Beyond Blessed

I can't even express how thankful I am. Every time I start making a list, I stop because it could never include everything. For the first time ever, I am going to throw my type A self to the side and make one!  I suppose it does not have to include everything, and that the list doesn't have to be in order of appreciation.  :)

I am thankful for...
*My salvation. Without it I would be lost, literally. Guilt-ridden, purposeless, and headed for disaster.
*My husband who is my love, my Godly leader, my protector, my sounding board, my provider, and a wonderful father to our boys.
*Landon- who has stolen my heart. I love his affection. The way he grabs my face and kisses me, and the way he gives the tightest hugs.  The way he randomly says, "I love you, Mom." I love how much he cares for his brother. They were made to be brothers. I love his silliness, and the way it brings me instantly back to my childhood. I love his wit- the way he constantly comes out with hilarious comments or lines from movies that are always trying to outsmart my already made decisions.
*Ethan- who stole my heart all over again. I love his big toothy grin and the way his eyes light up when he sees me. I love how he is always exploring and learning new things. His understanding is constantly blowing me away. Oh, his dimples! How I love them too!!
*My sisters- all of them!! Blood, marriage, and beyond! I love how we can be so honest with each other, and am beyond grateful the trust and bond we share!
*My parents- I can now fully appreciate all their sacrificial love that they continue to pour out on their children. I am so thankful for their Godly example, and love having the opportunity to try my best to follow in their footsteps.
*My Family- Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am thankful for the memories I have, and for the new ones we continue to make together. I am thankful for the relationship we have that continues to grow. I am thankful for the examples that my grandparents, aunts and uncles have been to me as a mama.
*My In-laws- the best anyone could ever dream of having. I have never felt like an "in-law" and have always been welcomed as a daughter and a sister. I am thankful for their Godly examples, for their friendship, and for their unconditional prayers, support and guidance through the years.
*My job- I am so grateful to have the opportunity to go to work everyday knowing that I have a chance to impact someone's life. It is daily inspiration and purpose. I love the relationships I have had, and continue to have with my students and their families! It makes all the time and effort completely worthwhile!
*My church family- I am so thankful to have a church family that I can e-mail or call or text and know they will be praying or supporting us in whatever we are in the midst of- trials, adoption, service projects, etc. I am thankful for the Godly couples in our church that encourage us and model lifelong love. I am thankful specific relationships that have grown over the years, and for the chance to see some "once kids" grow to be amazing adults.
*My girlfriends! Ah...my breath of fresh air. My honest, accountability partners. My pick-me-up, my break, my getaway. I love you!!
*Provision and luxuries- my house, hot running water, clothing, our cars, health care, our good health, electricity, food! We have so much and have never been in dire need. Praise God.
*Adoption- I am so thankful God has adopted me into His family and has chosen to give me a fresh start, daily, and that he loves me for me. I am so thankful He has allowed adoption to change our lives, and for the opportunity to see His love for us through our sons.
*And the list could go on!! ...but my children are calling. :-)

Above all, on this day of thanks, I want to thank God who has blessed us "immeasurably, more than all we ask, or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us." 

Orphan Sunday 2012

Three years ago, I did not know there was such a thing as "Orphan Sunday." Greg and I were thinking about and praying about adoption, but little did we know the amazing plans God had in store for us. I smile just thinking- God must have felt like I do right now... I have all these fun gifts that I know our boys will love, and I just can't wait to give them to them on Christmas Day. It is so tempting sometimes to go pull them out of hiding and give them early, but I know that giving the gift before it is time, will only satisfy the short term desire. Waiting until just the right time is the key. It's probably why God wrote the verse,

Matthew 7:11

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!


Two years ago, we were still unaware of an official Orphan Sunday, but had just met and fallen in love with one particular little orphan boy who we knew God had created just for our family. We were praying harder than ever for a call saying we could come back to court and to bring him home. We were heartbroken for all the other children who were also living with our boy who did not have family coming for them.

One year ago, we participated in Orphan Sunday for the first time, sharing our heart with our church family and sharing our desire to do something more. We just did not know what.

Orphan Sunday 2012 brings with it my same heart's desire- to share my passion for those here in the US and all over the world who do not have a forever family. This year, we have decided to take one step further. We are going to honor Orphan Sunday by  hosting a "shoe cutting party" at our church. We will be cutting out materials which will help provide shoes for orphaned children in Uganda. It is a simple way to make a huge difference. All you need is a pair of scissors, a pair of jeans, and either a button up or polo shirt (thicker material than a t-shirt)! Rather than go into a wordy description of what it is all about, here is a link to a video that explains it all. We will be showing this video next week in church, so if you are a Laurel Hill'er, than you are getting a sneak peak!

I don't know what future Orphan Sundays will bring for us as a family, or Laurel Hill as a church family...but, I smile, knowing that God knows. He may even be trying to conceal a smile while knowing that He has plans better than all we could ever ask or even imagine!

Ethan's 1st Haircut

On October 5th, 2012, Ethan got his 1st haircut. We were trying to hold off as long as possible, cherishing his baby curls. But, the curls began to poke him in the eyes, and itch his ears leading us to the guilt ridden decision...he needs his hair cut.

Here are some "before" shots!

Looking at and talking to my cousin, Jackson!

I know I'm a little biased...but, aren't they the cutest?!?!

So, there you have it...the long curls!!

We called in my sister, "Aunt Sarah," to do the honor! And, what a lovely job she did. Ethan was a trooper, and didn't even fuss!! I guess it helped that we gave him his sippy cup and some raisins to distract him. :)

Whatcha doin' up there, Aunt Sarah?

I think I can reach that paper towel!

Yep, I love the camera!

...and my daddy, and climbing up a slide!

 

 

And, now that I have finally recorded the first haircut, I feel like it has grown out so much he is almost ready for another! :) 

Over the Speed Bump!

We survived! I mean, there IS a hurricaine on the way, but we survived (albeit a few more meltdowns, tears, and bumps on the head) without a funcional Daddy in the home the past 2 weeks. Greg had hernia surgery on Oct. 12th. And, per Dr's orders-  no lifting the kids...or anything heavier than 5-10 lbs. for at least 2 weeks. Even though he hasn't gone to his post-op visit yet (Tuesday! pending the weather!), he is definitely feeling better, and has even cheated a few times and lifted Ethan. I don't know who the past couple weeks were harder on- me, Greg, or the boys. I know they miss his involvement and rough housing. I missed his helping hands with the boys, and having the flexibility to leave him home with the kids while I got out of the house to run to the store or to go for a run. And, I know it killed Greg every time Ethan would stand by his bed and say DA DA DA!!! Or hang on his leg begging to be picked up. And the look I saw on his face everytime Landon just wanted to tackle hug Greg said it all. :( 

But, with a lot of help from family, we did it. I always knew how much of a hands on dad Greg was, but man, these past few weeks put it into true perspective and made me more appreciative. I don't know how any single parent survives.

Here are a few pictures of a few Fall fun activities we were able to get in before Hurricane Sandy hits!

Pumpkin Picking at Duffields Farm

Daddy had a big helper to lift the heavy pumpkins for him!

Such a loving big brother!!

Family photo op, thanks to the kind stranger! :)

Scarecrow museum had lots of fun things to look at!

2 Walking boys holding thier daddy's hands.

 

The Doggone Halloween Parade at Collingswood Manor  AKA Grammie's house!



Bella as Vader & Landon as Obi Wan Kenobi

Greg and his not so little  Yoda

My little padawon!

Grammie as a Princess with Landon & Ethan!

Mommom got to walk in the parade too! Sure takes talent to walk a dog while pushing a stroller and keeping tabs on an active jedi!

 

 

 

We've enjoyed a fun past few days now that Greg is feeling more mobile and active. Looking forward to painting pumpkins later today!!

How Do I Get To Heaven, Mom?

Boy was  I shocked when this question was asked on the way home today! After asking Landon a few questions to "test prior knowledge" (the teacher in me...I couldn't help it), I went into the whole explanation about how everyone makes mistakes and just like you ask mommy and daddy to forgive you, we need to pray and ask Jesus to forgive us from our sins, and ask him to take us to Heaven to live with him. I was trying my best to make the explanation as 3 year old friendly as possible (knowing Landon and most 3 year olds take everything literally...like not saying the words 'ask Jesus to come live into your heart.'), and felt like I had done a pretty okay job. Until...after I was all done, he blurts out in his ever so commanding, know-it-all voice, "No, no, no. That's not the way! You need to drive there! Go this way, mom!" I guess it didn't all sink in. Little by little... :)

Our conversation wasn't over. I couldn't let him think you could actually drive to Heaven, so I continued on.  Some subsequent hilarious questions were posed, like:  Does Jesus live in my house, mom? But, how can He see us, does he have a telescope?  Ah, the mind of a child.

This conversation makes me smile at the thought of all the amazing moments in my "mommy life" to come, and today made me really excited for the day I've been praying for to happen. I am so happy he has already started asking questions, and am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to share the Good News with him. Moments like this remind me of the awesome responsibility yet amazing opportunity we have been given.

Lasts...and Firsts!

Our summer went out with a bang- our family vacation to Sea Isle for the week. We had a lot of fun, and were able to have a whole slew of family join us for a night (or two) to share in our fun! I ended up taking a whopping 572 photos from the week...so here are just a few of my favorites!

On Sunday, Aunt Sue, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Dennis came down to join us for a few days. As you will see, they are really talented in the sand art category!

 

After our fun in the sun, we went Pirate Mini-Golfing!

where we tried to get a new family shot by a neat waterfall!

 

We also visited the Sea Isle rides a few times

The boats are someone's favorite!!!

 

We had some extra special visitors....who traveled all the way from Kentucky to see us!

(okay, so they traveled a long way to see not just us...) Aunt Jill, Uncle Andrew, and Jackson! We took this opportunity to get some updated cousin photos!

 

 

 

"3 Little Monkeys sitting on a hill...."

 (okay, so Landon has been singing "3 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed one too many times!")

 

 

 

What a cutie patootie!!

 

Mommom, Poppop, and their 3 grandsons!!

 

 

Then, at the tail end of our trip, our good friends Lori, Darren, Caden and Nana Karen came down. We actually overlapped our vacations a few days so we could each extend our stay by an extra day! Can you tell how much our boys love each other? The belly laughs they share playing together puts a smile on my face that tends to make my cheeks hurt sometimes!

 

 BEST BUDS!!!

 

 

 

It seemed like Summer ended with squeaky breaks, and that Fall took off super fast. I don't know whether it was the cool temperatures that accompanied the first week of September or that I felt like I dove back into the classroom and rigorous 'work from sun up til way past sun down' routine. Fall may not officially be here yet, but...September is here...and almost over! AH!

 

On Tuesday, September 4th, Landon started a 3 year old Nursury school class at Erial Community Church Christian School. I also had my first in-service day, so I was not able to take him. Greg pulled off being super dad, and took him (his first day was also a parent day) after working his 12 hour 7P-7A shift. Here are some 1st day pictures!

 

 

 

Honestly, I had prepared myself for a big adjustment. Change of location, environment, and EVERY DAY.... the past year and a half, Landon has been at a friends' house for a few days a week, and home with Greg for a few days. Now, he goes to school every day from 8:15-3:15. But, so far, so good! He did cry one day, but as soon as his teacher walked in and started talking to him, he perked up pretty quickly. He really enjoys going, and we are hearing good reports so far! To top it off, each day I pick him up, and take him back to my classroom to get an extra 20-30 minutes of prep work done. There are some things I just can't take home. And, thankfully, Landon loves going back to my room, and has made quick friends with my co-workers who are just so sweet with him. He "helps" me by unloading and loading my top drawer...paper clips, rubber bands, bandaids- you name it!  It has been a good routine so far!

 

Ethan is adjusting to the September schedule too...he did have a few "off" days at my friend, Amy's house, but I think it also had to do with his molars coming in. He seems to have bounced back to his normal napping and eating habits. Speaking of Ethan, I can't believe how many steps he is taking now! He is really getting the hang of this walking thing! Just tonight, he walked all the way from the dishwasher in the kitchen to Greg standing in the kitchen doorway- accross the room! He is also climbing like crazy, and getting a ton of bumps and bruises with this new adventure he's on. But, that's par for the course!

 

I think it's about time to wrap up this post....if you only knew how many days ago I started it... 

 



 

 

 

Ethan's First Steps

Yesterday we had the chance to go down to see our friends, the Gibsons, at their Ocean City beach house. For those of you that don't know, they have the two boys that I babysat and tutored for 6 years before Landon and Ethan. Talk about preparation! ;) While we were there, we were able to get some of Ethan's first steps on video. Yes...as you will see, we were really trying here! The time he took a full 3 steps my camera didn't start recording unti the very end, right after he finished. But, I compiled a few other attmepts. :)  It was at their house, back in June, that Ethan first crawled! How neat that he crawled and took his first steps in the same place!

YAY, Ethan!!

September 1, 2012  ~~ 13 months and 8 days!

In fact...since I am currently having one of those moments, you know...where you are stuck in the "where have the years gone?" thoughts.  My moment has caused me to look back at earlier pictures with "my boys", as I used to still refer to them. Here are some then and now shots.

Phillies Game August 2006

Thom (7) and Ben (8)

 

Notice their height next to Greg... (sniff, sniff)

 

Thommy (now 13!) with Landon on the roller coaster!

 

 

Ethan on Ben's shoulders....notice how close he is to the top of the doorway!

 Ben (now 14, almost 15) is now at least 3 inches taller than me!!

 

I know as I write this, I am thinking, man...I sound like a mama bear sad her cubs are all grown up. And, that's exactly how I feel. I always felt like they were my boys. We spent years...literally! together. And, what I love the most is that no matter how tall, or how old, they still come and sit on my lap, or hug me like they are still 6 and 7 years old. I also love how great they are with the boys. When we hang out together, they are built in babysitters, playing with the boys the entire time! Love you boys!!