Happy Birthday Aaron!

Two. Two years ago yesterday our lives changed forever. As we went about our normal day, just minutes down the road our sweet boy was taking his first breaths, unbeknown to us. Yes, our lives changed that very day even though we had no clue they were changing.

How we thank God for Aaron's life. As a step of obedience to God's calling on our life, we chose to pursue foster care for our family. Aaron (and his little sister Olivia) are God's greatest rewards for our choice of obedience. And even though somedays life with two toddlers (and 4 other kids) is chaotic and a struggle, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Aaron,

At two years old you are a fiercely independent little man. You prefer to play alone most of the time even though you want to know what everyone else is doing. You like all starchy foods and defy most everything else put on your plate. You have the sweetest laugh and your chuckles tend to get everyone else vying for your attention to see who can cause the most belly laughs in a row.

You love to climb on anything that will allow you. You live to ride on our battery powered cars for hours on end. You love all things to do with animals, especially fish. You are sweet on your littlest sister and love to give her kisses over and over and over again. You can jump and get both of your chubby little feet completely off the floor and you adore wearing shoes, particularly your boots. And, you continue to give the best, most snuggly hugs of anyone.

We love you so much sweet Aaron boy. And though your independence and strong determination continually challenge us as parents, we can't imagine our family without you. We pray that God will use your story of adoption and redemption for His glory. We pray that your life is devoted to Christ and you love Him with the fierceness and determination that you live the rest of your life. I love you so much sweet boy, so much more than my words on a page could ever express.

With all my heart,

Mommy

Das Not Funny! Friday: With some photo goodness



After a couple of weeks off, Das Not Funny! Friday is back. I know you all were absolutely on the edge of your seats and, possibly, about to riot.

Try to contain yourselves, okay people?

Hope this gives you a funny fix. You know, if you need one. And, I've thrown in a few photos just because I'm obsessed with Lightroom and I can.

One evening we went over to my parents' house and we were eating dinner on their deck. Olivia will eat just about anything. I started her with one piece of asparagus. Immediately she was requesting more. Adamantly requesting more. Being a typical Mom, I took a stalk or two off of my own plate and forked it onto Olivia's.

Elizabeth, who sat watching me, said "Awwww. You sure are a good Mommy to your children, JESS-I-CA."

Apparently I'm good at teaching them to be dramatic as well.

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Our diaper changing table is on top of our dryer. I know, it's less than ideal but truthfully it works for us. My not so handy becoming more resourceful husband hung up some shelving on either side of the dryer and now it's a perfect little changing area. During one of Ella's diaper changes, she catches a case of the sneezes. And, apparently she wasn't completely empty. As she's in the middle of a sneezing fit I see a quick blur fly from the top of the dryer.

I look down at my stomach and realize what the blur really was. Poop. Ella shot poop all over the front of my shirt with such force that I didn't even see it coming. (Name that movie.)

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You know what I love most about having kids? Their ability to change my mood and often refocus my thoughts. Sometimes that's not so good. But usually, it's a blessing. Case in point...

A week and a half ago we drove to the airport to see off our friends Chris and Lindy, as they returned to Kenya, as well as three fabulous college students who will be interning for them this summer. I was doing well until the very end when my emotions overcame me and I began to cry.

As we drove home the kids are riding in virtual silence as I try to contain loud sobs in the drivers seat. Thinking that my emotions are certainly setting the tone for the car ride I am expecting questions about why I am sad or why Chris and Lindy and the interns are leaving.

Lucas, from the 2nd row, "Mom?"

Me, with a shaky voice, "Yeah Buddy?"

"It's not nice to stare, right?" he asks.

"That's right Buddy," I reply.

"Well, Olivia's staring at me."

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I witnessed the following conversation between my oldest two daughters a few days ago.

Ashlee: "Wizabets, thats a pajama shirt." She points to the shirt Elizabeth is wearing.

Elizabeth: "No it's not."

Ashlee: "Yes it is."

Elizabeth: "No it's not."

A: "Yes it is. Mom, tell Wizabets that she's wearing a pajama shirt."

E: "Well, it may be a pajama shirt, but I'm gonna wear it as a regular shirt today."

A: "Okay. But don't tell anybody because they will make fun of you for wearing pajamas."

That advice came from the same girl who changes INTO her pajamas to go outside to play. I'd say that Elizabeth should take that fashion advice with a grain or 12 of salt.

Y'all have a fabulous weekend!