I forget which three...

Today, I must air a frustration. Yesterday I was at the hairdressers with Kelsey, and my haircut was finished much more quickly than hers was, so I was standing and chatting with her and her hairdresser. As we chatted, the subject of how many kids we had came up, and I said I had five kids. Now, people often look at me a little weirdly when I say that, because I am only 27, and I must admit, I look young for my age, so they do not think it's physically possible. So, I explain, after the look, that I have three step kids, and two that I pushed out myself. Then the inevitable question of "well how old are they?" and I tell them...18, 16, 10, 3 and 6 months. Most people make some kind of remark about how at least my step kids are older and I don't actually have to "mother" them, or some such nonsense. Can I just say how much this bothers me? I am completely aware that I did NOT give birth to my stepkids, and that I have missed out on many years of their lives, but let me assure you, that this makes me nothing but sad. However, I am a huge part of their lives now, I spend at least 5 of 7 days every week with them, and I miss them SO much when they are gone. Why do people have to make it sound like I should be relieved that I don't HAVE to be a part of their lives? When they cry, my heart aches with them, when they laugh, so do I. Why do people have to minimize my role in their lives or my relationship with them? I have a close bond with each of them, and I treasure that just as much as I do with the two that grew inside me. Why do people need to distinguish that I have step kids and biological ones? We are one family in this house. Period.
So, the next time someone asks me how many kids I have, I am going to respond the same way I always do, I have five. If they push it, I will borrow a line I recently read and say yes, I have three step kids...but I forget which three.

Granny and Pops

My grandparents have been in town for the last three weeks. We were able to spend some time with them, and it was WONDERFUL. They were yet to meet Declan, Brett, Justin and Kelsey, so it was nice to finally get them together.

They are two of my favorite people in the world, so I'm glad my kids are all getting to know them.

So, it's been awhile....

but tonight, I can't sleep. So I've decided to come and write on my blog, which incidentally, I've been neglecting. Life has been busier than usual around here, and for once, I actually feel like I'm doing something important. I know that being a mother is ALWAYS an important job, but lately, I really feel as though I've made some extra special connections with the kids.

A couple weekends ago, I took the kids to the WonderShows carnival, which my generous sister got us free tickets to.

This is a picture of the kids on the tilt-a-whirl...and may I add, that whoever thought it would be fun to create this ride, may have been insane!
And here are Brett and Khai enjoying bumper cars. May I just say that my heart swells with pride when I see this picture! Brett let Khai sit in the drivers seat and helped him steer. He is such an awesome big brother!

These are from way up in the sky, on the ferris wheel! That was probably my favorite, especially when we were stopped halfway down, and Khai says ,"Now, how are we going to get down from THIS?" I almost peed myself laughing =)

It's been so wonderful just being a mom! Getting to know my kids as they change each day, is truly an awesome experience. I feel so honored to be a part of each of their lives. Seeing them everyday, makes my days better, even when they are fighting with each other, with us, or even with themselves, they are each a gift from God, and I love each of them dearly.

On another note, we just found out that Helmut has to have surgery on his back. It's very scary for me, even though I won't tell him that...he would only worry more, knowing that I am worried. I've read all about the surgery on the Mayo Clinic's web site...very helpful stuff I might add...but there are sometimes when having more information, simply doesn't relieve the anxiety. So, I come again, as I do so often, to the feet of my Lord, and I ask for Him to take these burdens, because only He can.

Zippered it up myself

The words of an almost-four-year-old who did up his own zipper for the first time.."I zippered it up myself Mummy!!!"

A flushed almost-eleven-year-old after his first basketball game of the season!! He played SO hard...we're SO proud...

The most beautiful smile in the world...even from behind a soother....

Pure bliss IS within reach. Just look in your kids eyes...you'll see it too.

Soccer Boy

Tuesday night was a WONDERFUL night! Khai had his very first soccer game. He was so excited...he told everyone who would listen and a few who wouldn't, that he had soccer after supper. It was ADORABLE. He actually scored a goal too...on his own team. Now he tells everyone, "I got a goal against my own net!" He's still very proud of it, and we're proud of him!

On the mend

I am pleased to announce that our home *appears* to be sickness free! I'm feeling a thousand times better, and other than being up too late everyday for the last several days, things are pretty great around here. Helmut and I were able to go out for dinner last night, which was really nice...good food...good company...good everything, except we both really missed home. We are both homebodies, and neither of us really NEED time away. Not saying we don't occasionally like to go out...we do, but when we do, we always end up missing home. And it's not just the kids, though that is a large part of it, we also just love being together, comfortably, in our own home.
Home. It's such a wonderful word. It's not something I've really had since I was at home with my parents. I, of course, made a home for myself and Khai, but it was never really complete. With Helmut and the kids, everything feels whole.
Home. Love. Thank the Lord for our home.

...and it has run rampant through our house!

We're officially sick! Justin was home from school today, throwing up, Khai has the sniffles and a cough, Declan is starting to get sniffly as well, and I have a full blown head cold! Ick.
I'll write more when I feel better...right now, I'm off to get some tea.
Sweet dreams all!