504 Dutch Bunny

Our kids cook.

Each older child....four of them...have a day to do all the cooking each week.  It is a learning opportunity that lets them get to know the basics of cooking, doubling, tripling and even quadrupling some receipes and it builds great independent skills AND let's mom focus on a little one during meal time or help out with school work.

This kiddo knows her way around the kitchen.  She cooks one day on her own.  And then she helps again on Friday mornings making family breakfast.

Here she is sporting a western look....cute!

Today was learning experience when she put one of her favorite receipes in the oven...Dutch bunny.  

As we sat waiting and chatting this morning, I asked if something was burning but saw that we still had quite a few minutes in the timer.  What I didn't notice was the temperature my sweet pea put the oven on....5-0-4 degrees!  Yikes!

We had extra crispy Dutch bunny this morning.  Everyone was a trooper and ate it but none asked for their usual seconds and thirds.  That's okay....we have a good one to chuckle at and it was sure better than the brownies mom made camping a few years back that the friendly night visitor...a skunk ....wouldn't even eat!

A Precious Photo

Just received this photo of my dad from a Father's Day Choir this past June.

It was taken in the church I grew up in....the one my grandfather was a pastor in, my folks, my sister and I were all married in...one of those with lots of family history.

Loving this picture!

Happy Birthday Brandon

He couldn't wait....

He was counting the days down...

He spoke of it everyday.....and finally, finally...

It came!

12 year old but more important than that....

He can now ride in the front of the car.

The question then became..Can we go somewhere? Anywhere?

Preparing for China

Yesterday, our 3 travelers to China had an exciting adventure.

They met with a travel doctor to make sure they are up to date on their shots.  They each were given one shot and pills to take every other day.  They were also given some medicine to travel with just in case.

Here is our daughter, Michaela, and our son, Michael.

Here is dad chatting with the doctor.

Never so excited for shots!

China Paperwork Update Excitement This Morning

On Thursday of last week, we received our 1-800 approval. That paperwork states that the boys can enter the U.S. as relatives immediately.

This morning came our NVC came.  That is our approval to apply for their Visas.  We will apply for those today.

All being said....we are excited waking up this morning!  

Everybody Needs A Hug Once in a While

One amazing thing that has blossomed in our family as our kids have found a new place is their extreme compassion for one another.

I know these aren't the best pictures but just felt they were such an encouragement...

Yesterday I heard these sweet words from our boy who has struggled the most as he comforted one of our other  boys who was having a difficult day making good choices.  ."it's okay.  We all make mistakes and struggle.  I love you."

My heart melted.

He gets it....yes, we all make mistakes and have consequences from our mistakes but finding forgiveness in all of it is a gift we give ourselves and those who love us....love us in hard places.

Speaking words of encouragement.

You can't see from this perspective but there are 2 kiddos just giving comfort to this boy.  His heart melted at their love for him....it was a sweet time for all of our children.

Thought of this verse as I witnessed this....

9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.

Canobie Lake Park - Foster Adoption Day

Today we we blessed to be given 7 tickets for our adopted children and discounted tickets for us to Canobie Lake Park.

Michaela took her older siblings for the big rides while Louisa and I took the younger kids.

Fun was had by all