To the Reservoir and Back

I wasn't sure how it would be with just Gabe and I home this school year. We miss having Bess with us. We have gotten used to Rachel, Hannah and Dan being gone all day, although I know Gabe misses having someone to play with. It has been good, just the two of us. We are getting our work done, taking long walks, having endless conversations about every under the sun. Gabe is a wonder at chatting. He can produce a seemingly endless stream of thought for very long periods of time. It isn't the nervous chattering type of conversation, just the natural flow between two good friends.


Today we headed out on our walk and both of us were feeling adventurous and ready to explore a bit further. We walked down to the reservoir.

The fall colors are not very bright this year. Probably a result of the very dry late summer we have had. I am still hoping that a bit of rain might help. There are some nice colors and we saw our share of lovely leaves.

It seems so many things were out and about today. We saw this snake basking on a rock in the riverbed.

There were lots of butterflies around and grasshoppers galore.

When we got to the reservoir, we decided to venture out a bit. The reservoir has restricted usage and you aren't suppose to go down to the water unless you are fishing, but being just a bit of a rebel, I figured Gabe, Gracie and I would cause no more disturbance than the fishermen. Because the water is so low right now, we could get out onto the rocks and walk along the edge rather than in the woods. It was very pleasant. There wasn't anyone else around today, except the creatures that call it home.

We came upon this Great Blue Heron, who seemed very unconcerned with our presence. We watched him for a bit and then Gracie started thrashing in the water and startled him.

The clouds started to roll in and we still had about 2 miles to go to get back home, so we turned back.

It started to rain when we were 1/2 mile from the house, but Gabe had one more task he wanted to accomplish. For several days he had seen an old scooter down under the bridge. Today he decided to retrieve it. He climbed down over the bank and hauled it out. The front axle was bent, so he had to carry it. We hoofed up the last big hill and made it home before the rain got too heavy.

What a beautiful day to take a nice long walk with a pair of very special friends.

Orthodontics Anyone?

Gabe went for his initial orthodontic visit. I knew he was going to have some of the same issues as Bess, namely a very small mouth and crowding. He also has a significant overbite and asymmetry. So, we are in for more orthodontic work.

Bess has completed her treatment except for follow-ups and her teeth look terrific. Hannah's work will take several more years to complete. The doctor says Gabe's treatment will take about 2.5 years, which will have him all done by age 14.

I wasn't sure how Gabe would take it all, but he seemed fine with the idea. He wasn't nervous at all and tolerated all the pictures and x-rays well. He thinks it is pretty cool that his expansion device will have little hydraulics on it.


We really like our orthodontist. He and his staff are friendly and kind. I have complete confidence in what he recommends. I also love their offices, which are on the 6th floor of the building. There are wonderful big windows with a gorgeous view of the Hudson River.

I'm really hoping that Rachel and Dan will not need any work.

An Afternoon Stroll

Gabe and I are slowly settling into our fall school schedule. I still have some material to order and we are setting up a more permanent school area. For us, getting into a new routine is the toughest part. Both he and I tend to live life as it comes, going with the flow as it were. That doesn't always work so well for getting a lot accomplished. We are trying to find a balance; getting things done and still enjoying the days as they unfold.

We both enjoy walking and this week we are getting back into our daily (most days) walk. This is a great time to get out, exercise for us and the dog, talk, enjoy nature and take a break from the books.

There is always so much to see along the way. We pick different routes, all are pretty, most end up on dirt roads, with plenty of fields and woods to enjoy.

Fall is most definitely visible in the plants along the way, Asters, Sumac, grasses and sedges.

Gabe and I have always had a very special relationship. I suppose most parents have one child that they just "click" with. He and I have a lot of similar interests. Our relationship is easy and comfortable. He loves to chat as we walk and I don't mind. Today we talked, among other things, about each of our expectations for the coming year. We are both of similar mind in how we would like this year to go.

It was an extremely pleasant walk today, great company and great conversation.

Thanks, Gabe! :-)

Fishing

Papa (my dad) took Gabe and Zeb, my nephew, fishing. They had a great time and although they got a lot of nibbles, they didn't catch anything.

Gabe and Zeb are only three months different in age and they enjoy each other's company, usually spending a lot of time wrestling and playing some sport or other.

After fishing, Papa took the boys out to lunch and they met Uncle Walt there. It was a very full day.

Gabe Makes Cookies

One of the things Gabe wanted to do in our homeschooling this year as more cooking and baking. Today we had a cookie baking lesson.

He did a terrific. With only a little bit of guidance, he completed the whole process from picking out a recipe to clean up (well almost all the clean up).

He liked using the mixer. You know boys and their power tools.

I thought he might get bored after a sheet or two, but he made all the cookies with no complaint.

And finally...the taste test. He pronounced them yummy and I had to agree.

Great job, Gabe! I can see a lot more baking projects in your future.

July 15 - Gabe's 10th Birthday

Gabe turned 10 years old this year! Where have the years gone? He has seemed so much older and more grown up this past year.

He kept telling us that his ninth year was his lucky year and didn't really like the idea of turning ten, but when the day came he said it didn't feel any different and maybe being ten would be okay.

He received things he asked for and some he didn't. I love to surprise the children with a gift they were not anticipating. This year, an mp3 player was that gift for Gabe. He was thrilled. He loves to listen to books on tape and the Adventures in Odyssey episodes. Our library has some great book downloads. We have loaded several for him already and he loves it.

Look at those eyes...they are smiling eyes when he realized what he had gotten.

New Lego sets are always high on his gift list. This set was very challenging for him, but he got it together.

He had asked for a 4-layer chocolate cake like Hannah had for her birthday, except he had green frosting and mini chocolate chips...yummy! For his birthday dinner, we had lasagna, salad and Italian bread. Noona and Papa came over to help us celebrate. They gave Gabe money this year and he was very happy with that gift.

After dinner the children had a swim in the pool. It was a very nice day, sunshine and warm temps. The perfect end of a special day.

Happy Birthday, Gabe! We love you and can't wait to see what this year holds for you. You make us laugh and smile and think and bring so much joy to our lives.

Gabe's Final Surgery

Gabe had surgery on Friday to remove the pins and wires from his arm. It was eight weeks to the day that he broke his arm. All went smoothly and we were home before noon.

He was game for having me take his picture, but as you can see, he was still a bit groggy. They had to make three incisions to take out the hardware, so he came home sporting some steri-strips and bandages.

Fast forward to today and Gabe is doing great, no bandages left, just the strips. He is using his arm more and more. The doctor says it may take a while for him to have full use of his elbow back but we are very glad to have this chapter pretty much closed.

Gabe's First ER Visit

Friday morning, Gabe had an accident that resulted in his arm being broken in three places. It required surgery to repair the fractures. He is now sporting a full arm splint cast.

Gabe was so brave and cooperative through it all, even though you could tell he was in extreme pain. Here he is in the ER waiting to go for his surgery.

After a terrible night with little sleep, he still had a good attitude enjoying unlimited cartoons.

Home at last. Still in quite a bit of pain, but glad for his own bed and familiar surroundings.

This post is purposely short at Gabe's request. He wanted to keep most of the details private and I respect that. He is doing much better today and I'm sure he will be back to his old self in no time.

Thank you to all that have prayed for him and for me and the family. This has been a very difficult few days.

Up a Tree

Gabe has always loved climbing trees. We have plenty of trees in our yard, nice maples that have many branches for foot and hand holds. Recently he has become bolder and more adventurous with his climbing.

Here he is working his way up the tree.

He decided this was high enough. I am a pretty relaxed momma and don't get too nervous over the exploits of the children. I also trust Gabe's abilities and his common sense to know what he can and can't do. He did have a bit of trouble working his way back down, but he managed without any help.

I enjoy each new accomplishment the children make. Way to go, Gabe.

Hannah's Dentist

Hannah has some special issues with her mouth, so she gets to go to the pediatric dentist. She loves it there. They are so patient and gentle with her. Gabe loves tagging along because they have video games in the waiting room and movies in the exam rooms.

Here they are as we wait for the dentist to come in.

Lego Fun

Legos are this summer's favorite indoor pastime. Thankfully, we have a very large bin of them, so there are plenty for all.

Hannah and Gabe worked together to make this church. Check it out. Great job, kids!

Outside

Inside

Happy Birthday Gabe!

Today was Gabe's 9th birthday! What a full, fun, wonderful day it was. We try and squeeze as much fun and enjoyment out of our special days as we can and today we squeezed a lot!

Brian was able to have part of the day off, which is always a treat for us. The day was gorgeous, clear blue skies, warm temperatures and a pleasant breeze.

As soon as Brian got home, we let Gabe open a few of his gifts. He always is so appreciative of what he gets and this year we were able to surprise with a few special goodies.

After lunch and a fun swim in the pool (Yes, we finally have our new liner in! I'll post about that later.), we sang happy birthday, ate scrumptious ice cream cake and let him open the rest of his gifts.

We spend more on the kids for their birthdays than we do for Christmas. We decided, as a family, several years ago, to scale back at Christmas time, moving our focus from all the gift giving to the birth of Jesus. This has worked out for very special times at Christmas and special birthdays for each child.

Gabe's big gift this year was a Nintendo DS. He had no idea this was coming. He had not mentioned getting one or even asked for one. I knew he would love it and we really surprised him with this gift. He was actually beside himself, he was so excited. He didn't know what to say. He knows how expensive they are and did not expect it at all. I love it when we hit on something that is so special to one of the kids.

Everyone was oohing and aahing over the new toy. Gabe loves electronics of any type and he took right off setting it up and starting to play.

Bessie helped him put together his new Nerf gun. We love Nerf.

On each child's birthday, they get to choose their desert and what to have for our dinner meal. Gabe wanted ice cream cake, pizza and wings. We opted for take out. We picked up our food and headed to one of our favorite local spots, one of the canal locks on the Champlain Canal. Each canal lock has a picnic area with grills and picnic tables. Being a Tuesday, we had the place to ourselves except for the Lock Master.

Brian and the kids brought their fishing gear, I brought my binocs and camp chair! I actually love to fish, but do not like "little kid fishing" (Isn't that terrible of me!?). Brian, on the other hand, has the patience of Job for these types of things and does so well working with the kids. I sit back and watch and save myself the frustration. I was quite surprised how well they all did. Bessie and Gabe are pros, having been fishing many times, so they did great. Rachel picked up casting quickly, but didn't really seem to enjoy it all that much. Hannah is going to be a natural. She was quite willing to sit quietly and watch that bobber, with never a complaint. Dan, well, I guess we just need to give Dan a few more years. Dan is not into sitting or being quiet or being still for anything and before long he was splashing in the river with his pole and throwing rocks.

Brian hooked a fish and let the birthday boy reel it in...a small bass. Just another treasure in this great day for Gabe. This is a catch and release area, so after pictures, this little guy was let go.

Isn't this a lovely spot? We finally headed home about 8:00pm.


After the Littles went to bed, Brian, Bessie, Gabe and I watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Gabe went to bed at 11:30 (late even for him), tired by so happy. He wanted one more hug and me to tell him "happy birthday" one more time. I think he was reluctant to let his special day go.

I found myself, on several occasions today, looking at Gabe and thinking of his birth parents, especially his birth mother. What a sacrifice she made and what a gift that sacrifice was to us.

Gabe is such a special little boy and we adore him. He and I are especially close. We enjoy so many of the same things. I like his sense of humor, his terrific imagination and his love of nature and science. I love talking with him.

All these things make me wonder what type of personalities his birth family has. How much of what makes Gabe "Gabe" came in his genes and how much is a product of his life here with us. I know some people want to think it is all nature or all nurture, but I'm sure it is a combination of both.

Either way, doesn't matter to me. We have never been the type of adoptive parents that want our kids to look like us so we can pretend that they aren't adopted. We am very aware that our children had lives before they came to our family and that is okay. All the elements of their lives make up who they are.

However Gabe came by his uniqueness, I love it and love him so very much. We are so happy that his birth mom chose to have him and that God chose to give him to us.

Happy Birthday, Gabe!

New Garden Project - Trellis

We have many garden and yard projects in the works this summer. Brian, Bess and Gabe worked on a new trellis to be placed on the back of the garage for two new Clematis plants we recently bought.

Bri gives Gabe some instruction Gabe loves this...power tools, everyone boy's dream (big and small)
Some primer and paint and we'll be good to go.