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All about the kids |
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Check this page for updates on ALL of the kids |
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The children that live with us are GREAT kids that are trying to develop a personal identity and self confidence as they attempt to find a safe, secure, and comfortable place for themselves in this world. Many of you know the kids and have spent considerable time with them due to their involvement in our family traditions and holidays or simply from when you drop by to see us. They all seem like fairly typical kids on the outside but, because they cannot live with or see their natural families and they have likely been through more than we will ever know, they experience turmoil we cannot even imagine. Keeping this in mind, we try to create a sense of family and unity within the house, hoping we can help them to understand that family extends so far beyond genetics. For those of you that know me well, you know I have to say something about adoption. If any of you are considering adding a child to your family, always remember that adoption is an amazing option. There are many, many older children in need of loving homes and, despite popular (and misinformed) opinion, there are also many infants available for adoption throughout this country. Take one look at Jayvin and you know how fabulous adoption has been for us. |
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Lisa is presently the oldest child and has been here for nearly 4 years. She did very well in school last year (7th grade) and made the honor roll nearly every grading period. She is sassy and energetic, as always, and has quite the witty personality. She is considering running cross country this year in school and has done a few 5K's this summer with Jeremy, finishing 3rd in her age group the very first time...way to go, Lisa! She just got home from summer camp and is looking forward to going again next year since she will be old enough to begin training to be a camp leader/counselor. Jayvin and Kiana remain her number 1 fans and she is wonderful with them. |
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Lisa
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Almost 14 |
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Becky is the newest child here, having moved in the first week of June. She gets along great with the other girls and had a great transition here due to the fact that she already knew several of the other girls. Although she had really never had the opportunity to participate in any activities before, she has been doing some jogging with Lisa and completed her first 5K last month, running all the way. She will be entering 8th grade this year and is planning to work on improving relationships with teachers. She has been a wonderful addtion in the house and we know she is destined for great things this year. |
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Becky
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13 years |
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Devene had a great 6th grade year. She made many new friends but has also maintained all older friendships as well. She loves being in middle school and her grades indicated that she boarders on brilliance. Devene will likely not be with us much longer due to the fact that she and her brother, Devonta, have been matched with an adoptive family and should be transitioning into their new home very soon. Devene is excited about the adoption and relieved that she will no longer live in limbo. The kids will be adopted by a wonderful, nurturing family and it is really an incredible time for everyone. |
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Devene
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12 years |
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Micah is the youngest girl and loves being pampered by the older girls. She loves to play outside, riding bikes, kicking a soccer ball, or playing basketball at the court. She is very smart and her 1st grade teachers were amazed by how quickly she caught on to new concepts. She very much wants to begin some type of extra-curricular activity so we will be looking into things for her soon. She is very loving and a real charmer and we are so happy to have her with us. |
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Micah
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7 years |
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Marlon
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Marlon has been with us for just over 4 years, making him Boss. Marlon has more heart than any kid I have ever seen and he genuinely cares about others almost to a fault. He had an incredible year that was packed with soccer after he made a competative soccer team last fall. He just completed try-outs for this year and made the team once again. His skills improved dramatically over the year and he is a great attribute to the team that is full of very talented, athletic boys. Marlon will be beginning 6th grade this year and is excited about being surrounded by new girls in middle school...go Marlon. |
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Almost 13 |
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Bryon and his brother, Andrew, came to us in May. Bryon has been working hard at improving fitness and losing weight with great success. He is excited about starting some organized sports and beginning middle school. In the short time he has been here we have seen his self-confidence increase greatly and he really enjoys one-one-one attention from adults. He just returned from summer camp and had a fabulous time. |
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Bryon
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| 11 years |
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Andrew is smart as a whip and has an unimaginable amount of energy. He loves to run, jump, and climb and borderline breaks the speed limit on his bike. He is very excited about starting kindergarten and has helped all of the older kids remember how to play like you're five. He loves to play with Jayvin and those two have become inseparable friends. |
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Andrew
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5 years |
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Jessi
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Jessi has spent most of the summer visiting her mom but will be back August 1. She had a great 7th grade year and was dangerously close to all A's all year. She is very creative and loves to draw and listen to music. She has started to make more friends and is beginning to branch out her interests a bit. She is ready for school to start and will surely have a fabulous final year in middle school. |
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Almost 13 |
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Jayvin
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2 1/2 years |
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Jayvin is such a character these days. He loves Dora and Diego and wears "Backpack" constantly, flashing it to all passersby and telling them to look at his backpack. He still loves his Lion King toys and Weebles and it's just never fun to play with the toys unless ALL of them are out. He loves to go outside and he runs so fast. Good thing we have a huge backyard because sometimes I need the full length to catch up! He is starting to talk more all the time and is always proud when he uses his words. He loves to snuggle and always keeps a close eye on Kiana. |
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Kiana
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1 1/2 years |
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Kiana is the queen of mischief and it is often rumored that she spends way too much time around teenage girls. She loves to look pretty and has been spotted sneaking jewelry and make-up. But don't be fooled, she is one tough kid and stands her ground when she needs to. She loves to play with Jayvin and follows him around like his shadow. She is also using her words more in an attempt to keep up with her brother. She has tons of energy and knows how to get out of trouble with a single glance. |
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Back to the main page. |
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This page was last updated on July 24, 2006 |
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