play date

It's Sunday night, and Wednesday's coming! We fly out this week. I've been packing, but you know, a girl has to take a break and blog now and then. Maybe I'm in denial about how much work there is to be done yet! Don't get me wrong, I'm SO excited about going back to Asia. But it's bittersweet. Partially because I've been so spoiled. I've loved being around our families so much. And, I've had the privilege of living around my bestie for 9 months. We've had baby showers, play dates with our toddlers, coffee at Daybreak, and after-kids'-bedtime phone calls. We've both moved from being families of 3 to families of 4. It's been a gift. Saturday we met at the park for one last play date with Kristen, Carter, and Evyn. It was a precious time. I'm telling you, if these kids ever get married to each other we have lots of good photos for the rehearsal dinner.

I KNOW! Too cute.

I love you, K!!!

All in the family

We had a special Mother's Day this year. Trinity was dedicated to the Lord, and our family had 4 generations together at church. After worship, Papa Jim and Kevin had pre-ordered Chili's for all of us (take-out), so we had a fabulous meal at home and no one had to cook! One of my favorite parts of the day was the fact that Grace, no less than 20 times, said, "I have a secret for you, Mommy..." and then she whispered in my ear, "Happy Mother's Day!" Melted my heart. I think Granna enjoyed some good snuggle time as well. 4 generations...Trinity is sleeping under the prayer shawl she received at her baby dedication. Such a special keepsake!

And all 16 of my family members got together last week. With 8 grandkids playing together in 1 house, you might call it a little bit of controlled chaos. Papa Jim and Granna worked really hard to make it a special gathering. Here are all the grandkids together...(my brother Chad and his wife Erin have baby #4 on the way, which will make grandbaby #9!)

And here's the whole crew: Papa Jim, Granna, Chris and Angela (my sister), Alayna, Caleb, Ava, Chad (my brother), Erin, Max, Anna Kate, Jake, and the 4 of us. Erin set the timer and took a great photo!

Heard around our house this week

Aren't kids funny? I love how their little brains process the world around them. Grace makes us laugh all the time, and after weeks of saying, "I should write it down," this week I actually did write down a few of her funnies.

• "Jesus had a dog...his name was Bingo."
• (While walking outside on a sunny day) "It's spicy outside!"
• "I'm not a silly-willy, I'm a gooly-wooly."
• (While talking to her Granna who didn't feel well): "Jesus will help us feel better."
• "Sometimes gorillas like to play with toys."
• "Daddy is a strong, strong boy!"
• (As she walked in on her daddy in the bathroom:) "Daddy, are you tinkling with your pants on?!"
• Today, she put a wet-wipe on her head and pretended to be Mary. "I'm Mary wet-wipe!" This was followed by the first line to "Mary did you know?"
• Also today, Kevin was talking about the joys of Mexican food and especially the poblano pepper. All of a sudden Grace blurted out, "His name's not poblano, his name's Papa Jim!"

catching up

Where to begin? We are down to days now before returning to Asia. (At least we THINK so.) We are still taking care of a few medical procedures for Grace and should be on our way soon. On a side note: You know you have lived overseas when your child has blood work done and some doctors think perhaps she has had a parasite so they give her medication for said parasite which tastes pretty yummy and one morning you hear your daughter say: "Daddy, can I have my mebendazole now?" We've had more family gatherings these last 2 weeks. Last week Kevin's family was in town, and this week my family has gotten together. I do love the fact that Grace now knows all her aunts, uncles, and cousins well in addition to her grandparents. What a gift! Last week's family gathering came together beautifully. Kimberly was delayed just a bit heading back overseas, so she was able to join us one more time. And, Kevin's brother Steve and his wife Crystal made it to Lubbock to meet Trinity. Cousins Alicia and Ariel were missed but Grace had LOTS of adult attention that week. After the cruise debacle of 2008, it was nice to get most everyone together again. These pictures come to you courtesy one Crystal Godin. She's a great photographer! Nana and Grace on a walk Uncle Steve is great with babies! You'd think he's done this before or something!

Aunt Kimmy goes to great lengths to make Trinity smile.

Keeping Trinity warm at the park

Kimberly knitted this sweet hat for Trinity!

chubby cheeks

If you come visit us in Lubbock and if you are so chosen, Grace will invite you to her room to play on her bed. And she'll expect you to stay there quite a while. Here's Crystal as the chosen one (or "victim"), whichever you prefer.

One morning we ventured to the Buddy Holly museum to learn all sorts of random fun facts about the guy. He was born and raised right here in Lubbock. We're now much more educated on all things Buddy.

On another note, today is Kevin's 34th birthday! I love you babe! Happy birthday!

More pictures soon...

photo shoot with Granna, Papa and the cousins

Captured by Cassandra in March...(Trinity was 13 days old.)

the Missouri crew

Our one regret during our Stateside time is that we didn't make it to my grandpa's farm. Between our fall travel schedule and Trinity's arrival, we couldn't make it to central Missouri. BUT, my grandpa, aunt, and cousin came to see us last weekend. And get this, Grandpa flew for the first time in his life at age 83!! We were so proud of him and honored that all 3 came to see us! My dad called Southwestern Airlines ahead of time to notify them of Grandpa's first flight, and they announced it on the airplane before take-off. I hope I'm that open to trying new things at 83. Grace kept saying last weekend, "He's MY Grandpa."

It was wonderful to see Aunt Betty (my dad's sister) again.

The ladies from Grandpa's church (Trinity Church) made a precious blanket with Trinity's name on it!

Poor Daniel was sick almost the entire time but was really a trooper about it all. He flew for the first time, as well!