Judester and Thad

Brent, Mel and Thad and my mom and dad came over last week for our last small group gathering. Last year Brent and Mel led a small group at our home and we abruptly got cut off when Thad decided he wanted to come 3 weeks early.

All summer we've planned on having our last, reflect and see the great things the Lord did in our midst, meeting. It was amazing reflecting back on our lives over the past year. And the intimacy in our "small" small group.

Judester and Thad got some quality male bonding time.

We had great food!

Jadon and Haven got to play with their friends Brent and Mel.

Aunt Mal came and showed us all the video of the Uganda team rafting the Nile River. All I can say is WOW and apart from me probably drowning, it looked so much fun!

We reflected and prayed one last time together as a small group; Todd and I are now at Glidewell and Brent and Mel stepped down from leading to take care of a more special project, raising Thad.

Jude was pretty determined throughout the night to pull Thad's hair, you can see him eyeing Thad's hair in the first picture. Then he makes his move, quick like a chetah after his prey. Mr. Cool (aka Thad) played it quite cool though.

My Little Accident Waiting to Happen

I now pass the torch to my darling daughter. Our torch passing ceremony is not quite as laborate as the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and passing the torch to London. We still have passed our own torch.

When I was a little girl I was constantly falling, getting scrapes and bruises. My mom used to say my legs looked pitiful in skirts because of all the bruises. Well, I unfortunately have passed that graceful trait down to my own daughter.

Sorry, my sweet beautiful Haven. Your legs will be in constant shades of purple and red and blues. Your sweet little face will often be scraped or with bright purple bumps. Hopefully like your momma you will make it through childhood without broken bones.

When I went to pick the kids up from Mema's on Thursday I arrived to see a scraped, bruised and banged little face. She had fallen out the back door of the sunroom onto a concrete pad. And as you can see her face broke the fall.

With any traumatic experience she has enjoyed the special treatment she has received from family.

Aunt Mal Is Home

Aunt Mal has returned from the mission trip to Uganda. I took Jadon and Haven to the airport on Sunday to surprise her. Todd and Jude stayed home because the plane was to come in late, I really debated on taking the other two, but seeing Aunt Mal definately out weighs sleep.

Jadon and Haven made a Welcome Home sign and they each picked out a flower to give her. Jadon was concerned that we wouldn't get there before Aunt Mal did, he kept asking if we were going to be there before her plane. We beat it and got to wait in the airport for her to come out.

It was so good to see her, I know she was exhausted. They have been traveling for about 27 hours after spending 3 weeks in Uganda.

I haven't had an opportunity to sit and talk with her yet. I'm excited to hear about the ministry they did and about the people in her pictures. While waiting for her luggage (which wasn't on the plane) I looked through the pictures on her camera.

Plus, she will probably need a couple of days to really process everything. I'm just so proud and excited for her.

The sign Jadon and Haven made.

The flowers they each picked out to give Aunt Mal.She's so tired, yet still so beautiful! Aunt Mal knew the perfect presents to bring for Jadon, Haven and even Jude.

On another note, my baby sis starts college on Thursday. I can't believe that she is a college student! How old am I again? Today is also one month away from her 19th birthday. My mom made a comment last week, this is the first year in 25 years she will not have a child in a public school.

We Have Chipmunks

Thanks to the always low prices of Wal-Mart and grapes finally hitting those lower prices my kids have been enjoying grapes, grapes and more grapes. We have enjoyed green, red and even black grapes. A giant bag has lasted little more than 2 days around here.

Since having grapes continually in our house of late they've found this cute little thing they do with them to make themselves like chipmunks. They stuff a grape in each cheek and walk around pointing out they are a chipmunk.

It usually ends up with grapes flying out of their mouths, or worse grape juice, and mommy telling them for the 100th time to "please just eat your grapes!"

So, for now we have taken a break from grapes and hopefully they will forget about chipmunk cheeks. I did go ahead and get pictures, because apart from the messes it was quite funny.

My Mommy Cup Runneth Over

I am so proud right now to be the mommy of a thoughtful, smart, snake loving, spider hating, music loving, sensitive, rambunctious little boy.

On Saturday he and daddy did their weekly Saturday morning breakfast together (which Jadon absolutely loves his quality time with daddy). After breakfast Jadon went and helped daddy at work for a couple of hours. On their way home they took a detour by the store.

Jadon came home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers he picked out and when he handed them to me said the most precious thing I've ever heard:

"Mommy, thank you for all you do for me and around the house."

My heart melts again just remembering it. He even picked flowers that were my favorite colors, pink and yellow.

It's going to take a good long while for my mommy cup to dry up after this.

Thanks Nana For The Dragonfly

Nana came over on Friday to drop off a dead, yes dead, dragonfly she has found. It was all intact and was pretty cool looking.

Jadon wasn't sure about it at first. Well, he became skittish of it when he reached out to hold it and Todd jumped and yelled like it was attacking him. Way to go honey!

Haven still does not like it. She walks around saying "it scare me, it scare me."

Jadon did get over the traumatic experience from his daddy and now likes to hold it. I don't think the dragonfly will make it much longer. Which is fine with me, I feel sort of an obligation to keep it while it's still all intact. But, the moment a wing or the tail falls off in the trash it goes.

When Jadon finally became brave enough to hold it, I think seeing it for a couple of days laying in the same spot helped, he requested his picture taken with it. Here's the ever so brave Jadon and his dragonfly.

6 months

Jude, today you are six months. You have changed so much. There are those rare times that you cry (when you're hungry) but mostly you are the happiest baby. You are starting to get around, not crawling yet, but if you want to get somewhere you get there. You've started experiencing the unpleasantness of having teeth come in. You have handled it with a great attitude and a smile, like usual.

We've been working on sitting up and except for the times you see something you want and reach for it you do pretty good.

Jadon and Haven adore you. We often hear Haven talking to you in the highest octave she can talk in. You are never lacking in hugs or kisses when they are around.

You tried cereal for the first time and liked it very much. I've even started making it thicker and you like it even more.

You are very ticklish, I can't touch the under side of your arm without you giggling and squirming. Kisses on your belly and neck make you laugh and squirm. There's spots on your legs and the back of your head that are ticklish.

We've been blessed beyond measure with you. We love you and can't wait to see what else is in store for us as you grow. You are a joy!

Love, Mom and Dad

Jude sporting his sunglasses.

The Boy's Play Date

Jude had his first play date with his buddies Elijah and Thad. We took them to the park in Bolivar, which is a beautiful park, and then the moms got to go to this really cute, great food cafe called Bogarts. The boys hung out in their carseats, Thad and Elijah took a nap and Jude just chilled, while the moms ate.

The boys enjoyed it so much, well actually the moms, we've set up more playdates.

Thad and Elijah were both born in May to two of my dear friends. Both boys are little miracles, but Thad's story is truly amazing. His mom and dad have been married for 16 years and spent most of that time trying for children. They went through all the emotions and questions and hurts and anger and finally came to be okay with the fact that they would never have children.

In the fall of 2006 they found out they were pregnant to shortly find out they had lost the little baby. Again, this brought up questions and hurts. Spring of 2007 they again found themselves pregnant to only lose the baby.

After years of trying with nothing and then to be at a place where they were okay with not having children they get pregnant twice only to lose the babies.

Then in August 2007 they got pregnant again and this time Melissa was able to carry a healthy baby to full term. What a miracle, I'm teary just thinking about all this again. I remember when Thad was born and we went to the hospital I told Todd that we were experiencing a true miracle from God. My heart was in such a state of joy and awe at what our God can do.

This little boy is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen and has been blessed with wonderful, loving, godly parents and I can't wait to see what God has in store for his life.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for each of these 3 boys lives.

Cutie pie Elijah. Look at that smile.

Cutie pie Thad. He is one laid back little guy.Cutie pie Jude, he's cutting teeth right now and is constantly chewing on anything he can get his hands on.
The boys before our walk in the park.The moms with the boys. l to r: Melissa & Thad, Me and Jude, Renee and Elijah.This was after lunch while we were all giving hugs, we unitentionally laid the boys down making a circle. So, of course we all got out our cameras for another picture.

First Cereal

Jude has had is first taste of cereal on Saturday. There's been days lately where he would just stare and watch us eat with his mouth moving with ours. It looked almost torturous us eating and him just staring. His little eyes would follow the spoon/fork from the plate to the mouth.

You're probably wondering why I didn't give the poor guy food earlier. I just really wanted to wait until he turned 6 months, which will be tomorrow.

He has done quite well with it and gets really excited when he sees the spoon. The first time I showed him his spoon he literally shook with excitement. He may surpass Haven in being our biggest eater.

Jude eating cereal for the first time.
Let me have it, let me have it!Come on Mom, we can't already be done.Aren't I cute with cereal all over my face?

So Many Things to Post About

We had the joy of being around so many of our dear family and friends, that we don't get to see as much as we would like. I'm a little behind on blogging about our visits.

We had a much needed and much enjoyed visit from the Hirsch family. It was so good to see them and how much the girls have grown. Jadon and Bekah had a great time playing and running from Haven who had no idea she was the one they were running from. She thought she was running with them.

I'm glad Haven is still in that part of her life where people running from her, not with her, is a game and not the harsh reality that sometimes life isn't all that fun. My mommy heart will ache when those days come for my children.

That was just a thought I had while reading back what I had just written. Anyway, back to the great visit with the Hirsch family. We remembered the days when there was just Bekah and Jadon, now we have half a dozen with another little Hirsch on the way. They were definately much quiter days, but not near the fun!

Now we have Bekah, Jadon, Haven, Belle, Bethany, Jude and New Baby Hirsch.

We can't wait, we're heading down there this weekend to visit with them. Seeing the Hirsch's twice in one month! WooHoo!

Lynette and I tried our best to get a picture with all of them together. Here's my attempt.They were making their funny faces for the camera.

Goodbyes

Yesterday we said goodbye to the Bischoff family as they get ready to head back to Texas today. Jadon and Haven got in some good bonding time with them while they were here. I was all ready for a major melt down from Jadon when it came time for the goodbyes last night. It actually went well. Maybe the fact that I told him we would see them again at Christmas helped. Because at his young 3 years of age he doesn't realize that Christmas is still several months away. He tells time by what is next and really there isn't a whole lot between now and Christmas. He doesn't see everything all spread out over a several month period. So, seeing his cousins at Christmas sounds pretty fun and not that far off. And I guess if you go to Hobby Lobby Christmas is right around the corner.

Anyway, this week has been filled with playing on the new play set and swimming at Mema and Pappy's, celebrating Gavin's birthday, going to the zoo, having pictures taken with all the grandkids together.

It's always fun to see who ends up bonding with who when they all get together. This week Haven has fallen in love with Micah. She was constantly kissing and loving on him. Jadon had his days with all of them, there were days he and Lucas played together or him and Bailey or him and Micah or him and Ruthie.

For most of them this was their first time to see Jude. Lucas especially was so good with him, he liked to feed him. He even learned how to burp him after his bottles while trying not to get spit up on.

We had a great week and I know my kids are going to miss their cousins until they can see them again. Haven just this morning was wanting to know where Micah was.

Here's looking forward to Christmas and having all the cousins in one house again.

May I Please Have My Hair Cut?

I may need to remind my son of these words when he's between the ages of 13 and 25. I was in the process of growing Jadon's hair out, I thought it might look good long. And Todd is always one for long hair, as he's sported that look several times.

Jadon on the other hand likes his hair short and kept reminding me of that. He would remind me it was time for a hair cut I would ask him if he wanted to grow it out and he would reply No. We did this for a couple of months and then came the day that Todd came home with his hair cut. He cut it before the mission trip so he didn't have to mess with it.

Jadon then moved to saying I want my hair cut like daddy's. Well, I wouldn't have time to do it before we left so maybe he could make it 10 more days until we got back from Denver.

Well, after showering one day Jadon came up to me and said in a very pitiful voice may I plleeaassee have my hair cut. I felt sorry for the guy so we went and found a Clip Joint and had his hair cut that day.

He was very pleased with his new do until the next morning when he stated that he needed it shorter.

It does look very nice and I'm sorry Jadon that I waited so long to get your hair cut. I will try to do better at keeping your hair cut.

Before his hair cut (with a red Kool-aid mustache) and after his hair cut, the lady even styled it for him. I think she thought he was cute.

Mission Trip to Denver

It's been a very busy time in our household, we spent 10 days in Denver and came home to be greeted by the Bischoff family visiting. Jadon has been running purely on adrenaline the past 2 1/2 weeks. We may have a major melt down by about Friday when all settles down and he has to become reacquainted with his home, which by the way is not as fun and exciting say as Denver or anywhere that includes his cousins.

On Wednesday, July 16 at 10:00pm Donna, the kids and I left for Denver, Colorado for a mission trip with Global Encounter Ministry. I was so excited to get back on the mission field. Our last mission trip was when I was pregnant with Jadon, 4 years ago. It took us 15 hours to get to Denver, and the kids were A-W-E-S-O-M-E! I really didn't know what to expect because the longest we've traveled with all of them is a couple of hours. When Jadon was around a year old we traveled to Texas, but since then it's been short little trips.

Todd flew up to meet us on Sunday morning, he had things he had to finish around here before he could leave. I have to say I know my husband is very helpful with the kids, very involved in every aspect of taking care of them, but being without him for 3 days I realized how much he does help and how much I rely on his help. Just one example...bedtimes, he usually helps by getting one child's diaper changed and dressed in pj's. I am so blessed with a wonderful husband who is involved with our children and taking care of them.

On Friday we we had Christin join us, a friend from Springhill. She was already in the area on a mission trip with the Springhill youth, then her family was going to vacation in the area the week after our trip. So, she volunteered herself to stay with us and help out with the kids. She is such an incredible 15 year old. She is so mature, loving and just plain fun to be around. And of course, my kids adore her. She spent 3 consecutive weeks in Colorado.

Todd was able to speak to the students during worship a couple of times throughout the week and I helped Donna as much as I could on the administrative end.

On Tuesday we had a free day and we took the kids to the Denver Zoo. It was the best zoo I have ever been too! Our favorite part was the monkeys and the Larakeet exhibit. Larakeets are basically Australian parrots and very colorful beautiful birds. In the exhibit you could walk in amongst the birds and feed them nectar.

Before we could enter there was a lady giving instructions on what we could and couldn't do and one of those instructions included do not pet the birds. Which, seemed reasonable until you walked in there and had birds landing on your hands and arms and walking around on you. It was very tempting to reach out and touch the birds. Jadon and Haven loved it! That exhibit may the coolest exhibit of anything I've ever seen.

We were able to do some other fun things throughout the week and on our way home we went down to Colorado Springs. We stopped at the cliff dwellings which was really neat and the kids enjoyed running through the ruins. An ulterior motive for stopping there was to find some really cool things for Gavin's birthday. Which, did happen and he came away with many things from there between Donna and us.

As always on a mission trip there were those things that went wrong and left you wondering "what can God do with this". But, He always shows us and by the end of the week we're left wondering why we doubted Him. If only we could learn to have that faith and trust on the first day of the trip when everything seems to be in mass chaos. I enjoyed so much being around the students and youth leaders and servants.

With children this time, the mission field was definitely different. Instead of being at the sites with the students I spent much more time at the lodging church. My ministry was emptying trash after the students left for their ministry. Which, except for the occasional gross stuff I came across, was kind of nice. I was able to spend time in prayer for the students and the kids and families they would be ministering to while emptying the trash from their rooms and bathrooms.

I can't wait to go back next year and see what God has for us. Here are some pictures from the trip.

Some pictures of us just hanging out at the church.

Jadon reading us the map. He kept telling us that it showed a train and we kept trying to bypass the train. We eventually gave in, well actually, we had to get drinks and the train happened to be right beside the place we got drinks.Haven waving at the mountain goats, more specifically the baby mountain goat.Feeding the Larakeets. They are such pretty birds. Also, in the Larakeet exhibit I met a man working there that was raised in Springfield, pretty wild.

The Cliff Dwellings from the outside and then from the inside looking out.