Prayers...

There is not much to report from our family. Life is going along just dandy. The older two are playing ball and Samuel is itching to join the fun. Next year will be his shot. School is winding up for Jim and we are planning all of our summer activities. This will again be a busy summer.

However, on the adoption side of things there are some really sad parents. I mentioned awhile back that VN may be shutting down. Well this is now a fact that they will be shutting down this summer. That means lots of parents who have been waiting for a long time (some for over a year) to be matched with their child will now have to consider other options. However, those who do have a match can proceed. This is really sad for the children, but especially to me the waiting children. These are mostly older children who may or may not have a special need. Samuel was a waiting child and I just can not imagine him being left behind. We watched a video last night of him at around 18 mos. and I asked Jim, I wonder how many times he saw people come and go and wonder when it would be his turn. Now I am not saying that waiting children are right for everyone, but if it is even remotely possible I pray that you would consider it. These children just want to be loved.

Anyway, all of that to say this. Please pray for the children left behind and the families who are hurting from this awful news.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday made two months that Samuel has been ours. I can't believe it!!! He has grown so much as a part of our family that life without him was non-exsistent. Today we visited with some dear friends of ours who have a little girl from China, Ellie, the same age as Samuel. Samuel was such fun and tried showing off some. Ellie was so fun to be around. But I listened to her talk and couldn't believe she had only been home six months.
That leads me to our latest words. He has now learned the ultimate 20th century kid lingo..."Watch movie." Now we don't have cable or anything, just movies (mostly VHS at that). Anyway, the kids have gotten on a movie kick lately and have watched a video every day so naturally he has picked up these words.
He has also picked up Night Night. It is so cute to see him go to his room, pull down his covers and crawl in and say "night night."
He has also learned that he is a charmer and tries to use that face to his advantage. Today we were coming home from the neighbors and he held out his arms for me to tote him. I told him no. He then changed his expression to use his puppy dog eyes and down turned lips. I still refused. He then tried to look even sadder, before busting into an all out grin. I'm telling you this little monkey knows how to turn it on and charm your heart.
Blake (Buc lie as Samuel says) has recently finished his second Sparks workbook for Awana and we still have 6 weeks to go. This kid absolutely amazes me with his memorizing power and desire to read the Bible. He even wants to attend Dr. Michael Guidos Evangelical Seminary here in town. Can you tell I'm a proud mama?
Now let me brag on my little girl a while. She has really blossomed into my little helper. She loves to help her little brother. She also likes to help me in the kitchen. I know that one day she is going to make a fine mother to hopefully a house full of children!
I know this is a long post, but I have to write down my thoughts or they are gone within hours. For those of you who read I really enjoy your comments and thoughts.

My Heavenly Gifts...

Here are a few recent pics. The first one is the three kids on Easter Sunday. Are they not the most wonderful children you have ever seen. The next one is of my younger brother and Samuel later on Easter sunday. Hope everyone enjoys them.

God is so good...

Let me tell you, today was a gift from heaven. The kids and I got up and had breakfast. After that I turned on a movie for the younger two while Blake and I did school. I also took the younger ones down to the side road for Samuel to try out riding a bicycle. This was great until I got on to him for continually putting on brakes. He had a melt down and we came inside. He actually fell asleep and took a short nap. After lunch I let them all play for a while. They even volunteered to bring the laundry in off the line. Now that was a sight to see. One climbs up the little slide to unpin the laundry while the other two hold the basket and catch it. What is even more amazing is they didn't argue, but took turns with who got to unpin the laundry. Then while Blake completed his school Grace, Samuel and I blew bubbles. Now if you want some serious entertainment watch that. Samuel will chase a bubble all over the yard. This inspired me to get out my camera and that inspired Grace to pose! She modeled all over the yard. I have the perfect picture for an edition of Home and Garden with her holding the water hose and watering our little garden! I spent part of the afternoon walking around the yard and praising Jesus with the songs in my head and my hands lifted high. I then decided to bring out the radio so my neighbors didn't call the looney doctor. Then we had a great time as a family singing and praising our Savior. My cup surely does overflow!!! I am so blessed and I pray God will continue to bless our home with more little ones to love. Also Heather, if you are reading, I am praying God will bless the Donaldson and Daughtry households as well!

We need a sister fast...

Well, Grace has been asking for a sister since we started the process with Samuel and today I decided we need to find one quick. Blake and I were in the school room having school when Grace comes out to introduce "Princess Tam". I thought I was going to lose it to hysterics! There was Samuel with a halo, a Cinderella dress and high heels. I laughed so hard I couldn't stand it. After I caught this on video to show his future wife, I quickly encouraged Grace to find the firefighter outfit for him to wear. Not much else, but I had to share that tidbit.

Some of the most beautiful words...

Today my son said some of the most beautiful words. He actually prayed outloud tonight. Now of course it was coached, but to hear him say "Thank you Jesus" was music to my ears. And then when I put him to bed to hear him say 'I Love you" Boy am I on cloud nine tonight.
Samuel is doing so well. He smiles ALL the time and really loves to ham things up. I have decided he is our clown. I try not to label my kids, but he really does have the comic personality.
Blake and Grace are getting ready for ball and of course he wants to be right up in the middle of it. He puts on his little glove and loves to throw the ball with you. I hope I can keep him contained during my softball games. That ought to be fun!! Our life has adjusted so well that it seems like he has been here forever. Thank you Lord for the blessings of all three of my sweet children. I could not ask for a great priveledge than raising them.