My dad sent me some photos this morning. I love that about my dad. He is always going through his photos and scanning things and organizing them into photo files, and sending them to people. Thanks Dad.

I have to admit I stared at this picture for quite a bit, trying to remember what it was like to not worry whether I put my bloomers on that morning, wonder how many calories were in a cupcake, or what that cupcake was going to do to my already chubby thighs.

Those were the days, weren't they?

And this one I'm thinking about submitting to Awkward Family Photos.

Three blue bowties

Sometimes when I need to spend some time reading the Bible, make an uninterrupted phone call, or have myself a good long cry, I put a DVD on in the living room for the kids, then lock myself into the bedroom for a bit. Any moms out there relate?

On Friday I was doing a combination of the above......when I heard a big thud and a scream coming from the living room.........Ouch!


From what I can gather Hope was trying to stand on the chair to turn the volume up or down, and she fell forward and hit her head on the TV armoire.

My good friend and neighbor was a good sport and took Ava with her to the eye doctor (Thank you Delahne!) while I took Hope to go get stitched up. I made the mistake of saying the word 'stitches' in front of her and she became hysterical. I pulled the doctor aside and told him to do what he needed to do, but I advised him that if he could somehow let her think she wasn't getting stitches, that it would go much better for him, for me, and for everybody else.

So the nice doctor came in and announced that there was no need for stitches, only a couple of "bow-ties" were necessary. Like a perfect angel she laid on the table and allowed the doctor to tie the necessary bow-ties.

Don't bow-ties look adorable on her?

And have I ever mentioned how much I love these big brown eyes???

As you might have guessed we are still running up against quite a few snags in our adoption process, thus all the door locking and tears.....Some of you have noticed that my Pearl of Africa blog is now private. I don't quite have the words yet to tell all that is going on, but I will soon.

So much for having an "outside" farm cat to keep the mice away!

For the past two weeks I've been trying to act like everything is fine and dandy on this blog, but the truth is we are facing some pretty major obstacles right now related to our adoption. Spiritual warfare like I have never experienced. We could really use some prayers. Please pray for peace and wisdom, clear answers, and particularly for safety and justice for our kids. I cannot give details right now, but praying that this week brings some clear answers and some very good news. Thank you for believing this with us.

Ava can say 'cow'

I had to share this video. This girl cracks me up!

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

I have had this book ever since I first became a mom, a foster mom that is.....13 years ago. I've read many parenting books but I have to say this is my all time favorite (Shepherding a Child's Heart is a close second).

Maybe it's the easy-to-read cartoon pictures, I don't know why, I just love this book! I refer back to it over and over for practical tips to win all the arguments instill morals and character in my children.

This morning Hope and I had a run-in. She told me she didn't want to go with me to take out the trash. Then she changed her mind after I left. When I came back she was hysterical, crying, thrashing, saying why don't I listen to her, and on and on. Wanting to argue that it was her choice, but remembering the book, I said:

"You really wish you could have come with me, huh?"

Next thing I know she had crawled up on my lap and was kissing me saying I'm the best momma in the world. Seriously. This stuff works. If you are a parent I think you will really like this book.

Just because it makes me smile..........