PHOTO SHOOT(S)

I've done a few photoshoots this week while trying to dodge the millions of thunderstorms that have come through every day this week. My friend Cindy who attends our church has an Etsy shop called Cindy's Aprons and she is trying to make some little girls headbands. Laurel was her model for them. She's a natural!! I also did a little shoot with Duncan. I'm not at liberty to show you those b/c I think they may be used as presents later but I just had to get the cousins together. Duncan was clearly "done".  Tonight the huge storm we had knocked a tree down on my Dad's secretary's car and damaged it. The good news is that she and my dad were in the office and got out right before the tree hit the building. Had it hit the building directly it could have easily killed them both!! I praise God that a damaged car and building was all that came out of that storm!

On Hearing.....

Laurel with her Cochlear turned on for the first time. She's listening for the  sound.

Always gotta bring the bling. She picked a purple cover.

Afterwards touring the "House in the Horseshoe-Alston House"

Always the awesome big brother. Not sure this pirate thought this through however!

Ok so the big day. Yesterday, we went to get Laurel's Cochlear Implant turned on. Mike,Noah & I sat in the room with 2 therapists and waited with much anticipation while they plugged some things into the computer and then waited to see if she would respond.... AND SHE DID! Her exact words were "I hear it". Praise God. Now, exactly what she heard we aren't sure but she heard sound. We are now in the fun game of turning her implant up every few days and let her brain sort of rewire and begin to understand what she's hearing.Lots of therapy to follow! Today, she asked me to turn it up which her Dr. said was a good sign.

 So, after the appt. we went to Chuck-E-Cheese to celebrate and then to a beautiful 1700's house called the House in the Horseshoe. We had a great family day and it was a day I hope I'll never forget.

Today we had another appointment with her ENT. He has always been interested in Laurel's adoption story and today really sat down and wanted to know some details. It was such a blessing to be able to share how God blessed us with Laurel & a little bit about the plight of the orphan overseas. I hope the Lord is working. We've always prayed that God would use Laurel's story to bring a positive light to the orphan crisis. I'd love for everyone to take a minute to read this blog http://wronginalltherightways-travcat.blogspot.com/2012/07/9192-hours-of-hope.html . 

This story and the transformation is nothing short of amazing. There have been lots of hateful, negative naysayers that believe adoptions should not be available to Americans overseas or that photolistings should be taken down of these precious children b/c they invade their "privacy". Ridiculous. Go read this blog and see for yourself.

I have had so many emails, texts &calls asking about how Laurel's big day went. I know many of you were praying and please believe me when I say we felt the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you all for the part that you've played in our lives.

Catching Up

Grandma & Aunt Ruthie

                                                             

Teaching another generation how to pick a garden

HAPPY 4TH!

Baby Duncan's first time in a pool





Blueberry & Blackbery Tea Party with Mommy

Strange, I know- Toad Eggs!

I was fascinated watching these toads lay eggs!

Natural Bridge, VA

Best Time EVER!

Noah loved feeding the birds





This picture makes me laugh. I have no idea what they each were doing but it looks like it should be a wierd cd cover!


I love to take pictures. That is no surprise to most of you but I think it is probably a sickness. My family suffers through the "hold that pose"  thing quit a bit. They will probably have the most documented childhoods in all of history! These are just some pictures from the events over the last month.... our vacation, my Grandmother's house, Tea parties, 4th of July etc.. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoy taking them. They all hold sweet memories.

**Prayer request- Tuesday is the big day for Laurel. She gets her Cochlear Implant turned on!! From what I understand, it will take a while for her to make sense of what she's hearing in that ear but we will know if she's hearing anything on Tuesday.**Your prayers are greatly appreciated no matter the outcome!

On my Mind...

Danielle

C-S
Girl, born July 2004
Diagnosis: Pigmentation of skin

Danielle appears to be a very typical little girl, dealing with an unusual skin condition.   The condition appears to interfere with her hair growth as she has some alopecia as well.

A dermatologist looked at her pictures and file and believes her condition is just nevus. A plastic surgeon looked at her file and he said the area in and on the side of her mouth could easily be removed and should be removed as to not interfere with her eating.

Her phyical development is normal, as well as her language development. She enjoys talking with people she knows. She likes imaginary play, and playing with baby dolls. She is active, smiling, and likes watching TV.

Additional pictures available for serious inquiries.

$5.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption! 

This little girl was recently added to www.reecesrainbow.org. Isn't she beautiful? She sounds delightful and her "special need" is relatively small. She needs a family to help her reach her full potential. Are YOU that family? Go to www.reecesrainbow.org for more information. God bless! 

Those Darn Baby Teeth

Noah is SERIOUS about getting his next loose tooth out. This is what I found him doing in the bathroom!

                      (Don't worry, these are plastic!)

Playing Fighter Planes with each other

Sorry I haven't updated a while for anyone who still reads the blog. Things have been a bit wild around here. This past week, we had Backyard Bible Clubs at our church. We take teams and take the Bible lesson, games, songs, crafts etc. to the kids at local apartment complexes. God is so good! We had so much help this year from people at the church. The kids were so well behaved and the weather didn't turn hot until the end of the week. Friday night we bused them all to the church for food, fun and entertainment and 15 kids gave their hearts to Christ!!! THAT my friends made all the hard work for the last month worthwhile. All Glory to God!!

Laurel is doing well after her Implant Surgery. She doesn't even have a scar! She gets the Implant turned on, on July 17th so pray!

Noah is in the process of loosing yet another tooth. When this one falls (or is yanked) out, it will be his 3rd. Last time, the tooth fairy left some "gold coins" under his pillow. This time, I think he's hoping for a box of nerds.... I may have to speak to the tooth fairy on his behalf.!!

Anyway, that's about it. We are trying to keep things low key this week and recovering from last week a bit.  The heat is insane (100+). Hoping for some relief for everyone working out in it.