Birthdays Abound

We are about halfway through our fall birthday frenzy.  We begin September celebrating the birth of Ella Rose, followed closely by James. You will notice that my lovely friend Tara is holding the birthday girl - sadly I was not there for her actual birthday.  She was surrounded by plenty of friends who had gathered to watch the Wolverines and the Bulldogs (blessedly not in the same game).  The kids had a blast making and decorating her birthday cookie treats (as evidenced by the sprinkles and other decorations I was sweeping up in the kitchen for days after).  I was sad to miss it, but we celebrated as a family with presents and well-wishes when I returned.  Special cards came in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa and Great Grandma (GiGi).  Here is a special thank you from the birthday girl just for the G's - she got a little tongue-tied with all the greats and grands, but you get the idea!

While they were celebrating our little girl turning 3, I was a couple states away at a retreat for adoptive and foster moms with a group from the adoption ministry at our church.  10 women from the Kansas City area (5 from our church) drove to a retreat center in rural Illinois for a restful weekend with other adoptive/foster moms.  I made some amazing connections, got to know women from our church better, and enjoyed a couple days not focusing on homeschool and the other craziness that is life with a family of 5.

We are truly blessed to have some amazing friends in our life who come around us to celebrate special occasions and the everyday! 

James flew home from a trip just in time to celebrate his 37th birthday!  The kids and I had fun wrapping presents, making cards, and decorating for the birthday boy.  Of course, I made his favorite chocolate cake and we enjoyed homemade potato soup for dinner...yummy.