Kids just want to have fun!

One of the great things about having kids is that you have an excuse to do things you might not normally do. Last night, we went to a barn dance! I have not do-see-doed since Jr high gym class. It really was so much fun. One the best parts was just looking around at some of our friends. Realizing that we really have grown some tight bonds. We look out for each others kids, we help each other out but we also just laugh a lot! At several points during the evening, I was watching the kids interact. They are growing up together and it is exciting to watch them develop. As the parents deepen their friendships the kids are doing the same. I hope we dance at all of their weddings! Maybe a do-see-doe!

The Things kids say!

One of the interesting things about adding a child to your family that is not an infant is the dialogue that takes between them. Today as we were preparing for dinner, Austin said, "I want water". Having been here for several visits he quickly corrected himself and said, "May I have water?" Caleb was standing near by during this interaction. He added, "Actually, it is may I PLEASE have water? That's O.K. you're new at this!" This caught me as very funny! Caleb the guy that I have been working with for three years to chew with his mouth closed has now become the "Master of Manners"! The other funny aspect was Austin IS completely new at this! I think he actually enjoys the manners. He likes to look exasperated but I find it curious that he quickly corrects himself and seems quite pleased that he is becoming such a gentlemen! It must be overwhelming to be in a new environment. I remember when Liz and Caleb moved in. We were off kilter for awhile. There are so many nuisances to your home environment that we take for granted. What is considered humor? What is considered rude? What is appropriate sarcasm? What is disrespectful? The list goes on and on. All the little things that we take for granted that create the atmosphere in our home. I'm trying to balance my "rules" with humor and a big dose of grace. I know that I could use some. Chew with your mouths closed, people!

Just a family update!

Alright, the other day I said that I would have blogs that were just family updates. Today is the day! We attended our church's Open Hearts, Open Home Orphan Ministry Welcome Home Party. It was short and sweet! Short...It couldn't last very long when the kids way out numbered the adults! Sweet...a ton of cake with a ton of frosting! I loved seeing all the kids that have already been adopted or fostered. Also, there were several families that have started the process that came to celebrate. Especially fun for me was to see Austin get to spend some time with his brothers. They have been adopted by friends of ours from church.