Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tamara

 A little over 10 years ago this young lady was adopted into my brother's family.  She and her brother came from Russia.  She spoke not a lick of English and is now packing to leave for college.  I am so proud of her.  When she first arrived we would spend afternoons reading books and playing games together so she could learn her new language.  I treasure those memories!



Nobody throws a party like my sister-in-law.  Tamara's graduation bash was no exception.
This is her blood brother from Russia, he graduated last year.  This boy can wrestle!  He is an icon around Bel Air!




I spent the afternoon catching up with friends I haven't seen in a coon's age.  And all their kids are big now and my heart was filled with so many memories.

These are the ruby slippers that Tamara came off the plane in so many years ago.

She is very artsy.  She is going to study fashion design.
Now this precious lady here (on the right) is the woman who taught me how to pray when I became a believer in Christ.  I had the chance to share that with her and we both got all filled up as I had never told her that before.
Tamara made this quilt out of memorabilia and sports shirts.










Her other adopted brother from Korea.  This is a multi-cultural family.
And her big brother Kyle.  Each family member spoke of their love for Tamara in generous proportions.


















NINJA
New puppy aptly named, Tank.

Cheers sweet Tamara, I will be praying for you as you embark on this new chapter.

Coram Deo,
E.W. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Munchkins


 My niece came over with her munchkins for a visit.  She is a wonderful, wonderful mother of four plus one on the way.  Lila sat on my dad's lap reading books and making memories.  My dad doesn't usually wear pink headbands but he was trying to make friends with the littliest, Maylynn, and she was NOT having anything to do with anybody.  So I took that as a personal quest to make nice with her!
 She is a mama'a girl, not to mention cutting rock hard teeth...it's hard being a baby!

 SAFETY FIRST!  These kiddos were all about swimming accessories!  At one point Ezra (the oldest and most cautious) had on a life-vest, swimmies, goggles, and an inner tube!



AHHH, me and my girl Maylynn hangin on the go-cart.  She does smile...really she does!
 Yes, he is going to go down the slide!
 Nice smile dad!
 Going down slides is exhausting indeed!


 Kiley and Lila

 Mandy is the closest thing I have to a little sister (although technically I am her aunt).  If I could have a redo on my mothering/marriage, I would do it exactly as she is journeying.  Completely Christ-centered, a full-quiver, and a strong church community...that is a recipe for blessing!  I really admire the woman that she has become.  She has the right priorities and the right vision for raising her family.



She does smile...REALLY she does!

Coram Deo,
E.W.