my kids :: an update

Havilah is saying no now. She has the tone, the context, the facial expression, the volume--it's all down pat. We are in trouble!

John only has three weeks of school left. Where has this school year gone to? We will meet with his teacher, speech therapist, principal, etc. next Friday to discuss next school year and possible summer help for him. Personally, I think he'll be fine either way--with a break from school or with more "help."

Today is 23 weeks for baby David. Since I have never made it all the way to 40 weeks (more like 39), I'm telling myself that it's only 16 more weeks of your life! Actually, he's been a little nicer to me than Havilah was. Maybe that means he'll be calmer?!?

In un-kid-related news, we just got the official word that our lease is extended until at least the end of 2009, so we won't be moving in 115 degree heat when I'm 7 months prego. What a blessing to know that this is where we'll be bringing the babe home to! 

Thanks to Auntie Katie, we have a new sling for him, which Havilah happily tried out for us:

Now we just need to get a bigger vehicle, and we'll be ready!

a good day contains...

* kids who wake up happy

* chocolate

* tea (iced, this time of year)

* a good chat with someone special

* a little baking

* a finished sewing project (pajama pants for John today!)

* clean laundry, clean dishes, and a clear mind

* something encouraging

* fresh air

* down time in the afternoon

* homemade food

* a low need for disciplining little ones

* an art project with my kids

* lots of love and hugs

Hope your day was happy too!

a lovely time

We are back from our long (but too short) trip to Oregon, where we enjoyed (in no particular order)...

Danger/Fun:

Green:

Spring blossoms:

Having the generations together:

Hugs:

Big backyards:

Kisses:

Mt. Tabor Park:

The Columbia River Gorge:

Couple time (for me and Billy--hooray!):

The Tillamook Cheese Factory:

...complete with ice cream:

Goofing off:

The mighty Pacific:

Lots of time with my amazing husband:

A bit of mess:

Sand (digging holes, of course!):

Uncle Ben:

Uncle Jordan:

Laughs:

Uncle Jonathan:

Aunt Anna:

Rain!:

Papa:

Time with our parents:

Auntie Shawna:

Easter treats and Easter aprons:

Egg hunting:

Mimi:

"Two kitties":

Snuggles:

Games (lots and lots of games):

Grandma Nee:

Girl time:

Grandpa:

Playing outside in cool weather:

Baby David:

...And so much more (friends, trains, our favorite restaurants, lots of treats, Pearl Church, etc.)!

We are already missing everyone, but it is nice to be home. I've been busy yesterday and today with cleaning, rearranging furniture, sewing projects, and trying to get caught up on life. John jumped right back into school and Ms. Martin said the vacation "loosened him up" because now he is showing off his new talking skills at school (and going to school in underwear--woohoo!). What a blessing!

sweetly innocent

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Havilah has her Daddy quite bewitched with her beauty and charm. He took these pictures of her a few days ago (never mind the dirty mirror; I do clean it...but little hands always like to congratulate me on a job well done... "oh mom, this mirror looks great; I can't keep my hands off it!")

I need happy thoughts like the sweet innocence and naivety that comes from being a loved and cared for toddler. Today has been a day full of sad news and difficult thoughts. After hearing about the tragic death of a girl I knew from camp days, I was crying on the couch. John came and kissed my teary cheek and said, "Mom, [be] happy!" 

I told him, "No, John, Mama can't be happy right now because somebody died. I'm sad." 

"Oh" he said and gave me another kiss. After all, kisses make everything better, at least for a moment.

This morning the sermon was about getting our lives right in case today is our last day on earth. The pastor asked us what we would do if we knew tonight was the night. Would we tell someone we loved them? Would we offer forgiveness? Would we finally confess that nagging sin? How real this thought is to me tonight as I contemplate the tragedies I have heard of today. I pray that Billy and I can live together until we're old and senile but if one of us should face death when we are young--or if one of our children dies before us--then I pray that I will have the grace to be faithful and strong.