Starfish Project

When I shop for Christmas, I also like to support worthwhile causes when I can! So I was thrilled when I saw this fabulous jewelry line a couple of weekends ago. The Starfish Project is near and dear to me having two daughters born in China. This is a project that helps to support women in Asia that might have been in the sex trade - it teaches them a skill and gets them out of their bad situations. I LOVE that - because it is not an easy life for many women in Asia. I just highly encourage you to look at their beautiful jewelry - and if you'd like to order - just email myself or my consultant, Emily Moret. Here is her Facebook Page.

Don't miss their adorable children's items!! The jewelry is quality - I've seen it in person and LOVE it! Just a few of my favorites!!! SO if you are interested - just email me or Emily and place an order through my show - I am hoping to support a great cause AND Christmas shop too!! (There is no way to order online and it go toward the party so just make sure to email your order!! Thanks!)

joeb382 AT orangecitycomm DOT net or

emily DOT moret AT yahoo DOT com

Trimming the Girls....

Oops, I mean the tree!!

Here is what we're up to tonight - perfect for an icy, wintry day!!!

Their dad taught them how to "fluff" branches - they are A-1 Branch Fluffers!!

Umm - yep, we even modeled the star!!

Adopted....

We were getting ready for the Katelyn's Fund Service in Sioux Center yesterday and we all had to wear shirts that said, "Adopted". As Chloe was putting hers on, she said to me, "OH GREAT, now EVERYONE will know I am adopted!" It took me off guard - I forget that to these little ones, sometimes they have no idea that they look differently or that people can easily look and see that they are most definitely adopted. Don't I wish we all saw things that way!!!

Then she went on to tell me, "Mom, I am very lucky - I am adopted TWO times!!" And I looked at my little one in amazement, as I said, "Yes, you have been adopted twice - and how blessed you are!!" Praising God for adoption today and everyday!

Here is the video that was playing as we went up front - almost 300 of us - with our "Adopted" shirts on. Love it that we can all be adopted by our Great God!!!

Happy Halloween!!

Yep - we went trick-or-treating in our pajamas - and carried pillowcases to collect our candy in - and then smelled candy all night long (as Chloe so aptly put it!!). They did not want me to wash the pillowcases yet - they smelled TOO good!!

And they got brand new jammies out of the deal!!! They loved it - however, Chloe also informed us that curlers in her hair were a bit embarrassing to be out in public with!!

See What's Glowing at our House!

The kids chose their own designs this year.....

The boys chose this one......

Oops - that wasn't very nice!!!!

Chloe chose that one.....

And Jada chose this one.....

And Dad did ALL the hard work!!!

Picture Day

Remember the horrible crash on our bike the day before Picture Day!?!?!?

Well here is the result - road rash and all -

Just shows how much fun she LOVES to have!!! :)

Jada's B's

Just so proud of this girl - she is working SO hard!!!

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...

First Week of TK

Here is Jada - in her glory - she LOVES school - even gym (and that is where we differ!!!). She can't wait to go everyday - what a blessing! We are again blessed to have a teacher that is wonderful with Jada - God is SO good!

Will post a picture of Chloe and her teacher SOON!! :) (Her teacher was having a bad hair day today so we'll try tomorrow - too much humidity! Did I mention before that her teacher would rather it were winter EVERYDAY!?!?)

Praising....

One year ago, we started Occupational Therapy with Jada - both through our school system (AEA) and through a private practice. When she was tested in the private therapy, she wasn't even able to complete many of the tasks for a 3 year old and so began her long year of many therapy visits each week. Today, our therapist said it was time to retest Jada and see where she is now. I had all I could do to sit there and not sob in that office - this little girl, that just two years ago was working on potty training, sleeping through the night, learning to walk and run - is now doing things that every other little 5 year old can do! She passed all of her three year goals, zoomed through the four, and then passed all but 2 of her five year goals - and one she didn't pass just because she was lining the pennies up on the lines meticulously (yes, she has a BIT of her OCD mom in her!!) instead of quickly getting them in the square shape. Yep, this tough mom that hardly ever sheds a tear, had all she could do to keep her composure. I am so proud of this little girl - she is determined that she can AND WILL do what all of the other kids are doing and she won't stop until she gets there!

We will only be seeing our OT once a month now and that may end soon if she continues on this path. I thank God daily - and I do mean daily - for each and every one of the people that work with our Jada. (She has a bunch - you should see her IEP meeting!!) Each of these dear therapists has taken our little one under his/her wing and truly helped her to fight for what is deep, deep inside and needs to come out. They are amazing people - they know their stuff and we feel God provided for us through them.

Jada is our fighter - she may have had us scared when we got her in China - but God had big plans for her AND for us! She is a joy - and she challenges me often - because I think - if Jada can do it - why can't I?? She has truly overcome SO much in her short little life - I can't wait to see what the next years bring!

That Time of Year

Our first year to be introduced to Band Camp....let's just say, we survived! 6 trips back and forth to the high school each day - that began around 8 am some days and ended at 9 at night. Band camp runs almost 12 hrs. a day - with breaks for lunch and dinner for an entire week. They practice on their songs for marching competition, field work, and then learn their marching patterns - I am quite technical - sorry, Caleb, I'm sure, could fill you in further. Let's just say - from here on out - it's band, band, and more band until the middle of October. :)

Amidst sunburn, near heat stroke (well not quite - but he wanted to try to convince us - and yes, some days were almost 100 degrees), and long hours playing his sax - he did survive. And it's easier now - only 2 hrs. a day!

Wild Olive Tees

I just think these Tees are the best!

And THIS is one of my favorites!!

And now it's being given away!!

OR - if you want to purchase one -the rewards are even greater - 100% of the proceeds go to help fund a heart surgery for an orphan in China - yep, NOTHING better!!

You Can't Mess This Up - BELIEVE ME!!

So you all probably already knew about this - I'm always the last to know!!! But just in case....

let me share my quick and easy dessert we are enjoying tonight!

We will call it -

"Even Becky Can Bake This Dessert"

1 Box Angelfood Cake Mix (1 step)

1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix

1 Bag Mini Chocolate Chips

Combine the top three in a container to save for when you are ready for your dessert!

Ok, let's just say you are ready now....

Get out your coffee mug and spray it with cooking spray.

Add 1/3 Cup of the Mixture

and 3 Tablespoons Water and mix well.

Microwave for 90 seconds.

Flip out onto a plate!

That's it - it's that easy! (And it was a hit here!!)

Backyard Tour of Homes

It is my annual backyard tour - no summer would be complete without it - so here you go - enjoy what we are enjoying right out in our own backyard!!

SO there you are - and you didn't have to get one mosquito bite!! (I won't tell you how many I inherited on this photo shoot!)