Happy

To be honest (and truly grateful), I don't think there exists a better baby, and one more perfect for our family.  I pray that we are what she needs, too!  The other kids adore her, each in their own way.  

Belle is enjoying being a second mommy to BabyGirl, 

Boo is a cuddle-er and loves hugging on his newest sister.  

And BigBoy.  

BigBoy and BabyGirl are two peas in a pod.  They look at each other and laugh.  They speak the same language.  I love their relationship and pray it's always close.  

She is sleeping almost every night through the night, although now morning is earlier for us.  I'm wondering if waking in the middle of night really wasn't such a bad thing, when we got to sleep in a little more...

but it is a season.  

We had our readoption hearing Wednesday-everything went quickly and smoothly and now we wait for her new birth certificate.  Then I'll apply for her SSN and citizenship.  

Then we are done, right?  

I think so.

Drawing with Children's Books

Have you read Drummer Hoff?  We brought home a copy from the library on our last trip.  And each of us have commented on the texture of the illustrations...very cool.  Here's a page:

Source

So yesterday I had to try the style myself:

Have you ever tried to imitate an illustration style? just for fun?

Quick Sew:: Kids' Tool Belt

I mentioned Belle's taking Woodworking this semester.  She's really loving it.  She brought home a hot pink trivet last week and it's been used every night since.

Remember these fabrics?  They're medium weight canvas, so I lined it all with flannel.

I've missed sewing lately. What have you been making? 

How to throw a Miserable Hot Air Balloon Party in 3 sad steps

1.  Try to make miniature hot air balloons with helium balloons, Yogurtville cups, twine and masking tape.  Do this outside, so the balloons can escape leaving the cups behind.   This sets the tone for the entire evening.   Sad moments to come.

2.  Take beloved child outside in the 100 degree heat and take MANY pictures when he clearly does not want to be outside.  These will be memories you will want to forget for years to come!

3.  Finally, take all your beloved children out in the heat to honor the birthday boy with a 2 mile trek in flip-flops from the parking lot to the entrance to the Balloon Fest.   Make sure there are HUGE crowds and nothing a 3 foot child could see beyond the backsides of every other Balloon Fest go-er.

Boo, you are such a special boy.  Thank you for having such low expectations that you are rarely disappointed.  I am blessed to call you my son.  Next year will be better, I promise.  Or not.

School Days

We started our homeschool co-op yesterday...it was a super long day, but the kids really had fun.

Belle is taking Art, European Geography, Woodworking, Spanish and Manners for Everyday.
Boo is in Kindergarten for three hours in the morning, then Spanish and Playground Games in the afternoon.  Big Boy is in the three-year old class all day, and Baby Girl is in the nursery.

This morning, we are back to school at home....it's a little more challenging after all the excitement of yesterday, but we're still at it. 

How's your week?

Water Painting

(It may be September, but my kids are still wearing bathing suits with some regularity.)

Last night I was telling a friend of my flylady habit of cleaning out my car each Friday-I like to start the weekend with a fresh van...that's not weird, right? 

Usually that just means vacuuming the car, but on some (rare) days, we'll get the dish soap and daddy's old undershirts out and give the car a real car wash.  

This job quickly turned into a water painting session on our driveway this afternoon.  Who needs water parks (or recess) when you've got brushes and a bucket full of dirty car washing water?

Ahhh, now the weekend can begin.
Do you have any Friday habits?

Waiting Wall Art

I wish I could host a playdate with you, my bloggy friends.  I'd invite you in, start the coffee maker and direct any kiddos following you to the stairs that lead to our always messy playroom.  My kids would love the time with friends, however new or old the friendships are.  

But since that playdate likely won't happen, and many of you are nowheres near Texas, let me just welcome you into a little corner of our playroom.  The corner without toys strewn all about.  I love this corner.    

A lifetime ago, back in June, while we were waiting for the phone call to let us know we passed court in Ethiopia, we needed an inside, near-the-phone distraction.  

I had blank canvases in the back of my closet so the day seemed to be the best to pull them out and let the kids paint!  I gave no instructions, but limited the paint to three colors that were already in the playroom.  I love the whimsy they add to the room, as well as the memory of painting while we waited.

If you are in Texas, come on over.  I'll get the coffee ready, 

Baby Girl's Homecoming

At Baby Girl's arrival in Dallas we had Cassie of 

Twelve20 Photography meet us there to capture the moment.  

She did an amazing job, and I am so thankful that out of her heart for adoption, 

she offers her talent to adoptive families. 

You can see more pictures of our family's reunion on Cassie's blog. 

Thank you so much, Cassie.  What a sweet gift our family will cherish for a long time!