Busy May....

My wonderful husband gave me a mission trip to Costa Rica for my 40th birthday. I wanted another child but working in a mother's home and orphange for a week is right up my alley. I get to go with 19 other women. My friend Marie being one of them.

We also get to go to Disney with 5 other families. Marie (above) and her family (same Marie with Costa Rica), My best friend Trish and her wonderful family and 3 other families who we have been in a life group with for almost 4 years. GOD has blessed us with these wonderful people.

May is going to be filled with a few great journey. This weekend my cousin (who's more like a niece) is getting married in Indiana. The girls get to be in it.

Wordless wednesday......

Too proud....

As many of you know the past 18 months have been a "little" stressful. We have had lots of challenges, changes and life lessons. Through it all, Zach has taken everything in stride. He rarely complains, asks for anything extra or fusses. When he asked to go on a missions trip--we were very excited. We didn't hesitate to say yes, we'll figure it out. He offered to try to raise the money but with everything he's taken in stride--we said we'd figure it out. At Church tonight, he was picked to receive a free mission trip. He was chosen b/c of his attitude and having GREAT potential to change lives of others. We are beyond words. Praising GOD for this gift. There is so much negativity these teens see--seeing him get positive feedback from others warms our souls. Two weeks ago he also got an award from the middle school principal for some of the same character traits. Although he says not to make a big deal---the parent part of us tooo happy, proud, excited and praising GOD from the rooftops for light at the end of this tunnel.

Wordless Wednesday....

Wordless Wednesday....

Girls and their daddy's.....

Sofi kept asking me if she could go on a "date" like mommy with her daddy. James gladly accepted the offer. He called Sofi on the phone to see if she was available. With lots of excitement, she hung up the phone. She then went on the hunt to wear something purple (daddy's favorite color on her). We then had to put makeup on, find a purse and find her "fancy" coat. She waited by door....Her excitement was overwhelming.

They went to DQ for dinner and ice cream. When she came home, she proudly told all of us "this was the besat day of my life" It's all she's talked about all week.....

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless wednesday......

Yes they are OURS....

While out in the "real" world a lady asked me if the girls were mine. I proudfully said YES. Then she asked "do you have any of your own?" I smiled and said "YES these 2 plus 2 boys". I should have walked away b/c I knew what was coming....."Are any of them from you?" GOD gave the next answer....it was out of my mouth before I realized what I said " just like me, my children are all a gift from GOD". She fleed quickly.

For those who don't know, James is a little neurotic. He loves and thrives on order. While in the hotel last week, I heard Sofi say "OH YOU PEOPLE". When I walked out of the bathroom this is what I found.....The shoes, just like HER daddy.

Visit to Shriners in Chicago....

In the hotel room the 3 pre-schoolers found great ways to entertain themselves. Jackie and Luke came to hang out and help with Sofi.

They thought it was funny it was snowing outside and they were swimming.

We got to visit Ikea. It is such a cool place. They have everything and the kids had fun too...

Shriners has been a great experience. They have treated us so well. Lize's care has been amazing! When we got there, I thought it was going to be a quick visit. That was until I mentioned I didn't think Lize was hearing well. At that point they did a hearing test, took x-rays of her ears. When that came not so favorable...they had her see the ENT, Speech therapist and another Audiologist. They spent awhile going over the findings. They have decided to try pressure tubes one more time. If that doesn't work .... then she will be fitted for hearing aides. That is totally not what I expected to hear. I'm so thankfull they caught it.

wordless wednesday.....

Fabulous 40!!

Thanks to you for making this birthday special and not letting me "hide". Your wonderful and I appreciate you bunches. Luv dawn

Wordless Wednesday.....

Lots of fun.....

We have been pretty busy. The girls were sick with ear & sinus infections. We got a snow day. James got "stuck" in Florida on bussiness 6 days (2 extra than we expected). Zach had his worse asthma attack yet but everybody was well enough to have friends over Friday. We had a blast. I LOVE the kaos of having a house full of kids. I was blessed to have my 4, 4 of a dear friend & an extra for good measure. Baby Lauren is cute as a button. Her sisters & brother watch every move she makes.

We decorated cupcakes. Lily did very well.

Sofi and Nora.

Nora

Ring around the toddler.

Pizza anyone?

Snow day.....Will was out all afternoon.

My best friend Trish sent the kids valentines and these adorable outfits. Of couse she made them. She is the most talented person I know.

Lize called to tell "Mst Twis" "ank ooo"

Wordless Wednesday.....

Wordless Wednesday..........

Life is Good...........

Life is good...........

Wordless Wednesday..........

14 and counting.....

I know people say teens are awful and I'm sure it's going to happen sooner or later....but so far it's been a hoot. I'm blessed to have lots of teens in/out all the time. So far I really enjoy them. For Zach's birthday we had a household. They played gestures boys v/s girls. Although the boys didn't care if they lost, they ate up winning. They ate a ton of food and watched movies and best of all, had a huge nerf gun fight. It was great!! None of them ever complain about the younger kids being around.

When I cried after everyone left, being in shock my baby was 14, James reminded me so nicely "YOU KNEW THIS GOING IN" That was also what I got on Wed after freshman orientation....go figure

Everyday fun........

The girls loving playing outside in the "nowe".

1st "bid dirl birtday pawty" with Nora, Lily and baby Lauren. Their friends are waiting for their new brother waiting in China.

We shoulda named Lize "JOY". We are so blessed to have someone in our lives whose this happy and joyful all the time.

The girls got to make build- a- bear for the 1st time ever. They had so much fun thanks to Lindsay and Bill. Sylvia and Vivian showed them the ropes.

Wordless Wednesday............

Blessed

Today I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party with the ladies. At one point I was totally overcome with emotion. The birthday girl Lily who turned 4 is from China, one of her sisters, a friend and my 2 girls are from China. As I'm looking at these 5 ladies today, I realized the miracle I was part of. They are all beautiful, spirited, happy alive girls. These 5 little girls who started out in different women's wombs, in a country they could not remain with their birth mothers were brought more than 15,000 miles to us. They were all playing at a Mc Donalds in WI together. No clue of how much they have changed many lives. Loved by many and right where GOD intended them to be. I thank GOD for the gift of their lives in our hand's.

Wordless Wednesday.......