Family

My family just couldn't wait until Thanksgiving to meet Taylor so they came by for a suprise visit! Taylor got the chance to meet her Grandparents and Aunts yesterday. The boys were busy playing outside and didn't want much to do with pictures.

It isn't often that you can get everyone together long enough to take a family portrait when you are older. I was excited to get a shot of my growing up family of 6!

High School Musical

Last night the girls and I got dressed up and went to the Theater to see High School Musical. It was a local theater here in town with some local kids. The girls just loved it! We met up with our friends the Vanderburgs and Taylor got to meet some more of our adopted friends. She probably thinks everyone we know is adopted! (They kind of are. ) Taylor had the best time getting autographs after the play of all the cast members. Morgan was too shy. After the play we went out for hot chocolate and ice cream sundaes.

What A Game!!

(Kevin reporting)

Wow! What a game Garrett's football team played last night for their junior high champioship! Our Calvary Murrieta Warriors lost 20-12 but came away from the game with their heads held high. The boys left it all on the field stopping Rio Hondo on two separate goal line stands. Garrett didn't get to play since he had missed two games while we were away. His coach recognized his spirit for rallying his teammates on the sideline to cheer for the offense and defense.

I am so amazed and proud of the changes five months have brought to my son and these young men! I know it wasn't easy for Garrett to drop football at the end of the season after working so hard for four months but he wanted to be there for his new little sister. That's a maturity that we haven't seen with him in the past.

I am also impressed with their coaches who encouraged them through daily bible devotions and prayer and to play their best to bring glory to God. The team played with the spirit of Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Congratulations, Warriors!! You truly fit your team name last night!

My Fabulous Chocolate Cake!

Yesterday was my 29th b-day again! Morgan and Taylor made me a fabulous chocolate cake. They did a great job on it! This was their first time baking too. I had a wonderful birthday. Kevin took us out for dinner so I didn't have to cook and the girls even cleaned up their mess after cooking! :) All of the kids made me special cards. Their gift to me was a photo viewer that goes on my key chain. They knew I would love it! They also found an old locket of mine that had a place for four pictures. How perfect was that! They had the tarnish removed from the silver and put a picture of each kid inside. The occasion wouldn't be complete unless I got a new pair of pj's of course. Thanks everyone for my happy birthday wishes!

Meeting Grandma Adele

Four days before I was leaving to meet Taylor for the first time, I got a dreaded phone call. My grandmother had suffered a stroke and was in the hospital. My grandma is 89 years old and has been living on her own up until this happened. She has always been full of life and active. After receiving the call, I went and visited her in the hospital. I was very sad to see her in this condition. She was paralyzed on her left side and could not speak. Her not speaking had to be the most devastating part for her and for me. She has never had a loss for words and I can't even imagine how this must have frustrated her. I could tell she wanted to speak but just couldn't. I left to meet Taylor and her family not knowing if I would get the chance to see my grandma again because I knew I would be gone for over a week. I left with such a peace I can't explain knowing that God would care for her while I was gone. I knew I could not change a thing and that God loves her more than anyone could. I prayed for her healing while I was gone. When I returned she had made some progress but her recovery is still slow. She is able to speak now which I am really grateful for. She was moved from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility. Although the facility is nice it is still not her home. Before I left I showed grandma pictures of Taylor. She was looking forward to meeting her. I was so thankful that Taylor got the chance to meet grandma.
Taylor and all the kids made her sweet cards that we read to her. All the kids were very compassionate towards grandma. I think it lifted her spirits to meet Taylor and to see all the kids. My dad has spent nearly everyday with grandma since the stroke. He really enjoyed meeting Taylor for the first time too. All the kids love grandpa!

Happy Birthday, Pam!!

Today is my honey's 29th (and holding) birthday!! The name Pamala means "honey" in Greek and she is the sweetness in my life. The kids and I are looking forward to spoiling her with cards and presents tonight when I get home. Pam is teaching Morgan and Taylor how to make a chocolate cake today in the hope that someday she won't have to make her own cake or eat store bought on her birthday.

Last year, Garrett, Morgan and I had to wish her happy birthday with signs since she was still in Ukraine bringing Justin home. This year, she gets to celebrate at home with her complete family of six!

We love you, honey!! Kevin & the kids

Piano Recital

This afternoon Morgan and Justin had their piano recital. They both did really good especially since they hadn't practiced in the last week. We all enjoyed ourselves.