The First Time

OK, I am getting hate mail because I haven't blogged on over a week. Good grief!

So Mr. Timothy has experienced many "firsts" in the last week. He went to his first two birthday parties. He had his first spaghetti. He went to the mall for the first time. He got his first belt for his pants so we don't have to see his skinny behind all the time. He was bitten by his sister for the first time (and second and third times.) He had his first shots in America (and didn't make a peep.) He slept all the way through the night for the first time, just once. And most importantly, he wore his first Virginia Tech jersey. What more could a boy ask for??

I do have other children who are noteworthy. Brodie continues to be my delight. He is preparing to go on his first mission trip in November. He and I will be going to Thailand for 11 days to minister to the Kui people and we are very excited. He is doing reasonably well in school and is having a great year in soccer. In fact, he played so well in today's game that he amazed both coaches and his mother. He is a big help with his siblings and I sure appreciate him.

Emily is also doing well. She enjoys having Timothy to mother. Between her and Brodie, Charlie and I could leave the state and the two year olds would be well taken care of. She had some funny moments this week as well. The background is that the friends that the kids stayed with while we were in China have an 8 year old son named Hunter. My kids and I were all in the car and I said that I saw two doggies. Brodie replied, "I see London, I see France, I see dogs in their underpants." He was just being silly. I said back, "In underpants?" Emily, from the back seat inquired, "What's in Hunter's pants?" Of course I told her that she did not need to concern herself with the contents of a boy's underpants! Crazy kid!

Bethany is not so thrilled with the new addition. She is having a very hard time sharing Daddy, Mommy and the toys. She has become quite verbal over the last couple of months and has a cute munchkin voice since her tonsillectomy. Unfortunately, she has no volume control. She is either deafening or she is silent, rarely in between. She really likes to be outside and is trying to speak Chinese with Timothy. It is so cute.

My big kid Charlie is doing well. He has transitioned to a new role at his office and seems to be much happier about it. Of course, I can't go into detail here. He has a new partner in Sunday school since I left to teach Timothy and Bethany's class. He is enjoying the Hokie football season. He was really bummed with the Redskins losing to Dallas, and I didn't even gloat. Much.

We are trying to keep in contact with all those whom we travelled to China. I have heard from several and look forward to "talking" with others via email. We met so many wonderful people and feel blessed to share in the amazing experience that is adoption.

Please pray for my uncle, Jim Benedict. He has had cancer return. It is pretty bad in his throat. In addition he suffers with a heart condition. His wife, Nancy, has back problems and needs assistance with daily tasks, so all of this is a mess. They live in Winston-Salem, NC and would appreciate your prayers.

I will post pictures separately so you can have your fix.

Have a great night!