Spring Ball, Lifeguarding and Spring Festival

We have had much going on here as the school year comes to a close.  This year has had many breaks due to Caleb being in the hospital so much, but we are slowly wrapping up our academics.  What my kids lacked in book work this year they definitely made up for in learning real life skills, such as dealing with a raging six year old without H.O. or I at home, preparing dinner and getting it all on the table at the right time, laundry for many, keeping the house somewhat tidy and in between squeezing in schoolwork.  This school year has been a well rounded year not focusing only on academics but on real life learning as well.  As the year winds up that means Spring Ball and the Spring Festival for our home school group.

Andrew and Carrie Anne were so handsome and beautiful as they headed out the door for the Spring Ball.  I stopped by the Ball for an hour or so and enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up and looking so nice.

Andrew will be working at a local christian camp this summer as a lifeguard.  Life was very busy as he took his class and had much studying to do as well as keeping up with other responsibilities.  We celebrated the night he passed his test.  He had been so nervous as he considered the seriousness of this job.  He is hoping he doesn't have to save anyone but he is prepared if he needs to.

He is loving his job!

To finish out our school year our home school group has an end of the year program.  The younger children sang and the older kids did a skit and then each had the opportunity to do an individual or small group recitation/piece.

Carrie Anne played the piano.

Andrew along with some of his friends lip-synced to a song telling what they are looking for in a girl.  It was quite funny!  

How they are looking for a girl that is modest and has an inner beauty that reflects their love for the Lord.

"Big smile and fancy hair, airbrushed skin can not compare to the one I'm looking for.  Glows just like the morning sun, shows God's love to everyone, that's what I'm looking for!"

They had so much fun practicing and preparing their song, many hours spent laughing at each other and having fun!  May they remember the words of this song as they find "the one"!  :)

One year GOTCHA!

One year ago today in Chongqing, China we met Caleb and Seth for the first time!

I must say adopted kids amaze me~how scary it must be to go with complete strangers who look different, and speak a different language but yet they adapt so well.  

Love is the same in all languages!

As H.O. said this morning, Wow!  What a year it has been!

They have come so far in a year!  They zoomed into our lives and haven't slowed down since!

Their English is pretty amazing, they are also still very fluent in Chinese.  They have learned how to share(for the most part).  Their behavior has come so far, learning to behave, treat others nicely and not lie(we are still working on this with one of them) :).  It is hard to imagine life without them.  They are loving, affectionate, active and all boy!  Caleb has been through four surgeries and he and I have spent months away from the family as his medical needs were cared for.  

As I look back through pictures of our time in China I can now laugh at how hard some days were with two active little boys who didn't know rules and were majorly testing the waters to see what they could get by with.  Seth no longer jumps through windows and I think Andrew has recovered from his trying time in China and isn't too badly scarred :)!

And we no longer have to keep a hand on them at all times to keep them under control.

Here we are again holding them in place :), don't we look exhausted!

They are truly not just brothers but best buddies!

They keep us active and on our toes and we love it!  I couldn't imagine life without them!  We thank God for the gift of Caleb and Seth to our family!

A Servant's Heart {Mother's Day}

My big boys played the song A Servant's Heart with their instruments in church yesterday, on Mother's Day.

Ponder the words of this beautiful song.

Make me a servant like you, Dear Lord.

Living for others each day.

Humble and meek,

helping the weak,

loving in all that I say.

Give me Lord, a servant's heart

here's my life take every part.

Give me Lord a servant's heart

Help me draw so close to you

that your love comes shining through

give me Lord a servant's heart.

Give me Lord a servant's heart.

Make me a witness like you, Dear Lord,

showing the love of the cross.

Sharing your word till all have heard,

serving whatever the cost.

Give me Lord, a servant's heart

here's my life take every part.

Give me Lord a servant's heart

Help me draw so close to you

that your love comes shining through

give me Lord a servant's heart.

Give me Lord a servant's heart.

What a convicting song!  It is my prayer that I draw so close to HIM that HIS love comes shining through me.

My mom has that servant's heart!  She has been an amazing example to me, she is humble and meek, quietly doing the work of Christ.  I love you mom!  

The Saturday before Mother's Day we had a Mother/Daughter tea at church.  I knew my mom was meeting me, Carrie Anne and Abby there BUT... I had no idea my sister was coming up to surprise me.  I was surprised and it was wonderful to see her!

After a great church service on Sunday we had a picnic at the park and had beautiful weather to enjoy the outdoors.

Andrew had picked Abby up and dipped her feet in the water and Seth must have
thought it was hilarious by he look on his face.

The kids had fun playing at the water, we figured it was a matter of time before someone "fell" in, but we made it 

home with everyone dry.

Taylor and I just enjoyed sitting back laughing at them.

We stopped by Sonic for a milkshake before heading home for the kids to play in the yard.

The kids gave me a beautiful mug which I enjoyed my 

coffee out of this morning.

  

It was a wonderful day!

Weekend at the Races!

H.O. and the big boys had a "boys weekend"!

They headed out early Friday morning to make the drive to Talladega, Alabama to watch the race.

Oh my how I love these three!  I look at this and can not believe how big our boys have gotten!

They had a great weekend!