Fun Day Sunday 274/365

Since it was raining, and we were all craving some good family time, we headed out to the bowling alley.  We don't go much, so it would be a special treat.

Hunter ended up modifying his technique.  He called it the granny roll.

He would hold this pose the entire time while waiting for his ball to slowly make it down.

 Some people (hmmm, I won't say who) had trouble getting the ball to go in the right direction.

But when it did go in the right direction, there were small victories to be celebrated.

 Some had large victories to celebrate!

Hunter was thrilled anytime he got down at least half.

 We have finally found something that LeeLee is not good at.  It was very frustrating for her, because generally she is just naturally good at everything.

At the end of the first game, I helped her bowl her last few frames.  She finally got some pins down, so that made her happy and grateful. 

All of our hard effort was in vain though, this guy beat us!!  We have one competitive family, so he was thrilled to walk away with the rights to brag tonight.  I'm going to have to practice and schedule a rematch!  We had a great Sunday!

Woofstock 273/365

It is an off football weekend for Auburn, so that means it is time to head to the park with the dogs for the annual Woofstock celebration to benefit our local humane society.  It is all about the dogs.  There are dogs everywhere, and vendors giving away all kinds of fun dog stuff.    One of the highlights is always a visit from Aubie.  Rags doesn't much care for Aubie, he never has, so I was so proud of him for being a good boy and sitting right next to him.  Aubie and dogs, it doesn't get much better than that! Well football, Aubie, and dogs mixed all together may be better....Just saying!

Let the Transformation Begin 272/365

Different room in my house often take on different looks during the weekend.  This afternoon, my living room was transformed into a schoolroom.  The tented area is a library.  There was lots of giggles and fun going on, so I don't mind the mess.

Team Spirit 271/365

Noelle's school is all about the team concept.  Each team has different hall, colors, and mascots.  They all learn cheers then have a giant pep rally where they battle each other to win for the most spirit.  So, today her entire team of over 100 all had their faces painted and their hair sprayed blue for the highly anticipated competition. I had the privilege of painting lots of those faces. She is doing the CC symbol above her head which stands for her team, the Cosmic Cats.  They looked looked a little out of this world.

Flat Church 270/365

Tonight at church in missions, the girls talked about church planting.  They then built little churches out of wood sticks and tape.  When I went to pick them up there was a room full of square little churches.  Each one with a cross on the top.  Then, there was Hope......

 Hope made a straight church.  As she was walking towards me, I couldn't help but smile.  Then it got even better because she put it on the floor and said, "Look mom at my church, I even made this little thingy so it would stand up."

Seriously genius if you ask me!  Granted I'm not quite sure where the people sit on the inside, but it looks awesome from the front.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:17

Oh the Things I Find 269/365

Today I discovered tons of pictures taken with the ipad.  Of course none of them are great, but I have just laughed at what pictures and video are on there.  I keep wondering.....Where was I when these were being taken?  Most of the funny ones are of LeeLee.  She is quite the talker and singer.  I also wondered where I was when she took the beds apart upstairs then used the bedrail as a beam between two pieces of furniture then did a cartwheel on it.  Glad I've got that one on video!  I loved finding these little blurry treasures today.  They just represent the crazy little life we lead inside this house of ours, and I can assure you, it is NO ordinary life.

She Thinks She is an Angel 268/365

LeeLee has way to much time on her hands on Monday afternoons.  It is the only day of the week when she can just be home to play after homework.  She finishes the entire weeks worth of homework in about ten minutes, then she is off.  Today she dressed up and came down and exclaimed, "I'm an angel."  One thing LeeLee does not lack is self confidence.  LeeLee then said, "I could just be an angel for Halloween you know because I really am one in real life!"  I know LeeLee is far from an angel in real life, but she sure is an angel to me.

Cactus Mouth 267/365

I had never heard of it before today, but now I am a believer that cactus mouth really exists.  I was taking pictures of a sweet senior this afternoon when Hunter comes running out of nowhere and says, "I have pokey things all over my tongue and between my teeth."  Well, it didn't quite sound exactly like that, his tongue was stuck out and the way he was saying it was kind of distorted.  He also got out the words, "I need medical care."  Meanwhile he is frantically pulling at his tongue with his fingers.  After some coaxing I found out that Hunter stuck his tongue up to a cactus because he had heard that a cactus will give you water.  We washed his tongue out and continued to pull the little thorns out of his tongue. I'll also let you know that I was not compassionate about this at all.  I helped him get the water on so he could rinse his mouth and of course photograph it so we will never forget just how ridiculous Hunter can sometimes be.  Love the boy, but sometimes I just have to wonder.

Better Than Expected 266/365

My boys just got back from the Auburn vs. LSU game.  I was worried about how it was going to go, but was pleasantly surprised that Auburn actually played a great game.  We weren't the winners in the end, but I am so proud of the team.

Hunter had a good day at program selling.  He fell short of selling his goal, as did everyone else, so I think next game we are going to bring along his dog and his energetic sister.

There is Always One 265/365

The kids got a special treat tonight.  One of their favorite college girls came and kidnapped them tonight to take them to see Madagascar 3 on campus.  Kelsey, who is just like an older daughter to us, and her friend took all four munchkins to dinner and the movie.  You would think that dinner would be enough, but no, she spoiled them with popcorn and treats at the movie.  Let's not even mention the fact that she had cookies for them in her purse.  They all loved their time with her, and they are worn out......just look at their poor little eyes.  Well, that would be everyone but one!  Thanks Kelsey for loving on my clan, we all love ya!

He Shines Too 264/365

Hunter was picked for the second character trait of the year.  He just came home with his award for being Helpful.  That award definitely fits him as he really does love to help.  I think acts of service is his love language, because it is the one he performs the most for others.  I'm proud of my helpful little fellow.

Two Years of Blessings 263/365

Two years.  Two beautiful years have flown by!  I walked by my pictures that are in the kitchen today, and when I saw this picture of Hope, I couldn't help but think about everything that picture represents.  You see, six years ago in Walmart, I found four frames on clearance and bought them all.  I then came home and added words to all of them.  Hunter's frame said "Dream."  Noelle's said "Create Yourself" and LeeLee's had the fitting word "Believe."  I had the fourth extra frame, and I went ahead and put the word laughter on it.  I think that I was secretly hoping there was another little face to put in the frame, but I went ahead and tucked it away in an upstairs closet.  It sat in that closet for almost four years when I pulled it out before we went to get Hope and put her picture in it so then when she got home her picture would already be on the board.  I chose this little picture of her playing with the precious smile on her face because it was one of the pictures that had drawn my heart so close to her.  How was I to know six years ago that the word laughter would be so fitting for a little girl that I didn't even know existed?

Hope is a ball of contagious joy!  She is always smiling.  She has the ability to makes others smile too, to the point that people, especially grown ups, want to spend time with her because she fills their hearts with joy.  Hope also laughs at herself.  When other kids would probably cry at their shortcomings, Hope just laughs.  I will never forget getting an email from her teacher saying, "One of the problems I am having with Hope is that every time she falls, she laughs."  To which I responded, "Honestly, I am happy that she laughs at herself, it is much better than any alternative I can think of. Since she unfortunately falls all the time, at least she can laugh at herself about it."  I never heard back from her teacher on that one.  I love Hope's laughter just as much as I love laughing at and with her.

My Precious Hope,

I can't believe that I have had the privilege of being your mommy for two years now.  I remember when  I first saw your picture and the tug at my heart, that could only be from God, letting me know that you were something special.  The day we met two years ago, I was already so in love with you, and my love for you has only grown stronger.  You, sweet Hope, inspire me to be so much more.  I am in awe of your perseverance, I feel like the whole world could learn a lesson from you on that one.  Thank you for your gift of laughter to our family.  You fill our walls with joy.  

Just as I love calling you my daughter, I also love hearing you call me mom.  When we met, you were so excited to show your new family off to people, and you haven't changed a bit.  I had fun at school today with you, and before I even saw your face tons of people had already told me how excited you were that I was there. It's nothing new for me to be a school, I'm there all the time, but each time, you are so excited to show me off, and say "that's my MOM!"   I wish every mom could feel as important as you make me feel.  

So cutie pie, Thanks!  Thanks for being my girl.  You are perfect in every way, and I am proud to call you my daughter.  You are a blessing that I can't imagine living without.  Happy forever family day to you!

Love you more than the sun, and the moon, and the stars in the sky,
Mom
XOXO

Just a Few 262/365

Once I process a few of my favorite pictures, I go back through and always find ones that speak to me for one reason or another and then I work on those.

 These three for whatever reason just couldn't be left out.

And because Hope asked if I would put them on, here they are!  This week will be a bit of Hope overload as tomorrow is our big "Family Day!"  

She's A Star 261/365

That's right ladies and gentlemen, LeeLee is a star!  Just ask her, I'm sure she will be more than happy to tell you all the reasons why.  However, this time she really was a star, and I am so proud of what she was chosen for.  Each week students are chosen for the star student awards based on the character trait of the week, and the first trait of the school year was "Being Considerate."  This is an award that prior to 18 months ago, she would have never gotten, instead she would have been a more likely candidate for selfishness.  But, her heart has done a one eighty, and now she truly is considerate.  She was picked for this award because of how she helps Hope.  LeeLee is the baby of the two, but she watches Hope's struggles and helps her with class work, and also makes sure that she includes Hope when she plays.  LeeLee is popular, so when other kids want to play with her, she pipes up and says, "that's fine, but you will have to play with my sister too."  Y'all, it just makes me want to cry.  My precious LeeLee has come so far, in learning to look around and see what she can do for others instead of what they can do for her.  My mommy heart is so proud!

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4

A Reflection of Perfection 260/365

Two years ago, I was in China on the beginning of our journey to bring home Hope.  I remember being a little nervous about exactly what I was getting myself into.  I had known with every fiber of my being that she was our daughter, but the unknowns surrounding her file had me wondering what she was really going to be like.

She came to us so easily on that chilly September day in Inner Mongolia.  She came through the door that day and leapt into the arms of her daddy, and never looked back.  She was ready for her adventure.

An adventure is exactly what she has gotten.  So have we.  Hope loves being a part of a family.  She truly was our little missing piece.  She brought harmony to our house in a way that I never knew a little girl could.

I praise God daily that our entire family took the leap of faith needed to bring Hope home.  Our two years have been richer, stronger, and more delightful because our precious girl joined us.

As for that crazy file of hers, the unknowns all ended up being just as I suspected.  However, I can tell you that when I read that file for the first time three years ago, I thought to myself in spite of it all, that she was perfect.  Now two years in, again in spite of it all,  I will declare the same....Hope is perfect, I wouldn't want her any other way.  If you ever have the privilege of spending any time with my girl, you will understand, your life will be changed simply by getting to know her.  How blessed we are!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Programs, Get Your Programs 259/365

Like I said last Saturday, I love football Saturdays, win or lose.  Home games are the best, and I was thrilled to see campus full of people today, the true Auburn faithful.  On my way to help Hunter sell programs, I had to walk through the lawn of Samford Hall, and I couldn't help but stop and just gaze for a minute.  There is just something about that building that I love.

It wasn't hard to find my little hard worker.  Hunter was definitely the loudest program seller I saw.  He usually yells, "Programs, get your programs, only five dollars."  However today I heard him say, "Programs, get your programs before I die," and "programs, get your programs please, it's hot and I want to go home!"  It worked for him.  I am always proud of Hunter when he sells.  He hustles, is always so polite to his customers.  He has some that search for him each game, because they really enjoy him and think he is a neat kid.  I happen to think so too!

He's Happy 258/365

When Hunter gets home from school, he always heads out back to check on his chickens, then it is straight to the creek to see what he can find.  Today he came up to the house with this little one.  Generally we don't see the bull frogs, we only hear them, so he was excited.  It's the first one we have seen since last winter.

We had tons of bull frog tadpoles, so we know they are around.  They really are such beautiful creatures, and they make Hunter oh so happy!

I Almost Lost a Gem 257/365

I have several cameras.  Two of them are my good cameras, and then there is another one that I always have on hand.  I always refer to it as my breakable one.  I generally keep it in my purse so I can have a camera with me at all times.  It is the one the kids are allowed to use.  I also took it yesterday when Noelle and I traveled to camp.  When I was downloading her pictures I came across this one, that I had totally forgotten about taking, and I laughed.  I can't let it go without documenting it, so here it is.

This is James.  He went with me to China, and was amazing by the way.  He and the rest of the group came to eat with us and James tells us that he found his first grey hair.  Hope pulled it out for him.  She actually has one in her fingers in this picture.  We discovered though that there were more, and after just a bit, James's eyes were watering because Hope was pulling out all kinds of hair.  I know this may not be funny to most, but if you know both James and Hope, this is hilarious!

Back to Camp 256/365

Today I got to go back to one of my old college stomping grounds with Noelle.  I love Camp ASCCA.  It has always been near and dear to my heart.  If you haven't heard of it, I encourage you to look it up, especially if you are one of my adoptive mom friends of a special needs kiddo.  This place is amazing.  I spent countless hours there in college working with all kinds of kids with disabilities, because Camp ASCCA is 100% accessible.  It opens up a whole new world for kids.  Even the zip line that Noelle did today was designed for any child to use.

I loved getting to share some of my old adventures with her today as her heart is very tender towards these things too.

ASCCA has added a few new things since I was there, and this has to be my favorite one.  Noelle loved it.  As we were coming home, she said, "I think I would like to work there someday. I never realized that ASCCA could help people do all of those things."  She and I talked about a testimony I had heard of a young lady who was paralyzed from the waist down.  This lady said that when she was little that she looked forward to summer so much because she would be seen as perfect by everyone that worked at ASCCA, that she would be accepted and loved just like she was during her brief summer weeks at camp.  Then when her parents deemed her to old to go to camp, she longed to feel like that again.  Then she discovered that our Heavenly Father felt the same way about her, and accepted Christ.  It was so good to be back today.  Even in the hustle and bustle of life, I often think back to special memories of ASCCA.

The Old Is New 255/365

I'm kinda in a out with the old, in with the new phase.  Oh wait, I'm just really in an out with the old phase.  I don't want anything new coming in.  I'm not really a fan of stuff.  The essentials, yes, but the fluff, NO!  I have been going through some old things, and slowly but surely, they are heading out the door.  Every once in awhile though, something catches someone's eye, and it gets to hang around a little longer.  Hope discovered this Dora princess that Noelle had when she was little.  She has been fascinated with her, despite the fact that we have not put batteries in her yet to show Hope what she really does.  But Hope sees some beauty in this doll, and I don't think I realized how much.  In the hustle and bustle of life, I wasn't paying attention to Hope.  She came outside to find me to show me her creation.  Hope's rendition of Dora simply amazes me.  It may not look like what a typical eight year old would draw, but I see so much more in this simple cut out.  I see how far my precious girl has come.  Her determination to try and try again is paying off.  She is developing skills that she has never had before, and I for one am oh so proud!

The Brighter Side 254/365

While the pictures I posted yesterday show Noelle's serious side, she has a cute spunky side too.  Once she was up in the vineyard, her precious smile peeked through.

She is such a delight!  This picture is one that will be framed in the house soon, I love it!

Isn't She Lovely 253/365

This afternoon, I got to spend a little bit of time with my oldest.  I realized a few weeks ago that it has been awhile since we ventured out to take portraits.  While I always have a camera handy, I often forget to document my children individually.  Noelle makes the perfect model.

It is hard for me to believe that she is growing up.  I don't think I was ready for a middle schooler.  She was supposed to stay little forever.

How come no one has figured out how to stop time yet?  Hunter is my little inventor, maybe I will get him working on that one.

War Eagle Anyway! 252/365

Hunter is my little football buddy.  He loves Auburn, and everything about it.  He loves football season and all the fun it brings.

However, while watching the game today we thought we could just choke each other and put ourselves out of the misery of watching our season.

We also wrestled trying to show the defense how to grab someone and take them down.  They never did catch on to what we were desperately trying to teach them.

We clearly have lost all hope in having a good football season.  We both give this season a thumbs down.

But, we can still smile at the end.  The reason for our smiles are because we know that football is just a game.  It in no way defines our Auburn.  You see, we are Auburn.  It is a spirit that isn't about winning or losing.  It isn't about what happens in the four quarters of a football Saturday.  It is about being part of a family.  A family that is filled with people who possess impeccable spirit, pride, and sense of joy just by stepping on the rolling plains of Auburn that they once called home.  It is about knowing that you are part of something that lasts through triumphs and turmoil, and it's core never changes.  So, as these football Saturdays come and go, I will be there cheering on my Auburn.  Hunter will be on the corner selling programs to his loyal customers, that no matter what our season looks like, will buy from him, just because it is their tradition.  We will watch the eagle fly in amazement, sing our national anthem, cheer on our team with pride as they take the field, and all the while I will think about our creed.  It just doesn't get any better than the last line...And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it!