Playing catch up

Morgan and Mason had their annual checkups a couple weeks ago.  I am just now getting around to writing about it.  Everything was good and my kids probably haven't seen their doctors since their last annual visit (thank goodness). 
Morgan comes in at a whopping 4', 9 1/4 " and weighing 81lbs.  She is still not even in the 1% for height, poor thing, but she did grow 4" over the last year so that was wonderful.  We are hopeful that she will have another growth spurt like that.  Being short is a struggle, but it is just part of how God created her and I am 110% ok with that.  I just hope one day she will be too...

 

Mason comes in at 4', 5 1/2" and 77.5 lbs.  He still ranks in the 25% for height.  He is not far behind his sister with 3.5 years between them.  He grew 3.5" this past year which was wonderful as well.  I really need to get him out and get some pictures of him.

 

We hosted our first exchange student from China 8 years ago when Morgan was in Kindergarten.  Well, she is now 23 years old and going to school in New York.  She came to visit us over Labor Day weekend.  She is an amazing girl.  She is strong, independent, caring and a pleasure to be around.  I pray that she will follow her dreams and live the life God has set before her to the fullest.

                                                                         Making Pizza!

                                                                Watching Morgan ride.....

We had another visitor as well over the weekend.  Our friends The Leonards were traveling through NC on their way home and stopped by my sisters house.  When my sister and I traveled to China in 2010 to bring our daughters home the Leonards were in our travel group bringing home their little boy Benjamin. Then in 2011 they were in my sister's travel group once again when they brought home another little boy Alex.  An amazing family with 4 amazing children adopted from China. 

                                                      The Men - Fred, Keith & Guy

The Kids - Liam, Grace, Benjamin, Anabelle, Francesca, Olivia, Lily & Alex

                                                      The Ladies - Kelly, Shelly & Dawn

And last but not least, Fred and I celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary on Friday night.  We went out to dinner and then stayed uptown at the Ritz for the evening.  We had an amazing time catching up with each other!  I have the most amazing husband in the world.  Thank you Fred, for 16 wonderful years.

Surgery update:  Liam will have his next surgery on October 15th.  Still waiting to hear on Lily's surgery.  It has been over 3 weeks and no surgery scheduled yet.  I had to call and, lets say, LET THEM HAVE IT yesterday.  Not one of my finer moments, but necessary. 
                                                Have a Happy Tuesday!!!

 

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.