My heart did a flip when I saw this picture...

And I sort of got goosebumps...and I felt all melty...and my day that had begun kind of lousy suddenly felt like sunshine!

How many ways do I love this picture??  Well, I love the fun slide and sweet aunties in the background, reminding me how loved this girl is...  I love the cute, flowery dress and especially those little pink crocs...   I love how confidently she is standing and the look on her face telling me "I am doing fine, Mom!"  AND her two little thumbs up signs.  Those about did me in. :)  This little girl is absolutely precious--to God, to those who already know her, and to US!! 

And...we are sending in our dossier on Monday!!!  One step closer!!

We are finally finishing up our dossier paperwork...

Can't wait to go and get this girl!  Isn't she precious?

 

 

(We won't actually be traveling until spring, but it feels good to check things off our list.)

 

First Day of School!

Yes, today was our first day of school!  It was an abbreviated day since I don't have every single one of my ducks in a row yet, but still, it was a start.  A good start, I think.  And here are some pictures of how we started our day!

 His face when he noticed the surprise candy sticks have our last name on them

 

 

 Our second-annual first day of school breakfast at IH*P!

 

 I had a bite.  Yes, it is THAT good.

 

 First day of school mandatory pictures

7th grade

 

9th grade

 

 4th grade

 

Lookin' so cute and stylish in her new specs for Kindergarten!

 

Phil. 3:13-14--Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  

 

Have a wonderful school year, everyone!