Praying Adam Home

Gotcha day/ 7 seconds/ twins

2012-01-24T19:24:00.008-05:00

Two years ago we became Adam's parents.

He called us Mama and Baba that day for the first time.

He was so brave, just shy of his fourth birthday.

We had an instant connection.

We adored him and he seemed very happy to be with us.

He spoke Mandarin. We did not.

It didn't matter.

He was ours and we were his.

It was like someone had planned this day since before time began.

Do you believe it?

We do!!!

Happy Gotcha Day Adam.

We love you so much!

Yesterday for the first time ever Adam stood unassisted on his own two feet.

He is in physical therapy every week.

One of his goals is to walk with crutches/canes instead of a walker.

His hips are very wobbly because neither is in joint.

He has been working on his hip and core strength.

His first try he stood for 1 second and fell.

The second try was for three seconds then he fell.

The third try was for seven seconds.

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

I saw him stand for the first time alone.

Not holding on.

No one holding him up.

I cried.

It is a small miracle.

He is one step closer to his goal.

He inspires me!

The other night we went out for Mexican food.

Adam LOVES guacamole except he calls it

brocamole.

He thinks because it is green it has broccoli in it.

Anyway, I LOVE guacamole too.

I said to him "Adam you are just like your mama, you love Mexican food as much as I do."

He said "Yeah we are twins."

Then he gave me a fist pump and blew it up.

He's so cool like that.

My little Chinese dude loves Mexican food. Just like me.

Then he told me he wished he could be a knight in shining armor and rescue a beautiful girl.

"I want to rescue a girl just like you mom."

Sometimes I wonder how I get so lucky to be his mom.

I adore him and I am so glad God spoke to my heart about him.

I am so happy God gave us the courage to get on the plane.

Life is so much better with him here.

Happy New Year

2012-01-24T06:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

It is the year of the Dragon.

What a busy weekend we had with two birthdays,

Sanctity of Life Sunday at church, Chinese New Year and

the two year anniversary of meeting Adam.

I have more posts to come this week to cover it all.

The Birthdays

2012-01-20T13:33:00.008-05:00

Happy 19th Birthday Stephen.

I am so sad we are not together today.

Let's take a trip down memory lane.

Here we are heading to China 2006.

And this is Disney 2005.

I hope you get a laugh over your "I refuse to smile " stage.

Do all 11 year old boys go through this?

Anyway, it makes me laugh now.

We are so proud of the person you are becoming.

God has his hand on you.

And what does the Lord require of you?

Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Seven years later on the same day

we said hello to this bundle of goodness.

Happy 12th birthday Audrey Kate.

You have always been like a ray of sunshine to us.

You are always happy.

I mean ALWAYS!!!!

You are such a joy to us and we love watching you grow.

We love who you are.

You are beautiful inside and out.

Happy Birthday to both of our babies!

You are not babies anymore.

You both make us so proud.

Audrey Kate's photos are by Brooke Brown Photography

It wasn't me!

2012-01-14T11:00:00.001-05:00

I wonder sometimes if people read this blog and think what a crazy life we have?

If you haven't thought that before, this post surely will make you think so.

I have posted about our hamster before.

Here and here

Actually that was our old hamster Allie.

She was sweet.

Our new hamster Tangerine is another story

"It wasn't me!"

Someone put these tiny holes in my daughter's jeans.

Yes folks, the hamster ate holes in my daughter's jeans.

Seriously, how many of you can say that?

Her cage is near the washer in the laundry room and these jeans

were just close enough for her midnight entertainment.

Audrey Kate wants to start a business called "Tangerine Jeans".

You send us your jeans, we'll let Tangerine have her fun and you will get back

an original pair of "Tangerine Jeans"!

We washed them and the next day she wore the hamster hole jeans to school.

Top that!

Before and After

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

I showed you the condition of the room before but I never showed the after.

It actually looked pretty good when we were done with it several hours later.

However, our hard work has all been undone.

He has moved to a new room.

Unfortunately, the other half of this room was still a disaster and difficult to live with.

We requested a new room for Stephen and his friends helped him move

Tuesday night.

We will see his new room in a couple of weeks.

Good news is he is happy and loving being at Carolina!

College- Take 3

2012-01-09T09:21:00.013-05:00

A new semester... why not a new school?

To catch up on Stephen's college journey you can read this, and this and this.

This was Stephen's side of the room when we walked in.

So we spent a good amount of time cleaning up.

Samantha loved chasing the squirrels on campus.

Headed to Franklin Street

I'm sure Stephen loved having all his siblings, mom and dad, and grandparents help him move in.

One last trip to Lowe's

Last minute setting up

He is settled in and ready for a new adventure.

Go Falcons!

I mean Go Pirates!

I mean Go Tarheels!

Sorry, just trying to keep up!

Christmas Celebration

2011-12-30T09:05:00.012-05:00

Waking up Christmas morning...it was early

We make all the kids gather in our room until Greg and I go down and check it out.

We need at least one cup of coffee before this crew gets going.

Some of the kids were awake bright and early and others were

not quite so happy to be awake!

The loot...

more loot...

and more..

and more...

and more!

Boy, Santa must be tired!

Here they come!

It was a fun morning full of fun gifts,

good memories, and good food.

We stayed home all day and Greg's parents came later for dinner.

Tomorrow the decorations come down.

Christmas 2011 was a great one!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-12-29T12:11:00.002-05:00

21 years ago.....

So how do you celebrate 21 years?

So far....

clean up throw up from a sick little one

try to start our teenagers truck (currently broken down not at our house)

Call a tow truck

help another teenager transfer to a new school (third school in 6 months)

do mounds of teenage laundry

This is life!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-28T15:43:00.010-05:00

This was the most unusual Christmas Eve we have ever had.

It may look like we went to a Panther's game from the pictures.

And we did.

But it was for a very special reason.

The Panther's surprised Make- a -Wish with a very special gift.

Santa was there for the celebration.

Adam told him some last minute gift ideas.

Santa told the teenagers something funny.

At one point I heard Santa say he wished Mrs. Clause would

empty her 401K to buy him a sports car.

Really Santa?

These three very special wish kids are doing the Superman Cam dance.

They all went on the field at half time for the presentation.

Sir Purr in his Santa outfit.

Adam's wish story was retold on the jumbo screen during half time.

Then he walked out on to the field with Top Cats and Sir Purr and

the fans cheering him on.

Actually the fans roared when he was introduced.

What kid would not love this? This is what most 6 year old boys dream of.

I was reduced to tears watching my boy live his dream.

Here they are on the jumbo screen as the surprise was revealed.

Cam was heading back to the field after half and stopped to talk to the kids.

The top cats came to our suite.

They are always a huge hit with Sam.

And the boys too.

And this is the surprise. The Panther's chose Make -A -Wish for the Fan Gift this year.

One dollar for every seat in the stadium.

We were so happy they asked us to be part of the surprise.

It was the best Christmas Eve.

I am sure it was the first and probably last time we

will spend Christmas Eve

at a football game.

We left there and went straight to Candlelight Service at church.

While we were sitting in church I looked down and realized

I was still wearing my Panther's beads. OOPS!

It truly was a memorable evening.

One Smart Elf

2011-12-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

See our Elf?

He is on the manger scene.

His name is Marvin.

I really wasn't sure I wanted an Elf on our shelf.

But Marvin has been so much fun to have around.

He is a good Elf and caused no trouble.

Although he is somewhat forgetful and on occasion would forget to

fly back to the North Pole to report to Santa.

Our kids got a "Free Pass" on those days.

Thank goodness.

I didn't realize how hard it would be to say good-bye to him on Christmas Eve.

The kids do not like good-byes!

Before he left with Santa he left us this note.

It is a note reminding the kids that no matter how hard they try they just can't always be good.

It is why Christmas is so important.

We need a Savior.

The note reminded them that Jesus is the best gift they will ever receive

and to celebrate Him on Christmas.

Now that is one smart Elf!

Busy December...

2011-12-26T07:32:00.008-05:00

...and it's not over yet!

Audrey Kate had her first Christmas Concert.

She loves the trombone.

We visited the Billy Graham Library.

We rode in a horse drawn carriage.

The kids loved story time and hot chocolate.

Greg celebrated his 47th birthday.

We went to the Christmas concert at church.

Audrey Kate's dance team was part of the Waxhaw Christmas Parade.

We loved the horses.

And of course Santa.

We have also traveled to my sister's house, been to a Panther's game,

and candlelight service at church.

We had a wonderful Christmas day and I will post about it soon.

Merry Christmas!

Finally!

2011-12-11T12:10:00.011-05:00

The Thomas Family is finally home!

It was a 6 month in-country stay.

Their agency had told them 60 days maximum stay.

God's plans are not always our plans.

This morning I attended our church Christmas concert.

Prior to the start of the service a man behind us was talking about the adoption dedication service we had a couple of weeks ago. He was talking about how moved he was by the service

and by one couple that had waited 12 years to have a child.

He compared it to leaves falling off the tree in the fall and how sometimes once the leaves are all gone you can see what was there all along.

Maybe what was hidden was a beautiful view.

Maybe what was hidden was a run down old house.

Nevertheless it was revealed in time.

It reminded me of Alex's adoption.

Revealed in time.

Later in the service today one of those couples who dedicated a child gave a testimony

about their adoption experience and how a life yielded to God's will brings blessing.

It brought them 4 beautiful children through adoption.

All I could think about were the unexpected blessings in my own life and in those of my friends who have yielded their desires to God's.

It can sometimes lead to hard places, like a 6 month in- country stay.

But God does not leave us in hard places.

My friend summed it up in her post.

Read it here.

While we were celebrating the birth of Jesus today at church I thought about how that one event, the birth of a Saviour, changed so many lives.

It is out of our love for Him and our gratitude to Him that we yield our hearts and lives to His will.

And then children like Alex, once orphaned, find their forever families.

Here is my friend chasing Alex through the airport.

This is after he climbed up onto the baggage claim conveyor belt.

This picture is called "No Gym Needed".

And here she is afraid he will hit her with the flag.

These last two pictures make me laugh.

I love God's sense of humor.

My dear friend in her mid- forties, a girly- girl, the mother of two girly-girls

is now parenting this adorable, full of life and energy two year old boy.

To God be the glory!

Sneak Peek- Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-11T08:18:00.004-05:00

They are home.

I will update more after church.

It was very emotional!

He is adorable.

Happy Birthday Greg!

2011-12-09T16:00:00.005-05:00

Can't believe you are 47 years old today.

We hope you have a great b-day!!!

Love,

Your family

Christmas Cards

2011-12-05T18:28:00.014-05:00

I almost didn't do a Christmas card this year.

I decided it was just one thing I could let go of.

There are so many other things to do around Christmastime that

I thought getting rid of the card was a good thing.

I wouldn't have to worry about getting a decent picture of the kids or spend the

money ordering the cards and buying the stamps.

I casually mentioned the idea of not doing a card this year to a very dear friend.

Oh my goodness!

I am now and forevermore doing a Christmas card.

Even adults cave into peer pressure.

Here are some of the outtakes.

Cards are being mailed in a few days.

I really enjoy all the cards I get from my friends at Christmas.

I love seeing how all the kids have grown.

It is a special part of our tradition.

I have done a Christmas card for the last 20 years.

Why stop now?

Almost

2011-11-29T14:43:00.003-05:00

I know what almost feels like.

Most adoptive parents do.

It is those last stages of adoption when you are either waiting for referral, or travel.

You are almost there.

Almost can be hard.

Remember when you were a kid and it was almost Christmas?

The closer it gets the harder it is to wait.

That is the closest comparison I can make.

My dear friend is almost there.

Almost ready to come home.

If all goes well she should be home next week.

I cannot wait to see them all together again.

It is almost time to welcome home Alex to America!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T16:49:00.003-05:00

I hardly had time to pick up my camera.

We had a great time and tons of food!

The weather was perfect and we spent the majority of

our day on the porch and in the back yard.

We have a new tradition. Instead of a Thanksgiving Day football game

we have Thanksgiving Day corn hole tournaments.

I think Emily and Uncle Jimmy were the winners.

Celebration and Preparation

2011-11-22T17:34:00.008-05:00

Adam's class had a Thanksgiving Celebration last week.

They sang cute songs.

They told what they were thankful for.

Here he is with his sweet teacher.

It was so fun.

I am certain I left the celebration and went to the grocery store.

This is one of about 6 trips I have made.

I have made 3 trips today alone.

10 lbs of potatoes

Equally as many sweet potatoes

One 16 lb turkey and a turkey breast.

2 hams

Stuffing

Green beans

Several pies

salad

two other side dishes

and this is just what I am making.

My mom and sister are contributing also.

This is no rinky-dink meal.

I am serving 19 people including my football playing nephew

and he counts as at least two people.

This is not for amateurs.

Not the cooking or the eating!

So let the cooking, cleaning and table decorating begin!!!!

Check back Friday for pictures of our Thanksgiving.

I will be too busy to post between now and then.

Right now I am thankful to God for the resources to purchase

the food and the energy to throw it all together!

Happiness!

2011-11-17T09:16:00.006-05:00

I can't believe I am showing this but this was my linen closet .

Thanks to my new favorite blog, Delightful Order, and a few containers,

my linen closet has had a make over.

It now looks like this and this makes me happy!

I need a few more containers and my new favorite

blog suggests labels which I am going to do.

I was just so excited I had to share.

My containers came from the Dollar Store and Garden Ridge.

Check out Delightful Order by clicking the link below.

A rare treasure!

2011-11-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Everyone should be so blessed.

Recently I was able to spend a weekend at Seabrooke near Charleston.

The view was fabulous.

The sunrise was beautiful.

The wild life was abundant.

Yes, that is the alligator that lives in the back yard.

And the deer that lives across the street.

But these girls are the real reason I am so blessed.

God brought us together about 8 years ago for women's bible study.

We are from different churches.

Some protestant, some Catholic.

We are working moms and stay at home moms.

We are from different political parties.

We have large families and small families.

A few of us are adoptive parents.

We read and study God's word together.

We have prayed each other through some rough times.

And rejoiced with each other through some joyous times.

Kim and I have been friends since I was 18 years old.

She first invited me to join the group.

If you are so blessed to have this in your life hold on to it.

It is a rare treasure indeed!

A few of our girls were missing from this trip.

Trying to find a weekend 14 busy moms can get away is challenging.

Angie is still in the Dominican Republic.

Brooke has a successful photography business and was booked for the weekend.

Heather had company in town.

Julie has a new baby.

Deanna had family obligations.

I am looking forward to next get away already!

Terrific Kid!

2011-11-12T08:27:00.006-05:00

Warning!!

I am getting ready to brag about one of my kids.

Read on if you want to.

She's a terrific kid!

We've always known that.

Now others are starting to notice too.

Samantha was selected from her class as the terrific kid for the month of October.

The local Kiwanis clubs recognizes terrific kids at a breakfast each month.

We go to a great school full of terrific kids and as the principal said it is quite a distinction to be

pulled out of such a group as the best of the best.

But that is what my Sammy girl is.

The best.

This month's characteristic was creativity.

Her teacher wrote about how she uses creativity to solve problems in the classroom.

She was described as a leader.

She also told about how creative her stories are with a clear beginning, middle and end.

Way to go Sammy. We are so proud of you!

As I was sitting there my eyes filled with tears.

Not because I was so proud. I was.

But because I was thinking about how this girl started her life.

I was thinking about all she has overcome.

I was thinking about how her birth mother has no idea how smart and wonderful she is.

And of course this led me to think about all the little gems still waiting for their forever families.

Every single one of them is a terrific kid just waiting for someone to notice.

Yep, all of that from that one breakfast!

Play ball!

2011-11-06T16:11:00.011-05:00

I know. I have been absent.

Truthfully I have been way to busy to blog.

This post is actually the result of sitting down to the computer on three different days.

Pitiful. I will try to do better.

We had a blast this weekend at the Rolling Bobcats

Basketball tournament.

There were chairs everywhere. If you didn't use a chair to move

around you were in the minority.

The everyday chairs lined the walls while the kids used the sports chairs for competition.

Adam was nervous.

He wasn't sure about competing with the older kids.

He was the youngest kid at the whole tournament.

But if there is one thing my boy gets that is competition.

He loved the huddle.

And cheering on his team mates.

He wanted the ball all the time.

He loves Coach Mike...

and Coach Lottie!

His good buddy Anna played great too.

She passed him the ball.

He caught it and took a shot.

What a wonderful time he had.

This will linger in our memories always.

The kids are so supportive of each other.

They get the daily struggles each faces.

I hope this is always a part of our lives!

These are the sports stories that deserve media coverage.

Sweet time!

2011-10-26T19:35:00.004-04:00

Angie and her son Alex still in the Dominican Republic

Visit her site: Our Treasure our Heart

I have no pictures from today.

Just my memories.

I spent some time with my sisters in Christ today praying for a dear friend.

Right up at the top of me list of favorite things is to hear my sisters praying, out loud, guards down for one another.

We decided to fast for 24 hours and join together in prayer to help bring our friend home.

She left for the Dominican Republic on June 10th for an adoption.

Today, October 26th her little boy and husband are still there.

She came home for a short two week break.

Following God's call is never easy.

It requires sacrifice.

It is putting your total trust in the One who called you to never leave you or forsake you.

We had such a sweet time of prayer. It is hard to see her go back.

Only God knows for sure when she and Alex will come home and be reunited as a family.

Please pray for my friend and her family.

Fall Fun!

2011-10-20T07:46:00.012-04:00

AWW SHUCKS!

That's the name of the farm we headed to last weekend.

They have all kinds of fun fall activities.

It was a very warm day but we had a blast!

Adam had fun in the fishing cabin.

Sammy loved the slide.

There's a little fishing pond...

and a hay ride.

The highlight of the farm is the corn maze.

The weather is finally getting cooler here.

I love fall!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T08:26:00.003-04:00

Strong and Courageous

2011-10-16T18:24:00.003-04:00

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you;

He will never leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Adam loves his shirt from Wild Olives.

He chooses to wear it quite often.

I love the verse on the back.

Happy Sunday!

A Blessing

2011-10-12T15:33:00.010-04:00

Last night was such a blessing to us.

We hosted our friend Naphtaly Mattah all the

way from Mfango Island in Lake Victoria.

He came to Charlotte to continue his work translating the bible

to the language of the Suba people.

It took 20 years to complete but last Spring the Suba

people finally had a bible in their own language.

Realizing some people could not read their own language he came back to JAARS to record an audio version of the bible. His people will have it to listen to if they are unable to read.

The word dedicated comes to mind when I think of Naphtaly.

He was also given a vision to help the children of Mfangano Island

that have been orphaned losing their parents to AIDS.

He runs a school called Gethsemane Garden Christian Center.

He cares for over 500 children there.

He and his staff educate them, teach them about AIDS and how to prevent it, and most importantly teach them about the love of a heavenly father.

It is a privilege to be involved with this work and to know Naphtaly.

We gathered last night to hear more of the stories of the children.

It is always compelling and leaves us knowing there is so much to do, so many needs.

I grabbed my camera at the end of the evening.

The sight of Adam, Naphtaly and Sir Purr on the den floor was just needing to be captured!

The three of them were drawing pictures.

Naphtaly quoted scripture in the Suba language.

He taught us several greetings in his language.

It was a blessed evening for all who were there!

Look who's home

2011-10-09T05:00:00.002-04:00

It's fall break for most colleges around here.

So what do you do at fall break when you have no money?

You come home to your family!

And then your mom talks you into a photo shoot.

Only after you've been mauled by the little kids.

And you miss breakfast because apparently 12:30 pm is the time you wake up.

Seriously though it is good to have him here for the long weekend.

He, his dad, and his two brothers are out fishing as I type this post.

It's a been a great weekend!

Too much of a good thing!

2011-10-08T09:36:00.004-04:00

The other night we dining on the porch.

The weather here in Charlotte has been perfect and our back

porch is the perfect spot to enjoy this weather.

I was serving Chicken Squares which is shredded chicken,

mixed with cream cheese rolled in a crescent roll.

C.J. announce at the table "This is the third time this week

that we have had something rolled up in a crescent roll".

O.K. I have to admit that advertising works on me.

I saw the commercials for the hot dogs wrapped in

crescent rolls with a slice of cheese in them.

I thought the kids would love them!

So I made them twice in a week.

Then with the leftover rolls I made chicken squares.

Greg said "Your mother is all about cooking around a theme

and this week's theme is crescent rolls".

I told him I always have one theme and that is to feed all of you!!!

Anyways.....

Pillsbury, thank you for all the wonderful ideas on how to feed my family.

They are so appreciative!

Could you please show me what else can be wrapped up in a crescent roll?

I am sure they will LOVE it!

I will Follow

2011-10-05T15:04:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I was alone in the car with these two.

We had the sunroof open and the radio up.

As we drove along I heard the sweetest sound.

These two little Chinese cuties were singing to the top of their lungs.

I have heard them sing before.

Maybe it was the words they were signing that really got to me.

Where You go, I'll go
Where You stay, I'll stay
When You move, I'll move
I will follow You
Who You love, I'll love
How You serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow You
I will follow You

My babies don't know it but they are singing about some pretty big stuff.

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me,

he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

I pray they will always follow Him!

Coming to an end!

2011-10-02T09:36:00.008-04:00

You know the saying...

All good things must come to an end.

And this has been a very good thing!

Our lease of Marshmallow is almost over.

Marshmallow is a young pony but because of a bad ankle

she is only allowed to walk/trot from here on out.

No more jumping.

Each pony has its unique personality.

I call Marshmallow the Princess.

She hates to have her ears touched.

She can be some what grumpy at times.

She loves to go fast and sometimes is hard to slow down.

She loves to be loved on and is one of the favorites among the pony crazy girls at the barn.

It has been a wonderful experience for us to lease Marshy!

We have enjoyed our time with her!

Now we are back to the same question we were at year ago.

To lease....or not to lease????

A Win!

2011-09-25T17:57:00.011-04:00

Guess where we went today?

We were invited by Adam's new friend Miss Jenn to a Panther's game!

Here they are together.

I think they look alike in this photo.

She hooked us up with field passes too.

Cam spotted Adam and came over to catch up before the game.

A few pointers from Adam and Cam was ready for the game.

High five and good luck!

Another visit from one of his buds.

And of course his favorite Sir Purr.

Adam had a gift for Sir Purr.

A framed picture of the two of them.

It was so sweet.

And to top it all off....We WON!!!

Way to go Panthers!

Good Strong Legs

2011-09-22T13:30:00.006-04:00

What do you do when you just need a pair of good strong legs?

You use your daddy's!

Today was the Boosterthon Fun Run fundraiser for our school.

The goal is to make as many laps around the track as you can.

Pledges were made per lap completed.

Adam borrowed his dad's legs for this event.

No walker or wheelchair would do for this grassy track.

This is why Adam's dad is the best dad in the world!

G-diddy you rock!!!!!

Sam's Pony Party

2011-09-20T12:15:00.015-04:00

I'm playing catch up again.

This was supposed to be my Sunday Snapshot but here it is Tuesday afternoon.

I have just enough time to blog before it is time for piano, orthodontist appointment, basketball workout, horseback riding and a meeting at the middle school.

Should be done around 8:00.

We will throw dinner and baths into the mix and call it a day!

Samantha enjoyed her week long long B-day celebration.

We kicked it off with a fun card from the fabulous Miss Anne.

Samantha loved it!

Later that day we had dinner on the porch, mac and cheese of course!

The long awaited DS made it's appearance.

It didn't stay in the box long and then we never heard from Sam for the rest of the night.

We finally found the secret to keeping her quiet.

These are the cutest cowboy and cowgirl I have ever seen!!

Saturday was Sam's pony party.

Cute jeans!!

We had so much fun and the weather was so cool.

We started a fire outside and just hung out while the girls rode the pony and played games.

The birthday crew.

Blue was such a sweet pony.

Mr. Greg took everyone on a hayride.

Next to the pony this was the favorite activity.

When they came back all the kids were saying "Howdy Ya'll".

Time for cake...

...and presents.

Her special friend, born in the same province of China, adopted to a family

5 minutes from us and in the same kindergarten class.

I hope they are friends for a long long time.

What a fantastic day we had.

When everyone left she came up to me and thanked me for the party.

She said I was the best mom and she loved her party.

I love you too and you are the best Sammy!!!

So much to blog....

2011-09-16T08:59:00.010-04:00

...so little time

Last week Adam was invited to a breakfast club meeting.

There were some movers and shakers there.

Like Sir Purr...

and Hugh McColl....

and former Panther players.

Adam took his seat for breakfast.

It was hard to eat when everyone wants to talk to you.

During breakfast Adam announced he needed more grits.

One of those former Panther players jumped up and got him a plate full of grits.

No kidding!!

But Adam was there for a job.

His job was to introduce Mr. Richardson.

Known to Adam as Cam's boss.

So Sir Purr carried him up and he did his job "Mr. Richardson, please join us on stage".

Nice job Adam!

Check out his face.... He loves the Top Cats!

Almost as much as he loves Sir Purr!

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-12T07:32:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Samantha,

Happy Birthday to you!

Is it possible you are 6 years old?

You love kindergarten, your family, bubba and bear, talking, macaroni and cheese,

eating out, any social event, playing tennis, dance, and gymnastics.

You do not like going to bed (afraid you might miss something), being quiet, cleaning up your toys, thunder, storms of any kind, and being away from mama!

You are perfect just the way you are!

We love you Sammy girl!

Hard Stuff

2011-09-09T09:11:00.003-04:00

Parenting is hard!

We have had our fair share of hard this past summer.

This is even harder.

My boy wants to walk.

He keeps asking me when he is going to be able to walk without the walker.

He told me this morning that everyone at school stares at him.

He told me he just wants to walk like me, his, dad, Stephen and C.J..

He told me he just wants to be like his family.

What do I say?

He is who God created him to be.

If I say that will he be upset with God?

If he didn't have Spina Bifida he would be living in Yungcheng with his biological family.

I can't tell him that. Not now.

How do you get a 5 1/2 year old to understand and accept himself the way he is.

All he wants is to run with his friends on the playground.

This is hard stuff!

Any advice from my loyal followers?

My heart is hurting today!!

Gotcha Day Photos 2011- Then and Now

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T08:23:00.020-04:00

The weekend started off like most others.

We had a middle school football game for AK.

Right after that we changed from our orange and blue to our purple and gold!

We headed down to Bank of America Stadium for the Pirates game.

We just can't get away from football.

Stephen came home to join in the fun.

The team looked great and we thought they might win.

They were leading at the half.

They ended up losing but I would say the fans had a great time anyway.

We are the Pirates of E-C-U hey!

Sunday was Gotcha day and we had Chinese food for lunch.

Adam was very upset that the day was all about Sam and wanted to know when it would be all about him.

Samantha on the other hand loved all the attention.

And soaked it all up on her special day.

Later on Sunday we played tennis.

We needed to work off some of that chocolate cake.

Sammy was our ball girl.

Every now and then Greg would give her a mini lesson.

We played doubles with Stephen and his girlfriend Megan.

Stephen is safely back at school.

We had a great weekend together!!!

Gotcha Day: 5 Years!!!

2011-09-04T07:23:00.012-04:00

September 4th 2006

It was the best day!

Gao Shao Gan was so scared and so sweet.

In this picture I am wearing a blue bracelet I tied on my wrist during a

Bible Study called believing God by Beth Moore.

It was a reminder of what we were believing God was doing in our life.

I wore it for two years trusting God that he would bring this little girl home.

I have it safely put away to be pinned under her wedding gown as her "something blue".

Our first moment together caught by C.J.

Audrey Kate was so happy to be a big sister.

Everyone was crying and so happy.

What is this little one thinking of her new mommy?

Daddy was in love with her and still is!

The Chinese Character around my neck means mother and daughter.

Thank you God for the gift of Samantha.

She is sweet, loving, smart, spunky, in charge, a great helper, a little mama, a pleaser, happy, silly, a great dancer, strong and a treasure to us!

I will update later this afternoon with photos from our day.

P.F. Changs and lots of pictures are to come!

Happy Gotcha Day my Sammy girl.

I just couldn't imagine my life without you!

Dance!

2011-09-03T10:49:00.010-04:00

AK is loving her new dance team!

A couple of weeks ago her team participated in the varsity Maverick Walk.

I took a picture of the new #5.

He is quite a bit smaller than our#5.

The team is so cute!

That's our girl!

The team really looks good!

I am trying to post a video of the performance.

Yes, I am still learning how to use this thing!

Click here to link to the video

Today was the BIG day!

2011-08-29T07:23:00.011-04:00

Wake up sleepy head!

They were both happy and excited about the first day of school.

Adam's bus comes early.

He was slightly nervous when they were loading him.

This was new experience for all of us.

As usual he was all smiles.

I used to be a public school special education teacher.

I have some experience on that side of this.

However, today as a parent, I have a whole new appreciation for what it

feels like to send your child with special needs off to school.

It was hard to do!

Next it was Sammy's turn.

She is ready to take charge of the school.

And there she goes!

She will do great.

I think I should have titled this post:

"So what do I do now?"

My children are all in school.

I thought I would feel like I have my life back.

The truth is my life got on a school bus this morning and left.

And now I am just sad.

It's going to be a long day!

The End of Summer

2011-08-25T10:42:00.010-04:00

Summer is officially over.

Another new chapter has begun.

We have had a good summer.

The constant eating has come to an end.

There has been more fried bologna and Ramen noodles consumed than

I would like to admit to. The three older kids all think they are cooks now and could be found in the kitchen this summer on a regular basis. However, what they cook is mostly limited to fried bologna and Ramen noodles.

Parts of our summer were hard but overall we enjoyed it.

C.J. started the 11th grade today.

Audrey Kate had her first day of middle school.

Samantha and Adam start kindergarten next week due to a staggered start.

Adam's bus driver did not realize his first day was not until Monday.

This morning while I was making breakfast before anyone was up I noticed flashing red lights in the cul-de-sac. I looked out the window and saw Adam's bus, parked with the wheelchair ramp down, waiting for him.

I ran out in my P.J.'s and explained to him about the staggered start.

He said he would be back next week for him.

Adam is so excited to ride the bus!

A New Chapter

2011-08-24T08:54:00.008-04:00

We have turned the page to a new chapter.

We took our firstborn to college last week.

We helped him settle in as much as we could.

He had his first college class yesterday.

We have received one text from him since last Friday.

He said he was very happy.

What more could we ask for?

(good grades might be one thing)

While we were at ECU I introduced him to a special place.

I was once a Pirate too so I do know a little bit.

Cubbies Cheesesteak is a must!

We had lunch there before we left.

Both Greg and Stephen agreed it was great!

In Stephen's text he told us he has already eaten there again.

Just like the good ol' days.

More new chapters are coming to our home.

I am just trying to keep up!

Today's the Day!

2011-08-18T07:30:00.002-04:00

Time to move on...

Say goodbye to his old life...

Embrace a new experience...

Live on his own...

Make his own decisions...

and mistakes...

Make new lifelong friends...

Sure will be different around here.

We are leaving for ECU today!

Go Pirates!

Adam Update -Part 2

2011-08-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to be Back to Football!

No one is as excited as Adam.

Ever since he was drafted he truly believes he is a Panther.

The Carolina Panthers are a top notch organization on every level.

Adam welcomed Cam Newton to his team and even

agreed to share his # 1 jersey with Cam.

Adam was invited to a practice last week.

We hung out on the sidelines watching his team get ready for the season.

That's Cam wearing #1.

The players are all so nice and remember Adam.

After a long practice they still stop to talk and sign his football.

Danny Morrison stopped by.

So did Coach Rivera.

DeAngelo Williams is one of my favorites. He is so nice to Adam.

Here he is teaching him to fist pump then "Blow it Up!".

Jimmy Claussen gave Adam his towel.

Cam was walking up the hill and yelled Adam's name from far away.

No kidding!

He loved Samantha and talked with her for awhile then signed her shirt.

He signed Adam's football.

Then he asked Adam for his autograph.

Actually Adam signed three autographs that night.

Cam is such a nice kid. We really like him and we are glad he is a Panther!

Did you see them win the first preseason game?

We won 20 to 10 over the NY Giants.

It is going to be a fun season.

Adam is not only a football player, he now plays basketball.

He is on a team called the Rolling Bobcats.

He has a coach and teammates.

He had a blast at his first practice.

He just loves being part of a team.

Who wouldn't love this?

Adam has such a fun life.

Adam Update -Part One

2011-08-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

Adam had a neurosurgery checkup this week at Duke.

With a tethered cord there is always a chance of re-tethering.

We always pray for good news.

We were going every three months.

Then we went every six months.

But this last visit the doctors said he didn't want to see us again...

Until next summer!

WOO HOO!!

Once a year is the goal with all Adam's doctors.

We are pretty much there with all except urology.

It has been a medically challenging 18 months but it has paid off and now

Adam can start kindergarten with a year almost free of medical stuff!

Higher Education

2011-08-12T16:58:00.005-04:00

In many ways my family has already had

a Higher education this summer.

It involved learning to rely on our faith and trusting that God

knows the beginning and the end and everything in between.

Stephen's higher education has gone nothing like what we thought or hoped it would.

Once we thought for sure he was a Florida Gator.

We bought all the logo gear!

Then we were certain he was an Air Force Falcon!

Again we bought all the logo gear.

As it turns out he is actually a week away from being an ECU Pirate.

And yes, we bought all the logo gear.

What a journey to college he has had.

It truly is not over yet!

Stephen has two other options to finish his college career.

He has a chance to be a Tarheel in the Spring.

He was offered admission after an interview this summer.

While we were there guess what we did?

We bought logo gear. Just one T-shirt this time.

He also has been offered a chance to return

to the Air Force Academy next June.

I think instead of buying anymore logo gear I am going to have a

T-shirt printed with this verse on it.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Gotcha Day Reunion- Part 2

2011-08-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday afternoon we went to a Chinese acrobat

show called Cirque de Chine.

It was amazing!

Sam and Ruby both wore their Chinese outfits.

Funny thing is both these girls fell asleep during the show.

It was in a beautiful theater.

The cast of the show was in the lobby after it was over.

They really are fantastic performers!

After the show we went out for Mexican (more eating), and

then on go carting.

Adam rode a mini drop zone ride.

Look at his face.

He is the happiest kid I have ever known.

He loves life!

He really enjoys whatever we do!

We were at the park until about 10:30 and eventually he

and Sam had a meltdown. They we so tired!

I can't blame them. We kept them moving!

Sunday morning we spent at the pool before heading home.

It was a fantastic trip.

As always I am so thankful God not only brought us Samantha...

He also gave us our dear friends the Lane's

Happy (almost) Gotcha Day Sam and Ruby!

Gotcha Day Reunion- Part 1

2011-08-08T07:38:00.013-04:00

It is not quite Gotcha Day but because of our busy

schedule we decided to get together in August.

We met the Lane's in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Friday night we ate at the Dixie Stampede.

Adam and his best buddy were back together again.

The girls love being together.

We ate well and enjoyed the show.

Saturday morning we headed out for pancakes.

Yes, we eat well on our trips!

We exchanged Gotcha day gifts.

Then we were off to another tradition.

I think we have been Gem Mining on every reunion.

Sam and her treasures.

I am so thankful for the day these two came into our lives.

More photos tomorrow!

Undefeated!

2011-08-05T05:00:00.001-04:00

Two teams went in undefeated.

Only one is still undefeated!

Congratulations Greg and C.J.!

After all this is big- time coed church softball.

Greg and C.J. are enjoying this great father/son time playing on the same team together.

Home Sweet Home

2011-08-04T07:05:00.010-04:00

Shortly after midnight on July 29th a large crowd had gathered at the airport.

Why in the world would we all be up at midnight?

It was time to welcome home the Hubers and their new addition.

If you have never witnessed and adoption homecoming I highly recommend it.

Even at midnight!

I actually recommend it on both sides.

There is nothing like the feeling of arriving home to all those gathered

to welcome your new little one.

I remember with Samantha saying I just didn't want the moment to end.

How many moments in your life do you wish would last forever?

Not many.

They are all home safe, sound, and together forever.

God has blessed both of our families with beautiful children!

Welcome Home Doug, Joy, and all the Huber children.

Hopefully very soon I will be headed back to the

airport for another long awaited homecoming!

Praying it is very soon!

Growing up

2011-08-01T17:13:00.004-04:00

Before

After

Today is the day AK has waited for for so long.

I have never seen anyone as excited about dental

work as she was about these braces.

She loves them!

Makes me feel a little bit better about the thousands of dollars

we are spending on them!

Not really.

Wisdom Teeth and Wishes

2011-07-28T10:58:00.006-04:00

Stephen had his wisdom teeth out.

This is him three days out and starting to feel a little better.

He is never without his texts.

It is what has gotten him through three days of doing nothing.

Last night Adam and I had a chance to help

out at a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish.

Adam received a letter from the Panthers requesting an

appearance just as the players receive for speaking engagements.

He was so excited.

His good friend Amy from Make- A-Wish was there.

We shared our story and what it has meant to our family with those who were there.

We hope if helped raise lots of money so other kids can experience what Adam did.

It was fun to relive our wish.

We showed everyone the newspaper articles, the autographed balls and helmets, and the pictures from our fabulous wish weekend.

As far as what it means to our family, well it is hard to put into words.

What I shared is that for families that deal with chronic medical issues

it is a huge part of your daily life. It is something both the child and parents deal

with on a daily basis. There are always surgeries, procedures and treatments to coordinate.

Just when one is completed there is another on the horizon.

From small issues of how to travel around town and school issues to

major issues of quality of life and long term health issues, it is always there.

For a child to receive a wish means for that moment

in time you are no longer focused on those issues.

It is a moment in time that there is nothing but smiles.

Memories being made, memories that you carry with you that

get you through the hard times.

For us Adam had a wish that no matter how much I wanted to make that happen for him it just wouldn't have been possible without the people from Make-A-Wish.

He not only is a football player but a pro -player.

Adam believes with all his heart he is a Carolina Panther.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish!

On the way home from the fundraiser he said "So mom when is my next game?"

We had to break the news to him that Cam Newton got his number.

He said it was o.k. if Cam wanted to use his number one jersey.

They are tight like that!

We are looking forward to the season!

Hold Fast

2011-07-27T13:24:00.007-04:00

H.O.L.D.F.A.S.T.

God has set his love upon me!

Anyone else out there know what I'm talking about?

If you were at Time Warner Arena last weekend you do.

My friends and I had the privilege of going to see Beth Moore live last weekend.

The pictures are terrible.

The teaching was fabulous.

What are you holding fast to?

Fear the Lord your God and serve him.

Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in his name.

He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you

those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Deuteronomy 10:20-21

Crafty! Not!

2011-07-25T16:32:00.004-04:00

I love to try new things!

However, I am not always good at the things I try.

Over the years I have tried various crafts, sewing, needle point, painting,

refinishing, you name it.

I have learned one thing for sure.

I am not crafty!

My children of course love crafts!!!

To me they are messy and a lot of work.

I decided to let them do crafts until their hearts content this summer.

Here is what they have done so far.

They have painted bird houses, pottery, and one other piece of their choice.

Here they are with all there crafts so far.

We also have all the things we need to decorate T-shirts next weekend.

They each picked out iron-ons and glitter and numbers and whatever they needed

to make their t-shirt their own!

Those of you who know me well are laughing I am sure.

At least I am trying!

Stephen did fine today getting his wisdom teeth out. He is resting and recovering.

Summer Camp

2011-07-24T09:48:00.009-04:00

Sammy had an acting camp last week.

We figured since she was full of drama it would be a good fit!

We were right!

She loved it.

She was so excited everyday to go to camp.

At the end of the week they had a performance.

Audrey Kate, Adam and I went to see the show.

Here are the last minute rehearsals.

Waiting in the auditorium for her turn.

And finally... she has the part of a bird in the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

She did a great job.

The funny thing is she knew all her parts...

and everyone else's part too!

We really enjoyed the show!

Way to go Sammy!

Stephen is having his wisdom teeth out tomorrow.

Please pray for him and that all goes well.

We are still waiting for more information about his school next year and then I will update.

Beach Trip 2011

2011-07-20T17:40:00.021-04:00

Let me start by saying that this post contains lots of bad quality photos.

The card in my big camera has been full for a month and still is.

I have been using my little camera and it just doesn't take good pics.

I will get around to reformatting the big camera as soon as life settles down.

Never!

Anyway, back in June we took our annual family vacation.

This year we went to Holden Beach.

Something new.

We left the day after we picked Stephen up from the airport after being sent home from the Academy. None of us were in very happy moods when we left but we made the best of it.

I did not take many pictures because of how we were feeling.

Greg and I spent a good portion of the vacation working to get info from the academy and trying to find Stephen a place to start college this fall.

Greg even went out one day to an office supply to store to buy a copier, printer, and fax machine so we could send the needed forms to schools. He would do just about anything to help Stephen find a place to go this fall, although at least one person has said it is not enough. Some people are just mean.

He is a great dad and would walk through walls for his kids.

I do have an update about Stephen. We are waiting for one more decision and hopefully I can post an update by Friday.

We do have some good memories from this years trip!

The kids cleaned up one (just one) night after dinner.

Almost everyone helped and I think it was a first at the beach

which is why I took so many pictures of it.

We caught them early in the week while they were still

fresh and they actually seemed happy to help.

Good times!

Mostly we just hung out in the sand playing on the beach.

The boys did some fishing and caught a couple of baby sharks.

The girls went shopping one day and my niece Emily and

I bought matching "Hey Ya'll "

T-shirts.

One morning we woke up to find a Turtle Watch volunteer

marking a nest out in front of our cottage.

We learned so much about sea turtles from the volunteers.

This nest was below to highest waterline so it had to be moved.

The volunteers dug up the eggs and placed them in a cooler to be moved.

There were 109 eggs in all in the nest of this Loggerhead turtle.

We enjoyed each others company.

We went out to dinner to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary.

We gave them a picture of their senior prom and a recent picture of them framed together.

They have been together a long, long time!!!!

Looking forward to next year already!

Adoption Friends

2011-07-10T05:00:00.007-04:00

Both Joy and Angie have been my friends for a long time,

long before adoption entered our lives.

It has been so nice to have such close friends who have experienced the

joy I have with adoption.

I wish I could bottle the feeling I get when

one of my friends adopts a child.

It makes me so totally happy to be part of it and the thrill I get

from taking a small part of the journey with them is priceless.

I would be wealthy beyond belief if I could bottle it and sell it.

It seems unfair to keep it to myself so I am sharing with you!

This little princess is about to meet her forever mommy and daddy.

She also has brothers and sisters waiting to meet her.

They leave Wednesday to travel to China to bring her home.

You can follow their journey at

www.generationsoffaithfulness.wordpress.com

This little stinker is giving his new mommy and daddy a run for their money.

They are all in the Dominican trying to complete his adoption.

He is an adorable two year old with two older sisters who I am sure are spoiling him.

You can follow their journey at

www.ourtreasureourheart.blogspot.com

I know both families would love for you to leave comments.

Those comments mean so much when you are in a foreign country trying to get home.

Please stop by and encourage them!

Adam Update

2011-07-09T13:25:00.004-04:00

Adam and his friend Sarah Mei

It has been a while since I have posted an update on Adam.

The last time I posted he was 28.4 pounds, nine pounds under weight,

and diagnosed with iron deficient anemia.

We have been on iron therapy for several months and trying to help him gain weight.

Well last Thursday we went for another blood count and weight check.

The doctor called later that day to report NORMAL blood counts in ALL areas.

He also weighed 30.7 pounds.

NO more yucky iron for him!

He just has to take a multi -vitamin with iron and we will continue to work on his weight.

We do not have to go back to the hematologist for 3 months!

Our next appointment is with the neurosurgeon in August just for a check up.

We needed some good news around here.

Check back tomorrow for a special update on my friend Joy.

It is time to go get her Hannah Li!

More good news!

Recital

2011-07-05T17:00:00.011-04:00

I am always playing catch up these days. The recital was the day after graduation. Almost a month ago and I am just now getting around to posting about it.

The girls each had three routines.

I love the recital every year. The girls always look so pretty and I love seeing what they have learned throughout the year.

We had a great time!

Choosing Joy

2011-07-04T06:34:00.008-04:00

This blog was meant to be our family scrapbook in a way.

A place to record our memories.

Well part of our family journey includes some hard times.

Memories that we would love nothing more than to forget.

However if we block the hard stuff from our memory we may miss an opportunity

to learn and grow closer to each other and to God.

So what has been learned?

For one our joy is not dependent on our circumstances.

True joy comes from knowing and loving God.

A God who knows and sees and understands all things.

A God who told us we would have trouble in this world but He came to overcome the world.

So we choose joy over circumstance.

He is an excerpt from a book I have been reading.

We tend to think of joy as something that ebbs and flows depending on life's circumstances.

But we don't just lose joy, as though one day we had it and the next it's gone. Joy is something we have to choose and then work for. Like the ability to run for an hour, it doesn't come automatically. It needs cultivation.

When life gets painful and doesn't go as we hoped, it's okay if our joy seeps away. The Bible teaches that true joy is formed in the midst of the difficult seasons of life.

Francis Chan- Crazy Love

Saying goodbye at the airport

Going away party.

Preparing his head for the academy.

Wishing instead we had wrapped him in bubble wrap!

Life is more than where you go to school, or the injuries both physical

and emotional that you may receive along the way.

It is all part of the journey that leads to something far greater.

My sweet grandmother made it through some tough few years physically and emotionally and now has received her "something far greater".

The night Stephen was sent home from the academy my grandmother went to heaven.

She exchanged the pain of this world for perfect peace.

She knew Jesus well on this earth.

Now she knows him perfectly, face to face.

Choosing joy and choosing to see God's glory in the events of the past couple of weeks!

A dream delayed

2011-06-24T20:43:00.005-04:00

It has been a heartbreaking week at our home.

I have debated on how or if to put this out

but I know there are many who already know

and other's would question what happened.

We had a small going away party for Stephen,

three friends and his grandparents.

It was a perfect evening!

Later he and his friends were wrestling and

Stephen was injured.

We put him on the plane the next morning.

When he arrived at the Academy he was taken in and

spent about half a day there.

He was pulled out for a medical exam because of his injury.

It was obvious because of his black eye.

He hit the coffe table with his face.

A CT scan revealed a fracture in his face.

He was not allowed to stay.

He will have to reapply next year.

Right now this is what he wants to do because

it has been his childhood dream.

Dreams are not easily given up on.

Is it possible to receive two appointments?

Only God knows for sure.

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

You know a dream is like a river,
Ever changing as it flows,
and the dreamer is just a vessel,
that must follow where it goes.

Trying to learn from what's behind you,
and never knowing what's in store.
Makes each day a constant battle,
just to stay between the shores.

And I will sail my vessel,
till the river runs dry.
Like a bird upon the wind,
these waters are my sky.
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try,
So I will sail my vessel,
till the river runs dry!

Too many times we stand aside,
and let the water slip away.
And what we put off till tomorrow,
has now become today.
So don't you sit upon the shore line,
and say you're satisfied.
Choose the chance to rapids,
and dare to dance the tides.

There is bound to be rough waters,
and I know I'll take some falls,
with the good Lord as my captain,
I can make it through them all!

- Garth Brooks

Dread

2011-06-21T05:00:00.001-04:00

NOT READY!

NEVER GONNA BE!

I am dreading tomorrow.

Dreading saying goodbye

Dreading letting him go

Dreading the crying and heartache

Dreading seeing him round the corner and out- of -sight

Dread is what I feel!

I know it is right and the natural order of things.

He can't stay here forever and I don't want him to.

It is time for both of us to move on.

He will have an easier time moving on than I will.

I hope the first is the hardest and it gets easier from here.

Our first chick is leaving the nest.....

and I am dreading it.

East Before West

2011-06-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

For the first time since he was born Stephen will

miss our annual family beach vacation.

So I had to take him to the beach so he could at least see the

Atlantic Ocean and spend some time with his

brothers, sister and cousin.

We called the trip East before West.

He had to go east one last time before heading west.

He had fun with Matthew, Adam, Samantha, and C.J.

The weather was perfect!

Adam was silly!

So was Sam!

We hung out on the beach and by the pool.

We ate most of our meals poolside.

We had a great time.

The day after we got home from the beach he

boarded this train headed to Raleigh to visit his grandparents,

cousins, Aunt Michele and Uncle Jimmy.

He wanted to go fishing on Pappy's boat

one last time before he leaves.

We have one last celebration Tuesday night.

Then Wednesday he will take off!