Just wanted to post this pic because I think it captures my dear Ashlyn’s mothering to her brothers. We had an “eggstravaganza” at our church Grace Valley Fellowship yesterday. It was beautiful weather and loads of families from the community came out for it. Not only was the egg hunt (or rather, egg gathering since there wasn’t really any hiding involved) fun, but the addition of the moonbounces was a big hit with all the kids, particularly my boys. Drew and Evan must have done the obstacle course moonbounce nearly 50 times. It was a bit challenging for me not being able to talk really. I talked just a little but I definitely used up all my words for the day. So, I didn’t speak the rest of the day at all. And, I’m hoping to go all day today with no talking since my mom is coming today to help. This pic was when they were standing in line for one of the moonbounces.

3 years ago today, we nearly lost a baby. Actually, about 7 months before that day, we nearly lost a baby. Our specialist told us that we were going to miscarry for the 5th time. I still remember that day very clearly. We decided that day to adopt actually. A few days later, our doctor told us he might be wrong. 7 months later, we were in labor and Drew had the cord wrapped around his neck two times. His cord was cut before he was actually born, something that rarely happens but was necessary as he was in such distress. When he was born, he had been deprived of oxygen and was unconscious and blue. He was quickly resuscitated though and then all was fine. What a strange day that was, such a roller coaster of emotions. Now, 3 years later, our crazy little man had his 3rd birthday. It wasn’t nearly as eventful as birthdays normally are around here since I’m still pretty much a wreck. But, he didn’t care. His door was decorated. He got to wear a special “3” shirt. He got a cookie cake. And, of course, he got presents. So, it was a good day. The highlight gifts were his Indiana Jones whip–the only gift he asked for–and his Indiana Jones hat, a yard sale find I picked up for $1.50. He may actually wear this thing everyday. We’ll see.

Scene: Mark and the kids watching me approach in all my glory–bandage around my neck and a barely audible voice.

My first baby turned 7 today. Can’t believe that it was 7 years ago that he was born. He woke up so happy, walking proudly through the streamers hanging from his door frame. I got a sitter and joined him at school for lunch as I did last year. What fun that was. I wish I could have taken pictures there to post and keep. But, the pictures will just have to stay in our heads. All the kids were so tickled that I was there, sitting right at their little table with my bagged lunch. Lots of kids just wanted to come up and say hi. One little girl even handed me a notebook where she had written, “Evin’s Mom” and asked me to autograph it. Yup, if you ever want to feel like a star, visit an elementary school. The conversations around the lunch table were great–one of Evan’s good friends told me very seriously, “I have very bad news.” “Oh,” I said, “what is it?” “My sister is getting sick,” he answered. I expressed how very bad news that little cold is. Another little boy asked Evan, “Do you have On Demand at your house?” 1st grade conversations are a sign of the times, I guess. And, have you seen elementary school snack bars lately? Man, they got some serious snacks! All we ever got were french fries in a cup or a soft pretzel for $.25. Evan’s snack bar was loaded with delicacies including smoothies, funnel cakes, ice cream bars, giant cookies, and then some. Evan bought a funnel cake for the first time for $.85. He has always been too shy to do it. But, since I was there today, he did it. I’ll post more this weekend about the festivities. But, for now, here are some pictures of my very big boy.