Purple Dinosaurs

Ellie before the "Big Game"Coach Kristen with the Dinosaurs

Best Buds, Ellie & Caleb

Ellie's first soccer game with the Purple Dinosaur's was yesterday. I'm so proud to see how much she has improved since her first season this past Spring. She's definitely more aggressive on the field, and she understands which goal the ball needs to head toward. She didn't have any bad attitude spells or crying sessions during the game so that shows me she's more confident in herself. Yay! My friend, Kristen, is coaching her team and it's a special treat for her to be playing with her buddy Caleb.

Busy Busy Busy

Phew! I'm definitely not going to be bored these next 7 months! Ellie has accustomed to mothering her new baby brother and Saedi is adjusting to her new role as the middle child. Mimi arrived on Friday and Papa got in from Africa on Sunday night and both have helped our transitioning immensely! Ellie and I have stopped butting heads and little Saedi is getting the attention she craves. And Isaac? Happy as a clam...especially in the arms of another human. Riley took off on Tuesday (delayed a day...hooray!) and we're so grateful he was able to be with Ellie during her first day of "school." We're starting a homeschooling program with her called Classical Conversations. It's kind of like a co-op. Every Monday we meet from 9-12 at a local church where the kids go to their assigned classes and have a tutor who models what they'll be learning for the rest of the week. Parents sit in and help during the sessions, and then everyday we review that material at home. I'm amazed at how quickly Ellie is picking up on some tough vocabulary..."Charlemagne," "interjection," "Mediterranean," etc. So proud of that girl! Ellie has also started soccer back up and is getting more and more aggressive on the field (in a good way). Little Isaac finally got his first bath on day #13...can you tell he's #3? I'm feeling good...stronger and stronger by the day. Just so thankful for wonderful friends who have helped and for the amazing Mimi who just keeps going and going...cooking, cleaning, bathing, holding, entertaining, etc. God is good!


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Photo Gallery is Up

Last Wednesday we got family pictures taken and the full gallery is available here for browsing and/or ordering. Click on "clients" at the bottom and type in "post" as the password. Happy viewing!

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Professional Pics...more info to come

More Isaac Pictures

Quail hunting with the boys

Leaving the hospital
Sleeping, like usual
The entire family (notice Saedi is the least excited about this new arrangement)
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Destructo-Jack

A little hard to see, but this is what happens when you leave a Labrador puppy unattended outside your home while having a baby. The disaster you see used to be an outdoor chair cushion. Puppies are a huge help if you are struggling with being too attached to your earthly possessions. (Thanks to Natalie for the picture/evidence)

Isaac Riley - 8lb 13oz, 22in @ 2:08pm on 12 AUG 2010

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8 Years

Just Married!

First Dance



Always a Ladies Man

Our motorcycle getaway



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Baby Pics

Well, I'm 38 weeks and 3 days today. I had an ultrasound this morning because of fears of birthing another big baby. So far, little Isaac is estimated to weight 8lbs 6 oz and I'm looking as if I were 39 weeks, 4 days. So, we meet with the midwife on Wednesday to go over the results and to find out what the plan is...induction, waiting it out, etc. Our prayer is that this baby would come on his own, but before my due date, or asap. So, with all that in mind Riley and I had fun going through pics of the girlies just after they were born and wondering what this baby boy will look like, and what his story will be. :)

Elizabeth Rae


Saedi Alexandra, 9lbs 4 oz


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Opportunity to Help

I just wanted to take the time to let all of you know about a college friend of mine who is also in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. Jill and her husband also have 2 biological daughters, and are running in a half marathon/full marathon to help show their commitment in raising money for their adoption. Today and today only whatever donations they receive will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $3,000)by a doner who has chosen to remain anonymous. No dollar amount is too small...and remember, it will be doubled! If you're interested in reading their story click here to learn more.

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