A weekend of memories!

We enjoyed such a fun fall weekend. After a day full of soccer games on Saturday, we headed over to my parents house for a cookout that evening. Getting together with family is always such a wonderful treat, and the kids ALWAYS have a blast with their cousins around.

 Oh, and speaking of "blast"...Brooklyn and Addy-Kate had themselves a little blast...while playing in my sisters makeup;) 
 We thought they were upstairs in the playroom playing with the toys, but when we went to check on them, we realized they were not there. After a quick search of the house...this is what we discovered!
 Yup...two sweet girls just having fun with the mascara and eyeliner. 

STINKERS!!!!!!

After cleaning up the girls (and the carpet) , we headed outside and gathered around the fire pit. We snuggled up under the stars, roasted marshmallows and made s'mores! 

Such a fun family night! 

Sunday afternoon we had a very VERY special time planned. 

  Sophie's precious birth mommy was in town for the weekend and she was spending the day with us.  

 It was such a gorgeous day that we decided it would be a shame not to spend it outdoors!

We headed to Aw Shucks--a corn maze/pumpkin patch--not too far from our home.

We actually had NEVER been to this place before, so it was a real treat for all of us!

There was so much for the kids to do and so much for them to explore. 

Everyone had the  BEST time just running around and going  from one thing to the next.

Visiting the petting zoo and feeding the sheep...

along with the pony rides were probably the BIGGEST hits of the day!

However, the big boys would definitely say shooting the REAL bow and arrow or  BB gun was the highlight for them!

It was really just the BEST.day.EVER! 

Precious memories were made and sweet time was spent with the ones we LOVE most in this world!

Words still cannot adequately express what we feel for J!
Five years ago, she gave us THE most precious gift  EVER and changed our lives forever!  I don't think we could EVER EVER EVER say THANK YOU enough for the love, sacrifice, or selflessness this took.
J...we LOVE you to the moon and back AND back again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And the Celebration Continues...

So Miss Sophie Lu turned FIVE a few weeks ago, but the celebrating continued long after the actual day had come and gone. Yes, our Sophie is one special little girl, and her birthday seemed to last all month long!

 She was super-duper excited to celebrate her BIG day with her preschool class this year! Since her birthday actually fell on the VERY first day of school, we decided to wait and bring treats in a little later in the week. She was so happy on the day of her preschool party and was quite proud of that pink birthday crown she was sportin'!

 The weekend after her birthday, our dear friend Charlotte (who we met while lifeguarding at our pool this summer) came to visit for the weekend. She attends Clemson, but came home just to celebrate Sophie's birthday with us. She is the absolute sweetest thing EVER and it was sooooo much fun to have her here for the weekend. Charlotte spent Saturday morning with us cheering at each one of the kids soccer games.

 She even got to see Miss Sophie score a goal. 

After a full morning of soccer, Charlotte, Sophie and I had a (BIG) girls ONLY afternoon planned! Before we left home though, Charlotte let Sophie open her birthday present. 

She got her THE most adorable Clemson outfit AND a Clemson tiger to go with it.  

How fun is that!

 Of course Sophie promptly changed into her new clothes before heading out the door. 

 We enjoyed a birthday lunch at Chic-fil-a, per Sophie's request, and then surprised Sophie with her FIRST EVER PEDICURE!!!

Oh my word...this girl was in heaven. 

When it was all over she said, "Mom, when this polish wears off, can we come back here and get this done again?"

HA

Yup...I think we may have her spoiled...just a little anyway;)

Sophie's big BIG day

 Today was a SUPER BIG day for our girl. Not only did she celebrate her 5th birthday, but she also started preschool for the FIRST time EVER!!!  To be honest, I'm not sure which one she was more excited about--turning FIVE, or starting school;) 

Because Shane had to go out of town first thing this morning,  we actually started the birthday celebration a little early. Sunday night, after we got home from church, we enjoyed cake and presents together as a family. 

 This morning,  Sophie woke up bright and early,  bounced out of bed, and was ready to start her day as a new 5 year old/ PRESCHOOLER!!! 

 Oh, her presence is certainly going to be missed at home each day, but we are beyond excited about all she is going to learn this year!

She was a little nervous, but mostly all smiles as we dropped her off this morning. 

Her teachers were both super sweet and I know she will make lots and lots of new friends this year. 

 

Be still my heart...would you look at that sweet grin she was wearing as I picked her up this afternoon!?!? Needless to say, she had (in her exact words) an "AWESOME" day!!!! 

And as the old saying goes, "Sugar and Spice and everything Nice...that's what little girls are made of." Well, this girls definitely got the "SPICE" part down pat;) She's spunky...but she's also determined, passionate, and full of life! She embraces everything head on, and finds JOY in every moment! She is the one who finally brought some PINK (HOT pink that is) into our world of blue. 
Sophie Lu,

 We love you with EVERYTHING that we are, and are beyond grateful to call you OURS!!!! 

Happiest 5th Birthday, Girl!!!!! 

"For I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you
will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6

Life Lately

 Our life lately could really be summed up with one word...S-O-C-C-E-R! 

 

 Yes, fall soccer is in full swing for the Bruce bunch and we couldn't be having more fun!  

Three nights of practice each week, followed by three games each Saturday makes for a pretty hectic schedule,

but it wouldn't feel like fall any other way! 

Four outta five are playing this season, but it's really just a matter of time before little Addy-Kate joins in on the craziness too!

Shane is coaching Sophie and Hud's team again this season, along with Riley's team as well. 

  He enjoys it sooooo much and the kids LOVE having daddy for their coach!

 Corban is no longer playing for CHAMP (our church's league), but instead decided to try out for a  more competitive organization this season.  He had his try out this summer and MADE the team of his choice!! We were beyond proud of him and have really enjoyed watching him learn and grow on his new team. His skills have already improved immensely--as well as his determination and drive to become a better player. 

His first official game of the season is THIS coming Saturday.  

This past Saturday was the "season opener" for CHAMP!  

I'm thrilled to report that both teams were able to secure a WIN!!! 

YAY!! 

 Sweet Hudson got the ball, and was able to break away from the pack and score a GOAL! 

 He was over the moon with JOY and couldn't wait to get to his daddy/coach for his congratulatory hug!!! 

Not only have we jumped right into soccer season, but all our other fall activities have kicked off as well.

Awana and Gopher Buddies are in full swing on Wednesday nights--two programs our family enjoys immensely!

This year I'm serving as a Gopher Buddy music leader as well as teaching preschool children's choir on Sunday evenings. Y'all...I laugh because I seriously cannot carry a tune to save my life, but thankfully my precious three, four, and five year old's don't notice... or care;)

I'm proof the Lord can use anyone;)

Add Thursday morning Bible study, children's choir, and other school related activities to the mix and you have a good idea of what our fall looks like right now.    

It's busy and it's full, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

It's just how the Bruce's roll these days!!!

Labor Day at the Lake

 Labor Day weekend has come and gone and with it summer supposedly has too. And as excited as I am for our fall schedule to begin, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. Thankfully, we were able to squeeze in a bit more "summer fun" before putting away our flip flops and bathing suits in exchange for our boots and sweaters.

Our sweet friends, the Howard's, graciously invited our family to join them at their beautiful lake house for the weekend. We all had a TERRIFIC time and immensely enjoyed all the activities staying on the lake offers.

Time on the boat!

 Fun on the tube!

Knee boarding and jet skiing!

Swimming in the water!

Hours of fishing!

First EVER sleep overs!

Topless popsicle eating;)

 And most importantly, precious (and priceless) memories made with wonderful friends!

Check-ups and the SWEETEST play date EVER!!

So today we headed to the doctor for Hudson and Addy-Kate's check-ups. This was Hudson's four year old visit and Addy-Kate's three year old visit. I'm thrilled to report that they both are healthy and strong--which is such a blessing from the Lord. Addy-Kate is growing like a little weed! She's put on SIX whole pounds and has grown 2 1/2 inches since her last visit! Just Incredible!!!

After our check-ups we headed to the mall to meet up with several other adoptive friends for a fun play date!

Some of these sweet ladies I had already met, but several I had not! Those that I had not officially met yet, I had followed their journey to China and back via facebook or their blog.  What a blessing it was to finally hug each of their necks and love on their sweet babies.

  Looking at this picture makes me tear up.

 I just cannot get over the fact that each one of these precious little girls was born on the other side of the world. And then according to the Lord's perfect plan, and in His perfect timing, each of them ended up at a play date in a mall in North Carolina!!!

Each one of them hand picked by Him to be a special part of our families, and each one an amazing miracle!

Adoption ROCKS, y'all!!!!
It totally ROCKS!!!!

Let me hold you longer

Long ago you came to me,
a miracle of firsts,
First smiles and teeth and baby steps,
a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away
and leave to me your past
And I will be left thinking of
a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time that I held a bottle
to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you
and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,
needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket,
wanting to be rocked.

 

The last time when you ran to me,
still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you’d marry
me when you grew old.

Precious, simple moments and
bright flashes from your past-
Would I have held on longer if
I’d known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,
your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite
faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,
those last few days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League,
last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all
your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow-
will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog
in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot
across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images
will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures,
never quite sure of your lasts…

The last time that I comb your hair
or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you
and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle
with a book, just me and you
The last time you jump in our bed
and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,
last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school,
last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days
that haven’t come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss
today’s sweet, precious lasts…

The last time that I help you with
a math or spelling test.
The last time when I shout that yes,
your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for
a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night
with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster,
stealing precious days that pass,
I want to hold on longer-
want to recognize your lasts…

The last time that you need my help
with details of a dance.
The last time that you ask me for
advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me
about your hopes and dreams.
The last time that you wear a jersey
for your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed
seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,
I’d hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,
you’ll be going far away.
College life will beckon
in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last good-bye,
one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand
just how much you’ll be missed.

I’ll watch you leave and think how fast
our time together passed.
Let me hold on longer, God,
to every precious last.