Awesome garage sale find!!!!
My sister found this for our kids at a garage sale, I can't take any credit! It is awesome! The kids love zipping around the kitchen/dining room on it!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Warm Blessings....
While we were visiting my family a little over a week ago, I picked up all the quilts, baby blankets and afghans from the women at my mom's church and the quilt guild, etc. WOW!!!! I brought home 66 quilts for our little man's orphanage. I am still trying to figure out how to post a slide show on the side of my blog with the pictures, but here is a sneak peek!
After calculating what is still out there being finished up, etc., it looks like we will be taking 100 Quilts/Blankets to keep little ones warm at night this winter in China!!! Isn't that AMAZING!!!! Thank you to all who have helped and there is still room for more!!!! Your giving will make the difference in the life of a little one!
(Eli the "quilt tester")
We have also collected about 30 crayon rolls to take! I'll post some more pictures of them soon and we'll still take more if you would like to make some! Check out the instructions on the sidebar and email me!!!!
I'll post more photos soon!!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
150 days+
This is the number of days we have waited for China to get us our paperwork for our sweet boy... and we continue to wait. 150 days, 21 weeks, basically 5 months... These last few days have been very challenging for me, I had been very hopeful that we would finally see some paperwork. Everyone else we know with our original time frame has been to China to bring home there little ones or they are there now. Some of you have emailed and ask- "why are you still waiting?" I wish I had the perfect answer for that, but I don't. China has not ask us for any addition information in the last 4 months, they have not said there was a problem with our paperwork, it has just not been processed.
Please continue to pray with us that we will get the needed paperwork soon. Pray for us as a family, this is a longer than usual wait and we are all starting to feel it. We ask that you please pray for our little man waiting, he has been given pictures of us but is young enough that he does not really understand what lies in the days ahead. Please pray that God will prepare his heart and ours for the time when we will finally be together. We will keep you posted...
"Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
This is the number of days we have waited for China to get us our paperwork for our sweet boy... and we continue to wait. 150 days, 21 weeks, basically 5 months... These last few days have been very challenging for me, I had been very hopeful that we would finally see some paperwork. Everyone else we know with our original time frame has been to China to bring home there little ones or they are there now. Some of you have emailed and ask- "why are you still waiting?" I wish I had the perfect answer for that, but I don't. China has not ask us for any addition information in the last 4 months, they have not said there was a problem with our paperwork, it has just not been processed.
Please continue to pray with us that we will get the needed paperwork soon. Pray for us as a family, this is a longer than usual wait and we are all starting to feel it. We ask that you please pray for our little man waiting, he has been given pictures of us but is young enough that he does not really understand what lies in the days ahead. Please pray that God will prepare his heart and ours for the time when we will finally be together. We will keep you posted...
"Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old."
Psalms 25:4-6
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Apple Picking & A Birthday Party
One of our wonderful niece's had a birthday party this past weekend. It's so fun to watch little one's grow, 7 years ago, this sweet girl sent some time in the NICU and had a pretty rough start to life. Let's just say, she's never looked back! She is an amazing little girl! Happy birthday M!!!
My sister-in-law did a great job planning it. We all met at an apple orchard and instead of treat bags full of candy, the kids headed out to each fill a bag with apples to take home, then enjoyed cake, apple cider and lots of fun!
One of our wonderful niece's had a birthday party this past weekend. It's so fun to watch little one's grow, 7 years ago, this sweet girl sent some time in the NICU and had a pretty rough start to life. Let's just say, she's never looked back! She is an amazing little girl! Happy birthday M!!!
My sister-in-law did a great job planning it. We all met at an apple orchard and instead of treat bags full of candy, the kids headed out to each fill a bag with apples to take home, then enjoyed cake, apple cider and lots of fun!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Susannah Update
God is good and greatly to be praised! Susannah and her family are on their way home, in fact they maybe almost here. Please continue to pray for them as this little girl still has a long road ahead. Pray for this family to have strength, we already know how much they have but please pray that it will be sustained in the days ahead. What a beautiful blessing this little girl is!
Friday, September 19, 2008
You will see a new picture on our side bar this morning. Take a moment and click on this picture to read Susannah's story. On Monday, her parents arrived at the Civil Affairs Office in her province to meet her for the first time. Their excitement soon came to the reality that their little girl was not coming to the office- she was deathly ill in a hospital in the city. Susannah has a heart defect and is still hospitalized. Her parents are trying to get her home to she can get the surgeries she needs as soon as possible. Please remember this family in your prayers.
"Cybershower" & China Quilt Update
I was part of an online shower for adopting families. I was matched with a family in Texas who are adopting a little boy about a year older than our little man waiting for us in China. This family is doing their son's room in John Deere, so I made this small quilt for him. I was a little late in getting it finished but I hope they like it:)
This weekend we are starting to pack up all of our quilts for China. I'll have an updated count soon. I think we are over 65 in total of baby and children's quilts to take with us. I am also excited because we have about 30 Crayon rolls so far to take for the older children, we'd love to take more if anyone is interested in making a few!
A Care Package for our little man....
The kids and I fixed another care package and got it sent off to our little man... The kids made a book for him of photos of our family and things they like to do.
We also sent some clothes for him as cooler weather is coming, some board books, candies for the nannies and Director and a few small toys for other children.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A New Bag!
This week I had the chance to sew a bit. I have piles of projects started, almost finished and those waiting to roll! When my friend, Marlise, visited this summer, she gave me this bag pattern. I finally whipped it up- it's quick and easy, and I LOVE IT!!!
I am also working to finish some quilts for China, small bags for the kids, some cute aprons and dresses.... someday I'll get them all done and posted!Have a great Saturday!!!!
Thank you my friend!!!
I was blessed this week to receive a gift from my friend, Terrye. She was having a give away on her blog and her little girl, Grace, drew my name! Her package arrived early in the week and has been such an encouragement! I've enjoyed many fine cups of tea in my beautiful new tea cup, the wisdom of Elizabeth George in a new book and many other wonderful things! The kids are also enjoying a trip to McDonalds today with their daddy, thanks to Terrye's daughter, Grace! Thank you my sweet, sweet friend!
I was blessed this week to receive a gift from my friend, Terrye. She was having a give away on her blog and her little girl, Grace, drew my name! Her package arrived early in the week and has been such an encouragement! I've enjoyed many fine cups of tea in my beautiful new tea cup, the wisdom of Elizabeth George in a new book and many other wonderful things! The kids are also enjoying a trip to McDonalds today with their daddy, thanks to Terrye's daughter, Grace! Thank you my sweet, sweet friend!Terrye is an amazing woman, I was blessed to "meet her" in an adoptive family yahoo group and then we were in China at the same time in 2006 bringing home our daughters! She is a Godly wife, mother and friend, whom I am very thankful for!
Blessings & thank you my friend!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering...
This morning, the news coverage brings us back to 7 years ago, a morning America will never forget... and honestly, I believe we should not forget. I like many of you, remember exactly where I was that morning. My husband was at work, I was 5 blocks away getting ready to go to a training for work when he called me and said something terrible has happened and I should turn on the news. I turned on the TV just in time to watch live and in horror as the 2nd airplane flew into the World Trade Center. Shock, numbness, horror, pain, confusion... all feelings felt that day... Then the reports of other plane attacks... the Pentagon, in a field in Pennsylvania... I went to my training that day but focusing was hard, people were quiet, trying to comprehend what had happened to our country and our people that morning. The meetings were being held at a large church in the community where we lived, soon after the last attack, Pastor Joe from the church came in and ask that everyone in the building come to the sanctuary and pray. What comfort even in the pain of our nation, to turn to our loving Heavenly Father and to allow Him to hold us tightly in His grip. There were tears, frustration, anger and questions prayed and ask that morning and many morning since... this morning, we are reminded again of the loss that day and the vivid memories and photographs, news reports and much more that followed. We left the next day for a bike trip with friends in the mountains, a group of us sat crowded in a hotel room watching the service at the National Cathedral in the following days. More questions, more prayers, and much emotion.
What do I remember the most of the images that followed 9/11... the American flag, still standing and waving as a symbol of our country. A symbol of unity and strength... the images of the flag at the world trade site and the flag unrolled over the damage at the Pentagon. A few years later, my husband, young daughter and I were visiting DC. In one of the museum entries, the Pentagon flag hung, still worn and showing the stains from the days that followed, yet in it's glory and pain, it still drew us together.
So today I want to remember and not forget, brave men and woman who lost their lives that day, they gave their lives that day doing their job... working to save others. And today, I say "thank you" to the men, women and families that continue to fight and take a stand for our freedom in the United States Military, willing to give their lives for our freedom. Our family is blessed by many friendships that ties us to those who serve us and have served us in the past, and today we say thank you for their willingness to serve.
I also want to encourage you today to tell serve people thank you when you see them, even if they are someone you don't know. Your words make a difference! In march, our family had the opportunity to visit our capital. The little ones and I got a "special tour" because they were so young thanks to a staffer in our Senator's office. If you ask our 5 year old what she remembers most about they day, she will tell you 2 things... getting to stand on the British Staircase (part of the original building left after it was burned by the British) and walking down the hall and hearing people starting to clap and say thank you, stepping aside and clearing the center of the hall way... why? Because own the hallway came "brave men and women," a few of them in wheel chairs, some on crutches and others walking, all service people who had paid great prices in Iraq and Afghanistan taking a stand for freedom. I stood there that day with tears in my eyes, knowing that one of them could easily have been one of our friends, willing to serve. As we joined the echo of thank yous in the hall, it again reminded me to remember and not forget the cost when I enjoy the freedom...
In remember, I will not forget the words of our Heavenly Father as well. A loving Father who was willing to give his son as a sacrifice for our ultimate and eternal freedom...
This morning, the news coverage brings us back to 7 years ago, a morning America will never forget... and honestly, I believe we should not forget. I like many of you, remember exactly where I was that morning. My husband was at work, I was 5 blocks away getting ready to go to a training for work when he called me and said something terrible has happened and I should turn on the news. I turned on the TV just in time to watch live and in horror as the 2nd airplane flew into the World Trade Center. Shock, numbness, horror, pain, confusion... all feelings felt that day... Then the reports of other plane attacks... the Pentagon, in a field in Pennsylvania... I went to my training that day but focusing was hard, people were quiet, trying to comprehend what had happened to our country and our people that morning. The meetings were being held at a large church in the community where we lived, soon after the last attack, Pastor Joe from the church came in and ask that everyone in the building come to the sanctuary and pray. What comfort even in the pain of our nation, to turn to our loving Heavenly Father and to allow Him to hold us tightly in His grip. There were tears, frustration, anger and questions prayed and ask that morning and many morning since... this morning, we are reminded again of the loss that day and the vivid memories and photographs, news reports and much more that followed. We left the next day for a bike trip with friends in the mountains, a group of us sat crowded in a hotel room watching the service at the National Cathedral in the following days. More questions, more prayers, and much emotion.
What do I remember the most of the images that followed 9/11... the American flag, still standing and waving as a symbol of our country. A symbol of unity and strength... the images of the flag at the world trade site and the flag unrolled over the damage at the Pentagon. A few years later, my husband, young daughter and I were visiting DC. In one of the museum entries, the Pentagon flag hung, still worn and showing the stains from the days that followed, yet in it's glory and pain, it still drew us together.
So today I want to remember and not forget, brave men and woman who lost their lives that day, they gave their lives that day doing their job... working to save others. And today, I say "thank you" to the men, women and families that continue to fight and take a stand for our freedom in the United States Military, willing to give their lives for our freedom. Our family is blessed by many friendships that ties us to those who serve us and have served us in the past, and today we say thank you for their willingness to serve.
I also want to encourage you today to tell serve people thank you when you see them, even if they are someone you don't know. Your words make a difference! In march, our family had the opportunity to visit our capital. The little ones and I got a "special tour" because they were so young thanks to a staffer in our Senator's office. If you ask our 5 year old what she remembers most about they day, she will tell you 2 things... getting to stand on the British Staircase (part of the original building left after it was burned by the British) and walking down the hall and hearing people starting to clap and say thank you, stepping aside and clearing the center of the hall way... why? Because own the hallway came "brave men and women," a few of them in wheel chairs, some on crutches and others walking, all service people who had paid great prices in Iraq and Afghanistan taking a stand for freedom. I stood there that day with tears in my eyes, knowing that one of them could easily have been one of our friends, willing to serve. As we joined the echo of thank yous in the hall, it again reminded me to remember and not forget the cost when I enjoy the freedom...
In remember, I will not forget the words of our Heavenly Father as well. A loving Father who was willing to give his son as a sacrifice for our ultimate and eternal freedom...
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Thank you my friends, for serving our country faithfully. Today, you are in our prayers.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Hope...
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
Day 133... still waiting for paperwork to bring Nate home... praying it comes soon... and holding tight to His promises... that someday, we will be a family of 6 together, not divided by oceans, miles, mountains and more...
Monday, September 08, 2008
FOR TODAY, September 8, 2008Outside My Window... It's a cool September morning, green after the last couple weeks of extra rain which is unusual for our part of the country.
I am thinking... Of my sweet little boy waiting for his family to come.
I am thankful for... My family here at home, that I can school my children and make memories with them each day, good books to read and playing in the park
From the kitchen... Banana Bread my hubby made last night
I am wearing... Grey long sleeved t-shirts and tan pants
I am creating... Passport bags for our next trip
I am going... to dance lessons tonight for our daughter to start a new year
I am reading... my Bible study on the book of Psalms
I am hoping... smiles and laughter this morning, lots of hugs and kisses
I am hearing... the hum of the fan bringing the cool fall air into the house, the children are still resting
Around the house... Laundry to be folded, rooms to be picked up and beds to be made, the school room waiting for us to enter and begin
One of my favorite things... fall, cool weather, sweatshirt and walks with my family
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: dance lessons, piano lessons, school, a meeting at church, sign language lessons, library days & storytime starting, grocery shopping, to the teachers work center to make fun things for school and hopefully into the eye doctor & a ww meeting
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
One of my favorite places in China... looking forward to visiting again, hopefully soon!
Read more "Daybooks today over at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.
One of my favorite places in China... looking forward to visiting again, hopefully soon!Read more "Daybooks today over at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
"The Spa Treatment..."
This summer, our good friends visited us for a few days before they headed to the mission field. Joanna left me a few special items that she knew she wasn't going to be able to take with her. Stop by their blog and check out their adventures while they are attending Training in the South Pacific!!! They are awesome!
I have been saving it for a special time to enjoy... as you know, my dear husband is training for a marathon in October, he's running on a charity team to raise money to help with foster care programs in China with Love Without Boundaries. Running lots of miles can do a number on your feet... so guess who's feet have gotten my spa treatment....
Ok... he deserves it!!! ps... Joanna, he reports that this stuff is awesome! THANK YOU!!!!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Our little guy turned 3 today!!!
It is amazing how time flies! It's hard to believe that 3 years ago tonight, we sat dazed and a bit overwhelmed in the NICU in Lubbock, Texas, after the day's events... Eli's sudden delivery (didn't make it to the hospital), him not breathing well (transferred from the small rural hospital he was taken to after delivery to a major medical center and put on the ventilator) and reality for me of having just had a baby! Overwhelmed, but blessed! We really don't have any "birthday" photos of our little guy and the ones we have of those first few weeks in the NICU are not that cute- tubes everywhere, vent, etc., the one below was when we got to hold him for the first time after he had come off the Vent and you could see his sweet face... How gracious our Heavenly Father was that day and continues to be as we celebrated today!
Eli loves horses and his red cowboy boots- he would wear them to bed every night if we would let him. When we ask Eli who he wanted to have for his birthday, he said; "I want to share my cake with Pastor Stan!" I invited Pastor Stan and his wife to come have cake for Eli's birthday and Pastor Stan ask if Eli would like to go riding today. What a treat! Eli was excited that he got to ride on Gorgeous George today!
We headed home for supper- spaghetti (Eli's favorite,) followed by chocolate, chocolate chip cake with chocolate fudge frosting complete with horses on top! (yes, our boy LOVES chocolate!)
Eli got his first bicycle today! He was so excited, he just learned how to pedal in the last two weeks. After supper, we headed out for a walk and Eli got to ride his new bike!
A trip down memory lane... Eli's 2nd Birthday
Eli's 1st Birthday
Eli's homecoming after his NICU stay, Lenna holding him for the first time...
Eli's 1st Birthday
Eli's homecoming after his NICU stay, Lenna holding him for the first time...
How blessed we are that God has given us amazing children to parent. How thankful I am for each one of them.... especially today for Eli...
Happy 3rd Birthday Cowboy! We love you!!!!
Cuteness...
I have finished a couple of the animals from the book "Tiny Yarn Animals." Overall, I am happy with them (especially since I haven't crocheted in years! My kids love them and keep picking out new patterns for me to try:) We are making our own little zoo to take with us when we travel.
I have finished a couple of the animals from the book "Tiny Yarn Animals." Overall, I am happy with them (especially since I haven't crocheted in years! My kids love them and keep picking out new patterns for me to try:) We are making our own little zoo to take with us when we travel.
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