Story of my Life

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

One year ago.... this teeny, tiny, almost 7 year old walked into our lives for a weekend as a respite placement. We fell in love. Commitment wasn't an option at that point, however, as she had a family planning to adopt her later that month. But then just 3 weeks later, they called us back asking us to take her forever. What an amazing gift! <3 

I'm a bit envious of this gal's cozy spot... This is how I'd like to spend my day! :)

Mr. Riley saved up his birthday money he got from grandparents and uncles and aunts and could hardly handle the excitement of purchasing his long-awaited prize: Settlers of Catan!!

Woah! Memory lane.... where'd all those babies go?! 5.5 years ago, Quinn & Halli were 2 and Riley & Scott were 4. :) This was 6 weeks after S & Q joined our crew...

How quick can we get our school work done?! Settlers of Catan is waiting!! :)

We got the news that a young friend had been shot and killed in a random act of violence on Wednesday morning. What an impact Trae Oyler had on so many lives. What a special young man! I want to share something he'd wrote:

"I was reminded again who God is and what His work in my life means for my future. I don't know how God will use His story that His is writing for me ('cause honestly, none of us have a good story if it doesn't include the Good News). I know that God uses our stories to bring glory to Himself. He uses everything. I love that when we stop and look for God, we see Him in everything: the pain and the good, the rain and the shine, the hurt and the healing. He cares about His people. He wants us to glorify Him and be in love with Him. If we are in love with Him and have a zeal to glorify Him, we will find ourselves wanting to move mountains and share with others."

-Trae Oyler 

Nov 28, 1995 - Oct 26, 2016

We took treats to school Friday to share with Vivi's class for her Saturday birthday. She was so pleased to show everyone what EIGHT looked like! :)

Happy birthday, sweet Vivi girl!! :)

Burritos and fried ice-cream for this chica's birthday were right down her alley! :) She liked the hat, but wasn't too sure about the whole restaurant singing and clapping to her! It was pretty sweet, tho! Two older ladies sitting near us even gave $50 to our bill! It was SO sweet of them!! What a blessing this girl has been- and what a light she shines! 

Have a blessed week.