Once again I am behind....

I tell you since Facebook I hardly post on my blog.  Sorry about that.  I guess I feel like with all the status updates and pictures I put on FB I don't need to blog.  But you get so many more details when you blog.

Abraham has been loving school.  He asks all the time - is it time for school yet?  We are thankful for that. He is learning to read and that is going well although he wants to be able to read chapter books now so that he can get some prize the teacher has been talking about.  It's hard for him to not be the best at everything he does.  He asked me today if I thought that sports was the gift that God gave him.  I had been telling him that some kids learn to read quickly and that is just how God made them, and that other kids learn to read at the same time as everyone else.

I have been playing in a fall softball league and last night we had our final 2 games.  We won our first game in the last inning.  We were down 7-11 - the games are limited to one hour so we only  had 10 minutes left when the other team was up to batt.  We got three quick outs and then just rallied - the other team was home so they had one more time at batt, again 3 quick outs and we won the game.  Then the 2nd game was the Championship game - we went on a hitting spree and just kept scoring and scoring every inning.  We ended up winning by mercying (not a word I know) the other team 17-7.  So we were the champions - it was a lot of fun.  We even got trophies which I have not received since school.  I gave mine to Abraham, he was very excited about it.  The only downside to our last game was I got hit in the leg playing short stop and have a huge bruise and my leg is all swollen.  Oh - well!  Here are some pics of me playing.

Here is my leg - it almost looks like a second knee.  I know I need to shave!

The first game I played left center

Long overdue

Sorry it's been awhile since posting.  Abraham has been in school about 3 weeks now and he is loving it.  It's so good to see him enjoying school and becoming more independent.  I can already see the impact school has had on him as far as his ability to venture out on his own a bit.  Although, we have seen some attitudes come home since school began.  But really - we have been dealing with Abraham's bad attitudes off and on since he was a baby.  He always wants things done perfect and when that does not happen he struggles to have a good attitude.  But the thing I have noticed the most and it seems to occur on Mondays, is he comes home and talks to me rather disrespectfully.  It usually takes a few swats and a time out or two for him to get back into line than he is his sweet self again!

We have really enjoyed getting to know the community we are in through his sports and school.  It makes me glad we have chosen to send him to the local school.  Also, the last few weeks we have attended a new church in our area and that too has been really good.  We want to be a part of this community we are in, so going to church in the area is a good way to get to know others as well.

We went camping with our friends over labor day.  We had a great time.  Our lot was at the edge of the campground property so the kids ended up having a lot of open space to play while the adults just sat around and talked.  We had a years worth of catching up to do.  We have decided to make it a yearly thing to do something with the Hill's.  Maybe not always camping, but something to keep in touch with them.  They were so much a part of our lives while living overseas we don't want to lose those relationships.  I will post some pictures of our trip..... enjoy!

While camping Abraham lost his front tooth.  He looks so different now - but still adorable!

Below: Abraham and Hudson

First Few Days of School

Since I missed posting for the first day of school I thought I would talk about these past few days.  Abraham had his 4th day of school today.  He is enjoying it and he had homework on Monday, today on the way to school he said to me "I hope I have homework again."  Wow!  How long will that attitude last??  Hopefully, a long time.

The first day of school went great but I have tell you this funny story.  They had a story about a raccoon and how the Mom of the baby kissed the raccoon's hand because he was afraid to go to school and that if he felt afraid while at school he was to put his hand on his cheek and he would have thoughts of his Mom.   Well after this heartwarming story was told and all the children were sitting around the teacher Abraham says, "my Grandpa has to put poison out for the raccoons because they get into his corn."  So much for the cute little coons in the story!

Well - we are all adjusting to this new schedule and way of life.  I bring him and pick him up everyday, and he is going half days so he starts at 12 and gets out at 2:30.  Not bad at all!

Flag Football for Abraham

Sunday Abraham had his first flag football game.  He did very well!  Although, he did cry a few times.  Let me explain the first set of tears.  It was third down and they made a handoff to Abraham - he broke away from the crowd and ran down the field - maybe 60 yards.  He was then caught and a flag ripped off.  He then got tripped up by the kid who got his flag which is what I thought brought on the tears but later I found out from Rob the tears were that he did not make a touchdown.  He's not competitive though ;)

The next set of tears  was because he was confused about being on defense and was not sure what to do.  Anyway, besides all that he ran for two touchdowns and an extra point.  It was so exciting to see him run and cut in and out of those kids to make it to the end zone.  All the kids were giving him high 5.  It was cute!  Flag football will last into October.  He practices one day a week for one hour and then has an hour game on Sundays.

Hmmmmm......

I sit here and ponder what to write about.  What do all my adoring followers ;) want to know about our life.  Well the summer is about to end with Abraham starting Kindergarten at the local public school (August 20th).  We have a large garden which I already wrote about.  We are still waiting on our adoption - and no we have not heard anything.  Rob has a new job/business. He is selling health and life insurance and soon will be licensed to do investments for others.

We got a cat this summer.  

Oh I know something new.  I am starting a photography business, called Peaceful Streams Photography.  I will soon have my own website at www.peacefulstreamsphotography.com you can check back soon at that address to see it.  I plan to start small and do jobs here and there.  I took the photos of a 4 year old today.  Children are by far the hardest to photograph.  The ages between 2-5 - aaahhh so tiring.  They are so cute but they move a ton don't know how to really smile for the camera and it's just tiring.  As I think more about getting into this business I do not want to get into weddings, although if a friend would ask I am sure I would do it.  However, I would like to focus on things like, family photos, senior pictures, children and objects.  I would like to learn how to frame and matte pictures in order to sell them.  So we will see where all this takes me.  I still plan on taking a photography course but for now I am learning a lot on my own.  Rob's mentor Carl, used to teach a photography class and he is also a professional artist.  He has given me a lot of feedback and has given me materials to study as well as some equipment.  I'm so thankful - the equipment he has given me has already proved to be helpful.  I am now saving for a larger flash that will attach to the camera.  From what he says that will give me a lot more versatility with lighting issues.

Well I guess that's all for the random thoughts of Erin for today.  Here are some of my pictures just for fun

Gabrielle in Indiana

Rob and I went to NY for a week after 4th of July and when we returned to Indiana we brought our niece Gabrielle.  It has been a good time getting to know her better and for Abraham to have a "big sister".   It's been different to have two children to watch after and to feed.  Although, Gabrielle does pretty much everything on her own I have found that my work load has increased.   She has learned how to do laundry since being here so she has done all of the laundry a few times, I think she enjoys it.  I have not asked her to do it she just does it.  

Since we are living on the farm there are farm things to do like collect the eggs.  This too is something she enjoys doing and has asked Rich (Rob's Dad) if she can do it.  Today I took her school shopping (her Mom gave us the money).  It was fun to shop since I too am a shopper.  But I was amazed at the things she likes since the styles for her age are so much like what I wore in high school.  I should have saved those clothes and I could be handing them off....  although I am sure something would still look old to her.  :)

Well she will be with us about another week - Mooie and Poppie will come to town to visit and bring Gabrielle home.

Garden Time!!!

Now that we are in the states Rob and I wanted to have a garden.  Rob's Dad Rich plowed an area of the land for us and allowed us to have as big a garden we wanted.  I have really enjoyed being out in the garden and working it and watching all our veggies grow.  It will be something I think we will do every summer.  I will probably take a lot of the veggies and freeze them for the winter.  I did that last year with the tomatoes Rich had planted and we enjoyed them all winter.

So let me explain the picture because it could appear that I have a HUGE garden.  Behind me in the large field are beans growing  Rich allows a farmer to use the land for his crops and they get a cut of the profit.  Our garden starts with the two rows of beans at the bottom left of the picture.  The very large plants are zucchini and yellow squash.  We had  no idea how many veggies would come from just one plant so we planted all the seeds we had - so now it looks like we will have tons to give away or sell.  We also have about 12 tomato plants so again - we will give some away or sell.  Rich planted a bunch of corn this year so he is thinking he will have a small farmers market at the end of their driveway and we will more than likely contribute to it.  We also have cucumbers, onions, lettuce, peppers (hot and sweet), pumpkins, beans, basil, cilantro, cantaloupe, watermelon and a few flowers.

Tee Ball Ends, and A new Kitty

Today was Abraham's last Tee Ball game.  They all received a trophy and he was SO excited to get his very first trophy.  This league has been less than impressive so we were not sure if he would get anything at the close of the season so we were pleased to see all the kids received something.  He did great playing his first year.  The coaches all said he had a great attitude and that if he keeps on working at it he will be a great player.  We have him playing in another league currently.  This league they pitch to the kids and the games are more like real games where if they make an out they actually have to go sit down - because they are "out".  Anyway, he is loving playing and we are enjoying watching him be a little  more independent and to find things he enjoys doing.

The other exciting thing about today was that we added this little fur ball to our family.  Our friends had a cat arrive at their doorstep a few months ago and the cat was pregnant.  She is a very friendly cat and they began to feed her.  She naturally hung around and then after a few weeks had her babies.  She had 4 kittens and we were able to take one.  She is a long haired cat and so you can see from the picture of the kitten it too will be long haired.  Her kittens almost looked persian which made us wonder what she and the father are.  Anyway, we are excited to have this little fur ball we call Axel in our family.  I know my Dad will be appalled at the fact we have a cat, but what can we say......

Gone Fishin'

This Sunday we went back by the pond and did some fishing.  When I saw how Abraham was dressed to go back there I grabbed my camera.  I'm so glad I did.  He went out there with this bent out of shape cowboy hat and his cowboy boots.  He was so cute.  Then when he sat down to put his feet in and fish I had to snap a few pictures.  He has become such a farm boy since being back.  It's great to see him loving the outside and not being afraid of things.  He is starting to really like fishing too.  He will cast himself and sit and watch his bobbber.  He caught a few little ones.

Slip and Slide Fun!

Abraham got a slip and slide for his birthday from Mooie and Poppie (Beau & Ramona).  Today was finally warm enough that we got it out.  He asked if I would go so I told him I would "once."  The water was freezing.  He went down quite a few times before he realized he was cold!  This will be a fun gift to use over and over this summer!

Thanks!

Well now that I know there are people out there reading my blog I will keep it up.  Thanks for responding everyone!  And just so you all know I read yours as well so keep them going.  Rob has begun his own blogspot so if you want to read "Rob's Thoughts" you can click on the link on the right.

This is a Test

I was just wondering if anyone really looks at this blog....  so if you do can you let me know.  I'm starting to feel like I talk to no one!  ;)

Turning 6!

Abraham turned 6 today!  We had a small party in the middle of the day for him since Rob had to work in the evening.  We are so blessed by our little guy.  Who is getting so big and is not very little anymore.  As I think about how we so wanted a child and have prayed and prayed for children I am so grateful that the Lord chose to give us Abraham - he is a miracle from above.

He got a tool belt with real tools from Grandma and Grandpa.

Don't Mess with Texas

For Memorial Day weekend we traveled to Texas with a short stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the way.  Teen Mania was having a reunion for alumni who served their internship while the ministry was still in Tulsa.  We stayed with our friends Heath and Alisa.  We had a great time reconnecting with some people we have not seen in years and getting to meet their spouses.  We spent about 36 hours in the car - it was well worth it.

On our way home we took a slight detour to go to Southern Indiana (Evansville) to see Rob's sister Lona.  Lona and her family live in Kazakhstan and they were leaving in a few days.  We were able to help with some last minute packing and cleaning.  It was good to have one last chance to see them before they leave.

At our friend Heath's house, he gave rides on the wagon

Us with Ron and Katie Luce

The reunion group

Dad in Town

As I said in my last post my Dad surprised us the other day by driving to IN. from North Carolina (after visiting my brother). In the picture above Abraham is showing the gift my Dad and Ginger bought him for his birthday.  It's a slip and slide with a blow up Shark head that you slide through.  It has been such a fun weekend having him here.    It makes me realize how much I would love having my family live closer to us.  He got to see Abraham play tee ball and Rob play his first softball game in 7 years.  We had a great weekend!  Thanks Dad!  Love you so much!

More Family Time

This past week Rob's sister Lona and her family were in town.  They normally work in Kazakhstan, but they have been home since July to visit family and have their twins!  It was a fun week with them here.  This will be there last trip here to Leo before returning to K-stan on the 27th.  They left Leo yesterday.

Then this morning at around 9am I looked out the window and saw a Subaru coming down the driveway.  I thought  I don't know anyone with a Subaru around here so I thought it was for my in-laws.  Then I realized the car looked just like Ginger's car and I thought I would look again.  As I looked outside I realized it was my Dad surprising us!  I was so shocked!  What a great surprise.  I was just telling Rob the other day that I wished we lived close enough to my family that my Dad could just drop in sometime the way he does with my sister who still lives in NY.  So this really blessed me.  He is going to be here through the weekend.

Baseball Time

My sister Liz told me I needed to update my blog - so now that Abraham had his first day of Baseball I feel like I have something to talk about - here it goes....

He is on the Red's team. He did really well and seems to have a good baseball sense.  Maybe it's because Rob and I have been teaching him the game since he was about 18 months - we're not overbearing though!  :)

Since it's tee ball they all hit and they rotate positions.  He started at 2nd and a lefty got up and hit right to Abraham.  He fielded the grounder and threw it to first.  Then he was on the pitchers mound.  At one point he went for the ball which probably should have been the short-stops, but then again just about the entire infield was going for the ball.  He stopped the ball but then for some reason could not remember what to do - so he left it there and another kid picked it up and threw it to first.  Then he proceeded to cry - Rob was out on the field helping so he calmed him down and he did great the rest of the game.

All in all he did really well - it was fun watching all those kids trying to figure out this game!  

I am playing softball on Monday nights and Rob is going to play on Sunday afternoons.  So that means we will have games for our family from Sat

urday until Monday!  Fun times!

Celebrating Christ Resurrection

While Lona and her family were in town we planned an Easter egg hunt with the kids as well as egg coloring.  We had the two youngest look for eggs first in the front lawn, the eggs were not hid very well.  The older kids were so funny as they watched the little ones.  You could tell they were itching to go - and they were yelling out where the eggs were.  Once the little ones were done we had the older kids eggs hid in the back side of the barn.  So they had to climb hay and straw bales to find the eggs.  It was fun!  Out of the 93 eggs we had only one egg went missing.  Rich will probably find it sometime once the hay is all gone.

After the egg hunt we went in the house to die eggs.  Again a fun time for all! 

Sunday - Lynda's family came over and we had a day of eating and spending time together.  It was a nice time with the family.

While at the church service I realized I was not enjoying my time and I kept thinking - this is the day we are to celebrate Christ's resurrection what is my problem.  At the end of the service I realized what was wrong.  I was going through one of those cultural adjustments - once again! The church was more than packed and the whole thing felt so commercial to me.  Everyone showing up for church just because it's Easter and it's the thing to do.  I was thinking back to last Easter when we were in China and we celebrated with our small group with a meal and worship and prayer together.  I know it's not fair to look back and compare the past to the present but that is what I found myself doing.  Really when it comes down to it - it was just another moment of adjustment in being back in America.

Fun with Cousins!

This week we got a new computer which is wonderful and I can finally post some pictures.  Also Rob's sister Lona is in town with her 6 children.  There oldest is 8 and the two youngest (twins) are 5 months.  Abraham has so much fun when they are in town.  And because we live above Rich and Lynda as soon as breakfast is over in the morning he can go downstairs to play.

We went to the park today and here are some pictures of our time.