Little kisses

It seems like at least one kid is getting hurt and in need of little kisses to feel better. Thankfully with some soap, water, kisses and a prayer this little gal felt good as new! 

Okay...she also needed a few silly selfies to recover 

A boy and his wagon

Hi!! I have drool down my front, my suspenders have fallen off, I’ve lost one shoe from my wagon but it’s Friday and I’m happy. 

And if your wagon falls over just Jeep right on walking. We’ve got this.

Baby Boy Turns One!!

Sweet Gabriel turned one back in January! We tried to see Opa and Oma to celebrate, but with them moving in December it didn't work out. But with so many friends around that love Gabriel we gathered people together, had pizza and cake and enjoyed watching him eat CHOCOLATE for the first time. Such a sweet party and the perfect way to celebrate our sweet boy!

Dear Gabriel,
You entered our family under the impression that you would only be with us a few months. After having you in our house a few days I knew we couldn't leave you again. Jeff was hold you on his lap and playing with you and he looked at me and said, "He knows us now and feels comfortable. We can't  leave him. We should try to take him to DC with us." (for our trip we were going to leave you with another foster family for respite care) We began praying, asked others to pray, and called every social worker we could to get approval to take you on our trip to DC. It was incredible when the court approved the trip (it took us 2 months to get Emmy's court approval!). It was one more way that God confirmed you needed to be with us and we needed to be with you. Your vocal and easy going personality newborn stage has grown into a giggly baby and now into a curious toddler that seems totally baffled when we tell you "No" as you stand on top of a table. We pray that these traits we have seen in you this year will continue to grow into a young boy and eventually a man that loves the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind. May you use your vocal gift to speak the truth in love, your easy going personality to serve different people in life, you giggles to laugh at hard times and enjoy the good, your curiosity to ask hard questions and get reliable answers and your wisdom to listen to people around you who love you and want to protect and teach you. We did not give you the name Gabriel, but it means "God is my strength." May he be your strength and ever present help in trouble as you navigate the days, months and years of life. We love you deeply and are blessed to spend this year with you watching you grow and change.
With all our love,
Mom and Dad

Lord we pray over this little boy that you have entrusted us with. May he grow is wisdom and in stature and may you be his source of hope and strength all the days of his life. Be near to him and keep him near to you.

Love me some pasta!

Rachel Lee Turns 7!

It's only a birthday in our house if you celebrate 3 times. That's how special, cherished and spoiled our kiddos are!! On Rachel Lee's birthday she wanted to go to Mel's Play Place and just play. It was so fun to run around with them, play in bounce houses and just enjoy laughing together. It got even sweeter with mom and dad showed up with special guest Chip. We ate, played and were merry. Oh, and we opened presents! :) 

To celebrate with some friends we hosted a Pajama and Pancake party with London and Abrielle. We had unicorn blankets and unicorn pancakes that were different colors with sprinkles and whipping cream. 

 Master Chef hard at work creating multi-colored unicorn pancake stacks.