Baseball

JD has played baseball on a team since he was four (maybe even 3 1/2). We've been on a travel team since he was 6 or 7. We love our team, but we play a bunch of games (almost 60 this season alone). Our team is more than just a team, it's a family. We get to experience life with these folks. They know some of our deepest secrets, they are part of our happiest memories, and some of our saddest personal times. I don't know what I would do if we didn't have these families in our lives. Here are some of his latest (i.e. coolest) shots from this seasons.

Birthdays

Our kids celebrate birthdays within weeks of one another. Louba's is at the end of May, Jules is just a couple weeks later in mid June, and JD has a birthday at the beginning of July. (Emma, my niece's birthday is just a week before Julianne's). We didn't have parties this year because we have been spending so much time at the ballpark with JD's travel team. We had some small family gatherings and the kids got to choose where they wanted to eat. For Louba, she wanted pizza and slip and slide; Jules wanted Mexican; JD wanted Buffalo Wild Wings. And, of course, I made cakes that they picked out. Louba wanted a barbie cake with a pink dress, Jules had a beach themed cake with candy shells, and JD wanted homemade oatmeal cream pies. We didn't go overboard with gifts either. The each received a new bike from us, and a few small things or money from everyone else. All-in-all, I think they still had a good birthday.

First Days of School

Today, Louba went back to school (a couple weeks before the other two go). I have to go back to work a couple days this week, and the big kids are spending those two days with Mom and Dad. These past few weeks have been so busy (more on that later).

Here's our annual first day of school picture of Lou (I'll post the others here in a couple weeks when they start). Louba will be in the pre-K class at her daycare, Jules will be a 2nd grader, and JD will be in the 4th. It's hard to believe I have one that's only two years away from middle school.

Louba loved school today. She was a little apprehensive about going into a new classroom, but went in and did great. Her teacher is the same one JD and Jules both had when they went to the pre-school she's at. She'll have to sign her name in every morning from now on. She told me she learned stuff but didn't know what she learned. She did say she got to play outside which is HUGE for her. (Hopefully, one day we'll have those bangs grown out and loose the 80s ponytail hair-do.) 

Why Me?

I ask this question a lot. Not for pity from anyone, and not that I am angry at anything or anyone. But why did God choose me to parent three of the most precious children in the world? I am not the kindest, gentlest, or even most compassionate person. I am selfish, needy, and like to be left alone. But He gave me three of the most amazing things in the world.

My first born. My all-star. My sweet little man. I love this kid. I love his kind heart, his dirty knees, and the way he holds his sister's hand when she is scared. I love how he gives everything 110%, no matter what it is. I love that he still holds my hand and gives me kisses. He is a helper. He wants to help others. He is learning to serve alongside his daddy at church and that just makes me smile.

1 Corinthians 15:58

So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don't let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

My princess. My dancer. My softball sweetheart. She is FULL of personality. I see so much of me in her and it scares me. She has the most beautiful blue eyes. I love how she tries new things. I love how she makes up songs and belts them so loud. I love that she tries to teach her little sister how to pose for pictures or what she should wear. She is growing up way too fast (and frustrates me beyond belief). She is growing in God and I see how he is truly working on her heart to lead her to Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

My Russian. My unexpected surprise. My smile in the morning. This girl is amazing. She surprises me everyday with the new things she's learned. In four short months, she has learned English, gone to school, and left everything she ever knew to join our family in the US. She loves. She loves to get attention by asking everyone she sees, "What's your name?" or "Whacha doing?" or "Where you goin?" She loves to give me hugs and kisses even when I don't ask for them. She loves her bubba and sissy. I am excited to see what God does with this little one. I know she is going to move mountains with her personality and like-ability.

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 


I am blessed to be the mom of three beautiful children. I am still in awe that my God has given me this amazing gift, one that I am so not deserving of. 

Happy Birthday, Firecracker

 

John David turned nine! Our last year in single digits. He came in with the firecrackers nine years ago today--after 36 hours of labor. But, it wasn't bad. They induced and I laid there for most of it. I pushed for two hours before they decided I needed a C-section. What a wonderful nine years it's been. A few great things about my Johnny D:

*He eats, sleeps and breathes baseball. He's been playing since he was three. For the past three years, he's played on a local travel team. This year, they are awesome--winning most of the tournaments they've played in.

*He loves electronics. Video games, his DSxl, his new ipod touch (he saved and paid for half of it, the other was his birthday present.

*He doesn't love school, and that breaks my heart because I love it so much. He HATES spelling, but does enjoy History and Math.

*He's spending his first week away at camp this year. I really didn't like not being able to see him on his birthday. But, he's having so much fun at camp.