So proud of our community

Could be this weather, could be something else...but I haven't had a voice for 3 days. It's challenging to teach a class of 9 and 10 year olds this way. We managed. The kids liked doing my talking for me. The funniest part so far has been when I whisper to someone, and they answer in a whisper without realizing.

With the winds, there have been numerous fires in our part of TX recently. This was a dangerous situation. Our volunteer fire department, and departments around our area have taken care of business, regardless of sleepless nights, equipment breakdowns, AND their regular jobs that they also manage. Most of these volunteers also have families that sacrifice as well. A big THANK YOU doesn't seem to be enough, but I am so grateful. Someone in our school had the idea of a challenge among grade levels to raise the most money for our fire department. Well...the idea has taken off. In just a few days, thousands have been raised. The challenge ends on May 6, so there's no telling what our students will be able to accomplish between now and then. Each grade level has FUNdraisers (pie throwing, raffles, dunking booth, car washes, window washing, lemonade stands, selling filled Easter eggs, cookies, bandanas, concession stand, donation tubs around town, etc). The pride our students have taken in this task is heartwarming. We were even on TV.

Got a few cute pics this week. Hope you like them.

Comments make me smile...I know I have people reading. Happy weekend, friends.

It's that time...

Potty training!

Aubree is doing so well. I think she's just about ready to get out of the PullUps and diapers for good. There is no telling how many chocolate M & Ms I've given out to her in the last few weeks. Whatever works!

Her vocabulary has exploded lately too. She definitely knows how to communicate what she wants. I love to listen to her talk. Every stage of our cutie's development has its own beauty. Today Drew was crying after he hit his head, and Aubree went right to him, cradled his face in her hands, and said, "You OK?" over and over. Last night she said the entire sentence "I love you" on her own. Until then, she said it, but not clearly or regularly. She continues to be an easy going, loving child. Tantrums are few and far between. Aub has started arguing a bit, and not following directions quickly. A little 'crossing arms' attitude sometimes occurs too. She still sucks her thumb when she's tired, thinking deeply about something, or when in trouble. Doctor says she should quit on her own. She also tends to be clingy, wanting to be held a lot. She doesn't like to play independently very much...prefers to have a playmate (Mom or Dad or Drew). We are working through these few challenges and continue to be amazed at her progress.

Jason and Drew are at practice...baseball season starts next week, which makes for a very busy household. Looks like Drew may be playing 1st base. They've got a good team. Go A's!

Michael will be finishing up his first year away at the university in just a few weeks. This year has gone by so fast!

Heaven is For Real

A friend of mine (that's NOT a reader) recently purchased a Nook, and the first book she read was Heaven is For Real. She literally had trouble putting it down until she finished. I have my copy on order now, and I'm looking forward to this sure-to-be interesting read. A few weeks ago, the 700 Club had a week-long series about what happens after we die. One day, I was blessed to hear the Burpos' story. At the very end of the interview, the boy said this, and it has stuck with me: "Heaven is for real...and you're gonna like it." Our children are precious! Have any of you read this book? If so, what did you think?

First Meeting...November 2009

Aubree has changed so much since that day in Russia not long ago. The first time I held her, she cried and cried! Everytime I think back on all the things that COULD have gone wrong, all the things that DID go wrong (but didn't stop us), all the wonderful things that happened, and all the special people we met on our adventure to bring her home, I am in awe of God's faithfulness. He provided a way where there didn't seem to be one in the natural.

Kinda random post this time, but that's what's on my heart tonight.