Weekly Round-Up

I have been sick with some kind of sinus-coughing-virus. For 10 days. I went to work everyday anyway, because Lilah will have surgery in June and she has pre-op appointments next week and I will have to miss work for those. And I brought the girls to the Y for their gymnastic and hip-hop classes and to the pool, because it's been so hot here--95 degrees right now. Otherwise, my mom has held down the fort. Thank you!

So what else has been going on?

We have entered the teen years in this house--not officially yet, as Maddie won't be 13 until July--but I felt "Christened" into the role as the mom of a teen on Wednesday when I arrived at Maddie's school to pick her up and noticed that she had adjusted the hem of her skirt. When I bought it for her, it was calf length. When I picked her up she had lifted the waist so high, the hem hit mid-thigh. Yeah. And she was wearing heels, too. Sigh. Standing next to her was her good friend whose skirt was also at half-mast. Also heels. When I spoke to Maddie about her attire she was like, this is the length all of us wear our skirts. Maybe I'm a little too conservative? Probably, but we're going to have to come to a compromise. Today, I picked her up and she was wearing flip flops and a skirt that hit her knees. Totally appropriate. I'm sure, though, that the testing has only begun.


A very tragic accident at our high school yesterday. One child killed another in critical condition and another responsible for it. The news vans--seven of them when I left for work at 6:00 this morning and six of them when I came home this afternoon--are piled up around the school. We are all wearing blue today.

Signed the youngest two girls up for swim classes--they start next week. Ava wants to swim without floaties by the time we go to Disneyland in August. I really think she'll get there.

Got Lilah to bed at 8:15 last night! A big accomplishment for us. She needs the sleep and if she's up too late she's on sensory overload and becomes a little aggressive and totally disconnects to where it's hard to reach her. So I'm trying to get her to bed by 8, read or play go-fish and then lights out. The problem is that she usually fights going to sleep (but sleeps so well once she is out). Swimming is helping, though, and I'm hoping to use these long months of summer to reset her internal sleep clock!

Pictures, I know. But I don't have any to share today--you know, cause I've been sick. We have lots going on this weekend, though, so stay tuned:)

One More Time?

I'm thinking about it. Praying over it. I feel He's calling me back to China and to a little girl in particular. She is beautiful, of course. Already 3 years old. But her file is skimpy and her medical need a little scary--yes, that from a Mama who adopted a babe with a very serious and complex heart condition in addition to three other needs....But I'm a single Mama with 3 kids already and while I know God does not bargain, I keep trying to call Him to the table. I have a list of musts and worry these could get in the way of something glorious. Still, I keep telling myself I'm not moving forward until I can. Until at least a few of what I consider needs are met. Until, at least, I feel Him telling me, Go. Go now.

In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to ask for an update from the orphanage, for a more complete medical and developmental profile. . .right?

Sundays. . .And We Know How To have Fun

Small Town Rodeo Parade

Maddie rode on the float for her school.

She and a friend went together. It was hot and long, but they were smiling.

The rodeo queen.

A couple of clowns.

And something not so funny, but I was happy to see it in the parade.

Spring Break, Take 2

How did we spend our staycation?

Our new purchase. Much fancier than anything I've ever owned. The girls are loving it.

Those are blankets they've made and are now tacking. Lilah made one too, but I was busy watching little fingers and couldn't grab my camera.

We've also been gardening--a container garden because nothing grows in this desert soil.

And so far so good. We've been at it about a month now and have roses and veggies going.

There are 40+ blossoms on this rose bush!

And peer closely--that's a tomato blooming on Lilah's plant.

But now it's back to school and homework.

Really. But. . .

You can have a few more minutes on your tablet before we read, "A Hat for Silly Cat."

Mixing it Up at the Yogurt Shop

I tried to get a decent shot. . .

 if all three would just look at me and smile. . .1,2,3. . .

 but I received little cooperation. . .

 and then, in order to keep the peace, had to cut Nana out of this photo (the decision was unanimous:)

but still, I think I got one good shot of everyone, just not in the same picture!

Happy Easter!

Yesterday, we dyed the eggs (then continued our marathon spring shopping adventures--a painful experience for those of us who are not shoppers (me and Ava--sigh). Three girls with matching growth spurts plus the belief that along with spring cleaning and the new life celebration of our Christian holiday we replenish our wardrobes has resulted in some updated looks for my girls.

A serious pose.

Mixing it up a little.

See a theme here? Bows and sewing tools--we ordered a new sewing machine and the girls are taking lessons.