Focusing on the Blessings: Our Baby is One!

The following pics are a hodge podge (is that a real phrase?) of Alexander's birthday celebrations and a few random ones of the kids in their new yard, which they love! I will dedicate another post specifically to baby Alex, but in the meantime, enjoy the pics!



Alexander is 1!!!

Singing to the Birthday boy.


"The Movers taking a donut break"
Our kids with their best buds (our neighbors from our previous place).
They had fun helping us load our moving truck last week-end.

The kids' new favorite thing is to bring their blankets and pillows out to the trampoline.

Of course, baby Alex tries to get in on the action.

This is our word wall, or at least the beginning of it. Abraham is teaching Annabelle. Notice how he is pointing to the letters and, although you can't tell here, making her repeat each letter.

She's over the word wall already.

Our friends Chun Fen and Jin Yan with their son, Jimmy. Their other son, Wei, is taking the picture. This was our hysterical attempt at a nice family photo. Notice how miserable the birthday boy is here. All the kids are looking anywhere but at the camera.

Wonderful friends, Sheila and Gary. Looking at this photo, it acutally

looks like Alexander could be their kid!

Emily and Michael (2 of Gary and Sheila's sweet kids)

Our previous neighbors, Kristen and Steve


Alexander is absolutely a Daddy's Boy

We're ready for baby brother's party, Mom!

Gathered 'round the birthday boy.

Kids going CRAZY with the cupcakes!

"Hmm...which present should I open next?"

Life certainly has its ups and downs. Some ups and downs are public and we don't mind sharing them. Some are private and we may suffer, to varying degrees, in silence. Regardless, we all have challenges and life is, among other things, about working through them and trying to find joy no matter what. Having said that, here are just a few of the things that bring me peace and joy.

My husband and favorite person in the world, Qian Zhiming. Our marriage, our genuine respect and affection for one another. All the challenges that have made us work hard and draw closer to each other and to what is most important.

Our precious, amazingly aware, fun, sweet, smart children.

Our health.

Our safety.

Our faith to call upon God to help us through the trials and help us to recognize the joy.

Our extended family---the love they have for our kids, the good memories they hold.

Our dear friends---old and new.

Wonderful babysitters.

Good jobs.

Sunny days, watching the kids ride their bikes and play in the sand. Welcoming friends to our home to celebrate our "baby's" first birthday!!!