Many of you have seen me with the Oatsvall family and have wondered who I am. "Is she the oldest? Is she Scott's sister? Gwen's sister? Cousin? Adopted?" Well to answer those questions, I am all of the above through Jesus. We are not technically family by worldly standards, but by God's. I enjoy every minute of my time with this amazing family and have so for over 8 years now. I have had the privilege to walk with them through all four of their adoptions and each one has been so different.
I cherish the relationships I have with each child. I love to school Jeremiah in basketball, because let's face it, I won't be able to in a couple of years. I love how sweet he is to his siblings and his precious and caring heart. I love to hear all of Elijah's questions and attempt to answer them. I love his fire and passion for life in everything that he does. I love to cook and do crafts with Emily and love doing her hair (as I did for her first day of school :)). I can already see in her now how great of a mother she will be one day by the way she loves babies and helps so well with Joseph and Daisy. I love to laugh with Maggie and her oh so creative mind. I promise she gets more funny as the days go by and I can't wait to see what God does with that and her creativity. I love to give Joseph sweet kisses and watch him play with cars so intently. I love his joy and how he can laugh so hard just by giving him a smile. I love making up songs about EVERYTHING with Daisy. We have one for bananas, chicken maggots (as she calls them), boiling water, sprite, and my favorite is one she remembers from Uganda "I love you Jesus". Her voice is oh so sweet. I love her smile and the way she walks. I honestly go on and on about each of them. I do consider them my siblings and always will.
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The coming home of Emily changed my life forever and continues to daily. I love each one of the Oatsvall children dearly, but Emily and I have a special bond. She is always the first to claim me as her sister I am never one to disagree. Today was a joyous day, but was also a little teary eyed and for Gwen, LOTS of tears...hee hee. Today was Emily's first day of Kindergarten AND Maggie's first day of PreK5, which she goes to all day, 5 days a week. Sending her two beautiful Asian babies to school on the SAME day was also a little freeing because it allows more time to focus on Joseph and Daisy.
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Curling the hair |
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| With Jeremiah and his friends Clay, Kenny, and Jack |
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| Mommy and Daddy |
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| Sisters |
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| Emily with Dawn |
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| Trail of tears |
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| Kisses from Daddy |
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| Sweet Teacher, Mrs. Loyd |
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| At Emily's desk |
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| Official first day for both Emily and Maggie |
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| In Emily's classroom |
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| Daisy and hopefully her future Kindergarten teacher!!! |
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| Joseph and his soon to be Kindergarten teacher!!! |
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| Mommy and Daddy in Maggie's class |
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| Sweet sibling love :) |
On Emily's first day, I went with Gwen to take her to her class. We didn't have to leave her on this day because there were a couple of meetings to go to about this coming year and such. The first was pretty basic stuff with the school nurse, but the second one was absolutely fabulous. We sat in Emily's classroom and took in every word her teacher said. Emily's teacher has to be one of the BEST kindergarten teachers around, let me just say. She is this adorable petite young woman with the most precious things around her classroom! At the end of the meeting Gwen and I both looked at each other and said, "I wanna go to Kindergarten here!!!" To say that we loved her teacher was an understatement.
I didn't get to really meet Maggie's teacher, but Gwen says she is fabulous as well. Both girls look absolutely adorable in their uniforms and tennis shoes. I still can't believe both are in school now!
I absolutely LOVE being apart of this family and doing everyday life with them. If it were not for them I know for certain I would not be who I am today and I know many others feel the same way. I know God has big plans for this family I cannot wait to see what is next for them and for me as well.
8 kind words.:
BEAUTIFUL POST AND PRECIOUS PICTURES!!!!
VERY FUN POST!
Love your post! It was soooo great to meet you last weekend. I can see your passion for children and orphans. Can't wait to see all God has in store for you! :) If you are ever in Louisiana for any reason- feel free to stay here :)
Such a precious post!! What a wonderful impact your family has made.
Big Sis Anna,
What a special post with fabulous keepsake photos!
I love how the Lord has brought you to this family.
It is clear that He knew how much you needed them and how much they needed you!
Your story in their lives is a beautiful reflection of the body of Christ at work and what happens when brothers and sisters in Christ unite to further His Kingdom.
What a gift you!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
such a sweet post and praising God bringing you into their lives and them into yours. you are all such a blessing!
sweet photos - thanks for sharing!
love and blessings,
jill
Love + more Love = LOTS OF LOVE
Happy back to school to some of the Team:-)
Team Alexander love us some Anna too!! Sweet post.