Gotcha Lola Joy- 2 years!!

Two years ago today...God gave us Lola Joy Kalkidane!!! Our hearts were so full of love for this sweet baby girl!

We were overcome and overwhelmed with the presence of the Lord. How He had chosen her for us...and us for her. He had gone before us. He had cared for her. He had loved on her.

And finally, we beheld God's precious gift. We celebrated that gift of JOY today. It was Lola Joy day!!

We went to the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Louisville...one of our favorite spots.

Then we headed to get some Ice Cream..a favorite treat of LJ's!

Off to Graeter's we went!!!

Here she is...our spunky little bundle of JOY!!!

My life has forever been changed since I met this little girl. She is a one-of-a-kind treasure! She is sassy...spunky...sweet...loving...bossy....hilarious...super smart...and my daughter. So honored and blessed. So thankful we said yes to the call God placed on our hearts.

WE LOVE YOU LOLA JOY!!!!!

Be the Hope 4 Orphans!

Julie

5th grade grad...Headed for middle school...:-(

This was my sweet Brennan's last year of elementary school!! I cannot believe how fast his years of elementary have gone by.

Here he is ...Wow!! All grown up!! Gulp!!Here's his sweet cousin Darci. (I wish they could have walked in together! And somehow I didn't get a pic of them together?? How did this happen? Oh..I know...Lily Hope was really needing a nap at the time! Lol!!!


I know this pic is dark, but I just had to show it..it cracks me up! Bren was asked by the principal to open graduation with prayer. You could barely see his sweet little head over the podium. Proud moment for this Momma!

Here's Bren and one of his best buds in the world. We are so sad to let this little guy go to another school. He has been such a great friend to Brennan and these two are quite the pair on the basketball court. Keegan, you will be greatly missed, but this is not the end to your friendship! You know you're always welcome in our home! We wish you the best sweet buddy!!

These are some of the sweetest kiddos I know!

These boys are family! Bren has grown up with these little men! We've grown to love them and are so proud of them!!!

As Brennan enters middle school, we can only pray for him. That God will guard his heart against the evil of this world. That he will rise up and be a Godly role model and leader. That he would stand up for what's right...and fight against what is wrong. That God will guide him and direct him. That He would place a hedge of protections around him. And that he will make an impact for Christ in all that he says and does!

God has big plans for you, Buddy. Can't wait to see what they are!

More summer updates to come. It's been so crazy around here with BASEBALL, BASEBALL, and MORE BASEBALL!!

Be the Hope 4 Orphans!

Julie

Honor's Night

Last night we headed to school to honor the students in our school for a year of hard work. Here we are as we headed out the door. Here are three amazing kiddos.

They have worked so hard this year! I am so proud of them.
Here's Bryson with his best bud, Cole. So glad they were able to be in class together another year. I'm so proud of you boys!

The woman next to me has many titles; daughter, wife, mother, BEST FRIEND, and...

Teacher of the Year!
So proud of you, Heather for this great accomplishment.
You are so deserving of this great honor.
Love you my dear friend!

me heather
We left this evening so proud of our boys. Not only for their academic accomplishments, but for the little men they are becoming. This year, they raised over $10,000 to build TWO water wells in developing countries. That, is so amazing. You, my little friends, are CHANGING the WORLD. Can't wait to see what you'll do next year!
Love you tons!

Be the HOPE 4 Orphans!
Julie

Easter Fun!

We had such an amazing Easter weekend, but it FLEW BY. Time flies when you're having fun. Here are some pics of our fun times. (I got so many great shots..but I am sleepy..and need to go to bed!)

Papaw Bob stole Lily Pie. And it all began with a kiss...


Little Hopers

She had a BALL!

It didn't take her long to get the hang of it!

Little Joy Joy

My little Sunshine!

She thought it was funny to drop them out and pick them up again! :-)

Mamaw Jean decides to give the girls a sucker.

The girls were in deep thoughts...hey...wanna trade?

Baby Boy!

MOM! My basket is too small!:-(

I could barely get the boys to stop and pose for a quick pic...

you'd think they'd know the drill by now! ha..

Brenny D

One handsome dude!!

We were so thankful the weather finally broke to have some fun...boys will be boys!

WOW! Go Spenc!!

We came home and the boys tossed some ball..in the rain...

The girlies were SO tuckered out that they were ready to sit in their new chairs from the Easter Bunny, eat a snack...and catch a chick flick!

Hope you enjoyed your Easter...remembering that Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Be the HOPE 4 Orphans,

Julie

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today was my sweet Hubby's 35th birthday!!! All he wanted was... his favorite dinner!

Salmon Patties, fried potatoes, and corn bread...that's it!The boys were supposed to have baseball practice, but we were rained out..so...lucky for us we got to enjoy time with Daddy!!! We headed out for a walk!

Well, I know I'm so not worthy to be married to such an amazing man. It has given me such JOY to see Him transform over the last few years into such an amazing man (And he was already amazing you guys). God has broken this man's heart for the orphan. I LOVE to hear him telling me about sharing what God has done in His life and advocating for the Fatherless. I love to hear him dreaming of what God has laid on His heart and how we will serve the Lord together now and in the future. I love to hear him sharing the story of adoption with random people that ask. This man is incredible. I am so thankful to be able to walk alongside of him on this amazing often crazy ride. I am so thankful to be his "bride".

Love you forever, Doug!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Be the Hope 4 Orphans!

A day without shoes...

Today, thousands of people went to work...without shoes. TOMS shoes at http://www.toms.com/ hosted "A Day Without Shoes" in order to raise awareness for the MILLIONS of children that are forced to travel by barefoot, suffering injuries, getting infections..all because they do not have a pair of shoes. I wasn't sure how people at my workplace would react...I think some of them thought I was crazy....and I am. Many of them asked...and I SHARED a simple message. If you missed it this year, you can still get on their website and purchase a pair of shoes. For every pair purchased, they donate a pair of shoes to people in developing nations! I LOVE this cause!!

Be the HOPE!

Julie