Key ingredients to HAPPINESS

So we started a new series at church called Storyline! And its incredible!

This week Pastor Clark challenged us to Live Differently! It's pretty simple, be intentional about keeping a good attitude and live with ENTHUSIASM & Gratitude. When you do those 3 things...you will certainly glorify God and experience HAPPINESS!

My personal prayer this week:

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless & pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...." Philippians 2:14-15

I want to shine like stars in the universe and make my God smile!

On Saturday, Turner had his 2nd hair cut...it wasn't as much "fun" as the 1st time, as he did not like Carlotta combing out every single tangle...yes several tears were shed but he survived and walked away with a cute big boy hair cut....and yes mommy shed a few tears too because she thinks it's a little too short!
Striking a pose while he's talking on the phone

Turner has become quiet the little explorer. He loves to climb under, in, and on top of all sorts of things. Last week I caught him climbing on top of his basket of books trying so hard to get inside the clothes hamper! We're going to have our hands full!!

Teasing his sissy with fake kisses

Mommy time!

Last weekend Turner got a "s" from Lolly! But Lexus had to test it out before Turner would crawl inside :)

Can't you just feel his excitement!! He loves his new tunnel

Looking forward to a busy & blessed week as we get ready for Turner's 1st Birthday Celebration this Saturday! Hotdogs, a Hay Ride, and Hoe Down FUN!!

Are you COLOR BLIND?

On Saturday, John & I with approx 15 other couples attended the 2nd Trans racial parenting class hosted by our incredible adoption agency! This workshop was a breath of fresh air. There was a panel made up of a set of parents who have 4 children, 3 of which are bi-racial and adopted, one women who has inter-racial marriage and 3 bi-racial daughters and 2 adopted children (both in their 30's) who grew up in a trans racial family...yes I know it's all confusing!

I could write a novel about all the lessons I learned...but the key message that really hit home with me was when Patrick (who was one of the adults who was adopted and grew up in a trans racial home) talked about how he was "Color blind." And put the question back in our court...are we truely color blind? Now the definition of color blind he was reffering to was not in the fashion we typically use the word. His color blindness was defined as he chooses not to focus on the color of a person's skin but chooses to focused on whether or not someone is a good person.

Skin color is an important part of our heritage but it shouldn't define who we are. Our personality, love for God, morals, etc should ultimately define who each of us are. It breaks my heart to think someone would not be friends with Turner or later on in life want to date/marry him because the color of his skin. I think we have come a long way with this issue, but there is still work to be done. So a challenge to us all, let's look past the color of some one's skin and look into their hearts & souls. That is what makes us each special! John & I have committed to raising a Strong Child of God! period :)

11 months and some change

It's so hard to believe this past Sunday, Turner was 11 months old! He weighs 22 lbs and 8 oz. He is no longer just walking...he runs!! He has 4 toothies...2 bottom ones and 2 of his "fangs" up top. He is still my little love bug who enjoys bath time, book time, snuggling with mommy & papa and being outside. He adores his 2 sissys. He can shake his head no, say book, jabbers all the time and has recently learned how to give Eskimo kisses to mommy! He likes to eat chicken patties at Ms Kathy's, green beans, cheese, peaches, carrots and watermelon. Every day he does something new or looks at me with those sweet little eyes and I fall in love all over again. John & I were talking last night about how wonderful our lives are with our precious Turner in it.

Over Labor day weekend, we decided to pack our bags and make a little road trip to the cabin in Eureka Springs...our home away from home! We had wonderful family time with no interruptions! Here are just a few of the things we did.....

We......

...had a little melt down when Daddy said no to drinking out of the dog bowl

...explored the deck finding lots of fall leaves and sticks

...played with his new toy dog...Turner loves pulling her around on her leash. Every time we go to the cabin we have to make our one stop to Fred's. If you're not familiar with Fred's it's a notch above the Dollar Store! It's awesome for cheap toys!

....played with our activity table. Doesn't he look so tall in this picture

...relaxed in Grandma & Grandpa's hammock

...played with sticks...yes I have decided Turner is ALL BOY! and I love it

...was fascinated with all the interesting leaves

....enjoyed the beautiful fall weather on the deck

On Sunday while John was painting, Turner & I enjoyed some quiet time rocking in the hammock....It's so refreshing to relax and simply enjoy nature. I enjoyed hearing the birds singing, walnuts dropping to the ground, finch wings fluttering, woodpeckers pecking, locus' chirping, wind rustling thru the leaves, crows calling, all while my little boy was fast asleep in my arms with his gentle breath on my neck. My life is amazing!

...saw strange bugs

...visited Uncle Charles and Aunt Georgia & read one of Aunt Georgia's many magazines

...smiled and flirted with all the pretty ladies while eating in Eureka

....went shopping with mommy & papa

And last but not least...watched the OSU Cowboys WIN!!!
Go Pokes!

Weekend wtih Lolly & Pops, Grandpa is feeling better, and Cowboy Football!

On Tuesday we went to see Grandma and Grandpa. We are so happy Grandpa is feeling better! He looks great :)

Here are a few pictures I shot on Monday evening. We are loving this beautiful fall weather!

Last weekend, my cousin Brandon took pics of Lolly, Pops, Aunt CC, Eric and Turner as a surprise! Well....if you know my dad..he CANNOT keep a secret and "slipped" and told us as soon as we got home on Sunday!

Ready for some COWBOY football!

Turner has a GORGEOUS Aunt CC

Hope everyone has an awesome long weekend!