evil, hate, and despair

There is much evil, hate, and despair in the world, it takes my breath away. Whether it is exploiting children, abusing the defenseless or killing the innocent in the name of a god or government, I cannot comprehend it. 

I thank God for the joy and hope I find in my children. They are pure and good and I believe God will use them for his glory.  Because I know they are not my own but his, we gave Samuel back to him by way of baptism at my home church.  No matter where I go in life, that church will always be home.  I was baptized there 20 years ago and married JR there 10 years ago. 

It was beautiful even if the pictures weren't.  We seriously need  a coach for pictures.

I love this little munchkin.  He is sassy and sweet and a mama's boy to the bone.  He is loved.

Life

This is what most of life sounds like.  Well, at least my waking non-working hours.

 

 

seriously, we need help

We cannot take a decent picture. It's time to call the professional.  Here are our attempts at Easter. This is as good as it got.

John Hinton looks like someone out of children of the corn, but how stinkin cute is Sammy's smile?

Happy Easter!

T- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

3 months together

What better way to celebrate than with Mexican food?

Sammy, Sam the Man, SamSam, Samtastic-
You are something else, buddy.  I can't believe it has been three months since you were placed in my arms.  We love you to the moon and back and can't wait to see what all we learn about you in the next three months.

In other events of the weekend...

We met the Easter Bunny Saturday.  This was before the Bunny.  PawPaw did their hair.  I think they look pretty good. Of course, Mo is bringing them up as always!

Morgan, Sam, and John Hinton

These boys.  I hope they are always best buds.  Five little boys with one poor little girl.  She better bring it. 

Carson, John Hinton, Jacob, Sam, and Nic.

My big baby making his mean face!

Rules

We have rules.

House Rules:
1. Be kind
2. Show love
3. Tell the truth

Let's just say one little person is having more trouble with that third one than others. 

We have wrestling rules:
1. No hands to the face
2. No elbows or knees
3. No choking
4. Mom is a safe place

Pawpaw's rule: rocks stay in the driveway. No exceptions.

Nonnie has no rules.

Unc's rule is that underwear must be worn at all times.

Mom's rule:
No one sits on my lap or touches me while I eat. 

Dad has tons of rules.

Dogs' rule: if they can get it, then they can eat it.

John Hinton's rule: If he wants it, then it is his favorite and he will take it by force.

Sam's rule: Wear your opponent down with endless crying, whining, pointing and pinching.

Mom's new rule: The pinchee may pinch the pincher back.  Seriously, he pinches all the time.  I'm all about a little vigilante justice.

But maybe we need more rules:

It is obvious from these pictures and my recent stance on pinching that I have lost control and joined in the madness.

Baby Picture

Couldn't you just eat him up? We received some of Sam's baby pictures from the orphanage and from a great organization that advocates and cares for orphans all over China.  Check them out at
http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/

My only regret is that I have missed even one day of his life.  He is something else.