And...Happy 8th Birthday Kawika JR!!

2 birthday's in one week(four days apart)...Wow! this is something I have to honestly get used to...As a mom, you want to make sure both children get a "special individual uncheated day" and at the same time my convenience factor wants to celebrate and do them both in one day...Soooo...Up went the decorations for one boy and down they came the next day, so that my older son can see that we put up special decorations just for him too...And in the end I am sooo thankful we did...and I will continue to sacrifice the convenient factor in order to tell each boy they are precious and individual beings who deserve one special day a year of recognition all to themselves :)...And what joy to watch each of them be celebrated!

"mmmm...sugar donuts"

My son is a sugar addicted child who must of been a chip off of my dad (who has always had a weakness to sweets!)...So we got up, got dressed, and went to the sugary bakery in town here and enjoyed donuts for breakfast!



Then we went and met Uncle, Auntie, and the kiddos at the park to hang out!


To top the day off we had a special picnic in Sacramento for adoptive families which turned out to be an extra special treat for Kawika's birthday as they had a pinata, lunch, water fun, and face painting which as you can see from Jeremiah's hands and face, they even let the kids paint themselves...We stopped at Starbucks on the way back home and got our 1/2 price fraps for a treat for the ride home...$6.00 for four cold drinks~not too bad! Then at home we sang happy birthday and did cupcakes with dad before work! And as the day ended my sweet boy says, "Mom I loved my birthday." I said, "Son, I did too!"

My dear sweet son! What a joy it is to have you in my life...You bring such a sweet smile to my face as I watch you grow as a young boy...To see your love for each of your siblings and the sacrifices you make to see that they are happy is priceless...You teach me patience, self-control, and kindness...You have such a sensitive spirit and precious heart that looks out for the ways in which you can serve mom and bring me joy...The little notes you write on your school work everyday for me show me you love me...The "surprise clean up living room sprees" bless my heart and show me that Jesus is working in your heart...And as you struggle with sin, you are so honest about how much you know you need Jesus and His forgiveness and salvation...You receive your discipline and are humble when it comes to reproof, which is something God is doing in your heart as well...We are filled with joy to know God has given us YOU to raise, train, and graciously point you to Jesus...I pray for you regularly to grow into a mighty strong man for Jesus one fine day and that you will one day be the leader, provider, and protector if God blesses you with a family, and above all that you would find your hope and confidence and identity in Christ through the Word of God! I love you Kawika JR!