Our Week in Review

We have had a full week, full of a few unexpected twists and turns and some pretty significant milestones.  The week started out fairly normal with the official start of baseball (Jack's first game of the season) and the wind-down at school as the kids had their end of year field trips.

On Wednesday night came the unexpected which landed Jack an ambulance ride to the ER. Shortly after the boys had fallen asleep, Jason and I heard an odd sound from their room.  We found Jack in a full seizure (only we didn't know it was a seizure at the time as we had never seen anyone seize before).  Admittedly, it was horrible to see our child in this state and quite frightening as Jack came out of the seizure and was unresponsive, couldn't focus, couldn't squeeze my hand, speech was slurred, etc..  They did blood tests and a CT Scan at the hospital, the results of which showed nothing unusual.  Later this week we will see a pediatric neurologist, and Jack will have an MRI and an EEG.  We are praying that the doctor will get a better understanding whether this is a onetime thing or if it might occur again.  Until we know more, Jack has a few restrictions - no biking, no swimming, no climbing, no video games.  He can play baseball though!!!!  I have a whole new perspective and compassion for families with children that have seizure disorders.

Looking at Jack Thursday morning already, you would have never known what had happened Wednesday evening.  And, best of all, his doctor gave him the a-okay to go to school Thursday afternoon.  So thankful for that as it was his last day of school and a milestone - his last day as a student at the elementary school!

Here are a few pictures from the last day of school - so thankful for these kiddos of ours!

Last Day at the Elementary School Together

Love this teacher ... she was my 1st grade teacher, Jack's and Samuel's

What a great year Jack had under his teacher's instruction

And, today we unexpectedly ended up hanging out with Jon and Rita and the kids again.  The kids (um, Jason and Jon inclusive) had such a fun day of just being kids!

Before this though, I have to highlight that in a way that only God can orchestrate after a week like this, He spoke to my heart in the message this morning which was "just" two short verses from Philippians (3:10-11):

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

If we know Christ, if we understand the power of his resurrection, we will find that we cannot overcome our circumstances but it is the power of his resurrection that allows us to overcome our trials.  It is the resurrection that gives us the ability to cope when things don't go exactly as we've planned and when we do not understand the purpose.  We have hope in Him.  This is not to say that I'm not still a nervous nelly and that I'm not still fearful as I am ... I am a work in progress.

Being Spontaneous

So, I'm fairly certain that I've already established this, but just in case there is any question - I am admittedly not good at spontaneous.  My comfort zone is in planning, planning, planning!  I need to become more comfortable with spontaneity as man, it can be fun.

We spent a fun night with Jon, Rita and the kids last night.  We were heading home when Jason commented that we should stop by the cemetery as my brother and his wife left a solar frog out there for Owen's birthday (you can see Lydia patting its head on the second photo in the post below).  And, how often are we out and about as a family, after dark? 

The cemetery isn't exactly on the way home, but that is where we ended up last night at 9:30 p.m., a tad after the kids should have been in bed.  The frog was lit up - very fun!

Photo is not the best, but you get the idea ... the red light is a solar ladybug that Jason's parents put out on Owen's birthday ... the green is the frog

Had we not been spontaneous, we might have missed fireflies!  I have memories of catching fireflies when I was a camp counselor as a teenager, and Jason and I drove threw "herds" of them on our way out to Colorado years ago.  But, we have never experienced them as a family.  Until last night!

Jason was able to catch one, and the kids got to examine it up close (wish I would have taken a photo!).  And, the giggles really ensued when the firefly flew out of Jason's hand and onto Lydia's pajama collar.  It then became a little bit of a hide and seek game.  What a sight to see the kids chasing fireflies at the cemetery on a Saturday night!  

Makes me wonder, how often am I so planful that I am missing out on these sweet opportunities?  How often am I so planful that I am missing out on God's plan for me?

Four

Today we "celebrate" Owen's 4th birthday.  Our Owen would have been four today, he would be finishing up his first year of preschool, he would have likely been riding a two-wheeler (if he was like his big brothers), he might have been tow-headed like Samuel or maybe darker with a halo of natural highlights like Jack, he would surely have made us laugh, and we have no doubt he would have been stubborn.  We can speculate and ponder all of this, but one thing is certain - we do know that Owen is complete, he is whole.  And, we can only imagine what his birthday celebration is like at the feet of Jesus.

A Visit to the Cemetery

Birthday Treats as We Remember Owen

Breaking Tradition of Releasing Balloons and Instead Releasing Chinese Lanterns
(thank you, special friends for these ~ we love the meaning that these have and pray that Owen is sharing this moment with your little ones in heaven)

Remembering our sweet Owen
and the footprint he has made in our lives.

We love you sweet one and miss you always!

Happy 4th Birthday ...

Family Life Update

When I started this blog, one of its purposes was to just document life in general.  And, I realize that it’s been a while since I’ve done a random post about what’s happening in the life of the LilyQ’s (crazy to think that I might have some followers who are interested in these ramblings ... humbling).

Let’s start with “the boys” … I’m still floored that 2.5 years ago we had to start saying “the kids” or “the family” … I was so accustomed to saying “the boys” … okay, I’m officially rambling.

Jack is just finishing up his last couple of weeks at the elementary school.  Man, even typing that makes my eyes well.  Next year he’ll be at the middle school as a 5th grader.  It’s been a fun school year - Jack continues to be social and has a good mix of buddies (he still hangs out with the girls as well).  Jack has a lot of potential, but let’s just say he doesn’t fully apply himself (I’m okay admitting that here, he is well aware of this!). 

Soccer is just wrapping up with a couple of weeks left and little league has just begun.  We really do enjoy watching the boys (there we go again) participate in team sports.  But, I must admit that being at the ballpark is one of our favorites.  Actual games will start in a little over a week, we’re excited to see how the boys (and, again) have improved.  And, Jack will likely be one of the starting pitchers which, admittedly, makes this mama quite proud. 

Samuel is just finishing up 1st grade.  It will be quite a change for him next year as well as he's spent the past three years at the same school as Jack.  Both boys have been blessed this year with amazing teachers.  Looking back on the year I'd have to say that it has been amazing to watch Samuel become such a proficient reader and story-teller (admittedly, this has his pluses and minuses!).

Samuel is also wrapping up the soccer season and has begun coach-pitch baseball.  While Samuel enjoys playing sports, it is usually just as entertaining to watch him being social and quite silly on the sidelines with his friends.  We haven't quite figured out if this is an age thing or if this is just how Samuel rolls. 

Continuing with the line-up, our sweet little Owen would be four next week.  This is the first time that his birthday will fall on a work day, midweek.  Up to this point, it's been on the weekend or on the Memorial Day holiday.  We traditionally have done a picnic lunch at the cemetery.  I need to find peace in knowing that we may need to alter tradition slightly ... I need to find peace in knowing that this is okay.  

And, on to the little miss who altered our "the boys" approach.  Miss Lydia is a joy.  It's not all sunshine, she does challenge us, but she is so much fun.  We see so much of the boys in her at this age.  She is just starting to talk more in multiple word sentences.  Honestly, I was a little worried and thought that she may have some sort of hearing impairment (when she was born it took a few tries for one of her ears to test "normal") as her speech seemed delayed to me.  But, perhaps she's just been taking it all in ... and, as I've said before, it is probably hard for the girl to get a few words in with all of the other chatter in the house.  Now, she just needs to work on her colors, not everything is blue!

Completing the line-up, we continue to pray China Girl home.  No new updates at this point.

I was traveling for work last week (here's a clue as to where I was).  

 

Such an exciting place to be with the Queen's upcoming Diamond Jubilee and the impending Summer Olympics.  While it's always hard to be away from the family, there is an amazing team at our regional offices here.  It was a great trip, I felt so welcomed!

And, of course, it helps to be away when you have such a capable hubby at home.  I don't say it often enough, but I am truly blessed ...

And that, my friends, is a little glimpse into recent happenings with the LilyQ's.

Children of God

Please remember to pause music at bottom of page

Gratitude

Phew ... it's been a crazy busy few weeks around here as we were preparing for the "big sale" ~ well worth the late nights, crazy schedules, continuous hunt for MORE hangers, neon dots all over, etc. 

An Example of the Random Neon Dots ... On a Mirror in our Bedroom

The sale went really well ~ so thankful to all who donated items, gave advice, and stopped by unexpectedly (you know who you are, what an awesome surprise!!) and so thankful for the opportunity to connect with others as well, sharing stories. 

This little stinker was my "helper" for most of the sale, always wanting to be outside with me.  She was often found in the garage "reading" the for sale books, putting price stickers on her belly, "rearranging" the sucker tree (always with a comment "Lydia - sucker - tomorrow) or sitting in one of the car seats we were selling.  She was often asked if she was for sale ~ her response:  "One dollar"  No, my dear, you are priceless. 

The past few days really required a team effort ~ Jason was awesome in getting my "store front" set up and being quite a trooper with the late nights, Jack was a big helper in getting a donation jar made for the sucker tree and also in helping me move things, get set up, etc.  And, poor little Samuel, he wanted to help, but he came down with something on Thursday and is just on the mend as of today (praying that he hasn't "shared" with anyone else!). 

It will be special to look back on these days and reflect on how we all came together for something that brings us one step closer to bringing China Girl home, home into her forever family.  Little Miss, God has a plan for you and us, and we eagerly anticipate when we will get to see your sweet face. 

A Glimpse ...

Rummage sale "officially" starts tonight ... had a few early bird shoppers ... some even made a serious dent in the boys' clothes.  Thank you to all for your prayers, encouragement and blessings as we prepare for this weekend ... amazing donation of bins of clothes from a friend, a donation of my favorite bibs - handmade by my mom-in-law, advice on pricing, etc..  This has been quite a week ... love how our "store front" turned out though ... the only thing missing is cute recycled CD clothes dividers, right friend?  :)

 

Bins of Memories

We have been "spring cleaning" here in preparation for our first ever rummage sale in early May.  After we had Lydia, I went through all of our boy clothes and donated bags of clothes ... admittedly, lots of bags.  And, admittedly, we still had a lot of stuff left ... little outfits, clothing and shoes that I was too emotionally attached to and thus I just couldn't part with yet.  We had BINS of stuff left (I guess the boys had a fairly decent wardrobe as babies and tots!).

These past couple of months, I have been going through the leftover bins and preparing for our first ever rummage sale where I will try to detach my memories of the boys as babies and little boys from these bins of clothes (another admission, there are bins to the side and behind these as well).

Yes, there are some things I still cannot part with.

And, I've debated posting this, but in full disclosure, we are going to do the rummage sale as an adoption fundraiser, putting the proceeds toward bringing China Girl home and her related medical expenses (yes, adoption is crazy expensive!).  If anyone else is doing any spring cleaning and has any items they'd like to donate to the rummage sale, you know where to find us! 

Every day, we are feeling that China Girl is out there, and we are just waiting for that day when we get "the call" and get to see her precious face.

Hey Little Sis, we're waiting for you!

The Artist(s)

No, this isn't a review of the Oscar winning film The Artist.  It is a review of our little artists.  Lydia and I did a Toddler Art Time class this month.  So much fun!  And, the teacher was Jack's preschool teacher and Samuel's Toddler Art Time teacher.  Jason took a few sessions of this class when Samuel was 2-3 years old (and became somewhat famous for it in advertisements for the Arts Center where this is offered ~ showing up in many advertisements for the Arts Center).  In fact, this photo is still used today and is often on their site in Fall and Winter as the sign-up photo for Toddler Art Time. It is a great photo!

And, here's a glimpse into little missy getting a little messy! 

This post was originally just going to be about Toddler Art Time ... BUT, the boys had their annual spring break sleepover with their cousins, and they did this SUPER COOL project.  So, here they are with their masterpieces (Rita, you are so creative!!!).



Laura Ingalls Wilder Day

Last week at school Jack had a Laura Ingalls Wilder Day where the kids dressed in costume.  They spent the day making candles, dancing, tin punching, making treats, sewing, etc.  It happened to be the same day that Jason volunteers in Samuel's classroom.  So, he spent the morning in Samuel's classroom and the afternoon with Jack's class.  Such a good Daddy ...

 Jack, do you think the boys wore Nike baseball socks in LIW days?

 Jason and Jack Candle Dipping

And, this little lady? 

When Jason volunteers at school, Lydia hangs out with "Gamma" Goose ~ these two get a little lot crazy together.  Jason does appreciate coming home on these days and finding that Gamma has fixed Lydia's hair (Jason will be the first to admit that he still hasn't quite conquered the little rubberbands and getting her hair into piggies).