Happy Birthday, Oma!

It's Oma's birthday today, and though she is off on a hopefully relaxing vacation, we just wanted to send out some birthday wishes...

and birthday hugs and kisses! We love you!

Feeling Like Summer

We had such warm, summery weather Saturday and yesterday, that I am now eagerly awaiting summer. My uncle and aunt gave us their pool, so hubby and I are busy preparing - hubby planning the layout of deck, pool; and I am busy trying to rearrange my gardens because some of them will get covered with decking. My dad even came by yesterday with his grown-up toy (a Steiner tractor) to edge my gardens for me. They look so nice, though I need to shake out and remove all of the freshly-cut sod. I have every intention of using some kid power to speed up the process. What little boy doesn't like to shake around some dirt!


This photo is of KiKi's new swim gear - in preparation for lots of swimming this summer. I have decided that all of my boys need those UV shirts this year - even my biggest guy! :-) They do look cute, and KiKi is sure that "hot blankie" might like to go swimming too!

Quirks

A has this thing about trying new things. He hates to try anything new- especially new foods. We had a big production over dinner tonight because Daddy made the fried rice, and A was worried that it would taste different than restaurant fried rice. Finally he ate it all, though he refused to admit that he actually enjoyed it!

He is an avid reader and powers through books. He enjoyed the Harry Potter collection so much that I encouraged him to read the Charlie Bone series. However, because mommy suggested it, and he didn't stumble upon the series himself, he refused to read it. Finally, several months after my initial suggestion, he began the series. (I placed one on his bedside table and told him that he needed to read the first chapter.) Well, two days later, he can't put them down. He is almost done with book 3 and spent the entire 80 degree day reading! (At least he read outside!)

Hair and Hygiene

Here is a picture of one of my latest hair styles. Thinking maybe CoCo could open his own salon.

We also have a resident hygienist. Can't say that I'm thrilled to see Merlin picking things out of the kids' teeth, but the boys definitely think it's fun!

Feeling Terrible!

Here I am with a new computer, and I can barely hold my head up long enough to do anything with it. The sun was shining all day, and I was stuck in a sitting or reclining position rather than digging in my garden. I have been sick since Friday, and am feeling frustrated at the duration and ferocity of this little cold! UGH! Anyway, on a more positive note, SS cleaned the house for me yesterday. A made me a wonderful "Get Well" card. CoCo has been brushing my hair and practicing braiding techniques. Neil-Te has been telling me repeatedly, "I love you, Mommy!" KiKi has been grumpy like his mother, so at least it serves as a reminder to me to not be too miserable! :-)

New Computer!

Our computer has been out of commission since Monday, and yesterday it was officially declared "DEAD!" Today, I am happy to back in the computer world and checking emails and blog updates. I do feel a couple of pangs of sadness that I probably can't get those new couches I wanted, but...

Easter

As you can see, we have a new header photo. The boys looked so handsome and our girl was very beautiful. I quite enjoyed being able to shop for an Easter dress and not just boy outfits this year. ;-)
It was a blessing to see that the older boys seem to have a real understanding of Easter this year. It was wonderful to hear them explaining the meaning of Easter to their little brothers and sister. They even explained the meaning of some of the traditional symbols. Though I think they would have understood my cousin's "Super Hero" explanation (see the VanZee link) even better, they did seem to understand a lot. I was just hoping that after A explained that the egg reminds us of new birth, KiKi would not pipe up with a "Well, why do we eat them?!"

Easter Preparations

Decorating eggs.

The beautiful eggs that were the product of careful and gentle handling! ;-)
CoCo's favorite egg.

What is a holiday without an appropriate costume?

Our resident costume designer.

My Dutchy

My hubby believes that duct tape can fix anything - even his slippers. He claims that they fit his feet perfectly and that they are all broken-in (Can we all say BROKEN not broken-in). Why would he ever want a new pair? Though I repeatedly urge him to let me buy new ones, he is content and not a bit embarrassed by the state of his slippers. So I sigh, resign myself to my stubborn dutchman's wishes, and snuggle up with him, thankful that the "venting" on the slippers keeps his feet from stinking.

Sharing My Bed with Another Man

We periodically share our bed with other men - our own little men, of course! ;-) Our older boys no longer climb into bed with us, and Neil-Te rarely climbs in any more, but KiKi...
He has decided that he prefers to sleep in the nude - well, actually in a diaper, since he strips off his jammies sometime during the course of the night. So during the middle of the night, our little icicle climbs into our bed to warm up! Lovely - imagine being all warm and snugly, dreaming pleasant dreams, only to be awakened by two freezing feet being thrust against you. So as I lay in bed contemplating what a nice mommy I was for allowing my thighs to be frozen, Popsicle child pipes up, "Mommy, I don't like your fuzzy legs!" Gotta love the appreciation...

One Year!

So hard to believe, but it has been a whole year since SS came to America and into our home. Hard to believe that one year ago, SS was still airsick, afraid, and shocked by how white our skin was. We were sick with worry and anticipation, afraid of raising a teenager, and surprised by how trendy she was with her dyed hair! We are so thankful to the Lord for entrusting her into our care. We had a little anniversary celebration with our immediate family and parents. Hubby grilled some delicious steaks, SS treated us to some awesome veggies cooked Chin-style, and Oma topped it off with an apple pie! May we have many more anniversaries to celebrate!

SS cooking some Chin veggies.

Our family!

April 2008 - showing off the skin colors!

SS' first day in America!

Aiding the Medical World

A decided that he wanted to participate in a medical study for 9 and 10 year olds. They are studying diet, exercise, nicotine exposure in relation to growth and development and diabetes. So we went this morning to answer a bunch of questions, get measured in a variety of ways, get our blood drawn, and A also got to have a bone scan. It was an interesting morning and good for him to see how the researchers work. We both thought that it was funny that they have to do everything 3x's. The bone scan was so cool. They let A bring home a print-out of his bones! A hated the blood draw, but decided that 2 minutes of torture was worth the $25 gift card to ToysRus. (A's blood clots fast, and he has low blood pressure; so it really was fairly awful.) I am sure that you are all wondering what A bought with his money- Indiana Jones figures, of course! Though he did buy a bag of peppermint patties to share with the rest of us - think that qualifies as healthy eating?!