Halloween 2010

Welcome to my Toy Story family!

Woody: Hunter, age 6

The Toy Solider: Blake, age 6

Jessie: Graysen, age 2

Buzz Lightyear: Silas, age 6

The whole Toy Story crew!

This year we are going to "celebrate" Halloween on the 29th. The boys have Halloween Parties and the Elementary School parade that day, then the High School is doing their Trunk or Treat (inside!) that evening. We'll also go Trick or Treating at my Aunt Kim's house, Grammie's house, and Aunt Sissy's house. The 31st is Sunday and we'll dress up and hand out candy at home that night. Not sure we'll too many Trick or Treaters, but we'll be ready just in case!

We live in a neighborhood...and ride horses.

Our neighbor has two horses. (Yes, we live right in the middle of town.) She is kind enough to give my kids rides...like all the time!

See, the middle of town!

...and yes, my kids play outside in their costumes that are too small for them...like everyday.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

A few weekends ago we went on our annual trip to the pumpkin patch! I was very excited about this year because it was Blake and Silas' first experience with pumpkins, AND it is the first time in 6 (yes SIX) years that Lincoln has been available to go with us! Nick, Britt, and the girls, Mom, Kara, and the six of us loaded up and headed out to a new Pumpkin Patch in STJ. It was small, but cute for their first year!

Here is an overload of pictures:

Look at these brothers. You all just have no idea what this does for my heart.

Mommy and Daddy. Still in love...

Nick and Silas...they were matching! Silas has been crazy about Nick since the first day he met him.

Ah, the crazy Redburn six. I love us.

Lincoln...at the pumpkin patch! Am I seeing things?!

Grammie and her first two grandkids.

She picked out her pumpkin, and then found this gord...it was love at first sight. She couldn't have cared less about her pumpkin after that.

Out in the pumpkin field

Ah, my African Prince.

The most important part of a pumpkin patch is that they actually have fields with pumpkins growing. I just can't deal with those places that have them all picked and lined up for you to choose from. I'm a pumpkin patch snob.
The rule was you have to carry your own pumpkin...

These two are the best. They are my life savors and support no matter what.

(Okay, the little one is pretty great too...)

When Lincoln ordered nine hot dogs the people weren't real sure what to think...hey, we've got big eaters!

Jesus Bring the Rain

In December 2002 my Dad walked out on our family. It was by far the most pain I had ever felt, but through it I came to know Jesus more. Jesus, Bring the Rain.

In April 2005 I miscarried my second baby. The pain was intense, but through it Jesus showed me how to love my husband and son more. Jesus, Bring the Rain.

In February 2006 my daughter died. I was literally in the depths of despair, but through it I saw the Body of Christ work in ways I had never seen before. Jesus, Bring the Rain.

Over the last six years I have learned that marriage is challengeing...and it takes hard work. But through it, I have come to understand more of the relationship Jesus wants with me. Jesus, Bring the Rain.

In March 2010 my grandma died. She was such a light in my life, but through it, I have been able to teach my children more about the gift of life that Jesus has offered us. Jesus, Bring the Rain.

In May 2010 we adopted two six year old boys...and I thought I knew hard before! But, through it, my eyes have been opened to what breaks Jesus' heart, and I am grateful. Jesus, Bring the Rain.




God if faithful...even when there is rain. His love never changes!

This is the day that the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Today I am thankful for:

• lots of dirty dishes. I'm being serious. It means that there are lots of mouths eating in our home and that we have the food to feed them. This brings such joy to my heart. I've always loved hosting and feeding people. I always go overboard with food!
• living at the end of a long street lined with trees. I love how full they are in the summer time, how beautiful they are in the fall, and how the snow and ice hangs from them in the winter.
• a husband who has a heart that breaks for the same things mine does. I'm so grateful that we can talk about those things that are heavy on our hearts and I know without a doubt that we are on the same page.
  
• Graysen falling asleep in my arms. I love feeling her twist my hair and hearing her breathing even out. I love how warm she gets right before she falls asleep and how limp she goes in my arms...trusting me completely.
  
• my small group. I belong to a group of people who love each other and support one another. We can share our struggles without fear of judgment.
  
• God teaching me how to intentionally love my newest sons. He is teaching me everyday that love is a verb and that I can only make the decision to love them unconditionally with His help each and every day. Every morning I wake and pray "God, please let me love my children today to the best of my ability and show them You through me. Please give me patience, grace, and compassion to extend to those I meet today."
• other adoptive mommies who I can share my honest experiences and feelings with. They don't judge me, and know just what to say to lighten my stress for the day.
  

Quiet Time

This is what my quiet time looks like:

mixed in between that morning's breakfast, and dirty dishes.

I was reading scripture to the kids as they were eating their breakfast,
filling them up with The Word
as well as cheerios and captain crunch...
Preparing them to face the day away from me and the safety of our home.

I often times read as I load the dishwasher.
Is that weird?

Sorry about having to see the messiness that is my house.
I try to remind myself that God doesn't care how messy my house is...
as long as my life isn't messy as well.
As long as my relationships aren't messy.

I guess it doesn't really matter, right?
Isn't that how God wants us to include Him?
In the every day, minute to minute stuff of our lives,
right in the middle of the dirty dishes.

Less Is More

Our small group has been doing a study on the book Living With Less So Your Family Has More. I might post the study guides for each week at some point, so that they are saved for the future...but anyway, as we all walk this path in learning how Less is going to fit into our lives, it seems I'm being bombarded with reminders that this is the way we are to live...

My Little Fashion Statement

She is all about dressing herself these days!

Graysen on the trampoline

Graysen loves the trampoline, but often times doesn't get to freely jump like she wants to with three older brothers on there...so, she really loves it when we go outside to jump during the day while the boys are at school!

Whew, that was exhausting, I'd better sit and stretch...

Oh precious baby girl, you are beautiful inside and out. Some days I just want to gobble you all up and keep you with me forever. Every stage and age gets better and better. I adore that you love ballet costumes and hair bows, and I love even more that you want to play football or jump on the trampoline while wearing them! You are precious in my sight, but most importantly, you are precious in His sight.

Cavities 2 and 3...

Hunter went to get cavities 2 and 3 filled. He was SO good this time around. No tears, no fears.

I think it helped that he had Graysen with him, he definitely wanted to show her how brave he was. watching cartoons while his mouth numbs up...

He told her "Graysen, if you ever have to have this done, you don't have to be scared, it doesn't hurt at all, and I'll come with you."

Adoptive Mommy Retreat

I don't think I'm going to be able to go, but I wanted to share with you something that I think looks amazing!

The Created to Care Women's Retreat!

If you are an adoptive Mommy (whether recently or 10 years ago), if you are in the process of adopting, or if you just KNOW that adoption is in your family's future, this retreat is for YOU!

If this retreat is not for you, or if it is, and you can't go, you can still purchase a T-Shirt!
The sales of this shirt go to offset the cost of the retreat and help make it more affordable for Mommies to go! (Look if you read only the red parts, it says "Love a orphan"!)

**UPDATE: I AM GOING!!!! I registered last night and I couldn't be more excited!

Go check it out,

The Babysitter

This conversation just occurred at our house:

Me: Okay guys, Miss Mindy is going to be coming tonight for a little bit.
Kids: Nooooo, wahhh - WAIT - Mindy?! YES! We love Mindy!
Hunter: She's sooooo good.
Silas: Yes, I like Mindy
Graysen: Yea!!! Mindyyyyyyyy!!!

You're a hit Mindy. We love you.

Weekend Wonderings Part II: football game

After breakfast Saturday morning the kids and I headed home to get ready for another MS&T Football game! It was a close one, but we (as if I had anything to do with it!) pulled out a victory in overtime! Chad finished the game with 10 catches, 119 yards, and 2 touch downs.

Joe Miner, the mascot, made a visit to the stands and gave high fives to all the kids!

At each point scored, someone does the corresponding number of push ups. I was digging this ROTC girl with her pink shirt supporting Breast Cancer month!

Graysen loves Chad's mom, Kim. She sat on her lap almost the whole game!

When the game gets a bit boring, what do we do? Play with Sissy's hair of course!

Grammie and Hunter, super fans!

Papa and Silas. He stayed glued to his side through the game. Too sweet.

Celebrating one of Chad's touchdowns

now the score reads this...

...and Kara feels like this...

but Gray's not too concerned...

whoo hoo! A victory. Such a sweet couple.

Thanks for including us on this journey Chad. We love watching you play!