We can see...

with our new glasses.

The boys had their eyes checked again this year and now both are sporting some new specs.  Spiderman's had changed even more and Jaybird has a whole new world he can see better.  (In fact, he was so giddy about getting to pick up his glasses today and he did everything he could to contain himself as they placed them on his face).  Recently Jaybird said to Spiderman, "I'm glad you got adopted because my life would be boring without you."  Somehow they see these new glasses as bringing themselves even closer together.

My boys........ :)

I have a 10 year old!

Boy are we getting OLD!!  How is it possible that we are old enough to have a 10 year old?  It really is wonderful, I just can't imagine where the time has gone.  Jaybird is funny and has such a spunky and imaginative spirit and he brings us so many laughs (and a few gray hairs) - but it's just been a blur these last 10 years.  It's amazing how quickly life goes from changing diapers to panicking over how little time we have left with him at home.

Jaybird celebrated this year "big kid style" by skipping the typical party in favor of a sleepover with 3 good friends.  He even chose rootbeer floats and a giant mint chocolate chip cookie instead of birthday cake.  As strange as it seemed, I have to admit that it was so much easier than the past parties have been.   The girls were off with their own friends so we had LOTS of testosterone running around here and we let the 5 boys just have at each other.  The biggest hit was the Nerf Gun battle, but wrestling, spying with their walkie talkies and Legos seemed just as entertaining.  I was praying desperately that no one would get a broken bone during the malay and God answered.  Whew!

Here are the boys winding down with a video at bedtime.  They had such a great time that all the kids now seem to think THIS is the way to celebrate a birthday.  We will see..... 

Serious winter!

There is no sugar coating it, it is COLD!  After a week of below zero temperatures, we are ready for some warmth.  Honestly, it probably wouldn't be such a big deal but combine the cold and the snow with the absence of my man and the week just drags on.  I'm honestly willing to share him since I know God is using him to help build the new orphanage for Esperanza Viva in Mexico.  I have just been reminded how much his presence brings sunshine to my days and how much I love his laughter.   I know the kids agree as they have been eagerly counting down the days until his return (in about 24 hours).

Here are my kiddos, all bundled up for the weather.  They have been willing to pitch in and help me with the outside work my man does each day.  Here you can see the older three after they helped me fill up the wood box in the house.  The reason they were so proud to pose for a photo is that this is at least double the amount we usually bring in (because I'd rather haul wood every other day if possible).  They are standing in front of a box that is about 3' x 4' x 3' and it is filled well past the brim.  They can't wait to show it off for Daddy's approval.

And here is my man with a beautiful suntan and a beautiful child, making some Mexican memories and being God's hands and feet to the fatherless.  I love him!