Play Silks

We received some play silks from Mandy over at Blessings Eternal and the kids loved them. Bethany especially seemed to enjoy playing with them. She said she had seen them in a magazine and had always wanted some. Mandy is selling them to raise money for their adoption. They are in the process of adopting two children -- one who is the brother of Ben, the little boy they just brought home last year. They didn't realize that Ben even had a brother. When they found out, they felt that the two boys should be together. Adoption can be expensive and it can be especially hard when you have just completed one. So if you get a chance, stop by her blog and make a donation or purchase some play silks, audio books or jewelry. 

Bella's Book

I mentioned in my last post that I would love for Bella's orphanage director to see some pictures of her, and see how happy she is and how well she is doing. Well, right after I posted that, I had several emails from families traveling to the orphanage she was in, and from people who knew of families traveling there -- all volunteering to take some pictures of her to the orphanage for me. I was so excited that I immediately made a small book of pictures. It has already arrived and I will be mailing it tomorrow to a family getting ready to travel. I am so happy that I am able to do this. Not only am I sending a book this week, but another family traveling in a couple of months said they will take more pictures for me.  It is so kind for people you don't even know to volunteer to do something so nice for you. 

The book was a rush job so not the best, but I am still so happy to be able to do this. Maybe next time I will have more time to think about what pictures to use and how to arrange them. 

This is the front of the book. 

This is the back.

Bella, just being her cute self -- just taken, so not included in the book. 

We got snow and Bethany built a snowman. 

Cold Days

It has been so cold that we have spent most of our time inside the house. I think we are all getting a little stir crazy. The kids have worked every puzzle, read books, painted and done as many projects as I can think of -- I'm not very good at thinking of projects. I am really ready for some warm weather. Anyway, I have taken as many pictures in the house as I can and finally the other day when it warmed up a little we went outside and I got a few cute pics of Bella and Sarah on Sarah's bike. 

Sometimes I wish that Bella's orphanage director could see how well she is doing. We felt that she had doubts about us when we were there -- maybe our imagination. Anyway, if only she could see how happy Bella is and how well she has adjusted to our family. Sophia has done pretty well, too -- but, it is much harder to see with her. I think she is content and happy, but I can't always tell. When I look back at pictures of Sophia I do think she looks much more alert and interested in things now than she did a year ago.

Bella taking a little ride. She was not scared at all and just sat and enjoyed herself. 

Everyone always wants to ride Sarah's three wheeled bike for some reason. So, Jordan gave Bella a ride. 

I guess Bella is bored.

 I think Bella looks a little pitiful in this last one, but Bill doesn't and he said he loves it.