Sunday, October 11, 2009

Boyd Update...

I haven't been able to post in a while. Lots going on as usual. This is the first time I have had my computer on at night all week. It is a deliberate effort to put family first over work and any other distractions. Rick and I have been working hard at making sure our priorities are God, each other and family. This is easier said than done and requires sacrifice of some of the things you normally have time for. It has been hard, I won't lie and a daily effort. I honestly don't think Balance exists. I think it is a daily effort of counterbalance. It is all worth it though! God blesses those who follow His word and we are BLESSED!

Family recap:

Rick and Amber: Work is still busy! Bottom line is that we both have stressful jobs that require a lot out of us. We are doing our best to manage the stress.
We changed churches a little while back and we are really enjoying it. We are also connected in a small group. The current topic is class called, Marriage on the Rock.This is a 10 week course of videos and a workbook that each couple goes through that asks some GREAT questions. It has been AWESOME! I think all married couples, no matter what stage in life, should take it.
We are attempting to have a weekly date night. So far, we are on week 3!
Also, our anniversary is on Tuesday. We have been married 8 years!


Savannah: Savvy has been busy with school and cheer. This coming week is homecoming week and the 8th grade cheerleaders will be featured on their own float in the High School Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally. They also have their first competition in competitive cheer on Nov 8th so they are in full swing.

She will be going to a church conference for teens at the end of October so she is trying to find ways to raise money for that.

Rick and I really aren't happy with the school that she is going to so we are praying hard about whether or not she should go to Christian school. This is a big decision that we will not make quickly and we are talking with Savvy about it a lot and value her input as well.

The cheer squad had team pictures and they were on location at an old Texas Barn. They had pictures in uniform and one in western wear. I do not have the professional ones back yet but I did manage to take a few shots on my camera between shots. They are below with a few other random shots of her with some friends....she looks so grown up. I hate that! I am so proud to have her as my daughter!







Ayana: A is doing really well. She has Exema on her face and her skin is very dry. The docotr suggested we use The Eucerin Calming creme has worked really well. She has bad allergies but medication seems to have it under control. She is very active and into everything! She is absolutely solid, like a linebacker. I can't believe how big she is getting. She is displaying her independence more each day and can be very stubborn. She has started getting up in the middle of the night wanting to play and thinks its cute. Ughhh, not so much.
We turned in our 6 month post placement report to our agency finally. (a little late since we have been home 7 months and 3 weeks)
"A" will be 17 months on the 16th.
She is such a joy to watch each day. Her personality is developing more and more. One of the most recent things she does is to notice anytime there is a camera in the room and she puts on the total cheese! She looks up and crinkles her nose and squints her eyes and smiles. What a HAM! See for yourself....





In closing, I miss my family really bad! None of them live in Texas and I am really feeling it this week. Love you guys! I know I have been busy but I think of you always.
Happy birthday to my brother Josh and sister Autumn. Also Happy Anniversary to Autumn and Kyle who got married one day before Rick and I did.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOVE the pictures! Both girls look so different. Savannah looks so pretty in her cheer pics, she is growing up so fast! Did A get a haircut? Her hair looks a little shorter, or maybe just more curls? She is getting so big and that smile can make me smile every time. Miss you guys, hope you are doing well. LOVE YOU!

Kat said...

Your family is beautiful as always!!!

Joy said...

Your girls are beautiful! Happy Anniversary and good for you for investing in your marriage with that study and date nights!

Psalm112 said...

It was fun to get to meet you at Aspasians.
Just had to tell you that I am so proud of Savannah that she looks like such a lady in those pictures. It is sad to me that their sponsor would even allow those young ladies to wear the shorts that I saw many of them wearing. Tell Savannah, "way to go!!"

Leah Reeves said...

Great post! Ayana really likes to have her picture taken, that is so cute.

We have started again! to adopt a waiting child, a little 3 year old girl!!

~leah

Angela said...

Cute pics!

Anonymous said...

renew is the best thing for exema. My brother has struggled with a severe case his whole life and it is the only thing that works for him. I have slight case in te winter and it works like magic. eucerin works well too..but renew is amazing.


jessica

rachel said...

great to read an update from you!!! sounds like things are busy but good! both of your daughters are absolutely beautiful! lovely girls!!!

George said...

Your baby girl is SOOOO adorable - I just love all the outfits you have for her...such a DIVA! ; )

Just curious - what do you use on her hair? If you've posted hair care info previously, sorry...I'm new to your blog. We are in the process of adopting a baby from ET and want to gather some info on hair care. Thanks so much in advance!

http://ourwaytoyou.blogspot.com

A&W said...

Great updates! marriage study sounds great! LOVE
ayana's cheesy smile!! Did I tell you that our baby boy is also a solid little linebacker?! 17 pounds last month at referral! ...excited to learn that the bumbo can go in the bath!!

Leah said...

Sounds like your family is doing well. I love that you guys are making a conscious effort to put family first. It is an effort. It's so easy to get wrapped up in life. I also love your date nights. Wonderful. :-D

nancy said...

love the cheese!! I have a "nose crinkler" myself...

Lisa J. said...

Great update! I love reading about the progress of your baby girl and your big girl, too! I can't believe I never thought to try the bumpo in the tub! Great idea (w/supervision, of course)! Love it. Out of curiousity, what kind of church are you attending now?

Autumn said...

OMW, Amber! Seeing these picture of Ayana makes me want to cry! She is so big!!! She looks adorable!

We miss you too--so much! And happy anniversary to you and Rick today. We're so proud of you guys and the way that you are realigning your priorities so you can focus on what's really important. We love you!!!

Kari said...

Your new post is amazing!! The girls are stunning:) I can't believe how big Ayana is getting... Zoie needs to shop with her!! Adorable!
Please stop by my blog and make a recommendation for families desiring to know more about adoption. You have a wonderful following & beautiful blog!!
I have you on my blog roll:)
Blessings
www.mycrazyadoption.org

Lori S said...

Savannah is beautiful and Ayana is absolutely adorable!! You must be one proud mama!!

Sparkz said...

Hope life slows down a bit for you! Happy late anniversary!