Afghanistan's Child

oh, how i fell in love with this little cutie. when bob sent this picture, early in his tour in afghanistan, i asked him if she was "adoptable". i did this, mind you, without even discussing it with my husband. i can't get over the sheer joy in her sparkling eyes. nor can i get over the dirt on her small hands. she's just precious.

The Stream

It is a place of quiet solitude. Water skimming over rocks, leaves getting swept away into a pool of calm. It is worth the work. It is peace.

Sophia

I babysat Sophia for the first time last week. She is one of the best babies I have ever been around. She just has a fantastically calm disposition. I told Doug and Tiff that they hit the motherload. They definitely need to know that all babies aren't so wonderfully quiet! Her hair is hysterical, isn't it? It sticks straight up in the air and is as soft as her little behind. Baby love, indeed!

The Love Poured In

Heart ties happen early. I love these two pictures of Mariah holding Addison as a newborn and a two year old. She loves this girl so much, and I'm sure it is due to the investment she's made in little Addie's life. The cuddling, diaper changing, tear wiping, laughing, playing times. Even though we live half a country away, this little pumpkin head has our hearts.

Fireflies

fireflies blue & yellow

dip through streams and dance about

flights of fancy

swirling, twirling

free

Sisters

Oh, how I love these two! Tiffany, my brother's wife, realized a dream come true today...with the adoption of newborn Sophia. And Cheryl, who has been with me for as long as I have been on this earth. Steadfast and true. I am blessed.

Indecision

I need a phone. My two year contract with Verizon ends in February, but I need to expedite the process because I dropped my phone when I was getting out of my Jeep and now it is a sorry mess. Unfortunately, needing a phone means I need to make a decision which leads to anxiety over making the wrong decision. This is why I went without a dishwasher for 4 or 5 years, why I couldn't pick a kitchen sink out to save my life and why I haven't bought needed living room furniture. Ugh. So, back to the phone. I would love an IPhone, but don't think I'm living a life that needs such a high tech gadget. I looked at the Verizon Voyager, which is comparable to an IPhone. I had pretty much decided that I was leaning in that direction when Verizon informed me that beginning tomorrow they are only going to sell it in silver titanium. Double ugh! I told Don that I didn't want a silver phone, and just like a man he told me that I shouldn't base my decision on color. Yeah, right. What in the world would I base it on...the features? C'mon...I want a phone that looks pretty. I think I should be sensible and re-read reviews, consider all my options, and flip a coin!

British Virgin Islands

This is a picture of Pearl's Snack Shack. She serves some of the best burgers on the island...but it isn't fast food!




I got a kick out of this seagull perched on a surfboard. Ahhhh, what a life!



We took our dinghy to an island and Don was able to get a shot of our sailboat framed by the lush BVI vegetation. Every place you look seems to be a 'picture' in the islands.

WithChild

I have been volunteering at WithChild since April and have been blessed beyond belief as I watch the hand of God move. Just today a woman called and said that she was told that we would make a referral to an abortion clinic. Rather than hanging up the phone (when I told her we encourage women to make a different decision) this woman was willing to allow our director to make an ultrasound appointment for her to see her 7 week old baby. I haven't heard a follow up, but it is my greatest hope, desire and prayer that once she saw the heart beating and the limbs forming she re-thought her decision to abort. I thank God for these "accidental" phone calls and for the unborn life He forms and cherishes.

Summertime and the Living is Easy

Ohhhhhhh, Summer! Welcome...I've been waiting for you. I absolutely love summer because the birds are in the nest and we don't need to set an alarm clock.

We are getting ready for our trip to the BVI at the end of the month. Ten days of sun and relaxation.

Yeah!

Procrastination Station

Arghhhhh!

I am the worst procrastinator. I'm not proud of it. I should be doing Ozark work at my desk, but instead I have found everything BUT work to do. I've organized papers, drank coffee, wandered around the house, blogged and checked e-mail...then I organized papers, drank coffee, wandered around the house, blogged and checked e-mail again. Oh, and I've surfed the internet, too!

Okay, I'm officially ashamed. Time to get busy.

Bye.