My Birthday Boys

We celebrated a late birthday for Moses(August 26th) and Noah's birthday together this past weekend. We had family in town and it was such a special time. It's hard to believe that Noah is 15! We are so proud of how hard he's been working in school these days and really helping out at home. He's been cooking us some amazing meals...does Home Ec have to end this semester??? Moses really enjoyed his birthday party. It was fun to see the excitement in his face at all the "new" experiences. He is a full of life little guy and we are enjoying all these firsts, too! Happy Birthday Boys!

Costumes and Pumpkin Carving

A New Normal

A New Normal For Us Is......
Knowing the PBS kids show schedule for the day
Carrying noodles, rice, or some kind of food on your sock/ foot when you go into the kitchen
Not knowing(me, Julie) if a shower is happening
Having crumbs and cheerios in the car backseat everywhere
Making sure that we have lots of snacks, diapers and entertainment for Moses when we go out
Knowing that toys are going to be out everywhere all the time
(Me, Julie) Trying to get ready with a 2 year climbing all over me
Giggles, babbles and much activity of a very fun boy filling the house
Rocking and cuddling with our sweet boy before he goes to bed
Hearing the sound of all 4 kids laughing in the living room playing
Seeing my kids pull together & help when needed(they really did this before, but have stepped it up)
Letting Hannah stay up later to get some special time alone with Daddy and Mommy
Learning to be very quiet from 1:00-3:00 so Moses will take the best nap possible
Knowing the Wiggles songs again(They stay in your head all day!)
Footie PJs, Onesies, and little socks in our laundry basket
Carrying around Moses because he wants MaMa knowing there is much to do, but this is so much more important

I am sure there is much more to come as we bond as a family of 6. We are so thankful for all these new things!(even the Wiggles again) As I was driving the other day and remembering all the people who gave to help bring Moses to his forever family, my heart was just swelling with thankfulness. Thank you doesn't seem like it's enough. Moses has a Daddy, Mommy, 1 big brother, 2 big sisters, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and many friends who love him dearly. He has an opportunity to walk and run like other kids when he gets his prosthetic leg. But even much more than those things, he will be taught about Jesus and how much He loves him and has a plan for his life! So again, to the people who gave, please remember that you gave for all these things and we are forever thankful to God for you!!!!(If you ever feel led to help families in the adoption process like we just were, you can click on the Show Hope link at the bottom of the blog for more info)

The Fall Favorites

We have introduced Moses to some our favorite fall places this week. He really loved picking apples at Lynd's Fruit Farm. He held on to that apple from the tree and was such a happy boy! I was so glad that we made it there. Last year, we missed apple picking and my kids didn't let me forget it! We also made it  to another one of our favorite places, Freemans's Pumpkin Farm, on Sunday. We loved the hayride, kettlecorn and enjoyed picking out the best pumpkin for us to carve this year.(it's equivalent to picking out the right Christmas tree at our house) Jason also went back to work this week, which was quite the adjustment after having him with us for the last month. We have loved having him home so much. Moses is continuing to bond well with us and we are enjoying the babbles of a little guy in the house!