Claire's fun meet video

Could not figure out the blogger video so I am trying something different.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Our little gymnast!

Claire had her first fun meet this weekend.  It was basically a time to show off what she has been learning in gymnastics.  She has been doing gymnastics for about a year and she absolutely loves it!  She is always ready to go to the gym!  I want to share some cute pictures of our girl and hopefully I can get some video to load too!

Claire and her instructor, Lindsay!

Ready for the bars!  Check out the muscles in her shoulders!

On the balance beam!

Claire is wild about gymnastics!

Medal time!

She is so excited about her t-shirt and medal!

This is Claire marching in with her level....this is so typical Claire...she doesn't walk anywhere!  So full of spunk!

This is Claire on the tumble track...doing a back handspring!

Claire on the floor!

So proud of our gymnastics loving girl!

(Sorry if videos don't show up not sure what is wrong; trying to fix it)

Thankful Thursday

I have been in a blogging funk lately. Just haven't felt like blogging but today I am feeling the motivation so I guess it is time to blog. PLUS, it is Thursday so I am going to do a Thankful Thursday post! :)

This Thursday I am thankful for:

~Medical technology! As I sit here typing, my brother-in-law, Dale is in surgery receiving a kidney transplant. Amazing to my little brain that this type of surgery can be done!  Thankful to the donor that is giving up one of their kidneys for Dale!

This was taken at a luncheon recognizing local firefighters and paramedics!

~Email!  So thankful for the email updates we receive on Caelyn!  So hard knowing your daughter is half way around the world but the updates help us feel connected to her.  Even more thankful when a picture is attached!                                

Shhh...don't tell but I can't resist not sharing the photo!

~Extended family!  We had some fun pictures taken over Thanksgiving and I don't think I ever shared some.  We love our Georgia family and love spending time with them.  Wish it could happen more often.

This is all of the "big" cousins and Gary and his brother Wayne.  Love it!

 Claire and Caleb wanted in on the jumping!

 All the cousins!

 Our gang and the Georgia gang!

~Birthdays!  Yesterday, we celebrated Nicholas' 15th birthday!  Just does not seem possible that he is that old already.  He is SOOOO ready to be driving.  Me, not so much ;)  This year, Gary and I took Nicholas out to eat at the restaurant of his choosing.  It was so nice to have just that time with Nicholas by himself!  We came home and had cake and presents with the family.

At Bandanas...his favorite!

 With the cake!

 He blew them all out with one breath!

 Displaying his new Eagles jersey!

This isn't from yesterday, but I just love this picture.  It shows how tall Nicholas is getting.  He was 5'11" last time he was measured!  Wow!



What are you thankful for?

Puzzle update!

A few months ago, I shared that we are adopting again.  I also shared with you about the puzzle fundraiser we are doing.  We ran into problems getting the puzzle we had originally ordered so we went to a puzzle warehouse near us and picked a new, beautiful 1000 piece puzzle.  This is the one we decided would look great in Caelyn's new room.  Isn't it pretty?

I am thrilled to report that 226 pieces have already been sponsored!  That leaves 774 more pieces that are just waiting for your name!  We are going to glue the puzzle together and then frame it so both sides can be seen.  It will be a forever reminder to Caelyn of those who helped bring her home.  You can use the chipin button on the side of my blog or the one posted below.  If you wish to contribute another way please send me an email. Most people have chosen to contribute $5 per piece but any amount would be great. Please make sure you tell me what name or names you want to be written on your piece/pieces!



Our home study should be finished this month and then things should really pick up speed as we get our dossier done and off to China. We are really hoping to travel by this summer. Be on the look out for another post about our other fundraisers. Check out the sidebar for opportunities to purchase coffee or amazing t-shirts!

Two letter Thursday!

Woohoo!!!  We are coming Caelyn!  Now to finish our dossier!!

The Story of Christmas

This a powerful video about how Christmas is the beginning but not the end of the story.

Here at Blessed Beyond Belief I am thankful....

This Thanksgiving I am going to share the top 11 (for 2011) things I am thankful for:

11. My family even though the milit*ry keeps us away from them most of the time I treasure the time we do have together!
10. My honey...God has blessed me with 20 years married to my best friend!

09. My kids...certainly been blessed more than I deserve!

08. Brianna...trying to treasure each moment knowing that all too soon she will be off to college. 

07. Nicholas...cannot believe how he has become a young man and is so tall.



06. Hunter...my miracle boy who continues to amaze the doctors and is my comic relief.

05. Claire...my super smart sign language speaking girl and most certainly momma's girl.

04. Caleb...my little snuggle bug.

03. Caelyn...our newest treasure waiting for a family in China.  Soon baby girl soon.

02. My great country that I was blessed to be born in.  Thankful for those in the milit*ry that fight to keep us free.
01. My Lord and Savior who has blessed me with these...

Happy Thanksgiving!  What are you thankful for?