You know it is hot when. . .

You completely turn off the water heater and can still take a hot shower

Its been around 112-115 degrees outside and we are stuck with no pool. We were stalled a little waiting for our tile and paver decking, but now we are stuck! We hired a fence guy (friend of a friend- a fellow Dominican) and he only put in a few posts. It has almost been 3 weeks. We have started calling him daily, but he keeps giving us excuses. I know you will ask - no - we didn't pay him everything up front -we paid him 1/2 the $ to buy the supplies and get started. Unfortunately, it was a lot of $ because we need a huge fence - otherwise we could cut our losses and move on. Jacklyn's b-day was Sunday and we had to postpone her pool party until this weekend, but now we might have to postpone it another week or 2. UGGHHH! We are soo soooo close, but without the fence we will not pass inspection and can not put the pebble interior and fill the pool. Javier took this week off to finish the landscaping around the pool (thinking it would be done and he could cool off in the pool). The poor guy has been putting in plants, a river, garden and lots of other projects in this scorching heat. You can see him in the back with a pick digging the river.

Janae - the zombie

Janae had been sick and unusually tired for a few months upon returning from Ethiopia antibiotics didn't help, but she eventually got well. Lately she has been so exhausted, walking around like a zombie, not able to stay on track and even asking to go to bed early etc. It was deceiving because she would have energy at times, like to go to vacation bible school, but then she would be zapped the rest of the day. When I asked her, she said she has never felt the same since Ethiopia. She also reads 400-500 page books in a few days and she said they used to be like action movies and now they are in slow motion - gotta love her description of how the tiredness is affecting her:).

I took her into a new doctor last Thursday who ordered all kinds of blood work and tests. She had a few abnormalities in her blood work. She has mono and anemia. They want to figure out what is causing the anemia so she is having a CT scan tomorrow morning to check her spleen and she will have more blood work done. I am so thankful that we already found some answers and I am thankful for this new doctor who is being very thorough.

Fun stuff + video

I found the boys on our coffee table watching a video. Look how Josiah has to be just like Jordan on his tummy w/ a remote. Having older siblings has been the best thing ever for Josiah's development. He mimics EVERYTHING and Jordan just loves it!

Another candid shot. I just love how my big kids love the little ones so much!

For fun one night when I had nothing defrosted for dinner, we made green eggs and ham (with tortillas) for fun. Everyone liked them Sam I am.

Here are the kids on crazy hair/hat day for Blast Xtreme - the vacation Bible school - Jordan won the crazy hair for his team. We basically gave him 3 mohawks - then I shaved it off the first thing when he came home :)

Roses from Javi on my b-day. That is sweet - but I am weird and cringe at someone spending $ on flowers for me- seriously- and he knows it:) - we aren't big on celebrating b-days. We just went to Denny's /Joe's bbq for our free b-day meals. Wow - what a difference a year makes! Last year on my b-day I was getting my first ultrasound and I was sick with morning sickness, we had Javier's 17 yr old niece living with us and I was so tired of waiting for our referral of our boys. I didn't even know their precious faces a year ago on June 25. For this, I am soooo glad to be 1 year older - for those wondering - I am 33 and Javier turned 34 2 days later. I caught Josiah lifting the rug to vacuum under it, then Jeremiah came to help. Too bad that is a play vacuum!Jeremiah is my strongest baby - he can muscle up things and climb anything mostly with his upper body - it is incredible - future gymnast maybe :) Jameson must know that he needs to be strong to defend himself from Jer Jer because he is my strongest bio baby ever! He has been getting out of his big swing, onto the floor for a month or 2 (no seat belt) - I know crazy! So we switched to putting him in the ground swing - but this is how we always find him - out or flipped over. He is now on his hands and knees constantly rocking. He will be crawling in no time - he already scooches - 5 months old -16 lbs which is 50% for weight and 80% for height - praise God. He was under 5 % at 6 weeks and I started supplementing him, but thankfully he still prefers breastfeeding!

This is just some super cute video of my boys cleaning up their dinosaurs. I had to move Jeremiah's crib away from the blinds, so now they like to play and hide back there. Jeremiah now says mama, dada, by, hi, babbles and lots of signs - Josiah says mama, hi and signs **turn up the volume** I bet you never knew cleaning up was THIS exciting!

Memorial Box Monday-vacation and friends

As a family we continue to do Memorial Box Monday and add things to our box to help us remember what the Lord has done for us. I haven't been good about blogging about it, but as I have time I will post about some of these things in our Memorial box. Today we are adding a wrist band from our little trip to the Arizona Grand Resort.


Two friends from our agency, Mona and Tania flew into Phoenix this weekend with their baby girls - Mona was coming straight from Ethiopia! We got to all meet in the airport and share in the special moment of bringing her little Janissa home to the US. Leah, another friend from our agency, planned and provided a weekend for our 2 families at this nearby resort/water park which gave us a place to meet up and hang out with the others. What a blessing! Not only was this our first "vacation" with all the our new boys, and a blast for my family, but it was also special for us ladies to have time together meeting and talking about our experiences and babies. The babies were even sweeter in person (the mommies too :)).

The moms - Mona, Tania, Me, Leah The babies (all 1 yr old) Janissa, Sabah, Jeremiah, Aslynn

The view from our rooms

Leah insisted on taking me to get a facial-you know me - Ms. cheapo struggled with that, but it was a wonderful treat. That was my first facial/real spa treatment and it was over 1 hour. The lady massaged my arms, shoulders, neck feet and calves in addition to all the face treatments! Wow- I thought a facial just meant the face! Javier thankfully took on all 8 hungry kids all morning so that I could enjoy that and some time in the steam room chatting. Here is proof that I got to sit and relax a couple of times at night.

Javier said this was the most relaxing time he has had since we brought the boys home. I have to laugh because that is pretty sad - because yes it was fun, but both of us were busy, busy with watching the kids almost every second - so if that was relaxing, that tells you how normal life is :). I think what helped make it relaxing was that he had a chance to watch some sports during nap time and at night with his beloved cup of coffee once the kids went to bed. The kids are always awesome about going to bed at night (nap times are another story) - what a blessing!

Josiah is never short of love for his baby brother

Jameson - just a gem the whole trip

A yummy buffet breakfast our last morning

Ready for breakfast - do you see Camelback mountain in the background - those not familiar with AZ you should see a camel laying down - the left hump is the head and long nose, then the hump on the back is the bigger bump (I think)

I was stressed out the first day (Friday) because the water park was so busy and it was really hard with 5-non swimmers and everyone wanting to go different directions. We tried getting on the lazy river, but it was crazy trying to get the kids in tubes with the current and some were still standing on the deck others crying in terror as they were holding on for dear life just to keep their heads out of water. So we just all got out and ended up with our friends at one of the quiet hotel pools. Each day we got better at pairing up the kids with their buddies and taking the big kids to do the slides etc when the littles were napping or contained with one of us in the kiddy pool. They have 2 - 8 story high sheer drop slides and a curly slide. I was so proud that all 3 big kids were brave enough to go on the slides with us.All ready for the water park

Jeremiah and Janae

Jameson, Daddy and Joanna Jordan and Jacklyn

Josiah Josiah (pink car), Julia, Janae, Jeremiah - waiting for the waves to turn on

The kids also enjoyed some movies, card games, chess, reading and spending time with Leah's kids and the Ethiopian beauties. Although it was a little crazy at times, it was a perfect first attempt at a vacation with all the babies - only a couple of days, not a far drive and plenty to do. Thank you Litty family for your generosity.

So once again we praise God and are in awe of how He continues to provide above and beyond the basic needs of our growing family. I am also so thankful for all the friends we have made through this adoption experience.

Feliz Cumpleanos Papi

Daddy, You love mommy all the days and Mommy likes you and Jameson. You are my favorite Daddy and I like to go on a date with you. I like to sit on your lap and read books. Love, Jo Jo


Daddy, I love the eggs that you make. I love how you act silly and I love when you play tackle time with us. I love you. - Love, Jacklyn


Dad, You make me feel special when you spend time with me, play card games, play sports outside and when you tell me I have sparkly blue eyes. I am so glad I have you for a Dad. Thank you. Love, Julia


Dear Dad, Thank you for teaching me sports and coaching my baseball team last year. I like it when you play tackle time with us and take me to your softball games. You are the greatest home run hitter. You are really funny and always make me laugh. I like our special discipleship time at night when we read together. Thank you for letting us have Checkers. You are really cool and I really look forward to going to the Dominican Republic with you. I hope to be like you when I grow up. Love, Jordan


Happy Birthday Dad! Thank you for bringing me to take your daughter to work day and on dates like Garcias and to the horse auction. You almost always have time for us and my favorite things are tackle time and playing sports outside. Love, Janae


Happy 34th B-day - you look better than ever! I am so proud that finally after 8 kids you have worked hard and lost your "baby weight" and learned to shave ;). You always make me feel beautiful no matter if I am + or - 25 lbs, pregnant and swollen or normal with a face full of pimples. I know I am blessed to have you. Te amo mucho.

20 lbs of Trouble

This is what I found upon returning from changing Jameson's diaper
So into the high chair Jeremiah goes. How many times must I tell him to sit on his bottom? Yes I know what he needs - a little training :)

HMMMM- Josiah come quick - mom is distracted feeding Jameson. Let's raid the pantry!
Let's play pick up sticks with the spaghetti - NAAA lets just dump themCome on Pudge - hurry we better sweep this into the vacuum vent before mom sees the mess!
Not working - get something bigger - quick the broom. Ok - Pudge you turn on the vent.
Shucks - mom caught me before I got a chance to "reorganize" the cups.
How about this mom - just loving on my dog -see I'm harmless - why does everyone call me "TROUBLE"?
Giddee up - HMMMM this dog just won't move. Let's try the baby.

So sweet. Mom, who are you looking at? Don't you trust me to be gentle?

Josiah, you are going to squish him. Let me check something. Yep. He has all his parts. We'll let him join our club.

If mom won't let me dump anything else in her kitchen, maybe I can find something here. . .

AHHHH - and this was just the first couple of hours of my day on Tuesday, while all of the big kids were at VBS and I had no help. I have a new appreciation for the helpfulness of my big kids!

All week my 4 big kids have been going to Blast Extreme - like vacation Bible School on steroids. They love it! Joanna and the littles have to stay behind, so my mom has been helping by taking and picking up the kids from church and we take turns splitting up the littles - only 2 days this week I have had all 3 babies by myself. Tuesday was one of those days and I thought I was going to go crazy. Bath time was good - then all of the above happened- well lets just say, I put the boys to nap at 8:45 am instead of 9:45.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is FULL

"Only one life 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last!"
Notice Jameson's shirt says "Daddy's little sidekick" - yeah - both this shirt and his Mother's Day shirt were garage sale finds - $.50 and $.25 - love garage sales! Also - notice all of my kids have clothes on - this is rare if you look at my blog much - LOL

I think of the quote above when I think of Javi. Not only does he love God and is always evangelizing, but he also serves Christ in our home - raising up His children to know and love the Lord. You can just see how much the kids adore their daddy! He is one hard working daddy. Not only does he put in plenty of hours at work, but you just can't imagine how much work he puts in at home with the kids and projects. Sitting down to watch a football or baseball game at our house is pretty much a distant memory or really just sitting at all. He is so proud of his kids and I love that. There is not a day that goes by that his daughters don't hear how beautiful he thinks they are or a day that goes by that every child is not kissed. He has really stepped up his relationship with Jordan in the last several months, encouraging him and mentoring him in all areas, including spiritual things. We love you Daddy!

PS- You can see he got a big kick out of picking up the big kids like they were babies

- they were like, "Dad!!! please!!!"

Do we really need H2O?

Looks like Jeremiah gives it a thumbs up :)

pool construction

This is mostly for my dad who likes to watch the construction process. Last week we got the plumbing, electrical and steel done. This week they got the permit, shotcrete and the bolders come tomorrow. Tomorrow will mark 2 weeks and look how much they have gotten done!

Josiah's skin

Wow - another clear provision from the Lord. I posted Josiah's problem on our AZ Ethiopian adoption yahoo group and someone recommended a dermatologist at Phx Children's Hospital who is Ethiopian/American! Oh! and do you know what?! This doctor said his family is from Gondar - the same city where Josiah was found - so neat!

He was wonderful and diagnosed him with 4 or 5 different things and sent in swabbed samples from the sores on his bottom. He prescribed me 5 ointments and 1 over the counter cream I need to buy. He has eczema, impetigo, something I can't remember on his bum and scabies or acropustulis (sp?) on his extremities oh and moloscum (they don't treat that). All of this flared up since Sunday (except for the sores on his bum have been there longer) and his hands/legs/feet looked terrible this morning, almost as bad as when we brought him home from the orphanage. I need to cover him head to toe with the different ointments. I wish I would have known about this doc when the boys came home. It makes me sick to think of all the itching and pain that especially Jeremiah went through with their skin problems and our doctor just kept saying that it should heal with good nutrition (and it did for the most part - but took months). On a side note, Josiah came home wearing 6-9 month clothes and 6 months later he now wheres 18 month - 2T clothes - so he is growing all of a sudden. Poor Jeremiah is still pretty little, but he seems to be losing his bloated belly - yay!

Next on the list - start stool samples all over again - woo hoo.

talking and splashing - 4 months

G. G. I posted these especially for you to see your newest little great grandson, Jameson.

Finally! (turn up the sound)

My Josiah (2 yrs old) has never babbled. He just grunts, signs, giggles and cries. Early on he did say something that sounded like hot (HA) when food was hot, but I don't want to count that as his first word. You see, the reason why is because a few weeks ago he finally said his first word, "Mama". I was overjoyed - not only did he finally say a word, but he is the first baby to say mama before saying dada :). The truth is I bribed him with a chocolate chip and still do, but hey it works! Here is proof. (I think he thinks that mama and chocolate are 1 in the same - but no harm in that since we basically are 1 in the same).
On a sad note, I don't think the giardia is gone on either of the boys. Josiah now has about 6 open bleeding sores on his bum and more on his private parts - he is just raw and nothing helps and he screams (even when urinating) and I literally have to hold him down to change him. He has scabies looking sores all over also - but there is a possibility that it is a skin condition that mimics scabies that just needs a steroid cream. He has a pediatric endocrinologist specialist appointment this week, a developmental/speech plan meeting and I need to get him in to a pediatric dermatologist as well as redo all of the stool samples again to see if the giardia is gone yet and then see the GI specialist again. I share this info because I know some of you will commit to praying for God to heal his little body and also because I know there are people reading this blog who are adopting and will be dealing with these same issues, so maybe you will be a little more prepared.

adoption friends, tractor & cute baby - oh my!

Leah and I both adopted Ethiopian babies through the same agency and live in the Phoenix area and met in person a few weeks ago at my house. Last night we went to her 30th b-day bash about 1 1/2 hours away. We had a fun time at her dad's house with a comedic murder mystery dinner. You can see below that there were some actors that barged through their door and started the night out. Javier was taken by surprise when the nerdy guy was at the door going crazy hugging people like he was at his class reunion- and Javier was thinking, "Who is that goof?" Then they passed out roles and hats to different people to get the guests involved in the action. We laughed a lot and the food was great too. Javier and I enjoyed dressing up and having a date night out too. Happy soon to be b-day Leah!

All of our kids together (Jeremiah was sleeping) a few weeks ago at our house.

Leah and me - I am exactly 3 years older - we share the same b-day My hunky husband has lost more than 15 pounds doing the biggest loser competition at work!The nerd that startled Javier :)This is what we woke up to this morning after a late night out. The kids ran out and sat there like statues for a couple of hours watching the action.You can see the kids - remember it was about 6:30 am and so that is why Jo Jo still has her morning afro:).We feel blessed because we got a great tax refund (thanks to all our kids/adoption), a gift from my grandmother who passed away in December and a bonus from Javi's work. We had a set budget and nothing was working out in our budget so we almost gave up. Then some friends recommended a company that actually many people from our church have used. The owner is a Christian man w/ 7 kids and homeschools, so we hit it off with a lot in common and his bid was within our budget. The pool should take about 5 weeks to build. Here is the big hole.

Here is my chub-a-bub - cute little thing. 4 months old and he is THE BEST BABY and seriously has never had a crying fit - ever. Yes he cries (rarely), but it is more like a whimper or complaint - never screaming crying. He flashed me the peace sign the other day - it was too funny. Oh and he got his 2 bottom teeth already!

health update w/pics

Both boys still had giardia (5 months now at least) so I took them to the GI specialist at PHX Children's Hospital. That doctor was great and even found some other problems that he wanted to check out. He put the boys on a 30 day treatment 3x a day. The problem is that insurance wouldn't cover the first 2 medicines the doctor wanted to give them, so we tried the 1 that they do cover. If this doesn't work, we will look into natural stuff or the other medicines.

We need to see an endocrinologist for Josiah because his thyroid is high. He is also going to receive speech and developmental services soon. The state sends people out to our home which is great. Josiah only grunts and signs, he doesn't even babble, but he understands everything. Josiah has become a BIG kisser and he is the first to run to daddy and climb up in his arms every night when he gets home.

We just love this sweet boy!

Josiah is in the blanket that my Aunt Linda made for him.

Jeremiah is finally learning "no" but he is still so darn cute and mischevious! Can you tell?

I think the picture below is funny - strike a pose

When 1 gets in, they both want to get in.

Mother's Day w/3 new bundles of joy

Wow - I was a new mom x 3 - so blessed!
Notice his shirt says, "Mommy is a Rock Star" :)

We got a live-in house cleaner!

With 8 kids I have been praying for some help. Well, Thursday we got a live-in house keeper! He is a big strong black guy, but quiet and so gentle with the kids. This guy keeps our floors immaculate and is so protective of our family. The great thing is that he is athletic and loves to play outside with the kids and lets the kids lay on him and constantly touch him. Its odd, but Javier is not jealous at all having another man in the house- he actually loves him. :0

His name is Checkers, but he has so many nick names like Checky, Checkster and Check Check. He is an 80lb black lab. Our friends, the Crisantis gave him to us. They just had quadruplets 4 months ago (in addition to their other 2 children) so they are a little busy :) and did not really have as much time and space for him, so they offered him to us. The kids begged us, but we have always said we will not take another dog unless it is trained (because we are lousy dog trainers). Well, Checkers is super obedient, gentle and trained. He even sits while the kids eat on the floor in front of him and will wait until we tell him to go clean up. Crumbs are a big problem in our home, but not any more. He follows the kids around and lays quietly by them as they play. The kids gave him a bath today and have been taking him on walks. This morning I saw Janae walking down the street with a big shovel. I yelled to her, "What are you doing?" She told me he went to the bathroom down the street, so she was going to clean it up. Jordan asked me if he should go put out some cones so no one would drive over it - LOL. I am glad she was cleaning it up, but next time maybe she should just take a bag :).

So everyone is happy. They got a dog and I got a house cleaner. Hmmmm - now if i can only train him to clean the bathrooms.

Jameson 3 months

perfect little lips

Dear God, please save me, I think my family is crazy

look at my big "muscles" and hunky thighs

Singing

Memorial Box Monday - Grandparents leave a legacy

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

We have been filling our memorial box with great things the Lord has done or provided. Since the last thing I shared was on a "light note", this time I wanted to share something a little more serious.

We decided to put in a plastic waffle. Why you ask? Because that is the special breakfast my kids have gotten almost every Saturday morning for the last 9 years when they spend the night at my parents' house. Since Janae was weaned at 1 year old, my parents have taken our kids on Friday nights so that we could clean an office and have a date night. One by one, they keep adding each of our children to the tradition.

On top of that, in 10 years, we have never paid a babysitter because they have almost always been willing and able to watch our kids. They have always heeded our desires of how we want to raise them. Also, my mom is a retired Kindergarten teacher so she is always teaching them, reading with them, doing crafts with them and even taking them to plays and museums. My dad's special thing to do with them is take them on walks to see all of the animals in their neighborhood. Their house is so fun with a basement, spa, orchard, huge playground that my dad built for them and we can't forget the snacks and ice cream Grandma's house has that mommy never buys them.

They set an example for our children to follow Christ and serve others and they work on their manners. Lately, since the boys have come here, my mom has come over about once a week to help me take care of kids so I can run errands, clean, do laundry or whatever needs to be done. She has also taken my ironing pile home to iron for me the last several months.

So here is the answer to "How do you do it?!" to those of you who have a false idea that I am superwoman. No, God has provided great grandparents that are selfless and have laid down their lives countless times to love on our kids and to support our marriage and family. So we praise the Lord, along with my kids, for the "inheritance" or legacy my parents are leaving their grandkids. My parents truly see their grandchildren as their crown like Proverbs says. We are not "lucky" - no - make no mistake about it - this is a gift from the Lord. Thanks mom and dad!

Pictures say it all

Jeremiah kept steeling Jameson's binky, so I gave him this one. He prefers it as a chew toy.Thanks Carina for this Hot Sling - all the boys love it. Look at that cheesy smile again. My littlest love (Jameson) is finally out of preemie and newborn and into 0-3 mo clothes and getting some chub.

Josiah is crazy about holding Jameson. He is super sweet with him and actually does a better job holding him than Joanna does. Josiah is very thoughtful and attentive to others (more about that in another post)

I know Jameson looks huge, but really Josiah (and Jeremiah) are very tiny.

"Mom save me!"

After pulling weeds the other day, the kids made a restaurant - J & J's grill. The special was meatball sandwiches. Julia said you could also order a PB and J sandwich or salad bar, but there would be an extra charge for that ;).

The secret behind Jeremiah's big round belly - They love to do this. Notice Josiah was crying because he had to give Jeremiah a turn to suck the air.

Sagging

beautiful day playing in the wind and sprinklers - temps have been between 80 and 100 for weeks/months and we are loving it!

Josiah and Jeremiah's first trip to the zoo

My Jules - my great helper

Memorial Box Monday

(Sorry this is late, I know it is not Monday, but I am behind as usual)

We have been adding several treasures to our memorial box that I discussed a few posts back. We are seeing the Lord provide and bless us in so many ways. I will start with the last thing we added. Here is the story from this weekend:

This weekend we got 3 dump trucks full of gravel for our backyard. Javier hired a worker from the corner to help him haul it back.

For the first 3 hours they used wheel barrows. Then the neighbor saw Javier and told him that her family owns a landscaping company and she would see if she could get them a bobcat (tractor). The tractor came a couple of hours later, but meanwhile she gave them their sand rail to load up with gravel, zoom it back to the backyard and dump it (the truck bed lifts up and dumps!). Wow - not only did that save so much time and energy, but it was so fun. Every trip to the back, kids would take turns riding. Then she told me to give them a spin around the neighborhood. It made a grueling job much more fun.

Notice how LONG that driveway is and how much work it was to haul it by wheel barrows!

The amazing part is not only did she offer to help us with loaning us these things, but that she was in town and saw them. She told us that every year she camps out at the PIR races and she should have been there, but this year she didn't go. If she had been there, she would have never seen them struggling. Do you see God? Our God turned a 2 or 3 day hard project into 1 fun day. Jordan thought we should put one of the rocks in our memorial box to remember how the Lord helped us on this day - so that is just what we did.

Easter 2009

Happy Easter! We celebrate our salvation because our Lord died and rose from the dead!

My boys

My girls

All 11 of the cousins

Andrew and Jackie - they are just 2 peas in a pod

Kids say the darndest things

Dadddy, which princess are you going to marry? (Joanna 3)

There is one reason I wish we didn't adopt Josiah . . . Joanna and him love each other so much, I wish they could get married. (Julia 7)

Do babies have gills before they are born? (I ask "no, why?") Well how do they breathe underwater so long? (Jordan 8)

I am NOT the marrying type. (Janae 10)

Boys are so pretty. . . no not pretty . . . mom what are boys? (I suggested, "handsome?") No . . .boys are ugly. (Joanna 3)

I want to marry Andrew. I love Andrew. (I said, "You can't marry Andrew. He is your cousin. We don't marry family.") But you married Daddy! (Jacklyn 4)

Mommy, you look so pretty with that baby (Joanna when I was pregnant)

Why is it so easy for babies to frown when they are born, but it is so hard for them to learn how to smile since it only takes 17 muscles to smile and it takes 43 to frown? (Jordan 8)

Encouraging thankful hearts

Oh man, we have had some issues the last few days with grumbling and complaining. So last night amongst other things, Javier reminded and discussed 1 Thes. 5:16-18 with the kids "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" .

Our fairly new rule is that rooms need to be clean, beds made and kids dressed and ready before anyone gets breakfast. Well this morning there was grumbling about making beds. I reminded them of what we just discussed last night and that the true test is if we can be joyful doing things we don't like. I left to change yet another terrible diaper and collect my first few of 20 stool samples that I have to collect on the boys over the next week. There it was - my own sin of grumbling in my heart about doing this all over again for the 3rd time. Then God's word convicted me so I decided to make a lesson of it. I started cheering, "WOOOHOOOO! Wooohooo! Thank you God!" The kids all came running and asked, "What? What?" I said, "Even I need to be thankful scooping poop because praise God that we have insurance and medical care to get these boys well. If I can rejoice in scooping poop, you guys can rejoice in making beds!" The kids were looking at me strangely, unsure if they should laugh or run and saying, "Mom is crazy, she has gone mad." Maybe true, but the whole attitude (mine included) in our home changed.

Memorial Box Monday

Joshua 4:6b-7 "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

We are starting a new tradition in our home that we are all so excited about. We caught this vision from a neat Christian family http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/ who have several biological and adopted children, who work in the ministry and whose house recently burned down. Despite all of the pain and challenges they have been through lately, they are continuing to see God provide and love them in amazing ways.

So what is the tradition? A memorial box to remember the large and small ways the Lord provides for us, loves us, answers prayers, gives us undeserved gifts etc.

I found this nice big leather box at a garage sale for $2. Any box or shadow box will work!

We will put little items in this box that represent these things. I love that this is a tangible way to declare and remember the faithfulness and kindness of our God! This will not only strengthen our faith when it is weak, but also our children's and those around us. We are a forgetful people and really this is no different than what the Israelites did when they built memorials out of stone. This is also just one more way we can obey Deuteronomy 6:4-9 of teaching our children to love the Lord our God. Just below that in verse 12 it says, "be careful that you do not forget the Lord . . ." Let us not forget! Oh how I wish we started this when we first got married! Anyway, we are thankful to steal the idea and hope to start a new tradition for generations to come in our family. Anybody want to join us? There is nothing better than encouraging one another with stories of our awesome God.

Julia is 7!

Friday Julia turned 7. We went shopping, tried on perfume, looked at the puppies at the pet store and then went out to dinner with Daddy for her birthday date while Grandma and Grandpa watched all of the other kids. I did her hair and put a little make-up on her for something special, which is just what she loves. She called it her "extreme makeover".

This picture below is my all time favorite picture of Julia.

Julia was our biggest baby, weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and she was born with a dent in her chest, causing her to sound like a pigeon when she slept :). She was also our most content baby. I think she is probably the most like I was as a little girl - in looks and in behaviour. She is a little lazy and may seem like an airhead, but surprises us with her scholastic ability. The other day she told us the first 11 verses in Matthew chapter 4, word for word, where Satan tempts Jesus. She had just memorized it on her own from listening to the Bible on cd at bedtime - we couldn't believe it. She enjoys attention - performing, dancing and singing. She loves girly things like makeovers, yet enjoys playing with the boys and playing sports. She is definitely our friendliest child, talking to everyone. We love our Jules!

Rebecca - the other birthday girlSaturday we celebrated Janae, Julia and Rebecca's (cousin) birthdays at Grandma and Grandpa's house with slip n slides, water guns and food. On our way to the party, we stopped at the feed store by our house because they had a petting zoo and free horse and pony rides. The kids loved it. Josiah even got to ride a horse for the first time with Janae. We should have just had our party there :). Unfortunately our camera battery was dead. Jeremiah playing in the shaving cream - our fun way of cleaning the tables

The show down

Oh the joys of living in the country (and crumbs on the floor)! I need to be thankful it was a mouse and not a snake like 2 neighbors found. Javier killed it with a broom and then thought he was funny getting out the little gun. Remember Javier is an expert at this kind of thing from killing rats in Dominican. The first time I went there I freaked out because I saw rats just running on the tops of the walls (there aren't really ceilings in normal houses- just zinc pitched roofs) and nobody even cares. They laughed and said, "Oh they are just playing baseball up there."

Jackie asked what if his whole family comes tonight looking for him. Let's pray that doesn't happen!

Jameson - 8 weeks

Our smiley guy

"See mom I am being a good boy, I just want to pat his head"

"Look at me or I will squash you""Mommy don't be mad at me, just look at my cheesy smile"

Happy birthday Jeremiah!

This is the first picture I ever saw of my Jeremiah.

This was Jeremiah in his crib in the orphanage

The birthday boy at his party

Jer Jer with my mom - you can see their little brownie cakes on the counter

Jeremiah is 1 today! Oh how I love my little Pudge. I admit he is spoiled now and is perfectly happy if he is held and cuddled, but not so big about being put down. In a way this is good sign for bonding because when we first got him, he was happy just to sit on the floor all day if we let him. I call him my little chocolate drop because, like my obsession with chocolate, I just can't get enough of him. We just love to eat and kiss his chub. Last night during Bible time he was bouncing and clapping and "singing" during our song time and he kept on doing it while Javi was teaching and reading the Bible. He had no clue the singing was over. It was so darling. We try to use that time to train them to sit quietly and listen, but Janae was holding him and cracking up and it was just too cute to stop him. Although he is so sweet and laid back, he is our naughty one and just smiles at us every time we say no and goes back to the "off limits" object over and over. We definitely have a lot of training ahead of us, but he is worth it.

PS - Happy birthday to Rebecca (my niece) and Gilbert Kendall our friend. Oh and if you thought my birthday posts were over for a while - stay tuned because we still have Julia's on Friday - yikes!

Health

Our only family member who was not sick, Jordan, got really sick, so now it has been through everyone and I think all of the kids are doing better, except for Jameson. Every breath he takes is still rattly and he still has coughing fits at night and some fevers, so we continue on with breathing treatments. Javier and I are still struggling with congestion and fevers, however thankfully my mastitis is gone with the help of antibiotics.

Happy 10th Birthday Janae!

Hours after birth2 weeks old

18 months

Our neighbor from our last house made this set of beads for Janae for her birthday.

10 years ago I gave birth to a scrawny, elf looking baby with tons of curly hair and a big huge mouth. She was late and losing weight in my womb. It was detected because I had weekly (at least) ultrasounds due to exposure to 5th disease as a teacher. The labor was complicated and her heart beat dropped drastically when my water broke, so I was told to prepare for a c-section. Instead they set up a fountain inside of me to keep her afloat. Amazing! I look back and am so thankful the doctor did not rush to do a c-section which would have affected all my subsequent births.

Because of the scares, we were just so thankful to hold our 5 lb 6oz baby girl. When everyone left the room we both said she was so funny looking, but that didn't even matter. With a little chub, she quickly turned into a beautiful baby and is now a stunning young lady whose heart is worth far more than rubies.

Today Janae and I met Daddy for lunch and then I took her to a store to choose some clothes. She thanked us several times for a great b-day. At night we watched her birth video (a birthday tradition). We will celebrate all the "March girls" in a couple of weeks with cousins and grandparents.

Happy Birthday Josiah and Aunt Carol + video

This is the youngest picture I have of my little love. It is his visa picture, probably taken when he was found and turned into the police.

These pictures were taken with a disposable camera while he lived in the orphanage before we were able to go get him. Look - the walls are lined with cribs w/2 babies in each (and there were many rooms on each floor like this one). Also notice his lack of eye contact. Every single picture from that camera is like that. In the airport ready for his first trip to San Diego to meet relatives.

Josiah with my Grandpa

Let's get the party started!Josiah and his birthday gifts Taking after his daddy in the janitorial business.

Here is a video of Josiah doing his favorite thing

March 16 is Josiah's given b-day. We doubt that he is really 2 yet, but this is the date he was given. The special thing about today is that it is also my Aunt Carol's b-day and tomorrow is Janae's b-day. We celebrated his and Jeremiah's b-days on Sunday. They both LOVE brownies and ice cream (Josiah's not big on cake) so that is what we did.

Josiah also got to go to San Diego with my mom this past weekend for the first time. We wanted to take advantage of him flying free before he turned 2. He did so well and was a real sweetie with everyone. I can't believe that 3 months ago he was the fussy, shy one. I guess he was a blessing to everyone at my grandpa's nursing home too and my grandpa (who has Alzheimer's) "came alive" and talked to Josiah. My mom also said she hasn't seen her mom this happy in a long time. Babies and kids are so good for old people.

RSV

The doctor's office just called that they got the RSV test results back and poor little Jameson does have RSV - So back to the doctor tomorrow.

* on a side note - in my last post I wrote that we were discipling Janae and Jordan one night a week, not disciplining -LOL (that was funny Julie). I meant that we are meeting with the kids and encouraging them through the meditation of God's word, prayer and a book study. Janae and I are going through a small John Piper book called Dangerous Duty of Delight and learning how to take something out of God's word and letting it affect our lives, not just reading it. Maybe later Janae will let me share some of her journal and heart as to why we finally started doing this.

Our crazy life

*The 3 big kids went to the Renaissance Festival with Grandma and Grandpa

*We bought 17 female chicks that should start laying in 4 months

*Javier started discipling Jordan and I started discipling Janae 1 night a week - it has been so fruitful and such a joy

* 9 out of 10 of us are sick - congestion, fevers, sore throats, coughing

*5 on antibiotics

*Jameson is 6 weeks, 8lbs 14 oz. - he is not gaining enough and doc wants me to supplement

*Jameson has congestion, cough and fever - on breathing treatments - testing for RSV

*I have mastitis = pain/fever/body ache - aggravated/caused by Jameson not eating enough because he is too congested

*My mom helped us today thank goodness

* The weather is beautiful which means besides lots of outdoor play time, we have been getting projects done and eating all our meals outside

update in pictures

On Valentine's Day our friends hosted a "dress up" party. The kids had a blast - they LOVE to dress up. The weather has been great in the mid/high 80's for the last few weeks, so we have been outside a lot. I am thankful because warmer weather = fewer clothes/swimsuits = less laundry - hip hip hooray!

One more thing - Jameson is very brown - he is not the whitey we thought he was. He is the only child we have had that was born white and browned up after a couple of weeks. Janae was white for the first year or so, but has gotten browner over the years. I love his brown complexion. I guess he will be tall, dark and handsome :). He is still long and skinny. He hasn't gained that much weight.

My friend Tracy, from high school, came for a visit and her 4 year old is an amazing little baseball player. He could hit hard line drives and catch anything. Jordan was so impressed and loved having a friend to play ball with.

My sweet "Pudge" is walking

"Pudge" took his first real steps last Monday, Feb. 16 at 10 months old. He is going so far now, but here are a few of his first steps. Mostly he is just clapping for himself in this video - too cute -watch this video and you will see why I love this little guy so, so much. Sorry for the jiggly video - Jordan was our camera man.

Happy Birthday Joanna!

Joanna - 3 years ago - doesn't she look very different from Jameson's birth pictures?!

Our baby girl turned 3 today. We will celebrate tomorrow with cousins and grandparents, but today she got to open her present from us, the cards from the kids and Jacklyn made her a water bottle covered in stickers. Daddy took her out for icecream tonight too!