Adopted

We were walking out the door to go to church last night.  Ella and the preschool/elementary choirs were singing for special music.  We had a special Adoption Service.  WOW!  Many families spoke of adoption of an international child.  We know several families that have done this.  The story of their journey is incredible.  Jimmie spoke last night.  His message was not only adoption of a child but how God has adopted us into his family.  It is amazing how orphans and us have the same 4 examples

1.  leaning on other families to adopt them - we lean on God to adopt us

2.  unable to generate HOPE - God gives us the HOPE

3.  reliant on someone else - we are reliant on God

4.  inherit all rights of the family - we inherit all the rights once we accept God

God gives us adoption as a living breathing example so we can see it everyday.

Thanks to the families who shared their journeys

Thanks to the families who share their adopted children with us to see them grow

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red and Yellow, Black and White

They are precious in His sight

Jesus loves the little children of the world

Pray for the orphan, their forever families and those families who have a tugging in their hearts

Still Celebrating

Friday night mom and dad stayed to eat supper with us.  Garrett had requested a birthday cookie.  I baked the cookie.  Garrett wanted to decorate

Can you see the sweet little eyes watching over

Still designing

Ha!  He had fun.  Even though it may not look so well it was delicious.

Getting ready

Meme is taking us to see the production of the Wizard of Oz in a couple of weeks. 

Our Little Dorothy is ready.

Red shoes - Toto in the basket

Hair braided with blue and white check bows

We got the movie this weekend so she could watch it.

We are excited.

Happy 12th Birthday Garrett

The Years of Garrett since I have had a digital camera.  What fun to look at .

Big Brother for the second time - Baby Ella and Garrett - 7 years old

Garrett  ( 7 years old) and Seth

1st day of school - 3rd grader

8 years old

His second birth - 8 years old

First of all the hockey games

Garrett's birthday - 9 years old

10 years old



Beginning of 5th grade school year - 11 years old

Beginning of 6th grade school year

Happy 12th Birthday - getting ready for co-op

It was a wonderful day.  Garrett was smiling all day long.  He was so excited about it being his birthday.  We had co-op yesterday.  Then he had to deliver his 5 minute speech at Speech and Debate.  He even had hockey practice yesterday.  He really didn't mind going to co-op.  He couldn't believe that he had to give a speech on his birthday but going to hockey practice was on the top of his list.  His favorite thing to do and he gets to do it on his birthday.  I always give my children their birthday day off.  Since co-op was yesterday, I couldn't do that.  Needless to say, today is his day off.  He is so excited to be able to play his new Xbox all day today. 

First time at overnight camp for 5 days - 11 years old

Garrett,

     You are an amazing young man.  This is the year that you have really changed physically.  It is amazing how tall you are.  We think you are around 5'8" and weigh about 130 lbs.  You are a very smart young man.  You love the term "preteen".  You amaze us with your thinking and your learning.  You enjoy hanging out with your dad.  Every chance you get, you want to ride with your dad or go with your dad.  You are really trying to find your place - not child but not young adult.  You have stayed at home by yourself a few times.  You enjoy the responsibility of being able to stay by yourself. You loved being able to hang with buddies on the Disney Cruise. You absolutely love being in the Middle School Youth at church.  You have a true passion for family, giving to others and hockey.  Since you were very little, the hockey has never faded for once.  You amaze me with your knowledge of the game.  This has been the year of wanting to sleep late, not make your bed, leave your clothes all over the floor, wear dirty clothes out of the hamper because they are your favorite and not really doing your best but just getting done.  You love to hang out with friends.  Thank you for being a great kid.  Even though we stay on your case many times, you are a great son that is striving to live in this world by the Lord's standards and his calling for your life.  We pray for you a life with endless possibilities.  Happy 12th. 

Carving

Ella was thrilled - she dug right in - no questions asked

This was Jeff trying to cut open Seth's pumpkin - it was tough

I thought is was funny watching his face

Go Garrett Go Garrett

Seth's turn

Ella chose a cat

Gooey hands - this is the sweetest picture

All the pumpkins done -

Seth - a ghost      Garrett - face      Ella - cat

What traditions!!!  They are fun