All Star Tournament...Here We Come

Drew was chosen for his age group's All Star baseball team. We will be traveling in just a bit to watch...his Daddy is the coach. Aub will, obviously, serve as head cheerleader.

June update...

Aubree has enjoyed swimming lessons tremendously this week. The first day was difficult, but I remember having the same experience when Drew was in swimming lessons at that age. Now she is much more comfortable. Instead of coming up out of the water with buggy eyes of fear (the first day), she is coming up out of the water with buggy eyes and the biggest smile on her face! I have to laugh when I see her so happy with another accomplishment during lessons. There is a lot to learn in only three weeks. Beginning on the second day of lessons, I promised her a piece of gum after swimming lessons every day when she follows Mrs. Susan's directions, and she hasn't let me forget about my promise! It's amazing how smart these little ones are.

Drew's baseball team, the Athletics, finished the season 11-0-1...very impressive. Closing ceremonies are next week, and we will find out who has been chosen for the All-Star team. He also participated in a local basketball camp this week. My little athlete is having quite a summer already.

Jason surprised me with a new washer/dryer set the other day. Our old set had a variety of problems (missing parts in dryer drum, 3 runs to dry 1 load, washer making VeRy loud noises during spin cycle). Those machines were on their last leg. But that is a big investment, so I was OK with waiting until I could get the set I wanted. It was a nice surprise...now if I can just figure out how to work all the bells and whistles! These machines are not what they used to be, for sure.

The kids wanted to make a playhouse out of the washer box. We cut a window and a door out. I am glad I took a few pictures of our creation because late in the afternoon, it rained!!!! Yes...it rained!!!!! The playhouse didn't last, but we needed the rain...it's been months. Praise God!

We are trying to figure out an inexpensive getaway for the family this summer. We have a time share, but all the destinations we could choose from are far from home. That would end up costing more than we really need to spend this summer. We live in west Texas. Any of you have any suggestions? We want to make memories, not spend too much.

I have included a few photos. Notice Aub's earrings. So cute!

Two Big Events in Lil' Aub's World

EARRINGS and SWIMMING LESSONS!
Jason had the weekend off so we decided to head to the big city to get a jogging stroller (it's a lifesaver for Aub AND me!...no more shaking us to pieces on our long walks). Aubree calls her stroller her 'car'...and now she's got a more comfortable ride.
We went to the mall to take care of one thing I've been anxiously awaiting and dreading at the same time...ear piercing. Aubree sat in Daddy's lap and was a very big girl. She didn't cry until the contraptions pierced her ears (good thing they did both at once!). Aubree cried for about a minute, but was OK when Mama kissed both of her ears. She melts my heart when she says, "All better" in her cute little voice. Mama's kiss can cure the owies. She was pleased to see the finished product. We now have matching earrings, and we think that's pretty neat.
Today was the start of swimming lessons. Another big deal in her life. I've only seen Aubree scared in the water one other time...the first bath we gave her in Russia. She absolutely loves her baths now and the small swimming pool we fill up in the front yard every few days so she can take a dip. She splashes, jumps in, puts her head underwater, and belly laughs the entire time.
Today was a bit of a challenge, probably because it was all so new. She is experiencing FIRST after FIRST after FIRST and has done so well that I sometimes take it for granted. Well, she was the best bubble blower in her class. After that, she didn't much care for the rest of the lesson. The floating and swishing (immersing) she could have done without. It was only her first day. I know that as she gets more comfortable with the routine of the class, she will do great.
These two events were kinda difficult for Aubree's Mama too. It is upsetting to see her cry like that.
I'll post pics of the new bling bling soon.

Kung Fu Panda 2 and ADOPTION...new movies in our SMALL town!

I remember the Tower Theater being open when I was a young child. It had been closed for over 35 years...that big, dark sign still a landmark on Main Street...kinda sad. I was so pleased recently when a local organization purchased the property. They will use the Tower for a variety of events...one being a movie theater! This may not be a big deal to you big city folks, but here, in Small Town, USA, there are not a lot of options when looking for entertaining ways to spend a weekend night. Also, the operators of the Tower are dedicated to making a positive difference in people's lives through the events they bring in to the Tower.

This week, Drew and I went to see Kung Fu Panda 2. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. There were a few parts that bothered me (the 'inner peace' thing was mentioned several times...and a lot of animated violence). One thing in particular I liked was the theme of adoption in the movie. The panda, Po, of course was adopted (his dad was a goose!), but it was not talked about openly until the sequel. Toward the end of the movie, there was a touching scene with Po and his dad. Adoption was portrayed in a positive way, and I like that!

I continue to share with others the need of so many waiting children in this country and the world. Yes, adoption can be a long, daunting, sometimes brutal process. The only way the Porters made it through was God...He made a way to Aubree for us. And He will make a way for Y O U if He's called you to adopt. Yes, we gave Aubree a loving home and made some sacrifices, but she's given us so much more. She's so precious to us, and it is wonderful to see her touch other people every day through her beautiful, joyful, and social personality. Just her presence makes people smile. I see it all the time.

Have any of you seen this movie? If so, what did you think?

Have any of you been called to adopt, but haven't started the process yet?

Are any of you in the midst of the adoption process, blogging to research and build relationships with others that can relate with what you're going through?

Are any of you at home now with your child(ren), looking back and saying that all the ups and downs and hurry ups and waits were well worth it?

I'd love to talk to you! I've said it before...adoption is one of my favorite subjects!

the busy life has me in a rut...and I ain't stayin' there!

I am continually in awe of God's goodness. I sometimes pat myself on the back for how far I've come in my spiritual walk, just to find that those old bad habits and tendencies (complaining, impatience, etc....) have me in condemnation mode again. Just yesterday, I snapped at my Drew because he woke me up from a nap (I never nap...and when Aubree laid down, I fell into bed myself, exhausted). After I finished my mini-rant, he responded, with a sad look, "I was scared, Mom." See, I never nap...not normal. And dad had left to go back to work. I really beat myself up over that one for awhile. There are several other examples I could relate, but they follow basically the same storyline...I want so terribly to be Super Mom/Wife/Teacher/Friend/Woman/Christian, but fail miserably when I try to go it alone. Who says I just have to 'survive' this life? I'm called to greatness, and so many times I settle for less. So, praise God, He's on my side. As it says in Ephesians, by his mighty power at work at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

Joyce Meyer's Power Thoughts book is on my to-read list for the summer. I've skimmed over it and can already tell it will assist me in getting my head on straight (again).

Power Thoughts (a sampling...):

#1...I can do whatever I need to do in life through Christ.

#2...God loves me unconditionally.

#9...I pursue peace with God, myself, and others.

#10.I live in the present and enjoy each moment.

It's true that mine is a busy life. I am grateful for the responsibilities He has given me...I just have to prioritize those responsibilities, and maybe scratch a few that He didn't put there off my long list. When I mess up, confess it, repent, and move forward. Easier said than done sometimes, but it's Truth.

So now, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do...You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into His family--calling him "Father, dear Father." --Romans 8

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. --Joshua 1:9

Thank you, friends, for encouraging me and loving me even when I'm being unlovable (ESP. then!) Comments welcome. Anyone else ever find themselves in this disgusting rut?

I'm including a few pictures, too. Happy Wednesday!