Cousin Fun

Last week my sister and her kids came down for an entire week! We were thrilled to have this much time with them.  They came Sunday evening and left on Friday.  I was so excited about the visit that I made an itinerary for the kids (and for me so I wouldn't forget my own plans) so they would know what to expect all week.  Each day we knew what we were having for breakfast and dinner and what activity we would enjoy that day! The kids loved it and referred back to it often during the week.  It was kind of a little puzzle too because they were trying to determine the meaning behind all the pictures.

Monday was spent chilling at the house since we had spent so much time in the car the day before.  We had a little water playtime outside to which Audrey thoroughly enjoyed. I started dragging the slide over to the pool and she was elated. She went down that thing about 10 times in 30 seconds and exclaimed, "We are having so much fun!"  Need I remind you that she was by herself during this time! ha!

 

Tuesday was zoo day. Unfortunately it was slated to be 97 degrees on this day so we got an early start.  We packed snacks, loaded up a wagon and double stroller, slabbed on sunscreen for 4 kids, grabbed a coke for the adults and we were off! We made it to the zoo right as it opened so we parked up front!

I had to snag a good picture while they were all still happy and clean. Notice how everyone is holding onto Natalie!

Evan was such a big helper with both NJ and JZ. I think I need him around all the time!  And Aunt Ashley is always good help=)

 

Riding in style and luxury....

I had another great picture of the girls together, but Natalie was picking her nose. How did I not notice that?!

Once again, not everyone is looking, but we are capturing the moment.  What joy this picture brings to me, seeing my sister's kids with mine!  Something we always dreamed of.

 

 

The kids really wanted to ride the pony at the zoo but of all stinkin days, the ponies apparently rest on Tuesdays!  Good grief! They so graciously and without fits settled on the carousel. Nat freaked out in the nest (the one she really wanted to ride in) so Aunt Ashley stepped in to ride beside her. Nat had a death grip around her neck the whole ride!

Wednesday and Thursday were somewhat uneventful as we got haircuts and played more in the swimming pool (the big one this time).  We ended our week Thursday evening at Posados!

More photos coming.....

 

Slumber Party

   A few weeks ago (yes, I know how far behind I am, and thanks for reminding me Susan!) Natalie had her first slumber party with someone other than cousins.  Some friends of ours needed to travel out of town to be with family so we volunteered to keep the youngest two out of three kiddos. I'm only so good, folks!  That meant 4 kids under the age of 4 for approximately 2 days and nights! Apparently I was feeling brave.  All kidding aside, this is one reason I wanted to be a stay at home mom; to help friends when they needed it most!
    They came over Thursday afternoon and thankfully were all really tired.  All four went down for a nap basically without a fuss and at the same time! I knew it would never happen again so I soaked it up.  When Brian got home and we had all eaten dinner we decided to load up our posse and head out on a walk. How awesome is this?!  We had quite the setup if I do say so myself.

 

Bedtime was somewhat unventful except for the fact that Natalie would not stop talking to Lyla long enough for either to sleep.  I was watching them through the monitor (at 10pm!) when Lyla realized the camera had moved. She immediately hit the deck and didn't move a muscle.  I was cracking up because NJ had no clue why Lyla all of a sudden went still and quiet!  She then proceeded to try and get Lyla's attention back by saying her name over. and over. and over. and over. I finally had to intervene!

The next day was spent in the water so all was well.

You just never can get the kids all looking at you at the same time!

In case you were wondering, I did have a bigger pool! Somehow this one was cooler?!

A swimming day is not complete without snacks!

JZ opted out of this playdate. He sat back and just looked cute for us!

 

 

 

 

 

3 and 4 months

My goodness where did this month go?! You know it's been a long time since your last blog post when you can't even remember your password to log on!  Good grief.  So Joaquin is 4 months now but we will back track to see his 3 month pictures too!

 He is sleeping through the night, and has started reaching for his toys on his play mat. Too fun!

 

And now he is 4 months!

I love his sweet little smile. He is starting to smile a lot more and is even laughing. This boy is super ticklish on his side, too.

He just got his first haircut a week before his 4 month birthday. We are still trying to get his reflux all figured out, but he is much happier as you can see. He is rolling over from tummy to back and likes tummy time much better. He is grabbing and playing with toys on his playmat and loves to eat his hand. I mean his entire hand. JZ has a huge mouth, folks!

stats:

height: 24 1/2 "   50%

      weight: 13.8        50%      

FOC: 15 1/2"    20% 

These pics cracked me up because on the left she's showing me how old he is. On the right they are both watching T.V. Seriously? This boy loves some television.

 

Don't Assume You Know

WARNING! Entering a rant zone......

 

There aren't too many times that I get offended about adoption-related issues.  I've had plenty of adoptive families that get up in arms about things that just don't bother me. I always try to remember that I was ignorant once about a lof of this too. However, =) this one thing gets me.....

*Don't assume you know my child's birth family story.......*

because you probably don't.  I have likely shared more details with family or fellow adoptive moms and dads, but then there are some things that are only for us and my children to know.

 

What is she talking about about, you ask?

It's the unspoken assumption (with leading questions) about why a birth mom chose to place (not 'give up') their child for adoption.

"Oh, she was too young?"

"Oh, she was promiscuous."

"Oh, she was messing around."

You know. Assumptions like those. Now I'll be the first to confess that those are normal thoughts to pop in your head, but please don't ask and please don't continue those thoughts because you just don't know.  There are SO many reasons that a birth mom chooses to place a child, but do we have to analzye why? Does it really matter why she did or how she got pregnant in the first place? Let's celebrate the fact that she was brave enough to choose LIFE, and not abortion.  Let's celebrate that she chose a FAMILY for that child.

 

So the next time you say something like the above, or give me that look like you are making an assumption about MY child's birth mom that is probably incorrect, don't be offended when MY momma claws come out on you.  That's my family you are talking about too.  We have been blessed by two beautiful birth moms that we love dearly, and they are our family now.  And you just don't go messing with my family=)

 

 

End rant.

Ministry Part 2

Sunday night a group of our church leaders gathered to watch a movie called Seasons of Gray.  It was produced by a local church in Dallas, Watermark Community Church.  It is the life of Joseph told in modern day and it was done quite well if you ask me. I was very impressed with the quality of the movie and the actors. If you have seen Fireproof or Facing the Giants, you might have been like me when you watched it........"good message but a little cheesy on the acting."  It was hard to watch it at times because of the acting. This one was nothing like that! 

Watermark is hoping to release the movie in May in several theaters and I plan to be there again opening weekend to support it.  The message is simple...to bring people to Christ.  I'll have to admit, it made me go back and read the story in the Bible.  You can watch the trailer here.  Hope to see you at the theaters opening weekend!

**24:32 Films is supported by Watermark Community Church and its Watermark Film Ministry in Dallas, Texas. Our mission is to use the powerful medium of cinema to engage the hearts of the lost with the life-transforming truth of God’s word, edify the believer, and equip the church.

Ministry part 1- A MUST Read

For The Sake of One

Did that get your attention? Because it should have.

This weekend MOSAIC Minstries hosted Melissa Woodward, a sex-trafficking survivor.  From right here in America.  Right here in Texas.  Right here in Dallas. That hits home.  Unfortunately some last minute issues came up and Melissa was not able to be here to share her story in person, but we did get to watch the video from her interview on the 700 Club. Please take 25 minutes and watch it here.  Please. It is more than worth your time.

 

Two other ladies who work with Melissa at this organization came to share more about this rising crime in our own backyard.  Here are just a few quick stats that got my attention.

1. Sex trafficking of children is the second largest crime, just under drug trafficking.

2.  Texas is #3 in the country in sex trafficking.

3.  Dallas is #1 for boys.

4 Average age is between 12-14.

I had no idea. Sure we hear about it and expect it in "other countries" but not America.  Our conversation with these ladies brought on many sickening details and truths about precious little children who are sold into this lifestyle.  There typically aren't many survivors.  In fact, only 1% are estimated to survive.

 

How does this happen you wonder?  Sadly, many of these boys and girls are sold into sex trafficking by family members.  Others are lured in.  Most runaways will be approached by a sex trafficker within 48 hours.  One of the easiest places to lure girls in is at the mall.  It's always been a pet peeve of mine about the number of young girls that are dropped off and left at places like this.  For those who live close to me, how many times have you been to the Harbor and seen the droves of middle-school and high-school kids walking around all hours of the night with no parent any where to be seen?!?! And don't even get me started on what they are wearing.....PARENTS: wake up!  How do you not see this as a dangerous thing? what message are you sending to your daughters and sons? Especially Christian parents!  There are so many parents who are more interested in being their child's friend instead of their guardian.  Christians: We will answer to the Lord for our decisions as parents.

 

What is this organization's goal? Prevent-Rescue-Heal

Raise Awareness- Please share this link with everyone you know. Get the word out! This is real.

"For The Sake of One's primary purpose is the establishment of recovery homes."  The few that are rescued need a place to go for recovery and healing, both physically and mentally.  This organization provides that with only funds that are raised and donated. 

 

I beg you to take time to watch the interview and share.  The best part of her tragic story is the redemption God provides.  The redemption she found in the Lord. He and only He carried her through.

 

Easter Bloopers

Well when you are trying to quickly snap some shots of a 2 year old and 2 month old right before church because you are already late, you might not get what you want! But it sure made for some good outtakes. Thank goodness for digital! Enjoy

so we did get a few that will work....

 

 

 

beautiful......