It's just a little rain

Today we played soccer in the pouring down rain. For a kid that sometimes complains about getting dirty, he faired it well. We had a pep talk beforehand about how it was ok to get all muddy and we'll wash up later. I think that was the release he needed to just get out there and enjoy it. He was even asking me why I had my umbrella, 'It's just rain Mom!'

Daniel also tested for his next belt in Karate. Oh, pardon me - Tae Kwon Doe. He keeps correcting me! He is now a proud blue tip belt...

Ukraine picnic

Let me tell you about the lady at our church who helped us with our adoption. Her name is Kathy and she went to Ukraine and adopted a little girl. But that one adoption wasn't enough for her. She was moved by the plight of orphans and wanted to do more. So she helps other couples in our church that want to adopt, facilitating their paperwork process here in the states (at no charge) and then assigning facilitators to work with you in Ukraine. She also started Hopeful Hearts (check out the link on the sidebar), to raise money and assist the orphanages for those kids who will never get adopted but still need help and love and hope. The Lord has blessed their efforts so much that they've been able to extend their benevolence to orphanages in India and Afghanistan as well.

Every year they have a picnic for the families that they have helped to adopt. Not everyone can come each year, but it's a good time to catch up on the kid's progress and meet the new kids that have found their forever families this year. What a legacy - look at all these kids (and this is just a fraction of them):

Kathy - we are so thankful for you....for your willingness to follow the Lord's leading, to step out in faith where many would have thought they couldn't have an impact, for your love of the kids and passion for building families. In knowing you, our lives are forever changed.

Wedding Fun!

We went to a wedding over Labor Day weekend and they had a photo booth at the reception. We had such fun dressing up and making goofy faces. Is it slightly sad that we're so good at being dorky?

On a side note - second grade is going great! (which you can probably tell since I haven't been moaning about troubles) I was all geared up for a rough start to the school year, like First grade. But Daniel is really doing great. We've had a few minor hiccups, but I have to say - he's really great at being a second grader. Thank you Lord for your special blessings on our sweet boy!

Soccer kid

Daniel had his first soccer game this past Saturday. His uniform this year is orange and black so they are the Tigers! Daniel's aggressive nature really helps him out in soccer. He gives it his all the entire game - he runs, he goes after the ball, he mixes it up with the other players. Pop is so proud! Since he is always in there scrapping over the ball, that means he is also getting roughed up by the other team trying to get the ball. He gets knocked down, pushed and elbowed quite a bit. He hangs in there though and really gives it his all. We think soccer is going to be his favorite sport!

FamilyPalooza

Every year on Labor day they have a big carnival at our church. The weather turned a bit chilly this year but Daniel still had a great time playing games, jumping on the inflatables, eating junk food, at the petting zoo and just enjoying a day off school!