Heartland Homemaker

This Past Year...

2011-12-18T21:39:00.000-06:00

So, it’s been well over a year since my last post! I will try now to give a brief account of what this past year has held for our family. This past January, we purchased our first home! We are thoroughly enjoying all the extra space, huge yard, and just having a place we can call our own. A tremendous blessing came in the form of a super-low interest rate, and a great price on the house due to the housing market being what it is. Since we think we’ll be here at least a while for Ethan to continue schooling, we decided it would make more sense to invest in a home rather than rent for such an extended period. And we are all glad with that decision!

Big Driveway for Riding Bikes!

Living Room (laundry and all!)

Wonderfully Open Kitchen/Dining Area

Shortly after that, in February, we learned that Jeff’s military unit where he serves as an Army chaplain would be deploying in September for a year to the Middle East. Since Jeff had training to complete beforehand, he has been away from us since early July (with a couple quick visits before shipping out in September). He is missed immensely, especially during this holiday season when it just doesn’t feel right to be apart. But we are thankful for the many opportunities this time is providing him to minister to the soldiers’ needs, evangelize the lost, and to serve our country. Here we are saying our last goodbyes early one morning:

Not long after learning the deployment news, we received a sweet surprise of another baby on the way! We plan to welcome baby BOY #4 very soon (Leap Day is the actual due date)! The other 3 boys are very excited about this addition, and Ethan especially grows impatient for the baby to “pop out” as he calls it. They love to feel their little brother moving and have so many questions surrounding the event…it’s been fun experiencing this with them since they are now old enough to understand a little and appreciate the wonder of a new life.

Jeff finished his interim pastorate in May, and then spent June doing military work and getting ready for his many travels. During that time, we started attending a wonderful Word-focused church where the pastor and wife as well as the entire church family have shown us such support and love that is rare to find. We are so thankful for the Lord’s providence in bringing us to this church and hope that we can be half the blessing to the body as they are to us.

Ethan continues to progress in the school for the deaf with his language, speech, and auditory skills. We still have hope that he will become more intelligible in his speech since he has taken significant steps in that direction. Levi is my inquisitive little helper around the house and is so proud when he can assist Mommy in all his little ways. Judah just tries to keep up with his big brothers, which has led to many a boo-boo along the way I’m afraid. He is one tough little guy, and yet he’s still our cuddly one, constantly coming up to give kisses and hugs.

Ethan's Contagious Smile

Levi at IHOP Outing from Grandma Sue

Judah Playing in the Dirt (Thanksgiving Visit to Arkansas)

My sister, Sarah, came to stay with us for a couple of months and ministered greatly to me in caring for the boys, cleaning the house, doing laundry, and a great many other details of life. My other sister, Talitha, plans to come for a few weeks to help out when the new baby arrives. So, between their stays here and also our most recent few trips to Arkansas, it has helped to break up the time for the boys and me while Jeff is away. Also, Jeff should be able to take 2 weeks leave around the time of the birth, after which we will have to say bye for a while longer then see where the Lord’s providence takes us.

Pumpkin Patch Visit with Aunt Sarah

The Boys "Elf'd"

2011-12-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

Quick Peek at Plair Life

2010-10-14T23:53:00.007-05:00

Since my last update (way too long ago!), we've had some changes on the homefront to post about. God has truly been gracious to us in our new life here in St. Louis where we moved over a year ago so that Ethan could receive better medical care for his deafness and learn how to talk in a school that specializes in such. In spite of ourselves, the Lord has smiled upon us constantly, blessing us with new friends who encourage us in the faith, and showing us that His grace is sufficient no matter what life holds.

Ethan is one bright, dear boy who has been loving and affectionate from birth! He loves to make people laugh and is always saying "you're so funny" while he waves his hand forward at you (mimicking the grown-ups). He's doing well in school and seems to really enjoy how fun his teachers make it for him. He actually works VERY hard for a 4 year old from 8:30-3 every weekday, but his school is great at making him think he's just playing most of the time. He continues to be very motivated and it is obvious to everyone that he really wants to talk, so this is a good thing! The cochlear implant in his left ear is working well, but the jury's still out on how quality the sound is that he's receiving. Only time will tell as he progresses in speech and auditory skills. Since his right ear is completely deaf, we are hopeful his left ear will provide enough clarity for him to communicate verbally. It's a long, hard road, so we are learning patience in the process.

Levi is now 3, and likes to tell everyone so! He's my big boy helper and is always telling me his aspirations for when he's "big like Papa"... things like flying to the moon, riding in a hot air balloon, and drinking coffee. His goals in life are either grandiose or menial which I find very amusing! When he finds stickers around with words on them (like on bananas at the store) or opens fortune cookies, he informs me that it says we're going to the park that day, or that we're going to eat fruit snacks and go to the library. Funny little guy...he came up with this idea of event planning all on his own.

Judah is a strong little 20-month old in every way. Very tough when it comes to boos boos, and determined to get his way in all things (which has called for a lot of training for a boy his age!). He is too cute and has somehow learned to use that quality to his advantage, so I often have to hide my smile from him when his stubborness comes across as cute. He has achieved his goal of keeping up with his big brothers pretty well. People are always surprised how well he gets around the playground at his age!

In May, Jeff became interim pastor at a small Baptist church nearby, and he also joined the Army National Guard as a chaplain. He just finished up his month-long "boot camp" and accomplished things he hasn't done since his early twenties... 65 push-ups immediately followed by 46 sit-ups and a 15 minute 2-mile run!! Since I can barely do one push-up and am gasping for air after jogging about 20 feet, I am impressed to say the least! I am so proud of him for pushing himself as hard as he's had to in order to do so well on the physical side of things. He also went to Haiti this past summer with his unit for a few weeks, which gave him unique opportunities for ministry. So, we are thankful for these ministries the Lord has provided and for the church's support of his chaplaincy.

I am staying busy learning how to love and serve my husband (who I am learning is God's greatest gift to me besides salvation) and my children. I am not naturally self-disciplined, organized, or a lot of other things I would like to be as a homemaker, so I am thankful for grace and sanctification to become...better. I enjoy serving in our church by helping with nursery, singing, helping Jeff administratively, and also participating in the ladies' ministry. I am hoping to start a study with the ladies on the book called Becoming God's True Woman edited by Nancy Leigh de Moss. I am excited for the challenges this will pose to us all to become more like Christ.

We are still renting a small apartment, so would love to find a place we can call home for a while during our time here. We are dreaming of a bit larger place with the main qualification being that it has a large backyard for the boys to play in! And a garage without 2 flights of stairs to get to it (with 3 little boys and gear in tow) would be a nice perk as well! So, we'll see...

Overdue Updates...a few photos for starters!

2010-08-28T15:28:00.005-05:00

These attempts at a photo shoot show uncanny insight into our boys' personalities:

Ethan - must be moving at ALL times, a bit bossy with his brothers, and a natural comedian and camera ham

Levi - compliant, patient, and determined amidst the chaos

Judah - whiney...err, maybe a little more positive description is needed; let's try "loves his mommy...a LOT!"

We LOVE our little rascals!

Ethan's Activation - Good News!

2010-01-06T22:04:00.007-06:00

Here's Levi and Ethan with their cochear implants (Levi's fake of course)

Just a quick post to let everyone know that Ethan's cochlear implant activation last Monday (12/28) went well. With his particular hearing condition, it was not even certain that the implant would stimulate his hearing nerve...but it did! This was a huge answer to prayer, and the first big hurdle of a long journey.

He started back to school 2 days ago, and now we'll have to wait and see over the next several months just how well the implant is providing him access to sound. This will be monitored by his overall progress, including speech recognition and production. His audiologist did say 2 days ago that Ethan was doing quite a bit better than he had expected after only 1 week with the implant activated, so that was encouraging!

2009-12-16T23:01:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Ethan's Cochlear Implant Surgery

2009-12-10T14:45:00.005-06:00

Thank you all for your support toward us over the past few weeks and prayers for Ethan. The Lord was gracious first of all in keeping Ethan healthy for his cochlear implant surgery two days ago on December 8th. Thank you for your faithful prayers for this.

The surgery did go well according to the doctor. Only a little fluid leaked from Ethan's cochlea when the hole was made for the implant, which means there is a possiblity Ethan could retain some of his residual or natural hearing that he had in his ear, which is usually not the case when implanted. As far as the overall success of the implant, we will begin to know that when they actually turn on or activate the implant on Dec 28th. There is reason to be hopeful.

We got home from the hosptial yesterday about 2pm. Ethan is beginning to get back to his normal self now that the initial heavy medicines have worn off. He is communicating, remembers well, and eating a little.

Two prayer requests for him during this intervening time are: 1) that he would not develop or maintain a fever over the next few days which could indicate infection (he has had a fever yesterday and today but that is likely normal), and 2) that the swelling from his incision would go down (he has had a little more than normal swelling at this point).

Other than that, he is in good spirits, and we are praising God that things have gone well.

Thanks for your love to us in Christ,
Jeff and Lisa

Last Post for Awhile...More Pics

2009-11-16T15:09:00.003-06:00

Ethan's Crooked Camera Smile

The Butterfly House in St. Louis

Ethan and Levi playing in the beautiful fall leaves

More Plair Pics!

2009-11-16T14:06:00.002-06:00

Glow-in-the-Dark Pajamas

Levi & Covey, Watching Bolt with the Woodell Family

Fruit Puff Misplaced!

A visit from our dear friends, the Woodells

More Fall Fotos

2009-11-16T13:15:00.003-06:00

Balloon Parrot and Fishing Pole

"Jeff Jr." Getting Big!

Tony (dog-trainer) from America's Got Talent

Homemade Train with 55-gallon drums and a 4-wheeler

Levi LOVES blueberries!

Fall Fun Fotos

2009-10-31T21:56:00.005-05:00

Jeff Enjoying Bao (Soup Buns) at Dim Sum

(a treat introduced to us by our beloved CA Bible Study)
Monster Truck at our town's Fall Festival

Hayride!

Levi's Wink-Smile

2009-10-31T19:34:00.002-05:00

City Museum Ball Pit

Judah Loves to Swing

GrAunt and Levi at the Playground

(Great Aunt Linda and Uncle Rudy visited and spoiled us all)

GrUncle with Ethan at Playground

Ethan's First Day at School

Meet Me in St. Louey Louey!

2009-10-16T14:29:00.004-05:00

Phew! It's been a while since I've had time to post, but with good reason...we have moved to St. Louis! We decided through a series of events and a deeper understanding of Ethan's profound hearing loss that we needed to be here in order for Ethan to receive the best resources possible. He is attending an oral school for the deaf where they teach deaf children to communicate through speech/listening. Our hope is that within 2-3 years of this intense therapy, Ethan will be able to communicate enough for me to homeschool him.

After being here for only a short time, the staff at his school told us that his hearing aids were not providing him much benefit and that it would be very difficult and maybe impossible for him to learn to talk unless he received a cochlear implant. So, we are now looking at a cochlear implant surgery in about 6 weeks. Everything has moved very quickly, but that is necessary since the window of time for Ethan to develop speech is narrowing every day.

A lot has happened but there is only time to post a few updated photos right now. There are countless kids' activities in St. Louis so the boys are loving their new life.

Ready for Church (where we will be joining this month)

Ethan on the Playground
All 3 with their Old Navy caps we found for a quarter :)

Levi's Birthday Gift From GrAunt and GrUncle (he has learned to enjoy it now!)

Blue-Eyed Judah (spittin' image of Papa)

Baby Judah Pics, et al

2009-04-02T21:40:00.008-05:00

I found a few minutes to get the recent photos off my camera, so here are a few of Judah as promised, as well as the "leviethan" (sic)...we realized that Levi and Ethan spelled together make "leviethan" (sea monsters in the book of Job). So we call them our little sea monsters, a name which they sometimes live up to!

A Sweet, Sweet Smile

Saying "Wow!" in Unison

Mama told him to frown for the camera :)

A Few More Quick Photos

2009-03-31T14:48:00.005-05:00

Blogging with Judah in my arms and Levi emptying the bookshelf is proving to be a bit difficult! Here are a few more photos before signing off! I'll have to post more Judah photos once I find time to download the recent ones from the camera...coming soon.

Peek-A-Boo!

Backyard After Ice Storm

Ethan and Levi (Ethan's developed that "camera smile" that so many kids have!)

Making Cookies with Aunt Linda (the flour on the M&M tasted a bit odd!)

6 Weeks Old!

2009-03-31T14:33:00.004-05:00

Judah is now 6 weeks old and doing very well...he looks like he's gained a good 4 lbs since birth but we'll see for sure at his 2-month checkup. I love having an infant once again, and realize each time how short those first few months are!

We are thankful to all be healthy in the Plair household after surviving a week-long flu that made it's way to each of us including Judah. It was a very hard week but it sure makes us more grateful for the daily health we so often take for granted!

Since I have very little time these days, I'm sure my blog posts will be short and sparse (more than they have been already!). But here are a few photos to share at least in picture, if not in word, a glimpse of our growing family.

Papa Playing with the Boys

Ethan and Levi "Talking" on the Phone

Fun at the Park

Adoring "Baby Judah"

Judah Shane Arrives!

2009-02-23T09:41:00.006-06:00

We are thrilled to announce the birth of our third son, Judah Shane! He was placed in our arms Sunday, 2/15/09 at 8:57pm, weighing in at 8 lbs 8 oz and measuring 21 inches. He is healthy, nursing well, and a very sweet-natured, mellow baby.

Before heading to the hospital

1 Day Old

Judah is named for the tribe through which Christ came, the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" and means "praised." Shane is Jeff's middle name and means "God is gracious." Praise to our Gracious God is a most appropriate name for this special occasion in which God orchestrated each detail and answered many a prayer along the way allowing me to have a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearean).

We are at home now recovering well and adjusting to life with another young 'un (with the invaluable help of my sister, Talitha!). Ethan and Levi are thrilled with the new arrival and always asking to see and touch "Baby Judah"...it's surprising how instinctively gentle a 1 and 2 year old can be. I'm still on cloud nine that I don't have to go through the long road of recovery from surgery so that I'll be better able to minister to my family and new son. GOD IS GOOD!

2009-02-23T09:31:00.002-06:00

Papa and Judah (a few minutes after his birth)

Papa and Judah waiting for hospital discharge

2009-02-22T14:03:00.001-06:00

Ethan mimicking Mama nursing (while picking his nose!)

Levi thought we were trying to take HIS photo, so he kept smiling behind Judah

First smile we were able to catch on camera

Our handsome little man

THREE Boys!

2009-01-15T12:33:00.003-06:00

This will be a quick post just to let everyone know that we found out on Monday that we are having a boy! We were kind of hoping for a girl, but it's odd that the moment we were told the gender, there was no disappointment. We are excited to be welcoming another little man to the family (Mama hopes no later than February 10th, the due date)!

Also, Ethan was recently featured in a Northwest Arkansas magazine for parents called Peek A Boo. He goes to The Little Gym with the daughter of the editor of the magazine, and when she noticed Ethan's hearing aid, she asked if I'd be interested in writing an article about our journey with his hearing loss. Here is the link to this article: http://www.peekaboonwa.com/articles/personal-stories/hearing-with-the-heart/

And a few photos...we woke up to a little less than an inch of snow this morning, so Papa took the boys out to play in it for a bit.

Ethan's Mohawk That "Appeared" During a Haircut :)

Levi Found His Reflection in a Spoon

Merry Christmas 2008!

2008-12-24T14:49:00.003-06:00

Well, I am remaining pretty consistent with updating the blog once a month...not purposefully, but it seems that I don't find the time except maybe once a month! As fellow moms can relate, when the babes are up and at 'em, the computer is not the most convenient place to be since they want to have a "hand" in everything Mama's doing. That's ok with cooking and cleaning, but the computer is a little more fragile than a pot or a mop!

So, as my last post for 2008, I'll give a quick update and post a few recent photos of the boys. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Jeff's aunt, uncle, and cousin coming up to visit for a few days. It was a bit intimidating to cook for my favorite cook, Aunt Linda! But, she contributed so much that the meal turned out pretty good.

Jeff's uncle and cousin also helped us find a minivan at that time in preparation for Baby #3. So, we bought an Odyssey which we got a great deal on (you know us...we rarely buy something unless it's a "deal"). Ethan especially likes the minivan, and for a while he woke up each morning with the first word/sign out of his mouth being "van" because he wanted to go see it in the garage. I guess everyone likes something different for a change, even a 2 year old!

The pregnancy is going well, praise the Lord...we hope to find out the gender early January! February 12th is just around the corner and we can hardly wait to welcome this new little member to our family!

We are leaving tomorrow to spend Christmas with family in the central AR area, so we are looking forward to that. My brother recently got engaged, and his intended is here for a visit from up north, so they are planning a hayride/weiner roast this Saturday...ought be fun AND cold! But, that's how us Southerners like to celebrate despite the weather!

And, now the photos:

Levi Imitating Brother Who's Potty Training

He Couldn't Quite Get the Hang of It!
Levi with his Afghan Hat from Auntie Laurie

Cousin "Uncle" Garrick Fascinating the Boys with His IPhone

Aunt Linda with the Boys and "Peanut" (Thanksgiving)

2008-12-24T14:33:00.003-06:00

Levi Whistling

(he can now wink and whistle...what talent!)

Ethan at Gym Class

2008-12-24T14:18:00.002-06:00

Brotherly Love
Both Smiling! (a small feat)

One of Ethan's Favorite Activities (laying down in the bathtub)

I Love This One!

JumpZone

2008-12-24T14:06:00.002-06:00

Eureka Springs Bed & Breakfast - Happy 8th Anniversary

(First Getaway Since Our Last Anniversary...Thank you, Talitha!)

My Sister (Talitha) and Niece (Evangeline) Visit

Christmas Train Ride (Papa and Levi)

Mama and Boys in Front of Christmas Train

An Unwelcome Possum Visitor on Our Back Porch One Night

(He didn't even run off when I bravely opened the door for a photo!)

It's Official!!

2008-11-21T14:16:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a big day for the Plair family. After over 2 years of waiting, praying, longing, and lots of paperwork...Ethan David Plair is officially and legally our son!! Since the final adoption hearing took place in Colorado, the court agreed to have an over-the-phone hearing so that we didn't have to travel there. So, after just a 9 minute phone call, it is done.

It was a long, sometimes painful and difficult journey towards adoption for us due to many roadblocks along the way. But, God is faithful, good and exceedingly kind, and gave us this child we prayed to be able to keep!

Proud of the Muddy Buddies He Helped Make

(signing "candy" since there's no sign for Muddy Buddies!)

Potty Training!

A Silly Grin

Looking Warm and Cool at the Same Time

Loves to Swing

True Woman

2008-10-22T20:39:00.003-05:00

I was just introduced to the True Woman Movement which is a call to Christian women to strive towards biblical womanhood in a world that encourages the opposite. To find out more, you can visit http://www.truewoman.com/ and read the "True Woman Manifesto" (which you may also want to sign as a commitment for yourselves).

The movement is a ministry of Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh deMoss, and among it's sponsors is The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. They just had their first annual conference earlier this month in Chicago at which John Piper spoke.

So, just wanted to put a shout out to my lady friends about this rare women's ministry which I believe will exhort our hearts to Christlikeness and obedience when we are tempted to believe the lies of this sinsick world regarding our persons and roles as women. I hope it encourages you as it did me.

Here's the link to listen to the conference messages: http://www.truewoman.com/?id=317

One of Levi's Antics

2008-09-22T21:24:00.003-05:00

Levi's favorite thing in the world to do is getting a ride on a blanket being drug through the house. When he sees someone, anyone!, with a blanket, he abandons all and runs to make a literal dive onto the blanket. Then he buries his face in it, and kicks his arms and legs like he's swimming. It is so hilarious for us to watch. Here he is with Jeff's cousin Garrick, playing the game.

Levi's First Birthday & Haircut

2008-09-22T21:12:00.004-05:00

Levi turned 1 year old on 9/10. He is still such a sweet baby but becoming less and less a baby every day. He tries to say "uh-oh", "all done", and "outside." He loves Ethan to death and giggles a lot at his silly antics which Ethan thoroughly enjoys.

Eating Birthday Cake

First Haircut

Visit to Aunt Sarah's, my sister who lives about an hour away where she attends nursing school and is in the Army ROTC (Ethan is modeling one of her shoes for us)

Fun at the Fair

2008-09-22T20:51:00.003-05:00

We went to our county's fair with the boys, and though they're a bit young to fully take it all in and enjoy everything, they did seem to like the change of scenery.

Levi LOVED petting the animals, but Ethan wasn't too sure about this particular activity!

Papa and Ethan

Levi petting a kangaroo

Hot Air Balloon (which we settled for a photo of when we saw the prices!)

Ethan on the Train Ride

Cute Photos

2008-09-08T13:18:00.002-05:00

Here are some photos of the boys from the past few months:

Ethan sharing his popsicle
How I found Ethan sleeping one day
Fun in the Crib

Levi getting kisses from Brother

Elk River

2008-09-08T07:03:00.005-05:00

We went to Elk River, MO, the other day only about 15 minutes from us...it was so peaceful, the water so clear, and the scenery green and beautiful. We were glad to discover such a lovely place, but kind of sad that we hadn't been enjoying it all summer. It's known more for canoeing, but it is a perfect place to just swim and have a picnic.

Summer Update

2008-09-01T13:11:00.005-05:00

Here's a quick, long overdue update on what's going on with our family.

LEVI - Walking everywhere now. Loves to eat just about anything. Has 4 teeth. A very happy baby who is always smiling/laughing for everyone who pays him any mind at all. Very healthy, praise the Lord!

ETHAN - Making progress, but slowly, with his speech development and listening abilities. Has been pretty healthy considering his susceptibility to sicknesses. Doesn't like to eat hardly anything, so we add as many calories as we can to every bite he takes. Still a sweet, sweet boy who "fathers" little Levi just like he sees mom/dad do. Very active and into everything like a lot of 2-year-old little boys, I reckon (but with twice the energy it seems to me!!).

Ethan's 2nd Birthday (8/5)

We made a 20-hour roundtrip visit to Jeff's brother, Rusty, and his wife, Jen, a few weeks ago. We loved getting to see them as it has been several years. This was their first time to see the boys, and the boys just loved them. Rusty and Jen live on some acreage in the country with cows, birds, rabbits, dogs, tractors and lots of room to roam. Here are some photos from that sweet visit:

Uncle Rusty and Ethan's Tractor Ride

Aunt Jen and Levi

Aunt Jen and Ethan Filling Bird Feeder

Uncle Rusty and Ethan Sweeping Porch

Pickles and Ice Cream

2008-09-01T13:00:00.004-05:00

I am thrilled to announce the coming arrival of Plair Baby #3! I am currently 17 weeks along and the due date is February 12, 2009. We have yet to find out the gender, but I will hopefully be able to make that post soon after my next sonogram. I actually did find myself eating both pickles and ice cream one after the other recently, so I guess that confirms it! I didn't have such strange cravings with my previous pregnancy...with that one, I just wanted greasy fast food all the time...not good! Here's Baby #3 at 12 weeks:

Gymboree and Summer Photos

2008-07-07T07:26:00.004-05:00

Something has gone wrong with our still camera, so all our photos have to be taken on our video camera which tends to take blurry and red-eyed photos; it's also a bigger ordeal to download onto the computer, hence the long while since my last posting of photos. But, that aside, here are some of our most recent photos:

Ethan Popping Bubbles at Gymboree

Ethan on the Obstacle Course at Gymboree

Billy Bob Ethan

The Boys and Mama at the Local Pool

Levi with One of His Many New Faces (he's always wrinkling his nose trying to make us laugh)

Paul Washer Sermons

2008-07-07T07:05:00.002-05:00

I was recently introduced to this atypical Southern Baptist preacher who proclaims the truth "as a dying man preaching to dying men." He is also very involved in missions and speaks Spanish fluently. Here is one of his most powerful messages at SermonAudio where you can also find his other sermons: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=52906154239

This is a short quote from the website regarding this particular message:
This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth are appealed to through shallow and worldly means. At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you can imagine, the preacher was never invited back.

Summer is Here

2008-06-04T21:28:00.004-05:00

The warmer weather has been a nice change and brings back many memories of my growing up years in Arkansas. The boys and I go on a walk each day which I am going to try and take in the mornings now before it gets up to 90 degrees by noontime!

Ethan likes to walk beside the stroller gathering every stray limb he can fit in his hands, under his arms, and in the stroller. He is so cute trying to hold onto it all. His other favorite pasttimes include "helping" Mama with any kind of housework (vacuuming, dusting, laundry, sweeping/mopping), pretending to be Mama...he'll put anything with a strap over his shoulder, symbolizing a purse, and then push his supposed hair back like he sees me do! He also loves his Papa dearly getting excited when he returns home from work or waking him up in the morning saying "Papa" while trying to climb into bed beside him. He is trying very hard to talk and is making some progress.

Ethan Vacuuming For Real

Levi is usually all smiles and giggles until he gets his mind set on something he wants, then he cries like there's no tomorrow. He has his first tooth as of this week and is now eating solids, including meat that I put through the mini-processor for him! He loves brother and is always "tackling" him burying his face in Ethan's shirt, which Ethan is surprisingly ok with (I'll try to get a video of this to post as it is so darling). He is crawling, pulling up on everything, and curious to touch anything that is remotely off-limits for his little hands!

Jeff's job is still very hard and especially now with the hot and humid weather. He is required to do back-breaking work in a warehouse which has no a/c, but only big fans, most of which are usually broken. He is hoping to find something else soon, but we have several decisions to make in this arena, and are also waiting on Ethan's adoption to be finalized before any major changes are made.

I LOVE being a mother and can think of no greater earthly joy than waking up each day to my boys whom God has loaned to me to nurture and instruct in Him. I am so severely flawed in my love for the Lord and walking in His ways that I am overwhelmed at His grace in giving me such gifts as He has given.

Levi Enjoying the Sandbox in More Ways Than One!

Ethan Napping (we often find him like this sound asleep)

Ethan the Director

2008-05-17T13:00:00.003-05:00

Here's a video clip of our little orchestra director in-the-making. Jeff was pretending to direct while listening to Phantom of the Opera and Ethan began to imitate so I grabbed the video camera. He's trying to imitate Papa directing, bowing, etc. and still hold onto his treasured blanket...the blanket wins out in the end!

A Few Updates

2008-05-17T12:40:00.005-05:00

We have been doing well in the Plair household other than a few minor things.

Ethan has some kind of skin condition that showed up with the start of Spring. The dermatologist can't say for sure but he thinks it's eczema, so I am trying to keep him well-moisturized and see what comes of it. It's not severe at this point, but it is possible that it can get worse, so we're trying to stay on top of it.

Levi has been running a fever for 4 days now, but shows no other signs of sickness except for seeming tired and fussier than usual. He may be cutting teeth, but no signs of that yet either. So, if this doesn't go away, I think we may need to make a trip to the doctor to see what's going on. Poor little fella.

I took Ethan to a Gymboree Play and Music class this past week to try it out, and he loved it! So, we enrolled him in a class and we'll see if it keeps his interest longer than most activities seem to. I'll try to get some photos next time to share.

Here are the long-ago-promised photos of our Georgia trip back in March. Enjoy!

Ethan Sleeping on the Plane Ride

Levi with Cousin Ella Grace

Ethan and Levi with Grandma Sue (Jeff's Mom)

Ethan on a Walk with Grandpa David (Jeff's Dad)

Ethan Medical/Adoption Update

2008-04-27T19:16:00.002-05:00

Several have asked about Ethan's adoption status as well as his hearing loss, so here's the latest on both fronts:

ADOPTION
After many disappointments and odd decisions by the court, parental rights were finally terminated October 3, 2007. We were told that the adoption process should be completed 1 to 6 months from that date....well, here we are almost 7 months later and only in the beginning stages, so we're not getting our hopes up on the timing. However, we do know that at least the process is moving along as we are in contact with his adoption caseworker in Colorado. We're hoping that Ethan will be legally ours in no more than 3 months...that will be a day of great rejoicing in the Plair home!

MEDICAL
It has been determined that Ethan is deaf in his right ear with no possibility for treatment, so we have stopped using the hearing aid for that ear. The left ear, however, has residual hearing which is amplified by a hearing aid which seems to help quite a bit. We are not pursuing anything drastic like a cochlear implant until he is older and more objective testing can be done. We have been encouraged that he is at least trying to say about 10 words and that he understands a few spoken words.

Other than his hearing loss, he is a pretty healthy little fella. He may have asthma which he is being treated for and is responding very well. He also has a swallowing dysfunction for which we must thicken all his liquids, but we hope that he'll grow out of.

We are so thankful for the joy he brings us...he is truly a gift from God. He explores everything, loves the outdoors, and is so sweet with Levi always kissing and petting him (though he is having to learn that Levi can play with "his" toys too!).

Church Events

2008-04-27T15:02:00.003-05:00

We have been at Hope Community Bible Church now since June of '07 and have been enjoying getting to know our church family. Our pastor has a really nice camera and is the unofficial photographer at almost every church event...which is nice considering we don't usually bring our camera along. So here are a few photos from the past several church events, courtesy of Pastor Ed.

German-Themed FUN Night

May "Pot Providence" Meal (playing with a friend)

FUN Night (this past week) at the park

"Lamb's Fair" Face Painting (he actually held pretty still for a 20 month old!)

Drastic New Cut!

2008-04-04T16:06:00.002-05:00

I went and did it! With Jeff's approval, I got my hair chopped short. This is the shortest I've ever had it cut (except for that time when I was a toddler and took the scissors to my own hair to my mom's dismay!). Here's the result, with which I'm fairly pleased. 10 inches were donated to Locks of Love (www.locksoflove.org) to make wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer treatments.

Spittin' Image?

2008-03-31T12:59:00.004-05:00

Levi is growing to look more and more like Jeff, but in the earlier months, he was the "spirit and image" of his mama. Here are the photos to compare (first one is me):

Georgia On My Mind

2008-03-29T11:59:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we arrived safely back from a 6-day trip to Georgia where we visited Jeff's family. This was our first time in Georgia post-kids, so we enjoyed introducing the boys to their extended family as well as their Grandpa Plair. The air and car travel went well with a few minor inconveniences, and we were thankful that we decided to purchase a plane seat for Ethan for the extra space and luggage allowance.

Georgia is definitely as southern as it gets! The food, language, and lifestyles are in a world of their own...a "southern world." Seeing mixed-ethnicity persons there is not as common as the rest of the U.S., so Ethan stood out a bit. In certain circles, there is still a great amount of prejudice and sinful thinking regarding "race" (though we are truly all ONE race...the human race!). I was even told once (in a teaching tone) by a white Georgian that "blacks aren't as smart as whites." We certainly all have sinful prejudices because of our depraved and proud hearts, but it is sad when folks think themselves Christians simply because they were raised in the South, and yet live with these Hitler ideals as if they are acceptable Christian thought/behavior.

As horrible as racism is and as much as we want to protect Ethan from its consequences, we also see it as an opportunity to be a light in this dark world and to strengthen Ethan in his character and wisdom. Perhaps it gives us more chances to confront our lost loved ones who think they are Christians, yet without fruit. And I think that it will also provide many teaching opportunities with all our children as they grow older.

I will post some photos/videos of our time in Georgia once we get them downloaded, but for now here are a few recent shots of the boys.

Levi in his Bumbo

(which he fell out of and we promptly returned to WalMart!)

Papa's Billy Bob Teeth

Levi's Mohawk

Ultimately "unsuccessful" family photo taken with the auto-function on our camera, but here it is anyway in all it's glory!

Our New Nephew Arrives

2008-03-15T11:38:00.007-05:00

Last Sunday, March 9th, Eric Holland Snow entered this world at 3am. The proud parents are my brother, John, and his wife, Jessica. Eric seems to resemble both of his handsome parents as did his older sister, Cecily. Jeff and I got to visit them this past week during our trip to Little Rock for Ethan's monthly trip to Children's Hospital for his hearing loss. Here are some photos of our precious little nephew...the only male to carry on the Snow name at this point since my dad had mostly sisters!

Big (Proud) Sister, Cecily Brooke

Eric Holland Snow

Let it Snow!

2008-02-27T12:02:00.004-06:00

This was taken at the end of January in our backyard after our first big snow here in the Ozarks. Ethan didn't care that his hands were going numb, he was so interested in this new white stuff!

I Have a Blog...Finally

2008-01-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

Well, I have wanted to start a blog for some time now in order to keep friends and family up-to-date on the Plair going-ons. So, here it is! This first entry will have to be short since the boys are about to wake from their naps. We'll start with a few pics of Ethan and Levi taken in December 2007.