Today was Boone's field trip to Clowes Hall and The Old Spaghetti Factory. 




Boone has been talking about this day for two weeks.  He called it his special day, and he kept reminding me he had to dress up.  





His teacher sent out this note:  Please remind your child to be on his/her best behavior for this special event.









The class even practiced their manners and etiquette to get ready for their big day. 






I stayed home, but Boone's sweet teacher sent the parents these pictures.  And, when they arrived for lunch look where Boone positioned himself.    










It seems to be a habit.  China told me he was clever.  This picture was taken awhile back when the class received the Gold Shoe Award. 

 

Boone woke up this morning feeling under the weather.  So instead of getting everyone else all germy, I told him he could stay  home from school.  And since he was home and I needed to read my Bible, I read to him.  I am re-reading the Bible from the beginning to end, and today I happened to be ready for Ecclesiastes 11. 

Like usual, God knows who is (or isn't) reading His word, and today he knew Boone was there with me. 

Remember Your Creator While Young

7 Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

8 However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.

9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.






 










Boone's preaching is on the link below.  This was last summer and we hadn't had him, but a few months.  I guess he learned his moves from our pastor.  : - )  My friend told me this:  


Sammy

I think you are raising a pastor.  He already has the speech patterns and holds the Bible like a preacher.  He is learning the Bible.  God ordained you as his mother to raise him up to preach.

http://sammynmick.blogspot.com/2014/06/boones-calling-at-cades-cove-ok-i-get.html





And tonight I will have these guys reading it.

Boy problems...























This morning I was sitting at my desk and heard a strange noise.  When I looked down I spotted a huge nasty creature.  The picture doesn't do it justice, but I wasn't going to get too close.  I didn't know what the heck it was.  Then I remembered, the day before the boys went down to the creek and came back with some "things."  Luckily, Arden was home and is more of a woman than I am.  She got rid of it while I stood in the chair.

Me:  "Arden I need help!!"

Arden:  "It's a lobster."

Me: "I'm pretty sure we don't have lobsters around here." 

When Stafan came home from school I showed him the picture of the lobster. 

Me: "Stafan look what I found."

Stafan:  "Oh, that is where it went.  That is so weird.  How did it get down the stairs?  This morning I saw there was one missing."  

Me:  "What is it?!"

It turned out to be something like a Lousiana Crayfish, also known as, crawdads.  Do they actually eat this down there?  Nasty. 


 

Lael:  "I just want you to know I love you."

Me:  "Thanks."

Lael:  "I mean you do weird things like take pictures in church, but I still love you."

Me:  "Thanks."

Adopting an older boy is scary--NOT! 




Stafan's referral pictures. 

Who he was:  Tian Man Qiao (pronounced Chow)   

Where I went to get my son:  Guangzhou, Guangdong,  China










Me:  "Oh my word!  I've just got to have that boy!  I deserve that boy!!  I want that boy!!"  

Yes, I really said that or at least I said it to myself.  Out of our 12 adoptions, Stafan is the only one I started the adoption without first asking Mike.  I called the agency and said I wanted him.  They said yes.   Mike was upset for about 12 hours.  As soon as he figured out how to come up with about $25,000, he was fine.  : - )





I have a son.
A wonderful young man.
He is athletic.  
He is brave.
He is loving.
He is kind.
He is cool.
He is fun. 
He is smart.
He is dependable.
He loves Jesus.

He is my heart.
I am thankful.  
I am blessed.  




Yeah, adopting an older boy is real scary.  : - )




Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

James 1:17



Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.  

Proberbs 27:2

Oops... does this mean Mom isn't supposed to brag?  




















What I'm most THRILLED about: 

 http://sammynmick.blogspot.com/2012/04/have-you-received-holy-spirit-for-by.html

http://sammynmick.blogspot.com/2012/04/stafan-and-lyric-have-accepted-jesus.html

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.  

Ecclesiastes 7:10



America is in trouble. At 62 years of age, I’ve lived long enough to learn that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans can turn this country around; no political party or politician is the answer. The only hope for this country is Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ.  Next year I am planning to travel to all 50 states to conduct prayer rallies—we are calling this the Decision America Tour. I want to challenge Christians to boldly live out their faith and to pray for our nation and its leaders. I want to encourage Christians to get out and vote, and to cast their ballots for candidates who uphold biblical principles. I want to strongly urge Christians to run for public office at every level—local, state, and federal. We will not be endorsing any political candidates, but I will be proclaiming the truth of God’s Gospel in every state. More details will come later. I hope you will start praying with us now.

Franklin Graham

Bret's tennis game. 



Now I know nothing about tennis, despite the fact Lael and Arden played all through middle and high school and now Bret is.  I could care less if they win or lose.  Of course, I want them to be happy, so sure they should win.  I also know exercise is a  good thing. 

Saturday Bret won her second game, but her Dad was not happy with her first match.  According to her Dad, her coach is big on being aggressive, but her Dad says Bret was being too aggressive and it cost her some easy shots.  Her Dad says Bret was much better than the girl she played, but Bret played way too agressively and the other girl was content to just keep the ball in play.  I recall Mike saying, "slow and steady wins the race." 









So, after church Bret got a big "instructional speech" from her Dad! Bret being Bret, it is very usual for her to get lectured.  



Lael says Bret is everyone's favorite in the entire house. 





Dad:  "Was I too hard on Bret?  Did I say too much?"

Me:  "No, you weren't.  Maybe you were a little too winded."  



Then, Bret said something that made Lael and me laugh till we almost cried. 








Dad:  "Bret don't be mad at me."



Maybe I've carried, my "not" caring too far.  Keep in mind Bret is an "A" student.  And as far as I can tell, does nothing wrong.



Dad:  "Bret..." 


 

Dad:  "Now, Bret don't be mad."

Bret:  "Well, IT'S LIKE YOU WANT ME TO WIN!"  

Me:  "Yeah, I'm pretty sure he does."  


Hmm... political correctness gone a muck maybe?