Morgun's 12th Birthday!

 

I'm super late in posting Morgun's birthday.  It's been super crazy around here for the past few weeks.  I was sick for 5+ weeks and then my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital, followed a few days later by my brother-in-law, Ruben.  Mom P. is now at home, and Ruben will be having open heart surgery tomorrow to replace a valve.  Needless to say our lives have been stress filled and busy!

 

I still wasn't feeling well when we celebrated Morgun's birthday, but decided to wing it anyhow.  I'm soooooo glad I did!  Morgun invited 5 of his friends for supper and a sleepover.  Thankfully, he wanted the same theme and cake as Alex had.  It sure made things easier!  Can you tell I was really beginning to feel gross by the time I did the lettering?  lol!

 

I wasn't going to post any pics of the kids that were here...not sure how the parents would feel.  However, when I saw this one, I couldn't resist!  Hilarious!!

 

 

 

We didn't do any shooting, but still had a frog eating contest.

 



 

 

The boys also spent a LOT of time outside, sledding down the river bank...a very steep river bank!

 

 

 

 

 

I know it's cliché, but wow!  Time does fly!  I can not believe that the little 6 lbs 15 oz little boy is now 12!!  In some ways he still seems like a little boy, but it is becoming more and more apparent that he is a young man. 

 

Morgun is an amazing kid!  He is kind and gentle.  Almost daily I find him going out of his way to do something nice for someone.  He loves reading to his younger siblings and he loves surprising me by folding the laundry and putting it away.  When buying a gift he spends huge amounts of time trying to figure out what to buy.  His is incredibly thoughtful.  He loves hugs...loooong hugs!...and so do I!!

 

Morgun enjoys his school work and is becoming more responsible and self motivated.  He is smart.  His favorite subject is Math.  He is enjoying reading more than ever before.  He does amazingly well at Tae Kwon Do and is a natural born leader.  He loves playing basketball and plays his heart out at each and every game, even when he's struggling to catch his breath due to his asthma.  He is cheerful and always has a gentle smile for us.  He loves his siblings and is constantly making sure they are OK, especially when we're shopping.  He loves carrying the littlest two and caring for them.  He makes this mama proud!  :)

Raina's Second Adoption

 

My heart sings with joy tonight!  We couldn't be more blessed!  God has answered another one or our prayers.  Raina asked Jesus into her heart tonight!

 

We don't talk about salvation all that often, and sometimes I wonder if it's often enough.   On the other hand, we make a conscious effort not to guilt our kids into "praying the prayer", or to pressure them in any way.  We truly believe any conversion has to be the work of God Himself.  And tonight His presence was tangible.

 

Malia and Raina got into a big fight.  All because Malia did not want help Raina put on her pj's.  I'm not sure what exactly happened.  Let's just say there was some hitting, kicking and biting involved, with lots of tears.  Both girls got timeout and a good talking to.  Nothing irritates this mama more than scratching, hair pulling and worst of all...biting!   As always they had to say sorry to each other.  I could tell both girls were still feeling horrible about their behaviour, so I suggested they talk to God.  Raina began praying and totally blew me away.  She prayed, with tears rolling down her face, "Dear God please come into my heart.  Amen".

 

There are no words.  Just a lot of humble gratitude!...and maybe a few tears of joy! :)

 

 

"I have no greater joy than to know my children walk in the truth."

3 John 1:3

Alex's 14th Birthday!

Alex turned 14 last week.  I can hardly believe he is that old already!  Some days I wish I could go back in time and cuddle that chubby faced little boy once again and treasure each moment more.  But I can't.  Instead I am learning to treasure each moment more than ever before, cause kids just grow up way too fast! 

 

Alex really didn't know what to do for his birthday this year.  We ended up deciding to keep his birthday party small and invited my sister and her family.  The theme was "Duck Dynasty"!  It was the perfect party for Alex...and lots of fun to plan!

 

We tried Ms. Kay's famous Pepper Steak and even tried some squirrel brains!...I will leave the contents of the squirrel brains up to your imagination.  ;)  We had a frog eating contest, which was super fun to watch!  We played a few games of "Who Said..." and "Si-cology".  Of coarse Alex knew almost every answer!  Not surprising since he has watched each episode so many times, I think he practically has them memorized!  The guys (and Brook) also did some skeet shooting.  I'm told they had a blast!

 

 

The cake was super easy and best of all...Alex loved it!

 

 

 

 

 

 The kids and I spent one day making all the posters and signs for the party.  So much fun!  The kids got to make their own party bags...complete with squirrel skin (beef jerky), frogs, Si's Doe poo...(yuck!), and oodles of other brown, orange and green candy.

 

 

I had most of the decorating stuff on hand...even the camo table cloth!  Well, not really.  I washed the boys' curtains and used them!  I borrowed the ducks, duck calls, and shot gun casings from Martin's office.  The bales and flowers are part of my yearly fall display.

 



As you can see, the color theme was orange, brown and green.  I had asked everyone to dress in either camo, or one of these colors.  We were pretty amazed to see Dan and Eve show up dressed as Phil and Ms. Kay!  Loved the pillow tummy!

 



 

This boy of mine is growing up to be a gentle, kind hearted young man.  He is maturing in leaps and bounds.  It blesses my heart to see him play with the little kids, making them laugh and helping out where ever possible.  I think what melts my heart the most is how Alex gets and supports the whole "caring for orphans" command.  He knows how difficult it can be.  He knows the sacrifices he has had to made.  Still he loves his siblings with his whole heart and wouldn't change our family for the world! 

 

Alex is incredibly smart and artistic.  He has been making throwing knives, using old metal and a grinder.  Each one is turning out better than the previous one.  He loves researching everything from knife making, to guns, to movies.  He works independently at his school work and rarely complains about school work.  He excels in almost every subject.  Most importantly he loves God and is constantly working to become more Christ like.  His intuitive spirit never ceases to amaze me.  He understands things that are way beyond his years and has been gifted with a discerning heart.  I know God has great things planned for Alex!  I'm so thrilled to have a front row seat as God's will unfolds in Alex's life!