I don't know about you...

but I think kids with missing teeth are so cute. It's been awhile since we have had a lost tooth in our house, and I was surprised when Blair walked over to me last night and handed me his tooth! I didn't even know it was loose. I am thankful that it appears to be a natural occurance, and not the result of some rough play with his brothers. Of course we had to get a few pictures to document this milestone. I got the picture I wanted, and then he got the picture he wanted:)

Valentine's Day Goodies

This year I wanted to get each of the kids a small gift for Valentine's day (other than candy, because if it's chocolate I'll be tempted to eat some!). Seriously, I wanted to get them something that supported a good cause. I found the perfect thing for the girls! Go to here and check out these beautiful bracelets to help bring Isabella home! You can also click on the picture on my sidebar for the "3000 Bracelets Campaign". Please consider helping bring another precious child home to their forever family. Oh, and girls, if you read this at school, you still don't know which bracelet I chose for you and you are going to have to wait to find out!

"C" is for COOKIE!

Ugh, I'm bummed that this picture didn't capture Luke's excitement at all. He was clapping and laughing when we brought this tray of cookies out! He was thinking he had won the jackpot. I have never seen a child more motivated by a cookie, ever! He knows the sign for "cookie" and it is the word he says best in English. These oatmeal cream pies were a huge hit with everybody. Yummy yummy delish! I might have to burn the recipe because they are so good, and I know how much butter is in them! We did send some to work with my hubby to share the fatty goodness.

What's for dinner?

I don't know about you, but my kids frequently ask me that question around 7 am. I don't understand it really, we are eating breakfast and they are asking about dinner? I admit I can be a little grumpy till I have that first cup of coffee done, so I frequently respond "food". Then one of the smarty pants will ask "What kind of food?", and my response "the edible kind". I much prefer dessert to dinner anyway, so I don't know what I'm making for dinner tomorrow night, but I already have dessert planned! Irina and I even went to the store to get a few things we needed. I came across this lovely blog the other day, and all the cookie recipes inspired me, so this is what we are making. You can get the recipe here!
So much for my New Year's Resolution to lose a few pounds...

Pretty in Pink!

Irina actually looks beautiful in any color, but I just love her in pink! It just flatters her skin tone, and she seems to really like it as well. What you can't see in the pictures are her favorite shoes: a pair of pink boots from her cousin Mira. She loves these boots, and if she has any other shoes on (unfortunately, she has to wear her sneakers because of her orthotics, but at least they are pink and white as well), she will go to the shoe basket and bring me her boots, wanting me to put them on her.

Silly me...

Luke's pull up has been dry all day for a couple of days now, and he has even been going to the bathroom door and signing "potty" on occasion. This gave me a brilliant idea! We would try big boy pants today since he had the day off from school. Think of all the money we could save if we had one less kiddo in pull ups/diapers all day! The day started well. Luke went on the potty several times when I took him, and he even went to the door and signed "potty" one time. Then he peed on the living room carpet. All motivation was suddenly gone. Maybe we will try this again in the spring. Pull ups don't really cost that much money. Well actually they do, but my sanity is worth more......

Happy Anniversary!

Tomorrow (Friday) is my 16th wedding anniversary! I am so blessed to be married to my wonderful husband and best friend. I love you, Adam!!!

Random pictures...

Here are some random pictures from our Christmas and New Year's! We had a very fun holiday celebrating with lots of friends and family. What a blessing to have Luke and Irina home this year with us! Thank you Lord, for our many many blessings in 2009!

Will you help me?

While we were in Eastern Europe, we met two beautiful children at Luke and Irina's orphanage. They are waiting for their forever families, and the clock is ticking to the time they will be transferred to an institution. Sullivan has the sweetest smile, and he is so bright eyed and alert. He turned 4 in October, and he really needs a mommy and daddy to adopt him and provide him with all the great medical care and services that are available in the US! Katya just turned 5, so her situation is dire! She is just so cute, we wanted to scoop her up and take her with us. She had a family that wanted to adopt her, but sadly they did not meet the country's requirements. Please check them out on Reece's Rainbow: Sullivan and Katya! Maybe they aren't meant for your family, but you might know someone who comes to mind? Please pray for them! We have their picture on our fridge to remind us to pray for them daily.