John Michael's Day of Firsts

John Michael had a great day - he accomplished so much today mentally & physically, he is wiped out.

• First thing this morning he successfully wrote his name by himself for the 1st time.


• We headed to our 1st day of swimming lessons this summer & he got right in & put his face under water for the 1st time. He didn't want lessons to end.


• He ended the day by riding his bike without training wheels for the 1st time. . . . here are some photos - we was so proud.

Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you!

Happy 1st Father's Day!

This was Kevin's 1st Father's Day - His 1st Father's Day at home anyway. He has been in Canada every year since we've had our children for Father's Day. This years Canada trip was moved so he was here to enjoy his special day with the kids. We enjoyed a lunch out & a relaxing day at home together. It was wonderful. Happy Father's Day Daddy . . . we LOVE you!

Haiti 2008: Grace & Joy

Kevin is home! The trip home was VERY delayed - so Kevin has been catching up on sleep the last 36 hours. We are so thankful to have him home & wanted to share some of our favorite photos of the children - although this is JUST a sample. We have over 150 photos.

Those of you who have followed our story with orphans, know that we received a newsletter from C3 Missions last fall about twin girls who were born @ 3lbs - their mother died in childbirth & they were left abandoned. The girls were named Grace & Joy! This is the story that broke Isabelle's heart and moved her into her mission of taking care of orphans. (You can check out her blog http://artsfororphans.blogspot.com/) The story of Grace & Joy came full circle for us as Kevin was able to meet the girls & hold them . . .

Kevin holding Grace & Joy. They have been in a C3 orphanage & are doing great. Look at them now - this is what it is about. These girls would not have survived if there wasn't a place for them to go. They are so special to our hearts, such a reminder that God is completely full of Grace & Joy and that it is fully available to us! Thank you God for using them to break us!

Aren't these girls precious? They love to have their photo taken . . . especially when they get to see their pics on digital cameras.

Kevin saw this man farming & literally drenched with sweat & no hat. Kevin approached him & pointed to his own hat - the man nodded and Kevin gladly gave him his hat. The man was very grateful!

Look at the boy in red - the thumbs up. Kevin says the experience was all that and more. The children just want to be loved. They yearn for your attention & love to be near you.

This is a school in Cambry for the orphans (above) and a group of boys in their bunk room at an orphanage (below).

Only God knows how He plans to continue to use our family with these beautiful children! If your heart is feeling pricked in any way - we would love to talk to you about God's heart for these children & how you can help - and yes you can help . . . remember Grace & Joy!

Haiti

John Michael & Kevin at KCI waiting for departure to Haiti!
We have much to share in regards to Haiti & how God has been working in our family. Click on "Arts for Orphans" link on the left for pictures & details of the amazing work of God tonight on behalf of orphans. Please join us in praying for Kevin & his team that are currently in Haiti - that God would pour out His grace & deeply work in each life on this trip. Pray for safety, health, and bonding with the orphans. We are expecting God to do great things!

Natural Creatures

Saturday Morning, John Michael & I woke up to find this large alligator snapping turtle in the field to the south of our house. We quickly dressed to get a closer look & snap some photos. One of my summer projects is to figure out how to take great pictures with our new camera. So, I took advantage of the cool morning to get some photos of our pink roses.

Memorial Day w/ the Redfords

What a fun-filled, fun-packed weekend we had with the whole Redford clan in Parsons, KS over Memorial Day weekend. We were outside, sweaty, and playing games constantly! It was a blast! We all needed a few days to catch up on sleep when we arrived home. Here are a few photos from our trip. . . .

The kids got skates from grandma & grandpa - we spent the 1st day inside getting used to them. JM & Isabelle were SO excited!

Me, Isabelle, John Michael, & Jaden (above) hung out on the porch swing while the men played washers (below) - one of our favorite outdoor games.Isabelle, Tyler, Jaden, & John Michael went on a hike in the woods - they found TONS of tadpoles, saw a snake, and lots of other critters. This is them after the hike with their "bug" containers.

It was really hot on Sunday, so the kids really enjoyed the water slide. The 3 younger kids played on it for hours only taking a break for a Fun Dip snack (below) thanks to Aunt Shannon.

Isabelle & her cousin Samantha rested and warmed up on the porch swing after the waterslide.

Last Day of School

Our big girl finished kindergarten yesterday - WOW!!! We can't believe she'll be in 1st grade. This is a picture of her class & teachers.

Two of her dear friends Olivia (above) & Myah (below) @ yearbook signing.

Sweet siblings (at least for the moment!) Isabelle introduced JM to all her friends.
The best kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Barber . . . thank you for a great year!