Tea Party

The boys went to the woods this morning to do "guy" things.  So, the girls had a tea party.  They had a grand time.  It always stretches me to be creative for this type of thing.  Well, I believe it was a success and they seemed to enjoy the fun.  I will let the pictures show you what we did.

Dessert! 

All in all, it was a fun way to have lunch with my girls!

Old Habits Surface Again

Alex has a friend over tonight that lives out of town.  They have been friends since they were babies.  He came down to spend the night tonight.  Well, the kids were playing outside.  I walk out and Haylee has reverted to baby talk and Hannah is flirting telling the friend that she can't believe he is only 12 because he looks much older.  Ugh...

Needless to say, they are watching a movie now and the girls are on one side of the couch and the boys are on the other.  Morgan is the barrier between the twins and the other boys. 

I guess when they try to impress the new person they get uncomfortable and revert back to their old ways.

Well Angela, I blew it already!!!

Birthday Party

I took the girls to the birthday party last week. I was anxious about the whole thing. I went in with the girls and the Mom in charge started telling me the plans for the scavenger hunt. It was great! They were not going in stores. I was so relieved! They went to an older ladies house and gave her hugs and she told about her birthdays during her lifetime. It was her pastors mother-in-law. They went to the local food bank and donated can goods. The lady explained how by helping feed the needy they are acting as Jesus would. They also went to a new pastor homeschooling family and built pyramids in their yard and rang the doorbell and welcomed them to town. I did leave them and she said they did well. Of course, they were on the back porch when I arrived to pick them up and I could hear them above everybody. She said they weren't the only loud girls there.

I was very happy they did well. Baby steps...

Camp

Well, Morgan has been at camp for one night and over 24 hours now. The camp has a private website where they post pictures daily. I found her in two pictures from last night. She looked happy. I am so glad. I hope she has a wonderful time. I miss her already. The girls have had some issues this morning. I am sure it is acting out of jealousy and some anger. We have been very busy today, so that has helped. The next few days aren't as busy. We shall see how things go...

Math and Baby Talk

Well, the twins have finished their math program for the year. It was a long, long hard road. We spent a LOT of time each day on math. They really struggle with time and money. I know this goes with FAE, but I guess I was hoping we would overcome. Don't get me wrong, they have come a LONG way this year. Hannah got a B in math and Haylee got an A. I am very proud of their work in math this year.

However, today we were doing some practices to prepare for our standardized testing next week. I do reviews with my kids because they think they are fun and to get them used to the format. Well, they both missed the time and money problems. One missed 4 our 6 problems in one section. We have done each of the problems many, many times. It wasn't presented exactly like we do it, so she was clueless. After she tried the first time, I marked them wrong. She got upset and angry. I told her it was break time and to go play outside during break. She always wants me to do it for her instead of her thinking. She came in and said that she was ready for me to do the review book with her. I told her she needed to try with a fresh brain and I will check them again. Well, after one chance they have to explain how they got the answer so I can tell if they understand and are not just guessing. She was able to do 2 of the 4 on her own and explain them to me. The time and money problems were left. I think she got the time, but not the money. We are going to have to start playing store a lot around here to learn this concept. We must know how to make change in life.

I was so discouraged after they did the math sections today. I just have to know that they will take longer and I can't make up for eight years in one year. When you make an A or a B do you go on to the next level when they can't apply the concepts very well. I guess I will move on because the program we use is very repetitive.

Also, Haylee has had baby talk issues since coming to our house. She improved a great deal and then she slowly worked her way back into baby talk. We know she can talk very well because she had an ear infection a few weeks ago and came to our room in the middle of the night. She spoke clearer than I have ever heard her. It was amazing. My husband commented on her clear speech as soon as I took care of her and came back to bed. We need suggestions. We have prayed with her about it and asked God to give us wisdom in how to handle the situation. The last few days she has had to sit in her bed when she talks that way. Any ideas?

What a day...

Testing is going on around here. Yes, our rules are still the same. No, we will not send you back. If you cheat in school, the same punishment applies. It has not been a fun day for one little princess today. It has been a hard week for both of us. It really makes me wonder what happened to the glasses.

It will be one year April 6th. I guess they are getting nervous. They told me today their Aunt which they lived with for 10 months told them they would adopt them, then "gave them back". I explained that we adopted them, which means they are never going back.

Hannah dreamed last night that we sent them back.

I have been reading "The Connected Child" this week. God knew I would need the info this week. I was able to handle today better, I think, because I had been reading this book. I have read most of the info before, but it is helpful for me to review and be reminded that my girls are different than my birth children. It has helped me to remember why they do some of the things they do. I has reminded me of what is behind some of there actions.

Morgan has a barium swallow tomorrow to check for any visible problems with her stomach and esophagus. She is still having stomach troubles. This started when we found out the girls were going to be placed with us. We have to leave way too early in the morning.

I actually cooked dinner Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week. Amazing!! I think my family was shocked. They have been very appreciative.


Tucker is going camping again this weekend with the scouts. He is going to Ordeal with the scouts to become part of the Order of Arrow. He is excited. He said he likes being away from the girls and their noise. This makes me sad in some ways. Maybe this is normal for a 14 year old, even if he doesn't have three younger sisters.

Lock-in

We allowed the girls to attend the lock-in. I was not comfortable with them going without me, so I was locked-in with them. It ended up being only nine kids, which was good for the girls. They knew everybody, so they weren't uneasy.

Haylee did fine, except for the overload of baby talk. So, maybe she wasn't as comfortable as I thought. I corrected her nicely many times because we talked about it in the car on the way there.

I don't believe Hannah would have made it all night without me. She still gets up at night sometimes afraid. We usually have to walk her back two times before she stays. We pray with her and have her pray as well. She gets insecure very easily. With her history, this in not surprising. It will probably take years to overcome.

We had a fun time. We ate way too much junk and stayed up way too late! We came home early and slept for a few hours. It made it easier for everyone to adjust to daylight savings time.

This was the first time they have ever spent the night away with friends. This was a big treat. I am glad I was able to stay with them, so they could participate.

Father Daughter Dance

I spent last night in Atlanta with only the boys. I was a nice change. They get so little of my attention because the girls demand so much!! The boys are very understanding of the demands of the girls. It was very quiet!! Well, I took the boys to a swim meet and Elliott stayed home with the girls. They had a dress up date night last night and had a wonderful time. I had to get home today to help them get ready for the first annual Father Daughter Dance in our town. About 45 people attended. They aren't home yet, but I am sure it was great!! Elliott had a sweet speech planned about learning to "dance" with your daughters. He mentioned that two of our girls are adopted. He said it took him about 4-5 years to learn to "dance" with Morgan. It was difficult but they dance well together now. He said that he is still learning to dance with Haylee and Hannah and a lot of toes are being stepped on in the process. It is a challenge worth taking. Girls desire to "dance" with their fathers. Each of them have a different "dance". It is worth stepping on toes to figure it out. It can be life changing. Anyway, it was a very meaningful speech. He probably doesn't even know I read it. He left it on the computer when he left tonight.

Very Busy Lately

I haven't posted in so long!! I have posts in my head all of the time, but finding the time to sit down and record them is the problem.

Things are moving right along. I can't believe the girls have been with us almost ten months. They have changed so much during this time.

A few updates...

Haylee's meds are working well. Her school is completed timely and very well. She has a hard time in the late afternoon with her attitude. She is really struggling with pouting when she is corrected or has been in trouble. We have started telling her to go to her room and find her happy heart or go get in the bed. It is her choice. Haylee even read her grammar lesson before I was ready to teach it this week and completed the exercises perfectly. I was thrilled!

Hannah is struggling in school. I purchased some dividers to remove the temptation of cheating. It is now taking her forever to complete her work. I retaught her rounding for the sixth time this week. I thought the magic number was three times, but not anymore. I wondered if she was looking at Haylee's work more than I realized, but for so long she was finished before Haylee. Haylee loves the dividers. I believe it has relieved the stress from both of them. Hannah doesn't like the dividers, but I really don't care. I think she realizes she is having to think totally for herself and that is sometimes difficult for her.

Four of my children got new glasses this week. Thank goodness Haylee and Hannah have state insurance as secondary insurance. Glasses are very expensive. They have a different selection of glasses to choose from and they aren't the same quality as the glasses I had to buy for Alex and Morgan. However, the state insurance will replace the glasses if they break.

I have heard about people being treated differently with state insurance, but hadn't experienced it until I took Haylee and Hannah to the eye doctor. The doctor and his wife knew our situation and were very nice. However, the front office person and the lady that tested their vision treated me like an idiot. I guess they forgot I had already had two children in the office in the last two weeks that I had to pay out of pocket for and did. The lady at the desk didn't give me the new paper to fill out. She sat behind the counter and asked me questions and wrote it down. She wasn't very friendly. It would have been much easier if I could have done it myself. The lady that tested their vision wasn't much better. She treated me like I had no idea what we were doing and that they didn't either. I was having to bite my tongue. Before we went, I explained to the wife of the doctor, she runs the office, our situation. I took the girls separate so they would never know that they didn't go to the same room to pick out their glasses. Haylee has very poor vision. The doctor told me that we would try to use the state insurance, but they may want her glasses to look like coke bottle glasses. They are thick, but are okay. When she gets older, we may have to do something different.

I am debating about whether to call the wife and let her know we were treated differently than when I had my other children in the office. It is really sad how people are treated differently for insurance reasons.

Keeping it cool...

Hannah is struggling with no structure and the holidays. She has a very short temper and gets mad over anything. I am trying to stop the eruptions before they happen. We are hanging in there...

I stuggle not losing it with her also. I get frustrated with myself during these times because I don't like what I feel and think at times...

I know this sounds crazy, but it is almost a relief to read about other adopted older children that struggle around the holidays and with little structure. It is exhausting. I find myself listening to prepare for the next issue to arise.

Hannah did create a few movements to go with the song, "I Can Only Imagine" I think that is the name. It is a great song. I think eventually music will really help in healing.

I have enjoyed not having to teach the kids this week, but in some ways I am ready to start back. Tucker, Alex and Morgan love the break. Hannah and Haylee aren't quite sure what to do. I guess time will take care of that.

I offered to make cookies with them, no interest. I offered to make their Christmas tree ornaments, no interest. Tonight I will just say, "We are doing this now."

They are going to swim team in a few minutes so they will have some structure. My mother in law will be here tomorrow. I am sure she will do some fun things with them. The boys are going hunting with my husband and my father in law.

They are growing!!

The girls are all growing!! All three of them!! I am thrilled that we have this problem, because the girls are under treatment for growth issues. I am hoping they continue to grow so we don't have to enter the world of growth hormones. We are continuing to pray that God will remove the entire issue by them continuing to grow. We think Hannah is growing a little faster than Haylee, which is good because was shorter than Haylee. My husband says she has grown over two inches since May. Wonderful!!

Due to the growing, we are having to shift jeans around so everyone will have jeans long enough. I am excited that we are having this problem, but that also means I have to buy more jeans. Ugh! Morgan is very slim. Morgan had been squeezing into some 7 slim jeans and finally we said no more. (Morgan is having a hard time passing her clothes down to her sisters. I guess once again she is having to share everything.) She has a pair of eight slims that fit her well, so that is what we will purchase for her. However, Haylee and Hannah are small but not as thin as Morgan. The 7 slim pants that Morgan was squeezing into fit Haylee, barely. The length was good, but she had to work to button them. I think they will be okay. I guess Hannah and Haylee will be regulars and not slims. Oh well, no big deal. They can almost wear the same size jeans eventhough they are shaped differently. Haylee's little best friend is shaped like Morgan and can wear her old jeans if Haylee can't.

What a boring post, but it is our life and drama today!!

Have a wonderful and joyous day!!

Frustrated

What do you do when a child has broken the same rule each day for the last three days. She has been disciplined and written scriptures. She did it again tonight. Is something not connecting? Is it the cause and effect issues? It is not a big huge thing. It is a simple rule. We don't eat in the car without permission and especially not candy!! Don't get me wrong, we eat in the car all the time. However, sugary candy is limited at our house for many reasons. In fact, I may be too strict, but the kids all ask permission to get a snack. You may think I am nuts, but it is a rule we have always had. It may sound trivial, but if she can't follow the small rules, how will she follow the big ones?

On a positive note, my parents are going to keep all three girls for two nights. I am nervous about them going. I trust my parents completely, but the girls have never been away from me overnight. We have talked to them about going and they really want to go. I think since they will all be together, they will be okay. I will have two days without them. Believe it or not, this brings mixed emotions. I can "let my guard down" and relax some. I am sure I will stay very busy playing catch up around here. The boys are going on a field trip, so my husband and I are going Christmas shopping...with no kids!! We haven't been by ourselves much at all since the girls came to live with us. I hope the next few days go well for everyone.

My heart is hurting...

Today is Beth and Ann's ninth birthday.

Today I received a phone call from the geneticist. We have opened another door into my girls. We have more issues than we thought. I am grieving for my girls today. This is so hard.

The doctor said he doesn't exactly know what it all means. We just have to watch them as they grow. He told me to continue as I am doing. He will see them next June.

God is so big. He knew this before they were born. He picked us for these girls.

The doctors told my mother I would never walk and talk. Obviously, I walk and talk. My mother set the standards higher and I was successful. I am hoping and praying I can use this to help my girls overcome.

We have a lot to digest right now. These girls are ours forever and ever. We will overcome.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has the perfect plan for all of us.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I have always loved this verse. I have played it over and over in my mind thousands of times since we brought the girls home.

Our days aren't always easy or peaceful. I often don't have time to stop and think. I get really tired and grumpy sometimes. I get very selfish some days. I can make many reasons and excuses for my issues. But really all that matters is that I do my best for God.

God has always known the plan for my life. It is for my good, not to harm me. Even on the bad days, God has given me hope and a future. He is in control of everything. He knows every mistake I will make each day. He knows when I repent and when I don't. HE KNOWS MY HEART!!

Each time he calls us to change, or a different season, it is for His glory and our good. It may not seem that way when we are going through it, but He knows the big picture. He knows the result. I have been through seasons, whether days or months, where I can't seem to find the good things. We often get stuck on all of the negative and forget about all of the things we have.

God knows the plan for our life. They are for good, not to harm us. They are plans to give us a hope and a future.

We know God called us to adoption. It would have been easier to make excuses about why we couldn't adopt. I can still name many reasons. However, we chose to focus on the reasons we could adopt. We chose to think of how God had prepared us for adoption.

About 1 1/2 years after having Morgan, I was having female problems. The doctor told me the only way to help was to have a hysterectomy. My husband and I had been praying about whether to have more children. We decided this was the answer to our prayer. I was relieved to have a way to relieve the pain I was having, but sad that I wouldn't have anymore birth children. I had the surgery. A couple years later, I really wanted more children. God gave my husband and I both the strong call to adoption. Years after surgery, we have five, instead of three, beautiful children. God knew the plans he had for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us...

We had always dreamed of building our own house. We were sad when we weren't able to build the house we wanted. We ended up purchasing and renovating the one we have. This house is ideal for adoption. The bedrooms are much larger than we would have built. Perfect for adding children to our family. We were sad and discouraged when we made the decision not to build. However, this house is perfect for His plan for our family. God knew the plan for us...

I am sure Ann and Beth have questioned things that have happened in their life in such a short 8 1/2 years. They continue to question and try to understand the best they can. As they grow older and begin puberty the questions will change and continue. I remind them when they ask that God knew them in their mother's womb. He knew the plan for each of their lives. He designed them perfectly. He knew they would be my girls one day. He designed them to look just like my family. (I can't wait to show you our family pictures. They look so much like our family.) He knew the plans for their life, plans to prosper and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future.

Wow, just writing this now makes me feel so selfish. My children have had days where they had no idea what was in their future. Would they ever have a forever home? Would they ever have a forever Mom and Dad that would love them unconditionally? Would they ever be able to trust anyone again? So many worries for such sweet little girls. No wonder they have problems. They are such sweet girls. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. I have learned so much from their little lives already. God uses the trials to teach me something every time.

Selfishness

We all can have moments. of living a world of "self". However, that is not how we should live. We are to serve others and not expect everything to revolve around us.

I believe testing and control must be in the air based on the some of what my blog friends are saying. I am thinking that may be what I am dealing with in Beth. I think she is testing her boundaries to see what she can control. She is repeatedly asking for something after I have told her no because she wants it. No other reason. For example, we have had many discussions about not getting out of bed before a specified time and getting dressed because you disturb your sisters. It is showing respect and love for your sisters. Well, today is Saturday. We allowed the girls to stay up later to watch a movie. I told the girls to sleep late. Do not get up until after 7:30 or so. However, between 6:30 and 7:00 this morning the twins were both up. Morgan was trying to sleep. I am in my bed awake and at about 7:05, Beth appears in my room completely dresssed with hair fixed and everything. I could not believe it!! I wasn't happy. I asked her all of the questions concerning all of our morning rules. She answered everyone correctly. She knew the rules, but she chose to do it anyway because she wanted to get dressed. I asked what time she got up and she said she didn't know. Not the truth because she looks at the digital clock in her room first thing every morning. I asked her if she got up before seven. I don't know. Another lie. I told her I heard someone up before seven. She chose to break the rules.

I also reviewed the rules with Ann while Beth walked the dog and she also knew the rules and chose to break them. Ugh!! They both had to sit on the couch quietly while I showered. They weren't allowed to go in their room because Morgan had gone back to sleep. Ann and Beth will both go to bed one hour earlier than Morgan tonight. Is that mean? I don't know what else to do. This is a common occurance. I am wondering again if I need to give Morgan her own room and move the Alex and Tucker in together. I would put Beth and Ann in Alex's room.

Beth is testing her boundaries and control in different ways in addition to the incident this morning. One day this week is that she asked me if she could wear a certain hair clip on our family cotton field pictures the other day. I told her no. I was thinking that I may have time to fix her hair with it if I can get everyone else ready; however, I didn't tell her that. A few minutes later, I am ironing the boys shirts and she comes up behind me and asks again if she can wear the clip. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. She repeated the same question. I told her I had already said no, why is she asking again. Her answer was, "Because I want to wear it."

Today we were keeping a friend of ours little girl that is 3 1/2. She wanted to watch Dora. Beth got mad and refused to watch TV because it wasn't what she wanted to watch. I had had enough. We had the discussion about the world revolving around us and that she doesn't get everything she wants her way. She has to share and serve others. Sometimes she needs to show love by considering another persons desires.

Ann's struggle is pouting when someone gets something or gets to do something that she doesn't get. She was mad the other day because they were all invited to a birthday party that Morgan has been invited to every year for about four years. She didn't appreciate the fact that she was invited when she has never met the girl. She was mad because Morgan had been for the last few years. I asked her if she had ever been to birthday parties of her friends before. She said she had. I said that Morgan didn' t get to attend those. How is that different?

Today at a yard sale I purchased 50 cent jacket for our friends little girl. Ann got pouty because it wasn't for her. She is getting pretty good at the pouty lip. Ugh!!

Today Morgan was showing our friend a porcelain doll that I made when I was in high school and had given to her quite a few years ago. The girls were playing with them because I had purchased them some dolls at a yard sale this morning. They each had porcelain heads. Ann started pouting because she didn't have one and Morgan did.

This is getting old.

Movie Night

The boys are camping this weekend, weekend so the girls, my husband and I are all about to watch a movie. The girls are very excited. The simple pleasures in life.

They decided to have a ballet theme for their birthday party. I have ordered all of the matching plates, blowers, pinatas, ballooons, etc for their party. We usually don't purchase all of this, but we are for them this time. They are VERY excited.

Ann's meds aren't working. She was very moody and emotional today. She wasn't finished with her school work at 4:30. She couldn't read clock time. She could this morning. I told her to finish it tomorrow morning. I thought we had mastered that skill. Hopefully, in the morning she will be able to do it.

I am being paged...

Papers!!!

Our county social worker is bringing papers to our house at 2pm tomorrow. I am going to get them to my attorney afterwards. He isn't available to finish our paperwork until early next week. I am glad he told me that because I am very anxious for a court date. Hopefully he will get a date next week for us. I hope we are able to finalize in the next month or so.

The girls have a birthday in October. They can't agree on what they want to have as a theme. I am fine having two cakes, but not two parties. Suggestions?

We have doctor appointments this week. Beth is being seen for growth hormone testing again. I believe she has grown, but I don't think it is enough. Her hands and feet are so tiny. I have always thought Morgan was tiny, but not anymore. Morgan looks giant next to Beth. Beth is nervous because they will put in an IV and draw blood every thirty minutes for 3-4 hours. Ugh!! I am not looking forward to this either. I pray she does okay...and me as well.

Next week we are going to Disney. The girls are very excited because they have never been. I will get more excited after we get through these doctor appointments on Wednesday and Thursday. We are having to travel to the big city about three hours from here. We will be there two nights. I am excited because my parents are going to keep the girls and I am getting my hair cut and highlighted on Wednesday morning before the appointment. I always feel better after getting my hair done.

Ready or not, a new week is here. I have my skates on and I am ready to roll...

Things

We have been pretty busy around here. We went to my parent's lake house for two days. Everyone did great. We have a lot of baby talk going on, but gentle reminders and they would be back to their normal voices. I think this must happen when they get insecure or are experiencing something new. I wonder if it is when they are processing and learning things as a younger child. No person argued about wearing life jackets to the pier or boat house, they just wore them. Yea!! We were very happy! The girls rode the tube behind the boat for a long time. The fear is gone. We were talking about how far they have come. Beth was terrified the first time she went behind the boat. This time she was standing on the tube...amazing!! She even fell off and cried a minute and got back on and continued riding. God is so good!!

Morgan's best friend was baptized this morning. What a precious memory!!

The men in the church prayed over all of the single females in the church. They prayed for their husbands and that they would be equally yoked with them. They prayed the girls would be patient and wait on the man God has planned for them. Don't make it happen. It was great!! I am not sure our girls totally understood, but they received it on their level. I wish I had understood this many years ago.

I often feel led to hold them and pray over them as I sing and worship our Lord. It is an amazing time of bonding, healing and being filled each time it happens. I believe God can heal my girls. I believe he is greater than any diagnosis. We serve an amazing God!!

I believe our Consent to Adopt papers are in the mail. Hopefully they will be in our hands this week. If so, I can get them to the attorney and get a court date. I can't wait!!

Maturity

Okay...the struggle for the weekend is this...

Beth and Ann, in my opinion, aren't as mature and responsible as an average almost nine year old. Morgan is only nine months older than them but is more responsible and trustworthy. Her decisions do not revolve around what everyone else is doing. She knows the difference between right and wrong and usually makes good choices. Yes, she does make poor choices at times. However, she understands consequences for her actions. I am not sure Beth does. Whatever Morgan does they want to do.

Well, they didn't get to spend the night out last night. Morgan did spend the night away. I didn't hesitate one bit allowing her. Morgan wants to go to camp next summer. She probably won't, but we will consider it. I have already told the girls they will not be going. The girls think whatever she does, they automatically get to do. Well, no. Morgan would do great at an overnight camp. There is no way they are going anywhere overnight without my husband or me.

Morgan was allowed to go in the woods with Alex and a friend today. She is able to get up and down the hill by herself. She needs very little assistance in the woods. Beth asked to go. The answer was no again. We tried that one time and it wasn't a good thing. So, she gets mad and gets in the bed and cries. My husband told her she could choose how to spend her day, in the bed or playing, her choice. I am sorry, but everyone doesn't get to do everything around here.

Beth isn't having a good day. She got in trouble for leaving the door open again. Our power bill was over $500 this month. Ugh!! My husband took everyone swimming. The last time they went swimming she left her new competition goggles somewhere where Reesie, our dog, got them and was chewing them up. They each have a swim bag on a hook in the mud room to put their swim items in. I took them from the dog and put them away. Today she wanted them back. I made her explain why she didn't have them. If the dog has them again she will lose them again. She wasn't a happy camper when she left. I am sure she is sick of me correcting her today. She definately does better during the school week with very strict structure.

I have learned that children which are affected like my girls don't mature at the same pace as children with non alcohol affected brains. My girls just don't act almost nine. I am sure being in the foster system doesn't help either. How do I explain this to them? How do I explain I have to totally trust before they spend the night away? Will they ever get the same opportunities as Morgan? I have to accept that they may not. Children with these issues often take longer to mature and some continue to struggle with cause and effect problems. We shall see....

This calling by God is so exhausting...

What a glorious Day!!

Beth getting in the water to be baptized.


Beth listening as they are talking with her about baptism.

Ann getting used to the water. The heater must not have helped too much. Ann listening to the questions as they prepare her for baptism.

My husband and the elders praying over Ann after her baptism. They prayed for Beth also, but I didn't have a picture without her face showing.

Morgan about to be baptized. I love the way she is looking at her daddy.

Morgan is so happy about being baptized. She asked Jesus in her heart when she was 4 1/2 but never would get baptized. How neat of God to plan it so all of my girls would be baptized on the same day.

Morgan being prayed for after her baptism.

Before the girls were baptized, various members of our church body shared scripture and words God had given each of them. One thing shared by a friend of ours was the connection between being adopted into God's family and being adopted into our family. She reminded them they are all princesses of the King. It was so neat for someone else to share this with them. The friend is 19 and babysat Morgan for many years when she was younger. It was very sweet.