Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Breaking the silence. . .

It was never my intention to abandon my blog (and those who follow) upon arriving home with my girls, but let's face it, homeschooling 7 children, managing multiple special needs, and working to finalize Alexis' adoption (among many other things) has left me with very little "screen" time and, I am sad to say, that my computer and I have become virtual strangers over the past few months.

Fortunately, now that we have settled into a comfortable routine with school and the initial barrage of medical tests, appointments and procedures is beginning to slow, it is time for the outside world and I to become reacquainted!

The girls have been with us for 2.5 months now and they have adjusted beautifully! The first few weeks were challenging (as is the case with most adoptions), but so far, we have made it through most of those challenges with flying colors. A lot has happened in the past two months. So much that, rather than provide you with the Reader's Digest version of those events in one post, I would like to give each topic the time and attention it deserves.

In the meantime, please enjoy some photographic evidence that we are, in fact, alive and well!

Our first family road trip (to Northern Virginia for my mother-in-law's wedding) as a family of 9! Here Richard is trying to convince the kids that mommy's driving is like riding a roller coaster :-)

Sisters! (For those of you wondering. . .Yes! Maren is loving almost every moment of having sisters!)

Our first week of school

Evan! Looking forward to sharing updates on Evan's progress in school! He has made HUGE strides just in the last two months! Talk about a shining star! This boy never ceases to amaze me!

Our first trip to Philadelphia! Here we are at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey (Camden)

Loving life :-)

Alayna and Evan enjoying a hayride on a beautiful Fall day

Beautiful girls

Mommy and Alayna

My precious peanut, Lily! Just thinking about the transformation of this sweet baby brings tears to my eyes. It is amazing, AMAZING what love can do!

10 comments:

Armstrong Family said...

I love the pictures! I can't believe you are homeschooling. Wow you are brave. The girls look like they fit right into the fam.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for letting us know you didn't drop off the face of the earth. I was starting to worry you may not return to blogging. I'm so happy you have!

Thank you for sharing the pictures and the fun captions along with them. It's such a pleasure watching your family grow larger and stronger. I look forward to your next updated post. :)

Mamapierce said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the pictures of your family! Now that Richard has braved a trip to the wedding, tell him it's time to brave a trip to see us in FL!!!!

Cammie Heflin said...

Yeah an update!!! Been thinking about all of your blessings! Ready to hear more!

D... said...

Thanks for posting! I love the photos!!! What a beautiful family. You are amazing! :) I can't wait to hear more.

Charity Brown said...

I love that last picture of you and Lily! I am so happy for you guys!! Next time you come to VA let us know!!! :) My aunt and uncle live in northern VA.

Heather~sheaaa6 said...

What a beautiful family Valerie. :-)
I especially love the homeschooling photos, being a homeschool mom myself they stand out. :-) May I ask what(if any) specific curriculum you use? :-)

Yvonne said...

I have been praying you would surface with an update on Lilly and Alayna! So happy to see them emerging from their cocoons in your loving arms! So happy for your family!

Unknown said...

Very cool! Totally impressed with the progress, and with sanity-- seemingly anyway--intact! Can't wait to come visit, or vice versa :) See you around Thanksgiving time at latest. I love you!

junglemama said...

Thanks for all the updates! It was so interesting reading about all you have going on with the kids. It is wonderful to see that they are thriving!