Enough about me...what about you?

I just found out that today is "Delurking Day"!

I've never heard of it, let alone participated in it, but I'm excited to start!

I know most of you (maybe all of you!), but some of you don't know each other...and I always love to learn more about my friends! So, whether you're a dear friend, a relative, or a new reader who tends to lurk around here once in awhile, I'd love to hear from you!

Please answer one, two or maybe all of these and introduce yourselves!

1. Where are you from?
2. Tell me about your daily life. What's a typical day like for you? What's your favorite part of the day?
3. What book or movie changed your life?
4. If you're a fellow blogger what's your URL? What do you write about?
5. What's your favorite food or drink?
6. Now that I've canceled our Dish TV, what should I order first from Netflix?

Mothering

"Inspiring Natural Families since 1976"

Mothering Magazine might be my all time favorite magazine! I won a subscription to it at a National Breastfeeding Fair a little over a year ago and have not put it down since! I keep almost all of the volumes as references.

I am encouraged, inspired, and challenged every time I sit down to read.

Although I don't necessarily think of our family as a "natural" family, my beliefs line up with this magazine more than I ever thought they would! Of course I am a huge advocate of breastfeeding. More nights then not we have a family bed. I am a baby wearer (still). We tend to agree with most of the discipline techniques and ideals discussed. I would say the only thing that we don't participate in is all of the wonderfully healthy eating habits they suggest...not something I'm proud of.

I get very excited for my monthly subscription of Mothering to come, and when it does, you can guarantee that I will be taking a nice, long, hot bath in peace and quiet to soak in all of the wonderful articles that are sure to fill the pages.

Delaying Formal Schooling

It's no secret that I'm very nervous about my children's educational career. We held Hunter back a year, choosing not to send him to pre-school until age 5, and Kindergarten at age 6.

I recently read that Britan has officially recommended holding children off of formal schooling until age 6 as well, putting them more closely in line with other European Countries (like Germany and France). The article said that it would allow children more time to learn while playing, which I have always valued. I think there are a million real life lessons that can be learned while playing with toys and each other!

I felt better about our decision and my strong feelings after reading all the stats this article provided. I think we made a good decision for our son.

Words of Wisdom from a 5 year old

"You're surrounded by joy!"

These are the words I was awoken by this morning. I opened my eyes to see one baby on each side and Hunter was right, I was surrounded by joy.

Where he gets this stuff, I will never know. But I'm sure lucky he was right!

Are there days?

When the vaccum falls over 3 times when you try to put it away?

When sweep the kitchen floor just to find 5 minutes later that your 2 year old has gotten into the brownies and they are now all over the floor?

When you try to label pictures because you've realized your memory is already failing you and your kids will NOT play by themselves? Am I wrong to think that my 5 and 2 year olds should be able to play in their playroom stocked with toys by themselves for 15 minutes?

When you make your bed only to find both kids have thrown all the blankets off and are jumping on it a few minutes later?

When you break 2 glasses while unloading the dishwasher because they are still too hot? Darn me for being dilligent and getting right on unloading as soon as they are clean!

Today, I think I'm going to quit trying. Tomorrow is another day.

Happy 2010 from The Redburn's!

We hope that this letter finds you feeling refreshed from your Christmas vacations and celebrations. We pray that you all were able to stop and enjoy the real reason for the season and celebrate Jesus' birthday with your friends and families. Hunter requested birthday hats this year for our Christmas dinner rather than a birthday cake for Jesus like in years past! What good is a birthday party without the hats right?!

Lincoln is still working the weekend day shift at the Walmart DC. He loves his job and doesn't look to change anytime soon! He has also started making some deliveries for Phelps County Rental during the weekdays this year. It's just on a "need" basis, so we still have some days to enjoy as a family. He is also in his 6th year of coaching boys basketball at the St. James High School. He loves the opportunity and responsibility of helping shape young boys lives on and off the court.

Ashley stopped doing in home daycare in May 2009 and has been soaking up the time with her kids every day since then! She couldn't ask for anything more then to be able to be home with her children experiencing life with them and making their house a home for the entire family. She is teaching all forms of dance and Zumba at The Dance Studio in Rolla three nights a week this school year. She appreciates being able to get out of the house for a few hours each night and continue a passion that she has had for 23 years now!

Hunter Lee turned vie in August of this year. He started pre-school two mornings a week at an awesome Christian Church herein town and is very much enjoying being introduced to the school setting. Mom and Dad couldn't ask for a better place to send him for a few hours a week. We are thrilled with the instruction and staff! He is very much a "boy". We are thrilled with his imagination we see while he crates huge worlds with his action figures and his sister's doll house. He still loves to play all sports and enjoys cheering for the Tigers while at his Dad's basketball games.

Graysen Faith turned tow this year! She has turned into a beautiful, very passionate little girl. Whether it's that she adamant it's "her turn" while playing Bubby, or because she wants a certain pair of shoes for the day, she definitely lets you know her opinion! She talks up a storm and is your typical little girl. She has an obsession with shoes, clothe,s hair bows, and nail polish! She started dance class the week after she turned two. She loves it! She is often showing anyone (even strangers in the store) her dance moves - and to make Mommy even more proud she even uses correct French terminology! Her favorites include turning with arms in fifth position, shuffle step, posse' (foot at the knee), sote' (jump), and plie' (bend of the knees)!

In family news, we started the adoption process in March of this year! We are adopting form Ethiopia and are just waiting to receive a referral (picture, medical info, and name)! We hope to hear something in early spring and then travel to Africa to bring our much awaited baby brother home before Christmas 2010. Although we are anxious to add another blessing to our family, we of course know that it's all in God's timing and He already arranged thing to work out perfectly!

Much love from our home to yours,
Lincoln, Ashley, Hunter and Graysen

Thank you Lord for giving me a sister

who is the best Aunt in the whole world!!!

I am not an outside person. So, when all this now came I might have said a small prayer to God asking Him to NOT let Hunter ask to go out in it...maybe...



So, when Kara called asking if she could take Hunter sledding I was thrilled. Seriously.

Hunter's first experience on a 4 wheeler!

Kara and Chad,

Thank you for being so involved with my kids. You are both the best people I could ask for! I can always count on you to keep routine and discipline while we're gone, and splurge with fun, outrageous activites with them while we're around. My kids are so blessed to be able to make so many memories with you, they will last a lifetime.

Love always,
Ash

Some thoughts on recently viewed movies

I'm not much on reviews of anything, but I've actually watched a few movies in the last week...more than I've seen in several months actually!



After Mrs. Haid's mentioning of Julie and Julia, I decided I'd better watch it. It was one that I wanted to see in the theater as well, but, as life goes with two young children, I didn't make it. I actually really enjoyed the movie! It wasn't filmed the way I expected it to be, but I thought it was very easy to follow and I enjoyed the plot. It definitely made me glad that I am not obsessed with food or cooking...I could NOT do some of the things I saw them doing on there. Gag. I don't care how good it may taste, the prep would not make it worth it to me. It did, however, wish that I had some sort of project to participate in for a year. Something to do every day, something to be accountable for (as if I don't have enough already...). So...I did some research and came up with something! Be looking for a post very soon!!!


Santa Buddies. We watched this as our family movie night on Thursday. It was awesome. A little over zealous for a kids movie about puppies? Maybe, but maybe not! We have all the other "Buddies" movies, and the kids do love all of their adventures. I was expecting about the same thing out of this one, but they far surpassed my expectations. The magic of Christmas must have gotten into them or something! The one thing that I appreciated more than anything about this movie was the Christian Christmas tid bits that were added in. Although it was about Santa Claus, there was also "God Bless", prayer time, and much, much more! A must see, I think. It will definitely become a Christmas movie tradition in our home!


The Blind Side. I can't say enough. This was WELL worth the trip to the theater. Although this movie does hit a little closer to home for me currently, I still believe that this is a story everyone should see! I was literally laughing and crying at the same time - several times!

You're in our dreams

Sweet children,

You are in the dreams of those who are also waiting for you. Your Nini dreamed about you the other night. She got to hold you and look at your face. She says that you are beautiful. A good friend of ours (in our small group) also dreamed that she was getting on a plane and flying overseas to visit children. She feels like they were ours.

I hope that you'll always know how much you have always been desired. I hope you always know that you are a part of our lives, and have been since before we became a family.

Love always,
Mom

ABC Bible Verses - January's Verse

"A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1



I have been wanting to start ABC Bible Verses with my children. I want them to master a verse of the bible starting with each letter of the alphabet. We will take our time considering they are young, but I figured about a month per verse.



After several hours of arguing between my two children one day, I decided it was time to start our ABC Bible Verses. Verse number 1: A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. Perfect.

I typed out the verse on a colored piece of paper and put them at the table with the verse and two white papers and crayons. After having them repeat the verse after me several times I asked them to draw a picture that shows what the verse means...




Here is Hunter showing off his art work. He drew a happy man (in blue) and a mad man (in red) and wrote the words "happy" and "anger" under them.

Here is his art work displayed on the fridge. The verse hangs above it and we talk about using our soft words many times a day!

Why our heart for the orphan?

So many people have asked us why we would adopt. This question comes in many forms...why when you can have children "of your own" (please don't make me break down why I think this is such an ignorant statment!), why when you already have two, why Ethiopia (meaning both international and a child of another race), why when it's so expensive. Why we "suddenly" have a heart for the orphan.

We've thought long and hard about those questions. Here is a list of some of our answers.

Because we believe that this life is not our own. It is God's, and we must use it for the betterment of His kingdom.



Because we believe that in the end, it won't matter what careers we had, or what gadgets we could afford, it will matter what lives were saved.



Because we believe that each child is a child of God.



Because we see nothing more worthy of our focus, time, resources, and lives.



Because injustice is a wrong worth righting.



Because a poor and homeless child is still a child.



Because we know that, while adoption is not a solution in itself to the orphan crisis of 147 million, we believe that 147 million minus one or two is a better number.



Because we believe that Jesus died for redmeption, not just for eternity, but for our lives on this planet, and we believe that we can be vessles of that redemption to children's lives here.



Because we know, that if it were our own flesh and blood we would want someone to love them and call them family as well.



Because when we hear God's calling and direction for our lives as plainly as we heard Him say this to us, we can not say no.



Because really, these children are no different from your own. Not at all.



Because it's just not okay with us to say no to a child who needs a home, when we have one.



Because it's just not okay with us to say no to a child who needs a family when we have one.



Because it's just not okay with us to say no to a child who needs room to thrive when we have room and can make room.



Because it's just not okay with us to do nothing.



Because it's not going to be okay for them if we do nothing.



Because it's just not okay to do nothing.

*Some of these wordings have come from others, but all in all this is exactly why we have chosen to adopt. This is why we will continue to stay involved in solving the world's orphan crisis long after our own children come home forever.

Graysen's First Dance Class

Can it be true? Is it really time for my little girl to go to her first dance class?
This is something I've dreamed of almost my whole life. Silly, maybe, but if we're all honest we will admit that we've all pictured our little boys and girls doing something that we love as well.

Will she realize that I've left the room? Will she listen to Miss Megan? Will she understand what she's supposed to do? She's the youngest one in the room, will she be physically coordinated enough?

Will I still be standing here in awe of my precious daughter dancing 20 years from now? I wonder if this is what my mom was feeling when she watched me during my first class. Did she know that it would be a lifelong passion of mine? Did she know that someday she would come to watch week for her granddaughter?

Will she enjoy it? Will she want to come back next week?

All my fears were relieved 30 minutes later when she cried as I was trying to get her to leave the dance studio because class was over. She didn't want to leave. In fact, she didn't. She stayed the rest of the night with Mommy while I worked.

Graysen with Miss Megan after her first class at The Dance Studio

I got her a dance bag embordered with her name. Her very own tap and ballet shoes. They are the ones that I will save forever. Her very first pair. Her little black leotard and pink tights.

She has talked about Dance Class literally every day since then. She's only been to two classes and can't wait to go back on Monday. She shows me her favorite things from class every day. She loves the crab position, nose to toes stretching, turning with her arms in 5th position, plie', posse', jumping, and shuffle step.

This may be a fleeting interest, and I may end up at basketball games rather than dance recitals and competitions, but for now, I'm going to soak up the amazement that I feel while watching my beautiful ballerina.

make that another one...

Up 2 spots...

I've never been one to scour the unoffical wait list...until yesterday!

Today...we moved up 2 spots! 2 spots in one day, I'm so excited! We're not unofficially sitting at number 11...

X Box Games for Sale

My husband and son got an XBox 360 for Christmas and we have a few original XBox games that are not compatible. I'd love to sell them for 5.00 each if anyone still has an XBox just comment or email me...

Hitman 2
Madden NFL 06
SSX Tricky
Nascar Thunder 2002
ESPN Colege Hoops 2K5
EA Sports Triple Play 2002
NCAA Football 2003
NCAA Football 2005

Whew.

So, I've started this new chore chart. The high I get from Xing something off the list is rediculous really. Between that and the motivation I got from Chrissy's "she does not eat the bread of idleness" New Years Resolution post, I've hardly taken a minute to sit down at the computer!

Plus, Graysen is sick again.

So, sorry for the "act" of a triumphant return only to be let down by so few posts, with such little content. I really do have several swimming around in my head. I've done two fun crafts with my kids the last two days, and I'd love to post pics of those, just not time right now...

now it's time to fold laundry before Hunter gets home from his first day back to pre-school!

Help where I need it the most

God, please give me the patience, love, and skills to be the parent that my oldest child needs. I want so badly to raise him up to love and fear you, but some days I feel as though that is an impossible task. Please help me.

Amen.

Keeping a family together, that's difficult. And that's the mission worth fighting for.
- Spy Kids

Christmas Traditions

Mrs. Haid suggested that I write about some of our families Christmas Traditions. I have greatly enjoyed reading about some of yours, so here are some of ours!

I love classic traditions, but also love creating new ones, so most years contain a collaboration of new, old, and slightly modified traditions depending on our children's ages.

I love Christmas lights, so I always drive Hunter around and we drink Hot Chocolate and look at the lights. He REALLY enjoyed it this year, but got tired after about 1/2 of STJ, so he asked me to remember what road we were on and we would finish another night. So sweet.

We also always make it a point to celebrate Jesus' birthday in some typical way. Most years Hunter has made him a birthday cake that we take to my Grandma's on Christmas Eve, but this year he asked to wear birthday hats, so...that's what we did during Christmas dinner at the Redburn's!

My Grandma has made each person in my family a stocking. Mine is from when I was born, she made Lincoln his the Christmas before we got married, and each child one when they are born. She's even made one for the new baby, but we don't have his name at the top yet (because we don't know it!!), but we sure hung it with pride next to the rest of ours this year. How lovely it was for all 5 matching stockings to be hanging side by side on the fire place!

Our Christmas celebrations start with a drop in potato and cheddar and broccoli soup dinner at my Grandma's house. After everyone gets off work on Christmas Eve we all just gather slowly at my Grandma's house and have soup, meat and cheese trays, and cookies. This year my Grandma just wasn't feeling up to it, so we had it at my Aunt Lisa's house. This made it kind of nice because now all three "sisters" can host a family gathering during the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day).

My family has always had a tradition of getting and opening new PJ's on Christmas Eve. We always wear them to bed that night so that we have nice, new PJ's for Christmas morning pictures. We have now modified this tradition to be for my kids. They always get PJ's (this year matching ones!), and us kids (Lincoln, Kara, and I) either get house slippers or PJ's (whichever we need the most that year).

We also always get a new Christmas ornament. My mom always picks these out and it usually has some semblance of something that has happened in our life the past year. We also open these on Christmas Eve and they don't go on the tree until the next year.

We get up early on Christmas morning (whenever after 4 a.m. that the children wake up) and open gifts. There really is no separation as to what's from who, there's just a pile for each person. We have always spent Christmas morning with my Mom. In years past Mom and Kara have come over to our house when we call them, but this year we spent the night at Mom's. I think this will probably become our tradition now, as she and Charlie have a large enough home for all of us to sleep comfortably.

We also always leave milk and cookies for Santa. In years past I'm pretty sure we've left Chocolate Chip, but this year we left one of the sugar cookies that Hunter and Graysen made.

We always eat Christmas lunch with my extended family, although it rotates whose house we're at. When I was growing up it was always at our house because that's where my Grandma lived as well.

I would like to implement a 3 gift rule next year - although because there are so many people that purchase gifts for my kids it's going to be hard. I suppose we will have to allow 3 each from Us, Santa, Mom and Charlie, Kara, and Redburn's. That's still 15 presents...way too many!

Lincoln's family doesn't have many traditions that they still carry on from his childhood, but we have made a few new ones that we greatly enjoy.

Christmas with the Redburn's is celebrated as an extended family. That means Marcinda, her brother, her sister, her parents and everyone's kids and grandkids. We always gather on the Saturday before or after Christmas (depending on where in the week Christmas falls). This way we can all be together all day long without anyone having to run off to celebrate with another side of the family. We would rather all be together without interruption than to celebrate on the actual day.

We have all made our own stockings out of gift bags with snowmen on the front of them. We've all decorated our snowmen to fit our personalities and they look so cute all sitting out together. We also draw names for the next year for stockings. That way each person only buys for one other person every year.

Lincoln's siblings have started the tradition of trading siblings to buy gifts for. When there are 8 siblings it gets rather expensive, so we would rather purchase nice gifts for just two of them rather than trying to find good deals for all 8.

We love Christmas and are always willing to try new things. I can't wait to see what the kids request as they get older and what they are willing to let go of...

My top 10 Goals for 2010

In no particular order...

1. Continue to make a concious effort to be present in each moment.
2. Support (physically and emotionally) Hunter as he starts his school career.
3. Welcome a new child into our family.
4. Find the work situation that is best for our family and our new schedule with a school aged child.
5. Celebrate my 6th wedding anniversary with my husband.
6. Look at more Christmas lights with my kids. (Make it all the way through the STJ lights, visit Santa's Magical Kingdom, and Lion's Club Park)
7. Pay off more debt than we did in 2009 and be more involved in the finances of our family.
8. Cook more meals at home.
9. Attend the Hearts At Home Conference.
10. Grow closer to the Heart of God.