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?!