they are all growing up

it's happening- they are all growing up in their own special ways. i mean they've always been doing this, but sometimes you just notice it.  i'll look down at judes foot and see that it's almost as big as mine.  or zoe will try on my shirt and it fits her.  or bryn will say, "actually, i'm not a big fan of chocolate." and rose? you can almost see this girl grow.

rosie has grown 2 inches in the past 5 weeks with us. i didn't think it was possible, and it definitely makes me question my boys 'growing pains'- because if anyone should have them it should be her.   she is learning english and feeling more understood, more a part of things, and she is very happy.

poor bryn has asthma, which i only realized after ignoring his night time cough for the past 2 months, until it started waking him up, crying, coughing, hard to breath. i finally listened to his lungs.  poor little wheezy guy.   but thankfully we were able to get what we need here and he's sleeping well now.

jude is seven going on 17.  he is the self appointed expert on everything, including topics that he's never heard of; and whether or not our rules are worth following. while we value his independence and confidence and tell him this often, he is seven, and needs to respect his mama.  this week has brought him several sweet-less evenings, time in his room- and the opportunity to say, " it doesn't teach me anything!".  oh jude, we hear you. but what will teach you something?

zoe is loosing her best friend who is moving back to america next week. this is hard.  it's especially hard when real, true friends haven't been easy to come by, when she also lived next door, and when you have the hormones of someone who is almost 13.

let me say that suddenly, i am cold oatmeal.  almost overnight- i have become that annoying person who doesn't understand her. just look at the difference in her picture with her friend and then her picture with me.

she's even more excited by the tortoises.

yes, those are tortoises.  now our pet tortoises.  we inherited them, or somehow took them over- zoe's work.  but the kids have been very busy building them habitats and 'restaurants' for the past three days, which already makes them worth it.

people are changing by the day- sometimes the minute.  they are all so funny and different and i'm thankful for each one and their unique blessings.