Our newest child, Billy Ray, who is 9, joined us back in June, where he was officially adopted.  His full name is Billy Ray Gordon Brownstein.  He is offically ours, legally and permanently.  We couldn't be any happier for him!

Billy Ray is adorable.  He has hair that is cut short on the top and sides and hangs long down his back; it goes below his shoulder blades.  Yes, he has a mullet, but he will not wear his hair any other way.  

It just gives him a certain amount of charm.

Billy Ray also has special needs.

Billy Ray has an autism spectrum disorder, which simply means he doesn't relate very well with people he doesn't know: he has problems socializing.  He would rather be by himself or with his family.  In addition to that, he has leanring disabilities and moderate hearing loss; he has been fitted with hearing aids to help him hear better.

I personally think this is one reason why he was so wild and unpredictable: he couldn't hear well and it frustrated him to no end.  Now that he can hear (with help), he seems to have settled down considerably, which has been a huge answer to prayer.

Billy Ray has grown so much since we started fostering him three years ago.  He is going to be tall: he is already up to my shoulders!  And he is only nine!  He easily towers over Harrington, who is only six.

I know Billy Ray didn't get it from us!  We're both short and dumpy.  Billy Ray is tall and skinny as a rail.

We have found out that Billy Ray loves to build models ... mainly airplanes and cars, as well as trains.  He is very skilled with his hands.  He loves to draw and write stories, watch "SpongeBob SquarePants" on tv (that is his all time favorite show; personally I find it highly annoying!), and read books for first graders (remember, he has a learning disability).  

He loves to sing when happy, but when mad, he has a temper to be reckoned with.  It takes all of our ingenuity to try to calm  him down before he dismantles the place.  We have learned to set bounderies with him and discover ways to keep him from getting too angry.

His brothers and sisters love their brother, but like all brothers and sisters, they do fight on occasion.  This is when we need to rely on the Lord for His guidance and help the most because we cannot do it alone!

Well, I have to run.  The kids are starting to rise to greet the day.  Thought I would update you on Billy Ray and see how well he is doing.  We are happy to have him as a permanent member of our family, and I am sure that the families he stayed with previously feel the same way, for Billy Ray really gave them all a run for their money! LOL

Take care and may God bless you always!

~Love, your friend, Georgia.