Judah stands!

My 9-month-old stands for about 10-15 seconds! :) He also learned how to hug by putting his head on the shoulder of the person holding him.

This is what I found yesterday morning after I came back to the dining room from getting changed in my room. That Jadon is always messing around! And Judah suffers...or profits from Jadon's lack of discretion.

into September...

I gotta say I love the routine of school finally starting this week! We started 10th grade, Kindergarten, and Preschool. God has given me the wonderful opportunity of homeschooling Josiah this year. Don't know if we'll continue, but we'll take it one year at a time.

As we were doing some school work yesterday, we had a little conversation:

Me: Do you like that I'm your teacher?
Josiah: Yeah, I wish you could always be my teacher.
Me: Do you like me being your teacher better or going to preschool?
Josiah: I like it here because I can have a lollipop. (while doing his work)

It has definitely been a challenge trying to get organized. I still haven't succeeded, but thankfully the Lord gives grace! I just hope Josiah learns all he's supposed to learn this year. :)

Jadon loves Mrs. Perrin, his new preschool teacher. Yesterday he told me he played with a new friend named Sophia.

Our daughter "Jerry" has been making tons of friends at her new school. Praise God! We're so happy she's enjoying her "white" school. Hehe. Last year she went to a predominantly Asian high school so she wasn't sure what to expect.

Little Judah had to go without my milk for the past few days. Poor guy is all out of sorts with gross diapers, etc. Since I had to get a radio isotope injected in me on Wednesday for a few diagnostic scans, he couldn't drink my milk. Hopefully he will get better soon. No more pumping beginning tomorrow! Yay!

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One night this week after Josiah showered, I threw his robe on him and he told me to dry his head first.

Josiah: "Baba said always to dry my head first, not my legs."
Me: (laughing) Baba has all sorts of rules, huh?
Josiah: Yeah, sometimes he's wrong; sometimes he's right.

I got such a kick out of that! Jer cracked up when I told him later on.

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Me: What's our state flower?
Jerry: Cauliflower, right?
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Jer has been working so hard these days. September and October are really busy for him at work. It works out perfectly that he drops Jerry off at school, then heads off to work early for some uninterrupted time to get things done! I love my husband.

Tomorrow is our 11-year anniversary of the day we started dating. Yes, 9/11. Not a wonderful day to remember since 2001, but still our anniversary. My how the Lord has grown us through marriage and life! Who knew we would argue a lot? Who knew we would have sadness? Who knew God would put in us a desire to foster children? Who knew we would have a family of 6 in our house right now? Who knew God would strengthen our love for each other more than we had ever known before? Who knew our youngest son would have Baba's exact dimples? GOD knew!

I love you, Jer Bear! Thank you for loving me and putting up with me all these years. :)

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Been working on our Japan photo book the past few days. It's fun to relive the memories of our March trip with Judah. Felt like another honeymoon since we were able to pick up and go as we pleased!
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Excited about CBS starting next week! I absolutely love this local Bible Study and how God uses it to keep me accountable to reading His Word. Forgot what we will be studying this year... The boys love it, too, since the children's program is like a preschool Sunday School. They are split up by age and the lessons are written accordingly. Their teachers pray for them each week and truly love their little souls.


...no photos this time. just many thoughts...

What a waste

"What a waste," Josiah commented as he walked into the bathroom and probably noticed that Jadon left a bunch of toilet paper in the toilet.

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"Why does Baba not want you to go to sleep?" Josiah asked when I told him I didn't have a good night's sleep. I told him that it was probably too much caffeine in the drink that I drank. Jer had bought me and J a boba drink the night before.

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Wow, it's been quite busy! 3 little boys and a teenage girl doesn't leave room for much free time. We're enjoying everyone, though!

another tangent...

As I was helping Jadon (age 3) finish lunch today, he said:

Jadon: I want to wash the dishes!

Me: Ok, one day you can wash all the dishes and I won't have to anymore. Would you like that?

Jadon: Yeah!

Me: *chuckle*

Josiah chimes in: And then you won't have anyone to take care of anymore...except Judah. THEN you can have another baby!

Me: *laughing* You'd like that, huh?

Josiah: Yeah, I want a girl.

Me: Well you'll have to ask God because I'm not in charge.

Look-alikes

I bet you all wish they would dress like this everyday so you can tell them apart! :)

It did it by itself!

One morning while we were still asleep, Jadon walked in and stood next to my side of the bed.

J: My pants are wet.
M: Oh no, did you pee in your pants?
J: No.
M: Did you pee in your bed?
J: No, it did it by itself.

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Date nights were a distant memory for Jer and me until last week. Jer collaborated with Todd, asking him to babysit every couple of weeks or so. I started seeing random dinner dates posted up on my google calendar that Jer and I share. Hmmm...we've never talked about going out, I thought.

Last week was our first date night and will be followed by more every couple of weeks or so. What a sweet husband I have! Thanks so much, Jer! It gives us time to re-connect without the distraction of tending to our little ones' needs.

The night began with Jeremy being awarded a photography prize at the Placentia City Council meeting. We never even knew this room existed!



The council was gracious and presented the awards at the beginning of the meeting so we were able to leave without having to sit in on the rest of the political matters. :) Our friend Thea urged Jer to enter by bringing the entry forms to our house. Thanks, Thea! Here are the first-place winners in each category and division:



After the award presentation, we went to Wood Ranch for dinner. I had a yummy prime rib, although nothing beats the prime rib at The Shadows! Jer had ribs and something else that was also enjoyable. I love my husband!

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My first little baby boy is done with preschool. His last day was Thursday and all the families were invited for a hot dog lunch. Josiah had so much fun this past year with Mrs. Killian and his new friends. Now homeschooling Kindergarten awaits me. We'll see how it goes. I trust God will give me whatever it takes to teach this little boy and guide him in the ways of the Lord. I will be on my knees!

And the winner is...

...my wonderful husband Jeremy! He won 1st place for the People & Animals division in the City of Placentia Photography Contest! Here is the winning photo: