For all those along the journey of adoption, and every parent of a special child...

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

"May the Lord of Lords give you faith on your journey, peace in the waiting, wisdom in the midst of each decision, trust in His goodness, and hope along the way. "

Jennifer Richardson

Mickey and Bear are tucked into bed for the night with yoda.

Shawna playing "basket", however you play that.

Master Michael.

Master Michael ready to take on any bad guy with his yoda blanket and yoda robe. (Can you tell he likes them?)

Okay, this was so funny. We cooked hotdogs for dinner, and then found out we ran out of ketchup. All the kids wanted ketchup - wanted something on their hotdogs. Mommy only had birthday cake sprinkles. So, they ate hotdogs with red and green birthday cake sprinkles. Yuck. But they just loved it.

Eating my hotdog and my sprinkles.

See my very cool yoda robe. Tammy made it by hand for me. It is the best robe ever. (He wears it a lot !)

And the game boy, which he never sets down.

Thank you Grandma for the really nice art paper and crayons. I am making special pictures.

Hey Reece and Owen sent me a present !!!

Oh my goodness, it is a spiderman pool. That is going to be so much fun.

Painting thank you cards for all the awesome gifts.

Shawna and Aunt Diana.

Ok, he thought this was silly. Mom thought this was disgusting. Quick pic, then quick clean up.

I am ready. I am ready to take my first step outside the house. I am completely covered and ready for my mission - going outside. I have sunglasses because I don't like the bright light. A hat, because I can't stand the feel of the sun on my head. A jacket and pants to protect my arms and legs, and oh yes I did put on sunblock.

Michael looks like he is ready for anything. James Bond, watch out. Or is it his hero who should watch out, Walker Texas Ranger.

I am Darth Vador.

Hmmm.

Hmm, hmm.

My cheeks are from the Prednisone. The pajamas were a gift. Thank you. I love them, and they are so soft.

I am feeling better enough to help wash dishes.

Nope, it won't fit.

Ahh, aren't we cute.

Ohh, that was too funny.

Aww, you caught me smiling.

Playing with all these toys.

Trying some newer low key activities because everything else hurts to do.

A thoughtful look. I'm concentrating on my painting.

I just absolutely love this quilt. It was a blessing from Leah. It is so very very comfortable to rest in.

I got more gifts !! You are making me smile. You would never know that on this day Michael was having quite a bit of pain.

Getting out of the house was a challenge, most especially after I got home from the hospital. My skin would get very very red, and I could not stand the sun at all. We rigged up this sheet to cover the window in the car to keep the sun off me. This way I can at least take off my jacket while I am in the car going somewhere. Otherwise, I have to keep covered up.

Shawna just being Shawna.

Again in the playroom at the hospital, Shawna just loved this big ball.

I am making playdough people with the recreational therapist.

Not feeling that great.

Doing school work while Michael is now back at home and resting.

It was barely two weeks after we got home with Joseph and Joshua that Michael got sick. He was admitted to CHOC, and really didn't feel good this day. They thought he had leukemia or ITP. It ended up being Evan's Syndrome and a whole slew of other things.

No longer hooked up to the IV bag, this is Michael's heparin lock.

I need some extra hugs. Mom, I just want to go home.

Playing the piano in the playroom while we are visiting Michael in the hospital.