First Homecoming?

Evan is a sophomore this year and attended his first homecoming. We had the honor of hosting the crew at our house for a pre-dance meal. What fun!! There were 12 in all...each part of the drama team and many part of the speech and debate team which Evan has become actively involved in. No need to entertain these guys and gals...they are quite the creative crew and entertain themselves. We are so proud of Evan and all the experiences he is creating for himself as he reaches out and tries new things. Way to go Evan!!

What's up with Matt?

Matt turned 5 this fall and is trying out some new things. He attends K-4 preschool and just loves learning and has performed in two plays with singing and lines. With his boisterous personality, he could be heard above all others shouting "I love you baby Jesus!" during the Christmas play. He also got to try some pee wee wrestling which was right up his high energy alley. He enjoyed cheering his brother on at many a football game and just has a zest for life, as you can see by his exuberance chasing down the first tastes of snow. Matthias truly does mean "a gift of God" and he sure is!!

Ru Turns 10

So as my older boys would say it was the first year of teen hood...0-teen. She's not so interested in Pollys or Barbies anymore. A new era filled with friends, hairstyles, and clothes. Her feet grew 2 1/2 sizes over the summer...where did my little girl go? The fall has been filled with competitive soccer and now basketball. She's a great kid...awesome big sis and loves hangin with her big bros too!!

Football Season Highlights

CJ finished his best season ever this year. The Riverhawks went undefeated and won league. CJ was first team all league for both defense and offense. He later was voted all area for defense which was quite an honor. It was a weird feeling the very last game to think...we will never get to watch him play football again in this setting. He is a senior and has applied to both Naval and West Point Acadamies. He's got a great shot with his GPA, leadership skills, sports and activities he's involved in...all I can say is senior year has this bittersweet flavor of excitement for future but knowing it is also an end to a season!

Summer Catch Up II - Oh Canada

In August, Ru and I headed north to Canada to spend some time with family. Ess and Matt did not go, as it is a rustic family cottage with too many hazards for non swimming 5 year olds. Their time will come. We had a great time with Gramps and Grams and other dear family members. Below was Ru's first time driving a boat. Next Gramps and I revisited days of old of snorkeling in the cold northern waters...but this time we were smarter and wore shorty wet suits :O)

One of our highlight adventures was cliff jumping off granite rocks into the cold clear water. Ruthie suprised us all by leaping off the 30 foot cliff 3 times!! Atta girl Ru...way to go!!

Summer Catch Up I

So, somehow three months have past since I last blogged??? What??? How did that happen? So in an effort to catch up I have uploaded all pics to my computer and will do a little Summer recap series. Here is part I.





In July, we did a family camping trip...it was a little sentimental for me as I realized with a senior this could be our last time the 7 of us could take a trip like that together. Our oldest has applied to two military academies and as of current has gotten his LOA (letter of assurance) from one of them. Very proud of him...but also realize we will be doing the last of lots of things this year as a family of seven!! As noted in the picture above...I had everyone choose a flat stone that we stacked in a little memorial as we threw rocks in a mighty glacial river (the brownish one) that was converging with a mountain river (the clear one). I spent some time reflecting here on this season of change...rivers converging into something new...Robert had just been layed off from his job of 27 years...thankful for all we have been givin' but on the horizon of something new?! At present, still seeking the Lord, job hunting, and waiting...excited and a little nervous for what lies ahead.

Ess and Matt made new personal bests this year in hiking. They made it almost 3 miles before having to be carried!! Way to go kids!!

In our area...summer means fresh cherries. A fun family event to go and pick our own...wish you coulda seen all the red cherry happy faces when we got back home :O)

Marking Four years with our "little star" Esther!!!

So, July 4th marked Esther's Forever Family Day...her 4th year home with us!! Hard to believe 4 years have passed with our sweet little princess! She is a strong character...quiet...but STRONG! I think that strength is what helped her to be a survivor. There have been many sleepless nights, medical issues, night terrors, passive aggressive battles, attachment issues, developmental delays...just to name a few. But here we are at four years and can't imagine what our family would be like without her! The Lord picked this precious "Star" to be part of our family. We are so grateful to Him for the healing progress that has transpired in her little heart as she overcomes trust issues and learning difficulties. She is a fighter and a beautiful, compassionate, full of nurturing for her babies, sly sense of humor, girly-girl!! We love you sweetie!!