Sobering

I am guilty of wanting for myself and for my children while forgetting that others suffer so much.  I think the thing that bothers me the most is the trafficking.  It is all horrible...the abandonment, the murders, but the trafficking pierces me.

May Recap

We worked our way to the final month of school and had to push hard to finish strong when we were tired.  This month held amazing highs along with some painful lows.

We welcomed new life, and said goodbye to a friend gone much too young. We had great fellowship, and we welcomed summer (Can I get a big YAY!)

A plumbing problem that has plagued us for 5 years was finally resolved.  After having a friend and two plumbers try and fix this particular issue with no success, we became convinced that it would involve replacing the sewer pipe and thus cost us our deck and a few grand to fix.  However, a very good plumber came and fixed it for $133.  He also looked at a leaking shower and determined that we could work to find the source of that leak before cutting out the ceiling to see the pipes.  We are so grateful for this. Though eventually we will have to cut out the ceiling to fix the other bathroom, and it has been patched so much from shower leaks that it needs to be replaced.  Now we have to prioritize whether to fix a bathroom in bad need of repair or replace the flooring in the living room.  Our living room is carpeted, and despite the no food rule, we are just too hard on carpet in a high traffic area, so we want to replace this worn carpet with hardwood. Oh the joys of home ownership.  We always have a list of things that must be done followed by the things we want to do (thinking kitchen remodel here- many years into the future unless a sweepstakes throws some big money our way).

The Joy Dare continued:
191. a smallish electric bill
194. a reminder that people are kind when a store clerk left her post to chase us out of the store and give us our shampoo
195. when I hug a grieving friend, when the tuition assistance doesn't come through, when the shower leaks, when the out-take pipe leaks, I remember this is all temporary
196. everything-but-the kitchen sink sundaes to celebrate our day off school
201. my God doesn't fit in a box
204.  Zach was hired for his first job May 6, 2012! (He still awaits his first check which has me concerned).
206. fellowship with C-group families, great hosts
215. a praying husband
221. Savannah's narrative describing how she is glad to have Zach.
226. Adoption Assistance picnic - 45 countries represented, good times - pictures below

231. a great end to a great 8th grade year with a crossover celebration and fabulous party!

233. Ira!

236. good times with old friends celebrating a house-warming

239. first day at the pool

As we concluded the month we had an annual end-of-school celebration/reunion for Savannah's elementary art club at her teacher's home yesterday.  It was a bittersweet time as we learned two teachers whom we love will not be returning in the fall.  Julia still attends that campus, so we are disappointed that she won't have them there.

I missed my mom more than usual this month.  More times than I can recall, I wanted to pick up the phone and call her about various events in our lives.  Jonathan shared with me that they are trying to teach Regan her new brother's name.  When they work on this, they tell her his name is Ira, and Regan pokes his eyes and says, "eyes."  It occurred to me that I would have heard that story from Mom if she were still here.

Today marks Children's Day in China.  While we don't celebrate that here, we have much to celebrate in the month of June as Julia's birthday is in just a few days, and we celebrate gotcha days for both Wyatt and Julia this month.  

Ira

I have only seen his eyes open in pictures.

Ira! Ira! Ira!  a champion already

Does he have Jonathan's temper too?  We already know that Regan does.

I just had to share the hospital pictures.  I mean, can you get enough baby pictures?

Total Sweetness

On Memorial Day part of our agenda included running some errands.  The girls and I searched for summer clothes while the boys and Andy hit the grocery store.  Upon meeting again, Wyatt handed me a tiny bag of Lindor truffles which he had purchased with his own money.  "Wyatt, " I said, "you didn't have to do this."  Wyatt's response, "I know. I just love you so much."

...and my heart melted.

First Day at the Pool!

Our pool opened today, so we made our way there tonight.  We have never gone on opening day nor opening weekend for that matter.  It was a busy day.  Julia returned late this afternoon from a sleepover.  Savannah babysat for six hours - her first paid babysitting job, and Zach had a seven hour shift at work (he did not make it to the pool).

I got my Ira fix early this afternoon :)   It has been a nice day.

The little people brought their newly raised allowance for pool treats.

reading Divergent by Veronica Roth
If you liked The Hunger Games, I recommend this one.

He has a name!

Ira David
more pics to come...

My nameless nephew arrives on a special day

Five years ago today, we received a surprise phone call and learned of a little guy in need of a family.  Our dossier was not complete, so we were a bit shocked.  We decided to pray about it and did not open any pictures until we were sure of our decision.

In our search of the scriptures to confirm our decision, this one jumped out at us:

By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV

The question that popped in my mind when reading this was, "what rare and beautiful treasures fill my home?"  The answer was immediate - my children/

So we awoke early on May 25th and opened this picture and fell in love with his sweet face.  The arduous journey to bring him home began and took over a year.  

and here he is today with his teacher 

We are on a roll with special days here as this day is now important in my family for another reason.

Jonathan and Danielle welcomed a 7 pound, 20 inch boy with strawberry-blond hair this morning.

He needs a name and looks very much like his big sister.  Apparently, she did great with him when she met him.

Holding new life is so miraculous and life affirming.

Tell us your name, little guy.  We love you already.