Frank, February 15th, Fossils & Day 5 of our Journey with the Magi

This mom has been doing A LOT of processing lately–and I wish I could even put into words half of what is going on in my mind and heart. I have heard the holidays does something quite emotional in adoptive moms hearts–and I can’t say those who have gone before me didn’t warn me…but it is very true. More to come on this…don’t even know how to put it all in words yet.

In the mean time…

FRANK…I must tell those of you who are fans of Frank…
There are a few Frank changes that you should be aware of;). He now insists on dressing himself. As if I already didn’t look crazy enough going out in public–he insisted on this get-up (actually not that bad for Frank…I really need to photograph more of his outfit ensembles!)

Frank is also officially in terrible twos. It makes for lots of deep breaths from this mom…but needless to say–you may see more of these new faces…

And this momma does NOT do whining. It amazes me how someone so little can tell when your buttons have been pushed–and they can go from that to this…and win your heart all over again…

February 15th…do you ever have funny goals in your mind that you just hope and pray for. WELL…here’s been mine for awhile…that Isaac would walk by Febuary 15th. The first picture we have of our little guy was taken at Hannah’s Hope on February 15th. It is NIGHT and DAY to how amazing he looks now…and in my heart–I just have been hoping he would walk by that day. Just wanted you to know:). He is starting to get braver and let go for a minute but the minute he realizes no one is holding him…KER PLOP he goes. We still do physical therapy every Wednesday morning because of his hypotonia–but he is making quick progress…SO I’m hopeful he just might take steps by February 15th:). Just had to write that date down so it’s documented:).

Fossils…SOOOO…some times I like to pretend I homeschool. Not sure I could REALLY do it…but some times I like to pretend and see if I could. SO…we spent yesterday learning about archaeology and what fossils are…what archaeologists do…etc, etc. Then I gave them pieces of “earth” to chip away at and showed them how archeologists chip away at fossil sites and carefully brush dirt away. They had so much fun! Check out my little archaeologists!

Richard came home from work to see a pile of sand and chipped pieces on the kids table…which made him laugh because he realized I was playing homeschool again:).

and…

Day 5 of the Journey with the Magi
Tonight on our journey with the Magi—we did more talking and thinking with the children. We read Matthew 2:10-11a “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him…” I can’t wait to explain tomorrow the importance of each gift–but tonight I wanted to just reflect with the children on their seeing Jesus for the first time…what that must have been like…and how it led them to worship. I asked the children how they worship Jesus. In my mind–I thought they would say, “You sing!” But, instead they surprised me. Laney said, “You worship him by how you treat others, by your kindness, by being friends with all kinds of people and loving.”

Out of the mouths of babes. Love when your five year old leaves you speechless and you feel the devotional time is done and YOU have just been ministered to. I had planned for us to sing songs together because I was sure that would be their answer…but instead we sang just one song AFTER we talked more on how we can worship Him. So precious. We wrote down the ways we saw Jesus today–and they kids put the Magi under the Christmas tree:)…because tomorrow they will give the gifts they brought for Jesus. Thankful we are doing this with the children after Christmas.

Last but not least…a recipe you MUST try!a family friend was over for dinner the other night when I realized it was his birthday! SO…I whipped out a quick cookie cake and it was absolutely too delish not to share! The recipe is here. You MUST print it out and save if for later!!! SO GOOD!!!

“White Chip Chocolate Cookies”
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by well-rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.