Flashback Friday

Savannah's first season of field hockey with the school team.  

6th grade, 2009

Savannah actually played at the Y before playing for the school team.  We have tried to learn this sport and have had a lot of fun with these girls and their parents.  We don't know what the future holds, but it appears this may be Savannah's last field hockey season.  She is considering a return to soccer, so a new adventure may await us.

Action!

I should definitely be sleeping instead of blogging, but sleep is hard to come by here lately.  This week really launched us into fall craziness.  Wyatt started scouts on Monday and loved it (pictures to come later).  Tuesday found us at practices for all four kids.  C-groups kicked off on Wednesday, and we now have two high schoolers involved.  A field hockey tournament started on Friday followed by tailgating (sort of- we picked up our prepaid meals and took them home so that Savannah could shower) and football.  Saturday found us back at the field hockey tournament and at soccer as well. With all of that and laundry, dishes, etc....yep, I might sleep again during Thanksgiving break.

We ended the evening shopping for a homecoming dress, and we scored with a $17 bargain.  Savannah likes to be different, and homecoming is no exception.  Her dress would look really cute with some cowboy boots, and yes, we are going to go there.  I will post pictures after the big dance.

Now, I really must sleep.  Goodnight blog.

Flashback Friday

More soccer history

looks like a  lineman to me

fierce!

She still cracks me up almost every day

Our latest great quote from a child came last night.
Said with full drama, "I need water, just like Hagar." - Julia

Flashback Friday

In honor of soccer season, I take you back to the first season that Wyatt and Julia played.

Wyatt flipped around in an open field while Julia's team played.

It didn't matter where the action was, she stayed in this stance when she played goalie.

My Own

I am not a proponent of the politically correct movement. For the most part, I think it divides us more than it unites us.  However, there is one term that I wish to correct on behalf of adoptive children.

Lately, I have heard a few conversations that go something like this:
"Do you know the such and such family?  They do so and so, and they have three children; one adopted and two of "their own."  Now I know the intention is to identify the children as adopted or biological in relation to the parents. Truly I have never heard this stated with any ill intent.  I do not correct people on this or even get upset though it does make me cringe a bit.  I cringe because my four children are all "my own."  The sleepless nights when the fever wouldn't budge to medicine tells me so along with the countless times we reviewed spelling words and Bible memory verses together.  Those afternoons waiting in carpool and signed permission slips and teacher conferences, and a gazillion hugs and kisses all indicate that all four of them are my own.  The mountain of paperwork and fees and travel say my children are my own.  They bear the same last name as me and are my heirs.

I am thrilled that God chose to build my family through both biological means and adoption.  Both are beautiful. Adoption is an amazing journey. However, adoption is also painful.  It starts with loss and pain no matter how well it turns out.  I wondered often when John McCain ran for president how his family felt about the press that always referred to his children and then his adopted daughter as a separate child. How do young ears feel about this?  I know it is such a little thing, but sometimes little things really matter.

I am a Gentile by birth.  Much like my children I do not understand my own adoption into God's family, but I am confident that He calls me His own.  I am not somehow separate because of my adoption.

So if you ask me how many children I have,  my answer is simple.  I have four.  I do not qualify how they came to be my children.  If we get to know each other better or if you meet them, you will know.  Regardless of how they came to be a part of my family, they are my own.

First Soccer Game of the Season

After staying up late for the first home football game which was a heart-breaker lost by a field goal in double overtime, Wyatt and Julia played their first soccer game on Saturday morning.

Wyatt was a stopping machine!  He did an awesome job!

Julia did well but did not seem to be totally in the game- probably too tired from Friday night football.

ball stopped by Wyatt

The best part was playing with a great friend and then enjoying lunch with her family after the game.

We won!
Go Bears!

Wyatt has informed me that the next time I need to get a picture of him when the ball is engaged with his foot.  Uh, thanks for the tip, will work on that:)