Apart from our few months alone when Stella first came home, we haven't spent much "fun time" alone. Those first months were filled with charades and tears from a little one who seemed annoyed by coming home with her mom alone - like a punishment. Can you imagine spending day and night with a room full of your peers and suddenly you're thrust into a foreign new life where you're expected to spend hours on end with one adult. And you don't even know that adult. You can't communicate clearly AND you have to watch in utter frustration as the other children in the home are taken to a playtime in a place you desperately long to belong. And so since starting Mother's Day Out in January, our alone time has been somewhat limited. So here we are almost 9 months home and Stella is in need of a hair trim. With some hesitation and self-diagnosed allergy to glitter and boas, we saunter into Sweet and Sassy. She sat perfectly still and concentrated on every move her stylist made. The glitter in the hair. The glittered hearts on her cheek. And then she noticed the birthday party girls dancing on the runway. Nothing could keep her attention quite like that show. She danced. She was in a zone. Completely captivated by their giggles, their sparkly dresses. And then it hit me. This was a first. She loves all things girly, but it's doubtful she had ever seen such a party. She had never been to a shop with all things pink and shiny and fancy. And just like that I forgot about her boundary testing and my own frustrations that she pilfers through my things and looks on with utter disgust when new foods are introduced. I just saw this little girl standing there in complete awe of new and exciting sights. Sure, we won't be back to this special place very often, but it was worth it today. To see this little one experience such sight and sounds. To visit a place that made her feel precious and captured her inner girliness.
What Does the Future Hold?
Scenario #1
Me: (Spying construction near our home) Look over there. I wonder what it is.
Samuel: Maybe a restaurant? Maybe a store? Maybe a street?
Me: It looks like they are building walls, so it's not a street.
Samuel: It could be a street.
Scenario #2
Samuel: (As we're driving home one evening) It is getting dark outside?
Me: Look out the window. Do you think it's getting dark?
Samuel: It is! The sun is going to China.
Stella: No.
Samuel: Yes. The sun goes to China.
Stella: My China?
Samuel: It's not your China. It's everybody's China.
Stella: No, it's my China.
Samuel: God made the sun go to China. He's powerful.
Stella: No, he's not. It not go to China
...and the not-so-friendly discussion continues. Meanwhile, we're laughing and pulling our hair out at the same time. Debates. Arguments. Discussions. Fights. They must be training for something greater!
Webb, Webb, and Webb
Attorneys at Law
Established 2015
They may open a firm together one day, but it's doubtful they will agree. Although, it just might be worth attending court that day to hear what odd "discussions" ensue.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Another Texas first. In Russ' infinite wisdom, he bought us seats with all-you-can-eat goodies. Gee, I'm thankful they didn't weigh us before and after the game. These kids can eat us under the table!
The Newest Rangers Fan
He was all about the hot dogs
His new favorite past-time...crossing his eyes
Corn Fields of Nebraska
And what make a road trip to Nebraska so memorable? I mean, besides the gourmet hot breakfast prepared each and every morning by a smiling new friend. Linda spoiled us all - to the point that we had "Linda Detox" when we arrived back in Texas where we were expected to again care for ourselves and pursue our own entertainment. She has won over these littles! Linda won me over years ago, which is the only reason I'd travel 10 hours in the car with 3 children! That clearly screams "I'm crazy for Linda"...or does it just scream "I'm crazy" in general?
Sister's first pedicure was a hit
And then there was this place with this mousey guy
And we so hated to leave
A Big Decision
There will always be something special about the Nebraska corn fields. The Lord really grabbed the interest of Joey there. We've had several conversations about who Jesus is and how powerful our Lord is. All the kids know that He loves them and wants what is best for them. And Joey's heart had been growing more tender towards God's presence in his life. Sooooo, on the winding roads of Nebraska in the middle of the corn fields and with 2 very inquisitive siblings intently listening, Joey invited Jesus into his heart! My baby made such a humbling decision! We are over the moon excited for him. We are looking forward to helping him grow in this new relationship with the Lord and watching from the front row as God grows this little guy!
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah 6:8
This past month has been super busy with school ending and new adventures beginning. So, happy 10 months home to Stella Alyu! The new discoveries of family life continue. And now we have this big guy above walking into a deeper relationship with his loving Creator. Thank you, Jesus, for touching his heart in such a special way. For sure, many moments to celebrate!
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