Is Old Man Winter gone on vacation? I keep waiting for something that resembles winter to appear, but alas.... nothing. We have had one snowfall.... it began around 8pm, snowed until about 11pm and by 8am the next morning had completely melted!! It was 70* two days later. Really???
Well, on to what we have been up to:
Tristan's Annual Valentine's Tea Party was the highlight of our month!! Not only did she get to plan the whole thing, it was a smashing hit with all who came!! One of the most memorable things for me a snapshot of how diverse her sphere of influence has become. From a very young age, she has been attracted to various cultures. As a three year old, she went up to her best friend... a little African-American girl who had her hair pulled into two pig-tails that looks like little puff balls... and as Tristan squeezed the little puffs of hair said "Mom, look at her hair!! Can you do my hair like this????" *smile* Last year, she attended a Chinese Bridge Camp and loved learning the cultural dance and writing. And now to watch as her friendships develop...from every nation and ethnicity.
Kennedy is a hoot!! She continues to light up our lives with her laughter and music--from singing to playing the piano to doing all of it simultaneously-- she is a passionate kid with lots of spunk. While Justus continues to grow in body and soul... he is a happy child that rolls with the punches-both literal from "Sister" and figuratively from Mom. He managed to get 4 teeth within a 2 weeks span and did wonderfully!! A moment or two of crankiness but for the most part, he was a trooper.
The businesses are branching out, as we have recently been given the opportunity to do a couple commercial jobs for a restaurant chain here in Raleigh and Durham. Great exposure and opportunity!!! Working nights has been a bit rough for Clay, while still trying to juggle the daytime demands of meeting with customers, getting estimates done, organizing the "day" crews.... but he too has managed it all so well. MUCH better than I would have been able to.
Life is good and God is faithful!
Tristan is one year closer to double digits!!! She is growing into such a fine young lady. It is amaing to see who she is and how she responds to the world. God has definitely given her a compassionate heart and a love to serve. I am so proud of my girl!
Kennedy is growing by leaps and bounds. Trying to keep up with an older sister keeps her on her toes, whether it is riding her bike to reading a book to doing math homework to sewing doll clothes. She loves to help me cook and is a great little helper. She is also developing a greater sense of independence--if she can do, she doesn't want help!!
Justus, my baby, is growing up way too fast!! A year has passed since we met him and what a delightful year!! He is so funny and his expressions never fail to make us laugh. He tries to be so serious, but ends up in a puddle of giggles. He is not walking yet, but why would he? Crawling is faster than I can keep up with!! : )
