Batman and the Basketball Pirate

Crazy Cousin Camp (part 3)

(the rest of the pictures from Teamworks! Soccer Camp - see CCC part 2 )

Here is our Sweetie who decided Teamworks! was a great place to decide if she wanted to actually play "real" soccer in the fall. . .

She doesn't!

BUT, she did come to me on Wednesday evening and announce that she knows what she wants to do now

She wants to "take art lessons, draw in her sketchbook, play the guitar, be a mama and write music."

WOW! (this coming from a girl who had ZERO sense of vision for her future when she came into our family just 9 months ago)

That is absolutely how God has gifted her. She is so creative, thoughtful, reflective.

Even the little guys, Happy and Mama's Angel, got in on the action. Mama's Angel is throwing a small fit because Happy has the ball. Hee hee

They played a little soccer. . .

BUT, mostly

they REALLY liked sitting with their coaches at "half time"

and took more than a few snack breaks!

Gotta love those grapes!

Belated Birthday Blogging

Oops!

In the craziness of our lives this past month, I missed blogging about two big birthdays.

Our awesome Little Missy turned 7 (although we think she *might* be 8 - but that is something for another post). It is hard to believe that this was the FOURTH birthday she has celebrated as a part of our family. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday when we were celebrating her 4th birthday right after we brought her home from Liberia. In other ways, I can't remember life without her.

Little Missy is a JOY. She is one of the most capable 7 (8?) year olds I have ever met. She loves her siblings and is such a help with her younger brothers. Her belly-laugh is contagious and when something catches her funny bone, we all end up giggling right along with her. Quite the leader, Little Missy can organize and direct an entire group of children (even when there are many who are much older). She is a great helper to me, an encourager to her siblings, and always puts a smile on her daddy's face with her joyful spirit. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Our other big birthday was the first birthday that Happy has celebrated as a part of our family. Happy turned 4! In some ways, it was such a strange birthday to me. When Happy joined our family he seemed almost like a young 2 year old. Now, just 6 months later, he is a 4 year old in every way. As one of those mamas who just LOVES the baby phase, I sort of mourn this extra fast growing up. . . on the other hand, it is AMAZING to see what changes and growth have taken place in such a short amount of time.

Happy continues to live up to his bloggy world name! LOL! This child is so funny. We have been talking about names lately and have decided that Issac (laughter) will have to be a part of Happy's new name. He says we also must name him "the king" since his real life name is also a biblical King's name.

Oh, yes, this one has opinions!

Another thing he had a definite opinion about was his birthday celebration. He wanted a "Carmen SanDIEGO party with lions." Hee Hee. . . he loves Diego, but somehow got the words mixed up and must have heard some older sibs talking about their computer game. So funny!

Happy Birthday Little Missy and Happy! We love you both so much!

Finally Home

Three years old.

Traumatic start in life.

Many homes. Many caregivers. Many changes. Many hurts.

But now,

we rock, we sing, we cuddle, we laugh, we talk.

Eight weeks now and he's pretty sure. . . but just to be sure:

"mama, are you my mama?"

"Yes, honey, I'm your mama and you are finally home."

and he grins.