Adventures

Last weekend, we enjoyed the Quebecois tradition of visiting a sugar shack at the start of spring. We filled our plates with yummy breakfast food and copious outpourings of maple syrup. After eating, we explored outside a bit.

This week has gotten progressively better weather-wise. Today, the kids wanted to change into shorts after school, and, frankly, it seemed like a great idea! I am all for taking pleasure in sunshine!

I found this activity online. Simply fill a larger container (tote, dish basin, etc....we used the top of the sandbox) with some water. Float a small container in the water. Have children try to toss pennies into the floating container. We called it "Don't make a splash!," and everyone wanted a turn.

Of course, simple fun with food is always an option, too!

Bedtime--now there's a real adventure!!! Hopefully, all that fresh air makes for good nights of sleep!

Remembering Referrals

It was one year ago today that we received a phone call from our adoption agency, leading us to open an email which contained three pictures: our first looks at the precious boys we now know as Andrew and Jadon. In one of my textbooks (on intimate relationships), I read this week: "Imagine that you are given a photograph of a stranger's face and, using only that information, you're asked to guess at the personality and prospects the person possesses." I laughed out loud, recalling how we studied each photo for clues into these little people who would be coming to join our family.

As a way to make this date especially meaningful, we have decided to celebrate Jadon's birthday on the referral-versary! Indeed, today was a great day for celebrating -- three-year-old-style!

When you think about the short life this little boy has lived, complete with incredible amounts of loss, change, and pain, it can be quite overwhelming.
In light of this, I marvel all the more at the joy the emanates from him! The shy and serious two-year-old boy we were referred one year ago hardly resembles this silly, snuggly, terrific three-year-old who squeezes my neck and giggles with glee! You might think that he got lucky, landing in our family. I can only say that it is our family that has been tremendously blessed. Frankly, as hard as I try to wrap my mind around it, I can't quite decipher exactly that balance of God's sovereignty and (hopefully) faithful human response that has been worked out through an international adoption process. Psalm 139 says it this way: "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

As it was, today was a day of celebration!!! I tried to capture a few special moments.

Jadon licking the avocado (a definite favorite) off his fingers.

The serious "Do you know how grown-up I am?" look!

This is more typical--pure enthusiasm!

And he loves to make sure someone is paying attention!

Birthday supper consisted of chicken nuggets, chips, and sliced peppers.

Happy Birthday!!!

Projects

At this stage of my life, I choose to give a lot of my time to my young family. Serving them and pursuing their best interests demands a lot from me and often leaves little time for other independent interests. I did, however, break out the sewing machine and let my creative side stretch a bit over the last few weeks. Making two Easter banners for my church was a very personally fulfilling (and worshipful) project for me.



Interested in some other projects I dream of completing some time?

• running in an official race (not necessarily a full marathon...but I've never actually signed up for and run in any event of any distance)
• directing a 100+ voice choir
• writing an article for a scholarly journal
• sharing a particular jazz band piece in 5/4 time in a worship service
• becoming more proficient in French
• traveling (especially to warm places...for business, pleasure, ministry, etc.)
• ...

While I was working away, finishing up the banners today, Abby and Jadon concentrated on some work with charts. They really got into this activity. Perhaps the sparkly jewels helped!

Some Favorites

Numbers, Colors, and Drawing Two

Don't pay any attention to the box. You certainly do NOT have to be 7+ to enjoy this classic game! (Jadon was today's winner!!!!)

Parfaits and Picnics

The boys had an optional activity at school today. We opted to keep them home. We have done lots of worksheets, splashed around in the town's indoor pool, worked a bit in the backyard, and enjoyed some fancy treats! These breakfast parfaits are simply EnviroKids Koala Krisp and strawberry or raspberry yogurt. The lunchtime picnic was Ethan's idea. Fun!!!

Early Spring Fun