Sky-Sky: Eight is Great! (originally written October 2013)

What would our lives be like without our sweet, tender-loving Skyler.  I will never forget the first day I laid eyes on him.    He had on a tight red wiggles shirt and short blue jean shorts.  His lips were rounded and his eyes were wide open chocolate drops of deliciousness.  He was fat and soft and I fell quickly in love. 

The first week of Sky's life in our home was a mixture of wonderful and difficult.  He had severe breathing problems, so bad that his oxygen levels were at dangerous levels.  He required frequent treatments for a four day period, as well as a ongoing treatment of Albuterol.  He was severely anemic and had his days mixed up with his nights.  However, he was sassy and sweet with his turned up lip laugh (we called it his "Elvis")

He crawled like a pro and could pretty much get himself anywhere he wanted to go.  He could get into most anything including bags of colored goldfish.  He loved to get up and smash them into the carpet permanently as he walked away.  He loved sitting in the bottom of the stove, inside the dishwasher and any small compartment he could find.

  Mommy and Sky immediately bonded and quickly became the best of friends.

 He was a very messy eater and didn't mind being covered in food, slobber or grime at any hour of the day.

He has always had such a deep dedication and love for his big bro, Trevor.

Skyler has always loved any kind of sport and actually played his first team sport for the YMCA at age 2!

Now as he turns age 8, he can dribble the basketball for hours, shoot pucks with heart, throw footballs with gusto, swing bats with might and bike for hours in full BMX gear.  He is a true Renaissance man when it comes to sports!

He is super sensitive and takes things very seriously.  This is a angry, hurt and sad Sky face.  He has the rawest of emotions and has always had a quick, hard temper.  It is hard for him to control but it is so cute at its purest.

Sky has a great balance of artist sensitivity and bold strength and determination.

Skyler has been my biggest challenge.  He can't be moved when he has made up his mind.  He fights back and can be extremely defiant. He pitches fits frequently and stands his ground.  However, he also gives great morning hugs, his cheeks smell like puppy dogs after sleeping and he loves his friends deeply.  Skyler defends his brothers and works diligently to become the very best at his favorite sports. He is brave and full of determination but he has a very sensitive center core. I pray that he will be immovable for the things in life that matter most with his stubborn spirit.  I hope that he keeps his sensitivity and use it to help others and I pray he keeps living life full of bravery and determination.  

                                                  

                                                         Welcome to age 8, Skyler!

Tweva

It is hard to believe that our beautiful, blue eyed baby is eight years old. (original blog from October 2013)

A little over six years ago this amazing boy and his pudgy brother turned our lives upside down and all around.

Trevor was an old soul with a pretty intense sense of responsibility due to early life experiences.  He felt that it was his duty to take care of his younger brother Skyler and protect him with fierceness.  When they first came into our care as foster children, he would not let anyone be alone with Skyler.   Even now, when he is not tormenting Skyler to the death, he still  has the deepest bond with his Irish Twin.

Trevor has been throwing perfect quarterback spirals since he was two years old and sleeping with his beloved football.

He continues to have a passion for football and loves to play front yard games with his friends more than anything else in the world.

Trevor loves Christmas and enjoys every moment of this special holiday season.  He loves to proudly put out cookies, milk, reindeer food and a friendly letter to Santa Claus.  I know these days of "Believing" are quickly coming to an end.  I am afraid Trevor is going to crash hard at this news. He seriously has mad love for jolly St. Nick.

Trevor lives with great determination whether he is playing a sport or hunting a lizard, he has laser focus.

Happy 8th Birthday to our brave guy.  Our prayer is that Trevor will continue to live his life with such great love for his brothers, loyalty to his friends and passion for so many things.   I also pray he will stay competitive, focused intently on what he loves and continue to work hard. May he hold on with prayer and diligence to be all that God has planned for his life.



My Little Thing and Angel Wings

Greg and I had plans for a much needed night away from the kids.  His parents had graciously volunteered to host all three boys for the night.  Reese had much different plans!  As I was walking out the door after leaving, he ran after me crying.  He promptly buckled himself back into his car seat.  I knew he didn't feel great and he rarely behaves this way, so I took him back home. I then exclaimed to him that the three of us would be going on a date!  The night was a huge success.   We listened to Reese talk and we experienced a deeper part of his personality.  We enjoyed his pure spirit and delighted in him alone.  Reese had the best time being heard, not fighting among two other brothers for attention.   Also, the most amazing thing happened that night.  We were headed into the movies when we saw an absolutely beautiful sunset.  I told Reese that it looked like one giant angel in the sky.  I meant it in the sense that it was so glorious and breathtaking.

Reese exclaimed "Yes, there are his wings!  Oh, and I see the head and the body."  I looked closer and rushed to take the picture.

Without Reese there, I wouldn't have noticed the intricate details in the sky.  He believed he saw an angel and he was excited. However, he didn't seem overly surprised by this beautiful observation.  I felt gently reminded me that this childlike faith is the kind God wants from us.  If our eyes and heart are open to it, we will catch glimpses of God's glory.  We really shouldn't be surprised by these moments. Our five year old sure wasn't! When we came out of the movies, he looked up to the sky and proclaimed, "Awe,the angel is gone!  I guess his work day is done."   What an amazing few hours it was for our little trio and my faith grew just a little big bigger that night.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."--Jesus

Matthew 19:14