Matthew begins VPK

Matthew began his first day of school today. He was smoothered with hugs and kisses by Daniel. Daniel helped him with his backback, and walked him hand-in-hand to the early drop-off room. May they both have an amazing day today!

(Daniel and Matthew attend the same school,

but they are in different classrooms.)

Love bugs

How many love bugs can you squeeze into a double bed?

Update on Matthew

Matthew did not pass his hormone stimulation test, therefore he needs to go for an MRI to check his pituitary gland. Also, his cortisol level was low, so he'll need to have the cortisol stem test on the same day he gets his MRI done.

All I know is this:

Matthew is preciously sweet

and scrumptious

no matter what deficiencies he may have!!! 😍

Goodbye summer heat!

As of today, it looks like Fall has finally arrived! Good bye swimsuits and sprinklers...at least for a few months....

When big brother and little brother switch roles

Samuel brushing Matthew's teeth. 😍

Samuel is so gentle with Matthew!

Matthew visits the hospital

Matthew visited the hospital today for some testing. At 4-years-old, Matthew still has baby feet and baby hands. The doctors are unsure why his extremities are not growing.

His previous testing had shown that he has growth hormones, so it has made the situation even more of a mystery.

Our brave boy:

Resting between injections of medication:

He was a real trooper!

We should have results from the testing in about two weeks. Hopefully, we will have some answers at that point.

But for now, Matthew is AWESOME!!!!!!

We love him so much!!!!

"Thank You, Jesus, for Matthew!!!!"

46!

Yes. I had a birthday this weekend. Yep. I turned 46. Who celebrates 46? Me!

Cherish on her own threw me a SURPRISE 46th birthday party! I was shocked that she was able to write out invitations with addresses and stamps--unchecked--and get them all out. She looked up addresses on our church's electronic directory and handed out other invitations. (I don't know who all was invited, but I am sure many were not. Sorry!) All I know is, she did an amazing job!

In addition, she baked cupcakes and decorated them on her own, cut fruits and vegetables, and decorated the house for the party.

The only thing Derek did was purchase the food Cherish picked out and help her cut the large fruit, like the pineapples.

I am awed by her love!

We didn't get a picture of everyone who attended the party, as it was a come-and-go as people were able. Poor Andrew is not even in the group picture.

So, how was she able to pull off the party?

Derek sent me on the ladies' retreat with our church family Friday evening and Saturday. Perfect timing for Cherish 😉.

I want to say "Thank you!" to all who came and to all who wished me a happy birthday. It certainly was!

THANK YOU!!!

Car accident

Matthew had his first.

Those are our kitchen pantry doors that were being stripped, primed, and painted. Yep. We're staying busy.

The doors survived the accident.

Since we are not working on adoption paperwork, we are working on painting trim and doors. Since trim never seems to stop, we are working on the kitchen first. One room at a time.

Derek and I have worked out a deal. He strips the shellac, and I prime and paint the items. So far, it's working....

Favorite stuffed animals

Samuel's "Sheepie Lamb"

Matthew's "Ai"

 Daniel's "Bear Bear"

Andrew's "Camo Bear"

Hope's "Doggie"

Cherish's loves:

 Yes, she is sound asleep cuddled right up to Daniel,

and Matthew is cuddled right up to her.

Precious love.