaron's "special tooth" fell out this morning! 

He came running in my room EARLY to tell me. :) His 3rd tooth gone.

It's official. My baby really is growing up!

Now we'll have to wait and see if two teeth grow in its place or if there will be one.