I’ve been meaning to share a day in the life for awhile. I’ve seen both blogger and photographer friends do this and as someone who loves to capture the little moments, I wanted to document an average day. I wanted to pick one when Gus was in school, but by the time I decided to do it, it was his last day of school! Oh well, take a look at what a busier-than-average day here looks like.

6:58 – I’ve started waking up just before my alarm clock. I hate the sound of that thing, so I’m eager to jump out of bed and turn it off before I have to.

Aaron has already gotten up, let the dogs out and left for work, so they aren’t impressed with me.

Lena is the first one up after me, as she moves through life at Lena-pace.

Now, the boys. One yells “GOOD MORNING, MAMA!!!!” and the other needs a bit more coaxing to get out of bed.

Applesauce for breakfast.

I can’t be too far from these two while they’re eating breakfast. They can get a bit wild.

I do take a few minutes to lay on my bed and check email and read the Skimm.

Uh oh, 7:37. Better get moving.

Dogs ride along for school drop off.

Two kids dropped off miraculously on time.

Gus and I have another half hour before I can drop him off AND I need to pick up something to bring to his school’s potluck later today.

After our quick grocery store trip, it’s time to drop Gus off at school.

Back home with a little bit of time to spare before I need to work.

Prep food to take to Gus’s school potluck. I went with cheese and crackers, knowing it would get eaten at home even if it didn’t at the potluck.

Laundry.

And work for a bit.

Then, I have to head to Gus’s school for the program and the potluck afterwards. The program is cute and Gus stays a bit more focused and participates this time!

We don’t have too much time, because Reed and Lena have a dentist appointment. We head to pick them up, but Reed is already in the middle of lunch! So, he brings his whole lunch tray with him. He tells me about his healthy choices. “I usually pick 3 healthy things and one not so healthy thing.”

Lena hasn’t eaten yet, so we have to head home quick so she can eat before we go. I make her and Gus quesadillas.

Now, the dentist. Gus and I hang out in the waiting room while Reed and Lena go back for their cleanings.

I am relieved to get home after the dentist.

And, even more relieved that Gus will take a nap!

Reed and Lena, dressed as twins today, finish up the cheese and crackers, then watch a movie.

This gives me some time to settle in and work.

After awhile Reed and Lena move outside to the trampoline.

And when Gus joins them, I go out for a bit.

I hear the dogs getting excited, which tells me… Aaron’s home!

We have burgers for dinner.

I’m not sure why we let these two sit next to each other.

Then it’s time to get ready for bed.

“Will you brush for me, please?”

I find him already in bed, reading a book. It’s a chapter book and he’s pretty enthusiastic about it.

Goodnight, everyone.

And this is how introverts hang out… just kidding. After such a busy day, we both have a bit more work to catch up on before we get to settle in and watch our latest TV show, the Last Man on Earth.

Remember that time I did a post on how the Russian government should allow Americans to adopt… and then in the next post I shared how you can easily clothe your child with just cheap trash bags? Oh, well, that’s today.

I’ve been going back through old photos and I realized how many photos I never shared. So, in the next two weeks until N arrives, I’ll be doing some catch-up on our last few months.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a long time AND have an exceptional memory, you might remember a few years ago when I shared how much fun my kids had with yard waste bags.

It lives on.

What is it about these yard waste bags that whenever we use them…

they become a coveted object?

I don’t quite get it.

But, they’re happy.

“Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” – David Platt

I feel so fortunate to be the mama to one little Russian treasure. Three years ago today, I stood up, with shaky legs, in a Moscow courtroom to tell them how much I wanted him. And in those almost-three years home? He has thrived.

He has gone from the reserved, scared little boy we met…

to the wild comedian we all know and love.

But, what if he never had the chance? What if the process had taken us longer? Or we started later or…?

He’d still be waiting.

Can you imagine erasing his last 3 years? All of the love? Hugs? Kisses? Comfort? Warm bed? Food in his belly?

Family?

No? You wouldn’t wish that for Gus?

Well, it’s the reality for his friends.

Will you take a few minutes and watch this trailer for the movie To the Moon and Back?

Please follow it up by liking their page on Facebook. Let’s help share this story!