Sunday, August 29, 2010

first day

A new year for everyone has begun! They started last week, and it's going really well. Each of the kids like their teacher so, so much (which makes a world of difference). The first day Ben got in the car after school and told me he couldn't wait for the next day. I looked at him, surprisedly, and asked, "really? why?" He replied, "because I have the most awesome teacher ever...." That's pretty great for a fifth grader!
So yes, 5th, 3rd and 1st grades. And one more year home with two littles. They'll go to preschool next year. I'm already looking forward to it! ;)

Here's the classic first day photos:



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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

matthew's turn



Though our life feels quite consumed by Jenna lately, there are 4 other terrific kids who are anything but inactive.
Wanted to talk a little about Matthew today and give him a turn to shine.
While Ben and I were away in China, Matthew stepped into the role of oldest sibling. Normally, Matthew is a very laid-back, mellow, almost oblivious kid. He's very sweet, just marches to the beat of his own drummer, as we like to say.... off in his own little world. A quality I wish I had sometimes ;)
Anyways, while we were gone, Matthew totally stepped it up and filled that responsible, oldest child role. He was a huge help with the other kids, and to Jason too as he would remind him of things! I was so proud to hear that! Maybe he's less oblivious than we think!
So after our return, Matthew got to play in one more tournament. It was kind of like his 'state,' since his team didn't go.
Matthew played great! He pitched well. He played second base and had an amazing running grab of a line drive that was hit in the gap that he stretched across his body and caught for the game winning/ending out. So fun to see him enjoying the game that our family loves so much!
Time is flying by. Only about 2 more weeks until the big 3 go back to school. I hope you're living up your summer!



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Monday, August 2, 2010

Sunday snapshot: one month home

Ni Hao Y'all

Yesterday marked one month since I arrived home with Jenna.

She's gone from a little girl who looked like this when we met


to one who looks like this with only a little effort


Don't get me wrong....it is still a very slow going process. But these glimpses of hope I see through her assure me that she is cracking open a little more....a day at a time.

I have progressed in this as well.
I have a better perspective than ever from God's vantage point. About how we all, like orphans, have few, if any, redeeming qualities to offer. Yet He redeems anyways, like I'm trying to with Jenna.
And how for all those years before I knew Him, he was just pleading with me, "i'm safe, just love me....just trust me..." Just like I'm trying to do with Jenna.

Praise God for redemption.
Isaiah 61:3 "…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."

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