Prayers for the plant

This afternoon the boys were out back playing while I was making dinner.  Every few moments I'd glance out the back window to make sure they weren't trying to scale the wall (like Spiderman) or whack the house with some sort of object.  At one point I looked out back to see both boys with their heads bowed in prayer.   With my immediate thought of "oh my what did they do now?" I walked to the window to see that Michael had pulled a part of my plant apart and a big piece was lying on the ground in between them.

I peered out the door and heard them reciting our normal dinner prayer..."Come Lord Jesus be our guest, let thy gifts to us be blessed. AMEN"  I couldn't help it, I just had to ask...

"What are you guys doing?"
"Mom, Michael pulled the plant a part and were afraid it is now going to die."

"Oh and what were you saying to the plant?"

"Um, Mom, we were saying a prayer so the plant can come back to life"
"Oh I see, do you think it will work?"
"Yea Mom, Jesus heard us praying to him, see its coming back right now."

Oh how I love these little boys.

Until next time,

Angie

Generosity...

The boys have been with us for almost 4 months and in that time we've received more generosity, kindness and love than we ever could have imagined.  I've been thinking for a long time about how to write this post and I keep hoping the right words will come to me.  So far, I haven't found all the right words and I think it is well overdue that I share how we've been feeling on this subject. From the night we first sent the email announcing that our dream of having children was coming true, we'vebeen showered with so much kindness and love, it is truly overwhelming.

Sometimes I think we'd both admit and wonder if we really deserve all of this kindness. Although we try to show others how much we appreciate and care for them, after all of the gifts, cards, clothes, toys, games, support, advice, thoughts and prayers, Jarrett and I have realized we have a long way to catch up in showing others the same amount of generosity. 

I don't think there are enough emotion-filled words in the English language that would truly convey how thankful and appreciative we (and that is all of us) are for all of the gifts we've been given. 

On May 8th when the boys officially "moved in" we had nothing, well we had an empty bedroom that we had just painted thanks to the help of Nana, Papa and Uncle Nolan.  We did not have a single pair of shoes, an outfit, any stuffed animals and only a few toys.  Our house was definitely NOT kid friendly.  In a matter of hours, not even days, our house began to fill with gifts from some of our amazing friends and family.  We received clothes from friends whose little boys outgrew their clothes and toys that our friends and family's children offered to share with Gabriel and Michael.  We received new toys, games, clothes and shoes. 

To see our house transform from an adult, hazard-filled house to a cluttered, toy-strewn home has been amazing.  It is something I've dreamed about and longed for for many years.  Thanks to so many, our house has been made complete.  The boys each have a closet full of clothes, more pairs of shoes than their daddy has and well, enough toys to last us a very long time.  I've learned that the boys really don't need the nicest, fanciest or newest toys/clothes/or games in the store.  The boys LOVE what ever they are given.  They treat everything as a precious new gift and something to cherish.  When you've had very little in your life, I guess you appreciate everything big and small, new or used, and shiny or all scratched up.  From the post-it note that reads their name on a gift to them or the actual gift itself, Gabriel and Michael love all they have and all they've been given.

So to all our family and friends... thank you.  You have played an instrumental part in making these last few months, the best days of our lives.  I don't know if we'll ever be able to truly express how much your love, kindness and generosity means ,but if I can put it in the words of our three and four year old, it sounds something like this..."That is so nice, I'm happier today than I have ever been."

Angie, Jarrett, Gabriel and Michael

Different personalities...

Michael is our comedian...his goal is always to get a laugh.

Gabriel is our inventor... I can't remember what this creation was called.

The things I make them do...

Jarrett thinks I take too many pictures and make the boys pose for some crazy things.  He continues to reminds, "Momma, they are boys, let them do boy things."  I don't think I've gone too far but maybe Jarrett would disagree if he saw these pictures...

Jack had to participate too!

I promise I'm just prepping them for someday when we go to Hawaii and we arrive on the island.

And from my previous post about school, I realized there is one thing I forgot to mention.  The boys bring home a TON of projects.  Honestly some days, it is 5 projects per boy.  I'm not sure what to do with all of them because each one is so precious I feel like we have to save it but if I did, we just wouldn't have room for anything else in our house.  So I'm trying to capture some of the project highlights in photos so someday the boys can look back and see what they've done but not have plastic tub after plastic tub of old school work.  I figure we have at least 16 more years of homework/projects coming at us from Gabriel and Michael.  Here's a couple recent projects the boys have completed... Gabriel is learning about different parts of the world and they've been studying polar bears and the glaciers.   Michael on the other hand learned that his name starts with the letter M.  Here's the noodle project he made that he let us proudly display on the refrigerator for 3 minutes until he wanted to take it down again so he could carry it around the house.

Until next time,

Angie

PS:  Never mind what Daddy is telling Jack in the photo with Gabriel and his polar bear. I think he was asking him if he wanted to go for a walk.  I'm sure he'd love that I shared this particular photo.

Show and Tell...

The boys have been attending school now for almost a month and although we got off to a somewhat shaky start (at least Michael did), I'm so happy to share that the boys are loving school.  Gabriel and Michael both have wonderful teachers who seem to have really taken to them and vice versa. 

Gabriel is in the Jump Start Kindergarten class and is learning so much everyday.  Everyone asks me what Jump Start is and I guess the best way to describe it is the middle area in between preschool and kindergarten.  They have longer curriculum plans and expect their students to act like kkindergartners.  I was a little worried when they told me he would be in Mrs. Stacey's class (because he's never been in school) but it has turned out to be wonderful.  He has made friends I understand, with everyone in the class, well at least he has announced to the entire class they are invited to his party (which isn't until November, I guess he's sharing early so everyone can come), so I'm guessing he likes everyone.  Mrs. Stacey understands that we are adopting him and has kind of taken him under her wing.  She is like a mother figure for him and every morning she runs to him to greet him just as much as he runs to her to give her a hug.  I'm so thankful. 

Michael's school experience, as I mentioned, started out a little rocky.  Michael was only use to being with his brother, all day, everyday, actually for everyday of his entire life.  So for him to have to go to a strange new class, all by himself, he was NOT excited nor accepting of it.  For a few weeks, I felt like I was pulling a 500 lb wagon of guilt all day and night.  Every morning they would pry him off of my leg or out of my arms.  He'd reach for me and yell, "Mommy, please don't leave me!!!!!"  I think the school thought I had light sensitivity because I'd wear my sunglasses the whole time I dropped them off.  Let me tell you, I think the tears in my eyes lasted longer than his, but boy was it hard on all of us.  I'd call the school every couple of hours to the point where I could tell they were getting tired of buzzing into the classroom to say, "Gabriel and Michael's mom is on the phone....is Gabriel/Michael still doing okay?"  I just wanted to remind them, in case they forgot an hour earlier, or in case there was a shift change and a different teacher, or in case, well in case anything changed... that they knew they could call me and I'd come right away.  Looking back now, maybe I was a little annoying, guess I'll just blame it on the exhaustion from pulling around my guilt.

Thankfully, I've think we've climbed the hill of resistance and moved on to the other side of happiness. This past Monday, Michael moved into a new classroom with Mrs. Lulie and from day one, even before he was in her class Michael said, "Mom, Mrs. Lulie is really nice."  Michael moved without hesitation and more with excitement for what new toys he'd get to play with.  Also, to make things even better Michael has made little friends as well.  Alexander and Raven are his two little friends and when I pick him up each afternoon, he comes running with a smile from ear to ear and talks as fast as he can spit out the words about all the adventures he, Alexander and Raven had that day.  And for Michael, school isn't all about playing either, he's actually learning a lot too!  The other day he came home with a noodle project in the shape of the letter M.  He had placed the letters on a piece of paper to make the shape of the letter M and when he showed it to me he said, "Mom, this is the letter M for Michael."  Although we've been working on letters and numbers, I have to give credit to the school. He's really listening and learning!

One of the best things the boys have come to love about school is show and tell.  Every Thursday, the boys get to take one of their most prized possessions to show and talk about to the class.  The first week of course they had to take their Buz Lightyears, the second week they each took a Peter Pan book, the third week Spider Man and pictures of their family and some fun times.  This week they decided to take Pumba and Winnie the Pooh.  Pumba and Winnie the Pooh are stuffed animals they brought with them from their life before us.  I think Pumba and Winnie the Pooh have seen and witnessed many things in their previous life.  If only I could ask them about the things they've witnessed.  Recently, the boys have asked to sleep with their stuffed animals and you can tell when they go to sleep, Pooh and Pumba are gripped pretty tightly.  I'm not sure if they were the security blankets the boys never had or if they were just a constant companion they could trust to be there.  What ever the case, the boys were more proud than ever to take them to school  and show their raggedy old stuff animals their new friends. 

Until next time,
Angie

The funny things they say...

The boys say and think of so many funny things.  Sometimes they think what they say is funny and I'm left scratching my head, thinking "how is that funny?" and other times they say things in all seriousness and I bust out laughing, while they are left thinking, "Mom, that isn't funny."  I guess it is all a part of the fun.  Here are a few things each of the boys said recently that left me chuckling...

A little background information is necessary for this story...With Daddy all into biking, the boys and Daddy have made quite a few stops at the bike shop this summer.  Whether it was to pick up helmets for the boys or to take in Daddy's bike to get repaired or improved.  I'm not sure what all the trips are for, but it sure seems Daddy needs to go there a lot.
On with the story... Upon picking Michael up from school, he announced to me that he somehow broke his backpack while it was suppose to be hanging on the hook at school.  Our conversation when like this...
Michael: Mom, I broke my backpack while I was at a school today.
Mom: Michael I’m sorry you broke your backpack. I don’t think we can fix it.

Michael: Yea we can Mom, we just have to take it to the backpack shop.

Guess that makes sense Michael!  Way to put two and two together.... what do you do when something is broken... take it to the shop!

Gabriel's so observant...The other night I was trying to catch up on what is happening in the rest of the world, so I had the TV on quietly in the background as we sat down to eat dinner.  A preview for a show came on and suddenly Susan Boyle appeared singing on Brittan’s Got Talent.  Just as I took a big drink of milk, Gabriel looked at the TV and said, “Mom who is that man and why is he singing in a dress?”  Needless today say, our normal nightly spill of some liquid didn’t come from one of the boys.

Until next time,
Angie

A collection of photos...

There have been so many things that have happened the past few months I keep thinking, I'll blog about that.  Then the next day a few more things happen and my list of blog topics just continues to grow.  Here are a few photos of some of the fun we've had so far...

Gabriel loves his puppy Jack!

Michael wrapped up in a cocoon

These days this is how I watch TV... no need to spread out on the couch.  Even though it isn't the most comfortable, I really don't mind it at all!

We played so hard they just decided to rest sitting up.

I guess that is a good place to hold your colors.

The boys modeling their new church clothes.

Michael riding a bike with us for the first time.

Gabriel all belted in with his oxygen tank in the fire truck.

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Michael and Gabriel pretending to be Buz Lightyear with their favorite toy... Buz Lightyear!

Until next time,

Angie

A family celebrates an anniversary...

Seven years ago tomorrow I married my best friend.  It was a very special day filled with family, friends and a lot of love.  As I think about what our wedding day was and all the hopes and dreams we had on that day, I've realized so many of them have already come true.  Perhaps one of our biggest dreams was to have a family.  And on this, the eve of our 7th wedding anniversary, we celebrated our love for each other but also the love we have for our little boys and the journey we took to get where we are today.

For the last few weeks Jarrett and I talked about what we should do and how we should celebrate.  Should we take a trip? No, after Iowa and Lake Tahoe our vacation budget is bust.  How about dinner and a movie?  Na, there really wasn't much out we were that interested in seeing.  Should we stay home and celebrate later?  Well, we should really do something, we have so much to celebrate this year, we have to do something.

After much debate, I was happily surprised to hear that Daddy had a great idea and planned a trip up north to the Tonto Natural Bridge Park.  And although it would have been okay to do something just as a couple, this anniversary we decided we should celebrate it as a family.  So this morning we got up early, packed a picnic lunch and headed up to the cooler country.  We decided to go to the Tonto Natural Bridge Park after seeing it in a magazine and reading that due to state budget cuts the park will be closing in September. It was either now or never, so we decided now was the time.  If you haven't been there I strongly encourage you to go.  It is a beautiful drive and once you arrive the views will take your breath away.  There is a lot of grass to run around, plenty of shaded picnic areas and the natural bridge... well let me just say pictures don't do it justice...

What a beautiful view...rainbow and all!

A view of the natural bridge

Daddy and Michael looking down over the fence into the canyon

Michael decided he wanted to take home a souvenir...gum on his shoe! and Gabriel waiting patiently while we try and scrape it off.

The view from where we had a picnic.

Even Jack got to come on our day trip.

You can't go to a state park without a trip to the port-a-potty...thanks Daddy for taking one for the team!

But Daddy, I can't see!

Daddy and the boys singing "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, its off to work we go..."

A photo spot I found and couldn't resist taking a picture... as you can see they were getting kind of tired of having their picture taken.  And speaking of tired, daddy and I did get some alone time to talk for it was a really quiet ride home...  

Even Jack was tuckered out!

It was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary... I love you Jarrett.

Until next time,
Angie

We'll just have to feed the sharks...

I've always been a fan of the Discovery Channel's Shark Week.  When I was little, my siblings and I would cuddle together and watch it with my mom and dad.  Becuase of Shark Week, I think I've always had the fear of being attacked by sharks in the back of my mind, every time I enter the ocean.

Tonight we treated the boys to a few minutes of shark week and boy were they excited.  If only shark week could be on every few weeks.  Normally I have to pry the kids away from their toys or books before bedtime so we can take a bath or brush their teeth.  Tonight, in between commercials I said, "Boys lets go brush our teeth now and we'll be done before it comes back on."  You would have thought I said, "Boys if you jump up right now, race into the bathroom, brush your teeth, clean up the sink and wipe your faces, I'll let you stay up all night long and eat candy!"  I've never seen them move so fast to do one of my chores.

The boys seemed truly amazed with the images of the sharks swimming around in the ocean.  From a Tiger Shark, to a Leopard Shark, a Hammerhead Shark and of course the Great White sharks.  In addition to showing the sharks swimming around, one image showed the sharks circling around a family of elephant seals resting on a small island.  The boys heard the show's moderator announce that elephant seals are some of the great white sharks favorite meals.  Not approving of the idea that the sharks would eat the seals Gabriel said, "Mom, why do they eat seals." 
"Well, Gabriel because sharks have to eat too and I guess they just like the taste of seals." 
"Mom, why can't they just eat shark food." 
As I was just about to explain that elephant seals are shark food, Gabriel interrupted me and said, "You know mom, the tiny tiny little food, like what Grandpa Ray has at his house for fish?" 
"Um well, I suppose Gabriel that would be okay, but don't you think the sharks would still be hungry after eating that food, because the food that you are talking about is little and sharks are big." 
"Mom, they wouldn't be hungry if they eat everyday." 
"I suppose you are right but who is going to feed them." 
"Well mom, I think we'll just have to feed them." 
"We will? Are you sure?" 
"Yea, Daddy, you, me and Michael can feed them everyday but not Jack mom, I'm afraid they'll eat Jack."  "Okay honey, we'll think about that."
"Okay Mom, you think about it and tell me your answer in the morning."
"Okay honey, I guess I can do that."

I've been wondering for some time now what my true career calling is and I'll admit it, I've thought about doing a lot of different things.  From a teacher to a fire fighter, a NICU nurse, and even a marine biologist, I feel like my interests have run the gamut but  I can honestly say being a shark feeder has never been (and never will be) on my list.

Until next time,
Angie

Legos Legos and Legos

"Mommy, will you play with me?" "Yes, Honey, what do you want to play?" "Lego's Mom"
"Mommy, will you play with me?" "Yes, Honey, what do you want to play?" "Lego's Mom"
"Mommy, will you play with me?" "Yes, Honey, what do you want to play?" "Lego's Mom"
"Mommy, will you play with me?"  "Yes, Honey, what do you want to play? "Lego's Mom"

I think you get the drift.  The boys have been into Lego's a lot lately.  It is the first toy they play with in the morning and the last toy I have to remove from their hands when it is time to go to bed.  They've even been playing Lego's at school.  I know because I hid behind the door today and watched them through the window.  Even though they are in different classes they were both playing with Lego's.  You'd think they'd get tired of it but they just keep building new things and creating new designs.  I love to see them use their imagination and I think it fosters their creativity.

Here's a few photos of their most recent designs...

Until next time,
Angie