Daddy's little girl

Many nights, before bed, the girls will end up on the couch looking through magazines that I save for them.  They are usually American Girl Doll, Oriental Trading or things like that.  Shelby's new favorite is Forbes.  Her daddy is so proud and positive that she is a genius!

Shelby's prayer last night

Dear God.  Thank you for all that you have given me.  Thank you for my daily bread.  Thank you for dying on the cross for me.  Thank you for making me SO PRETTY!  Amen.

Watoto African Children's Choir

We had the honor of hosting four members of the Watoto African Children's Choir at our house this weekend. The girls had been sick all week, Bret had been out of town, and I was exhausted.  I almost told the pastor that I just couldn't do it, but I am so glad that I didn't.  It was such a privledge spending time with these children.  They have been through so much in their young lives, more than most of us could even imagine.  The amazing thing to see is their constant joy.  You have never met more polite, respectful, and happy children.  I think that because they have seen the worst this world holds, they appreciate what God has done for them even more.  We had two 11 year old girls, one 13 year old, and their amazing leader Mariah.  The girls were so excited to have beds to sleep on and books to read!  None of us were ready for them to leave when it was time!  The girls all hugged a million times, and Shelby announced that she was going back to Africa with them.

 I wondered what my girls would take from seeing the choir perform, hearing their stories, and then meeting them face to face.  My first impluse was to hide the truth from them.  I didn't want them to hear how these kids parents were murdered or died of aids.  The pictures of babies abandon on the streets were hard for the adults to see, but I felt God urging me use this as an opportunity to gently open my girls eyes.  How can a child appreciate what they have been blessed with if they don't truly know how blessed they are?  All the girls learned a little I hope.  Abby, more than the other two, was really touched by all that she heard.  Probably because she is older and able to grasp it a little more.  I have seen a difference in her attitude in just two days.  The girls weren't the only ones who learned something.  Bret and I were both humbled and touched by these kids (at least I know I was!).  The best part of hosting was how much fun the six little girls had together.  They bonded quickly, and they had  a great time playing the Wii, baby dolls, and kitchen.  I guess all little girls are the same.

If you want to learn more about the Watoto Children's Villages you can click here.  They do a lot to help the orphans of Uganda.

Abby, Macey, Shelby with Mary, Imelda, Mariah, and Josephine

Macey loved Mariah.

There were lots of giggles and screaming while they played the Wii.

Bret helping Imelda finish a hard game.

Playing baby dolls.

Our not so scary Halloween

I heard a man at the girls school say on Friday, "Remember when Halloween was nothing but ghosts, goblins and scary masks?"  I can't say that I remember that, but I know one thing, it is all about crowns, wands, and pretty dresses in this house.  Oh yeah, and don't forget the glitter!  What princess would be complete without hair and body glitter?

Abby the butterfly fairy.

Macey the Ice Princess.

Shelby the ballerina.