From July: Rockets & Boys

The Firstborn said last night, "Dad, you don't have any brothers. So we will be your brothers!"

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In Gratitude: Brothers

Boys are so simple. They speak their own language, which is primarily physical. They understand each other. They enjoy each other. I enjoy watching them.

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In Gratitude: Rain & Open Windows

This morning it rained (consistently drizzled) for the first time since we moved here almost two months ago. The temperature is perfect for open windows. The fresh breeze reminds me of how near we are to the ocean.

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In Gratitude: Preschool

Every morning this one gets dressed and comes to my room to pick out a bow. She loves school. When she arrives, friends great her with uninhibited enthusiasm. She says "Hi!" to everyone. Everyone says "Hi!" to her. They use each others' names. 

Her teachers exuberantly welcome her each day, turning her anxiety into a smile and cuing her outgoing self. What a great year!

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In Gratitude: Bird of Paradise Flowers

These are everywhere. They make us feel like we're on vacation. 

On one of our first walks, I pointed out these to the kids and said, "I love those flowers!" Now each time we pass some, the Engineer points them out, especially when I'm anxious or not paying attention.

"Look, Mom! It's the owange fwowers you wuv!"

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In Gratitude: Housing

[Pregnancy and the early postpartum period are always a mental challenge for me. I find myself negative/critical and forget the good. I live in a veritable paradise and still have a hard time. Gratitude requires effort wherever I am. And so, here goes...]

Before we found a home in California, we applied to no fewer than twenty properties. Each one (if it was cleaned or updated) had multiple offers -- as many as thirteen. We heard more than thrice that the landlords were concerned about the "wear and tear" of so many people.

We started to pray that we would find the "perfect home for us." (The Firstborn wanted to pray for "the best home in California," but we convinced him that he really wanted the "best home for us.") 

I flew out to meet the obstetrician and find a home during a July trip. The latter was not accomplished despite a near-nonstop search by both a real estate agent and myself. I was told on the return flight that businesses continue to move to Orange County because it's business friendly. That, and being 30 minutes from the ocean, make this area highly desirable for many. The housing industry cannot keep up with the demand. SoCal is almost immune to housing recessions.

I imagined the odds of our family finding a home in such a climate. We prayed about it a lot. We decided to increase our monthly payment and look at homes that had been on the market longer. We found a home with photos showing terribly overgrown vegetation and white carpet in all the wrong places. But it was spacious and had a guest room -- two things we didn't know we needed but now are super grateful for!

Nonetheless, we decided to apply sight-unseen. We were accepted (after agreeing not to paint the walls, ha!). And when we arrived, it was in a quaint and quiet neighborhood with no outlet, across the street from a pool, with beautiful bird of paradise flowers in bloom everywhere. And, we were welcomed by many neighbors!

I'm grateful that we have a home. I'm grateful for the lazy photographer who made many potential tenants pass on this place. I find the yellow walls and plantation shutters delightful. And I'm so glad we have a guest room! I wish I could remember and type more; but if I wrote a list of all the details the Lord choreographed in my life, I'd never stop writing.

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Pop Pop & Grandkids

We enjoyed a week-long visit with Pop Pop and Auntie R. There were so many smiles and laughs throughout the week. The kids ate snacks each day after school and delicious dinners. They had help with homework and built Legos and read books. 

They tried a couple of slumber parties and woke up super-early (Mr. Serious) and walked down to the kitchen in order to not-miss a single second.

Mr. Serious strolled around the neighborhood multiple times a day and gave tons of hugs and smiles. 

We miss them already, but made memories that are still making us smile. We can't wait until next visit!

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First Broken Bone

"I'm the first one in the family to get a cast!" he said, delighted. It was less delightful when it happened (falling off the monkey bars). It's a buckle fracture and should be healed in 3 weeks.

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Eight Years of the Firstborn!

"I can't believe I'm eight!" he said with a huge smile on his birthday morning.

He is constantly looking for ways to hold the baby.

When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he thought for a long time and then answered, "I want to be a guy who builds houses. And I will own the company. And I will build whatever the people want. Like if a kid wants a rocket bedroom, I will build a rocket bedroom standing upright with windows on the top and supports so it doesn't fall over."

He received several Lego sets, which he promptly assembled. (Thank you for those!)

And walkie talkies that he brings everywhere while pretending to be a secret agent. (Thank you!)

He selected In-N-Out and declared, "This is the best day of my life!"

We took a few pics. He started laughing. When I asked him what was funny, he started making crazy faces. It.was heartwarming to see him take a break from being serious. He's still just a boy. I really enjoy seeing a fully-commited smile like below right. No need to take on the world's problems just yet!

Current Stats:

Height: 52.25", 78th%

Weight: 69 lbs., 86th%

Check out his previous years: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven.

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Baptism!

"...the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross."

-Catholic Rite of Baptism

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Fabulous Five

We took a break from homework and lectures and corrections. Everyone needed a little fun. (Big boys are fighting over churros below.)

We've immediately become Del Taco fans:

Siblings, friends:

  

This one makes me happy:

There are almost as many dogs as kids in our neighborhood.

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Mom Visit

We were so grateful to have my mom visit for two weeks while I had surgery and birthed our Fabulous Fifth. She came even though her 41st anniversary fell in the middle of her time with us. She held down the fort, which had a broken central air unit for the first 5 days and no van for the first week (power-train issue, under warranty).

She took them to the park in the morning and the pool in the afternoon. Week 2 was the first week of school. The kids loved spending time with her. We really appreciated her treats and keeping the kids on a schedule (and doing approximately 500 loads of laundry).

Baby whispering:

The ultimate comfort food -- so good after delivery.

She kept our cookie jar full after Aunt Maria's cookies were gone. Mr. Serious and Sweet Pea could be heard scaling the counters each morning and evening in search of cookies. Nothing like a determined toddler!

 No one wanted her to leave; but we have cups full of good memories until the next time. :)

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Kid Tidbits

"When I grow up, I'm going to have a girl baby in my belly named 'Angelina.'"

"I love baby so much! I'm looking at him not touching him." (She spends all of her spare time waiting for moments her parents aren't looking so she can race to the baby and pick him up.)

"looking at":

"I want to go upstairs." -Mr. Agreeable when he's tired.

"When I think about my new Legos, sometimes I get so excited that my heart starts pounding." (He's always good for hyperbole.)

"Mom, Dad said you didn't get a lot of sleep last night. Tonight, you can wake me up if the baby starts crying; and i will help."

"I want mom to have a girl baby next because I want TWO sisters."

"What did you do today?" -DH asked the Engineer

"I don't want to tell you because it would take too long."

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By the Engineer

"It's you and Dad. He's bigger 'cause he's a little older than you."

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