Enjoying Summer

ALL MAY PICTURES

My college roommate Vanessa had a baby yesterday. They named him Isaac. She told me how they chose the name... she said, "When they told me I was going to have a third boy, I laughed. Thinking about how my house will be so full of joy with three boys. Isaac means, "laughter," it seemed perfect." Is that not precious!
Isaac Henry Jones with the Woods and Perryman crew.
We did a big back porch clean up last weekend. Avi Joy loved helping spray everything down. Is there anything cuter than kiddos in bathing suits?
We set up our sandbox and have used it everyday. Its messy but fun. I am looking for more outdoor items, but might just have to bite the bullet and get some new things, I'm finding nothing at garage sales. This sandbox was a blessing from our neighbor's kids.
We had some fun playdates... 2 moms, 6 kids, 3 countries, it was wonderful!
Playtime at the mall with the Faulkner boys. And the mom's thoroughly enjoyed themselves too.
Now for something funny. We were recently at a wedding and while the kids are away the parents will play! We had the best time after the wedding taking fun silly pictures. The reason this one stands out now as humorous now is because of the picture below.
Not scripted pic, just taking b & w's of them playing. They sat down very serious, I took it, but didn't laugh about it until I saw it loaded next to ours. : )

Something good, yet convicting to think about...

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Luke 12: 27-34

The Perryman's
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We went shopping with Adam for some new glasses. We have had eye Dr. app'ts for both kiddos and so far they say they will both need glasses. Nehemiah by age 3, Avi Joy by age 7. How they know this, I do not know, but here is a sneak peak of my little eight-eyes.
Avi Joy the superstar in glasses (think Mary Katherine Gallagher here)
We headed to the kids great-grandparents house for some Saturday morning fun.
Avi Joy loves to swing really high, even though it makes me nervous.
Nehemiah loved his first time swinging at their house too.
Then grandma Cleo read all her grandkids a book. George, almost 4, Avi Joy, 3, Annabelle, 2, and Nehemiah, 1.
Great-grandpa Richard let Avi Joy fish in his perch pool. She caught three perch.

In January we were in Can Tho, Vietnam adopting Nehemiah. Here is a picture of the Can Tho Market where we bought lots of presents for family, friends and for our kids. They are now able to wear two of my favorite outfits we bought at the market...
Avi Joy looks so cute in her dress-up capri outfit.
Nehemiah looks handsome in his striped lacoste shirt.
Having a playdate with the Lydens girls. It was a perfect day for a picnic and we completed lots of fun summer plans.
We went shopping at Best Buy so Adam could test out some new cameras. We are looking for a really nice one. (yes, we are putting off the kitchen floor yet again- 2 years now.) If you have any suggestions, please leave me a COMMENT with your favorite brand/details. Thank you!
I am in the middle of working on an adoption book for Avi Joy. A unique-to-her story to share with her about how our family was built. I was looking for a scripture for the first page. In my devotional today (May 24th, reading of Psalm 24) the first line was perfect...
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Psalm 24:1

As soon as the project is completed I plan on posting a video of us reading it to her. (Because I love it and I hope it will spur others on to making one as well.) I may have to practice to get the tears out first, tears of joy, but I am excited to use this book to bring understanding about her adoption story.

The Perryman Family

Happy First Birthday

Avi Joy has been obsessed with brides lately. She wants to hear all about when I was a bride, how her dad asked my dad if he could marry me, how her "dadam" (Dad + Adam) gave me a ring, how brides dance with grooms... at our last Homan playdate, she actually grabbed Andrew and said, "Andrew, I need a groom to dance with!"
Here Avi Joy is dressed-up in one of my slips as a bride.
My girlfriend Vanessa send me this story about her son marrying Avi Joy:
"I asked Hudson what kind of girl he wanted to marry someday. (our sermon was on 1 peter and qualities of a godly woman). He said "I want to marry you mom!" and put his arm around my neck. awwwwee....so sweet! "Well, Hudson I'm already married to your dad." then he says, "What about Anna?" Then I say, "Hudson, Anna is your cousin. You can't marry anyone in your family. You need to marry someone who loves Jesus and wants to tell others about Him and likes to play at our house. And she can't be in your family."
He stops to think for a minute and then chimes in, "I know mom, I could marry Avi Joy! is she my cousin?" I say, "no she's not your cousin and maybe someday you will marry her. She is a great choice. She loves Jesus."
OH, TEAR! Thank you for taking the time to send that to me Vanessa, it warms my heart. Hudson and his brothers will all make amazing godly husbands someday!
Here is Avi Joy after the wedding... carrying her pink baby! I asked her how long a woman is pregnant, she said for 3 days. : )

Speaking of weddings, our friends Joel and Jenny were married on Friday night. It was a perfect outdoor ceremony, they are precious and are a great example of love.
Adam and I had a wonderful time as well. Who doesn't like to get all dressed-up, get a sitter and go to an awesome wedding?!
First comes love, then comes marriage then comes Nehemiah in the baby carriage.
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY SWEET BOY!
I am not sure if I will ever be as emotional as I was on Avi Joy's first birthday. I cried all day for her birthmother because I just fully realized her pain and my gratitude all at once. I always pray for their birthmothers on their birthday's because there is one thing I know for sure... there are two women on opposite sides of the world overcome with love for the same child. One's love was demonstrated through sacrifice, one in being a forever family.
How I long to wash her feet for such a precious gift, her little Sang, my little Nehemiah Sang. Our family is filled with joy because of you both.

"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." Proverbs 24:26

Adam, Natasha, Avi Joy and Nehemiah
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Mothers Day Weekend

Happy Mothers Day to all! (and to those who are waiting!)
We had a great weekend. We started off by going to a parade in our hometown. The kiddo's really enjoyed the band and free candy.
Avi Joy LOVED the pony ride. She will not take off the "I rode a pony at the fair" sticker from her shirt. We enjoyed lots of greasy fair food and ran into friends, past co-workers and students.
Then Sunday we dedicated Nehemiah at church. Here is his cutie-pie picture and name up on the screen.
One of our Pastors prayed for our family. They are committed to partnering with you to raise your child to know Christ. They make sure you understand they are not a parenting substitute, but stand with you as you model Jesus in your home-life.
Adam got me two gifts for Mothers Day. Both he bought because he knew I would never buy them for myself. I have a hard time splurging, but him- yeah, not-so-much : )
He got me Sophie Jeans and a Fom pillow. The jeans were a perfect fit and I slept good on my new pillow last night.
I bought myself some new beads for making earrings and a canvas. I want to let out some creativity this month, or I will bust. I also am in the mood for making some cute aprons. We shall see how the creativity unfolds.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John v. 4

The Perryman Family

Sums it up...

Avi Joy: Enjoy's dress-up, pose-off's, splashing in puddles and talking, lots of talking.
Nehemiah: Enjoys being tickled and rocked. He loves taking baths and sharing water with the dog.
I ADORE these two peanuts. BUT...
I read this today and I think it just about sums it up...
"LORD GIVE ME PATIENCE TO ENDURE MY BLESSINGS!"
Here is a more accurate picture of their disposition this week.
AND
Avi Joy's 'TUDE and Nehemiah's SCREAMING = an impatient mama. : (

We did have a great time at Papa Chettar's birthday party. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.
And we ended the week on a high note. Babysitting the Homan kiddos. You know girls cannot come over without getting their hair fixed. Here is the spiderweb- supercute!
Fun times in the front yard.
Our four blessings. Ages, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there are no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galations 5:22-24

The Perrymans
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BUSTED

So my son busted my lip yesterday. We were playing and a remote flew into my lip. Apparently I was blinking or taking a mini-nap because I didn't see it coming at all. Just felt BAM on my lip. The swelling went down after some ice, but I have a nice blue bruise.
I have had other mommy injuries and I am sure this won't be the last. But, being a broken record here, my son is very strong!

THANK YOU for all the encouragement about starting a personal blog. I worked on it yesterday and here it is. International Blend!

David's Song of Praise, read it all in 2 Samuel 22,
"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light." v. 29

The P's