Noelle and Hunter the aspiring photographers

Noelle and Hunter love taking pictures. Hunter took the picture of Noelle and I, and Noelle took all the others. She is getting very good. She is learning how to change the ISO and aperture settings. Noelle always amazes me with her creative vision. She is alot like me and Paul's mom. Paul's mom was very creative, she loved to paint and make things. She was very talented. Noelle has been blessed with that talent. As I type, she is in there painting a box. She loves doing crafts. Hunter on the other hand, may be more like Paul. He just got lucky with that one picture. He took alot of pictures and we were only in that one. Oh yeah, and I did get all my hair cut off. This is the first time I've had it that long and not donated it, but it was hot, and I was still 2 inches away from where I wanted it to be. Maybe I'll be more patient next time. But for now, the lighter hair is nice.

My Sweet Babies

When I had the camera out yesterday, I snapped these quick pictures of my babies. They always look so angelic in black and white. Notice the dirt all over Hunter's face. Oh man, I just love them. They are each so special and unique!

Panties, a Camp Fire, & Good Bye Training Wheels

Our precious little LeeLee, she is potty training, and I got her pretty panties from Gymboree (who by the way is the only one with panties small enough for her). She is in love with the panties. She carries them everywhere. When she gets in the wagon, she sits on one side, and puts the panties in the other seat. She carries them around everywhere. She has even made up a panty dance. We ate lunch today with a group that has adopted from China, it is sad when they tell me that Eleenah seems to be a really spunky. What happened to that shy little girl I read about in our paperwork? Today, Hunter built a campfire in front of the shark tent. He was so cute. He was pretending to roast marshmallows with the long stick. I often wonder what people think as they drive by (not that I really care), but I know we look like a white trash family sometimes. For instance, today we had a plastic slide, four bikes, a wagon, a tent, and a rock garden in the front yard. I guess though, you can't the fun we have without making a mess. Oh well, when the kids are all grown up, maybe I'll get my pretty yard. Noelle has learned to ride her bike without her training wheels. She is so good and fast. I think she's ready for a bigger bike, she just may have to wait for a gift giving occasion though. We are so proud of her! Way to go Noelle!

16 teenage boys in the basement

I don't know whether you want to call me brave of stupid, but I volunteered to host 16 boys at our house for a weekend. I figured I would go with boys, because I could only imagine what it would be like for that many girls to try to get ready for church at our house. So, boys it was. We were to provide a place to stay, and some of their meals. They were here to study the Passion for Purity, and True love Waits curriculum. Oh my, I'm not sure I knew what I was getting in too. When they arrived on Friday night, they dropped their stuff, then they headed out to see what they could get into. We were amazed as we watched them pull down a Kudzu vine and begin to swing across our creek like Tarzan. Then, it was on to our children's toys. We learned how fast a tricycle and wagon can fly down our driveway. They would start at the top on the tricycle, then the goal became to jump off before they fell in the creek. It was amusing to say the least. Also, on Friday night at about 1:00 a.m. there was a football game going on in the front yard, along with a guitar player and singers on the front porch. We were amazed that no one called the police. They all finally crashed around 4 a.m. We got up at 6 to prepare their breakfast. Around noon they headed to the church. They arrived back at our house around 7 pm for dinner. They just about ate us out of house and home. We were supposed to feed them on $50. Can we just say that didn't happen. After a few sessions, they were back at playing. I laughed when my neighbor called around 11:30 to say that it was really sad that I couldn't keep 10th graders off of my preschoolers toys. They eventually picked up one of our favorite pastimes, box sliding. They got pretty good at it, and that's what they were doing when I fell asleep. When I woke up, I found that 6 of them had slept outside. When I went downstairs, and got a smell of the basement I quickly understood why. I'm still battling the stinch that they left. It was an adventure, and we had a blast. It was great to see the kids make a commitment during a ring ceremony at chuch on Sunday Night to stay pure until they get married. I know statistics show that most of them will break this commitment, but I am praying for each of those boys that they will truly have a passion for purity.

Lizard Boy

Hey Hunter, whatcha got? Oh, you caught a lizard! I didn't know lizards would ride around on someone's ear for hours on end!

A Visit from Jenny

Some friends will always hold a special place in your heart. For me, Jenny is one of those special, irreplaceable friends. Jenny and I met in the 4th grade and were inseperable til her family moved away right before high school. I couldn't believe I had to go to high school with out her. Eventhough we have been apart all these years, we are still alot alike. We have both changed tremendously, but our changes have been the same. I will describe a little about her so you can see how much we are alike. She loves the Lord, and she loves the Bible. She loves the idea of family, and wants more than anything to see her children grow up to be servants for Christ. She is considering homeschooling her son for Kindergarten next year. She lives on land, in the country (this is my dream), and she loves animals. She also has a heart for adoption, and is hoping to adopt a child herself one day. She works with the youth at her church. Prior to having children, Jenny was a teacher. Does this sound like me or what? Oh, and I forgot that Jenny loves stamping and scrapbooking. I just wish that Jenny lived closer. She lives outside of Chattanooga which is about a 3.5 hour drive. Unfortunatley for her though, she hit trouble around Atlanta, and it took her much longer. Our children all had fun playing together. Her children, Jed and Jesse are so fun. Hopefully we will get a chance to go visit them soon. I miss Jenny so much. Her friendship is one that I will always treasure.

Spring Flower!

I think I have a problem on my hands. Eleenah knows she is cute! She makes a really special flower. When I see this it reminds me of a conference that I went to that was entitled, Bloom where your are Planted. LeeLee really has bloomed here. She continually amazes us!

Our Journey to Eleenah Video

I finally am getting around to posting the video of our journey to get Eleenah. Those of you with dial up may have trouble viewing the video. For everyone else, turn your speakers on and enjoy. I made this for Eleenah for Forever Family Day. She is so cute when she watches it.