Happy 3rd Birthday, Gracie!!!

So sorry little Gracie! It has taken me way too long to post your birthday picture! Happy 3rd Birthday, sweetheart! Yes, her birthday was on the 5th and I just have not gotten around to posting about it until now. Gracie is our little typical toddler in the home right now. She is active, busy, naughty, cute, sweet, affectionate, naughty, potty training, full of energy, clumsy . . . and did I say naughty? HeeHeeHee!!! We love our little Gracie so much, but she certainly can be a challenge as all toddlers are. She is still learning to obey mom and go potty on the toilet. Sometimes I think I might pull my hair out, but we take one moment at a time and take a deep breath and continue with a lot of prayer. She is so cute and silly though! What a blessing we have. I think back to a year ago when she was still in Haiti and we did not know when she'd be home with us. It's hard to believe that that was just a year ago. It feels as though Hope and Grace have been with us forever now. I can hardly remember life without them--I couldn't imagine life without them. They have added so much joy to our home. And I just love what the Lord has done in the boys through them. The boys are so loving and affectionate with them, it just melts my heart. Even through life's daily challenges, I am continually thankful for taking us down the path of adoption. What a tremendous privilege it is to be their mom!

Happy Birthday, Austin!!

Yes, Austin is 12 years old today. He is such a handsome young man whom we adore. Our firstborn . . .I can remember it like it was yesterday. Where has the time gone. . . Austin is our quiet, but strong-willed, very smart and athletic, kind and helpful, respectful child. At parent-teacher conferences last night, his teacher just raved about his huge and kind heart. He is an excellent student, and he definitely does excell at everything he does. Most importantly, we are beginning to see him become more Christ-like in the decisions he makes. Yes, we still have a long way to go, especially when it comes to sibling rivalry, but as a whole Austin is keenly aware of who he is representing in life, and desires to please the Lord in all he does. We are so very proud of you, Austin, and we love you so very much!!

Now, to explain the picture you see!! (Disregard the date on the photo, I just changed batteries and didn't fix the date) Austin took Hunter's Ed. this summer, and Jeremy took him out today on his birthday for his very first hunting trip. And as you can see, it was a very fun and successful day. He took his very first white-tail buck with just one shot!! Good job, Austin!! It was a proud moment for his papa!!

Halloween at the Stradley's

Okay, so it's been a couple weeks, but I'm back and I have some of the cutest kids, and they all look great in their costumes this year. Since we live in a small rural community, we do the traditional trick or treating all over town. The kids love it, but I actually think Jeremy has more fun than the kids. Every year he comes up with a costume that is sure to get a laugh out of everyone that comes to the door. This year, he was dressed right out of the 80's. Do you all remember the 80's??!! He looks fantastic, don't you think? Then we have Austin who was Major Payne, Christian who was Derek Jeter from the Yankees, Kaden who was Terry Fator (He was the winner of America's Got Talent last year and is now becoming very famous. He is a singer/ventrilaquist/voice impersonator. He is very entertaining and very talented, and we had the privilege of having him come to Wibaux because he was scheduled to come last year for our fair, but couldn't fulfill his contract because he was in the middle of winning America's Got Talent, so he came this year instead.) . . .Okay, back to costumes . . .Hope was a ladybug in the morning and a fairy in the evening, and Grace was a pumpkin in the morning and a fairy in the evening. Don't they all look adorable!! It was a fun evening for all--we had over 125 kids come to the door. And, of course, the kids all came home loaded with candy.