The end of Summer

So this is the guaranteed dreaded part of our year by far. There is always so much excitement and planning that leads up to the kids being here and then once they get here it is over before it even begins. I myself have always been amazed at easy we get back into the swing of things like they never even left. This year was no different than years past. We picked up right where we left off with everything...toothpaste in the sink, dishes in the sink, empty toilet paper rolls in the bathrooms,socks under the end tables-Oh and Lots and Lots of LOVE! We started each of their arrivals with the same routine-going through their suitcases to see what they brought and take inventory of what we need to go and buy. This year was better than ever before and we didn't have to spend a ton of money on summer clothes-Praise God! This summer has seemed different than all the others and I think it is becasue the kids are getting older. There are things they want to do and people they want to see so our house is a buzz with activity. I always said that I wanted our house to be the house where the kids went and by golly it was this summer. I pray that all the other kids still come around because this is a really hard time of year for our family, especially Alex. I cannot imagine the anguish in his heart and I NEVER try to pretend that I do. My heart breaks for him just thinking about it. I think if I truly went back and tracked the days there would not be one day where it was just the 5 or 6 of us here. It is overwhleming at times, but at those times I truly stop and ask God for his help and the feeling is gone. We are truly blessed to have our home and have the opportunity to open it to the kids and their friends. We have had a blast with Oasis on Fridays and I am rather sad to see it come to an end. Over the next few weeks please keep us in your prayers, especially Alex as Andy and Ashley leave us while we adjust back to our "other normal". Pray as well for Andy and Ashley for safe trips and adjsuting back into their other worlds. Ashley's Mom had her baby yesterday so Ashley will be adjusting to having another little brother when she gets home as well.

Prayer Requests-pray for me as my leave comes to an end in a few weeks. Our friend Scott needs your prayers as he looks for a new job. Missy's Grandpa Ed fell and is not doing all that well so pray for his recovery and health. My friend Emily needs prayers as she is going through a really difficult time. And finally our friends the Timmons need your prayers-Kenny is slated to come home this Friday-PRAISE GOD!

Until next time-God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

BARF!

Ashley and Katie

Andy & Aaron
Adrian!
WOW! There are 6 of us now!

That is what is going on around here tonight! Adrian has been fussy all day and tonight he went into full out crying fits. He barfed twice rather large amounts and continued crying and crying. I of course freak out and think the worst and Alex stays calm trying to make me feel better. Right now Aaron is asleep in our bed, Ashley just went up to bed, Andy is out at the movie and Adrian is asleep on top of Alex on the couch. Abbie got back home today from spending the last 12 days with Mom and John while Aya and Abu were here. Aya is allergic so thankfully we can just send her to Mom's while they visit. Updates...

Last week we took Adrian to the doctor for his skin rash and he weighed in at 12.2 lbs-that means in the month since we left the hospital he gained 4 lbs.-not bad. He was actually off the charts so he is obviously getting his nutrients! (hehe) He is changing everyday and now keeps his eyes open a lot. He also has more awake time and will not keep to a schedule.

Aaron is awesome-just a pistol-sure doesn't make me love him any less though. He has been a little challenging, but I cannot blame him. We have had more change in the last 2 months than most people I know and I am not dealing with it well so how could he at the ripe old age of 3? Next week I plan to get him back on our Denise schedule and prepped for pre-school. Yup! He is going starting in September.

Ashley is doing really well. She is just our little social butterfly as usual. She goes home on the 20th and we are all dreading it...especially her friend Katie. She has been a great help this summer with keeping the house clean and I am more than thankful for her. It is so weird to watch her grow into this young woman, but I enjoy it at the same time. She changes SO much every visit!

Andy is quite the ladies man as usual! He is so handsome he cannot keep them away-I DREAD when Ashley gets old enough for this stuff! He is great with the kids, especially Aaron. Aaron finds him hilarious which just adds flame to his fire! He leaves on the 25th and I know a few hearts that will be broken when that day comes. It will be really nice to have them here for Christmas this year though.

Alex is great! He is enjoying work and trying really hard to do everything he can for me. I have been quite blue lately so I know that I am making things hard on him. God bless him though he never gives up on me. After the sermon on Sunday I was finally able to be honest with him about some feelings in my heart and I have felt better ever since. God works in amazing ways-let me tell you!

Well...I am about all typed out. I pray that you are all doing well. Thanks for all the love and support! Until next time...