Kindergarten Step Four: First Day of School

The boys laid out their clothes after their showers the night before...


I planned out the week's lunch menus in advance, that way it's very easy to pack them each night.


We packed lunches the night before...first day lunches included: Peanut and Butter and Banana Sandwiches, grapes, fruit snacks, a hard boiled egg, 2 chocolate chip cookies, and grape juice.



All Kindergarteners are required to wear name tags the first two days...


First morning! They were ready. to. go!

Silas, you had a great first day of school! I took you to your classroom and your teacher showed you how to log in what kind of lunch you were having. She showed you where your lunch box and backpack went. We found your desk again, and you were off and ready to play. I showed you on the clock that I would be back at 3:00 and you were good with me leaving.


After school you were so excited to see us that you jumped and started to run to us, forgetting your backpack and lunchbox at the table! You told me that "school good"!


Hunter, you had a rough first day. Sissy took you to your classroom and she said you were doing great. Unfortunately, I came down to check on you and you decided that you didn't want us to leave. You cried off and on all day long and visited with the counselor. You didn't eat your lunch because the lunch room was "too cold, too loud, and way too many people". I'm sorry I didn't prepare you for that.


When we picked you up you immediately told me "I hate school, I'm never going back". We spend some quiet one on one time talking after school and decided that there were really just a few bad things, including the lunch room, the toilet (it's too small), and being homesick. There were also some good things, like rest time, and art class.


Blake, you also had a great first day! Daddy took you to your classroom and when I came to check on you after leaving Silas, you were playing with shapes. The girl who sits next to you was helping you find the ones you needed. Daddy stayed with you the longest, but you didn't even look up when he told you he was leaving and walked out of the room!


After school you were happy and smiling. You said you liked school and that Mrs. Douglas was nice.
We can't believe we are sending Hunter to kindergarten! We've watched him grow up and the years have passed so quickly. We were pretty sad to let our baby go. We were concerned for B and S because of the extra challenges they are facing with the language barrier and emotional and mental turmoil of not quite being attached to us yet...and then having to be away from us all day long.

Three kids in school. Three kids in the same grade. Three kindergartners. It's really hard for me to comprehend.
Hunter needed some extra cuddle time with Mommy after being homesick all day long, but we had a great night full of soccer, trampoline, a family bike ride, and watching the HS football team practice.


The sweet email I received from my Mother in Law Thursday morning:

Your life is beginning a brand new chapter TODAY!!! The circle of influence for your children is broadening by leaps and bounds TODAY, good and bad. There are so many joys that will come...new papers daily, new friendships they will all experience, some will last a lifetime, which will in turn bring brand new people into your lives, the fun of watching them play sports, bringing struggles, competition, and success! (yes, it's FUN! ~ : ) and you cannot imagine the parental pride you will feel when they excel in their special talents, and maybe not even excel, but do something that makes them happy and reveals to you anew how special they are.

There will be limitations to your family time, trips you can take, etc...but the payoffs are great. Blake, Silas and Hunter will learn so many wonderful new things... their brains soaking up like sponges. They are soooo smart, all three of them!!!

I just wanted to say I'm thinking about you and lifting your family up in prayer.

Happy first day of school 2010!!

Love always,
Marcinda

Kindergarten Step Three: Open House

Backpacks are all packed...


The kids are ready, anxious, and waiting...

One quick family picture before we leave the house...


We visited Blake's classrom first (because of the construction we had to walk into his room, and so we just started there by default). We found his seat...


I started filling out all the paperwork in the folder at his seat. Mrs. Yamnitz came over and welcomed him to the room. She, I believe, will be our life saver this year in Kindergarten!

After putting all his supplies away in his cubby, took one more picture in his classroom doorway. This is his new "smile" by the way. If you don't happen to catch him smiling naturally, this is what you get when you say "smile!" Yikes. We'll work on that!

On to Silas' room, which is directly next door to Blake's. We found his seat and I proceeded to fill out the paperwork...again. Mrs. Yamnitz followed us into Silas' room and helped him put all of this things away.


A picture in his doorway as we leave...

And we're on to our last, but not least stop, Hunter's room! More paperwork to fill you, my hand was seriously hurting after filling out all that paperwork x3! Hunter had a super cool dinosaur cup waiting for him in his cubby!

Hunter was by far, the most timid of the 3 boys, so we stayed awhile and visited with his teacher, Mrs. Crain.
A picture outside Hunter's classroom door... If you look very closely, you can see Hunter's name on the blue stegosaurus!

We headed to the gym for Mom and Dad to get signed up to volunteer (Caferteria, Super MOM's, Watch Dogs, etc.) and the boys met the STJ Tiger! Either S or B one, I can't remember, was determined that it was a dog...lol.


Overall, I think we had a pretty successful night at Open House. It was a bit chaotic going to 3 classrooms. I think it was also crazy because of the construction and the fact that the teachers hadn't been afforded much time in their classrooms for preparation. The building will be safer and better for it in the long run though, and that's what's important!

Hunter's Pre-School Graduation

In April Hunter completed Pre-School at Solid Rock Christian Church.

Here he is on his last day.

They had a graduation ceremony. The kids sang songs that recited bible verses that they had learned through the year.

Here is Hunter getting his diploma and Kids Bible...which we've read several times through since then!

The Graduate with Aunt Sissy and Chad

Ally also graduated from Solid Rock the same day, so we had a joint party for them afterward at our house.

Hunter and Ally with their matching graduation cakes!

We are so proud of Hunter for completing his first year of formal schooling. We're proud of the way that Hunter grew in Christ over that year. Off to Kindergarten...!!!

Our crazy family takes a drive down Old Route 66

We live on Historic Route 66, but often times don't take full advantage of the lovely sights that many people travel so far to see. I'm only half joking here people...

Our short trip down Old Route 66 started with dinner at a BBQ joint with the word "Hick" in the title. No, I'm not kidding...


It's the rare occasion when we get a picture of Grammie and Papa with all four kids looking!


After leaving dinner and pulling off the side of the road we took some more fun pictures! B and S weren't sure what this was all about, but they had fun just the same.

Gray will dance anywhere, anytime!
Just like her Mommy!

Blake joining the motorcycle gang!

Hunter needed another drink, it was so hot outside!

He was determined to mow that grass!

Lincoln goin' for a little ride...

Chad, shooting off the cannon...right at Charlie!
Of course Chad was immediately interested in the cannon - history buff that he is!

Ah yes, you can't miss the Worlds Largest Rocking Chair!

Here are the stats for that awesome chair you saw above...

Whew, it was fun guys...lets do it again, oh maybe next week!

Yeah...we're nuts sometimes.

I hope we celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary.

I just read this blog about a family gathering for a 65th wedding anniversary. An entire week at the beach with their whole family. How awesome would that be?

Our wedding party: from left to right:
Amy (Ball) Ahmed, Brittany (Scudder) Krueger, Jayna Cardetti, Kara Fannon, Me, Lincoln, Vimal Bhakta, Evan Redburn, Lucas Redburn, Justin Renaud

I hope Lincoln and I celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary. That would make me 85 and him 86. I think we can do it! I asked him how many great-grand-kids he thought we would have by then...so we started doing a little figuring.

Lincoln's grandparents on his mom's side have 3 kids, 10 grand-kids, and 10 great grand-kids and they are not even 80 yet.

His grandparents on his dad's side has 5 kids, 17 grand-kids, and 10 great grand-kids.

My grandma had 6 kids, 15 grand-kids, and 17 great grand-kids!

I think there's potential for us to have a HUGE family by the time we're in our 80's! The thought of Blake, Silas, Hunter, and Graysen grown up, with families of their own thrills me. It gives me that numb, dropped blood pressure, anxiety, excitement feeling! I can't wait to see what God has in store for each and every one of them, in turn blessing us beyond measure!

So, here's to toughing it out. Here's to making our marriage a priority and choice every. single. morning. Here's to fulfilling our vows. Only 59 more years and we'll make it to our 65th wedding anniversary.

And I intend to spend it on the beach with our whole family!

Be happy with what you have; a letter to my child.

Oh particular child of mine,

Why does it seem that you are never happy with what you have? Why do you insist on complaining, whining, and crying all day long over things that you don't find adequate, fair, or good enough?

I know in your life thus far it seems that the world is out to get you. I am sorry and saddened by everything that you have experienced so far in your short life. But, please know that your family is not out to get you! We can be your safe shelter, the ones that you trust to always look out for your best interest, the ones who you can count on to give you what you need.

No, we may not always give you everything you want. I am sorry if things were made out to be different then they really are. You are not always going to get your way. Life is not always going to fair, and with 3 other siblings you need to realize that there are going to be times when you are not all treated equally. That's part of life...it's a hard lesson, but a necessary one.

It is not going to serve you well to try and be as possessive as you are. You must learn to share, to give freely of yourself, your time, and your things. I understand that this is the first time in your life that you have actually had things, but things are not what's important. The love you will receive from our family, your family, is going to prove to be much more fulfilling than any thing may ever be for you. I promise...

Please stop throwing fits by stomping, crossing your arms, and saying cross words under your breath (in any language). You are really wearing me out with this behavior. We need to be grateful for what we have. We are blessed beyond belief. Someday you'll be able to look around the world and see that we are some of the richest people in the world, both in money and resources, and love in our family. For now, just please trust me?!

I give you rules and boundaries because I love you; because they are good for you, both for your mental and physical health. I do not let you get away with fits and whining and pouting because your character means more to me than that. Yes, it would be easier at times, but you are worth the hard work. I would rather work hard every minute of the day than to let you live your life with that attitude. I pray every morning for you to have an attitude of gratitude.

I love you with every ounce of breath that is within me, and I want you to thrive. I want you to learn to have a happy heart in every situation and keep a smile on your face, even when it is not the natural emotion that comes.

Dearest child, I am praying for you, without ceasing,
Always and forever,
Your Mom

Tent City

Lincoln is such a great dad. He shows it in so many ways, but one thing that I really appreciate about him is his willingness to play with our kids. He's always the fun one who wrestles, makes zip lines for GI Joe, sets up the slip and slide, and makes tents in the bedroom.


The kids kept this tent up for 2 days and had so many adventures in there!

A day of working. Exploring why I feel this way...

*Many of you may disagree with this post. That's okay with me. Everyone is different and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I am not looking to start a feud on SAHM vs. Working Moms. We are all moms and we do what we have to do for our families. I respect that. These are simply my feelings and observations about myself.

I think I figured out one of the (many) reasons why there are so many broken families in America today.

Today I worked from 9:00 - 2:30. Only5.5 hours.
When I came home I was so short with my children!

I was frustrated by their lack of ability to do anything for themselves.
They couldn't seem to regulate their emotions, words, or actions.
They couldn't get their own drinks, toys down from the closet, or sticky doors open.

These are all things that I deal with every. single. day.
Why did they frustrate me so much tonight?

After some quiet time and prayer, I figured it out.
I left my children and spent time with other people who are competent to care for themselves.

Coming home to people who aren't is frustrating.
To say the least.

To imagine having two parents working all day and coming home feeling like this is scary.

No wonder so many families are unhappy.
There is no one home to prepare the house for the family that evening.
There is no one to be patient and loving with the children.
Or with their spouse.

Lord, please prepare my heart for the years to come. If I am to join the workforce, please prepare myself and my family. Please change my heart so that I will not feel this way every evening when I come home. I want to be a loving, patient parent who fills their children's emotional love tanks each evening. Not one who is short and cross and can't wait for bedtime.
If I am able to stay at home and continue to care for my family and home, thank you for that blessing Lord.

Some recent food adventures

Lately I've been a bit more motivated in the kitchen than I have been for quite some time. I love it when I feel like this! I really do enjoy cooking and baking, unfortunately, it seems like I am just too busy to do it on a regular basis. I'm hoping with our new schedule starting in August this will become a regular thing! I'm only working one night a week this year, so I should be home the other six to cook dinner!

I finally took all four kids to Walmart! My mother in law was so gracious to go with us and help me train the children!


I don't think I could have made it all the way through without her help, as we stocked up on 2 cart loads of food. I haven't made a real shopping trip since coming home from Ethiopia, 7 weeks before this trip!


The boys were very excited when they saw mangos and papaya in the produce section. I just couldn't tell them no when I saw how their faces lit up!


So, we tried some new fruit for the first time! Thank you for introducing us to these boys, all the kids love the mangos!


Apparently the papaya wasn't quite ripe yet, because they let me know that in Ethiopia it's soft and here it's hard... I didn't know how to prepare either of the fruits, but the boys graciously and patiently showed me!

Blake showing me how to prepare the papaya...

and then digging in!

Hunter has been asking for chocolate covered bananas, so we got a kit and went to town making them! We made 8 bananas, and the kids loved them! It was a fun activity for us to do together.

The kids enjoying their bananas after dinner...


Oh, here's the fourth. He was being a bit stubborn and wouldn't eat his dinner, so he had to wait to eat his banana. But, as always, he finally finished it and loved his chocolate covered banana too!

We had a bread baking day and make banana bread and zucchini bread using my Grandma's recipes.


The boys are very good helpers, GG would be proud of their chopping abilities! I know she would've loved their help! Britt and the girls also stopped in, so they got join in on the fun bread making festivities!


Mya had to be our bread taster after the first loaf was done, and she really enjoyed it!


I also attempted my first Ethiopian dish. I made a lentil wat. I wish I had gotten the boys faces on video when they came around the corner into the kitchen and smelled the wat! They were SO excited and jumping around the kitchen saying "yea! Good food!" I buy injera at an Ethiopian restaurant in St. Louis and keep it at the house for them, so we had a wonderful meal! Could have cooked the lentals a bit longer so they were softer, and we were missing the spice from Ethiopia, but I will buy that next time we're in STL as well.


I hope everyone is experimenting with new foods, finding the enjoyment in cooking together as a family, and thanking God for the plentiful food that we are blessed with.

Sometimes I'm sad

I'm sad that I will never know what S and B looked like as babies.
I have never seen a baby picture of them, and doubt I ever will.
The very first pictures I saw of them, at 6 years old,
will be the earliest thing I have of them or for them.
I have at least 6 albums full of Hunter before the age of 6.

Our very first picture of the boys. I feel bad even posting this, because it's so pitiful, but this will always be the earliest photo they have of themselves.


Some days it feels like more than my heart can take.

After reminiscing yesterday about the day Hunter was born and how precious these first 6 years were with him, it hits even harder that I didn't have any of those with S and B.

I will never know what really happened when they tell the story (in very broken English)
about Sintayehu bleeding from his head.
I will never know how they got the scars on their knees.
I just pray someone was there to comfort them when they cried from the accident.

I'll never know how old they were when they crawled,
what their first words were,
or where they took their first steps.

I don't know what their other sisters look like,
I'll never know if they look like their father.

I can't tell them the story of their birth on their birthday each year.
I definitely can't show them the video.

In my heart I'm happy that their mother and grandmother got those years with them.

I'm thrilled that they were able to somewhat get to know the beautiful woman who gave birth to them. But I'm sad they won't have a journal such as this to read when they get older to know her better.

But sometimes, I'm sad that I don't have anything for them as they get older and start to ask the really hard questions in life that adopted kids ask.

All I will have is the strength that God gives me, and my heart, that I pray they know they already have.

Happy 6th Birthday Hunter

My firstborn is six years old. All I can do is shake my head. I really don't know how this happened!

Hunter,

You are six years old. I know when you're older and reading this letter six will seem very young to you, but boy, you seem old to me! You have become a very smart, insightful, and thoughtful little boy. I can see your heart forming and loving God more every day and nothing brings me more joy. You are aware of the world around you and have realized that there is more to this life than just ourselves. You have become a strong leader in our home, and I appreciate the example that you are setting for your siblings.

I can not wait to experience this year with you,
Always and Forever,
Mom

Pictures and more on the birthday celebrations this year to come...!

Happy Birthday to my Grandpa

Today is my Grandpa's birthday.
He passed away when I was in the 4th grade, but made a life long impression on me.
This is the first birthday that my Grandma gets to celebrate with him in sooo many years.
Today I am happy for them.

I miss you both.

Rubber band bracelets: mostly cute

I'm sure, if you're a mom of school aged kids, you've seen these new rubber band bracelets. Apparently, they're all the rage. My kids adore them! I bought them a 1.00 Noah's Arc pack in the check out line at Walmart. We had a great time figuring out what all the animals were, and they've worn them for a week now. My sister got them an American pack the other day. Eagerly they dug into them to see what new shapes they had to trade with each other. Included were the Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, a bald eagle, the outline of the USA, a hand peace sign, and last, but not least, a dollar sign.

No, I'm being serious, check it out.

Needless to say, we are not wearing the dollar signs. I just can't believe it. Do we seriously want our youngest generation to think of capitalism and money as a symbol of America?! Maybe I'm more counter cultural than I thought I was...but I definitely don't want my kids to view America like that...that's not the America that I love, the America that we were intended to be, the America that God wants us to be.

Our day in court

On July 14th our adoption case was heard in US courts, making our adoption final here in the United States, and allowing the boys to become US citizens!



They will be issued US birth certificates and we can apply for Social Security numbers for them. The only downer of the day...they lost their Ethiopian citizenship. Ethiopia doesn't recognize dual citizenship.

This adoption is actually over. Done. Finished. It's an odd feeling after being involved with it for the last 16 months of our lives. Another chapter closed, and another one begun. I'm excited to see what this one holds for the Redburn family!

Our First Trip to the Dentist

I took Blake and Silas to the dentist together. It was their first trip, and they did great! Such brave boys! Can you imagine going from no toothbrush for your first six years, to a dental chair?! Not me, they are such tough boys! The report was great, a few concerns on permanent teeth buds being there, but we'll find out more at their next appointment in December.

Blake went first...

Silas, next!

Then, a few weeks later, Hunter and I went for our appointments. Not such good news there...


Hunter has 7, yes, SEVEN cavities, one that may need a "baby root canal"! Yikes! The sadest part is, it's not his fault! I'm the one who makes his meals and brushes (or supervises) his teeth! Talk about feeling like I majorly failed as a mother. But, he was SOOO brave! Very cooperative, and didn't stress one bit about everything the hygienist was discussing with me. We have an appointment with a periodontist on the 3rd of August to find out what our next step is... Please be praying for us!

My Interruptions

Jill Savage wrote a post about this topic a few days ago and ever since it's been on my mind, and my heart. Lincoln and I are in the middle of reading her book "Living With Less So Your Family Can Have More", and this is the topic of one of the chapters as well.

Today as I was desperately trying to clean my house, there were two times where I was interrupted.

My first reaction was to be short with my children and frustrated that they were disturbing my "plan of action".

But you know what?

They are my plan of action!

The first time, Graysen started crying while preparing for a game of water guns with her brothers. I could not figure out what the issue was. So, I picked her up and quietly asked her to use her words. She responded with " I don't want to use my words!"

Obviously she needed a little cuddle time with Mommy. So, that's exactly what we did. We rocked in the recliner while I cradled her like a baby. She just cried and cried. Eventually the crying gave way to silence, from there, a small smile crossed her face, and then...

"Mommy, do you remember when you stayed here and Grammie took Bubby and I to McDonalds?"

How precious. That was the memory that brought the smile to her face. We talked and rocked for a few more minutes before she announced that she was ready to go play water guns.

And it was over. She just needed a little reassurance and cuddles from her Momma.

The second time was when the kids wanted to play Hunter's new Connect Four game. Of course it required assembly and stickers put on all the game pieces. But you know what, I enjoyed those few minutes, taking a break from my chores, visiting with my kids, and getting them set up to play a game.

Thank you Lord for quieting my heart today and reminding me that my children are so much more important than my household chores. The reason I am home during the day is because of my kids. I only have 11 more days with the boys before they head off to school. Lord, help me make the most of them...