An "Extra" Ordinary Life

Hello friends,

I've been writing this update over several days - so it's a long one! I'm finally having time to post it . . . My computer time is limited with a baby in the house! :)

Donnie and I were talking the other day about how different our life has turned out from the way we thought it would. When we first got married 12 years ago - we were young and had visions of living the perfect life. Don't we all have those dreams when we start out in life?? Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would marry my childhood friend and then have triplets, cancer, the loss of a child and adoption from Guatemala be part of our journey! What a roller coaster ride our life has been - full of the highest highs and the lowest lows. Yes, our life has been "extra" ordinary - and although there are some things I wish so badly I could change - I am so glad that Donnie is the one God chose to travel the journey through this extraordinary life with me. Donnie has held my hand through the good times and the bad and there is truly no one else in the world I'd rather have by my side on this roller coaster called LIFE.

Donnie and I heading out to the Fishermen's Ball

Having 4 kids in the house is keeping me quite busy - but I do thrive on the chaos! :) Between diapers, homework and walking the dog . . . the day goes by quickly and I usually can't wait to fall into bed at night. I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving break next week and having everyone home together for 5 days.

But no matter how frazzled, stressed or busy my days are - I always wish that they could be busier . . . because I wish that Jacob were here, too. I want that extra lunch to pack, homework to check and clothes to wash. And no matter how stressed the days are, I always take time to thank God each night for my children. I am so humbled and thankful that God chose me to be their mother - all 5 of them have been such a blessing in my life. And after losing Jacob - I am just overwhelmed with gratitude that I get the gift of another day with each of them. I don't take LIFE for granted and I am so thankful for each day.

We have all been sick at our house this week with the first cold of the season. Nothing serious - but we are definitely going through the kleenex! Allie has her first cold, too, but so far she is handling it like a champ . . . she is still eating, sleeping and smiling! Although I can tell you that she does not enjoy having her nose wiped! :)

The kids are all doing well. It amazes Donnie and I every day how completely different Brandon & Devin are . . . they are total opposites. We often joke that they solve the "Nature vs. Nurture" debate because they were nurtured the same but their "nature" is so different! Devin is an extreme Type A personality. He always tries his best and worries about everything. He likes things neat and is the best helper - always cleaning up after himself. But he is so competitive and is a perfectionist in all that he does. Brandon is an extreme Type B personality. He is laid-back and carefree - not a worry in the world! He is messy, but happy and always sees the positive in every situation. Devin is the type that gets upset if he misses one on his spelling test . . . but Brandon can miss 3 and be excited that he got 12 right! :) And they are even different when it comes to baseball . . . Devin plays to win and tries so hard to knock one over the fence - but Brandon just plays to have fun! They are the bestest of friends - but they can argue about everything. Yes, they definitely make life interesting as we try to find a balance between these 2 extreme - but lovable - personalities.

Brandon

Devin

Kyle is doing well, too. He has really gotten into reading this year and is plugging away through the Harry Potter books. He started reading them in August and is already on the 5th book! I LOVE to read - so it thrills me to see him reading so much.

Kyle

Allie is growing so fast . . . can you believe she will be 9 months old next week? AMAZING how time flies when your children are young! Allie is so much FUN and I just love our time together - watching her learn new things. She is pulling up on everything now . . . the couch, the sliding glass door, the crib, my leg . . . she definitely prefers to be vertical and I am fearful she will be walking soon. I just want her to SLOW DOWN! :) She says Mama, Dada, Bye-bye and Mo for Elmo. She claps and waves and when you tell her "NO" she shakes her head no - it is too cute. She doesn't take a pacifier or a thumb or a blanket - but she sure does love her stuffed animals and has to have at least 4 in the crib to go to sleep - with her favorite one being Elmo. Can you believe Allie doesn't have any teeth yet? She is a toothless wonder - but I love her big gummy smile. My girl still loves to eat and we have yet to find something she doesn't like - she eats anything and everything. It's hard to believe that 3 months ago when we brought her home she couldn't even roll over and now she is in constant motion - exploring her surroundings. She has brought so much healing to our hearts and JOY to each day. We are so thankful for the gift of adoption! We just love this little one so much. Here are some pics of Allie . . . standing, clapping, laughing, loving Elmo, wrinkling her nose and being silly!

Wearing her new shirt from my aunt-
I love it!

The boys continue to adore Allie and I get so much pleasure watching them with her. They can be rough-housing or arguing - but the minute they see Allie - they all turn to mush! She brings out the sweet side in all of my boys and I love hearing them talk to her and watching them take care of her. I feel like I am getting a glimpse of the type of father I HOPE they will one day be. They love her so much and are so proud of their sister.

Brandon & Allie

Devin playing with Allie after her bath

Kyle getting attacked by Allie with a big, wet sloppy kiss!

Can you tell he just loves it?

Friday night, Donnie and I attended the Fishermen's Ball - which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. It was our first night out alone since Allie came home - so it was a real treat for Donnie and I to get this time together! :) This event was lots of fun - especially since we got to see many of our friends.

Holly, Sherry, Mary Kay & I at the Fishermen's Ball
We have ALL lost a sweet, amazing child to cancer and I am so thankful for their friendship.

November is National Adoption Month . . . and I can't tell you how glad I am that we took that leap of faith and followed our hearts when we felt led to adopt. There are over 11 million orphans in the world . . . they all need homes and families. I know that adoption is not for everyone, but if you feel led then I encourage you to take that leap of faith. Allie was definitely worth it! Please visit my blogger friend, Angel, who has several wonderful posts on adoption . . . especially read her Sunday (Nov. 11) post and watch the video. So very touching - grab your kleenex and pray for all these beautiful children! I know I wish I could bring them all home!

Ending with a scripture . . .
"This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!"
Romans 8:15-17
The Message

Busy, blessed and thankful,