Thankful

After spending our second Thanksgiving together, we are overjoyed and feel more and more solidified as family. Lifa prayed the most perfect Thanksgiving prayer, and we haven't stopped the "thank you's" since.

"Thank you Jesus for eating. Thank you Jesus for play, play, play. Thank you Jesus for kids."

Last year's Thanksgiving:

This year's:

Our special Brazilian/African twist! Roasted pig!

Pre-feast warm-ups. You can never be too prepared for Thanksgiving!

Man party. Please excuse the view. 

All of this beautiful food. Lifa says, "I wannnt chiippsss."

Our beautiful table, set for 26. Notice whose kid is already sitting and waiting for food.!

Caught in the act!

TWO pieces of pie later... too tired and full to hold his head up straight, or even to move the spoon. This is how Thanksgiving should be. 

Maybe I Should Just Be Grateful He's Not Trying On My Dresses?

What else do you do on a Monday morning in the cottage? 

Tandaza Mama

We love being in the car together.

It's our time to sing, giggle, and take naps. (Lifa does all the napping.) Every morning, we pray on the way to preschool together. First me and then him.

For the first time since he's been back, I heard the little voice over the blaring worship music...

"Mama... Tandaza. Tandaza Mama."

"Mama... Pray. Pray Mama."

So I prayed. And then adjusted the rear-view mirror to watch his little eyes shut as tight as they could and hear his first whispered words... just like I do it... "Jesus...." A few minutes later, a resounding, "AMEN!"

I told Lifa how much Jesus loves when he talks to Him. And how much Jesus loves him.

Best Day EVER

My heart is absolutely swollen tonight as the giggles and kisses linger after what could truly go down in history as the best day ever. It was a play-date, Mama Kacy and Lifa kinda day. Just the two of us taking on playgrounds, medium pizzas and whatever kind of adventure we could find.

I saw parts of Lifa, parts that had been on self-protecting lock-down, open up and shine today. A new level of joy rose out of both of us. I was astounded once again of how much I can love one little person... no matter what he does, where he goes, how often I see him... He could do nothing to make me love him more or less.

And I can only give and receive such a fractional, scarred picture that kind of Abba Love. I can't imagine the joy He feels when we run up to Him calling His name, lips puckered, or even with flowing tears. Because today... it felt so good. Best Day Ever.

Choosing to be thankful for every single one we get.

Like a true gentleman, he offered to drive us on our big day out.

Loving the best kid ever on the best day ever...

He can climb tall buildings and mountains!

He can tame wild African animals!

'

 

He can defy gravity!

He can drink an entire mango in one sip!

And he can get moto-dates with 17-year-old girls in bikinis!

He even tried out the pool water for the first time today...

And he liked it!

Here's what happened when I tried to get a photo with him...

Please notice that he's licking me instead of kissing me...

Boys will be boys... This one just happens to be perfect.

Getting the Sparkle Back

We've had such a FUN week! I've had the joy and the honor of being on the front lines of God doing what He does best... restoring us to better than before. Lifa's sparkle is coming back! I'm watching the safety and security of him knowing he belongs build new hope in him. Thank you Jesus.

Underwear Model

So excited about new Toy Story 3 underwear!