Our Forever Family
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Brothers
Whenever Ev needs cuddles, he seeks out James.
Ev banged his lip and was bleeding. (Note: This may be a good reason to NOT jump and hang on the fireplace mantle.)
James was right there, scooping up Ev and holding him until he fell asleep.
I'll give you one guess...
I would be upset...but Ev did enjoy himself and his 'art'. And Riley helped clean it up. So that was nice.
Brothers
So Ev has a baby brother.
And he got to meet him!
At first, they weren't sure how to take to each other...
But Ev warmed up and started playing with Baby N.
He showed him Mario Brothers.
And learned how to make him laugh.
Ev even learned 'gentle touches'.
Ev and N are exactly two and a half years apart. Which is a large difference at this stage, but will shrink with the passage of time.
I am so grateful that these boys got to meet and I hope they have many opportunities to know each other as they grow up.
And I am grateful to N's parents for taking the time to swing through the area so the boys could visit.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Sunday, January 1, 2017
End of Year Thoughts - A Day Late
At the end of the year, I typically write a summary of my thoughts and choices.
I ran out of time yesterday, resorting my closet after one of my sons played hide and seek, ripping all the clothes down. Accidentally. Allegedly.
Anyway, now that the closet is looking organized again, I thought I would put down my end of year thoughts.
Many people hated 2016. I didn't. That's not so say that I had a perfect year, but it was pretty great.
1) We spent two months as a family in Europe.
2) As a bonus my food allergies and intolerances disappeared while we were there. That was a huge surprise. I went from 81 measly, sickly pounds at the beginning of the year, to a more robust 92 pounds at the end. If I could do that every year...
Eating my way through seven countries was definitely a delight. I could say it was all about Europe but the acupuncture, Europe's different food environment, twenty-two pills a day, and lots of prayers brought about this change. Lots and lots of prayers, I think, for which I am truly grateful.
The intolerances are returning so please keep me in your prayers. Eating is a really fun (and necessary) activity.
3) Which brings me to the next cool part of the year. I am surrounded by some of the most awesome people. I feel greatly blessed to have so many amazing friends and family.
4) I read 145 stories this year. Not my highest amount in year but not too shabby. I feel so lucky to live in a day, place, and age where I can read and have access to books.
5) I have contact will all the kids. Four are here at home and three are out in various places. I am thankful that they are a part of our lives and that I get to be a part of their lives.
6) We have relationships with my kids' first families. That is a huge blessing for us and the boys. I feel honored to be included.
7) The kids are healthy. Some had health issues this year but they are all trucking along and I love that.
8) I enjoyed music, movies, and books. I love stories unfolding. What a treat!
9) I added to my 'published on Amazon' book list. It feels good to let my stories free to roam.
10) Husband took two of the boys on their special dad trips. Third one is coming up. I love that, even though he is super busy, he takes time to have one-on-one activities with the kids.
11) Getting on skis for the first time in nearly twenty years was fun. Aging when I did the math, but still fun.
12) Being able to create really fuels the soul. And I had lots of opportunities to create and contribute.
13) I am grateful that even though I have very strong willed children, they have all have their unique gifts and strengths to bring to this world. So...no doormats. But at least they are zesty.
14) And I can't believe that I get to be a wife and mother. Not everyone who wants that, gets it. I am trying not to take it for granted. My husband and kids all think I am a little nutty. But I am their nut and I feel very lucky.
On the whole, 2016 was amazing. But it was an even year.
Those odd numbered, prime years can be tricky. May we all have a wonderful and sedate 2017.
Here is to a truly happy new year!
I ran out of time yesterday, resorting my closet after one of my sons played hide and seek, ripping all the clothes down. Accidentally. Allegedly.
Anyway, now that the closet is looking organized again, I thought I would put down my end of year thoughts.
Many people hated 2016. I didn't. That's not so say that I had a perfect year, but it was pretty great.
1) We spent two months as a family in Europe.
2) As a bonus my food allergies and intolerances disappeared while we were there. That was a huge surprise. I went from 81 measly, sickly pounds at the beginning of the year, to a more robust 92 pounds at the end. If I could do that every year...
Eating my way through seven countries was definitely a delight. I could say it was all about Europe but the acupuncture, Europe's different food environment, twenty-two pills a day, and lots of prayers brought about this change. Lots and lots of prayers, I think, for which I am truly grateful.
The intolerances are returning so please keep me in your prayers. Eating is a really fun (and necessary) activity.
3) Which brings me to the next cool part of the year. I am surrounded by some of the most awesome people. I feel greatly blessed to have so many amazing friends and family.
4) I read 145 stories this year. Not my highest amount in year but not too shabby. I feel so lucky to live in a day, place, and age where I can read and have access to books.
5) I have contact will all the kids. Four are here at home and three are out in various places. I am thankful that they are a part of our lives and that I get to be a part of their lives.
6) We have relationships with my kids' first families. That is a huge blessing for us and the boys. I feel honored to be included.
7) The kids are healthy. Some had health issues this year but they are all trucking along and I love that.
8) I enjoyed music, movies, and books. I love stories unfolding. What a treat!
9) I added to my 'published on Amazon' book list. It feels good to let my stories free to roam.
10) Husband took two of the boys on their special dad trips. Third one is coming up. I love that, even though he is super busy, he takes time to have one-on-one activities with the kids.
11) Getting on skis for the first time in nearly twenty years was fun. Aging when I did the math, but still fun.
12) Being able to create really fuels the soul. And I had lots of opportunities to create and contribute.
13) I am grateful that even though I have very strong willed children, they have all have their unique gifts and strengths to bring to this world. So...no doormats. But at least they are zesty.
14) And I can't believe that I get to be a wife and mother. Not everyone who wants that, gets it. I am trying not to take it for granted. My husband and kids all think I am a little nutty. But I am their nut and I feel very lucky.
On the whole, 2016 was amazing. But it was an even year.
Those odd numbered, prime years can be tricky. May we all have a wonderful and sedate 2017.
Here is to a truly happy new year!
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