Fun Day with Grandparents

My Grandma was in the hospital over the weekend (but is doing fine now) and since it is so close to our house and since my parents had a little free time since Grandma was snoozing away, we went to one of my Dad's friends home for a picnic. His home is on 50 acres and it is BEAUTIFUL. The land is like a great big park/retreat center...it is really something. Two huge ponds to fish in, a creek, fire pits and swings all over, a pool with a slide. I can't imagine!!

It was such a fun afternoon!! The kids LOVED it and it was so peaceful!!

Grandpa and his buddies. He just loves little B. Abby enjoyed swinging with him. There were several of these swings on the property in fun little places.

Sweet Caraline looking for fish in the pond.





I love our little Abby. She is such a funny girl with a little mind of her own. She is creative and imaginative and a free-spirit!!

Great day!! Fun times and great memories!!

First day of School

Today was Jake and Cara's first day of school. Jake was eager to get back to his friends. Cara was excited until we got there and then she cried quite a bit. When Jeremy and I picked her up, she ran to the car and said, "I love it! I'm going to do it everyday!!" Good thing, isn't it?

I love Cara. She is such an encourager. We have been giving her lots of encouragement as school approached. We have told her how good she will be at certain parts of school etc...

While driving home today she must have been feeling like I needed some encouragement because she said, "Mommy, you will be a great lunch lady." I am a "lunch mom" on Fridays. All I have to do is walk around and open things and get kids napkins so the teacher don't have to, but hey, I'll take the encouragement where I can get it :)!

SERIOUSLY. LOVE. THIS. BOY.

I do.

I love this baby boy.
I forget that he did not grow inside my belly.
I kiss him like crazy.
I hold him a whole lot.
I play with him.
I talk to him.
I rock him.
I get up with him.
I care for him when he is sick.

Thankful that I get to be his Mommy for now.

OH SWEET ABBY

I just adore this little girl at this age!! She is so fun and cute and full of imagination.
We are so glad she is ours!

Happy Weekend

(doesn't Abby look thrilled??!!)

We went to a Foster Parent/Family picnic today hosted by a local church and Jake's school. It was so nice to meet others in the area who are fostering! We had a great time and it was so thoughtful of the two organizations to put it on.

We also got to spend time with our little guy's first foster family and that was great too! They are so nice.

Just can't get enough

They really do love each other so much! Aren't they so lucky to have each other?? I hope they grow up to be the best of friends!!

Happy Father's Day

Okay...so, yes, I'm a week late on this! I am averaging about a week late on most things these days. I did want to write a special post about the great men in my life!

First off, my two brothers both became Fathers this year to little girls. We just LOVE Holly Anne and Allie!! So sweet and so adorable. It is so much fun to be an Aunt!

D.T. with Holly Anne

Rob with Allie

I was just saying at lunch today that I am so very happy that my children are blessed with two Grandfathers and one Great-Grandfasther! What fun to have a Grandpa.

Papaw with Abby who is not too sure about Scooby!


Grandpa D with Cara

Grandpa feeding Abby ice cream!

And of course, this guy...

From his first little guy

his first little girl

his second sweet girl

and now another precious boy to love

I love that about 9 years ago he realized the special place God has in His heart for little ones and for orphans!! I love that he is a big enough man to love and care for a child he did not "make". I love that no matter how busy he is at work he takes time to make each one feel special! He is a wonderful father and I'm so glad he is my kids Daddy!!