Day 4,521

The No Boys “Aloud” Sign

It has begun. 

I don’t know how they learn these things, but we’ve reached that point in parenthood. 

For the most part though, they love spending their time together. 



I’m really going to miss this one day. 

Day 4,518

The Summer Violin

We had the privilege of having Ms. Ava home from college for the summer and over to our home for summer violin lessons! 

Then it was off to the beach. 

And more outside play. 

Some letter writing. 



Aaaaaaand, more puke cleaning. 

Day 4,495

The Daddy Dance Practice

When they ask you to lead singing and dancing for VBS, you get the crew together to practice the moves!

Yes. Adam on stage. Singing and dancing. Real. Life. That, my friends, is dying to self 😂

Day 4,474

The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress and My Deliverer

My God, My Rock in Whom I Take Refuge, 

My Shield and the Horn of My Salvation, My Stronghold

Psalm 18:2

Her wart is finally gone!

Their love is never-ending.



He's still our baby boy.

Day 4,430

The Lord's Mercies are New Every Morning

I will never tire of these new morning mercies. Praise the Lord.

Day 4,417

The Nap, the Jab, the Study With Dad

Day 4,416

The Dreamers

Night night.

Sleep tight.

There better not be any bed bugs.

Day 4,387

The Sunday Return Home

All is lovely Sunday morning...





..until the puppies get ahold of books while we're gone. 

And it's always the books.

They don't eat shoes or wood or the couch or the door frames. They just like to shred books. A most-curious thing.

Day 4,378

They're Growing Like Weeds While We Grow Oak Trees!

Good morning, Pretty <3

Such nice violin posture, Molly!

Atta boy, workin' Bubba!

While Ella Mae was in art class, the rest of the crew was busy planting trees and exploring the Property that we'll one day--Lord willing--call home.

Tiny Live Oak trees!

And what's a Florida sandpit without a sunshade?!

Good work today, Conley Crew!

Day 4,298

The Biggest Help

Mama grocery shopping.

Daddy babysitting.



Conleys violining.

Day 4,276

The Fifth Year As Our Son

He's been our son for FIVE beautiful years.

And every year it comes around, I'm always warmed by his response, "Mom, I'm extra special. You were adopted once. I get to be adopted twice!" 

I love you, my son. The Lord has preserved you, cared for you, provided for you, and protected you. I pray you never ever forget these truths that you've so thoroughly learned this year. He is worthy to be praised as the reason for our hope, for our love, for our ability to endure and to persevere. Trust Him with your whole heart, Son. He is your good Father.

"How deep the Father's love for us...how vast beyond all measure. That He would give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure."

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kindintention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us.

Ephesians 1:3-8

Adoption Day AND Fall Festival! It's one of the most special days of the year around here! And this time, they chose to be Oompa Loompas after watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for the first time!