Category: Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for my life! Mike often says, “You have the life!” when he is watching me with Nadia. I always say, “I know and THANKS!!” But teasing aside, it’s true. I am so grateful that I get to stay home with Nadia and teach her about the world. Mike working his job allows me to work for the church part time and volunteer for World Vision to help children here and abroad. So on that note, here are some shots from this week:

Nadia got some super cute pink Cowgirl boots from Alyssa. Alyssa’s parents were our secret pals during the wait and I think of them often when Nadia uses the gifts they sent for her. Both girls are stinkin’ cute!

Nadia and I went to the zoo Monday morning because they opened early to members and it was great. They had free doughnuts and bottled water near the entrance and special talks with the penguin and kangaroo keepers. I learned that penguins loose all the feathers at one time. They basically blow up like a balloon and then they all fall off at once. We were looking at the flamingos when this dude walked right up to the edge and started ‘talking’ to us. I could have touched him and Nadia thought it was awesome and talked back to him. Way cute!

Carousel rides were free all day and so we went for a ride. The Fredricks from church were in line behind us and every time we went around they would wave and say Hi to Nadia. She kept saying “more, more” and laughing at them.

The kangaroos were jumping more than I have ever seen and Nadia was bouncing around going “hop, hop!”

And right before we left I swung by the cheetah area on the off chance I could see him. So the 10th time is a charm! Finally after all the years of visiting the zoo I got to see him!

One day we went to story time at the library with some friends from church and then had lunch with Shawna and Jimmy which was nice. We also shopped for trees with Mike and here are a couple shots from that.

And last of all SUPER NADIA returned! And that’s why I am thankful today for my life.

I want to start this by asking people to say a prayer for the Steven Curtis Chapman family who lost their daughter Maria last night. If you have not heard the story, their teenage son accidentally ran over her last night. Here is a quote from the memorial website set up for people to express their condolences. It was written by SCC’s manager and I pray that they will cling to these words: “And yet we trust in a God who was not surprised by this and because of Jesus I am certain through faith in Him we will see Maria again. – Jim Houser (Manager)” The Chapman family have three daughters from China, and through their foundation have helped and encouraged many people to adopt orphans around the globe.

I have teared up about this off and on all day. My heart just breaks for the brother and how this is going to affect him for the rest of his life. I pray for his peace. God is faithful and sovereign and though we don’t see the reasons why, He will carry them through. It’s times like these when I remind myself that God gave up his son for us and can understand the heartache of this family.

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• I am thankful for Nadia and the wonderful, sweet child that she is.
• I am thankful that she randomly smiles at people and waves and you see them perk right up.
• I am thankful for this second year with A’Jani as his mentor. He is a great kid and I am blessed to have him in my life.
• I am thankful for being invited to his class trip to the park. See photos in the next post.
• I am thankful for all the KIDS HOPE USA volunteers from my church that helped make this such an awesome year. 23 children were mentored in the program and I pray that their lives have been touched by our reaching out to help our community.
• I am thankful for the handmade card that A’Jani gave me today that said, “Love you, Miss Louanne, Mike and Nadia. Love you guys a family.” Then he had 4 hearts on the other side with our 4 names in the hearts. Too sweet!