Happy 1st Birthday Caleb

Before it's super far beyond the fact, we celebrated Caleb's first birthday (twice actually) last week. I decided to go easy on the budget and make the cakes for both parties, and yes, out of a box! I actually like box cakes, maybe I just like cake in general. Pair it with good ice cream and we're good to go. Party #1; the home-made frosting didn't turn out as it should've so I had to mix it with store bought, oh well. Party #2; I went with a different frosting recipe, and the cake went in the trash an hour before the guests arrived! So, I resorted to my emergency Costco size brownie box for a quick back-up. I vowed I would never make frosting again, but I probably will.

Caleb had his one year Doctor's appointment on Friday. He is measuring 30 inches (59%), 24 lbs, 8 oz. (74%), and head size is off the charts in the 99th percentile! Doctor's comments, "well, since he's developmentally not behind, we won't do a head scan!" I guess it runs in the family, have you seen Jake? And P.S., I'm not concerned. We just say that it's packed with brains.

It's hard to believe one year ago were will still waiting to bring him home from the hospital. I had good intentions of making a video of the first year, I started weeks ago, but of course never finished. But, the baby book is almost done!

Happy Birthday Caleb, we love you!

Wedding

We are very excited to have an addition to our family, Mrs. Morgane Van Voorst! We had the most fabulous time spending a week out West to share in the excitement of my brother's wedding. The house we stayed in was more than what we could've asked for, with one whole side of the house facing the Teton Mountains.


Our sleep deprived Jake had the most fun seeing the buffalo (that move, not the statue we tried to appease him with), riding Trav and Morgane's horses, climbing the mountains, and riding in the airplane. My Jake highlight was watching him bust out his breakdancing moves during the wedding reception, now I KNOW he learned this at daycare.


We missed Caleb, but he was in excellent hands with Aunt Kate and Memaw. It was tough leaving this guy behind, but it was for the better as we got to be a little more flexible during our trip.

I look forward to a lifetime of trips with our entire family out to Jackson, and seeing our little outdoorsmen flourish.

Jake's 3rd birthday

Last Saturday Jake turned 3. Since his birthday fell on the weekend, it was only perfect to have a party! Since the early stages of telling him about his birthday party he was most excited about what else, cake! My Mom and I took him to Costco the day before to pick it up. While riding around in the store cart, he kept saying it was "the biggest cake EVER!" The cake excitement was no different on Saturday, the day of his party. As soon as he woke up and I sang happy birthday to him in bed, he started asking for the cake. So...as you can see from the pictures, I think the wait was worth it.

Now...if we could only get this 3 year old interested in potty training. Funny, the only time he is interested in trying to go potty is before bed. King of procrastination!

Loved

I just need to spew. Not even sure how this is going to come out. After 8 long years of investing in one particular student, tracking her whereabouts from foster home to foster home, camps, retreats, one on one mentor appointments...she shows up today to our lunch appointment, with a baby! What? Really? I just saw you 5 months ago.

She lives in the Upper Peninsula now, so we don't regularly visit except probably 2-3 times a year when she comes down to visit. O.K., she's almost 21, not a kid anymore...but, really? Then the details follow, the Father is no longer in the picture (surprise) and she already has another boyfriend. This guy has no job, no driver's license, and they started dating as soon as the baby was born. Really? All that is within me wanted to scream, partially at her, but more just scream. Instead, I held her baby and we gushed over the miracle of little toes and hands. Then I got in the car and wanted go put my resignation in...rapid thoughts enter my brain - "what am I doing this for? no difference is being made! the cycle of brokenness continues, what happened to all the goals we set during our one hundred mentoring appointments?"

Then, I took a deep breath and called my Mom. We landed on that this now 20 something former student of mine just wants to "be loved." But, but, but, I told her she was loved. God loves her. Didn't she or doesn't she know that? Can't she experience that? Did she or does she not fully understand?

I don't have the answers. I have lots of questions. I feel unequipped lots of days to do my job. Today is one of them.

I'm definitely not looking for pity. I just need to unload my thoughts. There, I did it.

On that note...vacation, here I am.

River Bank Run and Youth for Christ

This is LONG overdue. I realized that this long awaited run has come and gone and I never posted ANYTHING! Just goes to show how crazy life has been. This event was such a success. We raised almost $14,000! It's all because of the support of a huge group of amazing people. They worked so hard to achieve their personal fitness goals and also surpassed goals to raise a large amount of money for the ministry of Youth for Christ. I cannot say enough about this bunch of people! They have been a blessing to us personally and more importantly are making a huge impact in the community to reach lost kids for Jesus Christ. Thank you!!

Pacifier

Dear Jake,

I stayed home with you today because you woke up with one of your eyes almost glued shut with "yuck." After getting it opened, it was very pink. I was all ready for the day and even running a touch ahead of schedule. You changed my plans, and I wasn't too disappointed that I had to miss our staff meeting - it was bound to be a long one today. I took you to the Doctor...and guess what, 2 ear infections! You've had 3 antibiotics since February for those darn ears.

While we were at the Doctor's office she made it very clear that you needed to get rid of paci! So...what better afternoon to spend at home with just Mommy and cry through our nap without paci together. But, you did it! I promised you a lot of things in the process; ice cream (with sprinkles), a movie, disney world, etc. You were almost sleeping and wanted to know if Abbi and Zoe could come too.

You did pretty good tonight without paci, your brother was the one that gave us more of a headache. He probably has ear infections too.

Even though you went to bed without your paci, you didn't go without Mommy laying with you. We are probably starting a new habit in the process of breaking an old one.

I love you buddy,
Mommy

New Home

Dear Jake and Caleb,

You are upstairs sleeping right now in your new house on Lake Forest. I am exhausted, but I think it's going to be worth the back breaking move - you both are going to love it here. I'm pretty sure your big dog Jackson is already acclimated. He has already introduced himself to all the neighbors and their mailboxes. Speaking of neighbors, most of them have already stopped by and introduced themselves. I'm especially appreciative of the VanAppledorns at this very moment, they brought chocolate chip cookies.

Daddy just left because he is working on his Master's degree online through an intense one and a half year program. He has a mid-term exam to complete tonight. He was a little late because you (Jake) wanted to rock just "a couple more minutes" (that's your latest saying). If you hadn't gone to bed at 10:15 last night, he probably would've rocked you longer. You are very tired tonight.

I'm proud of both of you boys, sounds like you were good for Tori today. You even took naps for her!

You guys are surrounded by lots of family and friends that love you. Mommy and Daddy are thankful for them too, especially during the move. Maybe we can have a big "thank-you" party for them once we get settled, you (Jake) can show them all the sharks in the basement - "the big one is coming!"

Love,
Mommy

P.S. There was a woman on the Today Show that wrote letters to her daughters in the form of a journal. It inspired me to maybe blog some letters to you....things that you won't remember, but someday you might read. I want you both to understand how much love I have for you.