August Update

 Hey everyone! Hope you are doing well in all your corners of the world. 

Although we are still in lockdown, things are starting to normalize a little more as time passes. Big T tells me "Coronavirus is not nice. It doesn't want to go away." But Little T likes to tell me "Coronavirus is going away a LEEETLE bit" (imagine her pinching her fingers together just so). The kids are still taking everything in stride. They don't really seem to care that they've barely left the property in five months, although I think the older ones have missed their friends.

Last week, we got the exciting news that we are allowed to visit friends and family again! We are limited to small groups, but we are all so thankful to be able to spend time with each other again. Video calls are no substitute for in-person relationships. Of course I filled up my week when I found out that I was allowed to have people on property again!

Meanwhile, we are still keeping busy. The kids enjoy doing art projects every week or so. This Lego stamping activity turned out pretty cool.

Everyone is learning to roller skate or ride a scooter, or in the case of Big T, do both simultaneously. No...just...no. Boys will be boys, I guess!

They always ask me to do "scienspirients" (science experiments). We're running out of ideas, so if you have any simple preschool science projects, please send ideas my way!

Our littlest guy went to his forever family this month, and we are so happy for him!

Lockie is growing fast and is basically a tank. A milk tank. A milk tank that sets off loud alarms whenever it's empty (or bored or lonely). Below is what happens when you ask the two year old to "play" with the baby.

He's such a sweetheart. He loves to smile and laugh.

Our girls are growing too! Sweet P is mostly serious, but is fast on her way to becoming as chubby as Lockie. She loves to snuggle into my neck.

Daisy is still small, but she is growing! She likes to smile more, even though she's younger than Sweet P.

Prayer requests for this month:

- For patience in working with toddlers and preschoolers! 

- That I would be able to teach the older ones more and more about Jesus. The older they grow, the more I see how much they need Him. I love them and enjoy spending time with them, but also have to deal with manipulation, lying, tantrums, etc. Things are not all rosy and beautiful. 

- That I can see my own heart and how much I need Christ too.

- For our babies to be able to be placed in loving, stable homes soon. This is especially a struggle as they get older. No matter how much we love them, half a dozen aunties can't replace consistent, firm, loving parents.

- For the lockdown to continue to lift and for us to return to normal life again.

- That I would be able to joyfully serve God and look to Him rather than my current frustrations. That I would be able to live to honor Him NOW rather than waiting until someday when things are less irritating or worrisome or frightening.

- That even while I'm looking to now, that I will also look to the reality of eternity.