The Pride of the Dutchmen

I've always inwardly cringed at this - PRIDE OF THE DUTCHMEN Marching Band - hmm, don't we try to teach our children not to be so proud??? So this title has always wrankled me a bit (I hope I just made that word up - I like it!!!). This year, Caleb, has begun his first year in High School marching band beginning Aug. 1 with a daily dose of band camp. Yep, I will say it out loud - I couldn't believe it - Aug. 1?!?!?! I thought it seemed a bit much but we encouraged him to keep with it. Now, months later, all I can say is - I think a bit of that "pride" is seeping in to this Momma's bones! We have field band competitions almost every weekend from Sept. - Oct. and although they are long days for the kids - we, as parents, are thinking this is quite fun to behold!

I am proud of this band - and I think it's ok if they are bit "prideful" as well! They have worked hard, are scoring high, and look amazing on the field - NOT doing easy things, I may add as well. Thought I'd share some pics with you - HOPING video is to come!!

Getting Ready to Take the Field

Caleb is back row - almost to the 20 yd. line - He plays the Tenor Sax.

Yep, smallest kid, biggest sax!!

LOVE that black!!

Tossing the Flags Over....

Catching the flags...

Caleb is front middle.

There, more than you wanted to see, I am sure.

But no complaining or I'll put the other 100+ on there too!!!

Buddies

I had a little photo opp - so I took it!!

2 Years Ago Today...

It was Gotcha Day.

Red Couch Girl from Becky Bilby on Vimeo. (which is actually a week or so after Gotcha Day - but it was close and I love this sweet smile!!)

I wish I could even explain what was going through our minds on that day - but, to be honest, we will let that be the past. It humbles me when I even think about - how selfish I was, how I wasn't listening to anything that God was trying to show me, and how our lives could have been drastically different had we not decided to do, what we deemed "the hard thing" and bring Jada home with us. I was scared - not listening to God lead - and sure we had somehow made a very big mistake. I remember asking the families we travelled with - question after question - did Jada seem ok to them? Did they think something seemed "off"? They were so patient with me - assured me that it all would be ok. I wish I could say it was love at first sight - that there were no doubts in my mind. But that would be lying and I pray - that our openness might help someone else that finds themselves in the same situation. It wasn't what we were expecting - there was nothing easy about it - but, 2 years later, I am so proud of and so in love with this little girl that I can say - it was a great plan - a plan I am so glad we didn't miss out on. I am SO glad our fears did not rule our hearts - we knew what God had called us to - and I am so glad we followed. It has been a ride - but one I'm eternally glad we are on.

We love you little Jada Faith -

You are our visible reminder - "He Knows".

Our Middle Man is 15!

I am convinced that every mom needs at least one son!! I wouldn't suggest THREE unless you know of a doctor that gives strong drugs!!! (Just kidding!!) Truly, these three keep me laughing!!

But today we celebrate that crazy guy in the middle - Mr. Caleb!

He turns 15 today!

This little man came into our lives a short 15 months after our first blessing and he's always been the "typical middle" child. I hate to say it, but it's true - he knows when to keep quiet and when to talk and when to lay low and stay out of trouble!

He's our blessing that we were told at 9 months old - might not make it out of the hospital alive. His little beating heart pulled through and he is our miracle!

He truly makes me smile! What a delightful guy!

He is quick-witted and yet one of the most tender guys around!

He has taken to both of his sisters from the first day we got them in China - the first one on the computer to see the blog updates while we were in China and then spent hours playing with them after we got home.

He adds a bit of crazy to our family - yep, we'd all admit that one!!

Caleb - you are a joy - we are SO blessed to have you as our son!

We pray you continue to grow in Christ and develop into the great young man that you already are!

We love you!

Green Thumbs

Well we're growing HERBS, of course!!

Yes, Chloe's Botany study this year has us on our toes!! And growing herbs is one of our assignments - but this is good for Mom, right!?!?!

What Are We Up To???

That is a very good question - and we are taking guesses...