Looking for a family...

     I have received a final "no" from my hubby - so I'd like to make a plea for someone to come forward for this child.  He has been waiting for FOUR AND A HALF YEARS on the shared list (and many agency lists) and his only special need is a family.  He's smart, athletic, positive, extroverted, and happy - just desperately wants and needs a mom and dad.  He likes Basketball, Ping Pong, and fishing.  He has won numerous awards for excellence at school - he just shines.

     There is video of him and several updates - all talking about his successes in school, many friends, and sweet "tenderhearted" personality.  Unfortunately, his file will return to the shared list of 2,000+ names on Monday - and he will be lost in the multitudes of orphans needing families.  He has until August of 2013 to find a family.  After that, his file will be closed, and he will move forward in life alone - never having the chance for a family - for his own dad and mom.  

     Will adopting a 13 year old be easy?  Of course not.  Will learning a new language and culture at 13 be hard for him?  Of course it will!  But compared to a lifetime of loneliness, these challenges pale in comparison.  God has called us to be His hands and feet to orphans and widows - to make a difference in the lives of others.  Adoption changes lives - but mostly for the families receiving these beautiful children.  This young man is a blessing waiting for someone willing to take a leap of faith - could it be you?

Blessings, Kim

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.  
Psalm 127:3

Pajama School

     School started last week - just a few subjects that the kids were really excited about - and of course, they wanted to do the first day in their pajamas, lol!   Big brother, a homeschool alumni, stopped by to see their work and offer suggestions. 

     This year, the girls are doing a State Notebook and having a great time learning about their home state!  They get to use tracing paper for drawing pictures, the computer for printing pictures, and the encyclopedia for finding out all kinds of interesting tidbits about our colorful past and present.

     Big bro's are kind of "state experts" as they had a tremendous interest in geography, the east coast states, and presidents when they were homeschooling.  One of our state mottos, "While I breathe, I hope" is my favorite, while the other, "Prepared in mind and resources," is a good start to the school year!

     Even Sarah joined in with a little coloring and her own special book.

     Our intellectual dog leads the way with reading time - beginning with Treasure Island and later the Disney movie to finish the day.  Arrrgh, matey, we had a fun day!

     The Math video classes start next week when our energetic little one begins school and we'll have more quiet time.   She is still in need of ESL classes and other resources (like PE!) to help her with her reading skills and energy level, so she will be working with our beloved "Mrs. McKenzie" at the local school.   She and her new sister still clash daily and we believe that this will work best for both their schooling needs.  The older girls are very excited about learning American History this year and so we've already started this class as well.  It's fun to have such interested students!  We'll be focusing on servant's hearts and living at peace with others this year in Bible.  My study need more than theirs, lol!  Romans chapter 12 is our place to start.

Blessings to all for a wonderful new school year!  Kim