There has been much excitement on the lane this past week as BW's band gets ready for their very first gig. They played a coffeehouse last night in a nearby town for an audience of teens and young adults. From that gig, they now have another one and a party to perform at also. And some invites to perform at other events like this one. Not bad, I'd say.
For years I've said, "So, BW what are you going to do with your skills beyond being a closet player?" To which he consistently responded, "I play because I like to, not for anyone else." This of course was maddening to me. I spent my high school years performing and competing with my violin. But BW's personality is such that he takes his time, lingers and doesn't have an end result in mind. Just enjoys the ride. His father and I, on the other hand are very goal-minded and focused. God sure has a good sense of humor, LOL!! In the end though, it's these moments that make all the money we've spent on lessons and instruments more than worthwhile. Congrats to the band. We're very proud of you all!
I think today is the last day that it will feel like Autumn on the lane. We are due to get snow soon. So LL and I went out and about for a stroll today. She has grown so much that her beautiful pink coat we purchased for her in Guangzhou fits her. I just had to post a few shots of her while we were out enjoying the fresh air.
On Saturday DB, BB, LL and I went to visit with some friends we have made over the course of our long wait for LL to come home. They too have adopted a child from China. It was wonderful to have someone close by to share our frustrations while we waited. Now we share our joys in finally having our daughters home!
The girls are so cute together. LL had fun exploring all of Buttercups toys. They both are so curious. Much of the time was spent exploring the house, the cupboards and trying to figure out how to navigate those stairs. Buttercup has a piano in her house and both girls had a great time practicing their newfound notes. So cute! Mama Mac made a yummy lunch for both girls. They quickly ate and then were on to more adventures. While LL and BC played, DB and Daddy Mac visited. Then MM and I tried our best to click some pix of the girls. At this age they are not still for long. Our family is blessed to have such nice friends to share this journey we are all on together. Friends are priceless treasures from God!
Thanksgiving on Lindy Lane was busy and fun. Family arrived at 2:00 pm with snacks and dishes to finish trimming our holiday meal. Sadly we were missing one person, Anutie Junebug, who was home with strep throat. Hurry and get better Auntie! I am thankful for a family who REALLY can cook. Uncle Coach made his renowned sausage stuffing. The Auntie Twin made her fabulous marinated cheese. Auntie Ess made yummy squash and asparagus. Uncle Fix-It prepared tasty Irish Coffee’s after dinner. This capped off the tummy-busting pies brought my Auntie Junebug. WHEW! Talk about a triptophan coma! By 6:00 we were all ready to collapse on the sofa. And we did! The only thing that brought life back to us all was celebrating Cuzin’ Dee’s birthday. He also serenaded us with a rousing rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on his new saxophone. Having budding musicians in the family is awesome. Keep up the good work Cuzin’ Dee! A moment to melt my heart was when we were sharing something we were all thankful for. This is an annual tradition now. Every year I purchase a Peppermint Pig. After dinner we pass around the pig, in a bag, with a little hammer. As you “whack” the pig you say something you are thankful for. Of course, the more you are thankful for the more “whacks” you can give the piggy. So with all of the “boyness“ in our house we had many expressions of thankfulness. But the moment I will not forget is when Cuzin’ Bee (the smallest rough-and-tumble boy cousin) shared he was thankful for Ju-lie. What a tender moment, shared deep from the heart. It still brings tears to my eye as I recall it now. Two Thanksgivings had gone by with a little empty highchair, just waiting to be filled. At long last, this year she is home. Our Little Ladybug has brought a new joy, a new energy and much anticipation with her arrival. Each day, each first, and now each holiday that she is finally here brings joy overflowing to us all. God is so good.
Today DB took the day off so we could have a family activity day. We always look forward to these times and spend quite a bit of time deciding what to do. It was nearly unanimous that we would take a hike. BW wasn't as keen on this idea as he regularly hikes and stayed up til 2 am with his buddy the night before. Teens!! But nonetheless he went. And it's a good thing he did, but I'll get to that in a minute. So we started out with just the five of us. Then each boy asked to bring a friend, or two. So our group grew to eight as we made the drive to the trailhead. The more the merrier is what we say. It was a brisk fall day, cool and fairly clear. The kind I like for hiking. No sweating, no bugs and the cold is motivation to keep moving! LL rode in the Ergo Baby carrier, snug as a bug with BW for the first leg of our hike. I have to say, it was my plan to carry her myself. But I am honest enough to say, I could have never made it. The trail started out steep, rocky and ICY right away. Yes I said icy. This was a suprise to us all. Naturally this slowed us down and made for some tricky footing. This mountain holds a suprise we did not know of too. The beginning is tough then as you approach the summit it gets much easier. Mostly due to the switchbacks. Endurance and surefooting are the keys to success on this trail. We reached the summit just at noon, hungry and ready to rest our legs. This is LL's first peak and it was exciting to show her the view from the top. This is keeping with a family tradition. Both BB and BW bagged their first peak before they were three. LL is no different. We all enjoyed a quick lunch, a few photos, chatting with other hikers and of course the view. Then it was back on the trail again. The weather had changed as we were climbing and the wind was strong. LL is not quite ready for that for too long. The hike down got a little noisy as naptime approached. By now DB was carrying LL and feeling at a loss for comforting her. ML tried a few things but none helped. So, we proceeded even though the crying continued. Shortly thereafter it became apparent that LL needed a change. So, trailside we took care of that problem. It was breezy and cold, but hey we're pros. If there were a pit crew for diapering we'd be Crew Chiefs! After that, and an oatmeal raisin cookie, LL settled down on DB's back for a nap. So cute! The five boys made record time on the way down, naturally. And had fun snacking, goofing and challenging each other all along the way. I'm sure though, that the trail's end looked good to them too. I know this because we were not in the car for more than 20 minutes and ALL of them were sound asleep, too funny! Heads bobbing, snoring and ipods blaring. Now that's tired! All in all it was a good day. DB and ML are pleasantly tired and happy to have had a day of fun with the kids and lots of fresh air.
Life on Lindy Lane for the last two weeks has been all about leaves. Yes, I said leaves. We have one acre full of leaf bearing trees. It is lovely in the Spring to see the yard come to life. It is a sanctuary in the Summer to seek shelter from the sun. It is a nightmare in the Fall. But all work and no play makes for a dull life. These photos show the lighter side of our endeavors and of life in general these past two weeks. BB has begun lacrosse this week. BW is doing well in his job at Taco Bell and we are proud of his work ethic. Auntie Ke-Ke has delivered joy to our home by giving LL a FurReal kitty and a baby one too. They are constant companions. LL is continuing to explore life on the lane and have many new adventures. Next week we will be busy preparing for Thanksgiving. Family will be coming and we are looking forward to their visit.
Friday, November 2, 2007
The month of October flew by! I don't know where time has gone but it was wonderful. To re-cap our fun month I'm posting some pix with captions. The month started out with a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. We've brought the boys there many times and now it was time for LL to visit too. Then, of course, LL and ML have all day together just the two of us. We have so much fun. I thought I'd post a few pix of our Mama/Daughter times--they are so precious to me. This month was also LL's dedication at our church. She is definately a squirmer when trying to take photos. So this one is the best shot we have of her special day. And my month re-cap would not be complete if I didn't include some pix of LL and BW or LL and BB. She has the best brothers in the world!
Little Ladybug was rather out of sorts so we stayed home for most of the day. In the morning we ventured out on the lane to get Papabugs newspaper. LL was sporting her cute little cape made by Auntie Darlene. An appropriate outfit indeed! After lunch and an extended nap she woke up feeling rather chipper and wanted to play with her kitties. Her little arms can hardly reach around all three. It is so cute to watch her try and carry them all! Beetleboy and Daddybug are busy preparing for the First Lego League competition every week. Boll Weevil was actually home tonight so we went out for some shopping and more driving lessons. He is doing well, and I am too. I no longer clutch the armrest for dear life; or leave divets in the floor from applying the "brake".
