Happy (early) Birthday, Jesus!

 In true Christmas spirit, we celebrated an early Christmas with my in-laws yesterday, as well as helped throw a birthday party for Jesus. This was a party not lacking anything...complete with presents, balloons, cupcakes (Karin-friendly), silly string, a pinata full of goodies, pin the tail on the donkey, and the story of his birth. It was very fun, and the kids had a great time. What better way is there to celebrate? I am thrilled we still have several more activities to do before the 25th. On Friday, Karin will be going to her first Nutcracker ballet. I will never forget the first time I saw it with my mom. I was older, but I remember how "big" I felt getting all dressed up.

Also, we are looking forward to a big week, and hoping to finalize some exciting things mentioned in the last post. I would love to end this year on a great note. Oh, how I love this season....

Big things coming our way!

We are on the brink of some amazing things happening in our family. Things we have been waiting on for a long time. I don't think we could be any happier. We are NOT moving. That is not even a small possibility at this point. Thank heavens! I can give some hints, but nothing is set in stone yet. There are 2 life changing offers on the table:

One is a job.

One is a child.

And, no, I am not pregnant.  :)

Sometimes God works in mysterious ways....

Words to not live by...

There are words I do not want this beautiful girl to hear come out of my mouth. There is one is particular. A little F-word that many women speak over themselves each day. Fat. I have heard ridiculous stories of tiny girls worried about getting or actually being fat. It makes me so terribly sad. The last thing I want my daughter to think when she looks in the mirror is that she is not good enough. She has porcelain skin. Sweet freckles. Beautiful blue eyes. Brown curly hair. And a gorgeous heart. I want her to know that the her gentleness and kind words are more beautiful than any make-up she can apply. That her love for others is so much more important than what brands of clothes she wears. And most of all, to celebrate her able body instead of judging its shape. I know daughters look to their mothers as an example, and I long to be a healthy example for her. I am nowhere near perfect. I have carried three babies in my body so far. I have scars literally to prove it. My shape has changed so many times, it seems almost monthly! At this stage in my life, I wear "mom" clothes nearly every day, don make-up at the most twice a week, and cannot promise myself a shower each morning. I am a soft place to fall...especially in the very area she grew. But, that's okay. I want her (and I!) to know that it's okay. I think my value as a woman and as a person is not held by my outward appearance, but rather my character. The world sends many unhealthy messages to girls in particular. I want her to realize there is so much more than this. Yes, be healthy, but balance is healthy. So, at almost 5 years old, I do what I can now. I tell her she is beautiful, but I highlight how great it is to have a good attitude. I brush and style her hair, but tell her before school that "good work is hard work". She loves to wear colorful feminine clothes, but is expected to be respectful to everyone. I have the wonderful ability and privilege to help mold and encourage her morale on the inside, and lessen the emphasis of her appearance. So, I am proud to say she has never heard that dirty little F-word come out of my mouth. And I hope she never will!

Time flies when you are having fun!

My Lukey baby turned 6 months old yesterday. 6 months. 6 months?! Where did the time go? The time seems to fly by faster and faster the older I get. Karin has been anxious to grow up now, and be an adult. She wants to be able to drive, be as tall as I am, own a dog, go grocery shopping, and have babies. Is she my daughter or what?

Tonight before cooking the kids dinner, we (the kids and I) watched the documentary Babies. I have watched this before and fell in love with it. I love the eye opening cultural differences in each family, and the base of each baby following the same trend. Like throwing fits, some which are hilarious I must say. Anyways, my children were captivated. They not once made a comment about the babies breastfeeding, probably because it is old news in this house. It doesn't even phase them anymore. We watched the entire film, and Karin wanted to play it again. I love that girl. We of course did not, and proceeded with our normal night routine. A routine that ultimately led me upstairs to my favorite place, where I can watch a baby sleep next to me.

Luke has been a fun one to observe so far. He is a great mix of the others' personality traits. He is active and social like Karin, yet tough and sensitive like Jeff. He has had issues with gas, but has not seemed to struggle with the same tummy issues as his siblings. This for obvious reasons seems to make an overall happier baby. Plus, he could not have come at a better time in my life. I found out I was pregnant with him at one of the most difficult times in my life. He was my gift. I believe that with all of my heart. These past 6 months with him have been almost like a dream. I thank God for him every day.

Now on a funny note....while finishing up this post, Karin had to come inform me that her legs hurt, and that she is probably growing big like me....I'm telling you, I can't even make this stuff up. She must have known I was talking about her. Oh, my children. My life would be so boring without them.

What makes a mother?

I have been thinking so much lately back to this very special day in April. The day we adopted our Isabel. This day was as momentous as each day I birthed Karin, Jeffrey, and Luke. I can't even express the emotions surrounding this event.
I met Isabel almost 2 years ago this month. The moment I saw her, I knew she was meant for me. She encompasses all of the characteristics of why I wanted to open my home for children. She is perfect in all of the imperfections others may see. I love her so much. Did I carefully watch my stomach grow with her developing body? No. Did I go through hours of labor, or endured a cesarean for her? No. Did I get to see her take her first breath? No. Did I soothe her while in and out of the hospital as an infant? No. Do we have the same skin color? No. Does that make me any less her mother? Not at all. I still get to hold her like a baby. I am able to watch every breath she takes now, and am there to soothe her while she is sick. She knows me as her mama. And she is every bit my daughter.
Children have a knack for teaching their parents life lessons. Isabel teaches me a lesson everyday. She can't walk or talk. She can't taste the foods we have come to love. I have watched Jeffrey surpass her development, and now Luke. They have grown, she has remained the same. But, she has a joy in her heart that shows complete satisfaction. I am proud to be her mother. And even though I was not there in the beginning, I will be there until the end.

Ready, Set, Shoot!

Last month, we had a family photo shoot done. I was so excited. We have not had real family photos taken since I was largely pregnant with Jeff. It was wonderfully chaotic. With children, you never know what to expect. Thankfully, we ended up with some good ones! You would never know the funny wild things that happened in between shots. That's the beauty of pictures!

The things you do not have the privilege to see:

*Jeff running around like a monkey. We could barely catch him to get in the shot.

*Karin wanted to be in every photo. She LOVES the camera.

*Jerome and I fake laughing during our turn, but ended up giggling so much it hurt.

Arizona can provide the most beautiful natural backgrounds. The sunrises and sunsets can take your breath away. Yes, it can be very hot. Very hot indeed. Or in my case, bone-chilling cold in the winter. But, it is my home.

I am desert rat. Born and raised. I am not sure my body would know what to do long term in humidity. Let's hope I don't have to find out. With Jerome in the prospect of job searching, that has been thrown in as a possibility. A possibility that leaves me sick in the stomach. We shall see soon enough....



Oh Boy...



Let's play Guess Who?!

My boys look very similar, which I think is so sweet. This is both of them pictured at the same exact age. Excuse the drool please...that's a signature move for a baby of 5 months.  :)

I love my boys. I once thought I would be a mother of all girls. Now, what would my little world be like without them? Granted, it may be a little less dirty, sweaty, stinky and sticky, but what fun is that??

They simplify my life. There's no fussing with braiding hair, or having to pick out pretty outfits. I throw clothes on them that will get messy before noon. They like loud things that make noise. Spiderman, Cars, and Buzz are like celebrities in my home. From the womb on out, there is mighty strength in their muscles. They are already molded and formed for being men. It's amazing!

And they love me. Pure, beautiful, and simplified love.