Memorial Day

The very first Memorial Day was in 1868.

    

    Although the holiday is now celebrated with barbecues and sales at furniture stores, that is not why Memorial day was started. Memorial Day is a day to consider those who gave their utmost.

    Many Americans today have no sense of reverence or obligation for the liberty they enjoy. So many will “celebrate” Memorial Day as any other holiday, with barbecues, beer, and commercial sales at local malls. Basically, they have forgotten Memorial Day.

    This Memorial Day and every one, Americans are supposed to stop and think of the fallen troops at 3:00pm. I only recently found this out and I think it will be a new thing for some of you also. But those of us who do understand the cost of liberty should advance this custom in honor of fallen Patriots. It is because of holidays like this we are able to most clearly see the honorable history of our country.

“The dead soldiers’ silence sing our national anthem”

~ Rev. Aaron Kilburn

“The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.”

~ Thomas Campbell




~Momo

Thank-you

Since, you're all probably bored of Baby Jack by now, I thought I should post about something different. ;-D


This video called The Gratitude Campaign demonstrates a unique way to show gratitude to those who serve. It is quick and simple to avoid awkwardness and in situations when you're unable to approach someone. The man who started the campaign felt that the usual ASL sign might be misinterpreted, so it instead uses this sign, originating in 18th century France, which fully translated means "thank you from the bottom of my heart."



If you haven't already heard of this, please take the time to watch this short video. Also, please keep our Uncle N in your prayers as he is deployed in Afganhistan.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For any of you who haven't lost interest in the newest addition to our family and are eager for an update: Baby and Mom continue to do well. She doesn't get much sleep at night, of course, but she usually gets a nap during the day. All things considered, this seems to be her best recovery. Jack is a precious little thing who still spends most of his time sleeping and "smiles" often. Usually he only cries when he's hungry; then he wants food NOW!

I would also like to give a BIG thank-you to all of those women who have generously brought us meals these past two weeks. We have been so blessed by how kind and thoughtful you have all been, and the meals have been simply wonderful! (Plus,  it makes planning and preparing meals much easier for us girls! ;-D)



~ Risa

Definitely a Girl

A few people have asked us recently, "So is Goldilocks going to be a tomboy? I mean, she is boy-trapped, and all her sisters are so much older..." and other questions of that nature. It is a reasonable notation, I'll admit. But see, they don't live with her. If they did, I can assure you that no such questions would enter their minds.

So I thought I'd answer that question here. And, since actions speak louder than words, I'll give an action.

This evening SquiRe asked her to play soldier with him, and she agreed. Soon guns were firing, both from enemy lines and "guguy" sides. (I know, I know, sounds pretty boyish to you? Just keep reading.) Suddenly, the unthinkable happened. Amidst the blood, sweat and tears of war...Goldi's shiny pink purse (you know--her favorite, the one with the bow and silk flower?) snapped open! And not only that, but the carefully placed knick-knacks inside poured out! A shrill scream sounded from the front lines (yes, that was Goldilocks' scream). When the shriek subsided, several yells "STOP! STOP" and many more calls for help rang in the ears of innocent, chore-doing bystanders (*cough* me *cough*). As soon as the insides which fell were placed properly back inside, Goldi took a deep breath and sat down, wiping her forehead in exhaustion. I'm sure if she knew how, she would've been saying "That was close."

Believe you me, there are several other instances I could give you to prove her girly-ness. Like the time she spent nearly fifteen minutes searching through drawers looking for nail polish. Or the time she couldn't decide which shoes to wear. Oh, and don't forget the dress. Shall I go on? Well, I think you get the picture.

And while I'm posting, I figure I should give you some updates on Jack. He's doing great! Eating well, getting plenty of sleep. He wakes up about three times a night...not sure if that's good for a newborn or not, but it sounds okay to me.

Here's some pics.

Isn't he cute?

That one ^ is my favorite. His face is so funny!

~SAM

Baby Pictures!

The not-very-long-awaited-but-seems-like-it photos of J are here! Take a look-see =).

(Isn't he cute? Mom says he looks like me as a baby, only with hair ;-]) Hm...looks like we didn't get any with his eyes open, but right now he has dark blue eyes that are really pretty! Erm...handsome. ;-)
SAM

Baby Jack!

4:30
Mom's water broke. We were woken up by Dad and I actually didn't believe him. He jokes around all the time, so it is hard to tell if he is serious.

5:15
Mom is at the birth center and is not able to use the jacuzzi because it is broken. They have plenty of people there: Dad, Risa, Sam, Papa, and Nana. I stayed at home with SquiRe and Goldilocks.


2:00
After spending the day cleaning, decorating, practicing the alphabet, and baking, SquiRe and I started jumping up and down for joy! Baby Jack was born!!!!


Sorry to say I have no pictures but we will soon enough! Mom tested positive for Strep Group B, so she and Baby Jack are going to stay there for another 12 hours! Oh well, I will see them soon enough!


~Momo

Happy Mother's Day!

We all love our Mom so much. There is no one like her! She deserves a day all about her.


I hope you know what a wonderful mommy you are and how privileged we feel that God would give us a mom as terrific as you!

We love you Mom!

♥Momo

Goldilocks!

This morning we got up early, had devotional time, ate breakfast and hurried out of our house to another house- the courthouse!
Today is the day we adopted Baby Girl. To us it felt as though she was already adopted. We arrived there and waited for our turn as the anticipation grew. It was so neat to be there and hear the judge say that she was legally and completely ours!
After she was adopted, we went to the mall and had her ears peirced. I know that most people would think she would hate that and it would just make her cry, but she actually has been asking for earrings for a while. When someone has a pair of earrings on she says, "Oh pwetty eawings!" One time Kiki received a pair of really cute earings from a friend who makes jewelry, and Baby Girl tried taking them. Then when she realized she couldn't wear them, she tried hiding them!

~~~

That was Momo talking. She started the post and I'll finish it.

Now, in honor of her adoption and real name change, we're changing her name on the blog too. She will now be known as...*drum roll please!*...Goldilocks!

So, anyway, after we had her ears pierced (oh, and if you're wondering- no, she didn't cry very much. She did a little bit at first, but after she saw the earrings and had a candy all the tears dried up ;-]) we went to Peter Piper Pizza (a pizza place with lots of games) to celebrate. Unfortunately, I felt pretty sick and didn't get to play. My favorite game was broken anyway...

And to close, here we are at the court house just after the adoption!

~SAM