What is the only thing that our Isabelle wanted for her 8th birthday???? (which isn't until October 4th!!!)
A BOW - so she could hunt with her daddy! She is making some big promises for the fall hunting season - a 12pt Buck!!! (Dad's was a 10pt from last fall) She has been asking for this since before her last birthday - she just wasn't quite old enough. In order for her to hunt this fall, she needed to have her gift this summer so she can practice & be prepared for the season to begin in September.
Kevin & I told her he was taking her on a "special surprise date". She wanted to know so badly what she was doing, so we told her she was milking goats or cows, & maybe going to ride a buffalo. She was very confused & didn't find it all that amusing - WE DID!!!
They arrived at the shop, which is in the back of someone's home - so she was still clueless. She thought it was a stop along the way to their eventual "date spot". Well after arriving in the store, she still didn't get that it was for her - we do look at a lot of hunting things in our home, TV, & in stores - so it wasn't too big of a shocker to be at a bow store. When Kevin finally told her they were there for her - she lit up like a Christmas tree. She later told Kevin that it was the best surprise she's ever had. The grin on her face is priceless.
She has practiced everyday - she loves to try & perfect the target shooting! She will be a good little hunter. She loves to be outdoors. She loves to sit in the tree stand with her dad & see all kinds of birds & animals. She has such a sweet tender spirit for nature. From hunting to budding artist she is. Today she started an art class. She painted her 1st picture with acrylics. It was great. She is in a class with one other little girl her age & absolutely LOVES learning about real art, not just doing crafts. Our little girl is growing up & begin to have very strong interests, desires, & talents!!! Happy EARLY b-day big girl!!
Last weekend the Army Reserve base had a family day - there was face painting, pony rides, an obstacle course, guns, dog tags to be made, & all kinds of vehicles to look at. The kids thought it was really neat - until we had to wash off the face paint. It took 2 washings, actually scrubbings, to get it all off. After the 1st wash, JM looked like the incredible hulk because his eyebrows were stained green. I thought it was humorous - the kids weren't laughing! 
We are back - showered & adjusting to air conditioning! We had a great trip. . . I've written lots on 
4. Flying on a 20 seater plane to Les Cayes, Haiti - & arriving their without my luggage! (let's just say, when it's 99degrees & you have no clothes - for myself or Isabelle - to put on the next day - you begin to feel pretty nasty) 
5. After learning my luggage was still in Port au Prince, we joined up with our group who'd gone ahead of us to find out that the place we were staying had no power or running water. You guessed it, no clean clothes, no showers, no toilets, & no A/C. Needless to say it was a bit overwhelming for me at first - but the Lord quickly reminded me "it's just like camping, sort of!" 
16. Watching Isabelle sleep peacefully & with all the lights on as others were still getting ready for bed - many answered prayers for peaceful sleep were answered!
These are some of our friends who'll be making this journey with us! We had a packing party last night to prepare for the trip. Many more stories & picks at "Arts For Orphans". If you are unfamiliar with C3, the organization that we work with, you can click on their link as well to read & see videos!