Nightly request

Just about every night after putting the big 2 in bed, Hudson calls out for me or Craig to come in a pray again with them- this time that specifically, "no tigers, bears, lions, whales, sharks, caymans, alligators, crocodiles, dinosaurs, or unicorns will come in their room at night." this request started with just bears a few months ago and has been added to and added to. We usually take the opportunity to remind Hudson that Jesus promised to be with us always and that God is in control and we don't need to be afraid of anything.
A couple nights ago was a rare night where Hudson fell right asleep and Grace was not tired. At one point during the night she requested prayer that, "no lions, tigers, deer or kangaroos" would come in their room that night. :)
And as for the little guy-- Titus is really not liking being told no lately... but is so sweet whenever we walk down our hallway. We have 8 pictures up in our hall of all the aunts/uncles/mimis and papas that we love and miss. He leans and points at the pictures and is so happy to hear us tell him everyone's names.

"Timothy, TITUS, and Philemon..."

Grace seems to be a little confused about why Titus's name is a book of the Bible and the rest of ours aren't. We were singing the books of the Bible the other day and she added in the rest of our names at the end.

And then, 2 days ago, Hudson Grace and I were sitting on our bed reading, while Craig was telling a friend where the passages in the Bible with the qualifications of elders were. "1 Peter 5, Titus 2, ..." Grace continued, "Grace 3, Hudson 4, Mama 5..." (She had just woken up) and then she went on saying something like this, "John 55...Jesus Christ is alive!" (as if she were reciting a verse), then "Jesus likes to jump on a trampoline- trampoline is god's power. The trampoline can't talk."
A confused Hudson tried to somehow point G in the right direction, "But Jesus is going to break everything. Like if he is standing on the trampoline, he might break it- because he's super super strong and he's super super big."
Grace's response, "Belle (her prize doll for giving up her pacifiers) can jump on the trampoline and superman."
Hudson, "No, batman (he also got a little treat for G giving up her pacifiers- a batman)."

And then after this interesting conversation, (Grace woke up in quite a spiritual mood) I showed them the 2 professionally done pictures we have on our bookshelf- one of Hudson and one of Gracie- and asked them whose picture is missing? G answers, "God's!" and Hudson says, "And Titus". (Later that evening we went to get some pictures taken of Titus - and the other 2 as well- I know it's cheesy, but I felt bad having some of Hudson and some of Grace and none of our little guy- so :)) Will post those when we get them...

We made it!

I really think that taking away Grace's pacifier (this is terribly wimpy and indicative of how EASY He has made our parenting lives thus far) was one of the hardest things we've had to do as parents- of course there's all the terrible goodbyes we put them through too. Anyway, although we're all TIRED- G slept through the night last night- and still is taking a nap in the afternoons! Better than I expected for a week after taking those precious nookies away. She looks and acts older this week and well, is older (especially without needing a pacifier)!

All quite excited here...our first sunny day in, I think, seriously, weeks. Heading out to park in an hour or so with some local friends to enjoy the sun. (Although my kiddos response to me saying its a nice day, is "no, its too sunny!") On that same note...Hudson asked me yesterday, "Mom, where AM I'm from?" Lately when all the Chinese ladies outside ask him where he's from he's been saying Beijing. They are pretty confused by his response and kind of laugh (and then I usually tell them we're from America). Anyway, we talked about where our "home" is yesterday...and love that our real home is so much better than either of these places we live in, so much better than we can even dream of- and our trials here are brief!

"bye-bye nookies"

Our little 3 yr old is currently in the midst of missing her "nookie". Big night for GJ- her first without a pacifier. Her prayer tonight was, "Father, thank you for today to say bye-bye to my nookies. Jesus amen."

Here she is at her long-requested "Tinkerbell" party.



(a dress-up fairy relay)



Super cute apron- gift made by Auntie Joy! We all love it (Hudson even asked for one...) :)



3!

Easter

Had a sweet Easter here, although missing our just left family...thankful for our friends here to meet with, celebrate with. We even had a little easter egg hunt in our courtyard- most surely confusing onlookers. And also had probably our first nice weather day of the year- since has gone back to COLD-- windy and cold, still can't put our winter coats away.

GJ's b'day pics to come soon...

whoopie cushion!?

Our little girlie is going to be 3 tomorrow!? Can't believe it- and also can't believe her request. When asked what she wanted for her b'day she said- another one of those pink, burp things that you sit on -aka- a whoopie cushion! (reminds me of her Great Uncle Jon :))
About a year ago, her Aunt Maureen and Aunt Abbie took her and Hudson to Enchanted Castle while Craig and I packed up to come back to China. One of the prizes they picked was a whoopie cushion, which was used so much over the past year that a few months ago it was thrown away because it was totally falling apart (and being eaten by Titus). I was impressed with her memory - and thanks to Aunt Lindsay, Grace will be getting a new one tomorrow :)

so thankful

lunch at the bird's nest



the 3 little "bolt" buddies on the olympic track- wil did say he is actually the fastest man in the world.



fun with papa and mimi

We had a great great visit with our family this past week- of course terrible to see them go, but so thankful they could come! We all had a blast and were so encouraged by them being here. Too many sweet/funny moments to recount...