April is such an awesome month...so many births and adoptions to celebrate! Mom, Mandy, Annie, Megan, Sam, Alex, and Sophie were all born in April, and Elena was adopted in April (Alex came home in April, but was officially adopted in March). We of course have to eat some major sugar in celebration of the local occasions, and wish we could do more for those far away. Way more. Like our family for some reason was really swamped this month and I have a major guilt complex for not at least sending a card or something to my brothers and sisters on their birthdays. So I am hoping this blog will make up a leeetle bit for my falling behind on timely enthusiasm for my sisters and brothers and their special days. And I
really hope I am not leaving anyone out!
Lena has been home with us now for two whole years. She is a fantastically fun-loving, determined little girl who lights up our lives with her hilarious quotes and views of the world and her all-out love for her new family. Happy Adoption Day, Lena!
Mom is full of fun and still learning to do new things (like taking voice lessons!) at her advanced stage of living :) She is full of character and strength even when things are difficult or she is in pain. I enjoy having such a close and wonderful mother to laugh with, ask advice of, pray with, and just to talk with! Happy Birthday, Mom!!
Alex is joyful and energetic, quick to see where others need his help and so caring when others are hurting whether it is physical pain or emotional. What a beautiful spirit lies within this sweet son of mine. Happy Birthday, Alex!
Sam is my childhood companion and champion, full of wisdom and learning and quick to empathize in times of need. I love playing duets with you, Sam--I only wish you were closer so we could share the every-day sort of stuff that comes with being in the same time zone! Happy Birthday, Sam!
Mandy, I am so glad I got to hang out with you last summer and get to know the adult "you" better than by just reading your blog. You are so thoughtful and caring, and your patience with living in the same house as 5 summer-soused children was amazing! Happy Birthday, Mandy!!
Annie, I can't believe you are graduating next month!! You have grown so mature in the past year, so thoughtful and sensitive of others. Your notes of encouragement to the kids and to me are still on our bulletin boards, and those bandaids are still in full use! Your enthusiasm for life is, in my opinion, your best quality and your most unique one. It is infectious, and I look forward to experiencing it more as you head my way for college. Happy Birthday, Annie!
Megan, you are a wonderful companion and sister, always making time for a quick phone conversation and caring for the kids so sweetly. You are thoughtful about the things that are gong on in my life even though they are so far from your own, and quick to visit whenever you get a chance. I love to see the person you are becoming. Happy Birthday, Megan!
Dearest Sophie Eleanor, I can't wait to get to know you as you grow and mature and become the person God has for you to be. Your future is limitless; so amazing, so humbling for those who will be involved in your life and influence you as you grow. I hope I can be a good Aunt to you. I hope your cousins will be good examples for you. Happy Birth Day, my newest niece!
Lena has been home with us now for two whole years. She is a fantastically fun-loving, determined little girl who lights up our lives with her hilarious quotes and views of the world and her all-out love for her new family. Happy Adoption Day, Lena!
Mom is full of fun and still learning to do new things (like taking voice lessons!) at her advanced stage of living :) She is full of character and strength even when things are difficult or she is in pain. I enjoy having such a close and wonderful mother to laugh with, ask advice of, pray with, and just to talk with! Happy Birthday, Mom!!
Alex is joyful and energetic, quick to see where others need his help and so caring when others are hurting whether it is physical pain or emotional. What a beautiful spirit lies within this sweet son of mine. Happy Birthday, Alex!
Sam is my childhood companion and champion, full of wisdom and learning and quick to empathize in times of need. I love playing duets with you, Sam--I only wish you were closer so we could share the every-day sort of stuff that comes with being in the same time zone! Happy Birthday, Sam!
Mandy, I am so glad I got to hang out with you last summer and get to know the adult "you" better than by just reading your blog. You are so thoughtful and caring, and your patience with living in the same house as 5 summer-soused children was amazing! Happy Birthday, Mandy!!
Annie, I can't believe you are graduating next month!! You have grown so mature in the past year, so thoughtful and sensitive of others. Your notes of encouragement to the kids and to me are still on our bulletin boards, and those bandaids are still in full use! Your enthusiasm for life is, in my opinion, your best quality and your most unique one. It is infectious, and I look forward to experiencing it more as you head my way for college. Happy Birthday, Annie!
Megan, you are a wonderful companion and sister, always making time for a quick phone conversation and caring for the kids so sweetly. You are thoughtful about the things that are gong on in my life even though they are so far from your own, and quick to visit whenever you get a chance. I love to see the person you are becoming. Happy Birthday, Megan!
Dearest Sophie Eleanor, I can't wait to get to know you as you grow and mature and become the person God has for you to be. Your future is limitless; so amazing, so humbling for those who will be involved in your life and influence you as you grow. I hope I can be a good Aunt to you. I hope your cousins will be good examples for you. Happy Birth Day, my newest niece!