Happiest of Thanksigving

Wow its sure has been awesome and busy the last few months. Its now 7 months since God expanded our family, and it feels like they have been here forever. It's totally normal and the kids all get along amazingly. Homeschooling is also going good. I cant imagine life with them all in school. I would have to spend most of the days driving, dropping, picking up, and then the dreaded homework. It would be hard for me, to do homework with them, if I didnt understand the lessons. At least as the teacher, I teach the lesson, so I can always help them. Our new children started a little behind were they would be in school, but it's so I can fill in any "gaps" in their  learning, and it certainly solidifies their english. Their english by the way, is incredible. There is nothing they cant say, and alot of the time now, they can pick the right adjectives to use. If anyone reading this has ever heard a Russian speak, it's usually missing a, an, the, that, those etc. Well they are getting really good at speaking. This year I am able to school the younger 3 together, and the older 3 all have individual time with mom alone for math. Grammar, history, science and english are all done together. Very fun that way.
Nicolas, Marcus, Heidi and Logan are fully immersed in their sports. Soccer and baseball for the boys, and ballet for Heidi. Gabirella is loving her piano lessons and Julian is content with Lego engineering. So instead of days driving around, we are driving around alot at night and on Saturdays. But as long as we sit down every night together as a family to eat, its all good. Steve and I think its very important that we eat together as a family every night. Its becomes the best part of our day. (That and then bedtime - lol) Speaking of bedtime, thats getting alot better too. I think the boys have finally realised, that lights out means play time is over. The goofing around in the boys room could go on for hours. Luckily that has ended. (for now, maybe..)
We are also busy with the dentist and orthodontist still. It takes along time to fill all those cavities, do xrays and cleanings. But we travel everywhere together, so it's just priceless to see the expressions on peoples' faces as we all enter a waiting room. lol - again.
Needs - we are financially going under water abit, so if anyone reading this has a heart to pass it on, pray about it, or help in anyway, please let us know. Nicolas' molars were pulled by an oral surgeon, and he was generous with his fee to us, but his braces are going to be $5,698. Thats what we could use help with.
This Thanksgiving we have much to be thankful for. Beautiful, healthy children, the roof over our heads, a big meal on the table to share with loved ones, and freedom from our sin. The truth of Jesus has saved us, and His Spirit dwells within us.I love my husband, my children, my pets and basically - everything about my life! We are truly blessed and very thankful! Happy Fall to you all!

Mother's Day

So this Mother's Day I will be celebrating with my mom, Franz, and our beautiful 6 children! How blessed I am. I was at work today and one of my most nicest clients had a good word for me..."Life begins when you leave your comfort zone." Love that. She also noticed how many wonderful friends I have. I was like, yes, I am blessed beyond my dreams. I serve a loving and amazing God. When asked if I was happier than ever, I pondered that a moment. I realised that ofcourse I'm happy, but I am really content is the better word. I finally feel like I'm doing what I'm suppose to. There is no longing for something else. Besides more of Jesus that is. Just utterly content. Satisfied. The Lord has shown up daily in every way. Not that He didnt before, but maybe it's just more noticeable to me now. I dont know. Monetarily we were also blessed with new rollerblades for Gabri, Nic and Marcus. With all these blessings for the kids, we are able to start saving for Gabriellas birthday. Its in September. We hope to take them to Disney for a family vaca. She has always wanted to go. Cant wait to see their faces when they see the magic of Disney. Anyway, once again, I urge everyone reading these blogs to do what God has placed in your heart. You cant go wrong with God on your side. You are able to do all things thru Christ who strengthens you. Do not let fear stop you. Signing off with love - and wishing all the moms a Happy Mothers Day!

Day 12

Okay so another trip to the dentist. Today they had the fun experience of getting the icky plaster in their mouths to make a mold. Dr. Eckelson is the real deal. He says it like it is. "With a big brood like yours, let me tell you who needs what and when." So only Nicolas and Marcus need something soon. Nicolas sooner then later. Gabriella gets away clean.  Blessed with a great meal tonite too. Taco's in bag. And the kids all loved it. It was really really tasty. I'm happy because it didnt seem they were too fond Mexican. More swimming and then prayer time and bed. I really want to shout out to the sweet and humble giver of new soccer cleats and shin guards, (never even thought about those). What joy. Looking foward to work tomorrow and the awesome women I will see. The kids are adjusting perfectly, but could use your prayers to ask to speed up the english learning.

Blessings

Yesterday we took a short bike ride to try it out. See if they all listen and follow etc. Julian and Nicolas rollerbladed because we were short 2 bikes. Fast forward to 8:00 am and a knock at the door. A forerunner for Christ says a little bird told them we needed 2 bikes and hands us money to buy them. Amazing. Then a few hours later, Steve goes to a job, and they have a beautiful Jenn Aire grill, practically new that we could have. (Just a week ago, he mentioned our grill is deteriorating and we should be on the look out for a sale) Blessing no.2. Then Friday nite we rescued a baby bird. Well he is stronger and bigger every day. Like we didnt have enough to do, we now hand feed a bird every few hours. Lol. Anyway, after days of checking online to find out what kind, we discover today its a dove. Awesome again. Blessing no. 3. Anyways, its fun all taking turns caring for this bird. Gabriella, Julian and Nicolas have been great at spoon feeding it. Logan tries tomorrow. Should be able to release the bird "joe" at the end of the week. We all went back today to try to find the nest. It was in the "Y" of the Robb and Stucky sign at Mizner. Only about 20 feet from the ground. Oh well, it seems they fly the coop 14 days after birth anyway. Sad actually, they dont return home again. I rather prefer the turtles, who go back to the beach they were hatched on. After 2,500 or so of traveling around, they can navigate back and lay their eggs. And that goes on and on. Pretty cool. That must have just happened that way huh?? No perfect design? Really now. Oh ye of little faith. Our God knows exactly what He is up to and why. Thank you God. I wouldnt want it any other way. Our life is in your hands.

The Adopters

Yesterday was one week. Things are going great. During prayer last nite, Logan said our last name should be the Adopters. Steve and Caroline Adopter. Funny. He prayed that there would be no more orphans. Okay friends, step up to the task! Its awesome. Live life on fire. (thanks for reminding me Rachel) We have done a litre version of school all week and played games. Had great meals delivered - thank you all - what a treat! We went to Baja Cafe last nite. Wanted to try mexican with them. First of all, even at the cheap places its too much $. Well I guess not too bad. About $10 a person. Chips and salsa yes. Refried beans soso. But add a chip and their favorite - sour cream, and it was yes. Sauteed veggies were a yes to the boys. Chicken fingers and fries yes. And yes they have that on the kids menu there. Swimmming is also a favorite. But we must get them to bed earlier. Because no matter what, they wake early. Also, Gabriella prays out loud now. Just a little bit but thats great. Nic needs more hugs. He is a bit stiff. Marcus is doing great with english. Suprise visitor today for them. Uncle Hank from North Carolina, drove down to see them. We stoppped by drama class and the kids got to meet the whole Stars troupe. They had fun, and ofcourse they got to see Miss Sherry and DeeJay. I do hope more in our midst open their homes ands hearts to ophans. There are many more young ones at the Ark and we can show you pictures or give you contact info.

Home Life

So settling in has been smooth and easy. Except for the usual or occasional (don't know which is the better word) boys' not listening, they have all been remarkable. Julian, Logan and Heidi have been quick to lead, guide, teach, and show whatever needs to be done, so that Gabriella, Nicolas, and Marcus can do their share of chores around the house. Wow, did I mention how fast the food goes? A dozen eggs and a loaf of bread for breakfast. Whatever... they are so worth every penny or ounce. Plus, I'm secretly trying to fatten Marcus up a bit. Spaghetti is their favorite so far. We have been blessed with meals from friends. And we even got invited out after baseball practice tonite. Burgers and hot dogs. They loved it, ofcourse what kid doesnt? So school has been good. We have done 3 days now. Just very lite stuff. Routine and repetitive math facts, calendar, colors, shapes, phonics, easy readers, and handwriting. Their penmanship is PERFECT. I had them copy the alphabet today in cursive. They care about their handwriting thats for sure. It's funny and neat the way they all mesh together. God has made it perfect. Unbelievable really, the way He is so in the details. I am constantly amazed at His handiwork. About 9 months ago, I had Steve make a round homeschool table instead of the square one we had before. We had 4 chairs around it. Now I need 6 or 7 chairs, and you know what? They fit perfectly. Details. I'm telling you, whoever reads this, that God has a plan for you, right? well, He wants you to be crazy and just say yes. To whatever is deep down in your heart. Be reckless. He was reckless to the point of crucification for you. Just do it, as the old slogan goes...

Day 3 & 4

What an amazing Easter celebrating what the Lord has done and finished! Literally. Easter we went to church, then home to meet Oma and Opa. They all hugged and got easter baskets. Oma cooked amazing lamb chops and everybody loved them. Swimming with cousin Riley and cheesecake for dessert. After they left Steve took the boys and Heidi bike riding at the park, and Gabriella and I snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. Next day = structure. Need routine. With 4 boys playing ALL the time, it could get out of control. So we did our devotion and schooled a bit in the morning. Calendar, numbers, phonics. Just the essentials. Next a short word factory movie. Lunch - a loaf of bread and a pack of cheese for grilled cheese. haha - food will go quickly. Steve is fixing the sink so both sides of the double vanity can be used. 6 kids brushing their teeth one at a time takes too long. Next swimming and Costco, again. I may even sneak Target in. Towels hanging everywhere wont work. I'm too OCD for that. I'm not giving up my clean house just yet. Note to self, cook dinner at lunch. Thanks to Rori we will also implement quiet time with reading or books for 30 min. late in the day. Thats all for today. Hey! I got a chance to blog. Yipee.