Praying Adam Home

Pizza and Bingo

2012-03-08T17:22:00.005-05:00

We just finished a fundraiser for band.

It was a cookie dough and cheesecake sale.

We love cookie dough and cheesecake, however, I do not like asking my friends to buy

something they really don't need.

So when the band did a fundraiser that involved entertainment

and a way to feed my family dinner I was all over it.

C.J. and Megan joined in the fun.

Adam and Sam didn't really get the concept of bingo but were excited anyway.

We didn't win one single thing.

I felt like a winner though.

We left with my kids fed and my kitchen was still clean.

BINGO!!!

Top that Tuesday!- Arm Wrestling

2012-03-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

I will keep this up as long as they keep giving me material for

Top That Tuesday!

This was the scene on Monday morning at 6:50 AM.

Greg and Adam were arm wrestling.

Sam wanted to watched but said "Oh I need my hat first!"

She grabbed her Dr. Seuss hat she made at school last Friday because

the contest could start until she did!?

Then the arm wrestling match was on.

Did I mention it was 6:50 AM?

Do other families do this before school?

I really need to know.

If not then I just gotta say...

Top That!

Christopher James- Sunday Snapshot

2012-03-04T07:51:00.003-05:00

The other day C.J. came home from school and walked into the den with his bible in his hand.

He told me he had been memorizing scripture.

After a quick glance at his bible he quoted the 23rd Psalm.

The next morning as he was leaving for school I asked him to say it again.

I will never tire of hearing my kids quote scripture.

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23

Scripture is powerful.
It can transform your life.

Small steps- Huge progress- Hard work

2012-03-02T08:16:00.006-05:00

Let's talk about Spina Bifida.

Most of you know it has taken Adam's ability to walk unassisted.

He usually uses a wheel chair because it takes so much effort for him to walk.

Truly, he uses every muscle in his body to be able to walk with a walker.

It can be exhausting.

So in the learning environment he uses his chair.

It is quick and easy.

The same is true for church or any place else we need to cover a lot of ground quickly.

So when you see these pictures of Adam working at Physical Therapy

please know that much hard work has gone into the small steps he is now able to take.

He literally works up a sweat.

Here he is learning to walk with canes but supported by a wide base.

Way more unsteady than a walker but not quite as unsteady as the crutches

It was his first progression to crutches.

He has been practicing with these for several weeks.

Here he is lifting his leg to kick off the rubber dots while trying to maintain his balance.

This was very hard for him.

Here he is trying to navigate stairs.

Again, it is extremely difficult.

I can't tell you how much I complain about running up and down the stairs at my house.

My boy is working so so hard to do something I complain about.

Adam does that for all of us.

He keeps our bad attitudes in check.

Thank you God for Adam.

Finally, after many weeks of hard work, he stands and balances on crutches.

You did it Adam!

You really wanted it, you gave it all you had and you did it!

And just to prove everyone wrong you went ahead and took your first steps with crutches!

You had Miss Lindsey and mommy in tears.

Adam, I will always celebrate the small steps you make.

They are huge!

They leave such an impact on me and those around you.

You are a gift!

Dreaming of China!

2012-03-01T08:17:00.003-05:00

It is hard for me to believe the girl in these photos is the same girl in the video below.

Almost 6 years have past since we traveled to China for Sam.

She has changed so much!

There are times when we long to be back in China.

We have started talking about a family trip.

I think I will be the first to go back, though not with my family.

I am putting together a trip now.

If I know you personally and you would like to go please email me.

This trip will be to work in Adam's orphanage and at a deaf school.

Here is Sam's coming home video we made more than 5 years ago.

There is so much I would change now.

We have talked about editing it some more and including her most recent photos.

This is what we put together in those early days of being home.

Now that I know how to blog videos look out.

Next up is Adam's coming home video and Stephen's graduation video.

I know you all can't wait for more home movies!!!!

Top That Tuesday!

2012-02-28T17:06:00.004-05:00

Some children build boats and others cars.

Guess what Sammy told us she built?

Sam-"It's that ark thing that held God's words"

Mom-"Are you talking about the Ark of the Covenant?"

Sam- "Yes, that's it."

Mom -"Really?"

source- Google

Just gotta say...

Top that!

A Wishful Evening!- Sunday Snapshot

2012-02-27T06:05:00.003-05:00

The Wish Ball

for

Make- A- Wish

My Sunday snapshot is a little late.

I came home from church around 2:30 and crashed.

I think the past couple weeks have finally caught up to me and I was exhausted.

I fell asleep around 3:00. Got up at 5:30 and was back in bed by 7:45

for the night!

We have battled both a stomach bug and the Flu.

However by Friday night the three of us were healthy enough for our special evening.

One word- HANDSOME!

He was so excited to wear his handsome clothes.

Here he is with his friend Jen.

We had our own table.

The food was fabulous.

There was both a live auction and a silent auction.

Adam 's painting was part of the live auction.

There was a bidding war and it ended up going for...

$4,700.00

What did Adam think about that?

Well he was sleeping. Yes he missed all the excitement.

He was so tired so the evening went on without him.

I was speaking that night.

I was asked to share Adam's story.

People cried so I think it really touched some hearts!

I have posted my speech on the web.

I am still trying to link to it.

Hopefully I will have it up soon.

Mama's Baby or Daddy's Girl

2012-02-22T17:44:00.002-05:00

The other day Sam told me she was going to "try out" being a Daddy's girl.

I took this to mean she would try doing everything with with Daddy, following him around, asking him a million questions, being his helper and generally not leaving his sight.

Kind of like she does with me.

I also took this to mean this was purely on a trial basis.

She needed to try it out before she committed completely to being Daddy's girl.

She's Kmart smart.

She's going to weigh all her options before jumping in all the way.

At the end of the weekend I said "Sam, you really are becoming a daddy's girl."

She grabbed my leg with a look in her eye that told me the real answer.

She said "I am always going to be Mama's baby!"

We assured her she could be both Mama's baby and Daddy's girl.

I think she bought it but the way she squeezed my leg let me know

that deep down inside she considered herself Mama's Baby.

That makes Sam and me very happy!

Sorry Daddy!

Maybe next month.

Uptown

2012-02-19T12:58:00.007-05:00

Greg and I have gotten to where we love our

downtown area.

Around here it is called Uptown.

It is far enough away from the suburbs that we feel like

we have truly gotten away from home.

It is close enough that if the kids need us we can be home in 30 minutes.

We love the restaurants and the shows.

We have seen Mama Mia, Mary Poppins, Million Dollar Quartet, Shear Madness

and Phantom of the Opera.

We decided to let the kids in on our new favorite place.

On a rainy Saturday afternoon we took Audrey Kate, a few of her friends

and Sam and Adam and headed Uptown.

Our first stop was the I-max theater.

After the movie we walked, in the rain, to get some dinner.

Even in the rain we saw street performers.

That is something you surely don't see in our neck of the woods.

We had Mexican for dinner.

Really we might be half Mexican we eat it so much.

This was the scene the night we were out.

It was not the best time to walk around

Uptown but no less fun!

The buildings went straight up into the clouds.

We ended the night at Bar Cocoa at the Ritz- Carlton.

Bar Cocoa is nothing but chocolate.

We had hot chocolate and this kids all picked out a piece of chocolate for dessert.

It was the perfect night to get cozy by the fire.

We all hated to leave.

So if you don't get down there much I encourage you to go exploring.

You might fall in love with it just as we have.

It is a nice change from the burbs!

Her thing!

2012-02-18T14:11:00.007-05:00

Audrey Kate and her friend Arah after a long sleepless night at

the Middle School youth- group Lock-In.

I was a little worried putting her on a horse after she told me she didn't sleep at all.

But this is her thing and she is good at it.

Even with no sleep.

In the walk, trot, canter division she was division Champion after

taking first in Equitation and second in Pleasure and Under Saddle.

Then she went on to take first in Cross Rails three times.

She is in love with this horse named Blaze.

His show name is Sock it to 'Em.

Watch out daddy, she's got it bad for this horse!

He did so well for her today.

She finished as division Champion for Beginner Rider division also!

Way to go AK.

This is definitely your thing!

We were supposed to go on to Adam's party today at Sports Connection.

We had to cancel it.

Poor guy is so sick.

He has what has been going around his classroom.

It was so bad that one day this week only 5 students out of 18 were at school.

We thought he had escaped it.

Pray he feels better soon and the rest of us are safe too.

Happy Birthday Adam!

2012-02-15T15:16:00.003-05:00

Adam is 6 years old today and looking so much older.

Someone at church even commented Sunday about how much older he is looking.

Here he is showing of his new trick.

The longest he has been able to stand without holding on is 50 seconds.

Way to go Adam.

Tonight we will celebrate as a family the day of his birth.

Saturday he will have a party with all his friends.

I found Adam a sports coat for our very special event next week.

I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Happy Birthday Adam!

We love you!

Secret Agents!

2012-02-13T13:26:00.005-05:00

Our mission?

Saturday night we were to deliver this cake to the hostess stand at the

restaurant where C.J. and Megan were dining.

We could not be detected!

Top secret mission.

So we headed out in our secrect agent vehicle.

Stopping only to feed the young recruits.

Secret agents are tough.

They do not smile.

They take their mission very seriously.

Getting ready to deliver the package.

The drop off point.

Here is the record of our successful mission.

Secret agents-Been delivered they know where you are!

C.J.-O.K.

Secret agents- Tell us what she says.

C.J.- YES!

Congratulations C.J. and Megan!

We hope you have a wonderful time at the prom.

Alex

2012-02-11T08:12:00.006-05:00

Look who came over the other day.

I got to spend the whole day with him.

He was so much fun.

Really, who would not love this little guy?

He loved playing with all the football stuff in Adam's room.

He tried on the regulation size helmet.

I ran and got my camera because he looked like a mini Cam Newton.

He also wanted to ride the American Girl horse in AK's room.

And of course I let him.

We played toys, ate breakfast and lunch, watched Cars, he took a nap and danced to the Wii.

As the kids got home from school he lit up and loved being the center of attention.

The kids and I really enjoyed our time getting to know him more.

I prayed for so long for him.

I am so glad he is here.

I kept Alex for my friend Angie whose dad was in a terrible accident.

He is still on a respirator and has a long, long recovery ahead of him.

Please say a prayer for Ed Hinson.

Tagged!

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

My friend Lisa from Everything Murphy has tagged me.

Thank you Lisa!

The rules of the award: 1) thank the person who gave you this award. 2) list 7 things people may not know about you. 3) pass it along to a few other bloggers.

Are there 7 things people don't know about me?

I am an open book.

Let's see.....

1. I do not like to be cold! Never snow skied in my life and probably never will. I am a beach girl at heart. I grew up in Virginia Beach and if Greg and I have chance to getaway he knows to take me somewhere warm. We live close to the Mountains and I really enjoy going there too. Just not when it's cold. Most of my readers already knew that.

2.Greg and I lost our first baby when I was three months pregnant. I look forward to meeting my baby someday. The experience really defined our marriage. It happened during our first year of marriage and really drew us together. I don't talk about it much. I mean it is not lunch date conversation you know. Some of you might not have known.

3. I like to swim upstream. If I feel strongly about something I will not go along with the crowd or the standard. One example is I did not keep my children's Chinese name. This is a topic people feel passionately about mostly in favor of keeping it. I am passionate about my reasons not to keep them thus I swim against the crowd. Most of you know this too:).

4.Confession: I love reality TV. I know it is bad but I am so fascinated by human behavior. I just can't believe the way people act when they know for sure it is being recorded and going to be on TV. TLC is the worst but some of my favorites are Say Yes to the Dress and of course the Duggars at 19 Kids and Counting. Don't even get me started on the Bachelor and don't act like you don't watch it too. Glad I got that off my chest! Only those very close to me knew that.

5. I am a doer. I think of an idea or project to be done and it is usually done right away. I am not one to let the grass grow under my feet. I have a hard time sitting still. This works in my favor being mom to 5. If you have spent anytime with me you would say "Amen" to that one.

6. Humor is a big part of my life. Greg is a naturally funny person and humor has been how we deal with most of life's tough problems. It sounds bad but really it is good. It can take even the most stressful thing and lighten it up. Sometimes it is sarcastic humor. Greg and I try just to keep this between us although our children definitely have had a front row seat to it. But not out of our little family of seven. Sometimes it's a chuckle and roll your eyes at the weak attempt at humor and other times is is sore stomach muscles from too much laughing kind of humor. If you have ever spent time with Greg you know what I am talking about.

7.I have competed in 5 sprint Triathlons. What? Yes, me. It was several years ago before Samantha came home. Greg was training for an Ironman triathlon race. I told him that as soon as I finished nursing Audrey Kate I was going to start training too. I am kind of competitive that way with Greg. There is not much he has done that I have not attempted. I have even been mountain biking once and surfing once (long ago!). Anyway, I had to sign up for an adult swim class at the Y and learn to swim. After my first race at Lake Norman I was hooked. I did that race three times and one in Rock Hill twice. Two of my friends are doing one this summer and I think I will be joining them.

So there they are. Seven things, you already knew, never knew, wish you didn't know or wish you could forget about me.

I can't wait to read about my friends....

Angie at Our Treasure Chest- She hasn't posted in a while... I can't imagine why?

Melissa at Adoption Journey

And I would Tag Joy at Generations of Faithfulness but she does not blog any more. :(

So I am tagging her friend Dana at The Most Important Things.

Have fun girls! Don't forget rule #1.

Rollin' Bobcats- my favorite team

2012-02-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

You know we are a football loving family.

And it is the day after Superbowl Sunday.

However my new favorite team is the

Rollin' Bobcats of Charlotte, NC!

They are the most inspiring team you will ever meet.

My favorite Rollin' Bobcat is #1 Adam Smith

Last week's tournament was in Smithfield, NC.

Adam got the ball several times.

And actually took some shots.

He uses every muscle in his body to shoot the ball.

My favorite thing about this team is how they all look out for each other.

I mentioned before that they just seem to have a deep

understanding of the struggles each faces.

One of our players has a hard time using his arms.

The kids help him get on and off the court.

Here Adam is pushing him off the court.

It made me cry. Are you surprised?

They are SO inspiring to be around.

Adam's whole family came out to watch him.

All his cousins, aunt and uncle, grandparents and siblings were there.

We picked up Stephen from UNC on the way.

So if you are ever feeling bad about yourself, or

you just need a little inspiration....

Find a wheelchair basketball team and go support them.

As an able body person, you will be in the minority.

You will see great sportsmanship and loads of determination.

Coach Mike goes over the play with Adam during a free throw.

Congratulating the other team.

They all had fun and played great.

The next tournament is February 24th. in Nashville,

TN.

We will not be able to go to that tournament because of a prior engagement.

It is a very special engagement. I will be speaking.

Adam needs a suit and I need a cocktail dress.

More about that later!

Taking it easy?

2012-02-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

Aspen, Colorado

Dear Honey,

Remember how you told me you were going to take it easy this year?

After all this is the trip that left you with the lacerated and bleeding spleen last year.

Remember how it almost killed you?

So when you call me and tell me you went on the hike up only slope,

that is was un-groomed, and the side of it was a straight drop down,

I get a little nervous.

I mean thanks for the pictures.

But is this really the easiest slope you could find?

I know how you love adventure but..

remember your knee surgery 5 months ago.

And how you weren't going to ski in the trees?

I just have to wonder. Are you really taking it easy?

After all you do have 5 kids you have to provide for.... remember.... we talked about this before you left.

I really do want you to have fun.

And don't worry about me. I'm just cleaning out the laundry room.

Love you!

Sanctity of Life Sunday

2012-01-27T07:47:00.008-05:00

Playing Catch Up ...AGAIN!

Anyway, a few weeks ago our church celebrated

Sanctity of Life Sunday.

We filled the Galleria with organizations that have to

do with Orphan Care, Foster Care and Adoption.

My little helpers at the adoption table.

Adam and his friend Rachel. They were comparing wheels.

These little cuties were all set for Chinese New Year.

Sarahmei would not smile for me.

So we bribed her with candy.

Here is the sweet result!

Gotcha day/ 7 seconds/ twins

2012-01-24T19:24:00.008-05:00

Two years ago we became Adam's parents.

He called us Mama and Baba that day for the first time.

He was so brave, just shy of his fourth birthday.

We had an instant connection.

We adored him and he seemed very happy to be with us.

He spoke Mandarin. We did not.

It didn't matter.

He was ours and we were his.

It was like someone had planned this day since before time began.

Do you believe it?

We do!!!

Happy Gotcha Day Adam.

We love you so much!

Yesterday for the first time ever Adam stood unassisted on his own two feet.

He is in physical therapy every week.

One of his goals is to walk with crutches/canes instead of a walker.

His hips are very wobbly because neither is in joint.

He has been working on his hip and core strength.

His first try he stood for 1 second and fell.

The second try was for three seconds then he fell.

The third try was for seven seconds.

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

I saw him stand for the first time alone.

Not holding on.

No one holding him up.

I cried.

It is a small miracle.

He is one step closer to his goal.

He inspires me!

The other night we went out for Mexican food.

Adam LOVES guacamole except he calls it

brocamole.

He thinks because it is green it has broccoli in it.

Anyway, I LOVE guacamole too.

I said to him "Adam you are just like your mama, you love Mexican food as much as I do."

He said "Yeah we are twins."

Then he gave me a fist pump and blew it up.

He's so cool like that.

My little Chinese dude loves Mexican food. Just like me.

Then he told me he wished he could be a knight in shining armor and rescue a beautiful girl.

"I want to rescue a girl just like you mom."

Sometimes I wonder how I get so lucky to be his mom.

I adore him and I am so glad God spoke to my heart about him.

I am so happy God gave us the courage to get on the plane.

Life is so much better with him here.

Happy New Year

2012-01-24T06:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

It is the year of the Dragon.

What a busy weekend we had with two birthdays,

Sanctity of Life Sunday at church, Chinese New Year and

the two year anniversary of meeting Adam.

I have more posts to come this week to cover it all.

The Birthdays

2012-01-20T13:33:00.008-05:00

Happy 19th Birthday Stephen.

I am so sad we are not together today.

Let's take a trip down memory lane.

Here we are heading to China 2006.

And this is Disney 2005.

I hope you get a laugh over your "I refuse to smile " stage.

Do all 11 year old boys go through this?

Anyway, it makes me laugh now.

We are so proud of the person you are becoming.

God has his hand on you.

And what does the Lord require of you?

Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Seven years later on the same day

we said hello to this bundle of goodness.

Happy 12th birthday Audrey Kate.

You have always been like a ray of sunshine to us.

You are always happy.

I mean ALWAYS!!!!

You are such a joy to us and we love watching you grow.

We love who you are.

You are beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday to both of our babies!

You are not babies anymore.

You both make us so proud.

Audrey Kate's photos are by Brooke Brown Photography

It wasn't me!

2012-01-14T11:00:00.001-05:00

I wonder sometimes if people read this blog and think what a crazy life we have?

If you haven't thought that before, this post surely will make you think so.

I have posted about our hamster before.

Here and here

Actually that was our old hamster Allie.

She was sweet.

Our new hamster Tangerine is another story

"It wasn't me!"

Someone put these tiny holes in my daughter's jeans.

Yes folks, the hamster ate holes in my daughter's jeans.

Seriously, how many of you can say that?

Her cage is near the washer in the laundry room and these jeans

were just close enough for her midnight entertainment.

Audrey Kate wants to start a business called "Tangerine Jeans".

You send us your jeans, we'll let Tangerine have her fun and you will get back

an original pair of "Tangerine Jeans"!

We washed them and the next day she wore the hamster hole jeans to school.

Top that!

Before and After

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

I showed you the condition of the room before but I never showed the after.

It actually looked pretty good when we were done with it several hours later.

However, our hard work has all been undone.

He has moved to a new room.

Unfortunately, the other half of this room was still a disaster and difficult to live with.

We requested a new room for Stephen and his friends helped him move

Tuesday night.

We will see his new room in a couple of weeks.

Good news is he is happy and loving being at Carolina!

College- Take 3

2012-01-09T09:21:00.013-05:00

A new semester... why not a new school?

To catch up on Stephen's college journey you can read this, and this and this.

This was Stephen's side of the room when we walked in.

So we spent a good amount of time cleaning up.

Samantha loved chasing the squirrels on campus.

Headed to Franklin Street

I'm sure Stephen loved having all his siblings, mom and dad, and grandparents help him move in.

One last trip to Lowe's

Last minute setting up

He is settled in and ready for a new adventure.

Go Falcons!

I mean Go Pirates!

I mean Go Tarheels!

Sorry, just trying to keep up!

Christmas Celebration

2011-12-30T09:05:00.012-05:00

Waking up Christmas morning...it was early

We make all the kids gather in our room until Greg and I go down and check it out.

We need at least one cup of coffee before this crew gets going.

Some of the kids were awake bright and early and others were

not quite so happy to be awake!

The loot...

more loot...

and more..

and more...

and more!

Boy, Santa must be tired!

Here they come!

It was a fun morning full of fun gifts,

good memories, and good food.

We stayed home all day and Greg's parents came later for dinner.

Tomorrow the decorations come down.

Christmas 2011 was a great one!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-12-29T12:11:00.002-05:00

21 years ago.....

So how do you celebrate 21 years?

So far....

clean up throw up from a sick little one

try to start our teenagers truck (currently broken down not at our house)

Call a tow truck

help another teenager transfer to a new school (third school in 6 months)

do mounds of teenage laundry

This is life!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-28T15:43:00.010-05:00

This was the most unusual Christmas Eve we have ever had.

It may look like we went to a Panther's game from the pictures.

And we did.

But it was for a very special reason.

The Panther's surprised Make- a -Wish with a very special gift.

Santa was there for the celebration.

Adam told him some last minute gift ideas.

Santa told the teenagers something funny.

At one point I heard Santa say he wished Mrs. Clause would

empty her 401K to buy him a sports car.

Really Santa?

These three very special wish kids are doing the Superman Cam dance.

They all went on the field at half time for the presentation.

Sir Purr in his Santa outfit.

Adam's wish story was retold on the jumbo screen during half time.

Then he walked out on to the field with Top Cats and Sir Purr and

the fans cheering him on.

Actually the fans roared when he was introduced.

What kid would not love this? This is what most 6 year old boys dream of.

I was reduced to tears watching my boy live his dream.

Here they are on the jumbo screen as the surprise was revealed.

Cam was heading back to the field after half and stopped to talk to the kids.

The top cats came to our suite.

They are always a huge hit with Sam.

And the boys too.

And this is the surprise. The Panther's chose Make -A -Wish for the Fan Gift this year.

One dollar for every seat in the stadium.

We were so happy they asked us to be part of the surprise.

It was the best Christmas Eve.

I am sure it was the first and probably last time we

will spend Christmas Eve

at a football game.

We left there and went straight to Candlelight Service at church.

While we were sitting in church I looked down and realized

I was still wearing my Panther's beads. OOPS!

It truly was a memorable evening.

One Smart Elf

2011-12-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

See our Elf?

He is on the manger scene.

His name is Marvin.

I really wasn't sure I wanted an Elf on our shelf.

But Marvin has been so much fun to have around.

He is a good Elf and caused no trouble.

Although he is somewhat forgetful and on occasion would forget to

fly back to the North Pole to report to Santa.

Our kids got a "Free Pass" on those days.

Thank goodness.

I didn't realize how hard it would be to say good-bye to him on Christmas Eve.

The kids do not like good-byes!

Before he left with Santa he left us this note.

It is a note reminding the kids that no matter how hard they try they just can't always be good.

It is why Christmas is so important.

We need a Savior.

The note reminded them that Jesus is the best gift they will ever receive

and to celebrate Him on Christmas.

Now that is one smart Elf!

Busy December...

2011-12-26T07:32:00.008-05:00

...and it's not over yet!

Audrey Kate had her first Christmas Concert.

She loves the trombone.

We visited the Billy Graham Library.

We rode in a horse drawn carriage.

The kids loved story time and hot chocolate.

Greg celebrated his 47th birthday.

We went to the Christmas concert at church.

Audrey Kate's dance team was part of the Waxhaw Christmas Parade.

We loved the horses.

And of course Santa.

We have also traveled to my sister's house, been to a Panther's game,

and candlelight service at church.

We had a wonderful Christmas day and I will post about it soon.

Merry Christmas!

Finally!

2011-12-11T12:10:00.011-05:00

The Thomas Family is finally home!

It was a 6 month in-country stay.

Their agency had told them 60 days maximum stay.

God's plans are not always our plans.

This morning I attended our church Christmas concert.

Prior to the start of the service a man behind us was talking about the adoption dedication service we had a couple of weeks ago. He was talking about how moved he was by the service

and by one couple that had waited 12 years to have a child.

He compared it to leaves falling off the tree in the fall and how sometimes once the leaves are all gone you can see what was there all along.

Maybe what was hidden was a beautiful view.

Maybe what was hidden was a run down old house.

Nevertheless it was revealed in time.

It reminded me of Alex's adoption.

Revealed in time.

Later in the service today one of those couples who dedicated a child gave a testimony

about their adoption experience and how a life yielded to God's will brings blessing.

It brought them 4 beautiful children through adoption.

All I could think about were the unexpected blessings in my own life and in those of my friends who have yielded their desires to God's.

It can sometimes lead to hard places, like a 6 month in- country stay.

But God does not leave us in hard places.

My friend summed it up in her post.

Read it here.

While we were celebrating the birth of Jesus today at church I thought about how that one event, the birth of a Saviour, changed so many lives.

It is out of our love for Him and our gratitude to Him that we yield our hearts and lives to His will.

And then children like Alex, once orphaned, find their forever families.

Here is my friend chasing Alex through the airport.

This is after he climbed up onto the baggage claim conveyor belt.

This picture is called "No Gym Needed".

And here she is afraid he will hit her with the flag.

These last two pictures make me laugh.

I love God's sense of humor.

My dear friend in her mid- forties, a girly- girl, the mother of two girly-girls

is now parenting this adorable, full of life and energy two year old boy.

To God be the glory!

Sneak Peek- Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-11T08:18:00.004-05:00

They are home.

I will update more after church.

It was very emotional!

He is adorable.

Happy Birthday Greg!

2011-12-09T16:00:00.005-05:00

Can't believe you are 47 years old today.

We hope you have a great b-day!!!

Love,

Your family

Christmas Cards

2011-12-05T18:28:00.014-05:00

I almost didn't do a Christmas card this year.

I decided it was just one thing I could let go of.

There are so many other things to do around Christmastime that

I thought getting rid of the card was a good thing.

I wouldn't have to worry about getting a decent picture of the kids or spend the

money ordering the cards and buying the stamps.

I casually mentioned the idea of not doing a card this year to a very dear friend.

Oh my goodness!

I am now and forevermore doing a Christmas card.

Even adults cave into peer pressure.

Here are some of the outtakes.

Cards are being mailed in a few days.

I really enjoy all the cards I get from my friends at Christmas.

I love seeing how all the kids have grown.

It is a special part of our tradition.

I have done a Christmas card for the last 20 years.

Why stop now?

Almost

2011-11-29T14:43:00.003-05:00

I know what almost feels like.

Most adoptive parents do.

It is those last stages of adoption when you are either waiting for referral, or travel.

You are almost there.

Almost can be hard.

Remember when you were a kid and it was almost Christmas?

The closer it gets the harder it is to wait.

That is the closest comparison I can make.

My dear friend is almost there.

Almost ready to come home.

If all goes well she should be home next week.

I cannot wait to see them all together again.

It is almost time to welcome home Alex to America!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T16:49:00.003-05:00

I hardly had time to pick up my camera.

We had a great time and tons of food!

The weather was perfect and we spent the majority of

our day on the porch and in the back yard.

We have a new tradition. Instead of a Thanksgiving Day football game

we have Thanksgiving Day corn hole tournaments.

I think Emily and Uncle Jimmy were the winners.

Celebration and Preparation

2011-11-22T17:34:00.008-05:00

Adam's class had a Thanksgiving Celebration last week.

They sang cute songs.

They told what they were thankful for.

Here he is with his sweet teacher.

It was so fun.

I am certain I left the celebration and went to the grocery store.

This is one of about 6 trips I have made.

I have made 3 trips today alone.

10 lbs of potatoes

Equally as many sweet potatoes

One 16 lb turkey and a turkey breast.

2 hams

Stuffing

Green beans

Several pies

salad

two other side dishes

and this is just what I am making.

My mom and sister are contributing also.

This is no rinky-dink meal.

I am serving 19 people including my football playing nephew

and he counts as at least two people.

This is not for amateurs.

Not the cooking or the eating!

So let the cooking, cleaning and table decorating begin!!!!

Check back Friday for pictures of our Thanksgiving.

I will be too busy to post between now and then.

Right now I am thankful to God for the resources to purchase

the food and the energy to throw it all together!

Happiness!

2011-11-17T09:16:00.006-05:00

I can't believe I am showing this but this was my linen closet .

Thanks to my new favorite blog, Delightful Order, and a few containers,

my linen closet has had a make over.

It now looks like this and this makes me happy!

I need a few more containers and my new favorite

blog suggests labels which I am going to do.

I was just so excited I had to share.

My containers came from the Dollar Store and Garden Ridge.

Check out Delightful Order by clicking the link below.

A rare treasure!

2011-11-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Everyone should be so blessed.

Recently I was able to spend a weekend at Seabrooke near Charleston.

The view was fabulous.

The sunrise was beautiful.

The wild life was abundant.

Yes, that is the alligator that lives in the back yard.

And the deer that lives across the street.

But these girls are the real reason I am so blessed.

God brought us together about 8 years ago for women's bible study.

We are from different churches.

Some protestant, some Catholic.

We are working moms and stay at home moms.

We are from different political parties.

We have large families and small families.

A few of us are adoptive parents.

We read and study God's word together.

We have prayed each other through some rough times.

And rejoiced with each other through some joyous times.

Kim and I have been friends since I was 18 years old.

She first invited me to join the group.

If you are so blessed to have this in your life hold on to it.

It is a rare treasure indeed!

A few of our girls were missing from this trip.

Trying to find a weekend 14 busy moms can get away is challenging.

Angie is still in the Dominican Republic.

Brooke has a successful photography business and was booked for the weekend.

Heather had company in town.

Julie has a new baby.

Deanna had family obligations.

I am looking forward to next get away already!

Terrific Kid!

2011-11-12T08:27:00.006-05:00

Warning!!

I am getting ready to brag about one of my kids.

Read on if you want to.

She's a terrific kid!

We've always known that.

Now others are starting to notice too.

Samantha was selected from her class as the terrific kid for the month of October.

The local Kiwanis clubs recognizes terrific kids at a breakfast each month.

We go to a great school full of terrific kids and as the principal said it is quite a distinction to be

pulled out of such a group as the best of the best.

But that is what my Sammy girl is.

The best.

This month's characteristic was creativity.

Her teacher wrote about how she uses creativity to solve problems in the classroom.

She was described as a leader.

She also told about how creative her stories are with a clear beginning, middle and end.

Way to go Sammy. We are so proud of you!

As I was sitting there my eyes filled with tears.

Not because I was so proud. I was.

But because I was thinking about how this girl started her life.

I was thinking about all she has overcome.

I was thinking about how her birth mother has no idea how smart and wonderful she is.

And of course this led me to think about all the little gems still waiting for their forever families.

Every single one of them is a terrific kid just waiting for someone to notice.

Yep, all of that from that one breakfast!

Play ball!

2011-11-06T16:11:00.011-05:00

I know. I have been absent.

Truthfully I have been way to busy to blog.

This post is actually the result of sitting down to the computer on three different days.

Pitiful. I will try to do better.

We had a blast this weekend at the Rolling Bobcats

Basketball tournament.

There were chairs everywhere. If you didn't use a chair to move

around you were in the minority.

The everyday chairs lined the walls while the kids used the sports chairs for competition.

Adam was nervous.

He wasn't sure about competing with the older kids.

He was the youngest kid at the whole tournament.

But if there is one thing my boy gets that is competition.

He loved the huddle.

And cheering on his team mates.

He wanted the ball all the time.

He loves Coach Mike...

and Coach Lottie!

His good buddy Anna played great too.

She passed him the ball.

He caught it and took a shot.

What a wonderful time he had.

This will linger in our memories always.

The kids are so supportive of each other.

They get the daily struggles each faces.

I hope this is always a part of our lives!

These are the sports stories that deserve media coverage.

Sweet time!

2011-10-26T19:35:00.004-04:00

Angie and her son Alex still in the Dominican Republic

Visit her site: Our Treasure our Heart

I have no pictures from today.

Just my memories.

I spent some time with my sisters in Christ today praying for a dear friend.

Right up at the top of me list of favorite things is to hear my sisters praying, out loud, guards down for one another.

We decided to fast for 24 hours and join together in prayer to help bring our friend home.

She left for the Dominican Republic on June 10th for an adoption.

Today, October 26th her little boy and husband are still there.

She came home for a short two week break.

Following God's call is never easy.

It requires sacrifice.

It is putting your total trust in the One who called you to never leave you or forsake you.

We had such a sweet time of prayer. It is hard to see her go back.

Only God knows for sure when she and Alex will come home and be reunited as a family.

Please pray for my friend and her family.

Fall Fun!

2011-10-20T07:46:00.012-04:00

AWW SHUCKS!

That's the name of the farm we headed to last weekend.

They have all kinds of fun fall activities.

It was a very warm day but we had a blast!

Adam had fun in the fishing cabin.

Sammy loved the slide.

There's a little fishing pond...

and a hay ride.

The highlight of the farm is the corn maze.

The weather is finally getting cooler here.

I love fall!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T08:26:00.003-04:00

Strong and Courageous

2011-10-16T18:24:00.003-04:00

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you;

He will never leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Adam loves his shirt from Wild Olives.

He chooses to wear it quite often.

I love the verse on the back.

Happy Sunday!

A Blessing

2011-10-12T15:33:00.010-04:00

Last night was such a blessing to us.

We hosted our friend Naphtaly Mattah all the

way from Mfango Island in Lake Victoria.

He came to Charlotte to continue his work translating the bible

to the language of the Suba people.

It took 20 years to complete but last Spring the Suba

people finally had a bible in their own language.

Realizing some people could not read their own language he came back to JAARS to record an audio version of the bible. His people will have it to listen to if they are unable to read.

The word dedicated comes to mind when I think of Naphtaly.

He was also given a vision to help the children of Mfangano Island

that have been orphaned losing their parents to AIDS.

He runs a school called Gethsemane Garden Christian Center.

He cares for over 500 children there.

He and his staff educate them, teach them about AIDS and how to prevent it, and most importantly teach them about the love of a heavenly father.

It is a privilege to be involved with this work and to know Naphtaly.

We gathered last night to hear more of the stories of the children.

It is always compelling and leaves us knowing there is so much to do, so many needs.

I grabbed my camera at the end of the evening.

The sight of Adam, Naphtaly and Sir Purr on the den floor was just needing to be captured!

The three of them were drawing pictures.

Naphtaly quoted scripture in the Suba language.

He taught us several greetings in his language.

It was a blessed evening for all who were there!

Look who's home

2011-10-09T05:00:00.002-04:00

It's fall break for most colleges around here.

So what do you do at fall break when you have no money?

You come home to your family!

And then your mom talks you into a photo shoot.

Only after you've been mauled by the little kids.

And you miss breakfast because apparently 12:30 pm is the time you wake up.

Seriously though it is good to have him here for the long weekend.

He, his dad, and his two brothers are out fishing as I type this post.

It's a been a great weekend!

Too much of a good thing!

2011-10-08T09:36:00.004-04:00

The other night we dining on the porch.

The weather here in Charlotte has been perfect and our back

porch is the perfect spot to enjoy this weather.

I was serving Chicken Squares which is shredded chicken,

mixed with cream cheese rolled in a crescent roll.

C.J. announce at the table "This is the third time this week

that we have had something rolled up in a crescent roll".

O.K. I have to admit that advertising works on me.

I saw the commercials for the hot dogs wrapped in

crescent rolls with a slice of cheese in them.

I thought the kids would love them!

So I made them twice in a week.

Then with the leftover rolls I made chicken squares.

Greg said "Your mother is all about cooking around a theme

and this week's theme is crescent rolls".

I told him I always have one theme and that is to feed all of you!!!

Anyways.....

Pillsbury, thank you for all the wonderful ideas on how to feed my family.

They are so appreciative!

Could you please show me what else can be wrapped up in a crescent roll?

I am sure they will LOVE it!

I will Follow

2011-10-05T15:04:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I was alone in the car with these two.

We had the sunroof open and the radio up.

As we drove along I heard the sweetest sound.

These two little Chinese cuties were singing to the top of their lungs.

I have heard them sing before.

Maybe it was the words they were signing that really got to me.

Where You go, I'll go
Where You stay, I'll stay
When You move, I'll move
I will follow You
Who You love, I'll love
How You serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow You
I will follow You

My babies don't know it but they are singing about some pretty big stuff.

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me,

he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

I pray they will always follow Him!

Coming to an end!

2011-10-02T09:36:00.008-04:00

You know the saying...

All good things must come to an end.

And this has been a very good thing!

Our lease of Marshmallow is almost over.

Marshmallow is a young pony but because of a bad ankle

she is only allowed to walk/trot from here on out.

No more jumping.

Each pony has its unique personality.

I call Marshmallow the Princess.

She hates to have her ears touched.

She can be some what grumpy at times.

She loves to go fast and sometimes is hard to slow down.

She loves to be loved on and is one of the favorites among the pony crazy girls at the barn.

It has been a wonderful experience for us to lease Marshy!

We have enjoyed our time with her!

Now we are back to the same question we were at year ago.

To lease....or not to lease????

A Win!

2011-09-25T17:57:00.011-04:00

Guess where we went today?

We were invited by Adam's new friend Miss Jenn to a Panther's game!

Here they are together.

I think they look alike in this photo.

She hooked us up with field passes too.

Cam spotted Adam and came over to catch up before the game.

A few pointers from Adam and Cam was ready for the game.

High five and good luck!

Another visit from one of his buds.

And of course his favorite Sir Purr.

Adam had a gift for Sir Purr.

A framed picture of the two of them.

It was so sweet.

And to top it all off....We WON!!!

Way to go Panthers!

Good Strong Legs

2011-09-22T13:30:00.006-04:00

What do you do when you just need a pair of good strong legs?

You use your daddy's!

Today was the Boosterthon Fun Run fundraiser for our school.

The goal is to make as many laps around the track as you can.

Pledges were made per lap completed.

Adam borrowed his dad's legs for this event.

No walker or wheelchair would do for this grassy track.

This is why Adam's dad is the best dad in the world!

G-diddy you rock!!!!!

Sam's Pony Party

2011-09-20T12:15:00.015-04:00

I'm playing catch up again.

This was supposed to be my Sunday Snapshot but here it is Tuesday afternoon.

I have just enough time to blog before it is time for piano, orthodontist appointment, basketball workout, horseback riding and a meeting at the middle school.

Should be done around 8:00.

We will throw dinner and baths into the mix and call it a day!

Samantha enjoyed her week long long B-day celebration.

We kicked it off with a fun card from the fabulous Miss Anne.

Samantha loved it!

Later that day we had dinner on the porch, mac and cheese of course!

The long awaited DS made it's appearance.

It didn't stay in the box long and then we never heard from Sam for the rest of the night.

We finally found the secret to keeping her quiet.

These are the cutest cowboy and cowgirl I have ever seen!!

Saturday was Sam's pony party.

Cute jeans!!

We had so much fun and the weather was so cool.

We started a fire outside and just hung out while the girls rode the pony and played games.

The birthday crew.

Blue was such a sweet pony.

Mr. Greg took everyone on a hayride.

Next to the pony this was the favorite activity.

When they came back all the kids were saying "Howdy Ya'll".

Time for cake...

...and presents.

Her special friend, born in the same province of China, adopted to a family

5 minutes from us and in the same kindergarten class.

I hope they are friends for a long long time.

What a fantastic day we had.

When everyone left she came up to me and thanked me for the party.

She said I was the best mom and she loved her party.

I love you too and you are the best Sammy!!!

So much to blog....

2011-09-16T08:59:00.010-04:00

...so little time

Last week Adam was invited to a breakfast club meeting.

There were some movers and shakers there.

Like Sir Purr...

and Hugh McColl....

and former Panther players.

Adam took his seat for breakfast.

It was hard to eat when everyone wants to talk to you.

During breakfast Adam announced he needed more grits.

One of those former Panther players jumped up and got him a plate full of grits.

No kidding!!

But Adam was there for a job.

His job was to introduce Mr. Richardson.

Known to Adam as Cam's boss.

So Sir Purr carried him up and he did his job "Mr. Richardson, please join us on stage".

Nice job Adam!

Check out his face.... He loves the Top Cats!

Almost as much as he loves Sir Purr!

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-12T07:32:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Samantha,

Happy Birthday to you!

Is it possible you are 6 years old?

You love kindergarten, your family, bubba and bear, talking, macaroni and cheese,

eating out, any social event, playing tennis, dance, and gymnastics.

You do not like going to bed (afraid you might miss something), being quiet, cleaning up your toys, thunder, storms of any kind, and being away from mama!

You are perfect just the way you are!

We love you Sammy girl!

Hard Stuff

2011-09-09T09:11:00.003-04:00

Parenting is hard!

We have had our fair share of hard this past summer.

This is even harder.

My boy wants to walk.

He keeps asking me when he is going to be able to walk without the walker.

He told me this morning that everyone at school stares at him.

He told me he just wants to walk like me, his, dad, Stephen and C.J..

He told me he just wants to be like his family.

What do I say?

He is who God created him to be.

If I say that will he be upset with God?

If he didn't have Spina Bifida he would be living in Yungcheng with his biological family.

I can't tell him that. Not now.

How do you get a 5 1/2 year old to understand and accept himself the way he is.

All he wants is to run with his friends on the playground.

This is hard stuff!

Any advice from my loyal followers?

My heart is hurting today!!

Gotcha Day Photos 2011- Then and Now

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T08:23:00.020-04:00

The weekend started off like most others.

We had a middle school football game for AK.

Right after that we changed from our orange and blue to our purple and gold!

We headed down to Bank of America Stadium for the Pirates game.

We just can't get away from football.

Stephen came home to join in the fun.

The team looked great and we thought they might win.

They were leading at the half.

They ended up losing but I would say the fans had a great time anyway.

We are the Pirates of E-C-U hey!

Sunday was Gotcha day and we had Chinese food for lunch.

Adam was very upset that the day was all about Sam and wanted to know when it would be all about him.

Samantha on the other hand loved all the attention.

And soaked it all up on her special day.

Later on Sunday we played tennis.

We needed to work off some of that chocolate cake.

Sammy was our ball girl.

Every now and then Greg would give her a mini lesson.

We played doubles with Stephen and his girlfriend Megan.

Stephen is safely back at school.

We had a great weekend together!!!

Gotcha Day: 5 Years!!!

2011-09-04T07:23:00.012-04:00

September 4th 2006

It was the best day!

Gao Shao Gan was so scared and so sweet.

In this picture I am wearing a blue bracelet I tied on my wrist during a

Bible Study called believing God by Beth Moore.

It was a reminder of what we were believing God was doing in our life.

I wore it for two years trusting God that he would bring this little girl home.

I have it safely put away to be pinned under her wedding gown as her "something blue".

Our first moment together caught by C.J.

Audrey Kate was so happy to be a big sister.

Everyone was crying and so happy.

What is this little one thinking of her new mommy?

Daddy was in love with her and still is!

The Chinese Character around my neck means mother and daughter.

Thank you God for the gift of Samantha.

She is sweet, loving, smart, spunky, in charge, a great helper, a little mama, a pleaser, happy, silly, a great dancer, strong and a treasure to us!

I will update later this afternoon with photos from our day.

P.F. Changs and lots of pictures are to come!

Happy Gotcha Day my Sammy girl.

I just couldn't imagine my life without you!

Dance!

2011-09-03T10:49:00.010-04:00

AK is loving her new dance team!

A couple of weeks ago her team participated in the varsity Maverick Walk.

I took a picture of the new #5.

He is quite a bit smaller than our#5.

The team is so cute!

That's our girl!

The team really looks good!

I am trying to post a video of the performance.

Yes, I am still learning how to use this thing!

Click here to link to the video

Today was the BIG day!

2011-08-29T07:23:00.011-04:00

Wake up sleepy head!

They were both happy and excited about the first day of school.

Adam's bus comes early.

He was slightly nervous when they were loading him.

This was new experience for all of us.

As usual he was all smiles.

I used to be a public school special education teacher.

I have some experience on that side of this.

However, today as a parent, I have a whole new appreciation for what it

feels like to send your child with special needs off to school.

It was hard to do!

Next it was Sammy's turn.

She is ready to take charge of the school.

And there she goes!

She will do great.

I think I should have titled this post:

"So what do I do now?"

My children are all in school.

I thought I would feel like I have my life back.

The truth is my life got on a school bus this morning and left.

And now I am just sad.

It's going to be a long day!

The End of Summer

2011-08-25T10:42:00.010-04:00

Summer is officially over.

Another new chapter has begun.

We have had a good summer.

The constant eating has come to an end.

There has been more fried bologna and Ramen noodles consumed than

I would like to admit to. The three older kids all think they are cooks now and could be found in the kitchen this summer on a regular basis. However, what they cook is mostly limited to fried bologna and Ramen noodles.

Parts of our summer were hard but overall we enjoyed it.

C.J. started the 11th grade today.

Audrey Kate had her first day of middle school.

Samantha and Adam start kindergarten next week due to a staggered start.

Adam's bus driver did not realize his first day was not until Monday.

This morning while I was making breakfast before anyone was up I noticed flashing red lights in the cul-de-sac. I looked out the window and saw Adam's bus, parked with the wheelchair ramp down, waiting for him.

I ran out in my P.J.'s and explained to him about the staggered start.

He said he would be back next week for him.

Adam is so excited to ride the bus!

A New Chapter

2011-08-24T08:54:00.008-04:00

We have turned the page to a new chapter.

We took our firstborn to college last week.

We helped him settle in as much as we could.

He had his first college class yesterday.

We have received one text from him since last Friday.

He said he was very happy.

What more could we ask for?

(good grades might be one thing)

While we were at ECU I introduced him to a special place.

I was once a Pirate too so I do know a little bit.

Cubbies Cheesesteak is a must!

We had lunch there before we left.

Both Greg and Stephen agreed it was great!

In Stephen's text he told us he has already eaten there again.

Just like the good ol' days.

More new chapters are coming to our home.

I am just trying to keep up!

Today's the Day!

2011-08-18T07:30:00.002-04:00

Time to move on...

Say goodbye to his old life...

Embrace a new experience...

Live on his own...

Make his own decisions...

and mistakes...

Make new lifelong friends...

Sure will be different around here.

We are leaving for ECU today!

Go Pirates!

Adam Update -Part 2

2011-08-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to be Back to Football!

No one is as excited as Adam.

Ever since he was drafted he truly believes he is a Panther.

The Carolina Panthers are a top notch organization on every level.

Adam welcomed Cam Newton to his team and even

agreed to share his # 1 jersey with Cam.

Adam was invited to a practice last week.

We hung out on the sidelines watching his team get ready for the season.

That's Cam wearing #1.

The players are all so nice and remember Adam.

After a long practice they still stop to talk and sign his football.

Danny Morrison stopped by.

So did Coach Rivera.

DeAngelo Williams is one of my favorites. He is so nice to Adam.

Here he is teaching him to fist pump then "Blow it Up!".

Jimmy Claussen gave Adam his towel.

Cam was walking up the hill and yelled Adam's name from far away.

No kidding!

He loved Samantha and talked with her for awhile then signed her shirt.

He signed Adam's football.

Then he asked Adam for his autograph.

Actually Adam signed three autographs that night.

Cam is such a nice kid. We really like him and we are glad he is a Panther!

Did you see them win the first preseason game?

We won 20 to 10 over the NY Giants.

It is going to be a fun season.

Adam is not only a football player, he now plays basketball.

He is on a team called the Rolling Bobcats.

He has a coach and teammates.

He had a blast at his first practice.

He just loves being part of a team.

Who wouldn't love this?

Adam has such a fun life.

Adam Update -Part One

2011-08-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

Adam had a neurosurgery checkup this week at Duke.

With a tethered cord there is always a chance of re-tethering.

We always pray for good news.

We were going every three months.

Then we went every six months.

But this last visit the doctors said he didn't want to see us again...

Until next summer!

WOO HOO!!

Once a year is the goal with all Adam's doctors.

We are pretty much there with all except urology.

It has been a medically challenging 18 months but it has paid off and now

Adam can start kindergarten with a year almost free of medical stuff!

Higher Education

2011-08-12T16:58:00.005-04:00

In many ways my family has already had

a Higher education this summer.

It involved learning to rely on our faith and trusting that God

knows the beginning and the end and everything in between.

Stephen's higher education has gone nothing like what we thought or hoped it would.

Once we thought for sure he was a Florida Gator.

We bought all the logo gear!

Then we were certain he was an Air Force Falcon!

Again we bought all the logo gear.

As it turns out he is actually a week away from being an ECU Pirate.

And yes, we bought all the logo gear.

What a journey to college he has had.

It truly is not over yet!

Stephen has two other options to finish his college career.

He has a chance to be a Tarheel in the Spring.

He was offered admission after an interview this summer.

While we were there guess what we did?

We bought logo gear. Just one T-shirt this time.

He also has been offered a chance to return

to the Air Force Academy next June.

I think instead of buying anymore logo gear I am going to have a

T-shirt printed with this verse on it.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.