My Soccer Sweeties

Yay! We started soccer last week!

Justin's practice began a week before the girls' did. He had 2 sessions before it was the girls' turn to practice. Lexi cried both times. "I want to play soccer game!" In truth, she just wanted to put on the shin guards and special socks. About 15 minutes into her first practice, she told me she didn't want to play "soccer game" anymore. So there you go.

They're just super cute though and, for the most part, they're really enjoying it. However....... it does seem that we'll be needing to work on jumping jacks as soon as possible.

The little guy in the white long sleeve shirt... the one who appears to be swatting at flies... yep, that would be Justin.

Extreme Makeover Russian Edition

What's the deal with kids and the make up obsession?
It seems like every time we visit a friend's house, the first thing Natalie finds is the play make up. We didn't own any make up... until last week, that is. (You can be sure, that I did not make this purchase!)

So, here are my sweet little girls... looking all purple and bruised. Justin did his best to assist with the make up application. I was surprised that he restrained himself from getting all dolled up as well. To tell you the truth, he may have snuck in just a little blush ;)

Scott came home near the end of the makeover session... none too pleased with his black eyed princesses... but he hid it well.

And don't forget about our canine princess. Lexi made sure Molly was beautified as well.

The Obvious Question....

So there I was...... (that's how Scott always starts his good stories!)


Setting: Justin in the bathtub last night.

Justin: Look Mama! I'm swimming!

Me: Good Job. Maybe this summer you can take swim lessons.

Justin: What's that?

Me: You'll go to a big pool and there will be a teacher who shows you how to swim.

Justin: A teacher?

Me: Yes. A swim teacher.

Justin: (thoughtful for a minute)........... Will she have a tail?......... like Ariel?




On a side note. We've yet to go to Disneyland, but somehow the kids know all about this magical place where Mickey Mouse lives. (Perhaps more importantly, where all of the princesses live.) This morning Justin complained, "Mama, everyone gets to go to Disneyland, but not us." Ugh. Don't get me wrong...I'm really looking forward to their first Disneyland experience. I know they'll love it. What I'm not looking forward to? The small fortune it takes to make the magic!

Natalie

This is a little video of Natalie talking about her "Russia House" and becoming a family. We actually showed this at the kids' dedication last week.

It's sweet... but perhaps a bit embellished on her part (as she talks about crying for a family). Justin has very clear memories about meeting us for the first time and then waiting for us to come back. The girls really didn't understand it at the time. However, since we've been home, we've talked a lot about the process. We've prayed for the friends they left behind and hope they will also have a family one day.

Our time with Natalie in the orphanage was actually pretty strained. Mostly, she wanted nothing to do with us. She was very, very quiet and non emotional. Very little eye contact. Very little physical touch. So, while I don't know if she was outwardly "crying for a family" at that time, she certainly was on the inside.

We still struggle with her emotions being authentic sometimes, but one thing is for certain: Our little girl has a forever family. We pray we can be her safe place. The place where she knows unconditional love, experiences healing of past hurts, and rests in the comfort that we are forever.

Lexi's Moves

I forgot I hadn't posted this video. It's almost too dark to see, but the spirit of Lexi definitely shines through.

Oh, how she makes us laugh.

It's All About Perspective

Monday is usually a shopping day. The four of us will either hit Sam's Club, Albertson's, or Target. I never imagined I'd be able to do any kind of shopping with 3 little ones in tow. But, we've got a pretty good system down by now and the kids usually do just fine.

Monday is also usually the day I hear this comment:
You sure have your hands full!

I usually get that at least once.
I smile and nod.
It's true.
(Not sure if the remark is more about the cart full of 3 kids or the fact that I'm trying to push the cart with one hand and one elbow. The other hand is usually occupied by Starbucks.)

However, on a recent Monday, I was stopped by this sweet little woman. She had a very thick accent and some serious crazy old lady hair. She smiled at the kids and patted Lexi's hand. She turned her wrinkled face and kind eyes toward me. I smiled back at her and waited for the inevitable "hands full" comment.

And then she said:
My, you sure have... a lot of help!

For some reason, that really touched me. I just love that she had that perspective. To be honest, it was a little convicting too.

I was reminded of the importance of not taking these little moments with my children for granted. I was reminded that my "full hands" are something to be very, very thankful for.

Dedication Sunday

Yesterday was a very special day for our family. We stood before our loved ones and church family and dedicated our children.

Our Dear Justin, Natalie, and Lexi,

It is our joy and blessing to be your parents. In our hearts, we have always been confident that the Lord has protected and watched over your precious lives. We've never doubted that God has unique plans for each of you. We will continue to trust you to the Lord and guide you in His instruction.

You are supremely loved little ones.

Yours Forever,
Mama and Papa