Trailmix!

The other day Matt had a great idea for our family to each make their own trailmix. So he went out and got all the great ingredients to choose from - M&M's, peanuts, Cheerios, sesame sticks, raisins, banana chips, marshmallows, and goldfish.

The kids thought it was so great to put whichever of the snacks they wanted into their Tupperware containers. Matt finished first and put his lid on and began to shake it to get it all mixed up. Well here's what happened when the kids did what Daddy did......

And here is what Mom has Dad do after that happened

It was a lot fun!! Our house is messy and loud and we love it!!!

Ana's 4th birthday!

Happy Birthday Ana!!!

My baby turns 4 today!! I know I've said it before, but Ana is an amazing little girl!! God has a huge plan for her life. This little girl should honestly not be alive and here today, but she keeps fighting. She has come so far in these last 3 1/2 years that she's been home. She is becoming her own person so much more now. She's still the free spirit she has always been. You can often times find her wearing rain boots on the sunniest of days, three different shirts all at the same time, and usually pants on backwards and shoes on the wrong feet and she loves with her whole heart!

Her words continue to increase all the time (watch the cute video below).

She loves her brothers so much!

With Godmother Heather!

Ana is the best snuggler and Daddy is her favorite to snuggle with!

We still have our hard moments though - sleepless nights, scary medical moments, learning issues, countless doctors and appointments, and the times I watch other moms with their daughters and wish just for a second that my little girl could do what they can do, but I know that Ana was meant for our family. We have learned so much from her and so much about God's love for His children.

With Grandma

Happy birthday Ana!! You bring so much joy into our lives!! We love you so much!

My Catcher!

Okay I just have to share these super cute pictures of Carter. He really enjoys when he gets to be the catcher and he is doing a really good job at it. I just love how natural and cute he looks as a catcher. I have to admit, I have always thought Carter would play shortstop (okay I always hoped he would, it's my favorite position, shortstops are totally cute), but I am really warming up to the idea of him being a catcher..... and okay you guessed it, catchers are cute too!!!

Last day of preschool

Today was Durant's last day of preschool. It has been fun to watch him become more confident with friends and using English. He's really grown up this year! And he just keeps getting cuter and cuter!!!

Durant with his teacher Mrs. Messner

Class picture - Mrs. Messner and Mrs. Berg

Baseball Season again!

Carter started another year of Little League baseball! He is on the Twins again this year. Carter just loves baseball and can hardly wait until the weather gets nice enough to play. He has had two games so far this season and he's doing great (now he has had more, but I'm a little behind on posts).

He had a lot of fun at shortstop. He especially liked being the catcher at his last game. He did so great at it and he looks totally like a natural!

Mother's Day!

I had a very nice Mother's Day on Sunday. Actually because of Matt's work schedule (Sunday is kinda a big day for Pastors) we went out to eat on Saturday night. I chose Red Robin!!

On Sunday morning since Matt left very early for work (5:30am) he had if worked out for my mom to come over in the morning and Carter served us breakfast. He got the muffins and donuts for us and even poured the orange juice.

I got lots of fun presents from all of my kids (even the two in Ethiopia, with a little help from Matt)!!! It was a great day. So crazy to think my last one as a mom of three! Wow!

I could go on and on about how great it is to be a mom!! It's the answer I would give, even as a very little girl, to the question, what do you want to be when you grow up? It's an honor to be a mom and I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be a mom to all these great children!!!

Carter made this for me in art class!

Here's the letter he wrote me -
that would be sweet chocolate bar in case you are wondering!

Of course Mother's Day also holds a little sadness too. I can't help but think of all birth mothers on this day, but I especially think of three birth mothers. My kid's birth mothers. I wonder if their arms ache to hold the babies they gave birth to and I so wish I could let them know they are all okay. I am so thankful to these three wonderful birth moms that will forever hold a special place in my heart. They are brave and courageous women who gave me the best gifts ever!