what? it's september???

Well, I can't believe, as usual, that the time has sped by so insanely fast.  Summer was so full of harvest, activities, doctors appointments, and projects!  I neglected to document any of it here...but it is time for some catch up.  We are so thankful for a safe and bountiful harvest.  I often thought this summer of how I used to race out to the field at the end of my work day as a nurse and ride until dark or later with Justin in the field.  Not anymore.  I chuckled as I shuttled kids back and forth to spend time in 'my seat' next to their daddy.  Farming is hard work and long dedicated hours that erase any hope for summer vacations, Saturdays free, or early evening dinners...but it is so worth it when my kids can spend great quality time with their Dad and Grandpa, learning how to work hard and be good stewards of the land and being faithful to their callings from the Lord.  It is a dusty, dirty, and hungry proposition so most of my time, in between my shuttling service, was spent cooking, caring for the ones left behind, and laundry!  Lots of laundry!  I am terrible at getting harvest photos but hope that someday when I don't have a child on my hip, there will be plenty of time for that.  I did happen to document my two hardest working boys...evidence of my need to do lots of laundry and cooking...

Matt my fearless wonder, also lost his two front teeth this summer!

Mark heading out to drive truck.

At the end of August, we celebrated the birthdays of two very special little girls!  Happy 3rd Birthday to Beth Ann and Happy 2nd Birthday to Emma Grace!  We had a party for them together with lots of family and fellowship! We are so thankful for the tiny package of dynamite that Beth is!  We can't believe she is three already and although she is a 'project' most days to instruct and keep from harm...she is about as cute and adorable as she can be, even when being defiant!  Beth is finally deciding that talking is a preferred way to communicate and has officially been named "Queen Bee" by her Grandpa, who gives nicknames to everyone.  It is fun to see her little personality emerge now that she is talking more.  A small but mighty package of joy and mischief!  Love her to pieces!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Beth Ann!  

Emma Grace.  Home for six months now.  Our big two year old!  It is hard to imagine, as I think about it, how far she has come since her first birthday, spent in a large three story building among three hundred orphans in Baoji, China.  I couldn't help but wonder on her birthday if there was a mommy, somewhere on the other side of the world, wondering, worrying, or thinking of her child, that she left behind.  I won't speculate on the circumstances behind Emma's being orphaned, because there is no way to know...but I just thought of the woman who gave birth to my daughter.  So many details unknown, but still a part of Emma's life.  Although Emma hasn't started walking on her own yet and is only beginning to realize she can communicate with us using her hands (instead of screaming)...she has grown up in so many ways in the last six months.  We are so thankful for her.  Emma has the most playful spirit and her personality is beginning to come out.  It will be so fun in the next year to see her blossom and grow and become more of a little girl, than the baby she is today. She loves her family and is finding her way deep into our hearts.  She brings laughter and so much music to our house...she has been sung to so much in the last six months that she now hums a tune that sounds a lot like Jesus loves me and row row row your boat, all mixed up together.  She is passionate about life, whether she is passionately happy or passionately mad....and she only knows one volume....LOUD!  We are so thankful for the gift of our Emma Grace!

Emma styling her almost too small traditional Chinese outfit!

Happy Birthday, Emma!  Love your crescent moon eyes when you smile!

School started and put an end to the summer schedule that we all had...back to school this year are Mark to the 5th grade and Matthew to the 1st grade.  They are doing great and love their teachers.  Matt is really getting back into the swing of things, enjoying his first year of school five days in a row.  Mark is such a scholar and drives himself to perfection...he is already better at math than I am.

 Both boys are looking a little tired but ready for their first day at JES!

September 13th, we celebrated Marks 11th birthday!  How did that happen?  Mark is such a great big brother and son.  Responsible beyond his years..to the point that sometimes when he isn't responsible I have to remind myself that he is only 11.  Mark was solely in charge of my yard this summer...and did a great job! He drove truck in the field during harvest and he loves to be the part of the action.   Mark has a tender heart for others and we pray that he will continue to learn to rely on the Lord.  He is such a blessing and a fun person to be around.  Love him so much!

In one minute or so, he will be 18, I am sure of it.  

Well...that is a little long winded but I think it touches on the highlights of the last few months.  I hope to update again before it is all of a sudden 2014!