One of a Kind

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart," says the LORD"

(Jeremiah 1:5).

While discussing our uniqueness, Curtis was quick to say, "Well, God made me one of a kind". He certainly did, and we wouldn't want to change a thing! We are so thankful beyond words, that God has entrusted us with four wonderful "one of a kind" children. We are blessed to be able to celebrate 7 birthdays with Curtis. He's growing up way to fast; he was my baby for 6 years and he will always be my baby! Happy 7th birthday, Curtis!!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Jesus said, 'If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'" (John 8:36).

After a wonderful/exciting/adventurous week visiting our nation's capital, I am truly reminded of our blessing of freedom. I am so thankful that we live in a free country, but also that through the blood of Christ Jesus, I have been set free!

Continuing to give thanks and reflecting on our recent trip...
#1779-1801

-my hubby, a fun travelling partner and a great driver

-yummy treats (beaver tails -so delicious)!!
















-visiting museums





















-true Canadian heroes















-more to explore on the other side















-the Parliament buildings- where our voice can be heard





























































-such an interest in exploring the capital






















-my brave 9 year old!

-a special memento of Ottawa

-reuniting with friends we met in Ethiopia

-staying cool on the hottest day of the summer

-splashing in the water

-the best water park EVER!

-daring children

-not so daring children

-relaxing on the beach at Gatineau park

-God's beautiful creation at Gatineau park

-a quaint campground

-staying cool

-hanging around the campground for the day

-a perfect way to end the day!

-safe travels

-great family memories

Saddle Up

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved"

(Ephesians 2:4-5)

Nicole's week at horse camp...

"Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure"

Saddle up your horses -- By: Steven Curtis Chapman
(I Corinthians 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:4-10)

Started out this morning in the usual way
Chasing thoughts inside my head of all I had to do today
Another time around the circle try to make it better than the last


I opened up the Bible and I read about me
Said I'd been a prisoner and God's grace had set me free
And somewhere between the pages it hit me like a lightning bolt
I saw a big frontier in front of me and I heard somebody say "let's go"!


[Chorus:]
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure


Come on get ready for the ride of your life
Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind
And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored
This is what we were created for


[Chorus]


[Bridge:]
We'll travel over, over mountains so high
We'll go through valleys below
Still through it all we'll find that
This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see
The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams


Yeah... oh saddle up your horses... come on get ready to ride


[Chorus]

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift your face to God"

(Job 22:26).

Continuing to give thanks to my God, the Almighty....
#1766-#1778















-relaxing together on the deck















-lots of time outdoors (and no injuries so far)















-the best baby sitter ever!!!!















-picnic tables and guests to sit and eat around it















-a good sport
-a successful surprise party

















-patience while puzzling



-restored health

-Paul, my personal nurse/care taker/ errand runner, etc.

-meeting with my adoptive mommy friends and some of their children

-my sister- the successful party planner and detail woman

-blankets at the soccer field

-Nicole's first day with her cousin at horse camp was a big success

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens"

(Psalm 8:1).

A week of rest and relaxation, enjoying God's nature and His glorious creation.
So much to be thankful for...
#1740-#1765

-gorgeous sunsets

-campfires

-bike rides

-spare tires and helping hands from fellow campers

-being buried in the sand

-a little taste of sand in the mouth

-being chased by the waves

-my twins playing together on the beach
-Deborah's first time at the beach and LOVING it

-roasting marshmallows


-eating s'mores


-dollar store purchases
-having fun!




-our most precious gifts
-siblings playing together
-family time





-ring toss champion
-playing games together




-relaxing on the beach!
-reading books on the beach (Choosing to See)
http://marybethchapman.com/?page_id=74
-Deborah napping in her stroller at the beach
-safe travels
-camping with cousins
-an empty week on the calendar
-a welcoming church that we visited
-sharing communion with fellow believers