Local Tourist....

Not that I didn't know it before, but last week when Mike and I took the girls to the beach just to watch the sunset, I realized that I live in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, but I don't get out nearly enough to appreciate it. I decided that from now on I am going to make it a point to take the kids out regularly, so that they don't take it for granted too. It doesn't have to be any big trips, just taking time here and there to get out and appreciate God's handiwork. Watching the sunset was such a simple, yet refreshing thing to do; we drove to the perfect spot, grabbed our blankets, sat the girls on our laps, and snuggled on a log while we watched the sun go down. Today when we went shopping off island, we made sure we stopped for a 45 minute hike on Rosario Beach on the way back. The view from the isthmus was breathtaking, especially with the kayakers paddling by, and the girls loved climbing the rocks (and Josh loved scaring me by hovering too close to the edge of the cliff). We ended our time by skipping rocks and teeter-tottering on driftwood. Can't wait to see where we go next. You should try it....what are you taking for granted in your own backyard???

Three Years Already???

Friday was our three-year celebration of having Jaelyn in our lives, otherwise known as "Gotcha Day!" She has not lost that twinkle in her eye, and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. Here's a picture of the first glimpse we got of her as she came in with the nanny. The poor girl had thrown up on the drive to meet us, and was quite hesitant around us. This is evident in the family photo Kellen took of us. She actually came out of her shell the next day, and has been all smiles ever since.


And here is our sweetie now...

Quadruple blessing....

Today was a day to reflect on my quadruple blessing that God put on me when He chose me to be the mother to four wonderful children. What did I do to ever deserve that? Absolutely nothing, but I'm glad He did.

Following church the family treated me to a wonderful Chinese dinner, then we headed to the Going out of Business sale at Joe's, where I got to pick out my own present:) Actually I'm not sure how this worked out, but everyone seemed to get presents! We then headed to Tulip Town, the only fields still in bloom. The scenery was gorgeous and the family time priceless.

I want also want to take the time to honor my mom and mother-in-law this Mother's Day. My mom has always been there for me, instilled my love of God, and helped me be the confident person I am today. It's been a tough few months for her in losing her mom, and caring for my other two grandparents, but don't worry mom, I'll be there for you someday too:) My mother-in-law raised four wonderful boys (and the twins couldn't have been easy!), and she has always treated me like family. Happy Mother's Day to both my moms!

Lastly, as I prayed with my girls before bed tonight, I thought of their birth mothers (Tummy Mommies as we refer to them) in China. May the Lord bless them and fill them with peace in any void they may feel, in that they chose life for their daughters. I wish I could share my joy with them, but for now I can only offer up a prayer...

Out of denial....

Well after months of telling Mike he needed to get his eyes checked, he finally came out of denial last week! A typical conversation from recent times:
Me: Wow, your eyes sure are red.
Mike: It's from looking at the computer too long.
Me: Yeah, you need to get your eyes checked.
Mike: No, they're just tired because I've been on the computer too long.
Me: Yeah, that's called eye strain, and it's because you need reading glasses.
Mike: No, I just need to give my eyes a break.
Me: muttering stuff under my breath....

So he wants everyone to know "These are only for reading" but he has made progress in admitting he may not be perfect after all:) I have to admit, he does look quite handsome in them.

Starry Night....

Otherwise known as Prom, 2009! Thought my son looked rather dapper in his tux:)

What Tulips???

Our Bi-annual tradition of going to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival with our closest girlfriends was interrupted this past weekend, due to the fact that there were NO tulips in bloom yet. The festival begins on April 1, so obviously our cold spring has messed up Mother Nature. However, we had a good time together regardless. We braved the street fair with three girls five and under (Josh played big brother to all three), took them to a Children's Museum, and had a joint birthday party (Jan.-Apr.-May) since they live far from one another. By the way, if you live near the area, the tulips are in full bloom now!

Busy Weekend....birthday and Easter