At the Car Wash

As the boys worked hard...

The girls cheered them on...

Dinner at Our House

Here is a glimpse into our goofy family... enjoy.

Some Glimpses of After School Activities...

Someone has created a monster (ha ha)... Now James has caught the same bug Tony caught - wanting to learn how to play golf....

Angela always likes to see what big brother is in to and he typically goes to share with her first... and then he wants to teach her, as well as the other two, what he has just learned. Sweet... I have nicknamed him "Lil' Papa" and Angela, "Lil' Mama"...

Singing on the swing, while...

Papa and James practiced their golf swings (not to be confused with Field Hockey, which is what came to my mind when I snapped this picture:)...

Jana came out to see the entertainment...

Meanwhile, Victoria worked on learning the alphabet. Too cute...

James 1st Golf Experience and Sense of Humor

We've learned that James is a trash talker (ha ha). He had a blast with his papa on the course. Over dinner in recollection of his first golf experience, James started saying, "Papa no good at golf. James good." Then he would smile and giggle. It was hilarious to hear him talk a little smack in humor. We laughed later, after the girls were in bed as Tony and I cuddled on the sofa with James for a few extra minutes before his bedtime. We watched a little bit of the movie, "Wild Hogs" on television. James laughed hysterically. What a precious memory...

Germ Fest and Rest...

Following the departure of my mom and sister last Tuesday, blogging fell a bit to the wayside. After such an eventful weekend, rest was in order. Even this Monday morning I'm struggling with what to post, as I continue my fight with flu like symptoms. So, thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement. Here are a few pictures to fill you in a tad...

Victoria received a belated birthday gift (Thanks Auntie Lisa, Uncle Ryan & cousins!)... more fun in a box! It prompted the singing of "Happy Birthday to you" ALL weekend, with the ordering of who is next... Angela happy birthday, then Titus (our dog -ha!), then Jana happy birthday, then James!

Here is a glimpse of Sunday afternoon at the Merida's.... Nap time....

Play time for Jana who is one big ball of energy...

Sleeping bags and Scooby Doo...

Then, some remaining school work...

I woke up this morning prepared for the possibility of a child staying home from school. However, when I went to wake them up this morning they ALL were cheery eyed and ready to face the day! Praying they are on the mend and not just pushing through since no school means no ballet today... :) James, however, has no signs of a cold and could not wait to get to school this morning. He, especially, is enjoying school! What a blessing!

Jana & Victoria's 1st Day of Ballet

Angela's First Day of Ballet

Lots of Pictures from Our Weekend...

This past weekend came and went in a blur...

Friday morning was a restful time with my mom, sister and dear friends - Ms. Chris and Stephanie who had driven up from New Orleans to participate in Saturday's event. We sat at the kitchen table over coffee (me in my pajamas) for a few hours reliving our adoption journey. Laughter, tears and praises to His glory were shared amongst ourselves... what a blessing!

Ms. Chris and Stephanie came bearing gifts...

Sunday, after church, "Uncle" Barry took James out for some Mississippi play time. James came home with a bow and arrow thinking he was in heaven...

From the observation deck...

Meanwhile, back inside...

Cards and blanket time...

Each night one of the girls got to help Aunt Amanda give Payton a bath...

This afternoon was the first ballet and tap class...

I had tears as I watched these precious little ones God has entrusted to us wear smiles almost too big for their little faces...

Papa stopped by to sneak a peak of his princesses...

Big cousin James got a little baby time this evening before we have to say farewell in the morning...

God is so gracious to us... Thank you, Jesus, for a worshipful weekend in reflection of what You have done, are doing and will do!

Busy Week...

No time at present to comment much, but here is a glimpse of the arrival of my mom (Babushka), one of my sisters (Amanda) and niece (Payton)....

Aunt Amanda made jewelry boxes full of cosmetic jewels for each of the girls...

In anticipation of their arrival, we looked at pictures to introduce who was coming. Every time they saw their cousin Payton's pictures, the girls would get all giggly and say, "My baby!"

We wore Babushka out on day one...

Homework...

The kids are enjoying school, despite a few morning tears shed by my youngest on two of the four days thus far. Regarding the latter, it has been a mixed bag of emotions for me. On one hand, I hate to see tears in any of my kids eyes especially knowing they have suffered so much... while on another, it is a healthy sign of attachment for her to cry for her mama.... Wise counsel we once received said that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do in that situation is keep coming back for them at the end of the day to grant them the assurance they need... It is a sweet time going to pick them up each day... to be greeted with giant smiles, laughter and hugs - what joy! One day at a time, seeking God's grace to take each step... Thank you all for your continued prayers over our family and the starting of school!

After school was challenging today... (no doubt the first among many challenging days ahead)... This comes as no surprise, but actually fleshing it out is quite an experience... :) By the time after school activities were finished and we were home to eat dinner, it was 6:00 PM! Some of you reading can relate and then some! Have I mentioned that our kids (at least the girls) are slow eaters?!. Plus, Tony was gone for faculty workshops in New Orleans for these two days. So, shuffling the kids to eat, bathe and accomplish their homework was quite a chore! Try working one on one with four needy Russian speaking children trying to do English homework! It's also hilarious when you hold a Masters' degree and have trouble trying to figure out 4th grade homework! Reminds me of that show I would likely lose, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" We're thankful our kids have great teachers! Praying for them in their challenging and vital occupations!

On a lighter note, I pulled out some ballet leotards for the girls to try on Monday afternoon. They needed some tender loving care after an exciting, exhaustive Monday back to school... Next week they start dance (and ask me everyday if today is the day for dance). It was precious watching them dance in their new outfits to Sara Groves' "I Saw What I Saw"... May they dance for HIS glory!

"Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation."

Psalm 149:3-4