Sam Went To The Lake

Grampa took Sam, Erika and Alli to the lake today.  He had a wonderful time.  His eyes just lit up when he found out he was going to be able to go on a boat!

 High Fiving after tubing.....

 Sam and Grampa

Next is driving the boat.

Baby Felix

Our little 3 month old grandson  moved to town with his mama, papa and brothers........

 He was a little surprised when he found out he was moving to Texas!  

 He began to contemplate how his political views would have to change!

 After all, he did come from D.C.!  but now, he is in the Wild West....  with guns and things.....  But really he isn't quite there.... he is slightly North, and in the middle. :)

 I think he has decided he likes it here!

The next election is weighing heavily on his heart..... how to vote.... how to vote!!!!!  "What were my parents thinking??"  "And what kind of a gramma calls her self Ya-Ya!" She isn't even Greek!

(just for fun....) :)

The Trail Ride

 

Alli saved her money and gave Erika the gift of a trail ride for Erika's birthday.   Today was ride day!
They had a really nice ride....and the weather was PERFECT!

 Erika rode on Pete

 Petting horses

 Walking to the trail

 Alli rode on Colonel.

 Ready to ride....

 Learning to say commands

And off they go.....

What a lovely gift!

Joy and Sorrow

We have had some wonderful days these last two weeks.  Actually longer, but the last two weeks have been very special!

Going to Oklahoma to meet Tatyana and her boyfriend Gibson, and their family, visiting their church, coming home to our Son arriving from MaryLand and now our Daughter in Law and three grandsons....


Joe and Becca



Sam

Truman
Felix

  And then the Fontes family came to visit and will visit again!!! (we are so excited!)
Things have been Hot and Happenin'! :)

All the girlies have taken it in stride and I am so PROUD of all of them.

Today however.......  was a little different.

Today I observed each of my sweet girls taking time to play with nephews.  Miss Alli in particular was just drawn to Felix.  She spent a lot of time with him, and even wanted to hold him while he was sleeping.

At around 6:30, she suddenly rushed to her room in tears, and threw herself on her bed.  She wanted to be alone for a while. 
About an hour later, I came in and sat with her.

Through tears, she spoke about how she didn't know what SHE looked like as a baby. She wondered if she were so loved and cherished as Felix is.

We went to the rocking chair and I told her that we love her just like she is baby Felix. When we snuggle her we see Baby Felix.  And we adore her just like Baby Felix. :)

I explained to her, that it IS sad we don't have baby pictures of her, but we have a video of her at 8 years old and I can just imagine what she looked like as a little girl, and even a baby. :)

The other side of the joy of adoption is grief.  The realization that you are no longer in your birth family, the realization that you may have not been cherished... and that you do not know who held you, loved on you, or adored you... cooed with you, blew air on your sweet belly as you cooed with delight, nursed you, changed you, cuddled you when you had a tummy ache.... is all there in glaring sadness, as you watch your little nephew adored.... and you wonder, what about me? The questions came.... Did somebody do that to me?  Was I loved?

Break. My. Heart.



I was so proud of her as she overcame her deepest sadness and took part in loving her nephews, playing with them all day long!
But when she was finally overcome with grief, we snuggled as she wept, and healed a little bit more. :)

So proud of my sweetie! :)

So proud of all of them!

Today!

Today was our first day of school... but it was also a fun visit from Ivy so cousins could connect. :)

Having loads of fun.... :)  Can't wait for Christmas! :)

Guess What We Are Doing Tomorrow!!!

 Getting all the books out....

Here are a few of them!
We also have Co-Op classes that will have more....
So here is to a New School Year!  May 2013-2014 be successful for ALL! :)