Day Trip

We haven't vacationed this summer. We had too many variables and we just weren't sure it would be a good idea this year. So while keeping busy with play doh, paint, the trampoline and family movies...in the middle of the summer, I started working on my event and the weeks just ticked by. The kids went to the water park many times, they played Upward Basketball, and they kept busy playing at home. However, as the summer wore on, we needed to get out of the house, away from my computer and the phone. We walked out to the beautiful Spadra camping area and took the book we have been reading together. It couldn't have been a more pleasant day, even though the kids complained about "all the walking" and "the bugs are out here." The morning won't make their summer highlights, but it was a BEAUTIFUL day.

Cool Mornings

This has been the strangest summer with heavy rains, cooler days, and storms off and on. When you can wake up in the morning and eat breakfast on the porch without breaking a sweat, it's a great way to start the day. I even talked Cameron (our early riser) into eating his cereal out with me!

The Real Thing

Two of my favorite things in this picture! This man loves me despite all the crazy ideas I spring on him, the constant talking when no one else will listen to me, and even though he knows everything about me. I married well. Really well. He isn't perfect, and I'm so VERY thankful for that. He tells me every day that he loves me, and he honors me with his words and actions. He's a true partner and I don't make it easy on him.

Reading

It's not quite 11am, but it's been a long morning. Not sure why, but the kids can't settle on what they want to do. We've made a wonderful tent under the huge dining room table, but they haven't been in it much. Finally, I suggested Jordan read the chapter book we're reading and there they are. I wouldn't have thought it would have appealed to them, but there they are and it was too special to not capture. Another home visit this afternoon, no court date has been set...that doesn't cross their mind. They're Rogers.

Friendships

At the end of our journey Sheridan won't regret any of the changes she's had to accept this year, but it hasn't been easy. Everything from her place in the family, her room, her time and the way she has spent every day since December. I was especially thankful for the invitation for her to swim with friends after Upward last week. She loves these girls and is blessed to have them as friends. It's good to see her SMILE.

Teaching and Training - Africa Pics

 

Someone in Ryan's group took these pictures and just sent them. They say a million things that a mother wants to hear. I love seeing Ryan at the desks teaching English and skills to the men.

 

Waiting Game

It's July 6th. It's officially been 6 months since we brought Jordan and Cameron to our home. We have filled out every form, we have had home visits each month, and we have applied for permanent guardianship of these children. According to the judge Richard saw on June 6th, as soon as the paperwork is turned in, we can set a court date to make it OFFICIAL. According to the Adoption Specialist, she has 7 other families waiting for a court date. So we wait.

Meanwhile, Ryan is now home from Africa. Lauren will be at camp 4 more weeks. Sheridan goes to camp the last week of July. And my event is the first week of August. Ryan and Lauren have to report to school very early in August for RA training. School starts for the kids on August 18th. We're going to call the kids' lawyer to see if we can get a word into the judge and get on the docket. But until then, it's not official anywhere but in our hearts.

 

4th of July

A little Americana painting and some tri-color cupcakes to celebrate our independence! It's beautiful outside today and we cleaned out the garage (I LOVE THIS) and Richard trimmed hedges and helped spread new mulch in the flowerbeds. Erin is working today, but took cupcakes to her co-workers for some fun too! We had perfectly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch (what else?) and will go see fireworks tonight. Happy to be on the lane today.

 

 

Summer Fun

 

 

This is what you get when you order 20 round racks and take them apart in the garage! A fort of epic proportions! Cameron and I started it, but Ryan put the finishing touches on...it brought in 4 neighborhood kids in the first 15 minutes!

 

Tis the Season

We've played at the park, ridden bikes, swam at the pool, played games inside and outside. AND, when we get too hot, we've watched the World Cup, and worked on Rhea Lana's postcards and passes. I had 10000 postcards to bundle in 50s, and 1000+ passes to staple in groups and the kids jumped right in and helped. All these hands made the work go by fast....SO THANKFUL for my family!