Picture overload...

I dream of updating the blog more frequently, but I just don't think that's a reality. Thank you to those of you who have asked about, prayed for, and loved on our family. We are still transitioning and I expect we will be for at least the next 6 months to a year. ;) The girls are doing great. For those who understand adoption, the honeymoon is over. This is a bittersweet time. I am thankful we are all feeling comfortable with each other. I am discovering who these girls really are, as they are making the same discoveries about me. (The good, the bad, the beautiful, the silly...) It is a time of testing but also a beautiful time of trusting.

We are clinging to the Lord and asking Him to be the "builder" of this family.

Aaliyah's new style. I'm getting better. 

 Our church small group served Parkwood Fire Dept. on Sept. 11. It was a neat opportunity to teach the kids about serving others. They really enjoyed making cards and drawing pictures for them.

 

 

  

On Sept. 14th we went to my hubby's hometown, Angier. We enjoyed their annual Crepe Myrtle festival. The kids loved the bounce toys, the rock wall, water balloon fights... We also enjoyed spending that time with Martie's family. 

Water balloon fight!

I'm thinking this is a new and fun way to get "revenge" on the siblings. ;)

I keep waiting for life to slow down. I just don't think it is for a long while. All the kids are in some kind of extra curricular activity right now. We also have weekly appts. for the girls, we are hosting our small group bible study, CC on Monday, Taylor goes to Garner on Tuesdays for her CC group...

Tabitha's turn...

Tabitha started ballet last Wednesday. I'm She's so excited! Taylor tried ballet when she was about three and hated it. She said she didn't like to "Plie." I have hope once again that one of my daughters will love dance as much as I did/do. Martie is not too sure about the leotard get up. I think she is the cutest ballerina ever!

I must say 1st position is looking pretty good on my girl. ;)

Getting to be a butterfly.

Taking dance with friends makes it even better.

What we've been up to...

The girls have been here a month now. A lot has happened in this month. We started back school, got into a new routine, church small groups started back, church outreach, CC started back, Naomi started gymnastics, visit with our social worker, signed kiddo's up for swimming and ballet, and we filled out the paperwork for the lawyer....

The kiddo's had a lemonade stand. They were very excited about their first dollar. Here they're singing, "I got a dollar, I got a dollar, I got a dollar so hey hey hey." (Little Rascals)

Dress up is an everyday occasion.

School work!

Aaliyah is still doing great. I discovered the holes in both the girls education very quickly. I'm disappointed they weren't taught any English grammar. 

Just so you know we're "real." This is me catching up on laundry. 

They love playing with all the different size legos.

Martie and Taylor working on Algebra.

I made another attempt with Aaliyah's hair. This time it was a total success. I am in my groove again. Below is her "before" picture. 

Before we did her hair.

This is after! I found some products I really like. 

Life has been crazy. We are still adjusting. Overall, we are thankful and blessed. Exhausted, but filled with joy. I am learning more and more that it is ok if we don't complete our schedule and if we don't check every box. I am grateful to be given this opportunity to teach and train these children at home. My eyes are looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith. I am hopeful that He will redeem my shortcomings. I'm trusting that He is going to use Martie and I to bring our children into a full understanding of Himself. 

In the end, to God be the glory!