whatever "normal" is. Ever feel like you've been under water way too long & when you finally come up for a breath of air...after all of the coughing, sputtering, & carrying on...it's like the most wonderful experience you have ever had? Well, that's where I am right now in my life. I still can't put a lot of things into words yet but for the first time in a long time, I have a renewed hope in my heart & a spring in my step...minus the limping from the gimp foot :o) We have our good days & bad days but overall the kids are doing really well. I think Phoebe is already ready for summer & I have to remind her she still has a ways to go & needs to keep focused on school. Her first grade music program was last Thursday & she did very well. She's been busy the past week delivering Girl Scout Cookies. She is getting ready to test for another belt level in TKD in a couple of weeks. Although she really enjoys Upward cheerleading, I think she is ready to be able to sleep in on Saturdays. She has two more Saturdays of getting up at the same time she does for school during the week.
Samara keeps the rest of us grounded :o) She enjoys preschool but is looking forward to going to kindergarten in the fall. She is also excited about starting TKD in May. We wanted to make sure that Phoebe & her had a couple of belt levels between them to help decrease the "sibling competition" that they have going on between the two of them. Samara for the most part is very thoughtful & you can hear her almost daily praying for Haiti. She is patiently waiting to hear about the status of her birthmother & younger sister.
Overall Shakira is doing well. We have all learned that we can't get caught up in her day to day moods or it will drive us crazy :o) She is attempting to communicate more so we are teaching her more signs because a lot of her words come out sounding like "gee gee" & most people can't understand what she's saying. Right now she is doing very good with her potty training...mostly only needing a pull up at night & staying dry during the day. Praise God! :o)
Caleb...is two...that should explain everything! :o) In between his little "fits" he really is a cuddly, loveable little boy. He is wanting to "help" us around the house. He really enjoys going to Kid's Day Out twice a week. He wears "big boy underwear" during the day & a diaper at night. Randy continues to do well at his job. Most days I wonder how well I'm doing at mine :o) We are looking forward to spring break & one or two summer trips. We thank God for his endless love, patience, grace, & mercy as he continues to grow us into the people he has created us to be.
