Have you heard of Aimee Copeland? She lost her hands to contracting a rare flesh-eating bacteria. She is now a spokesperson for these incredible bionic hands, the first person in the world to get them. They are just AMAZING…
Also, check out Touch Bionics prosthetics specifically for children.
These type of bionic hands or *active prosthetics* would only be relevant when he’s a lot older (teens).
J has been working hard in the yard, and things are looking more presentable…
I met a true foodie yesterday, a super kind lady- she was raised on a farm. She told me they had cut down trees in their suburban front yard and planted an orchard because *home-grown, non-GMO, pesticide-free food is more important than how my front yard looks*.
We’ve never really been ones to fall in line anyway and our yard proves it! Our neighbors are very understanding of the fact that we have corn planted near our mailbox.
This week it was Elias’ one year anniversary coming home (last year Mother’s Day). Click here for a recap.
Can you tell I told him to smile?
It has been a bumpy {sleep} ride but he is doing really well {excepting the normal terrible two’s}… especially the last couple of weeks… his personality & intelligence are really shining through… like his ability to count up to 10!
One of my favorite promises from the Bible is in Acts, when God promises Paul *Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.*
That came to mind this week as I think about how many people He has in this city.
This week we met a sweet little boy who has the same limb difference as Elias, and is from the same province in China. Who knew we would have such an opportune meeting in this somewhat small & unlikely place?
Then there are those friends of ours who work tirelessly on behalf of the orphan. Those who have given up a summer vacation this year to travel to India solely for the purpose of serving orphans and others in need. Right here in my city! I am so proud to know them.
It’s so encouraging. I have lived in places I never thought I would even visit. No matter where you are, He will meet you there. He has scattered His people everywhere, and in the unlikeliest of places.
Happy Mother’s Day! How was your day?
Mine was really good… I was brought coffee in bed!
J made breakfast and then we went to church. It was a really nice dedication to all mothers- adoptive {there are a few}, birth, old, young, in-between, many kids, one kid, etc. All Mommies got marigolds and books!
The weather was SO nice. Later we went to a really fancy restaurant…
Seb said *that was a GREAT dinner!* Only the finest, most delicate palettes can eat there.
After that we needed to run off our large dinner at a nearby park.
Last year on Mother’s Day, we were in an office in Zhengzhou, China, waiting to meet Elias for the first time. Times flies. More on that later.
Remember this Mommies,
“…He gently leads those that have young.”
- And thank goodness for that.
Happy Mother’s Day to you!
We have had a lot of rain consistently and things have been taking off in our edible garden, aka. our entire front yard.
The kids have been most excited about the strawberries, which have gotten off to a really good start and have been pretty sweet!
We’re also starting to have an abundance of herbs, especially parsley and chives.
And the more I have, the more I use because fresh herbs just have a way of enhancing just about anything.
As does a bowl of fresh salad.
We all eat greens like rabbits around here.
We watched two bunnies frolic about yesterday evening.
These are the potato plants.
My lavender is doing the best out of anywhere we’ve lived. Now I’m just waiting for my roses to start creeping up the front of the house. But I don’t think those are edible.
This is where J was last week.
Under the hot desert sun.
Arizona. Very picturesque.
We’re happy he’s home! Now maybe we can go somewhere together!
When you’re sleep deprived, it’s always fun to embark on home improvement projects in your spare time!
This weekend we put our adrenaline into *his & her* DIY projects.
His project: replacing garage side door
The old door had a giant sheet of plexiglass in it and a broken deadbolt. It didn’t deserve to be called an exterior door.
Now, a pretty good steel door with double pane glass and a working deadbolt.
Good job J.
My project: painting Jo’s room
Because I had never painted before + had never painted light over dark, I was under the illusion that my project might actually be fun. What a fool.
Luckily I had an industrious 6 year old helping me with the first coat.
Then I slapped on 3 more coats because that sea foam was so dark.
Now there’s no mistaking whose room this is. We’re slowly knocking out the cold colors! Think I’m done with painting projects for awhile though. Or more like forever. *Sigh.*
We have about a 4am wake up call from Elias almost every night.
No crying, just yelling, running around, pulling everything off his bed.
Theories: plain old terrible two defiance, adoptive child trying to control environment, leftover bad orphanage behaviors, stress
Attempted solutions: limited one hour nap per day, sharing room with Seb, spending hours outside every day to wear him out, repetitive routine every night
Success = zero
When I came downstairs this afternoon and saw this, I just had to capture it.
My one and only decent sleeper, Seb. Believe me, I’m grateful he is.
There’s a reason sleep deprivation during interrogation is a form of torture.
I know this trial is for a purpose, I just don’t know what it is yet.
Jo has since raised $118.10 for Samaritan’s Purse by selling her potholders and matching donations. Thanks to those of you who paid MUCH more than her asking price…
See the bunnies in this pic?
One great thing Samaritan’s Purse is doing right now is providing for the care and education of some of Haiti’s orphans at the Greta Home & Academy.
It takes approx. 2-3 years to adopt from Haiti. Some requirements are: “Couples must be married for 10 years. Families with few or no children are preferred. Parents over the age of 35 years are preferred. Two trips to Haiti are required.” All of this of course made it impossible for us to adopt from there.
Giving to the Greta Home is one way to help Haiti’s orphans. Click HERE for more info on it and how to donate directly.
Spring has arrived.
And apparently that means it’s time for Jo’s annual potholder sale.
Here are the details:
Two for 6c, what a deal!
When I suggested she could give them away as gifts, she said, *No, I want to make a sale!*
There’s a popular dance school here that was started by two home schooled kids. And check out these 9 CEOs who started businesses as kids.
You just never know… so I’m glad I didn’t laugh at the sale idea!
Focus.
Focus!
Never mind.
Easter plans were pretty much canceled due to everyone getting the flu.
We did squeeze in an egg hunt at our neighbor’s house, but promptly came back inside and went straight back to the couch and the Roku.
Hoping yours was healthier than ours!
