Our Lovely Lucey Lu

Lucey looked so cute in her new outfit so I had to take some shots. She now smiles for the camera saying "Cheeeeeez." She always needs to see the image on the camera after the shot. She is communicating more and more. She uses quite a bit of sign language still and she uses words. We are having a hard time understanding her but we try and want her to know we love that she is using words. She was saying "eus" the other day.....over and over. Then it dawned on me.....Jesus! She was right in front of the wall where the resurrected Jesus is hanging in our home.

She learned the sign for "help" and used in context right away. She will tug on her micro-ear and then use the sign for help. It always chokes me up....I always say, "Yes Lucey....we are going to help your ear.....we love your ear, we love you!" and we give it lots of smooches! She is so ticklish. Then she giggles. She is so smart.


She has grown...a little taller and a little heavier. She is not as frail as she used to be. She is getting stronger. She can do the steps one foot at a time. Her legs have really developed.

Cheezing for the camera.

Max and Lucey looking out the kitchen window....planning their escape. Well, I'm sure that's what Max is doing.

We had visitors on Monday the 27th--Elizabeth and her girls, Regan and Madeline and little guy, Clifford. They also brought Sarah, Elizabeth's Mom. We had a nice lunch together and then we were off to the pool.

Elizabeth with Regan (behind the chair), Madeline sitting with Clifford. Regan and Madeline are the sweetest, most well mannered girls. They are so easy to visit with and I think they had fun with the boys.

Clifford and Lucey enjoyed each other and gave a few kisses to one another too. Lucey is about

3 1/2 months older than Clifford. Lucey shared all of her toys. Good girl Lucey.

Madeline was so sweet to play with the little ones.

Adam with Sarah and Regan.

I'm with my friend Elizabeth....we met 16 years ago at Ft. Campbell. We've watched our children grow and now we have little ones again. It's so neat to see our kids get along so well. Elizabeth and her family live in Colorado but her parents live here, near us. We will get to see them more often.

Thanks for the fun time!

The Wizards

Last Saturday night, July 25...our family went to our first professional soccer game. It just so happened that the Kansas City Wizards played The Los Angeles Galaxy...David Beckham's team. The stadium was sold out. Many wore Beckham jerseys...many cheered like crazy when he was announced. There were quite a few who booed as well. A little bit of controversy I would say. It was a great game and a fun experience for all of us. The Butler family supplies our boys with soccer jerseys....the boys wore their newest favorite that night.

Christian being silly before the game....Andrew has such a cute face.

The tailgate food was delicious....wonderful food and an open bar.

There's Ron with the game ball. He's going in for the coin toss.

Adam with Lucey...There is Retired Sergeant Major and Mrs. Gooden. I talked with them for a long time. They are are such a wonderful couple.

Andrew and Christian spot the dessert inside the suite.

Ron's walking out to the field.

David Beckham number 23.

My kiddos!!!

Swearing in more recruits during half time. Ron got to say a few words....he had the crowd cheering. A very pro-military crowd.

I'm so proud of these new recruits.

Me and my guy.

I love the Army Humvee parked at the entrance.

A fun night!!

Snuggling After a Bath & Blessings

Lucey loves bath time and so do Ron and I. I would say that Ron bathes Lucey more than I. It's his time with her and they do a lot of snuggle time. He wraps her in a towel and swings her like she is in a hammock. It's so cute to see Daddy with his little girl. I bathed Lucey last night and we have our routine too. She is so girlie and loves when I blow dry her hair. It's gets so full...so beautiful. Her hair glistens.

Lucey loves to be wrapped up in her towel.

Big smiles.

Ron went to the Cardinal last week with a very good friend from childhood, Craig and Craig's parents too. Ron always has fun meeting up with friends from the old neighborhood. These are the same friends who blessed Lucey with the beautiful bows and bow holder....here is Lucey wearing the new bow with her monogram....we just love it....thank you!!!

It's just so sweet!!! It was made by this store, Sian's Posh Boutique click here. I'm going to have to go shopping on the net. She has beautiful clothing too. I have a new nephew and I see a few possibilities for him. Thank you again!

Our friends, Jack and Laurie and their 4 children....triplets: Sarah, Megan, Jonathon and little girl, Ella sent these darling outfits by Gymb*ree. I remember years ago how their beautiful triplets were dressed in coordinating Gymb*ree outfits. They always looked like they stepped out of a catalog. Thank you for your generous gift. These outfits have ladybugs on them. How appropriate since it's the symbol of Chinese adoption.

Again, we feel so blessed by all of you and you have been so generous to us, to Lucey. Lucey will read this blog someday and know just how loved and welcomed she was into our family....her forever family. The Lord has answered so many prayers so specific to her. We know without a doubt she was meant to be with us. Our sweet Savior has wrapped His loving arms around our family and we feel so incredibly blessed.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Fun With Family--

This morning the Kids and I drove into Kansas City and spent most of the day with my Aunt Clare, Uncle Vic, Emily, Roger and their precious 2 year old twin boys, Asher and Evan. They have such a beautiful yard so we spent the entire time outside with all the toys...I mean to tell you....so many toys, ride on vehicles, the pool and the sprinkler too. Lucey had such a great time, she didn't want to leave. Ron made a surprise appearance and had some lunch with us. Thank you for having us.....it was a most enjoyable day.

Lucey loved the water so much and spent a lot of time wading in the pool. There's Andrew talking with Uncle Vic in the back ground.

Evan got in and joined Lucey. Asher was fine kneeling beside the pool having fun with his boats.

They were so cute together. They did well for meeting for the first time.

We all decided to eat together at the small table. Lucey loved eating with the boys.

We are eating with Emily, Roger, Evan and Asher. Thank you for the delicious lunch...so tasty.

Christian with Uncle Vic.

We brought Lucey's B*bby car....she loves it....she also has discovered she like the Little T*kes car too. In fact, they all did and did a pretty good job taking turns. They are painting the car with water.....a favorite past time.

More "painting" and more driving. Evan in, Asher out.

Lucey's back in the pool watering her legs with the watering can. She loved that.

This is a great shot of Lucey...beyond her, you can see the beautiful garden in the back ground. Uncle Vic gave me a tour.

Let me explain the painting...it goes back a few generations. Aunt Clare has a bucket of water for the kids and big paint brushes. This is such a hit, it cools the kids off and it's a lot of fun for them. I have never seen a cousin who did not like to paint the garage and Aunt Clare and Uncle Vic's house. :-) Christian is painting with Lucey.

Aunt Clare is organizing the little ones.

Ron and Uncle Vic.

Aunt Clare and Uncle Vic....thank you for having us....we always enjoy spending time with you.

Lucey warmed up to everyone. She did great. She has come along way. She has been having a little separation anxiety since moving to Kansas...she has been doing great as of this week.

Ron with Emily, Roger, Evan and Asher...beautiful family.

What a fun day!!!

Our Month in Pictures--

I have missed posting and I apologize for not responding to those of you who have sent me messages. I appreciate your encouragement and kind words. Thank you so much. I'll try and do better in the future. I'm still trying to get the house in order in between summer events.

Two days after the baseball game we sent Andrew and Christian off to camp. It was the hottest week of the year with the heat index at 110 consistent the entire week. It was their first camp experience and we wanted it to be a good one for them. I have to say, I was worried. They did great despite, sunburn, heat rash, bug bites and ticks. We are so proud of you Andrew and Christian!

We just signed them in and they put on their new shirts.

Finding their group.

I love my guys...I'm going to miss them.

They were nervous...at least they have each other.

June 26th: We picked the boys up in the evening...this is their counselor, Nathan. Andrew and Christian had a great time and have so much more confidence after their experiences.

Andrew got a terrible burn the first day but he was a trooper. I was not real thrilled to see this. He healed fine.

Lucey is all girl....I was organizing my closet and she fell in love with this cute purse. She also put the head band in by herself. She cracks me up. She loves her bracelets!

Someone (Christian) has gone through a growth spurt. He is quite proud of that. He is taller by 2 inches but Andrew reminds him that he will always be older by a minute.

Ron had business in St. Louis the week before the 4th of July weekend. The kids and I joined Ron at the Hyatt near the St. Louis Arch on the 2nd of July. We were blessed to have spent time with friends and family that weekend. We hardly saw Adam....he hopped around with friends and had a great time. He really misses all of his friends and we were so happy that he could spend time with everyone.

Lucey joined Ron and I for a st*rbuck's coffee in the morning.

The 3rd of July was so much fun at the fair under the Arch. Lucey and I are ready to head out for the afternoon.

We took a stroll around the city.

Adam was out strolling with his friend Savannah. We joined them for a little time. I had the opportunity to spend some time with Savannah at the hotel while feeding Lucey lunch. Savannah is a very mature, intelligent young lady who also happens to be beautiful. I know Adam lights up when he is around her. :-)

Friends joined Adam and Savannah for the evening. I think they had a great time.

The fair is about to open and Andrew is ready to climb the rock climbing wall.

Lucey would climb it to if they would let her!

Andrew made the most of the fair experience and stepped right up for some face paint.

Lucey would rather pull her stroller than sit in it.

Christian and Lucey.

Andrew has his harness on and he is ready to climb.

Andrew was climbing quickly and easily.

Andrew made it to the top and rang the bell. Great job Andrew!!!

So much energy....racing down the hill.

It was a large crowd.

Andrew bought himself a glow ring.

Lucey was enjoying a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

She has her glow necklace....she loved it!

We had to take Lucey back to the room for bedtime....tired girl. This is our view from our room. Everyone is getting ready for the fire works.

Lucey is ready for bed and I think Ron is too.

It's getting dark and the fireworks are ready to go. Ron took Christian outside and I stayed in with Lucey and Andrew. We had a wonderful view from our window.

Lucey in her pack and play...silly girl.

Andrew and I got cozy in the window ledge.

Our hotel was on the parade route the next day...on the 4th. It was so much fun.

There were some really clever floats.

We spent the 4th-7th with Nana and Papa. It rained on the 4th...no fireworks that night.

We spent the 6th with my friend Renee and her sweet family....

Ian and Lucey are having a sucker. Lucey is loving the sucker; she has had only one other...when she had to have blood drawn. So good!

Andrew, Adam, Emma, Lauren and Christian playing a game.

I'm holding Emma, Renee holding Ian and beautiful Lauren. We really enjoyed our visit....thank you Renee, for a lovely lunch.

July 11th: Ron took us to the T-Bones baseball game....Lucey is eating a hotdog....this girl can chow!

Lucey was a busy girl and Andrew was trying to gain some control.

Andrew and Christian enjoyed arts and crafts at camp. This is Christian's candle that he made. It was really pretty and we enjoyed burning it.

I have been all over looking for new living room furniture. I found this couch at a local store very close to where we live. It was delivered today. I also ordered two chairs and an ottoman. I can't wait for them to arrive....I'll be posting pictures when they are delivered and set up in the house. This is a glimpes at the house....it's a challenge to decorate milititary housing...it's coming along.

The couch is a black and cream floral toile....the picture doesn't really show it off well. We love it and it's very comfy.

There is more to share....it took me days to get this done. We have been struggling with our phone and internet since we have lived here. Anway, hopefully we continue to be up and running and I'll get to add to our blog soon.

Blessings to you and yours.