Saturday, June 30, 2007

Beach Time!

Yesterday we went to the beach out at Dauphin Island in Alabama. We had a blast! Some highlights?


Cuddly Boy saying he caught a fish, running to us to show us a jellyfish! Yikes!

The cops had come to take some huge guy away. I am not sure what happened, but I got the impression maybe he had been nude for awhile? He was so drunk- he could barely walk. And he was with a family!

Little Man was so brave in the water! We had to keep reminding him not to go too deep!

Princess was SCARED of the water. I thought she overcame that fear last year when she took swimming lessons. She wouldn't even go to her knees! What kind of fun is that?!?! I finally just dragged her out further with me!

Zach & the kids were digging a hole a little too close to the water...but they caught a crab. Cuddly Boy had no fear of picking up that thing! When Zach went to pick it up he got pinched!

We saw a seahorse! One family had little nets and were trying to catch sea creatures! It sure was neat to see that little thing!

Eating watermelon and other goodies while listening to the waves crashing against the shore and filtering the sand through my hands as I pondered how God made it and knows how much sand is on the seashore! Amazing!

Friday, June 29, 2007

Bogus

Want to hear another twisted thing about the south???? They do NOT have 4Th of July parades!!!!! Can you believe that? I guess it's because they go so berserk over Mardi Gras down here. They probably have no money left to do an Independence Day parade. I still cannot believe that. I remember looking last yer for one and thinking maybe because of Katrina. Then today I asked a lifetime resident of the coast and she said she's never even heard of a 4Th of July parade!!! How crazy is that!?!? I grew up going to the parades. I remember even riding my bike in one or two. It really saddens me that we have no parade to take our children to on the 4Th. I'm not necessarily big on celebrations, but its nice to have your children do some of the things you did as a kid. This is just one of them. I think I should check out that the place we want to move to next summer actually has these parades;)



Remember now, this is the same place that celebrates Mardi Gras like its Christmas (I HATE M.G.). They're the ones who shoot off fireworks for EVERY thing it seems. Where we're from we don't get big into fireworks for every little holiday. But down here the little fireworks boothes have been set up for weeks now. And they come before Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's day, Grandparents Day, Hug a Friend Day. Ok, maybe not that often, but you get the picture. This is the same place that sells shrimp on every corner you pass, or so it seems. Fresh shrimp! Yuck. Can you tell I'm getting tired of the coast? I am. I'm tired of the thunderstorms every day because its too stinking' humid too!



I guess, after all I'm a true northerner, or Yooper. So please, someone take me out of the Land of Dixie!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

I remember riding my bike, like Heather said in a comment, like I was driving. I'd ride all over the neighborhood with the other kids. I loved it! It was a blast. (My 7 year old still can't ride a bike!!!) There were no fears back then of being abducted or molested. Parents just let us go! As I got older I'd ride my bike to church, I'd go across this bridge,
I'd ride up and down the huge hills. I went everywhere on that thing! It was fun! These days we don't leave our children out of our site, much less cruising on their bikes all over town (if they knew how to ride them). It is weird how so much has changed. I won't even let my kids play in the front yard by themselves! Just another thing my children won't experience quite like I did (even if we lived in the same town I grew up in they wouldn't be venturing far from home). Just another trip down memory lane;)

Enjoying the first days of Summer Vacation!


For those who can't see slide shows, I'm sorry! I can always email you some pictures!!!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Memories of Summer

Today as I was lounging in the pool I had some major summertime nostalgia. As a little girl, my best friends mother baby-sat me in the summer. We were at the beach every possible day. Swimming, playing with our Barbies and eating bologna sandwiches! That was quite the life back then! I loved summertime (still do). I loved to be able to be with my friend, Shannon, every day. If it was a rainy day I remember staying at her house and playing Barbies. We were all about the Barbies;) We'd take them to the pool (kitchen sink or bathtub) and to the movies (whatever soap opera was on). We'd ride bikes and play outside in her yard. These were just some of my summertime memories I was thinking on today. What is a summer memory that sticks out in your mind today?

Bye-Bye 1st Grade!!!

No more pencils
No more books
No more of mommy's dirty looks.

No more spelling
No more math
No more enduring mommy's wrath.

School's over
It's summer break at last
Where first grade is in the past!


No, really our year wasn't that bad. We had school lessons, Bible lessons and life lessons. We learned about suffixes, fractions, Teddy Roosevelt and death. I think Little Princess's favorite subjects are History and Science. She's so like her dad in loving history;) But she's like me in that she loves to read. My favorite subject was English. We finished up a day earlier than we intended and it is so nice to be done. I'm not sure who's more excited, me or my student! Now we can play to our heart's content!!! I also plan to throw in a bit of review here and there! So today we're having pajama day and we'll go and splash in the pool!!!

Go Zach!

Congratulations Zach on winning the Quarterly Squadron Award for NCO Instructor!!!! I'm so proud of you! For you non-military minded people that means Zach got an award for the instructor of the quarter for his work 'section'.

Monday, June 25, 2007

At the Breakfast Table

Little Man: I saw Jesus last night in my room. He told me to quit picking my scabs. He said it quietly so he wouldn't wake up mom and dad.

Little Princess: How old was he?

Little Man: I don't know. How old are we when we have long hair?

********************************************************

Little Princess: Where's the sun?

Cuddly Boy: Hiding in the trees.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

One thing accomplished

Ok, so I somewhat redesigned the blog. If I forgot any of you please let me know. When I updated the template it didn't take along everybody's blogs. Gotta love that;) I tried to add what I remembered. What I'm wondering is how to get those tool things off of the bottom of everything. Why are those there, or am I the only one who sees them? Let me know what you think of everything!

**OK, no more tools;)

Why Liberia?

Liberia means 'free land'. Freed American slaves were sent back to Africa, however they were not welcomed. They named their settlement Monrovia, named after President James Monroe. Monrovia now serves as the capital of Liberia.

Rubber is one of the biggest natural resources in Liberia and brought many jobs to the country. Some of the other natural resources are ire ore, timber, gold and diamonds. Liberia was becoming a thriving land with universities, electrical plants, roads and even drawing tourism as people wanted to go on African safaris.

In 1989 a civil war broke out. Before this there was already unrest in the country. A country that seemed to be prospering soon found itself falling. Today Liberia has no running water, electricity or postal service. People are dying of disease and malnutrition. Orphans are found everywhere and many parents are turning their children over to the orphanages for survival. Because this country has no health care, or very minimal, there is no way to treat the diseases. People are dying. Children and babies dying. Nobody knows nor cares about these deaths as it is a common occurrence.

People do whatever they can for survival. For example, by 11 years old most girls become prostitutes to try to survive. Most of these girls have not even hit puberty yet they're prostituting their bodies in desperation for food.

In 2004 1 million babies died. Did I mention that the population is only about 3 million? Life expectancy is only 40 years!

This country is in extreme poverty. They are in need. I know there are other countries in the same circumstances, yet the Lord has laid Liberia on our hearts. He has called us to pull at least one child, a child of His, out of this poverty. To give them life, hope and a future. What will you do to help? Will you at least pray for us? Not all are called to adopt, but there are still ways we can help those the Lord does call to adopt these orphans. If it breaks my heart to see a picture of a sad, malnourished child imagine how it breaks Jesus' heart!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Science & Nature


This scraggly little tree is the ONLY one in both our front and back yard. We have beautiful trees behind our fence (in the 'swamp') but NONE in our yard! I keep telling myself that the next house we live in we'll have a wonderful shade tree. I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, but I think the people who lived here before us planted it. They had all sorts of things growing, which we've since gotten rid of. I'm just not a gardener. I have no interest for it nor time to spend on it (and lets not get into the financial aspect). Anyway, below is a picture of the fruit growing on the tree. I need to take one inside and cut it open!



Today while Zach was mowing he found this toad. Fearless one is seen holding it (aka Cuddly boy). Well, I call him fearless but he is afraid of the bouncy castles and of our waterslide. Go figure. I'll take a bounce and slide over a toad any day! Zach also found this spider weaving this crazy looking web on the fence. Look at that interesting design! I remember when we read about spiders in one of the Nature Readers from Christian Liberty Press. Even if you don't homeschool you will LOVE these books! Even my 2 year old would listen as we'd learn about various insects, birds and other animals! They are very affordable too!!! Anyway, I'm going to have to dig out our books and see if we've read about this type of spider. We had a fun day in the pool and on the waterslide and now I'm exhausted! But, I realized I hadn't posted pictures in awhile (nor had I taken any in a long time) so I thought I'd show you we had a bit of science and nature in our own back yard!


Thursday, June 21, 2007

Cleaning up the Blog

I have so many blogs on my sidebar that I just don't have time to read anymore and I'd like to commit my time to those I do read so I think soon I'll be doing a bit of clean-up! If you read me and don't comment much leave a comment!!! I'll probably still keep y'all in bloglines or bookmark y'all but its just overwhelming (especially considering all of the blogs I'm finding from others adopting from Liberia). I wish I could get a whole new makeover for my blog...I'm so ready for a change! If only I had the brains to do it or the means to pay to have it done! Oh well, I'll settle on what I have! And I have yet to post more about Liberia...so much to do so little time! Once we're done with school I won't know what to do with all of the time on my hands!!! Speaking of school I FINALLY figured out what I'm doing next year...so that is another post too;) Aren't y'all excited to see what's coming up (at whatever point I get around to it)! C'mon now, lemme hear that cheer!

Meme from Heather....

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yep, a star from The Young and the Restless!

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? It's been days...not sure when

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not really

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey

DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Sure do- my 3 here, 2 in heaven and at least one waiting for us in Liberia!

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Uh, I'm a bit weird, but I am friendly;)

DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? What's that???

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Bunches of Oats

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically not really, but I'm strong in the Lord!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mint Mackinac Island Fudge (if only I could get that stuff here...)

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile or eyes

RED OR PINK? Pink!

WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I wouldn't even know where to begin;)

WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My baby Malachi

WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Jean shorts, bare foot

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Honey Bunches of Oats

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Barney on the TV, Gabe buzzing around the house, the dryer

IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple

FAVORITE SMELLS? babies

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom!

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey (just haven't watched it in years)

HAIR COLOR? blond

EYE COLOR? blue

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sure do

FAVORITE FOOD? chocolate

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Messengers

WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue/green color

SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

HUGS OR KISSES? both

MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No idea

LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Canaan

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Saint by Ted Dekker

FAVORITE SOUND[S]? Laughter of my children, the waves of the sea

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Don't care

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Washington State

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? nope

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? The U.P.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Time

Time is flying. I've been so busy trying to finish our school for the year. We'll finish sometime next week (depends on how many lessons I cram into a day). We only have 10 left I think, so we won't have to cram too bad! I think we're both ready for a break. I have other things I want to do with my kiddos...things that are more fun, but still learning! In addition to playing in the pool a LOT. I am craving some sun!!! But I feel like I need to finish our school first. Priorities. I'm all about summer school, just at a different, less structured pace!

In addition to school we've also been busy filling out forms for the adoption. I had my physical and it seems like every evening is spent filling out some sort of form. I think I'm done with the beginning ones though, for now. We've really had to narrow down what 'type' of child we want. I hate that. It's like we're 'shopping'. I want the Lord to guide and show us! And He's really been. I'll be thinking something and then later Zach and I begin talking and we're thinking the same thing!

Another crazy God-thing is Zach's job. He's never gone TDY before but supposedly (this could change, it IS the military we're talking about) beginning in August he'll move into a different teaching position that requires him to go TDY often. I really don't want him leaving all of the time, but I see it as a) more money in our pockets and b) temporary, especially if we're moving next summer.

We were supposed to refinance our house this week but we aren't able to until the end of July (pre-payment penalties). It almost may work to our benefit, but we're not sure yet. We may be able to either request to get a bit of cash out or work it to where we won't have 2 months of payments!!! It is amazes me how even already God is providing! It just seems like total confirmation.

I didn't mention yet that my friend Angie moved last weekend. I am so bummed. She's been a wonderful friend and was so helpful and supportive when I went through everything with Malachi. I will really miss her!!!

Princess is on a roll with the summer reading program and has read about 40 books, if not more. This girl will NOT stop reading. She's on book #5 of the Little House on the Prairie series! Can you say NERD? Uh, she's just like her mama. She talks about her 'brown sister'. I'm going to have to have her come up with a new nickname;)

Cuddly Boy is still using the potty at times. There's been minimal accidents and today was the first time I had to clean poop out of the undies. I'm sure Lightning McQueen was thrilled with that;) As I was doing school today it was real quiet. He comes in and tells me he was eating cookies. Sure enough, the lid to the cookies wasn't on quite right...little Cookie Monster!

Little Man prays for the "brown people who eat rice". They're so precious and they glue their eyes to the computer as I browse through photos of Liberian children.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Potty Time

I mentioned not too long ago about Cuddly boy and potty training. This boy rocks! I'm telling you, I've had more success potty training my two boys than I did my girl! I have barely done a thing with him. At times he'll just say he has to go and he goes. Last night he pooped on the potty for the first time. Today I put underwear on him and he wore them during his nap and woke up dry. Little Man was the same way. Once he was ready he took off! Princess, on the other hand was a nightmare! Always accidents, always afraid of the potty. So, now I just need to remember to remind Cuddly to use the potty!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! I am so blessed for my children to have such a wonderful and Godly daddy. He loves them so much and tries his hardest to raise them in the Lord. I have seen how God has grown Zach in so many areas and it amazes me to watch it. I have stood amazed that God has given this man to me, so undeserving of such a Godly man. He loves his children, prays for them, teaches them about the Lord, is an example of Christ, plays with them, provides for them. He is everything a father needs to be and should be. Thank you, Zach, for being such a wonderful father to our children. I know that whatever other children we're blessed with will love you just as much as these.

For my dad, Happy Father's Day. Thank you for taking me as your own since the day I was born. Thank you for loving me, caring for my needs and playing with me. I have so many wonderful memories of us as I was growing up. From motorcycle rides to 'driving' while sitting on your lap. From holidays to the Sunday car rides. From games of Connect Four to watching TV together. I love you Dad!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Priceless

Movie Stub: $13.50
Gas: $30.74
Father's Day Card: $3.34
Seeing a child ask Jesus into their heart: Priceless

I remember at the beginning of the week how I was dragging my feet about VBS. It was such a rewarding week and I am so glad I helped out. It was awesome to see the children sing songs to Jesus and learn the motions. To hear them ask questions about Jesus. To see the joy on their faces as they played games. To see one little boy that was in our class ask Jesus into his heart. Priceless. Rewarding. Working with children is definitely challenging but also so rewarding. What have you done for the Lord lately?

Liberia - Sites and Facts

This gives some information but also shows pictures of the war-torn country and inhabitants. Breaks my heart to watch it.

Step 1 Complete

Yesterday I handed in our homestudy papers so the journey has officially begun. We're so excited. As I was driving to drop them off I felt so giddy. It was the same feeling you get when you find out you're pregnant- you're so excited and wonder what the next 9 months has in store for you. Our social worker is really wonderful and I sat and visited with her for awhile asking questions. This is her first time working with somebody adopting from Liberia (besides my friend Kim who is also working with her and has also just begun the process).

We had to pay $50 for the application fee for the homestudy. No big deal, it was payday and all. Well, Kim's friend called and asked if she could rent our water slide from us for $50! Sure! See how God just threw that in our lap!?!? It was so cool! Then I got the bright idea that I could rent out our water slide to friends of friends of friends;) as a way to raise money. God is so good to provide all our needs.

Well I'm off to finish cleaning. I've been getting some negative feedback and while I know the people are well-meaning I feel like saying, "If you don't have nothing nice to say then don't say anything at all". Makes me want to keep this all to ourselves, but we can't do that! We NEED the prayers of our family and friends!!!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Emotional Ride

If I could sum up with one word right now at the beginning of our adoption journey it would be: emotional. I have always been an emotional person, just ask my family. They used to sing Van Halen's song, Jamie's Cryin' to me:

Oh, whoa, whoa, Jamie's cryin'
Oh, whoa, whoa, Jamie's cryin'
God made women to be emotional. That isn't always a bad thing. Little things can get me to cry, but through the years I've become harder. I don't always cry as easily at certain things. But things of God, well they still tear me up. Watching my daughter grow and sing songs to Jesus while doing the motions, hearing little children sing songs to Jesus and seeing God's work in my life are some of the latest things that God has shown me. And I just want to sit and sob! BUT, that isn't all. God has given me a heart like His like never before. And that is emotional! I've never thought I would see so much of His heart like this. It is amazing. I've always had a heart for orphaned children but not like this. With sharing all of this, I may as well just spill my little 'testimony'. Let me warn you that it is long! Before I leave you to read my life story in a nutshell, I want you to check out this song, One, we've learned at VBS (click on the song One once you get there). Something about the words of this song just touch those emotional parts of my heart. As I hear the words and sing it I could just cry rivers of tears. It makes me think of the child(ren) we may be adopting from Africa and how we are One with them- in heart, mind, love. It doesn't matter their skin color or that they live across the ocean. We are One in Jesus name.
Ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to be a mommy. I loved to play with my dolls and even my Barbie’s, who would have big families. Even at a young age I would help in the church nursery. I was always drawn to children! I remember one time watching something on TV that has still stuck with me. They were showing orphans in orphanages in Romania. It broke my heart to see those poor children lie in cribs all day long. To see the conditions they lived in devastated me. As I grew older I began to baby-sit and I loved it! I loved to be around children and take care of them. Being an only child and the youngest grandbaby for many about 8 years, I didn’t have many little children in my family. At some point, I think maybe 6th or 7th grade I began watching the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. I was so inspired by how these sick children were helped, how despite their illness they were so happy.

It was about this time, in 7th grade, that the schools began talking about our careers and college. We had to think about what we wanted to do when we grew up. Well all I wanted to be was a mommy! But of course that wasn’t an option. I had to search out careers and find what I wanted to do (and forget about having children). It was in my search that I learned of social work. Perfect! I began to think about those telethons and dream of working in a children’s hospital. I thought of how I would make those ill children smile- walk in their rooms in a clown suit, have a puppet show, play with them, tell them of Jesus.

So as graduation grew nearer this was the plan. I’d become a social worker. After all, the thing to do after high school is to go to college, right? Who just becomes a mom?

Through college I always wondered when I’d find the right guy. I just wanted to get married and start a family! But of course- studies came first. My sophomore and junior years I went on a mission trip to Grundy, Virginia (Mt. Mission School) during spring break. We worked at an orphanage. The majority of the children were from African American families, families of poverty (which is why the children were there). Those children were so precious! They just loved for us to come and fellowship, sing and play with them. They were so full of love and hugs- and even smiles. That was such an awesome opportunity for me!

By my senior year I had met my man. Two weeks after I graduated we were married. I listened to those ‘wiser’ ones and was on the pill. It’s not feasible to start a family right after marriage. We needed to get to know one another, was what we were told. Well, I didn’t last long on the pill for physical reasons, but also because I wanted a baby! About two months after we’d gotten married we were pregnant! Two years later we had another baby. At that time I wasn’t sure how many children I wanted, maybe 4 or 5. We used protection but still thought if God wanted us to become pregnant He would allow it to happen.

Then I was introduced to the Above Rubies ministry. I devoured the magazines, joined the egroup and then we went to a family camp. We read their book, which is now called, ‘Be Fruitful & Multiply’ and it changed our lives. It opened our eyes and we’ve not been the same. God has really used Nancy Campbell and this ministry to change our family. I am open to any number of children. I see them as a blessing. I have learned about how to be a better, more Godly wife and mother.

I should also mention that at first in our marriage I knew we’d homeschool but I wasn’t too open about it. Zach totally wanted it but I was hesitant. Well, the Lord changed my way of thinking in this area as well. My sister-in-law gave us a book about homeschooling and I became excited about it and that fire has not burned out yet!

The past year Above Rubies has really focused on adoptions from Liberia. I also must mention I go to Women’s Retreats through Above Rubies- I’ve gone to 3 now. I enjoyed reading about these families who were adopting, thinking that someday further down the road we’d adopt. Since that day when I saw on TV those children in the Romanian orphanages I have had a desire to adopt. Through our years together once in awhile I’d mention it to Zach, thinking it would happen way down the road. He wasn't open to adoption, though. He thought it would be fine just to produce our own children!

God has been working on Zach’s heart. I’m sure I would tell him about some of these families who were adopting. One day, I’m not even sure when, he told me we should adopt. I couldn't believe my ears! So, I once again thought, ‘Yeah, down the road’.

Two years after our second child was born we had a third one- our second boy. After I had him it took longer to get pregnant (because I nursed on demand for a long time). When I did get pregnant I miscarried. This was August of last year. Two to three months later I again was pregnant. Things were going great, we saw the baby on ultrasound, heard a heartbeat. When I went to an appointment at 15 weeks I found out our baby died. We were devastated, in shock, angry, sad. Three weeks later I delivered Malachi Robert’s body into the world. We buried him five days later.

This was the most difficult time of my life yet I saw God’s hand through it all. Zach found out about an Adoption Seminar on base and wanted to go. I thought I’d go but wasn’t interested in adopting at this time. I just lost my baby and felt like I wasn’t being a good mommy to my three children. Also, while I was waiting to deliver our Malachi I attended an Above Rubies retreat. Nancy talked about how they were adopting from Liberia and told us about her daughter, who also adopted from Liberia.

So I go to this seminar and we get lots of good information. I think I’ll just hold on to it for the future. We’d even gotten a home study packet. I filed it all away. But Zach kept talking about adopting. We’ve even talked about foster/adopt but if we move next summer I’m not certain how that would work out. I wouldn’t want to get attached to these children and possibly be able to adopt them only to move and have to ‘give them up’.

So over the past couple of months I’ve been pondering adoption more and more. I realized it would probably happen sooner than what I originally thought. Then one night I went to a Mom’s Night Out, just 4 nights ago. My friend, Kim, was there. She is hoping to adopt a little girl, Janet Flomo, from Liberia. She was telling us about it, about Liberia. Things I’ve heard before. But for some reason this night it really hit me. Also, her friend was there talking about her foster care. I almost began weeping. I really had to hold back the tears. God really impressed it heavily upon my heart that “NOW is the time”. Some little girl in Liberia needs us.

I came home and I probably went looking on the Internet right away. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Zach was already in bed, so the next day I emailed him about it. His reply was pretty much, “Let’s do it!” He probably thought it’s about time I come around!

The past four nights I’ve slept fitfully. I keep seeing images on little Liberian children needing help. I’ve been researching online- adoption agencies, blogs of those who’ve adopted, etc. I’ve emailed a few who have adopted from Liberia.

Besides the fact that God has laid Liberia so heavy on my heart is something else. He showed me a ‘window’ the other day of how everything in my life has come to this point. Like:
1. I am adopted. My dad adopted me when I was 7 or 8. I don’t know my biological dad (although I've met him). I am also adopted into God’s family.
2. Seeing the Romanian orphanages, how it affected me and how I still remember it today.
3. Always wanting to be a mommy.
4. Getting a social work degree (Jerry Lewis).
5. My mission trips to the ‘orphans’ in Virginia.
6. Above Rubies
7. Even losing my babies.

I know there are many reasons my babies may have passed. I know God works all things out for His glory. I see good that has come through the losses. I believe if we hadn’t gone through them then our hearts wouldn’t be so open today to adopting. As I look back I see God’s always had me as a ‘candidate’ of His to adopt- He’s just been molding my life and heart until just the right time so that He will bless us with just the child who needs us.

Some verses I read this morning:

Psalm 112:9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor…
Psalm 113:9 He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.
Psalm 115:14, 15 May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Verses on ‘adoption’:

Ephesians 1:5 …he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will...
Romans 8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
James 1:27 Religion that god our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

A bit of a bragging mommy

Crazy. I was just laying with Cuddly boy for his nap and I heard thunder. It is sunny out yet it is thundering something profusely. I do see that north of here it is looking rather stormy though. It's just weird! It's this crazy humidity. Yuck. I dread the middle of July!

Yesterday morning when we awoke bright and early for VBS Cuddly boy had a slight fever. I thought maybe he was just tired from going to bed late and getting up early. When I picked him up after VBS he was so tired and out of it- and HOT. Poor boy had a fever and barely ate yesterday. By 7 pm he was better but it peaked again around midnight. Neither he or I slept good last night (I had this crazy headache). So I decided he needed to stay home. I figured it wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't there today as there were enough helpers, so I just dropped off the other two.

I have to mention how proud I am of my children. You see, Princess never would participate in the games at Sparks. She'd just sit on the sidelines. When she first joined children's choir she wouldn't sing or do the motions. Now she's like a totally different person. I am so proud of her! (WOW, I just saw lighting right out the window, yet its still sunny). As I watched her singing yesterday and learning the motions to their songs I about teared up seeing how far she's come. Plus she played all of the games! Go Princess!

I've mentioned Little Man before and how he cant stand to be away from us. It's like he feared we'd leave him and never return. Plus he doesn't do well with change. I wondered how he would do for VBS because I wasn't going to be working with his age group like i did in Awana. I began working him up for the week and telling him about it- preparing him. He did GREAT! I was a bit nervous this morning when I would drop them off and come home (normally we're still in the building somewhere and I think that makes him feel more secure). He was totally fine with it! My babies are growing up and I'm SO proud of them! My mommy's heart is bursting with pride today (I know, how corny does that sound? But its true).

Cuddly Boy and I had a nice morning at home. It was so quiet. Amazing. I forgot what its like with only one child! He's feeling much better now and ate SO much food for lunch! After lunch he came and told me he pooped. He says he wants to pee in the potty (he says this a lot but never actually pees). So, I clean up his little behind and he BOLTS into the bathroom. It was dark in there, yet he went in, while I threw his diaper away. I'm standing in the kitchen washing my hands and he comes running in there so excited, "I peed, I peed!" And he did!!! I was SO proud of him!!! One thing I've learned from potty training........you can't force it. When they're ready, they're ready.

That's my news for the day! Oh, and thanks so much for all of your kind comments!!!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Spilling The Beans & Stepping Out in Faith

Remember a few posts back I asked you to pray for something? Well, I thought I'd finally share it. We are in the process to adopt a child from Liberia. I ask you to pray that this goes smoothly (as smooth as an adoption can go). I ask you to pray for the finances. Adoption costs a ridiculous amount of money and we are totally stepping out in faith here. We're in the military and we don't have extra funds lying around to just up and adopt a child. But God has called us to this point and we are trusting in Him. We know that if it is His will then He will help us to provide. Pray also for the children in Liberia. I will be sharing some of what we're learning as the days, weeks and months unfold. Pray for the people who will help us through the process- from the prayer warriors to the social workers to the adoption agency to the INS workers. I also have written something that I would like to share soon with you all (probably in increments as it is long). Unless I figure out a way I can send a link to it... This is a huge step, an exciting yet scary road we will travel. Thank you for your support and love! Not all have been supporting at this point and that is difficult, especially when it is people close to us. Which I why I will share and pour out my heart to you.

I will leave you with some facts about Liberia. In 1989 a civil war broke out, being rated as one of the most deadly wars in Africa. There's no electricity, running water or mail service. People are suffering from malnutrition and lack of medical care. Babies and others die daily from the disease and conditions that run rampant in that country. The population is about 3 million with a life expectancy about 40 years old. The country is hurting and in need of not only food and medical care, but most importantly they're in need of a Savior, Jesus.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Little Man, "Dad, when I get married and my girl kisses me when the music is on should I slap her mouth?"

No idea where that came from but just had to share!!! LOL The things kids come up with! And no, Zach does not kiss me and then slap me on the mouth!

Weekend Recap

I can't believe the weekend is almost over! It seems like it just began! We must not have done much on Friday because I don't remember what we did. I think the only times I went out of the house all week was when we went to the library Monday night and Tuesday morning and then again I went to a Mom's Night Tuesday night. It was so nice staying home, especially considering this week I will be gone every single day (and I'm not used to that).

Yesterday we took out the pool in the morning after realizing it was about 100 degrees out. We filled it up and ran errands only to come home to pouring rain. It stopped and looked like it may clear up, but then we had quite the thunderstorm! So, swimming was out of the question. I had a friend from church over for dinner (her husband is out working in the ocean) and we had a fun night of fellowship. We also had the 'Kirby salespeople' come to our door. I was still in my pj's (at 11 am) so I had Zach answer. Of course they don't come right out and say they're selling Kirby's (we already have one) and I find the woman's voice getting closer and closer. I walk into the living room and she is just standing in my house! And Zach didn't invite her in! And she was pretty much exposing her breasts to the world. So I walked in there and said, "We already have a Kirby" but that doesn't satisfy them. They need to know what model. Who cares? I'm not buying your Kirby!?!? Good thing we had errands to run...we didn't need another demonstration. Zach is real hesitant (I am too) about door-to-door salespeople since we recently discovered we were scammed. If anybody comes to your house selling magazines DO NOT BUY THEM.


Anyway, today after church we went to the cemetery and then came home and got to play in the pool. This week we have VBS every day. Not just every day, every day at 8 am. That's right, 8 am. I homeschool, people. We're usually not out of bed by 8 am! How I will manage to get us ready and out the door to be at the church in time is beyond me! It'll be fun, I know, but I'm sure I'll be exhausted by Friday! Friday we're supposed to close on our house (we're refinancing). Not to mention I've got oodles of errands to run, phone calls to make, etc). But, then we'll see another week over, another week closer to the finish line of 1st grade!
Something else we've been up to...working on potty training.

Friday, June 08, 2007

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

I've been a-singin' that song in my head by DC Talk since yesterday. Yesterday I got to baby-sit for my friend, Angela. She has two kiddos. While playing in the afternoon Princess began to ask her 5 year old if he knew Jesus. She was telling him all about Jesus. It was the sweetest thing. This is how Princess is. She's always concerned about people's salvation- whether they know Jesus or not. I love her zeal for the Lord and her desire for others to know about Him. Cuddly boy enjoyed helping with the baby. He would bring me a bottle or pacifier to help out. I'm telling you, we need a baby in this house! It wasn't even bad adding 2 more into the bunch! I thought, "Boy, I can handle 5!" I will admit that by bedtime I was exhausted!

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Pluggin' Along

So far its not as bad as I feared. My week that is. I thought I'd be losing it left and right! I thought I'd be duct taping my kids to the wall! Not really;) You've seen that email or picture floating around, haven't you? We are plugging along at school and actually seeing progress- both in learning and in almost being done. The past two days I've just sat the boys in front of a movie while I taught Princess. I hate doing that but it works SO much better! They don't fight and they aren't in here causing a raucous and making a racket that I have to shout over! Monday night we went to the library as a family. I signed the kiddos up for the summer reading program. Princess read at least 10 books THAT night! The next morning was the puppet show (Jack and the Beanstalk), so I decided I'd take them and we also had to get more books. This girl can't stop reading (kinda like her mom). I even earned more 'Cool Mom Points' by letting them play in the sprinkler yesterday- in their clothes! That's about all we've been up to. God has really laid something heavy on my heart the past couple of days- heavier than normal. So if you could just pray that HE leads us. I'll share more about it another time.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Back to that thing called REALITY (and no I don't mean TV)

Yep, tomorrow is the day of going back to reality. Zach goes back to work and we will try to do some school. Fun. It was such a nice, relaxing break and vacation. Normally after almost three weeks I'm ready to THROW Zach out the door, but this time is different. It has been wonderful having him home. He is such a great husband and really helps with the kids. I know that *I* am the helpmeet but HE is a wonderful helper to me. He bathes them often (we've taken turns while on vacation but normally he's the one to do it). He also feeds them breakfast and lunch for the most part. I know there are some dads out there who don't do any of this. Zach is wonderful and it is nice for me to not have to do it all. This past week at home we did so many fun things- went bowling with our homeschool group, swam in our pool, had a picnic in the backyard, went for a walk, played games. It was nice. We're also in the process of refinancing and selling on eBay so we've been pretty busy! I just feel SO totally blessed by the family God gave me. Even though my children tend to drive me crazy I am so blessed to even have children! I'm reading Terri Camp's book, "I'm Going to Be the Greatest Mom Ever! (Even if it Kills Me). I have read it before but just wanted a boost. It is hilarious but also so encouraging. Last night I was just CRACKING up at her talking about what a good Christian wears, especially a good Christian homeschooler. JUMPERS!!! I must not be that 'good Christian homeschooler' because I do NOT wear jumpers. Even Zach was laughing about it. It's a great book- even if you don't homeschool. She makes you laugh but also puts things into perspective. This poem that she wrote really struck me and I wanted to share it with you all.

The Mirror
I look into my mirror
and wonder what You see.
Do You see godliness
deep inside of me?
Or do You see someone
who just cares about her hair?
Do You see a person
who doesn't really care?
Do You see the extra
pounds of fat?
Or, do You really care about that?
Do You see a person
who has a holy fear,
For a precious Savior
that she holds so very dear?
Do You see a person
whose heart is pure?
Do You see a person
who knows you, for sure?
As I look in my mirror,
help me to see,
The kind of person
You want me to be.

This is what I need to remember throughout my week. I need to have a pure heart. I need to be the person that He wants me to be. I need to be godly. I must admit I'm nervous about Zach going back to work. Will I flip out at the littlest things again? Or can I slowly take a breath, breathe a quick prayer and use patience? I'm praying that I will be the Godly mother that the Lord desires. Have a blessed week!

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Oops

I forgot to tell you what Thursday was... Have any idea? Aw, come on and take a guess. Clueless? Well, it was 2 years since I began blogging! TWO YEARS!!! It seems like just yesterday! So, for you lurkers- come out, come out wherever you are. Leave me a comment!!! Let me know you read! Just. Say. Something. Comments are cool. We blogger's love our comments. You don't even need to have an account- just be anon- you can leave your name if you want but you don't have to. I know some of my family reads but doesn't comment...who else is out there???