Five different stories.....one ultimate plan

Five different stories.....one ultimate plan
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, April 18, 2011

Family is everything...

I just read a post from another blog that so shared my heart, I just had to share it too!





To summarize...Often the question gets asked, why are you adopting a child from Ethiopia? Wouldn't all that money be better used to help many? It's a good question... but family really is everything.

She talks about witnessing a transformation when a child is loved on by his Daddy....for even just a few days......She also mentions that these children that are living in orphanages are often well cared for....clothed, fed, bathed, changed, held and even loved on, yet they often don't come alive. We witnessed this very same transformation with our own sweet boy. These were some of the pictures we had of Endalk prior to him being a forever part of our family.








We were told he was very serious....that he never smiled....then God put us together and in just one day this is what we witnessed....



A caregive (from the foster center Endalk stayed at) happened to be at the guest house this first evening babysitting one of the other little boys and she told us "In all the time he was with us, I never saw him smile and I never heard him laugh."

Well....anyone who knows Endalk....knows this kiddo smiles and laughs alllllll the time!





"God sets the lonely in families..." Psalm 68:6

Thank you God for such a gift! He makes us smile! :-)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Bethany had a competition this past weekend! She tied for first (based on the top 5 routes)!


Here are videos of 4 of the routes she made!













No one was able to get this next route, but Bethany got close! It was so exciting to watch!



Friday, March 25, 2011

Daddy's Birthday, a new hairdo and a trip to Fossil Rim Animal Park!!

We celebrated John's birthday at the property this year! It's been such beautiful weather!

Happy Birthday Honey (Daddy)!!






We tried a new hairdo this past week....it was actually Chloe's idea and it turned out so cute I couldn't help but share! Doesn't hurt to have such a beautiful girl to model the hairdo :-)






For Spring Break, we took a day trip to Fossil Rim Animal Park! It was a little crowded (in fact, at one point, John wondered if there may be a whole new "litter"? of giraffes by the time we finally reached them :-) We had a great time, in spite of the wait!

Look at this face.....priceless



And this is Chloe, as we passed by an ostrich....not her favorite animal :-)



Can you see why?


A bit intimidating.....






Even Daddy looks a little concerned....


What a beautiful place!










What better time than to teach your 4 year old to drive :-)



Thought this was cool....

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Our sweet girl's 7th birthday!!!









Happy Birthday Gabbrielle! You are mommy and daddy's pride and joy! We are so proud of the lovely young lady you are growing into! We love you!!!!!