It was ten years ago that I resigned as a 7th grade English teacher to be a stay-at-home-mom.  It has been the most amazing blessing to be home every day with my babies.  But this year (my second year for the kids to be in full-time school), my heart began to feel drawn back to the classroom.  I subbed 2 - 3 days a week this year, and I found that when I wasn't subbing, I missed being in the classroom.  My own little chicks are getting older and more independent - they will be in 4th and 2nd grades this Fall! 
So...after much prayerful consideration, I am headed back to the classroom!  I have accepted a 3rd grade position at Liberty Elementary.  It's not my kids' current school, but it's the school where we spent the previous 3 years.  It's a great school - small and close-knit, with great teachers and leadership.  It's a place that just feels like home and I am honored to be able to teach there! 

Our plan is to keep the kiddos at Hidden Lakes.  They don't want to leave their friends, and it's a great school (which is just a few seconds walk from our front door!).  I am hoping to hire a shuttle service to pick up the kids after school and bring them over to me at Liberty (just about 6 minutes away).  They can work on their homework while I finish up in my classroom.  We'll see what we are able to come up with, but that is our plan A. 

I remember thinking that I would probably be home for about 10 years - and how that sounded like an eternity.  And here I am!  I can't believe how quickly time is flying by.  The kids have been so supportive of this decision.  We are all going out to a nice dinner to celebrate this new stage for our family. 
Now I have a classroom to put together and 3 college savings accounts to begin!  :)   Let the fun begin!

There is a special place we love to visit for many reasons.  There is no place like it, and we have become addicted.  We weren't going to go this year, because we are planning a Disney trip for this Fall/Winter. 
But we just can't stay away.
So, Hawaii...Pinkston Family, we'll see you in a couple of weeks!

Today marks 2 years home with Halle Grace!  After 5 weeks in Ukraine, bringing her home was a victory on so many levels.  Finally walking through those doors in the International Terminal and seeing so many family members and friends waiting for us was a moment that I will always hold in my heart.  This little 5-year-old, who didn't speak a lick of English, who had been traveling for about 3 days, and who didn't know any of these people, handled it like a pro.  It hardly seemed real seeing her meet her brothers and grandparents for the first time.  I can't imagine what that must have felt like.  It didn't phase her, though.  She just knew that this was where she belonged, and she has never doubted it.  Like she knew all along she was ours, and was just waiting for us to come and get her.  She truly has the gift of faith. 

I asked her today what were her favorite things about having a family.  She said she likes having parents, likes having brothers to play with, a room of her own, and a church where she can learn about God.

Her favorite things about living in America?
Any guesses?
candy and Hawaii.  The girl knows her stuff.  She said, "In the summer you can swim or go to Hawaii where they have clean beaches, not dirty ones like in Ukraine.  In the winter, you can stay inside and eat candy."
Ha! 

It's been two years full of learning, growing, and bonding.  We've been blessed beyond measure with this little girl.  People tell us what a great thing we've done for her and what a difference we have made in her life.  But for us, it's been the other way around.  She is a living, breathing testimony of God's faithfullness, as well as his miraculous power.  We are honored to have the priviledge of having her for our daughter.  This day is not just about her, but it's about the faith-building journey of a family.  It's a day to remember that with God, all things are possible.  It's a day to celebrate the odd number of 5 that now describes our family. 

Don't get me wrong...it's not all sunshine and roses.  We have the normal battles of tears and drama, tantrums. fights over what she wears, sibling rivalry, pouting, and dishonesty.  But it's nothing we don't all struggle with, deep down, right?  It's nothing God doesn't put up with from us on a daily basis in one way or another.  :)
Halle Grace is still learning what it means to have parents and how to communicate with us.  She's still learning lots of new things and having new experiences.  But she is ever kind and compassionate, always first to help out in any situation.  She is generous and sweet.  She's a a great writer.  She loves to swim, chew gum, create things, play games, and dance.  She wants to be a doctor, an author and illustrator, and an orphanage director.  And how wonderful she would be at all of these! 

Happy Homecoming Day to us!

I am a firm believer that Earth was created to be a tiny inkling of the majesty and splendor of Heaven.  I believe this is true of many of our Earthly customs, too.  Therefore, I am sure that the angels threw a great celebration today - the day our daughter, Madeline Kate, entered her eternal home 11 years ago.  And I have no doubt that any earthly birthday party would pale in comparison.

We celebrate with the hosts of Heaven today the life of Madeline Kate...and long for the day we are all together again.  Happy birthday, Baby Girl!

Although we miss our daughter, we are thankful for a God who truly brings beauty from ashes, and who works everything for good.

I grouted the fireplace yesterday - all by myself!  I've never done it, but it wasn't too bad.  Here is a "before" that I found from Christmas.