On Christmas Day, In the Morning:

Here we are hauling our gifts over to Nana's house on Christmas morning! We had a wonderful time and hope each of you enjoyed your family and celebrations as well...

....we hope it was great!

Christmas Lights and Dilly Bars

The folks and us decided to jet to Keizer to see the neighborhood famous for their Christmas lights. Some of those houses were amazing! I wonder how much their electric bill is in the month of December? It's probably a lot of Ramen.

Note: Since Daddy's been in school (you know, my entire life) we've measured our currency in Ramen Noodles. It's the nutrition staple of college life!
"Hail to Thee, oh consistently affordable Ramen which sustaineth us with thy square, wavy noodles and sodium saturated bullion packets which are labeled with different flavors but all taste suspiciously alike!"

Operation: Arc Invasion

"Nice and easy now, Noah, open the door. I SAID OPEN THE DOOR, OLD MAN!"

Our Library

One of my brother's very favorite spots in the house. Nothing like a good book, I'm telling ya. With Nana, Auntie Julie and Mama for relatives how could we not be bookaholics?

When Monday night Bible study went late...

I was praying. Really.

Gold Star Moments

With our impending Christmas break, I'm instituting a new periodic blog column, "Gold Star Moments". Since beginning my homeschool journey with my little guys, there have been some pretty big victories, intense challenges and some real noodle-scratchers. Not to mention all the little moments where I've been convinced that I'm a darn good teacher for my fellas, thankyouverymuch, those moments that have me reeling with panic and feelings of inadequacy and those that have me rolling on the floor in laughter.
Sometimes these moments leave me asking myself, "Are these children normal?" or, "Are these children really mine?" I thought I would let you peek in on the instances that have evoked so much pride, consternation, joy and sometimes, downright confusion in regards to educating my children. So, without further adieu, here is the first installment of "Gold Star Moments":

Gold Star Moments #1

The story was The Grasshopper and the Ants. A wonderful and thought-provoking tale of the industrious ants who worked to gather their winter food and the lazy grasshopper who wasted the summertime away enjoying only the activities he fancied. You all know the story; winter arrives and finds the grasshopper cold, hungry and pleading at the door of the ant hill. I finished the story and continued to the questions:
1. Should the ants have shared their food?
Correct answer: "Yes! It's always kind to share what you have with others!"
Solomon's Answer: "No."
2. What should the grasshopper do?
Correct Answer: "Learn from his mistake and remember to help his friends gather food next summer. When we work together, everyone wins!!"
Solomon's Answer: "Well. If he's really that hungry, he could eat the ants. That would show them."

The Happy Dictator

I may have not mentioned here that our latest addition to the household, Fitz the Kitten, has met with an untimely end. This was due to the fact that he mauled Solomon's face. As Fitz healed and gained strength we realized that he was quite feral.
So, we are down to just one kitty, or rather, just Kitty-One. Let me tell you, this cat's never been happier. He's simply beaming. Perhaps it's because he has exclusive rights to the food dish. Maybe it's because he alone is there to absorb any kitty-type affection being offered. Or maybe Micah's theory is right. Maybe cats are inherently selfish, evil fiends who want to take over the world.

"But you said...."

Special treats were cooking there
By my lads and me
A special chore to show their love
To friends and family

Littlest one with longing eyes
Peers at the M&Ms
"Bring Mama a bowl," I said
"and I'll fill it up with them."

He disappeared to start his quest
For a bowl to hold his treasure
Leaving me to reminisce:
He's way too cute to measure!

My tiny boy returns to me,
Eyes filled with victorious glee,
Hidden behind the largest bowl
The kitchen's ever seen.

The "Before":

From Mommy: OK, so we just got a hair cut. They took a bit more off than I would have liked, but he still looks pretty handsome, if I can say so myself. This isn't a great before pic, so to tell the difference you may need to scroll down a few posts. Daddy hasn't seen it yet but I know he'll say it's WAY too short. Solomon likes it, though, and I guess that's what counts!

The "After":

Which do we like, folks? I know that Nana's vote is the short look while Daddy and Lori lamented his last trim. As for me, the short style is easier to fix (the skateboard cut actually requires "product" and a blow-dryer to look decent) so, this works for me. Goga & Papa - what do you think?

Whole Mess o' Handsome

Daddy and Brother at Mo's in Lincoln City. Mmmmm...hot Cocoa!

The Folks

Mommy and Daddy are never on here, so here's them on their way to Daddy's work banquet (Mommy's still stuck at 25 pounds, but at least she's still half way there, right?).

Play Therapy

It's amazing what you can learn about your children while watching them play. Many times observing them will offer insight as to their strengths, weaknesses, ideas and goals. For instance...

...today I noticed that Solomon is grasping the concepts of diversity...

...and sharing.

More Snow!

From Mommy: Whew! That was a fun morning, but I'm very cold. And wet. I just got the boys out of a steaming tub and into bed (after convincing them that Brier would not enjoy a warm soak with them - no, not even if they held her carefully and didn't let shampoo get in her eyes.). Now it's off to fold laundry......heh. Yeah, right. More likely I'll light some candles in the bathroom, grab my book and take a nice warm bath myself. At least I can say that I had good intentions, right?

IT'S SNOWING!!

Although it's difficult to tell by the pictures, it's snowing over here in Salem, Oregon! Our principal and teacher consulted together (does everyone else's principal and teacher kiss like that?) and decided that a an official snow day was needed! So fun!

Black Friday

Note from Mom: Yes, I joined the lemmings this year (there's a 4:30 AM?). Off the cliff I flew and into bargains, sales, and hoards of humanity with absolutely no civility whatsoever. What's sad? I actually relaxed and enjoyed the time "to myself". Now there's a paradox only Mommies can grasp.

Closure. Sort of.

From Mommy: We're happy (and sad) to announce that Rayna and her brothers are being adopted by an Aunt. Although losing her is heart-breaking, we have peace about this arrangement. Looks like Rayna will be transitioning to her family very soon. She has left a hole that none can fill and will forever be in our hearts. Please keep us in your prayers as we pack up all her things that are still where she left them, frozen in time. We never got a chance to say good-bye. That's the hardest thing.

You will ALWAYS be my princess, Raynie. Always.

Hoppy Birthday, Daddy!

This is Malachi with his favorite of Scott and Lori's bunnies, Chunky-Bum. We went out to the farm Saturday to have a "guys day/birthday party" for Scott and Daddy. It was so much fun for us all! Mommy got to chat (and eat about 3 pounds of chips and cabbage salsa) with Lori and Lisa and the men got to hunt pigs and cook them luau style. Then we had wonderful chocolate cake and sang "Happy Birthday to You!" Times are a bit lean over here until Daddy graduates, but with friends like these we always feel rich.

This is me with the new addition to the Hedlund-Lunde household, Laith the Lucky Explorer. Laith is a Flemish Giant (the type Mommy's going to get when she finishes losing 50 pounds - half way there, Mommy!) and will grow to be over 20 pounds (to give you an idea of the size this bunny will be, Brier tops out at 13 pounds). Laith is such a sweetie and we can't wait to have a "monster bunny", SO HURRY UP, MOMMY!

Me, Cayman and Ava playing with chunky-Bum. Tile floors rock!

Ear Infections, Double Ear Infections and Strep - OH MY!

After being sick for 2 weeks, Mommy got the call that our friends were testing positive for Strep. I went from feeling "yucky" to being in excruciating pain in the span of an hour and Daddy and Mommy sped us to the hospital. Mommy has now reached the parental milestone she has avoided for four and a half years: antibiotics. Both of us have ear infections (Kai has a double) which were likely to have begun with strep. We're feeling better this morning and are sticking to cuddling up in blankies and relaxing, at least until Mommy's doctor appointment. She has a very soar throat...

(PS - We all laughed as we envisioned Nana's reaction to this pic:"ONE! Get off the table!!" Ha ha - that's exactly what you said, isn't it Nana? :)

Love at First Sight

From Mommy (again): If I can say so myself, I think my sister's belly-fruit is the most beautiful little creation ever! It's so amazing to see pictures of this tiny human getting all ready to be my niece or nephew. The boys think it's a girl (Malachi seems to know this for sure and wonders why it isn't just as obvious to everyone else). The ultra-sound also exposed a little secret that baby's been keeping: he/she is older then he/she has been letting on. A full month in fact. Don't worry, sweetie, you don't look a day over 12 weeks!
It was still too early, though, to tell if Auntie Nee` can begin scoping out pink or blue onsies, so the little one can keep it's final secret. For now.

*********Ecclesiastes 11:5 *********
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how a body is formed in it's mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." What an amazing Creator You are, Lord! Thank you for the blessing of new life for our family! Please keep this child safe and strong. Please usher it into the world at just the right time. Please grace it's mother with peace and health, it's father with strength and wisdom. And the rest of us with patience! Amen.

Some updates...

This is Solomon and Malachi's new piglet, Pigglywinks! He lives at Scott and Lori's but we visit as often as we can, offering him love and friendship until it's time for Christmas dinner. Yup. The boys know all about this and are fine with it. After all, what more can anyone hope for than to be loved until death arrives, then be taken quickly and painlessly having enjoyed his life with friends? Just consider Christmas dinner his inheritance to 2 boys who think he's really swell...


An update from Mommy: Sigh. Our adoption worker just called to inform us of an unexpected change in Rayna's case: Her 3 half-brothers (ages 7-13) have come up for adoption. Seems that their Dad is no longer in the running to gain custody of them and the State has decided to adopt them out together as a sibling group. After much consideration and prayer, we have decided that we won't be able to adopt all 4. If our boys were older we would seriously consider it, but our boys are still small and impressionable. All that influence coming into the home would require spiritually and emotionally strong young men - not 3 and 4 year olds who we're still shaping and training. This will be a daunting challenge for any family as these boys have been through so much. PLEASE pray for protection for Rayna. Pray for healing and the right family for her and for her brothers. Please pray for us. We are frustrated by a system which seems so unfair to a baby girl who will find it challenging to live full-time with her brothers, although she loves them. We want her safe, we want her protected, we want her home. God is big and so are His plans for this precious girl. We're keeping the faith.

Battle Weary

From Mommy: I know - long time, no blog. As most of you know, the time between the last post and this one has been real tough on our little family. We have been forced to reconsider the meaning of friendship and are thankful for true friends who have rallied to our side to support us and shore us up with prayer. Also, for our family who continue to hold us up even though they grieve with us. Let me be clear: God's plan for Rayna hasn't changed. Yesterday, today and forever He remains the same. We believe that, by God's grace, we are called to raise this beautiful child. We will fight for her not only now but through any battle that may come in her future. Yes, this is a trying season. Yes, we are anxious. Yes, her presence is missed to an insane degree ("The 3 Musketeers" are down to 2 and they keep asking after her). But we are standing together in faith ("Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1) and God is already at the finish line. He's all-powerful and He's got this.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, submit your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7 Amen.

"Dogs are the best Nurses..." - Peter Pan

This blustery weather finds us sick with a cold. Members of the household can be found curled up together in different compilations throughout the house. Jadis faithfully makes her rounds tending to all her sick people. What a good girl.

Words Can't Even Say How Much...

We love you, baby girl.

For Canon, Meskerem & Laurelai

**********Canon**********
www.prayforcanon.blogspot.com

***Meskerem***
www.thewhitefamilynews.blogspot.com

Laurelai

From Mommy: It's been a tough couple of days. Saturday as we were picking up a few things at Wal-Mart, we got the call no one in the world wants to get. Solomon's friend, Laurelai went home to her Heavenly Father. Her parents, our friends, had to say goodbye to their baby. We know it will be but a blink in the eye of eternity before they're all together again, but it stung with a strength that shook me to my core. Everyone around us continued to buy milk and hurry on their respective ways, and I just wanted to scream, "STOP! CAN'T YOU ALL JUST STOP FOR A MINUTE?!" I can't even explain why I wanted everyone to be still. I just did. I needed them to realize, to know what a beautiful girl she is and that she was now healed. Home.
That same day in Arkansas a Mommy who I've been blogging lost her little boy. The doctors couldn't stop the bleeding in Canon's brain. He was home now, as well.
The day after next, the White family lost their little Ethiopian daughter whom they were set to pick up from the orphanage in mere weeks. Septicemia took Meskerem just days after her excited family completed her nursery half a world away.
God is good. All the time. I say this because I know it to be true. I say it because I know that Lelly, Canon and Meskerem are safe and happy. And I know that these parents would do the tough days over a million times just to see these faces smiling at them. Faces they'll see again soon. Faces they'll cup in their hands and smother with kisses. Faces that will smile at their Mommy and Daddy when they hear, "I'm so glad we're together again - I missed you so much!"

Crowing Gazy

Note from Mommy: Still no news on our Committee date. My stomach is in a permanent knot, I've forgotten what it feels like without tension squeezing it. Nana and I have been working every available "shift" on the scrapbook which will represent our family at Committee. Since our family isn't allowed to actually be there (each family has an adoption worker representing us), this book is the only thing they'll have to glimpse inside our household. No pressure, ay?
So, needless to say, I've been obsessive and even driven to tears trying to achieve the perfection I NEED for this book. Then I gather up all my emotions and failings, and give them to God with fervent prayers for His plan to be accomplished in spite of my efforts (it certainly won't be because of them). I then promptly take it all back from Him and spiral back into my worry and inadequacy. I'm glad this journey is nearly over, but frantic that the journey will end without her continuing it with us.

Farewell, Furgus.

This is an archival shot of Furgus and Malachi. 3 weeks ago we saw Furgus for the last time. We searched the area and made several trips to the Humane Society to check the strays, new arrivals and to paw through the 4x6 cards of "DOAs". (Note: Mommy didn't know what DOAs were and had to ask the nice lady at the counter. The explanation hardly painted a picture on which we wanted to dwell.) We had no luck and we're sad to report, we have officially said goodbye to Gus, wherever he may be. He was a noble and brave pet and his antics will be missed by all.

The Fitz

So, after he had grieved the loss of our Furgus, Micah hears a noise and pulls this stowaway out from the undercarriage of the van. How long he'd been there and where we'd picked him up - not a clue. He was dirty, hungry, thirsty and cold. And now, apparently, he's home. A bit strange, though, is his odd resemblance to Furgus. Had he been a bit larger, we would've just brought him in and assumed he'd lost his collar and come upon hard times on some unfortunate journey he'd taken. Strange, indeed. So, we officially introduce the newest member of the Lewis menagerie: The Fitz.

Welcome to the family, Fitz.

"Even our Pancakes are Getting All Girlie..."

A Note From Mommy: Mmmmmm...heart-cakes. You know what I like? The permeating testosterone levels in the house are called into check when Rayna's around. She adds butterflies to our worms and snails, she contributes ruffles to our ties and polo shirts, she flings a splash of pink into all the blue. Don't get me wrong, I adore all things "boy", but everything tends to soften a bit with her presence. Oh, there's still a lot of wrestling going on, but at least there are some tea parties now and again.

Why We Need This Book:

WE'RE FINALLY GOING TO HAVE A COUSIN! Yes, folks, it's true!! And it only took Uncle Shawn and Auntie Julie 15 years (maybe they should have read our book, eh?)! Needless to say, due to our relentless ecstatic blathering, the entire homeschool co-op knows of our impending cousinhood. Lori found this book for Mommy and us. It explaines the basic mechanics in humans and also (oooooh - Mom was so excited!) in chickens. God bless Lori! It was an instant classic and the pictures had our whole family on the floor in laughter. So! A new countdown clock for us! One that will tell us all, "How many days 'till I can see the baby?" A popular question over here. We are very ready to see this little cousin we already love so much! We're so psyched!

Disclaimer: Mommy has warned us of the sensitive nature of this information (very similar to the whole Santa Claus thing: "Don't tell your littler friends the entire truth regarding this topic, lest they become traumatized and confused and their parents lead an initiative to get us thrown out of the playgroup...").

"THE CALL"

Today we got, "The Call". YES! We will be going to committee for adoption privileges!! The day after we appealed to our friends and family for prayer. Coincidence? I think not. The State handing down a decision early? Not likely. That's called God's hand, folks! Now, we have around 30 days to drench this thing in more prayer before we go to court with the other families.
Believe and pray with us, friends! Belief, prayer and thankfulness make a powerful combination (thank you, Lisa). "God, You are a Father. You know what it's like to desire a child for Your own, and never be separated from them. You found a way for this reality, even though it required so much of You, cost you so dearly. You are the original adoptive parent, as your children are called into Your "forever family". Please make our family a parable of Your love. Let us be a testimony to your plan. Amen."

The Price of Science

We set up an aquarium for Solomon's Science Fair project (can fish hear?) and set out for PetSmart to choose out his test subjects. What's unfair? His project entailed a huge project for me - rearranging our already at-capacity school table to accommodate our new scientific venture. Ugh.

Hee hee...fish 'n chips?

Uh oh.

The Proper Care and Feeding of a Princess:

Yes, they actually sell "Princess Feed". Suitable for Princesses of discriminating taste. Rayna saw the box knew that this particular cereal was manufactured especially for her.

It's Fall Y'all!

So we did some Autumn pics yesterday and here are our favorites:
Aaaah. The dog pile. Poor Solomon had to be bribed with a doughnut for this pose. "And not a plain circle kind, Mom, one of the nice long guys with the goop inside!" The kid knows how to bargain.

...my little pumpkins. Malachi looks a bit underwhelmed, but the other 2 are darling. I've come to the conclusion that getting a shot with all 3 of them at their best is outright impossible.

...playing in the leaves. Now, we came in on this particular day because we received a flyer in the mail advertising the "Beautiful new fall background complete with country fence and pumpkin props!!" Yeah. They sent the flyer out too soon and the country fence was yet to be assembled. They will have it ready next week. You know, right when Solomon will inevitably catch his first cold of the season, then share it with Rayna 2 days later, who will then finally be doing better the night before Malachi wakes up miserable? That next week? Yeah. Take the stinkin' pictures.

...and the "attitude" shot. These looks complimentary of the photographer saying, "Now cross your arms and pretend Mommy just said, 'Eat your broccoli then go clean your room!'" Needless to say, I didn't order any of this pose as I have adequate access to these looks whenever I want. It is nice to have them documented, though. Just for the days when I ponder adopting 6 more...

Bedtime Story

We were feeling a little spent as naptime was rolling around, so we decided to cuddle in and peruse a classic. Spider Man's a classic, right?