blessed beyond measure

Buzz Lightyear and the Chunky Monkey. Who else could they have been?? Trey is just a bit obsessed with Toy Story , and Aden is...well, our chunky monkey. Trey thoroughly enjoyed Trunk or Treat, as he took on the very special job of helping Giga and Poppop hand out candy. Much better than having him walk around collecting stuff he can't have. But he had a blast and very un-shyly interacted with the other kids. AND, kept his costume on. We had our doubts after he refused to wear the costume to his preschool Halloween party on Thursday. Aden did not appreciate the evening at all, spending most of it crying or sleeping. Yep, he's pretty attached to his routine. I hate that there is only one picture, but there were so many kids we didn't have any time to take pictures or even snack between trick or treaters. Or at least I didn't have time. Can't say as much for my husband based on the number of empty wrappers found in the basket.

"All you have to do is walk up to a house, ring the doorbell and say 'Tricks or treats'." "Are you sure it's legal?" "Of course it's legal." "I wouldn't want to be accused of taking part in a rumble." Tonight at 8:00 on ABC begins the most wonderful-est two months of the year. What, oh what, would these holidays be without Charlie Brown?? Can't believe we're already here. Thanksgiving will be great. We've got a couple of neat thankful-type learning activities for Trey, which will hopefully be fun. Plus, no morning sickness this year, so look out gravy! Can. Not. Wait. for Christmas. Trey is beside himself excited about the Christmas tree. We get to hang four stockings. Half of my shopping is already done. Our Christmas cards will have pictures of two kids. Teaching Christmas songs to Trey. Now that he is willing to sit still for a movie, introducing him to my all-time favorites. Rudolph , Frosty , The Gr...

In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious...          Isaiah 4:2

Aden has found his purpose in life, at least for now. Introducing...applesauce! This stuff has cut our seven-bottle days down to four-and-a-half bottle days. Sorry, rice cereal, you didn't make the cut. But fruit, oh my. A more enthusiastic eater is hard to find. Trey has discovered the joy of hide and seek. Here's how it goes. Trey: (very visibly squatting into his hiding place) I count and you go hide in Aden's room. Mama: Why should I hide where you tell me to? Trey: Um, just cause. (read quickly) 10-9-8-7-6-5-4321 - Ready or not, here I come! Trey: (quietly, to self) Where is Mama? Trey: (after finding Mama didn't hide in the assigned room) MAMA! Where are you? Trey: (on finding Mama) Hee hee! I finded you! I go hide and count! Now, you hide in ADEN'S room! (runs back to his hiding place and counts, fast) Now for more fun, just because we can, let's compare the boys, shall we? Yeah, neither one could claim to be adopted, but they coul...

...their words and deeds are against the LORD,         defying his glorious presence. The look on their faces testifies against them;         they parade their sin like Sodom;         they do not hide it. Woe to them!         They have brought disaster upon themselves.          Isaiah 3:9

Mama : Trey, what did you do at preschool today? Trey : Mama, I just can't tell you. Thank goodness Trey's preschool teacher puts out a newsletter every week, describing what the class is learning and sharing important announcements. Otherwise, I'd have no clue what went on there. Trey will not willingly share a single detail. Sometimes when he's playing on his own I'll catch him singing a song I've not heard before. He has named a couple of friends, but we know nothing about them. I have his artwork from class, but he refuses to describe it for me. Stinker. One more attempt for you... Mama : Trey, what did you do at preschool today? Trey : Mama!! Stop talking! I'm thinking about something, and I'm trying to think about a lot of things!!

Their land is full of idols;         they bow down to the work of their hands,         to what their fingers have made. So man will be brought low         and mankind humbled...          Isaiah 2:8-9

Aden most certainly did not appreciate his first taste of rice cereal. And, really, can you blame him??

Ohhhh my little chunky monkey... Four months ago Aden came to join our family, a tiny little thing with a head full of dark hair. Today Aden is a rolly-polly, sixteen-and-a-half-pound hoss with fuzzy blond hair. I consider it odd that we have two boys who look absolutely nothing like they did when they were born. Special prize for whoever can explain that one. Aden is a great baby. He does well when not being held - likely out of necessity - but does love to be held and walked around. He is happy to get direct attention from pretty much anybody, but particularly Trey and that very handsome little chunk he sees in the mirror every now and again. He talks a lot, when there is space to do so, and has started getting very loud in parts of his conversations. He squeals and giggles, but no belly laughs yet. He even sings sometimes when Brandon plays the guitar. Aden eats. Can you tell? We upped the size of his bottles, but he still demands to eat at least 7 times a day. And pouts at...

"Come now, let us reason together,"         says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet,         they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,         they shall be like wool."          Isaiah 1:18