Leah's Birthday Party

We celebrated Leah's 5th birthday last night. Her birthday is actually in May but we waited until she was ready to celebrate. She had a great time blowing out candles, opening presents and eating cake. She did really well with all of the family that was there. She swam a little even though the water was very cold. She had a wonderful time at her party and has made remarkable progress.

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

~ Galatians 6:9

Church

We have had a pretty good day today. We have had a bit of problem with Leah going to church even though she is doing well going other places. Today we took her to her Small Group and she cried through about half of it but then she saw that the other kids were having fun and actually participated. Then we went to worship and she really seemed to like it. Maybe next week we can go without any tears. This is definitely progress. Also, Hannah and the boys left for summer camp this morning and so far she has done okay without Hannah. We will see how it goes at bedtime. We aren't sure how Leah will do all week without Hannah but it could be good for her to learn to depend on us instead of Hannah. We hope we do get some sleep this week.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

~ Isaiah 40:31

Adjusting

Leah is adjusting well now. We have had to deal with a few good temper tantrums from her but most of the time she is doing well. She is still not speaking yet. Our daughter, Hannah, has gotten her to repeat some words after her but she doesn't want to speak in front of us. She is usually looking people in the eye now when they speak to her and a few times she has cried a little and been able to calm herself down so that is progress. Most of the time she is happy and doing well. Leah, Rachel and Hannah went for a swim in the wading pool today and had a really good time as you can see. Rachel is very happy and energetic. She is helping Leah a lot with her adjustments. Our 13 year daughter Hannah is helping a lot too. We were having issues with getting Leah to sleep at first. After a few days we had Leah lay down with Hannah and she slept well then. Hannah finally got Leah to sleep in her own bed right next to Hannah's bed after about a week. She is writing letters for Hannah and will do about anything for Hannah. It is going well overall and getting better every day.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

~ Romans 12:10

Haiti Mission Trip

Our sons, Joshua and Benjamin left on Thursday to go on a mission trip to Haiti. They got to their destination last night after a day long bus trip which included the bus breaking down. I know they are exhausted but we are so proud of them for going and serving in this way. Today is Benjamin's 15th birthday and we miss getting to celebrate it with him but we are thankful for young men who are willing to go and serve the Lord in this way.

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

~ 1 Chronicles 16:24

Royals Game

We took Leah to the Royals game on Tuesday night. We weren't sure how she would deal with it and were prepared to leave before the game started if necessary but she did great. She had a great time and had plenty of junk food including ice cream. As you can see from the picture she enjoyed it. We stayed until the 7th inning and that was only because it was getting late. She would have been okay through the entire game. I am not sure why she can handle that well but going to the doctor's office and having one of the nurses speak to her causes a complete breakdown. She was okay when we got in the room and the nurse weighed her and took her temperature and left the room. She was sitting on the examining table coloring when another nurse came in to talk to her. She was very friendly and just wanted to say hi to her. When she left Leah started crying and refused to color or do anything. By the time the doctor came in she was having a good fit and we couldn't get her calmed down. It is hard to know what she can handle okay and what will set her off and why. Since we can't really communicate we can't talk about why she is upset. Hopefully soon she will be able to tell us why some things upset her so much. Our 13 year old daughter, Hannah, is doing a great job with her. She has been helping her write her letters and she had her repeating letters and words. Also, Leah is sleeping in Hannah's bed with her because she would not sleep anywhere else. We are very proud of Hannah for doing so much to take care of Leah.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

~ Psalms 143:8