Bracing Myself for the Future

Getting braces on Noah and Alyssa has been a regular reminder of their rapid progression towards adolescence...another step towards that phase of life that makes most parents cringe in apprehension. Books such as Paul Tripp's Age of Opportunity and Carolyn Mahaney's Girl Talk pair up on my reading list. A chapter here and there to answer the latest question or dilemma.
But it's an exciting season as well. The kids are beginning to think through their own decisions and beliefs. They are beginning to evaluate their hearts and personal choices they make. Hopefully the training we've done so far is beginning to bear fruit and our Christian faith will become their own.
I can be tempted to fear the upcoming years, but I am enthusiastic about it as well. I don't think I've ever felt more of a need to pursue discernment from others, and to seek God, from Whom all wisdom flows. And slowly, I am learning to loosen the protective restraints we've placed upon them in their earlier years. But I still want to hold on.
Training hearts while training teeth. Never thought braces would bring on so much reflection! Surely their symbolism will keep me on my knees, as I'm bracing myself for the future.

Lil' Dancers

Every time Julianna watches this, she says, "Ew. I had to dance with a boy." haha ; )

Two Valentines

God has blessed me with two Valentines in my life. The obvious one being my true love, John. The other is a little girl who came to me on March 8, 1998, then two and a half weeks old.Alyssa was born on Valentine's Day and had spent her first couple of weeks in foster care. John and I had made the decision to adopt again just a couple months before she was born, and had no idea God would bring this little one into our lives so quickly. Only two weeks after we completed our paperwork, homestudy, and profile album, Alyssa joined our family!
Alyssa has always been full of life and adventure, though my favorite personality traits in Alyssa are her servant's heart and her generosity. Alyssa regularly gives to others, she shares without being asked and often spends her money on others. This kindness truly characterizes her, it's part of who she is.
I'm so excited to see Alyssa growing up to be such a lovely young lady, but especially since her decision to follow Christ. This has been a wonderful year in Alyssa's life, as she has been reborn in Christ, and can now celebrate an even more significant birthday in Him. What a joy for John and I as we watch her responding to the Lord's conviction as her desire to please Him is continuing
to grow.
Alyssa, we love you with all of our hearts and thank God for bringing you into our lives eleven years ago.

Alyssa's Business Letter

Alyssa learned how to write a business letter in English. Pretty amusing topic, don't ya think? : )

Dear Miss Hannah Holm,

I would really appreciate your help with all of these wild children.
We own an agency for adopting orphans. We have 22 boys and
24 girls. Although we have a maid, Miss Walker and I cannot handle all of these crazy children.

You would be a great help with preparing for the day, helping with school, and character training. If you are interested please call
704-875-0583. You will be paid $15 every hour you work from 7:30am to 8:30pm.

If you are unable to assist us could you refer someone else for the task?


Sincerely,
Alyssa Morrison

Twizzlers or Peppermints?

Alyssa's been working on a short compare-contrast
essay this week.

I thought she did a great job. : )

Drama Camp

Alyssa participated in a two-week drama camp at church this summer. One of the acts she played in was titled: If Boys Did Worship Dance.
Enjoy.

BTW, excuse the video quality. I turned on "night vision" which did not look green while I recorded it... but remember, I'm not the techno-genius in the family!

Abiding Worship

Upon completion of the last semester of Abiding Worship Dance at CrossWay, we were thrilled to attend a final celebration for each of the girls' classes:

This was Julianna's first time dancing through Abiding Worship and Alyssa's fifth.

John and Alyssa's Duet

John and Alyssa performed "Holy, Holy, Holy" at CrossWay's Homeschool Art Festival tonight.
(Sorry about the unsteady hand, I was holding Lauren in my opposite arm!)

Disney World

We surprised Alyssa with a trip to Disney World for her
tenth birthday.

Where Has the Time Gone?

Alyssa will be ten next week.

Spelling Bee

Alyssa won Second Place in the CWCC Homeschool Spelling Bee. Humorously, it is the second time she made "second place", and the same girl who won "first place" last year, won again this year! (I need to ask her Mom what curriculum she is using!) ; ) Anyway, they were all fabulous. It was a true joy seeing all those children reciting their words... some of them hardly able to stand still while spelling. So cute!
Alyssa is a diligent person, and we are so proud of her. Good job, sweetie. : ) We love you, and thank you for your hard work.