Sorrows and Joys

I spent hours (it took the entire Oregon Ducks game to do the top half) doing Makaylee's braids myself and bless her heart, she sat so still. She even gave her Barbie braids while I was working on hers.




Its been way too long since I last blogged, as usual and then I try to cram all my pictures into one post and it is random and disjointed. But that's how we roll around here :) I am rarely on top of things or organized. Its been a rough two weeks. Makaylee's brother Will hurt me and is institutionalized at the moment. We tried our best to make it so that he could live in a family- and it lasted 9 months. I am not sure where he will end up, if its a group home or whatnot, but I feel badly for him. But also a huge relief. The stress level in our family is down so much and I don't have to worry about him having blowouts anymore. Doing foster care definately has its fair share of heartache.

Nyah's addicted to coffee already (thanks Grandma ;) and is relentless. She will throw a fit if you don't give her some!

Makaylee made a birthday card for her friend and it was so sweet! "Yowr the bes fren in the ho wid word. I luv u B."

The party at the gymnastics studio was so much fun. Makaylee couldn't wait to give her card.

How to get things done around the house while watching busy toddlers: put on worship videos on YouTube. Their favorite: Tim Hughes live at The Abbey "Oh Happy Day." (Mommy's favorite, too.)

Marquez is playing soccer this Fall and loving it. We've had a lot of fun watching his games. So far none of them have been too rainy. I hope the weather holds up.

Go Marquez!

Nyah's friend from church came over to play with her. His mom and I were talking how it seems like yesterday he was a little bump in his mommy's tummy and Nyah was a far off dream. Now here they are, cute as can be. What gifts from God!

Precious.

party animal

Auntie Jenae's birthday party! Makaylee had a blast planning it all out. The kids bought her a pack of color changing gum to put in her card, then secretly hoped she would offer them a piece... She did.

Orin got his '49 Chevy home from the shop and took the boys for a spin. They were all glowing.

girl date with Daddy to the gas station

Makaylee's creation

Orin critiquing the backyard...

He thinks the plants need a trim and recruits the kids. Lately we have been working on teaching them how much fun it is to work together and serve others. Now the kids will pick up in the house after each other and shout out "I'm serving _____!" with a huge smile on their face :)


love the sweatshirt

playing "bus"

My sister came over and cooked dinner for us. What a nice surprise!

first day of 1st grade

(Nyah wanted to be in everyone's first day of school pictures.)

first day of 6th grade

Racing marbles is fun. Even Nyah resisted the urge to put them in her mouth to see what they would do.

Nyah is so cute when I put her down for a nap. I have a hard time leaving the room. I miss her when she is sleeping!

Orin is having a Herbie marathon with the kids each night until we get through them all. They loved it-

especially the boys

Some things I've learned lately:

1. Moms are just as excited as the kids for the kids to go back to school. Then when they finally get there, I miss them and wonder what they are doing.

2. No, it is not "all the same" adding one more when you already have 5.

3. I need God's grace to get me through each and every day.

4. I could not do this without Orin being so involved in the kids' lives and I am lucky to have such a great husband.

Warning: picture overload

The perfect day for water- 85 degrees!

the rascals filling up the bucket to dump on the girls







Ah, this is the life. Will's got it made!




So refreshing!

my six treasures

our friend Diane brought her 8 gifts from God and joined us

Nyah with Diane's youngest

Diane knows the quickest way to Nyah's heart

The sign said Warning: algae bloom at levels toxic to humans. No swimming.

"Why do they call it Blue Lake if it is green?" Ben points out.

Little man swaps his bucket for another kid's motorcycle

Orin and I love the chemistry between these two. Ben is so patient with his brother. They never argue. Unreal.

"Hi Mommy!"

Ben is the epitomy of determination.

falling

Nyah slips too

he catches them momentarily

Ooops

Little man wonders why girls can be so annoying

Nyah tries to regain some footing

sorry about that

That was fun!

Maybe its safer to stay on top of the tunnel :)

Nice, I hope that rubs off before church on Sunday.

Marquez tells me a story about camp a couple weeks ago

The girls find an alternative use for the volleyball pit.

Ta-dah!

Marquez makes a "sand angel"

"Marquez, are you okay?" Nyah asks.

Hurry, lets burry him!

"I need to itch..."

"It looks like he has a beard!"

Ben joins in and they play "Mummies Coming Alive"

back to the water park to get all the sand off