Beach Day!

We had such a fun day at a nearby lake this past week, 

and I love when I can pull out my nice camera and get some 

sweet photos of the kids!! 

Photos of the family in our little yard 

throughout the Coronovirus season is getting old!

My creativity is running low!! LOL!

Since Texas allows us,

we got to be with my daughter in law and grands!! 

Ohhh happy day!! 

Baby girl is 7 months old now!! And oohhh so beautiful!

A day of adventure,

exploring,

smiles,

facing and conquering fears,

and not one argument!!! 

Notice the mermaid look!!!  

Silly kids!!

Best day!!! 

So what we all needed!!

And of course some gymnastics photos!! 

Texas Blue Bonnets

A Texas tradition is to take photos in the spring Blue Bonnets.

We are not good at making this happen annually, 

but this year we stumbled on a small field, and took advantage!

One by one I was able to get some photos! 

They weren’t into taking a group shot-
but I love the 

single photos too!! 

Even got these two to pose!

Mountains to climb (literally)

Well, maybe not mountains 

but they did climb!!

Shhhhhh! Don’t tell Laynee but according to her 

medical records in China and the US- 

she is not supposed to be able to do this!! 

Shhhhh!!!

And climbed!! 

I just love when I look over and the bigs are helping 

the littles! 

Kenzie was the only one who really knew what she was doing! 

And climbed some more!  

Don’t tell Hagan but with his back surgeries he 

shouldn’t be able to do this either!! 

Go Jorja!! 

Miles got up twice! 

An amazing accomplishment for my baby!! 

He was so scared but was willing to give it a try! 

And he rocked it!! "Rocked"it - Ha!Ha!) 

This is family!

Jailyn using her muscles in different ways than she does at gymnastics!

She sure enjoyed ringing the bell at the top! ha!ha!

Donovan just doesn't stop!

He's so pretty! 

Griggs will not be our done!! 

Even though finger grip is not one of his strong points,

he did amazing!  

And boy did his thighs hurt later! 

We definitely got our money's worth as all 4 littles were able
to climb, as young first timers, for $5!!

What a fun day building memories!!!
(FYI - Elijah was at school and Conner was studying for his M-CAT)

Tag Team Parenting at it's best!

This wasn't the first time, 

and won't be the last, I'm sure! 

But to parent our kids for their individual needs  -

sometimes it means that Bryan and I go our different directions!! 

During the day Dad took us to a Car Show  -
a very, very hot Car Show!
 and some goofing off along the way!

Three little monkeys!!

This was Griggs' favorite!!

Hagan was getting over heated!!
Thankfully Big Brother is always willing to help him out!!


Mom bribed everyone with the promise of yummy popsicles if they had good attitudes!!

We love this shop downtown!!

After a relaxed dinner at home,

 Bryan took Conner, Donovan and Jorja to an FC Dallas soccer game! 

With fireworks!!
2-0 WIN for FC Dallas!!!
Whoop! Whoop!!

I took Jailyn, Elijah, Hagan, Laynee, Griggs and Miles to see a movie!! 

I wanted to see Toy Story 4, but they choose Secret Life of Pets!

and NO fireworks!!

and a some what normal bed time!

Some of our kids can enjoy fireworks up close,

and some can enjoy them from a far,

and some ... just the thought of fireworks causes incredible anxiety!!

Some of our kids can handle crowds, 

and some need small events,

and some need silence to be able to regulate themselves.

We're just a family trying to allow some kids to have bigger experiences and 

allow all of our kids to feel safe in their environment!

And though I had more kids with me,
I had some one the easiest! haha!
And definitely the ones who like taking selfies with momma!!

Fun and good memories were had by all!!
Isn't that what freedom is all about!! 

back at it!

It's been a long time since I've posted on my blog...

and ohhhh how I miss it!! 

Not sure if you miss my posts but I miss this type of scrapbooking! 

In the past few years as a family we have experienced a roller coaster life  -

so many ups and so many downs!!

But through it all we it all we have 

helped each other through our struggles,

respect each others pasts,

continue in honesty 

and grow closer as a family.  

(even if we are a little chaotic!)

Family is everything!!!

So, let me introduce or re-introduce you to my family!!! 

We, Bryan and I, have been married almost 29 years!

(July 27th is our anniversary!)

We have three biological kids!

Amazing kids who have grown into incredible adults!

Brady, Kenzie and Conner

Brady is married to our sweet Terrinika,

and have two beautiful kiddos - Hakia and King!

And are expecting their third precious treasure, Bella Mae! 

We are blessed with 8 children through international adoption. 

(China and Ethiopia)

Jorja, Donovan, Jailyn, Elijah, Hagan, Laynee, Griggs and Miles.

(photo includes our grands)

and our precious treasure, Ivory Marie, who never made it home to us but 

 has been walking with Jesus for almost 2 years.

We are passionate for the orphan, and for special needs children and adults.

We are learning how to navigate through the broken world of mental health, but will do what we can do for our son.  

Welcome to our world! 

Sigma Theta Tau International

Last night we were able to celebrate Kenzie at her

Sigma Theta Tau 

Si Iota Chapter

Induction Ceremony! 

Wow!!!! 

Top 35% of her class!!

Kenzie has worked so hard in nursing school!

Though I think some of her work just comes naturally!! 

 (So happy Conner was able to join us!!

He's a busy college kid too but he always takes time for his sister!)

Nursing is a gift and Kenzie was definitely blessed with this gift!! 

Balancing science and compassion 

comes easy to Kenzie!! 

Kenzie and Camden! 

Aren't they cute!! 

Love ya Cam!

Sooooo proud of you Kenzie!!! 

Ephesians 4:10

"God has made us what we are.

In Christ, Jesus, God made us new people so that we would do good works.

God had planned in advance those good works for us.

He had planned for us to live our lives doing them."

 (ICB)