Barbados

For our 20th anniversary we went to Barbados. My mom and a friend volunteered to watch the kids for us. It was so relaxing and so much fun!!!

one of the pools at the resort. Since we went during the off season, many times we were the only ones in the pool.

tree on the resort

very relaxing!! Just what we needed!

This was our room

the view from our room. we had a beach view and our room stepped right out onto the beach.

one day we went to see the caves.

The food was SOOOO good!! Every night, every restaurant we ate at, was right on the beach. What a view to see as we ate some great food while listening to the ocean, and watching the waves.

Summer fun

It's summer and it's hot so out come the water toys. :)

We got the big slide out and a slip and slide.

A pool is always fun.

Madison LOVES the water

Zander is learning to have fun in the water

Ellie loves it! She is getting much better with her swimming.

Madison is a fish. She took to it right away.

And the winner is.....

Ok, we had the drawing for the raffle last night and the winner is.... well, you will just have to keep reading. :)

First, I want to say how thankful I am to all you who bought tickets to help Nate and Erika bring Elijah home! God calls us to care for the orphan and by supporting adoption, you all did just that!! Thank you!! The raffle raised at total of $1,620.00!

Next, I wanted to share with everyone how we did the raffle. Everytime someone bought tickets, or reposted after buying a ticket, we entered their names in an excel program. We entered their  name and the number of entries and then assigned numbers, starting with 1. So, for example, if the first person bought 8 tickets, they were 1-8, and the next person, if they bought 3 tickets, were 9-11, and if someone reposted after that then they were 12, and so on...So, we had a list of everyone's names and groups of numbers assigned to them. We had numbers 1-314. Then we used a computer program to generate random numbers. We used random.org. First, we drew the number for the Ipod and number 200 won that. Then we drew for the IPad and number 39 won that. So, who are those numbers???

Well, the winner of the IPod touch was Tami Balts with #200 and the winner of the IPad2 with #39 was Lindsay Gibson. So congratulations to both of you and enjoy!!!

WIN!!! WIN!!!!

Meet Elijah Augustus. Isn't he just the cutest?!

Right now he is at the same babies home that Madison is from. When I was there last summer, he was around 10 months old, he couldnt sit up or even hold his head up. He was found in a garbage bag, discarded and unwanted. Now look at him! He is even starting to walk.

While I was there, I met Nate and Erika, and they were given permission to pursue him in adoption. He now has a family that love him and want him to be their son. He has a forever family!! He is no longer an orphan and I am asking you if you will help this family bring him home. You may not be called to adopt, but we can all be apart of this beautiful story. We can support this family that is called to adopt.

Erika has been in Uganda since March trying to get her son home. The expenses keep adding up and they desperately need your help in bringing Elijah home.  So, please buy a ticket and pray for Elijah and Erika to come home soon.

So, to help, we are having a raffle. The prizes have been donated and 100% of the money will go to the family for the adoption. Now for the prizes:  First prize is a new 64GB IPad 2 and the second prize is a 32 GB Ipod touch. So not only could you win an AWESOME prize, but you would also be helping this precious boy get home to his forever family.

Here is how the raffle will work:

$10= 1 entry

$25= 3 entries

$50= 8 entries

$100= 20 entries

$150= 35 entries

$300= 80 entries

WAIT, there's more!  Once you buy a ticket you can get FREE additional entries by 1) if you re-post this on facebook or your blog, leave me a comment here and a link and you will be entered again (you can do this once a day). or 2) if someone buys a ticket and uses your name as a reference, by leaving a comment in paypal or here, you will be entered TWICE. (you can do this as many times as you want!)

How to enter:

1.  you can click on the chipin button on the side. It is linked to my paypal account. Under the comment section of paypal, please leave me your contact info. I will send you an entry receipt with a number.

2. cash or check is always welcomed. Just leave me a comment with your email and I will send you my address.

We will hold the drawing for both prizes on July 5 and then you will be notified if you have won. We will also post something here telling who the winner's are. Hurry and enter...it could be you!

Now more about the family:

Here is Nate, the daddy.

Mommy Erika with Elijah. Look how big he is and how well he is doing with his mommy there!



Ellie's photos

After Ellie's kindergarten graduation, Gracie and Piper spent the night. Well, Ellie decided that she was allowed to use my camera. (I found it in her room the next morning) When I downloaded the pictures, I thought it was funny to see what the girls took pictures of. Enjoy :)

Yes, they went into Madison's room while she was sleeping and took her picture.

Kindergarten graduation

My little Ellie bellie has graduated kindergarten. I can NOT believe it! My how time has flown by!! And now we have a 1st grader in the house. Congratulations Ellie!

Gracie and Piper came with us to watch Ellie

Waiting in line to enter.

The kindergaten class sang a song called "I'm keeping my eyes on Jesus" and did hand motions with it.

Mrs. Hawkes giving Ellie her graduation papers.



Mrs. Hawkes is retiring this year. Ellie loved being in her class and I'm sure the kids will miss her.