besties...

These two are so cute together!

We all love you, sweet C.!!!

good stuff

Six months of good love-stuff...

 

We are so blessed by this sweet boy!!!

eight years of loveliness

Eight years ago, this lovely young lady joined our family.

Yana was a sweet, vivacious, energetic, fun-loving seven-year-old who stole David and my hearts.

It took over a year-and-a-half to finalize Yana's adoption. We were so happy that she was now officially our daughter!

 

 Yana is growing into such a beautiful young woman. She still loves to have fun, but she also has a deep, thoughtful side that is a joy to see more of each year.

Thank you, Jesus, that you have knit our family together by Your own amazing design! Thank you especially today for Yana. She is so wonderful! Thank you that Yana is our beloved daughter. Thank you for eight years of watching her grow and mature. Thank you for Your constant love for her and for our family.

We love you, Yana! We are so glad that we get to see your lovely self each and every day!

KC and MN

Yikes...so much to write about, but so little time to actually write!

I guess that these photos (and short captions) will have to do for now!

 

We took a short jaunt to Kansas City to check out housing, pray for more direction and meet people. We took a fun break at a free water park. The kids had a great time!

 

Lily, Alyssa (friend and daughter of the family whom we are moving to KC with) and Yana...aren't they beautiful?!

 

I can't wait to write more about our upcoming move, but will have to save that for another post!

 

After KC, we drove directly to my parent's house in MN. My mom is an artist and taught art for many years. The girls had a great time painting with her.

 

 

 My dad enjoys a good game of solitaire whenever he's up to it.

 

Isn't my mom lovely?! I hope I look this good in 30 years!

Aunt Angela, being silly with her nieces and nephews.

Grace and Kaikai wanted to have a party for Adam, because "he is always so nice to us!"

I walked in on Yana and my dad, chatting about heaven. Please keep my dad in your prayers. He's had some rough days, but he's hanging in there.

 

So thankful for our time in KC and for time with my wonderful family.

 

a bouquet of blessings

Oh my gracious! I can hardly believe how blessed we have been by this sweet boy!

A few weeks ago, Kaikai saw his daddy bring home flowers for me. Then, on Mother's Day, Yana gave me some beautiful flowers, as well.

Well, this boy got to thinking, and decided that he wanted to buy his mama some flowers too. So, yesterday he asked his daddy to take him out to do an errand. Then, he spent all of his money and picked out the most amazing Kaikai bouquet. I love it!

And most of all, I love my sweet son!

Thank you, Jesus, for this precious, precious boy! He fills every day with an amazing bouquet of blessings!

in full swing

 Friday was the last day of school for our crew, and summer has definitely begun.

Tire swings,

 backyard games,

a little reflection,

and a whole lot of silliness,

roasting marshmallows by the fire pit,

and hanging out with good friends.

 

Yes, indeed!

Summer certainly is in full swing!