Black and White Wednesday: From 4 to 94

Today was a party day.
Madelyn (4)came over for a pool party...



and we celebrated my grandfather's 94th birthday tonight.
We are all amazed that he continues to do as well as he does!!!

Blessings,

Such a Beautiful Voice...

Our family was so blessed to travel to Kingston, Ga
for "A Musical Offering" featuring Joshua Aaron Dove, Tenor
and his college professor Susan E. Naylor, Pianist.
To say Josh's voice is beautiful is a huge understatement...
it is big and full and heart felt and moves me to tears.
I have lots of pics but really WISH you could HEAR him!
Video shot did not transfer to computer... :(

Josh and Ms. Naylor


Josh and his mom/dad, Barbara & Ben


The Adorable Couple!


The Beautiful Chicks:)


Sweet friends from Cartersville- Lisa, Thomas, Walter, & Jake


EK loved standing on the vent so her dress would blow


Best friend and roommate: Robbie


Josh's fan club


EK says she loves her big big brother! :)

Blessings,

Big Step!!! I800 Approval!!!

Just got off the phone with USCIS (immigration services)
& our I800 application was approved TODAY!!!
Another semi-major step in this process.

From here, our approval notice is mailed to the NVC
(natl visa center) in Washington, DC.
A copy will also be sent to us.
They should receive it by the end of the week.
The NVC will cable the approval to the Consulate in Guangzhou, China.
The next step is waiting for the Article 5.

Basically, the Article 5 signifies that the US Consulate
agrees that the child you are seeking to adopt
qualifies as an "orphan" under the Hague Convention
and is therefore legally free to be adopted internationally.

Then, we wait for the TA~ travel approval.
I just called my friend Donna and she predicts it will come on Aug 9th
then traveling about 2 weeks after that.

Request: If you or someone you know
would be willing to donate frequent flyer miles,
we would be forever grateful!!!
Airfare right now is astronomical...

Just think... in about a month and a half,
we will be headed to get our precious forever daughter...
ShayleeJoy JingJing Ankerich.

Blessings,

Sunday Snapshot:: Pre-4th Weekend

Our small town hosts a Pre-Fourth Extravaganza each year
the weekend before the 4th.
There is a street dance on Friday night
and booths in town on Saturday.
Saturday night is the best!
Fireworks are shot on the lake
near the dam
and we always take our boat out to watch.

EllaKate got all her babies tucked in before we left
and chose one to take. :)


Heading out in the boat...


Our beautiful Chicks! :)

Blessings,

Love Shirt & Sassy Skirt Set:- Size 5

Adorable Love Shirt and Sassy Skirt @ A Joyful Heart.
Stop by and make a bid. :)

Blessings,

This girl LOVES to paint!

Blessings,

Camera Strap Cover

Cute Camera Strap Cover up for bid @ A Joyful Heart!

Blessings,

Thankful Thursday

Today I am so thankful for a little girl
who doesn't mind if I pull her along behind me while I walk.
She so content with a pillow and basket of books.
It was homeschool at it's finest...
reading workshop in the wide open outdoors
reading her heart out and telling me all about her story.
Priceless!

Blessings,

Black and White Wednesday: Our 24th Anniversary

Scott and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary Monday
with an afternoon on the lake
and dinner in Greenville that evening @ Smoke on the Water.



As I reflect how couples make it 1, 5, 10, or 24 years...
I think it comes down to give and take with WAY more give!
Putting God first and foremost in our lives
and then each other...
allowing our children to see they come next in this hierarchy
only then do we strive to meet our own needs
taking us to the meaning of JOY in our family...
J~ Jesus
O~ Others
Y~ Yourself
When we love with this mindset,
our family is more likely to love wholeheartedly.

And then I'm right back to JOY...
a name we have given our precious daughter waiting in China.
It is not by chance we chose this name...
She is one of the gifts we have been blessed by
through the JOY we share as a family.

I am so thankful to be married to my very best friend
and someone I LOVE being with every single day.
I look forward to the next 24 filled with JOY.
Happy Anniversary sweetheart!!!

Blessings,

Butterflies in my Stomach

Today after our walk,
EK and I changed into swimsuits and jumped into the pool to cool off.
We had gotten out and a conversation ensued...

EK: What was it like when you were a little girl like me?
Me: Oh I mostly played outside.
EK: Did you have a bike?
Me: Yes.
EK: A ball?
Me: Yes.
EK: Did you grow in a tummy or in China like me?
Me: I grew in a tummy.
EK: But I grew in China right?
Me: Yes.
EK: Did I grow in a tummy?
Me: Yes.
(Butterflies in my stomach and anticipating millions of other questions)



But that was the end... no more questions for now
and no more info offered from me.
I know in due time we will get there
but for now that was enough.

I also know whether she grew in my tummy or my heart...
there is NO difference for this mommy.
She is my precious daughter
and I am thankful for every amazing day with her forever!!!
After all... I am her Forever Mommy!!!

Blessings,

I Heart Faces: Teens

The theme at I Heart Faces this week is Teens.
I have a house full some days
and take tons of pics.
Last night we took Amelia and Jake our tubing
and I took this shot of them having the time of their lives...
a couple of teens enjoying their summer to the fullest.

My entry for the contest this week...

Other shots from the evening...













Where was S&R?
R went home with S and they were already headed that way.

Blessings,

Sunday Snapshot: The Best Daddy

Our daughters couldn't be more blessed

to be loved by the best daddy in the whole world.
He lives an earthly example of their Heavenly Father's love for them
and the kind of man they are waiting for in a soul mate someday.



He loves them with his whole heart
and they adore him without measure.
I know a little girl far away in China
who will be completely blessed
with his precious love for her very soon too!

The girls and I tried to make this day a very special one...
Scott requested a Thanksgiving meal
and we weren't about to disappoint!
Between my sister's and my mom's help,
I was actually able to make my first turkey and dressing! :)
I never miss a photo shoot and today was no exception.



It was so great to have my parents with Jason, Amy, and Max
here to celebrate the amazing dads in our family...
My Daddy, Scott, and Jason.
We love them all very much!!!



I couldn't be more blessed to have the daddy I have either.
He is the hardest working man I have ever know.
He is quick to temper and quicker to contrition and then atonement.
I love the great passion he has for his family, his farm, and his church!
I wouldn't change him one bit!!!

Blessings,

Evening on the Lake

One of our very favorite things to do as a family
is take the boat out after dinner
when the lake is calm and night is near.
Here are a few shots of our latest outing.

Scotty too Hotty


Lopes


Big Wheel Mill






Summertime is the best!!!

Blessings,