Slumdog...

Jeff and I just finished watching Slumdog Millionaire for the first time. Wow! What an incredibly moving story. My stomach was in knots as I watched the young man unfold his life story as it reminded me so much of the kids we have worked with in Romania. It is amazing how resilient children can be when they see more than most of us could ever create in our worst nightmare. It is astonishing how in the end they continue to long for love, to be loved and to have someone to love. We pray each night that our kids, the Livada kids, find that love first through their heavenly father. That they know they are not alone, no matter what 'slum' they come from or what millions they fall into. What a touching story and a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have our health, have others to love, and to know God's supreme love that covers all.

Some of the last teens who left Ludus orphange on a visit back to say their official good-byes. This place that so many remember as a horrible place was the only home these young adults ever knew. Despite the terrible experiences, it was still familiar and home to them. Now they are living in foster care or on their own...and most of them are doing much better because of it...it was special for them to reunite and say good-bye so they could move on.

This is one of the little guys living in the baby hospital in the town of Ludus. Since he just learned to walk, this is his first time to walk outside of the hospital room. To many he maybe considered part of the slum of Romania, but to us he is precious. I can't wait to see him again!

These are some of the Livada group home kids sharing with the town of Targu Mures all about Livada during a town festival for non-government organizations. It is always encouraging when the locals respond so well to our efforts and want to help these sweet kids! To read more about all of these adventures, check out www.livada.org or livada's blog, both are listed on our links.

Trip to the Mall

On Saturday Jeff and I took Jack to the mall to do a little shopping and play on the kiddie playground. Jack loved the hot sauce in honor of his uncle who loves to put hot sauce on everything he eats.

While we were out and about we spotted Nastia Liukin, the gold medalist from this year's Olympic games. Jeff asked if she'd be in a picture with us and she was sweet to do it!

Getty Up Cowboy!

Loving to ride the horse at Yaya and Granddaddy's house!

BIBS

Seems like I do a daily load of laundry just so Jack can have clean bibs to wear. He has been a drooling champion since he was two months old. Although we have 6 beautiful pearly whites to show for it - they all came in within the same two weeks. We have no idea why he drools so much, but here are just a few...yes...over 50 of them!!

Aggie Girl's Weekend

This last weekend my girlfriends from college got together to hang out, enjoy fabulous food, treated outselves to pedicures and play with the babies. We had so much fun catching up and sharing what all is going on in our lives. One of the highlights was watching the new babies play. Jack got to meet Kathryn. She is so dainty and cute as a button. Jack loved trying to love on her..and tried really hard not to crawl all over her! My sweet friends were so helpful and cracked me up as they played with Jack and even chased him around on their hands and knees! Even when it is a short time, we know how to cram in a good fun. I miss them terribly when we are apart, but I'm thankful it never feels that way when we get back together. To life-long friendships!

Happy Birthday Nana and Uncle Bo!

Last week we got to celebrate our Nana's birthday on Tuesday and Uncle Bo's Birthday on Thursday. We went to Nana's house on Tuesday afternoon to play with Nana and then on Thursday we got to surprise Uncle Bo at his work and bring him his birthday card. He was so nice and even let me play on his laptop! I bet he'll never let me do that again:)

Shades

This was taken with Lainey and Reese at the mall last week on one of the many rainy days. There moms and I try to get together at least once a month...such fun memories seeing them grow up together! Jack wasn't much into the shades as they quickly became a chew toy!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day lunch with Aunt Amy, Uncle Chad, Granddaddy, Yaya, mommy, daddy and Nana. We also celebrated Nana's birthday together.
Mommy says I'm a goober! This is right before I tried my first lime!

On a walk with daddy, Macey and mommy

The beginning of my finger painting project for mommy! I loved every bit of it - especially when I tried to sneak a bite...Thanks for the great idea daddy!

Daddy said mommy could stay with us while we made her project...I think daddy really just needed mommy's help to clean up! But mommy said so was thankful to be a part of the mess!

That's All Folks!

The finished project framed for my mommy!

Thinking of the kids

This morning I wake thinking about the children God has called Jeff and I to love so deeply. No, not Jack - although he is the love of our lives...but the other children in Romania. The shots were taken last summer while Jeff was there for a summer camp. Now, they are a year older, a year more experienced, and prayerfully a year spent growing closer to the Lord. We are still in the process of raising our support to move there...hopefully this September. We are eager to 'go and do' as the Lord has asked! In the meantime we continue to pray daily for their hearts that they would learn to fully depend on Him, for their minds as they work through the struggles of a past that haunts them and challenges their abilities to make good choices, and their bodies as they grow into young men and women who are catching up from years in an orphanage or homes in the villages. We trust in His timing and that He will get us there to serve.

Cinco de Mayo Bathtime!

Jack loves bathtime! I would post the cute bottom pics...

but I know someday he wouldn't appreciate it!