Missing You

Two years ago, we spent the day

together. We went to a museum,

bought grab bags, and

ate a picnic together.

Sometimes it feels like so

much more than two years.

Sometimes it feels like so much less

than two years.

I miss the normal things of life.

I miss the parks, museums, picnics.

I miss the kids yelling,

"Oma, Oma, watch this"

I miss you watching what they were doing.

I miss the joy on their faces as they

ran to you.

I miss the joy on your face as you saw them running

towards you.

I miss the little things. The days that were

special just because they were days

we spent together. I miss all of the days

that you won't spend with us.

I miss all of the parks that we'll visit

without you.

I miss all of the things that we'll do without you.
I wish that we could have done more.

I wish that you'd never gotten sick.

I wish the kids were saying,

"Oma guess what. Oma look at this.

Oma I love you."

I wish you were here to watch them grow up.

Mom, I miss you so much.

Trenton Falls

Three times a year, Trenton Falls is open to the

public.

Once a vacationing hot spot, the

falls is now part of a power company.

The hotel is long gone, and all that

remains of the family that ran this vacation destination

are some markers in a grave yard.

The falls are beautiful.

Despite the fact that we really needed to do some

work around the house, Jon and I loaded up

the kids to enjoy a Saturday hike.

It was a perfect day to explore, laugh,

and make memories together.
Our house, and the work that goes with it,
will be around forever. Our four children
will only be this age once.
What a fun day we shared together as a family.

A Magical Kingdom

My kids love playing outside.

Yesterday, I stepped out the back door

into their kingdom.

A Storm Trooper was climbing the tree
(with a helmet-hey you can never
be too safe).
A toddler was trying to ride a basset
hound, after slaying her with a
sword.
Megatron was in another tree, keeping
his eye on the Storm Trooper.
Also in a helmet-just in case of
a fall.
Then there was the leprechaun bride,
who married Megatron,
and was only a magical
leprechaun because
of her long socks. What a fun, and funny,
kingdom to visit. I hope to return soon.

Sweet Boy

Our older two children have terrible

sleep issues due to their multiple placements in

foster care. It is a rare thing for me to see this.

My sweet boy, tuckered out, and sleeping like

the little angel that he is.

Flowers

I don't think their are any flowers as

beautiful
as the first dandelions of
spring picked by

my four favorite children.

Their gifts of love melt my heart.

One Step Closer

Last week, we celebrated some VERY

happy news.
Our family will be growing by two.
The boys' birth mother
decided that she wanted Jon and
me to adopt her boys.
A painful decision for her, became a
wonderful gift for us.
How exciting that these
two children,
who we love so very much,
will now become
our children legally.
What a night of celebrating our family did!!!

Fun At Zoo Class

Today we enjoyed zoo class.

We learned about the rain forest,
how important it is, the
animals that live there,
and what happens
each time a tree is cut down.
Today, my sweet Doodles was the
teacher's helper.

This was an EXTRA big deal, because

Doodles is usually

super shy.

Today, she bravely held a cockroach,

and carried it around.

Her job was to let each of the kids

take a turn petting it.

I was such a proud Mommy.

My baby is growing up way too fast!