God loves the orphan

Oh how God loves the orphan!

Last night it came through loud and clear as our team who will travel to China this coming June to serve at Shepherd's Field Children's Village in Tianjin held an auction and dinner to benefit the orphaned children with special needs who call the village home.

What an evening it was!



Kathy busy at work in the afternoon

Justin and Ted pausing a moment to pose

Amanda, Ted, Kelli, and Danny ready for action

A mommy and her China treasures ready for an evening of fun

to benefit precious orphaned children half a world away

Oh, did I mention we served an Italian dinner on

an Irish holiday (St. Paddy's Day) to benefit

children in China - truly an international affair!

Some of Philip's China travel group was there as well,

and we can never resist a picture of our children.

Sorry Ted, you didn't make it into this picture!

So many details had to come together to make this event a success, and God handled each and every one from the company who catered the event, to the prizes donated, to the family business who said they would work for free to provide us with online bidding, to all of the generous folks who attended to support children they have never met. 

Only God

Giving Him all the praise and glory for a very successful night!

Spring fun in February??

This lovely warm weather is wonderful in February! 

So loving it.

We have had a fun time enjoying our spring-like day with spring-like activities.

Like attending a Mother-Daughter Tea for our homeschool group

Not only did Sophia get to meet a bunch of other little girls and play with them,



she also made a new friend.

Then we came home to Grandma playing outside with the boys

and continued it.

Even Daddy got into the action by having to chase the rolling balls!

Hope this weather stays around. 

We are so ready for Spring to be here.





An update on our adoption website for Sophia

If you would like to see Sophia's

sixth-month update on "My Adoption Website,"

click here!

ALSO,

below is a picture I found while writing the update.

Elijah, Philip, and Sophia are sitting on the couch shortly after she came home in August.  I think this picture was taken in early September.  It is so precious to see the three of them lovingly sitting for a picture.

What really goes on in homeschooling

Here is a very funny picture about homeschooling that I "borrowed"

from my friend Jean's blog.  

After homeschooling for a year in earnest, I really find this humorous!

 

Just click on the picture to enlarge it.

 

26 years ago today!

Twenty-six years ago,

on a cold and frosty day,

our oldest son Ted was born.

He lit up our world beginning all those years ago . . .

As he continues to light up our lives today in such an amazing way . . .

He was born on the day we celebrate "Love" . . .

A most perfect gift for Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday Ted - your family loves you to the moon and back!

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day Elijah Jiehao!

Elijah's 2nd Gotcha Day Anniversary!

February 1, 2010 was a very special day for us.  It was the day we received Elijah Jiehao.  When we first met our little Elijah though, he was withdrawn and grief-stricken and just plain shut down.

First time Mommy kissed her little boy - February 1, 2010

But oh what love can do! 

The love of our Father in Heaven and the love of a forever family!

Christmas time - December 2011

Elijah - we love you from the depths of our souls.  The road you have traveled to get to this rightful place in your real and forever family has been long and difficult for you at times, but you are home where you belong now, and we adore you littlest treasure of our family!

Shepherd's Field

Kevin and I invite you to watch this heart-warming video interviewing Tim and Pam Baker as they talk about Shepherd's Field, our Philip's China home.

May it touch your heart today.