Celebrating my nieces birthday....

Yesterday my niece, Grace, turned 4 and today we celebrated her birthday at the Splash Pad.  This girl loves cars and everything boy, but can also pull the girl card as well and be girly with the best of them.  She is tough and sweet all wrapped into one special girl.  We love you Grace Ann Fisher!!!

A Much Needed Family Picture!

Since we brought Liam home we have not had a decent family picture taken.  With the Oaks of Righteousness women's retreat right around the corner nudging me for a picture, I took the opportunity yesterday to get one done.  I set up the tripod in the yard and after several complaints (on their part) and frustrations (on my part we) were able to produce this.....

After we bring Miles home, maybe we will leave it to the pros - then momma doesnt' catch all the slack!  Why do kids (and husbands), hate having their pictures taken....I just don't get it?!?!?!?

This is what 14 looks like...

Yesterday was Morgan's 14th birthday and so we ventured outside for some much needed pictures.  She is very critical of herself and she didn't like any of these.  However, I think they are

                                      BEAUTIFUL

 

 

We made the news...what?!?!?

That's right, an article was written about my sister and I and our families.  From our adoption story to our ministry, it's all in there.   Go check it out...

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/08/21/3468995/concord-sisters-add-special-needs.html

Morgan's 14th Birthday Party

This year Morgan wanted to have her birthday party at the barn where she takes riding lessons.  We headed out Saturday morning around 9:00.  It was a beautiful morning for riding.  Once everyone showed up, they began a lesson on tacking, grooming, and safety.  The boring part for some, but definitely an important part.  Especially for those that have never ridden before.

After all the grooming and tacking was done, everyone got on their horse and headed to the ring for a lesson and then a trail ride. 

                                      Morgan loved showing off her skills to all her friends!

Next was pizza, cake and presents.  Morgan loved all of her presents and loved having her closest friends and family there to share her birthday with her.  Love her expressions!

And then last, but certainly not least, it was time to give her our present.  It is something that is near and dear to her heart and she has been asking for this for 1 1/2 years now.  So, it was time!

                                                                       Wait for it.....

Wait for it......

Oh yes, there it is - shear and utter joy.  Totally overwhelmed at the fact of owning her own pony.  She was beyond words and I was overwhelmed with emotion for my sweet daughter.  She has worked so hard and loves her pony with all her heart. 

Love the fact that her Aunt Dawn is by her side as she tucks her head down in disbelief. 

PRICELESS!

Happy Birthday Morgan! 

It was a good day indeed.....

We love you with all our hearts.

The Shirt....

Almost a year ago Morgan picked out a pattern for a shirt and asked me if I would make it for her.  She picked out all the fabric herself and one day last summer I sat down and made this adorable shirt for her.
Fast forward a year and this adorable shirt is still hanging in her closet "unworn".  GASP!!!
So, today, I took this shirt out of her closet and proceded to make a couple alterations and BAM, adorable DRESS for Lily.  I love it!!!

Liam is still doing well except for the allergies that are kicking in around here.  This little guy keeps coughing and his nose continues to run.  Hoping this is short lived!  His second surgery has been scheduled for Monday, October 15th.  That day can't come soon enough.  Have to post some pictures of this little guy too.

Have a great Thursday!!!  We are headed out for sushi tonight...yummy...

Life Happens

.....and I don't get around to blogging.  Everytime I pulled up our blog to check in on others, I would dread taking the time to blog.  It's not that I didn't have anything to say, it's just that I couldn't seem to find undistracted time.
So today, as my two oldest head back to school, I sit and ponder where to start....

Morgan - 8th grade

Mason - 5th grade

Waiting for the bus!

Since I last blogged, Fred went on his mission trip to Bolivia. Once again he had an amazing time and came home with lots of wonderful/inspiring stories.  I love this man's heart for "the least of these".....

Lily had her 3 year old checkup a couple weeks ago.  At 3 years and 3 months she comes in at 39.25" tall and 32 lbs.  She is currently in the 82nd percentile for height and 53rd for weight.  This girl cracks me up every day.  You never know what is going to come out of her mouth.  She is loving the pool and has started swimming some with her floats off.   She went for a speech evaluation with the school system and to my surprise she does not quailfy for speech therapy.  I was in utter shock.  She is currently right where she needs to be with her speech according to their guidelines.  There are a couple areas in which she struggles (something they call backing which falls into the 4 year old catagory in which she says things like gog instead of dog & cluster reduction which falls into the 5 year old catagory in which she says things like pooh instead of spoon), but they do not qualify her for speech through our county school system.  According to the developmental ages for sound mastery she can make all her 3 year old sounds (B,H,M,N,W,P), all her 4 year old sounds (D,T,Y,NG) exept for "F", all of her 5 year old sounds (G,K), all of her 6 year old sounds (SH,J,CH) except for "L" and yes we went up to 7 year old sounds in which she can make S,Z,and l,r,s blends...she was not able to make the R,V, or TH sounds yet.  So there you have it in a nutshell.  Quess momma will be working with her for the time being!
I took Lily and Liam out this morning before we were leaving for Liam's 2 year old check up and got some pictures.  These will truly show you her personality!

Oh, and we can't forget the much overdo haircut for Lily.  She sat completely still and was so good during the process.  Here are a few pictures of the before and after...

Before:

                                                                            After:

Liam is recovering well.  I am up to my eyeballs in poop and I am looking forward to the second stage of the surgery!  He doesn't seem phased by it all thank goodness.  I am currently waiting for the doctor's office to get back with me on a date for the next phase of his surgery.  It has to be scheduled on or after Sept. 26th. 

Liam had his 2 year old checkup today.  At 2 years and 4 months he comes in at 28 lbs and 37.25" tall.  Exatly 2" shorter than Lily.  He is in the 75% for height and 50% for weight.  This boy has such a sweet, gentle spirit about him and brings my heart so much joy.

And the two of them together, well, I think this says it all...

TROUBLE X 2