Sola Deo Gloria

Some pictures from a July hike

2014-10-03T08:38:00.003-04:00

Sky said lets take a Nature Picture.

Just so everyone knows this is Skyler's tree chair

He wanted to keep it... Um, No

Beautiful

It took an hour, but we made it to the top.

Funny pic

We rested for awhile,

it was wonderful and peaceful.

Indian Seats is the name of this place.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, "Surly the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"

even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

~ Psalm 139:7-12

When you are wanting/searching for God this verse is comforting. But, when or if you are running from God this is a constant reminder of you holding onto your sin.

There was a time I thought I'll do what I want and just deal with what ever happens, how foolish was I. Just as my eight year old cannot see how unchanged habits he has now, can become a major character flaw as an adult. I did not fully understand what I was getting into. I ran from God for a time. I did not cling to him and what I knew about him. I was hurt and felt like I was done, yet he was still there. I resented him being there at first. I knew I was going to places I should not because I wanted to run away. Then when I wanted out, I felt trapped, I was a prisoner in my own bondage (sin)....I had put myself there and I knew I deserved this pain. I would cry out to God asking him to help me break away and he did provide a way out. God made a way for a friend from Maryland to come all the way down to Panama City, Florida on a mission trip. He was yelling "Free Pancakes" on the side of the road. I pulled over, we got pancakes and as soon as we sat down he said "What happened to you, you are not the same?" We talked, prayed and he invited me to come to their worship meetings. This was exactly what I needed, at that point I was free. I know that this isn't always the case, but it was for me.

God was in the darkness with me even though I had chosen to go there. How gracious, loving and awesome is the LORD God, our heavenly Father. If you are searching for him He is there.

2014 Fall Update

2014-09-14T15:48:00.000-04:00

I haven't written in a while for several reasons. It's not that I don't have a lot to say. It is because a lot of what I want to say, I need to keep in my head... several issues going on. :)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools pour out folly. ~ Proverbs 15:1

That said we had started the process of adopting again and all of these emotions have come flooding back. From what I've heard it is similar to those who have kids in school and now are thinking of having another baby....the cute, lovable baby but there is late night crying, diaper changing, feeding and no sleep. I now know all of the issues that can come with adopting, well, almost all the issues. And, we are still working on some of those deep issues. My fear is not just a little regression on Skylers part, but a full blown back to where he started kind of regression. Yes he is that dramatic. Positive note is I do still have ear plugs and am more prepared than before.

My fears aside, Scott and I know we are supposed to more forward for these next kiddos or kid. We have had to start all over again, with a new agency and it is just as frustrating this time around as it was last time. Not only are we doing all the test, fingerprints, background checks, oh the mountain of paperwork, but we also have to have CPS background checks from each state we have lived in. Are you kidding me? We know why we have to do all of this, but it is insane at the same time. So for now I feel like a circus animal...I've jumped through all of the hoops and now your setting the hoops on Fire, and off we go again...Jumping. And by the way you are not supposed to get frustrated or upset.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
~ Romans 12:12

So here is my thing: I am not a "good person" because I'm adopting. I am only a "good person" because God adopted me into His family.
I would not be adopting if I had not been changed by Jesus Christ's love for me. As frustrating as the adoption process is, as hard as it is when you have the kiddo, there is no way I could do it successfully with out God, JC (Jesus Christ) and the HS (Holy Spirit). You could said I was nice and a "good person" before, but I did not know God's unconditional love, or what it meant. God's love is so much more than our understanding of love, even more than a parent feels for their child.
Yes there are times my love totally fails, but thankfully I can tap into God's unconditional love. If I am willing to put my feelings aside and let God lead, then I can have unconditional love for another person. That is when others will notice a difference in you, because it isn't you, it is God.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

In you (God) the orphan finds mercy. ~ Hosea 14:3b

We had a full summer, lots of family visits, a karate tournament and some family trips.

Skyler started third grade and his teacher just graduated last year from Georgia. He said he had to wear a Gator shirt his first day of school. Lol

Skyler is mostly excited about the thought of more kiddos, but every once in a while he has all of the "What if" questions like, "What if I have a brother and he wants to talk to me and I want to read?". So we talked about a few of them, but they didn't seem to be stopping. So I said, "Well why not just enjoy being the only kid for now and we'll deal with everything else when we do have more kids." Thankfully this clicked with him and stopped the what if questions for now.

Easter & 3 year Anniversary

2014-05-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

As always the year is flying by.

We ended up going to Panama City for Easter. Scott's dad was having surgery and Aunt Michelle and Coz. Ethan were visiting from Texas. Very short, productive and good visit. Here are some pictures.

On the way to Florida

Um no beard for me

Baby face beard

Easter, Scott stayed with Pop

He was so excited, he actually has three baskets

Family at First Baptist Church of Panama City, FL

Ethan and Skyler

Great Grandpa and Skyler

Skyler & I

Ethan, Skyler and Michelle

Hugs good bye

Awe sweet hugs

Saying good bye to PopPop

Going back the same way we came, Ha

Ice Cream tulips were blooming when we came home

We had a night Easter Egg hunt with our Newlywed Class

Skyler was the Bunny in training

We are all so excited that we hit our Three year Anniversary of Got-cha Day. It was last Sunday and we went to a Braves game to celebrate. We had a lot of fun, but it was hot in the stadium. Skyler and Scott went fishing after we got back. Scott bought crickets and even though they are harder to get on the hook, Skyler informed me "the fish like them a lot more".

Here are some pictures from the game.

First Family Photo ~ 2011

This was about 8 am, we were all so tired!

Beautiful day, and Super bright

We had great seats, Skyler even got a ball

Skyler loved the bear

We ate first, nice view of the field

Not so good for pictures

Supposed to help with the glare... HA

Watching and getting ready to run to the dugout

The best way to get a photo...up close and personal :0)

hot but happy, so cute

Skyler has been such a blessing to us and our family. We cannot imagine our family without him. We are looking forward to the summer and what God is going to do next. Jehova Jireh, has provided a son for us, that already had mannerisms of both Scott and I. It is mind boggiling.

The name Jehova Jireh, The LORD will provide, comes from

Genesis 22:14 ~ So Abraham call the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day. "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided."

Wood Workers Club

2014-04-08T14:05:00.001-04:00

A few months ago, Skyler started receiving little packages in the mail from GGpa (Great Grandpa). Skyler was super excited to get mail. We saved the first one for his Birthday. So he opened it and was intrigued about building his own turbo racer. As we started opening the kit, he was not to happy about all of the pieces and was over whelmed. So the first one was super dooper slow in putting it together. But well worth it! I forgot to take pictures while we were building, but here are some from painting.

Concentrating

Mom distracted by Spring time

Painting some more

Dad showing him how to wind it up

Ha Ha you can see he has lost another tooth!

We had fun with the turbo racer.

At first we broke the rubber band, then it just didn't work. We had some friends come over and they fixed the propeller, yay! Now it Zooms across the road.

The next one was a helicopter. This one we worked together, but Skyler did a lot more of the work.

We started outside

Then, moved into the garage, it was super windy

He was excited, it sort of looks like a helicopter

Putting the propellers together

Finished. It doesn't really fly, but it is

hanging from his ceiling in his room.

So the last one came in the mail, a Marshmallow Launcher. This one I asked him if he thought he could do it all by himself. He said yes, but was still not confident. Once I reassured him he could do it and it was ok if he messed up, he went outside and did it. :0)

Supervisor Vern checking it all out

Painting, he was happy it was all One color

So this launches all sorts of stuff

not just marshmallows.. ha!!

He did a great job and only needed help with one crooked nail and a washer. He said "I can't wait to see what comes next!" I am so proud of him and also excited to see what comes next.

I love to build, make, or change things from one purpose to another. God does all of this all around us. He built the earth, stars, animals, us and much more. It all starts in

Genesis 1:1 ~ In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

We can still see God the Creator, Elohim, skills today. Even through out my life he has changed me from a mean, self-centered, chameleon type of person to a much more pleasant, real version of myself. I have to say I was a willing participant, it was, and is, not always easy and I am still being changed.

Why do I always bring up God? He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die, and raise up from death for me, my sins and anyone who is willing to submit them self to Him. I could not make it with out Him and it doesn't make since but I am free by submitting to God's will. I am forgiven, I can come to him myself, I am forever grateful. I love His creations and just about everything can point back to Him one way or another.

If you are wondering here are some scriptures to go along with the above paragraph. I use a English Standard Version bible, just in case you were wondering.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 ~ For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Romans 8:7 ~ For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law, indeed, it cannot.

Galatians 3:13 ~ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree".

Ephesians 2:13-19 ~ 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Romans 5:1 ~ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:15 ~ Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Only One Life ~ by C.T. Studd

2014-03-27T00:26:00.000-04:00

I love this poem it tugs at my heart strings.

Only One Life

By: C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call,
I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ~ But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

No matter how small, what we do in love for Christ can make an impact.

2nd Snow & 8th Birthday

2014-02-25T10:44:00.003-05:00

We had a second snow and I think Skyler has had two weeks off because of the snow/ice. My weather app says it is supposed to snow tomorrow also...What?? I don't think I can take it, lol.

Skyler was more prepared for this second one, although it was more ice/slush than snow. He could make snowballs (more Ice ball than snowball), the bad thing is when he did hit me, it really hurt. He is not so gentle when throwing objects. He was also able to make "My own snowman", very cute.

Loved he could pick it up in chunks

Sky's own Snowman

Family Snowman

They moved because

"It's to hard to throw Up Hill!" Lol

Trying to get Dad

Then Sky would back up, Ha.

Yes it is a boy snowman

Snowman a few days later

8th Birthday

Very excited about Red & Black cleats,

Not GA inspired...just saying

This was not what he thought...this is the

What is this thing look

Shawn White!!!

Thanks Regular G-ma ~ SO Excited!!

Thank you GG-pa and GG-ma,

he loved it!

"We can paint it however We want!"

Our neighbors are so sweet and gave him some goodies too. He loved the Superhero shield and boxing glove

We checked him out of school for

Birthday Lunch. We went to"Stake & Shakes"

He chose a sundae for dessert.

He loved it.

We went out for dinner. First time trying

calamari. "It doesn't taste like anything, I guess I like it" lol. We planned on going to church after, but dinner took longer than we thought.

Skyler asked for ~ "Make a chocolate cake, cut a hole in it...I don't know what to do with that..you eat it or give it to Vern...then, can you put vanilla and chocolate ice cream in the hole?"

Finished product...ice cream melted a little,

but not bad.

Skyler has had some of the same behavior issues at school off and on since kindergarten. He knows it is wrong, he can control himself, he just wants to do what he wants. I told him you are like the saying "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink". He laughed and said I'm not a horse. After explaining what it meant, he just looked at me with the smirk face...you got me kind of look.

This verse kept popping in my head

~ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." Isaiah 55:8

One of the things Sky and I have in common is we are stubborn. How many times in my life have I decided I know better than God (my Father)..ignored what I know God wants me to do..wrestled with a verse because it caused my spirit pain...didn't deal with a sin because I just didn't want to acknowledge it...or if that person hadn't of ___ I would not have ____?

It can be maddening when you know what will help your child to have a fulfilling (fun) life in the long run and they refuse. I don't want Sky to be the kid always sitting by the teacher, the only one with a behavior chart in his class, sitting at the silent table. I pray, hope and rejoice when I see any glimmer of change {and there has been many other changes :0) }. I cannot comprehend how much more God rejoices when we begin to willingly surrender to Him. When we come to Him and ask for His thoughts, His guidance and wisdom.

I have learned a lot about people, situations and life through out my short life. Skyler is not flesh of my flesh, that does not matter, I love him. Skyler has been such a great teacher of God's love for me...for all of Us as His children.

Let it Snow

2014-01-31T16:58:00.001-05:00

Skyler has been wanting snow for a long time, he hasn't seen it before. He was super excited this last Tuesday, when it was "finally snowing"! He didn't expect it to be as cold as it was, so the first time out we only lasted 15 min. He didn't put his gloves on, like I asked him to... "My hands are soooo Cold they are HOT!!!" not a happy camper. Ha. But, our second, third etc. trips outside were more successful. He also has recanted his statements of wanting to live in North or South Dakota..."that would be to Cold". So funny. Here are some pictures.

This is before his hands froze

Next Morning

First Snow Angel

Even has a halo :0)

Trying to make a snowball

Beautiful Cold day

First Snowman

Hey we worked with what we had

Vern Loves Snow

Second Snow Angel

Still Happy about the snow

Yesterday 1/2 grass, 1/2 snow.. ha

Today poor snow man is melting

Sad

(don't worry it's a fake cry for the picture)

Last Sunday Ed and Megan (a couple in our Sunday school class) took Skyler for the afternoon. Thank you Ed and Megan. They fed Sunny (snake), played Tennis, and also did an art project. Scott and I were thinking play dough, macaroni necklace or something like that. But this is what Mr. Ed and Skyler worked on. Very pleasant surprise, we Love it!! It is already on the wall.

Roots = God

Tree = Scott & I

Cherries = Holy Spirit

(and things Mom & Dad give & do for me)

Sun = Skyler

(I want to shine and be with my parents)

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Mid January Sum of our Holidays and Fears

2014-01-21T11:34:00.002-05:00

We had a sum-what relaxing and good Christmas and New Year. Traveling during the holidays is a strain on any family....we were thankful to not be traveling this Christmas and New Years.

We had a quick visit with Scott's parents right before Christmas. Then they were off to visit the rest of the family. Skyler and I were able to sing in both of our church's Christmas Eve services and Scott helped out on the tec team. The kids were all across the front and of coarse there was at least one dancing boy and one girl pulling her dress up over her head (thankfully she had bloomers on). Skyler learned all the songs and sang his little heart out. It was amazing that I could hear the kids singing even standing behind them about 10 feet and near the drums. More amazing were the joy peoples faces. It really ministers to me to see God's people rejoicing, singing and celebrating Him. Skyler really loved it and I hope we can make more memories like this one in the future.

Sky is an official Padawan

Thank you Jedi Master's: Jacob, David, Zander

and Jedi Knight Andrew

Vern Opened some presents too

Happy Day

Sky gave Nana a metal

Christmas party

This was the only time he

was frowning. I asked him to

just to get the classic pic.

Mrs. Megan B. had made all of these.

Sky loved them!

Mr. Snowman Bunny

Over Christmas break we watched our neighbors cat Nacho. He is so cute, as soon as we open the door you hear... Perrrr? Kind of like I'm glad some one is here, but who is it. Skyler loves to play with him, but still hasn't realized that dogs and cats have different rules when it come to playing. We had a great time playing with Nacho.

Nacho is getting used to Sky trying to hold him.

Poor Kitty!!

He liked Scott, followed him everywhere

Time to play

Watching for the toy

Buddies

We also heard great news from Chip and Ginny who have started their adoption journey. They are adopting from China and their blog is http://theperkinsjourney.blogspot.com/
We met this couple at church in Richmond, VA. We love them and are so excited to see where God is leading them.

New Year's day, we had a visit from some friends, Sara and Daniel, also from Richmond, VA. We got to catch up on when they lived overseas and their plans to return. So very excited for them and we will be praying everything will work out. Skyler warmed up to both of them and wanted to play games. We were able to break out a new game we got at Christmas, Spot It, and some Wii games. We had a great visit with them and can't wait to hear about their new adventures.

This last weekend we had a group from Charlottesville, VA come down for Passion. They are from Juie & Kemper's church, another couple from church in RVA. We had a total of 12 extra people in our home. Skyler wasn't sure what to do with all the extra people. He was on his best behavior and received a lot of compliments. Scott went with them as a chaperon and was called Sir way more than he wanted..lol Julie and I stayed with Sky and her little one Caroline. The visit was short but sweet. Scott, Sky and I went to Passion Church Sunday night. It was amazing, loud, colorful and Spirit Moving. Even though the arena was rocking, I could hear Sky "sing/screaming" that is what he called it. It was so off key, but so sweet at the same time. He was belting it out for God.

Caroline and Sky

Julie, Caroline and Nacho

or Nash..show, lol

Caroline and Sky playing with Nacho

Sky and I goofing off before Passion Church

Amazing

Our friend Ana made it to Passion City

Sky belting it leads me into "Fears", I put in the post name. Something I have been thinking about for a day or two. We all have some fears, some of us have more fears than others. I want to do everything the best I can. But I cannot let Fear of doing something wrong stop me from trying it in the first place. I don't know if this makes sense to any of yall or if this just makes sense in my analyzing mind. Am I doing everything I can to glorify God? Do I sing to Him, belting it, crying it, smiling it...or am I analyzing every note, harmony, and sound? Our spirit is to move/yearn towards God. Is it moving or still - paralyzed in fear? There is a time and a season for everything.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

How do we know what "time" it is for our life. Prayer with God. I am not saying that we will always know what season it is while we are going through it. At the same time you may never know if you don't take the time to slow down and listen, and pray to God.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

When I stop and take the time to call out to Him, he does answer. Not always how, or when I want but he does answer. I cannot let Fear rule my life, I have to put it into Gods hands and leave it there. One of my youth leaders used to say "Let Go and Let God". Sometimes I just get in the way.

Where to begin

2013-11-06T15:32:00.001-05:00

One way or another six months have passed. We have done many things in this time, some new and some just routine...none of which are too crazy like our friend Mr. Ed.

Anyway I could go month my month and drag out all of the details, which is no fun for anyone. So how about bullet points.

This has been a challenging year. Everyone of us (including Vern, my car and the house) has had some major issue this year. There are lessons to be learned unwavering faith, c, understanding, Agape love. Even through all of our issues we were able to travel to New Orleans, Ohio, Dallas and Jacksonville. Not to shabby.

Skyler "Jackson"

Its a little mock of Jackson Square in New Orleans, cute.

We went to Drago's for char-grilled oysters

We all loved them, Yum.

The real Jackson Square

Skyler ate a bug,

and talked Scott into eating one too...not so good.

We kitty-sat Nacho

Sky with Uncle Fred's Helmet on,

it was really cool.

All aboard the Bradford Train

Bradford Ohio, it used to have a turn-a-bout where they could change the direction of the train.

I'm not sure if that is the correct name.

Skyler and Grand Master Soon Ho Lee

Sky was super excited!

On our way to Dallas, TX

Scott Graduated this summer from DBU.

So proud of him!!

Tomorrow will be 2 years Skyler officially became a Smith, we cannot believe how fast time has gone by. We have all come a long way and continue to work on getting closer as a family and to God.

Psalm 29:11 ~ May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Gotcha Day ~ 2 years ~

2013-05-08T11:31:00.000-04:00

Gotcha Day & Storms

Last Saturday we hit the two year mark for "Gotcha Day" with Skyler. I can not express the blessings and valleys that we have been through and are still going through. It has been an amazing journey to watch this little guy open up his heart. To see him wonder, learn, explore, be silly, mix up his words and watch him grow up. We are excited to see more of his personality and what is in store for this little fella and our family.

I can see God working in our lives and I am peaceful in our current storm (mostly...there were a few bad days). Peaceful only by God's gift. We continue to cling to Him and follow His lead for our lives. Sometimes bad things happen and life here on earth is not just or fair. We all have things going on whether it is the dryer not working for a month, the car needing to be fixed, death in the family, unplanned trips that need to be taken, years of sickness, a loved one that needs help, but won't ask, pets that need surgery, people who don't do their job and then blame you...the list goes on and on. We are all bombarded with trials or storms in our life. One key I have found is to keep focused to not let the trial over take you (I know.....easier said than done).

God is the only constant. He helps keep us calm and collected when the storm is rageing upon us. But, we do have to do our part. Be or get prepared in the good times, Focus on Him, His word and what you know is true....not how you feel. I have personally been working on this for awhile now. Trying to not ignore my feelings or sickness, but not let them rule my day has been a struggle. Our life here on earth is just a short temporary time, compaired to eternity. Whatever my storm or trial may be, is nothing when I see what others have or are going through.

I think about our little guy and my heart breaks for him and what he has already had to endure. I hate that he and other children have to go through this process. And I cannot save them all, I cannot mend his heart or mind. I know that God can fully restore him, I know God has a plan, I know God is alive, real and He cares for us.

 Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

 Psalm 116:1-2 ~ "I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live."

November Fun

2012-11-15T11:19:00.001-05:00

We had a quick visit from some of our Florida family.

We raked leaves, made bird nest, pretended to be a bird family and all sorts of fun things. Here are some pictures.

:) Leaf pile

Fun

Funny Faces

Look at that throw!!!

Sweet face

I also went on a field trip with Skyler's class, back to the 1800's. It was fun but crazy cold!! Here are a few of those pictures.

Just a note from some life observations:

So many times we cry out to God for things we want, things we need, prayers to be answered. God always provides a way. Sometimes I do not see the answer for many years, then I look back and think WOW. I totally get it now God.

Jehova Jireh ~ Genesis 22:14a

So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"

October Fun

2012-11-03T14:08:00.000-04:00

Oh where to begin.

At the beginning of the month Skyler and I went to a safety fair. We saw all kinds of police vehicles, we met two police horse's, there were different fire trucks, and all the cool stuff.

Scott had quite a few trips this month. Skyler, Vern and I went on one of them to Birmingham, A.L. While Scott was giving his presentation and mingling. Skyler and I went to the Science Museum and Botanical Gardens. We had a great time!

The next weekend we all went to visit family in Florida. This was a short but great weekend, I really enjoyed. We stopped halfway in between and Skyler got to see real cotton. We went to the beach two days in a row and looked for shells. Skyler saw "Sea Dollars", he "Water lifted his body", found a sea snail in it's shell, saw a Ghost Crab and Blue Crabs in the ocean that "Dad caught with his BARE Hands!!!". Very event full weekend.

Good news for Skyler at school. He is right on target and/or above target with his school work. He has come such a long way, since he didn't know much when we got him. So far this year he has done a great job working with is classmates, ie...no fights, biting, hitting ect..

For Halloween our neighbors had a cookout before walking around. This was nice to get to know some of our neighbors and kids. I'm still working on which kid belongs to which family and the house they live in. Skyler went as a Fireman, everyone loved his costume and he loved all the attention. Pop Pop would be very proud, he even had a fireman t-shirt on under his jacket. Skyler still wants to be a Fireman and a Dentist when he grows up.

Here are some pictures for the month

Skyler loved the ladder truck

Fireman Smith

He is pulling his weight

at the Science Museum

At the Botanical Gardens

Skyler Loved this leaf

Love this little face

Cotton???

Ghost Crab

On our way home from the beach

 Psalm 116:1-2

"I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live."

Friendly Visits

2012-10-03T13:25:00.003-04:00

We had a great visit with some of our friends these last few months.

In August we had Chips and Ginny, then Grandma and GG-ma. This last weekend we had Kemper, Julie, Cameron and Caroline. Whew.
We have had a great time with all of our visitors and we all hated to see them go. Every time Skyler would say "Lets go with them!" If only it was that easy.

This last weekend Skyler got a good taste of what it would be like with younger siblings. He was really good with the kids. But, he was so jealous when I was paying attention to one of them and not him. He still wants a brother or sister, he is leaning more towards a brother though. We went to a Braves baseball game with them and we had a good time.
Skyler's favorite part of the weekend was Cameron going with him to Karate class. Cameron did really, really good. He caught on to what was going on and he was stomping away with the rest of the class. When the kids would huddle up around the teacher, Skyler made sure Cameron knew where to go. So sweet.
He also loved baby Caroline, he had a few questions for Julie about what she was eating, her pacifier, why she ate /slept so much, ect...

Skyler is still doling well in school. I am surprised at how quick he is catching onto everything. He'll say "Oh Yeah" like he already knew whatever we are trying to teach. He still doesn't quite get that Scott and I are also his teachers, not just at school.

This week and next week are a lot of our doctor visits. Boo! And, I think a flu shot is in there somewhere for both of us. Double Boo.

Psalm 4:8 ~ "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me swell in safety."

Here are some pictures of this last weekend.

Getting ready

Cameron learning self defense stomping

on Ms. Weekly's foot ~ Ouch!

Love this picture

Huddle Time, you can see Kemper and

Scott in the mirror.

K & C

Silly Boy

July 2008 ~ This was the last game we went

to with Kemper and Julie

Now we have a full car

All the kiddo's on the couch, adorable!!

So cute!

Settling In

2012-09-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

Wow this summer has flown by.

Let's see we bought a house and moved in the first of July YAY! We are so excited to finally be back in our own place!! Skyler started 1st grade in August, poor kid this will be his 3rd school already. And, this is his 3rd major move to a new house within a year. Now that school has started and everything is almost un-packed he is starting to settle down..emotionally. Little did we know we moved into a community with a bunch of kids. Just on our culd-a-sac there are about 10 kids in elementary school. It is a little bit of an over load for Skyler.

Skyler has always talked about the karate kid and tried to do some of the moves so, we enrolled him in a class in August. It is great, and we all love it!!! The teachers are really good with the kids. Many of the life lessons they teach reinforces what we have already talked to Skyler about. For Skyler and us (parents) it is awesome!!! Skyler has already worked his way up to an orange belt, his next goal is yellow.

God is amazing!! Scott and I have seen him work many, many times in our life and we are still soaking it in. Don't lose hope when all is failing around you, hang on to Him. This is my life scripture: Rejoice in Hope, be Patient in Tribulation, be Constant in Prayer.
Romans 12:12

Here are some pictures of the summer and Karate... Hi Yaw!

Hum... what are the boys up to?

First Day of First Grade

He was so excited to get his orange belt!!

Last year I could not get him to play outside.

Now he says "I'm King of the Jungle!!!"

School is out

2012-05-23T09:41:00.002-04:00

I thought that Skyler was a little upset that school is out this week, but yesterday he said "I am so excited about Friday", I asked him why.... he said "Because I get to play with you all day" Awe.
I am glad that he has made it through this year. I have to say I am not such a fan of this school. This school is supposed to be a top ranked school in GA but I knew less of what was going on than his school in TX. Hopefully his new school next year will be better. Yes poor fella, he will have another new school next year.

We have found a house and we'll be moving again this summer, but we'll have about a month to get everything over there. I am looking forward to getting settled in our home. I am going to have to paint a few rooms, but overall this house is by far the cleanest we have seen. I have to say I am surprised, shocked, disgusted and disappointed in how people don't take care of their home. I am not talking about a few spots on the floor or dirty windows. I am talking about inches of dust on fans, grease stained cabinets and having to pull up all of the carpet because of stains, spots and who knows what. I don't get why people don't take care of their home, much less think someone wants to buy their mess. Just goes to show, "You cannot judge a book by it's cover", in this case it is homes.

This has made me think of how we (humans) are. There are many times we want people to know us from the outside. Shiny, put-together, hair perfect, nails polished, makeup just right, the right house or car, you know perfect. When inside we are just a wreck waiting to happen. I know I have been there. Then you get stuck in pretending to be this fake person, and you begin to hate it because you can not live up to what you have made. My relationship with God. I loved God, but, I didn't really know who he is. The more I have dived into His word, the more I let Him into my life, the more I talk with Him and am still waiting on Him. The easier my life has been. Now I am not saying this will happen over night, can it yes, but that doesn't always happen. God has been working on me for years and, I am still not perfect.
The good thing is we will be perfected one day in heaven. We don't have to be perfect right now. He wants us to try, step out in faith and trust him.

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

May 4, 2012

One year from when we got Skyler

we visited Troy, AL

We were surprised to see a double rainbow.

One Year, Yup time flies

2012-05-02T13:17:00.001-04:00

We cannot believe it, A whole Year!!! ;o)

It has been a whole year since we first met our little guy. He has brightened up our life he won't understand himself, until he becomes a Dad.

Skyler 2011 (Before Smith)

Skyler 2012 (After Smith)

        We cannot believe how fast this year has gone by. Last year we could not get down fast enough to meet him, we were nervous about meeting his foster mom, cps worker and most of all him. He has a super sweet sometimes wicked smile with eyes that just sparkle when he is happy. He sometimes reverts back to his old ways, and I have to say don't we all? He has come such a long way and in so many ways surpassed anything we could imagine. He has been a little mirror for me especially, and I am grateful (well now I am grateful at first it was like a rude wake up call, HA). All three of us have already grown so much as a family and had our ups and downs.

       He has loved kindergarten (grade Zero as he has said before) and is so excited for the summer to go to "Grandpas Pool". I am excited that we are closer so he'll be able to know his great-grandparents and grandparents and all of our church families all ove the south-east.

       There are so many children in the states that are in foster care right now, the last number I heard was 550,000. About 127,000 are waiting to be adopted, this is crazy to think that we have this many children with NO family. This is just in the states, not including all the other children in the world. I'm not saying everyone can/should adopt, however everyone can help one way or another. There are mentoring programs, fostering programs, sponsering families, full out adoption and if nothing else you can Pray.

       Can you imagine turning 18 and never having a mom, dad, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandma to ask life questions? I am not saying they can't figure it out, or they are all helpless, but they should not be or feel alone. We cannot just be blind and not take some kind of action.

Hosea 14:3b
In you the orphan finds mercy.

Texas to Georgia......

2012-03-24T15:55:00.001-04:00

Some of you may or may not know, we have moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area. This was a quick move and I have found myself trying to play catch up. We went home for about a week before we drove up to Atlanta. We love this area, and are glad to be closer to friends and family in FL, NC, and VA. Texas just never felt like home, but we made some really great friends and they are missed already.

Scott has a new job and Love's the company, his job and co-workers. And, Skyler says he loves his new school and is also doing great. He still misses his friends and old class in Texas.

Upon moving here we had a couple of bumps in the road, or should I say very big Pot Holes in the road. We had a horrible Realtor and before I get started on a tyrant I am going to just ask for prayer. ;o)

Since we have moved here we have gone hiking, went to the Atlanta Aquarium, visited a lot of great churches in the area, Skyler turned 6 and I also had a birthday, just a few things we have done. Don't worry pictures are going to follow.

Last weekend we drove up to Raleigh, NC to visit some great friends the Merida Clan and the Perkins family. We had a great time and cannot wait to go again!!! But when we returned we all got sick this whole last week. Scott has Bronchitis, Skyler has Bronchitis and Strep and I have Strep. I have never had Strep before and I cannot say I am a fan. Totally knocked me out this whole week. So we are finally starting to get up and walking around but we are all coughing and hacking away....wanna come visit?? HA.

Since we have gotten Skyler, I have really thought about God's love. Pure Love...no strings attached, just what can I do for you kind of love. God's love is indescribable, in the since that we do not see it, or show it as much as we should. I am not accusing anyone except myself. I just wanted to put it out there to challenge myself and maybe someone else.

Have you shown your own family God's love?

2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.

Beach in P.C., F.L.

This picture is actually from my friend Laura Venning, but it is so beautiful.

Hiking by the Chattahoochee River,

I was surprised the water was a greenish color.

The boys

Vern celebrating his brother's birthday... HA.

Sky loved the butterfly balloon.

HUM....

Confetti Cake with Chocolate icing

HA HA trick candles

Aquarium Pictures

Can you see the Whale Shark???

My birthday ... awwww

Sky wasn't feeling to good here, but he tried. :0)

Christmas happenings and into the New Year

2012-01-14T22:36:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012

We woke and started our drive to Panama City, Florida (or Grandma City as Skyler called it) at 5 am on Friday, 12/23. We were shocked that Skyler stayed up the whole 13 hour drive. I guess he was really, really excited and we were pleasantly surprised that he did really good on the long drive. He was excited when we drove into Louisiana and asked if we were close to Panama City...Ha if only it was that close. When we hit Mississippi he asked who Mrs. Sippi was, it took us a second to figure out what he meant, then we couldn't stop laughing. He started laughing too, which made it even more funny. And, I think we were all sleepy.

Sky was shy for about five seconds after he met each new family member and then it was like he had been there his whole life. He loved everyone but he really loved his grandpas, he would follow them around and want to play. We have some great pictures.

We had fish, shrimp and oysters one night. On the way home we asked Skyler if he wanted to try one. He said "I'll have to look at it first". He saw Momma Dot and Pop Pop eat one, and he watch Pop Pop shuck them. He finally decided to try one, it was so funny, he bit it and chewed a few seconds. Then he could not swallow it, so we let him spit it in the trash. He said I swallowed the juice and didn't like it. HA ha, he is braver than I am, I only eat cooked oysters.

He loved going to the beach, it was a bit to cold to go to far into the water, just ankle deep on a sunny day. He just cannot wait to go back to Florida in the summer to go swimming. He asked about swimming a lot.

Skyler didn't want to come back home, he was so disappointed that he had to come back with us. He slept a lot on the way back. He would wake up and ask "Are we still in ....(he would say the state he fell asleep in)" It was just like I used to do on road trips. All three of us were in one or another stage of having a cold/cough on the way home. We were all (including Vern) car sick by the time we pulled into the driveway.

First week we were back Skyler had a fever on friday so he stayed home, come to find out he has strep throat. Boo!! Thankfully Scott and I did not get it. Whew dodged that sickness.

We are on to the next adventure and I'll have to explain it another day.

Pre-Christmas

2011-12-17T14:39:00.001-05:00

Skyler has his last week of school this week. He can't believe it is his last week of school for this year...He is still trying to grasp the concept of a new year.

He has been a little naughty the last couple of weeks. I asked him today which list Santa has him on, he looked at me, looked down, then back at me and said "The Naughty List" with the saddest face he could muster. It is totally true, but I felt bad for him...a little bit. I think it is totally normal for kids to go a little coo coo around Christmas, but some of the things he has pulled there is no excuse.

We went to see The Trains last Saturday, it was really cool and the admission goes to the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. We met another couple there, Kevin and Maureen, they have four sons, three of which are close to Skyler's age. Anyway there were all kinds of trains and different scenery's like the Grand Canyon, New York, and the Dallas Fair. The boys were a little over whelmed when we first went in, but they started noticing all the different scene's and moving parts. They were all really cute.

Aren't they just the Cutest things you've ever seen?

After lunch we went to Half Price Books and Skyler saw another Santa, this Santa was so funny and really took time to talk to the kids. Skyler said "He was the real Santa" I'm not going to post this picture yet, so the Grand Parents can see it first. :0) But here is Skyler with a Santa Hat.

Last Sunday after Church and rest time, Scott recruited Skyler to help in the yard. They cut down some limbs in the front yard (which is why I think Skyler was wearing his bike helmet). When I got home they were still dragging all the limbs to the back yard, cutting them up and burning them in the fire pit. Skyler or should I say Crash Test Skyler was running and jumping into the tree limbs. I don't think he realized that a pile of leaves are totally different than leaves still on the tree limbs. He loved it and I cringed every time he jumped into the limb/leave pile.

Yesterday, Friday Skyler's class had a party. They had a big snowman cookie with icing and other decorations to make their own snowman. They had cupcakes, fruit, cheese, crackers, some meat slices and carrots. Most of you probably know the kids went for the snowman cookies and cupcakes. Then they realized that they could cram the icing in their faces and it went all over their face and mouth. I think if I had not been there, Sky would have had icing in his hair too. HA. Here are some pictures below.

Sky gave his snowman eyes and ears,

but it looks like four eye's.. :0)

We'll post more Christmas pictures and activities in the next week or two.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T12:30:00.001-05:00

First Thanksgiving with Skyler

The Kindergartner's had a Thanksgiving Parade in the school. They were cute and all shy since the parents were lining the hallways. I ate lunch with Skyler and met a few of the kids in his class. And, one special girl he announced was "My Bella", then he turned red and gave me the shy, cute smile. HUM... I think he is a bit young to call any girl his. He was so excited that I came to lunch, I was too.

Skyler in the parade

He wanted to show off the necklace he made.

Thanksgiving ~ We went to Uncle Will and Aunt Michelle's house for Thanksgiving. We ate, relaxed, fished, spent time with family, and went to a Christmas Light Parade. Skyler loved the thanksgiving hat I found for him, below.

Big cheesy smile. He didn't sit in front of the fire for long

"It's HOT!!!"... lol, he jumped up right after I took his picture.

We went fishen', "With WORMS!!!!"

Skyler loved fishing with worms,

and telling everyone else that was near us.

Skyler loved it, we all had fun!

Skyler got his first kiss, and face slap....from a fish.

To bad I didn't catch those on film.

It was a whole family event.

This was one of the highlights for Skyler, looking for worms.

He was so proud

Scott, Skyler, Forrest and Ethan sitting

and waiting for the parade to start.

They had a few big trees around the square.

Skyler sat on Scott's shoulders for most of the parade.

He walked funny all the way back to the car, his

leg's went to sleep. "My leg's feel funny, Why???"

Skyler has really settled in, and for the most part his emotions have shifted. We have not seen the anger/rage in awhile. I think that he was unsure if we were really going to go to court and keep him, so he was pushing every button possible. Every once in awhile, I'll catch a glimpse of something in his eyes that he is not ready to reveal. He may not even realize it is there, but we will be here when he is ready to let it out. He is so, so excited about Christmas. He is ready to meet the rest of the family. I don't know if they are ready for him, little speed, fire ball of energy. HA!

Scott's Birthday and Our Court Date!!!!

2011-11-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

Skyler was so excited that he got to celebrate Dad's birthday. Sky helped me make a cherry pie, my first pie. The crust on the top didn't look very pretty, but it tasted really good, success!! :o) We also cut out "Happy Birthday" out of construction paper, and we (I) blew up balloons and we taped them on the wall. Sky wanted to surprise Dad. He ran upstairs to get something and Dad ended up surprising Sky, it was funny. We learned not to put birthday candles in the pie...they melt...ha ha. Vern had a great time too, Dad let him pop all of his balloons. Sky held his ears and laughed the whole time, it was so funny!

Happy Birthday DAD!!!

Sky wanted to blow the candles out so bad.

Sky was so excited last Sunday, we traveled to Dad's school, DBU. We walked around and took some pictures. Then we went to the hotel and he slept on another Transformer Bed. Vern slept with him at first, but Sky is such a wiggle butt, Vern left and slept next to Momma. None of us slept very well we were all to excited about the next day.

The chapel at DBU it is beautiful!

We woke up early on Monday and met Great Aunt Michelle and Great Uncle Will for breakfast. We left thinking we had plenty of time to get about 2 miles down the road, but we didn't realize there are about 15 lights in between, and we hit a few red lights. We park in front of a beautiful court house, walked all the way around to it and then we found out it is the wrong one. Boo! At least there was a lady there who pointed us to the correct building (which was on the same side of the road we parked on).
We finally get in and have to go through security.....man.... I wore my high heals that buckle, what was I thinking? HA. Up to the fifth floor and the lawyer was waiting on us, we were 15 min late, we were supposed to be there at 7:45 am. We only had two more papers to sign, and he preped us on the questions he was going to ask.

We went into the court room, just on time :o). All this time we have been waiting, praying, filling out paper work, talking with CPS and our Agency and it only took 2 1/2 minutes for the adoption to be final. How crazy is that? There were a few other couples waiting and they all had cute babies. The judge told Scott he could put Sky up on the bench so the judge could see him. Sky got really nervous and talked in his cute/shy voice. The judge also let Sky hit the gavel to make it official, really cute. I am so glad we had someone taped it so we could remember everything that happened, and that Uncle Will took some pictures for us. Our lawyer did ask Sky if he was going to obey us for the rest of his life and he said Yes (we have this on video, ha ha ha). I think all of us were really nervous. We got back to the hotel around 9 am and we were all exhausted.

Sky making it official

Yay it's official!!!

After we rested for a little while, we headed out to watch the cattle drive in Ft. Worth. Sky thought it was "So Awesome!!!!" that the bulls walked down the road, and the police man road a horse....lol. The animals are so beautiful.

We put Sky on the train tracks...

there was no train, don't worry.

Sky being a happy cowboy

This is his don't mess with me look,

it is quite funny!!

Scott and Sky made Sausage Balls last night, YUM my favorite!! Sky says Saw Shege Balls.....lol

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving making Indian vest, and some turkey cut out thing. And, we are so excited for Christmas this year, we put the tree up today...yes today. I love, love Christmas and this year I had helpers to put the tree up! I love having Sky, he gets Scott involved a little more than normal. :0)

This next week Sky's class is supposed to have a parade in the school. If I can get some pictures of them I'll post them next week sometime. I believe they are supposed to be Pilgrims and Indians.

First tooth is coming in pretty good.

The one next to it is on it's way.

What Just Happened?

2011-10-20T10:14:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning we went to the dentist.

Sunday at church, Sky said I have a bump in my mouth. We looked at it when we get home and the top of his adult tooth has already come out from the gums. What? His baby tooth was solid like a rock. We had a dental appointment, perfect timing. Sky is super excited he has a tooth coming in and about the dentist visit (if yall didn't know he wants to be a dentist when he grows up, he is very instant about it).

We go to the dentist everyone is super nice and really good with him. We take ex-rays, they apply a sealant and we end up pulling TWO teeth. Tooth number 2 is coming in like tooth number 1. Sky had no clue until the assistant asked if he wanted to take them home for the tooth fairy. Then he walked out staring at the teeth in the package, with the look of "What just happened?", "How did they get my teeth?"... it was so funny.

I asked him when we got in the car, "Do you still want to be a dentist?" his mouth was full of gauze, so he nodded yes, with a mumbled sound.

Glasses for the bright light,

cool cherry clown nose for the laughing gas,

and mouth full of gauze...priceless!!

Can you see the new tooth #1?

Tooth #2 is almost out too.

He is SO Excited!

The package has his teeth in it.

Momma Dot & Poppa used to use a smaller pillow to put the tooth/teeth under.

Makes it easier for the Tooth Fairy. Good Idea!

Dad bought a new book, that Glows in the Dark!!!

Pretty Cool!

This morning: He was so excited to see his dollar, he made a song about it. "I got a dollar, Yeah!" lol.

"My Other Cozens!!"

2011-10-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

Skyler was so nervous and excited about meeting his cozens from Florida. We have a little book of pictures, so he knew what they looked like. I think he was excited that he has more cozens and this was the first time he would meet them, Aunt Laura and Uncle Heath. The weekend went by fast and they all had a great time. Skyler was worried about them when they left, if he would see them again, and if we were going to eat with them ect... Here is a play by play...

Thursday they dropped in for dinner and we had a fun crazy Hat night...

Laura and Audrey

John, Meg and Sky

John and Sky (funny face...ha ha)

John, and Heath

Scott...didn't want a pic... lol

Meg, Scott and Sky

Friday we went to Magic Time Machine Restaurant. Sky, John, Meg and Audrey all got Bubbly drinks. Sky's was "Ugly" ha ha

Sat Morning they all came over for Breakfast.

They colored the animal mask they liked best.

John - Lion, Meg - Ostrich, Sky - Saber Tooth, Audrey - Monkey

Then we went to the fair. We watched and listened to the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. They were so good, afterward we got to talk with the guys/girls and look at the instruments. I also got to visit with an old friend, Lee who travels, records, takes pictures, mixes sound ect....

Kids went Farming at the Fair, it was so cute!

Sunday we went Swimming. 1...2...3..Jump!!!!

The pool was a bit cold for Laura and I. Heath and the kids swam in the pool and then would come visit us in the hot tub.

Berrrr, cheese smile... lol

After swimming we had dinner at Fuzzy's (Taco's...Yummy!). Skyler and Megan were trying to say tongue twisters. Megan is pretty good at it already, and Skyler can get a few of them..."Daddy Draws Doors"...say that one fast. He was really sad to see them go and wanted to clime in their van. When he realized we'll see them again in a few months he was excited.

Lets Go Back to the....

2011-09-30T14:45:00.000-04:00

First Weekend of September

The first week of September is normally a big deal, because it is our Anniversary which sometimes falls on Labor Day. :-)

During some of our anniversaries, we have been evacuated from Hurricane Katrina, moved from Richmond, VA to Dallas, TX and this year our A/C and a water main cracked (plus we have our five year old son, who is still not quite sure he believes we are his forever family). Katrina by far out weighs everything else, and as we all know each year has it's own complications. Back to what happened this year. Our a/c went out on Saturday night, during one of the hottest summers we have ever experienced. Thank God this weekend was the weekend the weather got cooler. So, we thought we could tough it out. Sunday after we got home from church and fellowship with our Sunday School class, we were eating Ice Cream on the back porch enjoying the cool breeze. Scott went inside to take a call and Skyler started saying water was coming out of the drain. Next thing I know Scott yells "Chrissie Come Here".... I go to the front of the house and there is water everywhere and it is coming from under the bushes. As we have come to find out each state/city is different. Our main water turn off has always been in the house, that is until we moved here. The main water turn off is under lock and key in the front of our drive way. We now know you can purchase a key and keep in your home (which defeats the purpose of the key, right?). Anyway, I went back inside found the number to call, Scott called and Skyler is at the door saying "I didn't do it". I turned to look at him and he has mud all over the front of his body and on his face. Apparently Vern got him first...Ha Ha! So I told him, he could go play in the mud. I thought why not and it will keep him in the back yard. Skyler and Vern had so much fun, and both got a bath outside.....using the neighbors hose. So funny! Skyler announced "I like taking a bath outside!"
Our friends were kind to let us stay at their home for Sunday and Monday night. Longer story short, on our Anniversary (this year the day after Labor Day) we had the A/C man in the back of the house, the plumbers digging in the front. A neighbor came by and said "Looks like yall are having a bad day", he didn't know, we have learned to expect the unexpected. Ha ha.

Hope yall enjoy the pictures.

This is how it started

Mud, Boy, Dog....What could be better?

He is pretending to be a monkey, sound and everything

Ornery face

Soooo Muddy!

Shower outside using neighbor's water, :0)

Just about clean

First Weeks of School and ect...

2011-09-18T19:11:00.000-04:00

August and September....Flying by!!!

Skyler enjoyed his first weeks of school. His first week of school there was birthday celebration for four of the five days. Thankfully this has not continued. The school does not allow cakes or food of any kind any more, so of course some smart parent decides to send little trinkets. The first one was a whoopee cushion, and yes Skyler absolutely LOVED it.

A few weeks ago our friends invited us over to their house to swim and celebrate a birthday. They have four boys, three which are close to Skyler's age. Their boys were so sweet and they all said "HI SKYLER" at about the same time. We cannot wait to get all of them together again. There were also three girls, which was ok (per Skyler).

Picture of them all eating icey's. Skyler's was Blue, can ya tell?

Dad and Skyler were given tickets to go to the Bronco vs Cowboy football kick off game. Skyler was very upset that Dad and I both don't care for the Cowboys and actually wanted the Bronco's to win. Anyway, Skyler loved the magic tricks, the balloons, and face painting the best and the game was ok too.

He also got to meet Ronald McDonald

We had some new friends visit. They are soooo cute! Skyler didn't want to share his stuff and then realized what Brothers and Sisters would be like. He did share, but it was under a little protest.

We made the largest plastic cup tower ever!!!!

Skyler also go to go to a Rangers game with some other friends from Church...also soooo Cute!
We need to find some more Boy's to be friends with Skyler...lol.

We have heard that our court has been moved up here and we are now waiting to hear from our lawyer about Adoption Dates. YAY we are getting closer and the good news is it is going by fast.

Please continue to keep our family's transition in your prayers as we are all still learning about one another.