New Toy

Two days before Thanksgiving, I got a new toy. Barely had time to read how to turn it on before we gathered with family and friends, the perfect subjects! After a week of traveling with my new precision instrument in hand, I learned more about what I don't know. In fact, upon returning home, I discovered there was a button I should have pushed that would have improved my shots immensely. Live and learn! Here are some of my firsts, so don't judge too harshly.

It's Madness I Tell You

Innocence? Ha! :)

It's madness - hitting, throwing, and fussing! Is it his two year molars? Is it the 'terrible twos'? Is it being a boy? If it's the molars, they haven't even broken through yet. If it's being two, there's still ten more months of that. If it's being a boy (sigh....), I will surely go 'mad'! ;)

When Elle was two she hit (actually it was more like tapped) me and I said 'no'. She tried it one more time and never did it again. I can't even keep count of how many times in a day Zane hits us or throws something.

We are die-hard consistent on addressing it every single time. He always gets his heart right, communicates his understanding that he can't hit and says sorry, but then one minute later.... We talk about what the Bible says, 'Love one another', 'Be kind to one another', and pray about it. Will consistency and truth finally pay out?? It's just exhausting. We can't get through a meal, play time, or preschool without assault and correction.

To our knowledge, he has never hit anyone in church nursery and his teachers always gush over his sweet spirit and fun personality. What's up with that?? I understand that mothers usually get the worse behavior and I'm relieved he's kind to others.

Recently he did throw the first punch at a much larger 2 1/2 year old boy. We were with friends, eating and watching the Chiefs and Broncos game (sad day for the Chiefs), when Zane hit me again and I removed him to the living room where he began a loud temper tantrum. The bigger toddler boy was tired of listening to Zane's noise, so he got up close, stuck his finger in Zane's face and said, 'STOP IT!' Zane charged him with both hands, straight to the boy's chest. Well that bigger boy didn't hesitate to knock Zane down on his rear.

"You talkin' to me?"

My little boy, I would surely go 'mad' if it weren't for your morning cuddles, French accented Mamá, adorable dimples, sweet spirit, tenacity and courage.

Things that keep us smiling are Zane's passion for spoons (all shapes and sizes), his love for books, play kitchen, food (especially graham crackers) and his persistence and creativity in communication.

Here's to the next minute, hour, day of whatever this phase is - may He give us abundant joy in it all!

Cousins, More Cousins, & New Cousins

The first Saturday of every November is the Cousin Reunion. All the families from the five Mosher children (one of whom is my Grandmother) come together for a weekend of fellowship.

My Grandma is the last living sibling as her sister, sweet Aunt Doris, went home to heaven this past year. At 94 years of age, Grandma comes from California to 'little-town', Kansas each year to bless us all.

When Grandma arrived at the fellowship hall, everyone sang "For she's a jolly good fellow...." She was especially honored as 75 people sang her favorite hymns throughout the day.

Aunt Doris' children and grandchildren came to 'stand in her place' and we had the privilege of meeting new cousins for the very first time. I have some very cool cousins, leading fascinating lives with dear, kind hearts, reflecting Aunt Doris' sweet spirit...it truly felt like she was with us for all the festivities.

We hosted another bonfire during the weekend where everyone shares poetry, scripture and song. My second cousin, Adam, brought his guitar. One beautiful song he shared was an original that he had written and played for his wife at their wedding this past May. Life doesn't stop long enough for moments like these, so we treasure them deeply. I can't describe how dear these bonfires have become to us all. Grandma quoted from memory some of our families' best loved verses...the weekend was truly meaningful and memorable.

Welcoming Grandma with song and hugs.

Grandma & Aunt Doris, 2009

With our Mom, Grandma and GREAT Grandma

Bonfire at the Wolfes
Staying warm by the fire and fellowship.

Grandma & Mom

Elle's GG (Great Grandma)

Gram's Birthday

Along with Gotcha Day, we've also had the privilege of celebrating with Gram on her birthday for the past four years. The day didn't go as planned, as I ended up spending several hours at the children's hospital helping a friend. But it was a blessing to be there and the kiddos had a blast with Mom at the hospital playground and were flexible to take their naps in the car.

While we were downtown, we did treat Gram to a delicious meal at a bohemian-like spot that I discovered on my birthday this past year. Mom enjoyed a green juice and we all feasted on lima bean pesto, goat cheese, roasted red bell peppers, artisan bread, butternut squash soup and wild field green salads. We finished our day with a homemade, gluten-free carrot cake. I know Mom missed Dad, but we enjoyed having her on her special day and hope that some of the little things made her feel appreciated and loved.

Mom stayed in Elle's room while she was here and in less than 24 hours from her arrival, we had the sewing table set up beside her bed and a stack of projects that had been waiting for her arrival. :) She hemmed clothes, fixed several patches on Elle's antique quilt and even edged it with yellow trim. It's purdy now and ready for another 50 years!

As every year, the weather was again beautiful during her visit and we treasure the memories of life shared together. Looking forward to next year!

Happy Birthday, Gram!

Gram taught Zane & Elle how to play Rock-Paper-Scissors. Zane was always a rock.

One morning Elle said, "I like that Gram.", as if we were deciding whether or not to keep her.

Gram taught Elle how to make stir-fry - it was yummy!

Harvest Party

Elle and Zane dressed for our church's harvest party. Elle wanted to be Princess Belle. We thought it appropriate since we always call her Elle-Belle. Elle doesn't know that Belle wears a yellow dress, so she was easy to please when I found a pink, $2.00, princess-like outfit at the consignment shop. Gram made a few alterations on the sewing machine and it worked beautifully. We added a homemade headband that she can wear anywhere, anytime. The dress will make for many more fun dress-ups during the next few years.

Princess Elle-Belle

Found a cute fireman outfit on clearance and Zane was good to go too.

Winning candy!

Elle and Zane had a lot of fun visiting the game booths, stumbling through the dark room maze, eating pizza and climbing through the jump-house obstacle course with a 30 foot slide at completion. Elle was so thrilled over the lightning bolt descent that she squealed and danced like we've never seen before.

Gotcha Elle

We rejoice over God's grace and perfection in bringing Elle to us four years ago on October 30, 2006. This year was extra special with Gram H. visiting. Just so happens that our annual cousin reunion is the following week so my Mom and sometimes Dad usually fly in just before we celebrate Gotcha Day.

Of course we celebrate Elle's adoption every day. Not a day passes without thanksgiving for how God set us together. We have an overwhelming gratefulness for God's hand in all our lives and His handiwork in Elle's. It is a great honor for us to be her parents and have a front row seat to His plan unfolding in her life.

Celebrating family and Zane 'cheesing'.

Started the day with some chocolate chip pancakes.

Love this girl!

We KNEW her from the first moment we saw her - our daughter.

Watching Gotcha Day video from 2006 - happy, special memories!

A new bicycle charm was added to Elle's bracelet.

Homemade pizza with Gram.

Picking dessert of choice at Whole Foods.

Family joined us for the celebration.

Zane and cousin Titus enjoy family day too!

Can't imagine life without our Elle - thank you God!

A fun look at Elle...

Pumpkins & Laughs

With my Mom here at this time every year, we visited our favorite pumpkin patch together again. It was a beautiful day for Zane's first experience on the farm. The kiddos enjoyed the playground, trying to hoist up big pumpkins, picking out their very own, weaving through the hay bale maze, seeing the animals and finishing the visit with a honey stick.

Got very few and poor shots with my dying camera - ARGH!

Lost in the maze.

MOO!

We had such a relaxing time that we lost track of time and had to rush home so my Mom and I could get to the Chonda P*erce concert in time. She is the funniest comedian! We laughed, hard! Best part, Chonda loves Jesus, represents Him well and loves people. It was really a great night.

Here's a short video of some fun the kiddos have been having this Fall.