High School - how did that happen?

Here is our big FRESHMAN!!!!  We're so proud.  No time for blogging.  If I blink, it will all be over...

 

 

 

 

Update - 2016

An annual update is still better than no update, right?  Even with the best of intentions, here we are - not one update in 2016.  Well, these pictures are from 2016 so that's just as good, right?  This has really been a transitional year for Daniel.  He has changed so much - taller, deeper voice - he has gone from little boy to teenager right before our very eyes!  I don't know if I like it, but since we can' slow down time - we're just trying to enjoy every day, every moment, before this sweet thing spreads his wings and flys away.  12 years old and in 7th grade now.  He hates school, loves soccer, plays sax in the school band, got braces this year and is the only 12 yr old on the planet without a phone.  And in the midst of all the changes - he is still that sweet, fun loving boy that brings us joy every day.  He has a happy heart, loves to laugh and to make you laugh.  Life is good....

Update - 2015

Hello after a long silence!  I really have no excuse other than - life!  We're busy with soccer and homework and having fun.  I just fell off of the blog train.  But I have had so many people mention to me that they miss the blog that I had to update.  Daniel is doing just great.  He is 11 years old now and in sixth grade.  The transition to middle school was fraught with anxiety (for mom!) but he's doing great and actually got a straight A report card for the first time!!  His big love is soccer and we spend most of our time going to soccer practice and his games, watching soccer on TV, playing soccer apps - he is all soccer, all the time and never tires of it.  I will try to do better about posting updates (maybe even some Christmas photos) but for now, the highlights:

On fall break at Lake Cumberland...

His team won their fall tournament...

 The meatloaf cupcake at a new favorite restaurant...

With his locker at school...

We are one happy family...

Eggs

Adoption Party

How can four years have gone by so quickly?  We love you big boy....

Met ya day!!

4 years ago yesterday we met this sweet, exhuberant, excited, mystery of a boy:

I think back to that day with wonder and shake my head in amazement.  It's really a surreal moment.  You've been preparing for a year, (mentally longer than that) and now here is this little person.  You expect a dramatic music score and the heavens to open and shine a rainbow down on his head, but we don't live in a movie.  It was meeting a total stranger that doesn't speak your language and trying to imagine this person as a part of your life.  Trying to find a connection - real or imagined.  Trying to figure out - does he like me?  We knew without a doubt that God was guiding our steps, so in all of that uncertainty you hold out your hand and smile big and throw sticks over a dirty wall.  I had no idea how much God would open our hearts and change our world.  Adoption is not for the faint of heart.  It is hard and emotional and fraught with uncertainty.  It is also the biggest blessing of my life.  Thank you Lord for loving us so much and blessing us so much and saving Daniel for us.  Being his mom is my proudest achievement.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Snow Play

We got some unexpected snow over the holiday break.  Daniel was thrilled!!  It wasn't too much, I think less than 2 inches but that's enough for snowballs and sledding!

Happy New Year!!

We rang in the new year with our annual game of bowling. Daniel has actually graduated to putting his fingers in the holes - another milestone. And he broke 100 and got 2 STRIKES. Whoa!

Merry Christmas!!

It's beginning to look sparkly at our place...

One of the great things about Daniel growing up is that he can actually HELP with things.  (yeah - instead of just attempting to help and really just getting in the way and making things take longer.)  He was really a big help with putting up the tree this year....

Of course, what kid can resist a ladder?  Don't worry - 2 seconds after I snapped this I said, 'now get down from there - your grandmothers would have a heart attack if they saw you up there!'

No ornaments yet, but it looks so pretty just with the twinkle lights.....

Slow down!!

I am constantly marveling at how quickly the years are speeding by.  I can't get over how big Daniel is!  I just want to freeze him just as he is (or even go back a few years).  I just didn't get to enjoy little bitty Daniel nearly long enough.  We're trying to appreciate each new milestone and the joys of these years.  He is learning so much in school and some days he goes on and on about the most interesting things.  Just this week he has been enlightening me with all kinds of great facts on the following topics - Louis Braille, bedrock and xylophones.  He still loves playing with Legos and he is also starting to read spontaneously (without an assignment from mom!).  Just when I get to thinking he is so big, he turns around and surprises me.  (mom - where's my bear?)

We went to a counselor a bit over the summer and she told me we should be so thankful because it's totally obvious that someone in Daniel's past loved on him.  He is so affectionate, and always has been.  She says a lot of adopted kids have trouble giving and receiving affection and she was amazed at how loving and snuggly he is.  Even before he was ours, God was looking out for him.  What a great reminder to be thankful for those first years.  No matter what we might say about the care he received, he was cared for and we are seeing the results every day.  Thank you Lord for sending someone to hold and snuggle him before I could!  My heart overflows with the love this child showers on us. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

We are continuously thankful for our big bundle of joy.  His loving spirit, his sweet evening prayers, his endless questions, his tickle moments, his innocent play, his exhuberance - wow - we are so blessed!!

Happy Halloween

Daniel was a Ninja when we went to the Halloween party at the zoo but by the time trick or treating rolled around, he changed his mind and was a SWAT team member. He's a boy - it's really all about the weapons! If you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he will say either a policeman or a scientist. I love it!! We had great weather and it was a lovely evening for a stroll. We don't have many years of this left before he will be too cool for trick or treating, so we both went out with him. I turned off our porch light and took our candy bowl with me and handed out candy as we went around. A good time was had by all!!


Look out bad guys here we come.....

 Even Pop got into the spirit!  (minus the weapon)

We carved our pumpkin to look like a pirate,

and off we went....

We had fun trick or treating with the neighbor kids (we'll miss you next year!)

It was a successful night!