Wow, how life has changed!

 Since I last posted on this blog we've added another child to our family (Christian Phoenix - he's almost 3). We've gone from private schoolers to public schoolers to home schoolers.   We've been through a lock down to a pandemic.  We've been on trips, taken lessons, changed churches, started gardens, been through life's ups and downs, and learned so very much. 

Dan created books for me from past blog entries, and the books are among my most treasured possessions.  I'm so thankful I recorded so many memories in this forum, and hopefully I'll add some more soon.

Christmas Break 2014

She's 5

*my sleepy girl this morning*

Elleana is 5 today!

How is it possible that my baby is 5?

She has been on the countdown for a few weeks,

and is so happy that her day is finally here.

She says she wants us to call her Leana now,

but we'll see if that sticks:-)

Sweet Turtle Dove,

I am so proud of you,

and am so glad that

God made me your mommy.

Love you to the moon and back,

all the time,

no matter what.

Love,

Mommy

Quiet

sweet elleana at bedtime

love that precious profile

While things have been quiet on the blog, real life has been anything but quiet.  End of school programs, dance competitions in Austin, a road trip to Houston, swimming lessons, summer fun at school, our garden project, birthday celebrations and much more.  It's been busy, with a little quiet, but mostly busy and fun.  I'll be back to blogging at some point!  I hope everyone is having a good summer.

Happy - Bethel China

Had to share this fun video from Bethel China - check it out: Here or play it below!




I stumbled across Bethel in January, and continue to be amazed by what they do!  Read more about their work with orphans with vision impairments in China: Here!

And of course, the precious kiddos:  Here!

We had been praying for Deborah, the little girl we sponsor, to find a family - and she has been matched with one!  So amazing to share with our kids that what they prayed for is coming true.

Lately

Our family has been busy and had lots of fun lately...

We did the Muscle Walk for MDA and were part of Jory's Hope for a Cure team.  The kids loved it, and Archer wants to run it next year.

Elle had her first dance competition, and performed beautifully with a huge smile on her face, and said afterwards "that was fun!"

We had a huge fundraiser called the International Food Festival at Archer's school. We were part of the Europe room.  Archer exclaimed after it was over "that festival was AWESOME!" as he jumped in the air!

I also took the kids to Sarah's grave for the first time.  It was a sweet moment as they picked out pretty tulips for her at the store, and placed them on her grave for her birthday. Elle said "I wish she were here, but at least she can run now (in heaven), instead of run with her wheels (wheelchair)."  We then went to Burger King and celebrated her birthday with cookies!