My Girls and I

Before Addison came home Riley and I use to have a date once a month, and we would go to Starbucks for "Coffee" and breakfast, after we dropped the boys of for school on a Friday morning. It is something we always looked forward to, just the two of us. We would go to Riley's favorite location (one looking out on Bear Creek walking trails) sometimes the trees would be full of leaves, or full of snow, or full of beautiful orange leaves. And we would find two cozy comfy chairs in the window and enjoy the view and have a lovely conversation over breakfast.

Well Riley brought up how much she missed that.....and really so have I, so I suggested that we go with Addison as well. Riley loved the idea and off we went yesterday morning. This location is usually really quiet in the morning at 9AM, you mostly see people in the drive thru or running in for coffee on their way to work, so we basically had the whole place to ourselves. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves Riley was thrilled that we got her favorite seats, and Addison loved watching the cars go by through the window, I, well I enjoyed watching my girls. Sometimes I forget to see things through their eyes. Riley was trying to "be and adult" with her legs crossed and a napkin in her lap. Addison was in awe that her hot chocolate came in a "coffee cup" just like Mom's. They were perfect little ladies. We enjoyed the beauty of all the leaves that are now mostly on the ground and talked about what we had to do that day. It was a magical little moment where both the girls got along and didn't interrupt each other for my attention. It was as close to perfect as one can hope for. I now look forward to this monthly date with my girls:)

Here are some more pictures of the girls from our sneak peek of the photo session we had a few weeks ago, I can't wait to see them all a pick a few shots for canvasses!

X ray Results

I have never been so happy to hear that Nathan has another fracture! Yep, Nate some how fractured his femur quite high up near his hip, however it didn't break all the way through the bone just part way, to where his rod is. The rod doesn't appear to be shifting (Yay!) Our Nate boy will have to take it easy for at least a week, and then we will have him Xrayed again. The rod is doing its job, so we don't really need to immobilize it......not sure how trick or treating will go? As long as it doesn't rain he could ride in his wheelchair. So we will hope for NO SNOW :) I am so very, very thankful that this wasn't something more serious! I didn't even want to imagine how we would cope with him having surgery, as Nate's surgeon is across the country in Montreal! There is no way we could bring all the kids, and finding childcare for 3 kids for 3 weeks is a little daunting to say the least! Thank the Lord this is nothing I need to think about right now :) Also I am so ridiculously grateful for my dear friend Trina, she took my girls twice in the last 3 days so I could focus on Nathan and his appointments. This was the first time I have left Addison with someone, and it all worked out well! Yay! Thanks Trina for being such a wonderful, special, amazing friend!

Doctor Called

So the doctors office called on my way out to get the kids from school. They couldn't get Nathan in this afternoon to see the doctor, so we are to head in first thing tomorrow morning as the doctor wants too see him. All I am going to say is the only other time the doctor wanted to "see" us first thing the next morning, was when they finally figured out Nathan's diagnosis. I am a little worried.....however this is a new doctor, so maybe it is nothing? Really worrying won't change anything. I just keep thinking don't let it be surgery, because that is really not conducive to attaching and bonding with our lil Miss Addy! We will find out tomorrow, I pray its nothing....or a microfracture, please,please don't let it be the rod! God knows all and sees all, so I trust in Him to lead us through whatever might happen tomorrow. It will be nice to take a look at the X ray and see whats going on with that leg.

On a lighter note I sure am loving these pictures! The first one is when the boys asked our photographer "can you take a picture of our light saber battle?" When Nathan saw this photo this morning he said "Saweet, you definitely have to blow that one up Mom!" I had a good little chuckle, boys will be boys! The second picture I think is just too sweet, Nate and Josh are bestfriends I hope they will stay that way their whole lives. The boys have such a tight bond, sometimes we hate to have friends over because it actually causes more fights, as then one of them is left out!

Sneak Peek of Kids Pictures

I'll do a post latter and add some more of the pics! Thanks Dara I am loving them :)

Nathan's Gift & X-Ray

Last Friday was Jersey day at school. Nathan had planned on wearing one of Josh's Hockey Jerseys. When we arrived at school Nate's teacher pulled me aside and whispered "A teacher on staff wanted to give this jersey to Nathan as a gift, and they would like to do so anonymously." Nathan was so very excited! We don't really follow hockey until the Stanley Cup finals, however if you were to ask Nathan what his favorite team was. He would say Calgary. This gift truly made his day! And had me a little weepy. How do you thank someone who would wish to remain anonymous? Our family is so blessed with a wonderful school full of amazing staff. I wish I could thank this person for making my boys day, and surprising him!

On another note. Nate has been suffering from some hip/femur pain for the last few weeks. Howard made sure they Xrayed him in Montreal, and we were suppose to hear back from Nathan's orthopedic surgeon with the results. We have not. I didn't really expect to unless it was serious. However for the last two days he could hardly walk and we have been medicating him around the clock. This morning we made the decision to have another set of Xrays done and see if something is wrong with his rod in that femur. I hope to hear back from the doctor today. I also put a call in to the ortho and physio in Montreal. We are seeing him unable to do things he was once able to do, and he is spending an awful lot of time in his wheelchair. It tears my heart up to see him suffering in pain, and not being able to keep up to even his 2 yr old sister when she runs. I just want to fix him, and make it all better. I think the hardest part is not knowing what is causing this setback. I find that the not knowing what is wrong creates alot of anxiety. If it were broken we could address that, but constant pain with no diagnosis is frustrating. I strongly believe no Mom should ever have to watch their child suffer, however we live in a broken world and many of us do. I cling to the hope that one day Nathan will get to heaven and he will be able to run fast and be pain free, he won't have a limp and nobody will make fun of him. And I will be their to celebrate and rejoice with him. I also rely on prayer, that God hears me as I cry out to him and ask for healing of just even the pain Nathan is suffering from these last few days. There are days when I feel I can handle all that osteogenesis imperfecta can throw at us, and then there are days when I feel as broken and overwhelmed as the day Nathan was diagnosed. Today is one of those broken and overwhelmed days, however I know that God is with us right now and knows my every fear for Nathan. So that is what I will choose to focus on.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 1:11

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

How do they know?

Its been snowing on and off since Friday night. We are in that in between stage where it won't really stick because its too warm, yet it is cold enough to snow. I am not sure if Addison has ever experienced snow before...another thing that makes a Mom feel odd (wondering if snow is a new experience for her 2.5yr old!) Anyways on Saturday morning when we woke up, there was still snow on the ground and enough to just cover the grass, all the kids wanted to go out and play in the yard, so after 30 minutes of suiting everyone up, out they went. Addison took one look at the snow and panicked! Poor thing! She watched the kids make mini snowballs from the window inside, and was very happy to be warm :0)

This morning I had some running around and it was snowing again. Those big kind of fluffy flakes. Well I don't know if its innate in all children, but Addy knew to stick out her little tongue and catch them! Her giggle and amazement was so heart warming! I had to just stop in the middle of the parking lot and enjoy watching her delight in the tasty snowflakes.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it ~Psalms~ 118:24~

Kyla's 3rd Birthday!

Our sweetest most favorite Kyla had her 3rd Birthday this week, and Kristin had Addison, Riley and one other friend over to celebrate today. She had a dress up tea party, where the girls enjoyed crackers & cheese, juice, necklace making and cupcakes. We love,love,love Kyla! I feel like she is my niece, I want wonderful amazing things for her life. It was so amazing for us to travel with our friends Jon & Kristin to China, and meet our daughters on the exact same day in different Provinces. I believe it is a connection our families will have forever. Kyla is doing so well at home. She and Addison are such huge blessings to both of our families.

Mmmm! Cupcakes! I think this was a first for Addison (the whole birthday party thing) She seemed quite amazed by it all.

Our fashionista Riley, I think I forgot to mention yesterday how many outfits a day this girl seems to be going through right now! I am praying its a phase :)

Addy checking out her "neck aaa lis" (necklace) She was quite proud of this little craft.

Our two little China girls making crafts, Addy was checking out how it was done, Kyla is pro at this! Kristin and I had a good laugh at the matching halloween dresses the girls ended up in. Really it wasn't planned :)

The girls had a wonderful time, however Addison was a little sad to give up her present to Kyla :) She wanted to keep it for herself! I will have to make note of that and pick the same set up for her, for Christmas.

Grandma's Visit

My Mom was here to visit for a few days, now that they are living in FSJ for the year they are only 2 hours away! So we will be enjoying monthly visits from my Mom and hopefully my Dad. Although he is very busy with the shut down at Canfor.
Anyways I was really happy to see my Mom, because I struggle with my weight....I have since I had Nathan, and for some reason I have totally fallen off the wagon! Its not that I don't know how to eat clean and exercise. I truly do, and had excellent examples of a healthy lifestyle growing up. There is just some disconnect for me.....maybe I feel like its too much trouble to look after myself, although typing that makes me shake my head! So my Mom helped me to really get back on track! I have been back to the eating clean for the last 5 days, and I am starting to feel a little better. Also while my Mom was here we made sure we got out for some cardio exercise everyday. The pictures below are from one of our walks. As you can see it has gotten cold here. It was -4 yesterday morning and we had to bundle Addy up in her snowsuit. She was still cold! Poor little girl....this weather is nothing compared to January weather!

Grandma and her girls! Both Riley and Addison love my Mom! They love the extra time she has for them. I think that is the special thing about Grandparents, they get what is really important, and have the time to really pour into their grandchildren. I know my Grandma's were the same way with me as my Mom is with my girls. Grandma's and Grand daughter's there is just some very special bond.

Haha! You can see that we live in a new neighborhood! Our neighbors haven't sodded their yard yet!

Also this week I started on the 2nd chapter of a book that a group of ladies and I are getting together to chat about every Thursday morning. Today there were 4 of us, and it was really good for me! The book is one I have read before and blogged about it is called Waking the Dead by John Eldridge. I think all of us this morning had some "aha" moments! And I came to realize how passionate I am about other believers taking the time to feed their souls through God's word. So that they can live more fully for the Lord, and in turn feed and lead others to Christ. I am so blessed to have some wonderful women who are also passionate about the Lord in my life to support and encourage me. Right now I am unable to fully be "there" for our church services, because I have the cutest 2 year old to ease into her new life. We still attend every Sunday, however I am not getting much from the message. With this in mind I have come to realize how important it is for me to take responsibility for my own spiritual growth, with quiet time, reading my bible, prayer, book studies and service. I am just so grateful to have other women to encourage and hold me accountable!

The kids are all doing well. Addison's English and understanding of the English language astounds me almost daily. I can truly say I almost forget what life without her was like. She brings such laughter, joy and a lightness to our family, how did we survive without this? I haven't seen her be overly aggressive in quite some time, which is huge! Espically for Riley! She is counting to 10 in English and knows many of her body parts. Addy's appetite is what I would consider normal. She eats almost everything put in front of her and knows to stop when she is full. Things feel so "normal" sometimes I forget she was only adopted into our family 3 months ago! Riley is getting use to having a little sister, I think she was always meant to be an older sibling, as she is certainly a nurturer. She loves going to Kindergarten and learning, although she is very tired the rest of the week! Joshua is enjoying school. He is still struggling with his language arts skills, and that is hard for a Mom to deal with. I feel like we have tried everything! He excels in Math and Science, but Reading is just tough for him! This year we are really focusing on Joshua's organizational skills. What was that? Did I hear you more experienced Mom's laughing at me? I know it maybe a battle that I won't win, but I want to at least help him with those skills :) Nathan is liking school. He seems to be doing well in most of his subjects. Nathan won the position of Vice President of his student council for the whole elementary school. He has been busy with preparing a PowerPoint presentation on the schools world vision sponsor child and planning various fundraisers and schools activities. I am really proud of him! This is something he can really do, and not be held back because of his disability! He is a gifted encourager and leader, and does a great job of public speaking.

Well my short little post became a novel! I have missed blogging! And following the other blogs that I so love. We have a busy next couple weeks coming up. Howard maybe looking at some changes at work, I am overseeing a 3-6yr old Harvest Party at our church, a trip to my sisters (hopefully) and many kids activities. I will really work at keeping my lil blog updated :0)

This & That

So we have been a bit busy. Busy doing what you ask? Well.....I'm not quite sure! However it translates into very little time for blogging!
We booked Fall pictures of the kids last week, and I am really excited to see how they turn out. We loved our photographer, and the kids had a blast! Below is a picture of Josh as we waited for our photographer to meet us at the turn off to my best friends farm....needless to say he wasn't very excited for pictures, or waiting:0)


I have been cooking up a storm! It has cooled off here significantly. So we have been enjoying soups and stews. Yum-o! Here is a the best darn stew I have ever made with whole wheat buns. This is the link for the recipe. I changed it a bit I used a Shiraz instead of Burgundy and I added some flour to thicken at the end.
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/the-ultimate/beef/stew-recipe2/index-html



Riley and Addison were my helper girls for our Thanksgiving dinner. We had a Roast instead of the traditional turkey on Sunday night, with just the 6 of us, then on Monday we had an amazing turkey dinner with Jon and Kristin (our friends who travelled to China with us for their adoption)

Here is our Sassy Addy not a very good quality picture, however it captures her personality perfectly :0)

Things are going well here. And I will be sure to share our Fall pictures on the blog once I get them.

Airplanes

I don't think I mentioned this to anyone when we arrived home. However last night when I was laying down with Addy at bedtime, an airplane flew over our house and she said "bump, bump, bump.... Mama's got you."
I was a little shocked! See when we were a couple hours from Vancouver on our long flight from Beijing we hit some unexpected turbulence. We had also just been served breakfast, I had a cup of hot coffee and she had orange juice we had just open, and all hot food on our trays. Plus Addison was in one of those toddler seat belts that attach to the parents seatbelt, however she freaked everytime she realized I had her belted up, so it was done up really loosely around her. And then these turbulence hit and I was taken a little off guard as I tried to tighten her seatbelt and protect her from the spilling hot coffee. I could see she was panicking and I told her " Its ok, Mama's got you." as she scrambled into my lap. I remember thinking I would never forget how she looked at me with such trust and relaxed the moment she was in my arms, however I never thought she would remember that experience. It obviously had terrified her as I remember the terrified look she had. It so amazing to me she would remember that! And recall exactly what I said to her!

Gosh I love her, she is so smart and lovely and trusting and precious! How could we have lived 2 years without her?

One Less

http://player.vimeo.com/video/15064039

I was all tears and goosebumps after watching this video! Another lady who blogs posted this video on her blog, and has now anounced they are starting their 3rd adoption! Yay! They have 5 children at home now and will be bringing their daughter home hopefully within the next year!

Wow!

One Less! The song is so true, it is so much easier to ignore the orphans when we don't know their names. Howard and I both knew that on our trip to China that we felt that we were not done yet.....what does that mean? We are not sure! It could be doing some short or long term missions with our family, it could be another adoption, it could be financially supporting some special needs orphanages....it could mean....

All I know is I only have one life and I am not willing to waste the time I have here on this earth!