Matthew's tiny fingers and toes

This super soft, cuddly boy, in the 18-month onesie, with baby toes and baby hands will be 4-years-old next week. He has completely captivated my heart! 💙😍

Oh, how he melts my heart!!!!!

Bowling with Andrew

"Dear Mommy,

Can I take you on a date?

Check yes or no.

Love, Andrew"

✔ Yes!

Piano Recital

Today was piano recital day 😊. It was a joy to hear numerous students play and to take note of how they had grown in their ability to play in the last year. ALL the students did a great job!

Ted Kosters took these pictures for us:

Cherish is standing right next to her piano teacher, Ms. Shirley. Ms. Shirley once again blessed Cherish with a full scholarship! How undeserving our family is of her immense kindness!!!!! What a gift she is bestowing on Cherish!!! We pray God blesses Ms. Shirley beyond everything she could ever hope for or imagine!

"Thank you, Ms. Shirley!!!!"

Matthew's Dedication

We were blessed with an opportunity to dedicated Matthew to the LORD on Mother's Day, and we were also blessed to have some friends take pictures for us.

Picture by Meg VanRavenswaay:

Pictures by Ted Kosters:

The pastor praying a blessing over all the children:

"God, Matthew is Yours.

Do with him whatever You wish.

We know You love him the most!

Thank You for the amazing privilege

of getting to love him

and bring him up in the knowledge of You!"

Mother's Day

I am so immensely blessed that these precious children call me "Mom"!

Cherish

Cherish finished elementary school last week!

We are so proud of her and all her hard work!

I found this picture on my phone 😊:

So, how is she keeping busy while I finish the school year with the 2nd graders? On her own initiative, she spends time teaching and spending time with the little ones. She would make a fabulous preschool teacher!

Cherish and Matthew

Matthew has been getting out of bed at night and sleeping next to Cherish (as Cherish faithfully sleeps by his side every night). This particular night, Matthew decided it would be best to sleep ON sister Cherish. Cherish was just fine with it! 

And, since they may not have gotten enought hugs through the night, the morning was filled with a lot more hugs....

Repeat. 
Every day. 
All day long.

Happy Birthday, Hope!

9 years ago in Pingdingshan, Henan Province, China our little princess was born. Happiest of Birthday wishes to our precious Hope Gracelyn 💝🌺🎁🌸🎈.