One More Ladybug

How He Loves Us

2012-01-27T16:54:00.002-06:00

I love this song...
and it speaks volumes to me right now!

Happy Birthday Daddy-O!

2012-01-27T15:55:00.000-06:00

Tuesday night we celebrated Daddy's birthday.
Thank you, Honey, for being such a godly husband, father and leader...

...I couldn't do this without you!

*I'm embarrassed to post pictures because my camera is getting worse and worse. Mama needs a new camera *grin*

Salt 'n Pepper

2012-01-25T07:54:00.000-06:00

Something’s been rolling around in my heart lately.

Why is it so hard to be salt in this broken world?

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

What’s the purpose of salt? It’s to flavor and season. It should change the thing it’s placed upon, making it come to life!

Such is Jesus’ affirmation to us as salt. If our Christian walk has no flavor, if we blend in with the world, we are of no value. But no matter how radically independent we are, most of us have some desire to fit in. Especially when the goin’ gets tough.

Radically following Jesus can be so l.o.n.e.l.y.

So how do we pepper our faith with perspective?

In my flesh, I struggle to NOT view situations only in the present. The present is all I know. But if I truly trust God’s sovereignty (and I do), then I realize that He knows what is for my good and for His glory.

I don’t have to know about tomorrow, and I certainly don’t have to worry about it. I only need to seek Him in prayer and immerse myself in His Word.

I often think of Paul and the amazing transformation Jesus made in his life…and his desire to never turn back no.matter.what.

And sometimes I think of Peter after stepping out of the boat, walking toward Jesus when reality hits him, “Lord, save me!” That's where I'm at now. I just need Him to take my hand - no, pick me up and carry me through some days.

I really want to be radically transformed and radically dependant. Even when it brings loneliness and criticism.

I’m a long way from that, but in Paul’s words, “…if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Lord Jesus, please help me to be the salt of my environment, and pepper my walk with eternal perspective so that I may joyfully testify of your grace.

Dragons, Dragons and More Dragons

2012-01-24T08:06:00.000-06:00

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy New Year (of the Dragon)

Look at this awesome cake!

(Thanks, James and Amy)

Wake up, Kennah!

Two ornery critters!

Bubbles!

Motley Krew!

Stand still, ya'll :) Where's Kayden????

WE HAD A BLAST! THANK YOU, PAIGE, FOR ARRANGING ANOTHER AWESOME EVENT!

B90X ~ Week 4 Already!

2012-01-22T14:52:00.000-06:00

Can you believe we've been reading for 3 solid weeks already?

Here's this week's reading plan:

January 23 - January 29

Mon, Jan 23 ~ 1 Sam 28:20 - 2 Sam 12:10

Tues, Jan 24 ~ 2 Sam 12:11 - 2 Sam 22:18

Wed, Jan 25 ~ 2 Sam 22:19 - 1 Kgs 7:37

Thurs, Jan 26 ~ 1 Kgs 7:38 - 1 Kgs 16:20

Fri, Jan 27 ~ 1 Kgs 16:21 - 2 Kgs 4:37

Sat, Jan 28 ~ 2 Kgs 4:38 - 2 Kgs 15:26

Sun, Jan 29 ~ 2 Kgs 15:27 - 2 Kgs 25:30

Getting My Groove On

2012-01-21T14:21:00.000-06:00

S.l.o.w.l.y. but surely I'm getting my groove in school.

I've come to realize that every spare minute ~~that I'm not preparing a meal, doing laundry, going to work, changing diapers, watching a ball game or~~ ~~checking kids' homework~~ needs to be spent reading, completing assignments, taking quizzes, assembling power points and writing papers.

So far, so good!

I actually love school, and although I never knew what it was called until now, I've finally found what I want to do the rest of my working life! How I wish I only had 45 hours to complete, instead of 70...

Oops!!!!

2012-01-20T18:07:00.002-06:00

If you're following the B90X reading plan, you've probably seen my faux pas!

What looked like Isaiah was actually supposed to be 1 Samuel! We really weren't reading from Judges to Isaiah in one day :) Thank you for pointing this out!

~I guess that's what happens when I fail to use my reading glasses~

Mama's Home!

2012-01-19T18:43:00.000-06:00

After two weeks of school, three major medical appointments, and a rush job...I love greetings like this!

Actually, I love greetings like this ALL the time!

Pint-Sized Trooper!

2012-01-18T06:44:00.000-06:00

Even though I asked ya'll to pray for our Kennah girl's surgery, it has been brought to my attention that I failed to report the outcome - so sorry!

She did fantastic!

Our tiny girl has lots of visible issues with her teeth due to her cleft lip and palate, but her pediatric dentist also identified other not-so-visible issues, recommending admission to the hospital for surgery under general anesthesia.

Dr. K told us the surgery would last an hour and a half and she'd take care of 'everything, including any previously undiagnosed problems.' Sure enough, Kennah had an abscessed tooth that needed removed, as well as four cavities filled and four teeth capped.

Occasionally she would point to her mouth as if in pain, but not what I'd consider, "I-have-a-throbbing-tooth-that-needs-to-come-out" kind of pain. I'm telling you, she's a trooper! And now she feels better!

On Friday, Kennah and Kinley will visit the cleft clinic at OU Children's, and I'm sure we'll be scheduling further appointments.

Thank You!

2012-01-17T18:43:00.002-06:00

Please accept my THANKS for your comments, emails, text messages and phone calls of encouragement!
I love sharing my heart in this little slice of bloggyland, and I never intend to turn it into a pity party.
Sometimes I share the ugly side so I can show you the up side, thanks to the Lord!
But ya'll have encouraged me SO much!
Thank you!!!! <3

This is how my heart feels most of the time...
...even when my body feels like this - lol!

May the LORD bless you abundantly!!!!!

Confessions of a Frazzled Mom

2012-01-16T09:03:00.000-06:00

Just to dispel any myths of me being a SuperMom, let me set the record straight. ~~(But don't tell my kids!)~~

Yesterday hit me hard. I mean, like a rock! You know how the first week of almost anything is awful? I was ready to quit school, quit my job, just quit!

I began to doubt, blame and criticize myself. I even invited friends to my pity party. Thank you, Lori, April and Diane, for giving me perspective. Thanks for reminding me who I am in the Lord. Thanks for not telling me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.

As I'm reading through the Bible in 90 days, I often mutter, "You silly Israelites! Can't you see what the Lord has done for you? Don't you remember what He did for you just yesterday?"

So I guess I'm a 'silly Israelite'. How quickly I forget all He has done for me. In times of struggle how easily I let the enemy have his way.

In the midst of chaos, how much I want control, only to realize it is not mine to have.

So this is me....And this is mine... *some clothing may have been removed to reveal the baskets underneath*

And that's not likely to change anytime soon! So I can either complain about it or embrace it, change the things I can change and make the best of what I can't change.

I was ready to quit school and just accept the status quo. After all, at least I have a job, right? Over 22 years ago the Lord built my court reporting business, and I've been self-employed all this time. But I've been searching for something different ... more stable... more meaningful. My passion is not court reporting; it is adoption and families. And since we are a farming family and have so many young'uns, I will likely be working for a very long time, so why not work for my passion?!?

To my fellow reporters and clients, please don't write me off yet because I will continue to work until I am employed as a social worker...and that won't happen till I have a license...and that won't happen till I have a bachelor's degree...and that won't happen till I pull up my big girl panties and do this thing!

Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. In fact, He promised quite the opposite. In this fallen world it's so hard to accept and apply that truth. My faith challenges me daily as I'm in the classroom. Yes, even in a small university in the Bible belt, there is a temptation to check my faith at the door. I'm determined not to allow that. I will have to set aside my personal feelings as a social worker to meet the needs of others....but I will never have to compromise the faith which defines me or the God who created me... for His purposes *how easy it is to forget why I'm here*.

So, if you're feeling battered by the brokenness of this world, beaten down by the enemy, please remember the Source of all good things! He is the Victor!!!!!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

B90X ~ Week 3 Reading Plan!

2012-01-15T16:37:00.000-06:00

Week 3 ~ January 16 - 22

Monday, Jan 16 ~ Deut 23:12 - Deut 34:12

Tuesday, Jan 17 ~ Jos 1:1 - Jos 14:15

Wednesday, Jan 18 ~ Jos 15:1 - Jdg 3:27

Thursday, Jan 19 ~ Jdg 3:28 - Jdg 15:12

Friday, Jan 20 ~ Jdg 15:13 - Isa 2:29

Saturday, Jan 21 ~ Isa 2:30 - Isa 15:35

Sunday, Jan 22 ~ Isa 16:1 - Isa 28:19

Hope the Lord is speaking to you as you read. If I can pray anything specific or encourage you in any way, please let me know!

This girl!

2012-01-11T23:35:00.003-06:00

She's come a long way! We've always seen the ornery side of her, and now we're seeing her silly side. She is blossoming...all 27.6 pounds of her!
Tomorrow morning she's having dental surgery, and I wonder if the Lord places our Kennah Janae on your heart, would you please pray for her?
Surgery is scheduled at 9 CST, for 1.5 hours, and the dentist will x-ray, fill five cavities..."and whatever else needs to be done."
She's had two prior surgeries for CL/CP, but I'm afraid there wasn't anybody there for her, so we pray she will know that her mama and daddy are waiting to comfort her.

Between Sisters ~ video

2012-01-11T12:15:00.004-06:00

Kenzie took a video of this conversation between Kasidi and herself :)

In Case You Missed It...

2012-01-10T16:54:00.002-06:00

This is my son, Kuyler's, comment to my recent post Heartbeat ~ Heartache.
I'm so proud of the way the Lord is growing him... and his dad and I take no credit for that! He teaches us a LOT! He sees our reality when he comes home from college; he sees how very imperfect we are; he sees where we miss the mark. Thank you, son, for loving the Lord with your life!

Mom,Thank you for being open and honest. I love you and respect your initiative in response to God's initiative in your life. I see by your fruit that God is using you. You are so right that we should ask questions and turn to others who have been there. However, I would encourage families who read this blog, as my mother has stated before, to TURN. TO. GOD. The responsibility to which you have been assigned is not a light one.

I love my mother because she loves Christ. I know that she DOES NOT take lightly the responsibility of raising children. The only one who has the power, the love, the will, the time, the grace to save families and guide them in righteousness is GOD.

And when I say "God", I don't mean the distant, unpersonal, merely observing God. I'm talking about the One who wrote the Book on Love. The example of all fathers. The helper of the godly man. The teacher for dads. The only one who knows how to change hearts. Because, just as the verse which my mom posted clearly states, it is not a battle of mere flesh. It is a battle of the spirit and one of massive proportions.

Don't buy the lie that if everyone in your family is happy, then it's okay. You couldn't be more wrong. God disciplines His children. Why? Because He loves them. As fathers discipline their children under the guidance of the Father, children will be offended and scared and confused. The only worthy goal that a father and husband can take on is to speak truth into his children's lives.

Doctors, meds, psychs, other families don't save lost and broken children. God saves them. He has prepared the good works for us to walk in. Therefore, WALK IN THEM. TRUST THE LORD. He wrote the Book. He knows what it means. He knows how that child's life lines up with the truth.

I firmly believe that God has used my mother and father to pull me to Himself. THAT is the job of the father and mother. To walk in the good works that God has prepared and make much of what He has given. Christ paid for you. Christ paid for your children. Does Christ not deserve the reward of His suffering. GIVE YOUR CHILDREN TO THE LORD!!!
Sincerely,Kuyler Johnson

B90X ~ Week 2!

2012-01-08T14:09:00.002-06:00

Here we go, into week 2!
I pray you've gotten into a routine by now.
Please let me know if there is anything specific I can pray for you!
LET'S READ!!!

Monday, Jan 9 ~ Lev 1:1 - Lev 14:32
Tuesday, Jan 10 ~ Lev 14:33 - Lev 26:26
Wednesday, Jan 11 ~ Lev 26:27 - Num 8:14
Thursday, Jan 12 ~ Num 8:15 - Num 21:7
Friday, Jan 13 ~ Num 21:8 - Num 32:19
Saturday, Jan 14 ~ Num 32:20 - Deut 7:26
Sunday, Jan 15 ~ Deut 8:1 - Deut 23:11

He's 16!

2012-01-08T09:59:00.003-06:00

It's official ~ I have two 16-year-old boys! (ya'll pray for me, ya' hear!) My camera battery died so we resorted to the phone for a quick pic...Kooper turns 16 today, but ~~being the Mama-who-stays-ahead-of-the-game, (not!)~~ we celebrated yesterday!
Thank you for all the FB birthday wishes ~ they've been shared with him and really made him smile!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON!

Heartbeat ~ Heartache?

2012-01-04T21:11:00.000-06:00

Goodness, my heart has been stirring towrite this post for a while now. But it’sdifficult to express..and it may not be received well. This is not a post encouraging you toadopt. In fact, it may do just the opposite (although I hopenot!).

Every week I receive comments and/oremails from families inquiring about older child adoption. My silent response is, “If you want the rosyversion, read the blog. If you want thetruth, I will share it privately.”

I actually prefer prospective adoptive parents to ask me specific questions. That way I can answer directly withoutsharing too little or too much.

Let me first say, loud and clear, that if God is calling you to do something, DO IT! It doesn’t matter how big the obstacles appear, how wide the gap betweenyou and your calling, how strange or untimely it appears, how many nay-sayersyou encounter (and you WILL encounterthem), if God is calling you to put your faith into action and you don’t do it,quite simply, you are disobedient.

In all honesty, with each of ouradoptions I was not nearly as frightened by the needs of our children as I wasthe prospect of disobedience. Andanother truth ~ had we known the demons that plague our Teen Treasure, I’m notsure we would have followed through. Sad, isn’t it? That leaves noroom for faith…or redemption.

But that’s one of the things about God’samazing plans ~ they are so much bigger than we can imagine that we wouldsimply fail without Him! And thetestimony of His faithfulness and the way He instantaneously touched my heartfor aging-out kiddos has been a game changer for me. In those moments when I am so weary I don’tthink I can put one foot in front of the other, He whispers, “Remember Me. Remember that NO THING is impossible for Me. Remember that I brought you $21,000 in oneevening just weeks before you traveled. Remember that I provided over $47,000 in 9 months to bring home two moreTreasures.”

Why? Not because of who I am, but because He loves the orphan; He loves thefamily; His Love made a way for no one to perish; and His plan is redemption.

Ya’ll know that my heart beats for theorphan. I love the redeeming plan thatGod has to bring beauty from ashes in the lives of some of the most desperatechildren. To be honest, I would love to adoptagain (don’t lose sleep over that one, Mom J) But like I said, this is not a postencouraging you to adopt.

We in the adoption community (myselfincluded) typically advocate for children. That’s one way we can love the orphan. And lately our attention has been drawn to many older children,especially those near aging out. Infact, around Christmas time we say things like, “All they want for Christmas isa family.” Or we plead with families whoare near travel to consider rushing the paperwork to bring home a child who isrunning out of time. And that’s okay…ifthat’s what God is asking you to do. It’snot okay if it’s an emotional decision made to ‘save’ a child just in the nickof time.

If your family is considering adopting anolder child, I am urging you to make every effort to prepare yourselves. We have no crystal ball; we have no way ofknowing the child’s true personality or how they will respond to the dynamicsof our family. We don’t even know if theinformation we’ve been given is accurate. Our Teen Treasure was reported as “artistic.” Hmmmmm. He draws stick figures just like his Mama.

I’m not necessarily talking aboutstocking your shelves with countless books. I would suggest getting to know families who have taken this journeybefore you. Get a variety ofscenarios. Heaven forbid, ask youragency to tell you about problems they’ve encountered with older childrenacculturating, reasons for families disrupting and resources families havefound helpful in times of struggle. Ofcourse, ask for the good stuff too, because it does exist!

I’m afraid we give the impression thatthese children will be so grateful for a family that they will quickly settlein …and live happily ever after. I knowfamilies who have had seemingly fairy tale adoption experiences with teens, andthen I know families who are struggling. “Family in crisis” is how it is written into a homestudy.

There are so many reasons a family may bein crisis. Shell shock, lack of preparation,mis or undiagnosed medical needs, lack of resources. The last is a biggie! When a family is ‘in crisis,’ shouldn’t therebe somewhere to turn? Someone withanswers? Oh, contraire! What do we do? We turn to one another! We share our struggles, our triumphs, ourprayers, our tears.

But did you know that if you call a teenheartline you will likely be put on hold? Seriously! You finally get up thenerve to seek help, putting aside all fear that someone will blame you, and youget, “All our representatives are busy with other clients. Please stay on the line and your call will beanswered in the order in which it was received.” Never mind. I’m probably just imagining this happened anyway. I’m probably blowing it out of proportion.

Sometimes adopting an older child is really like bringing home 3 or 4 different children ~ a certain emotional age; a different biological age; an even different intellectual age. And they often act very differently outside the home. Perhaps the child is apathetic at home but superficially charming and engaging in groups. This in itself can be exhausting.

Did you know if you seek respite, youwill likely get the well-meaning, “Oh, she is so precious. He loves his siblings so much. She’s so proud to have you as parents. He’s a perfect angel. She’s so helpful; I didn’t even have to ask.” It’s just another slam to your alreadyfragile perspective. Another slap inyour tear-stained face.

Please hear my heart. Not every situation is like this, praise theLord! And again, I stand firm in mybelief that there is NO THING and NO ONE beyond God’s redemption!

The truth is, many of our children comewith lifelong baggage stacked one layer after another as a result ofinstitutionalization. They are forcednot only to acculturate from their birth country, but also from theinstitution, which by the way, is really nothing like ‘typical’ family life.

They have learned so many survival andadaptive behaviors, it can take a lifetime to turn fear into trust. Yet, we don’t have a lifetime. We have 6 years? 4? 2? We must be prepared for a bumpy ride. It will serve us best if we are prepared tocast our desires and dreams aside, laying it all down for the sake of thischild.

Despite what we might think,bringing home a teen is not like having a ready-made helper around the house J Or even a babysitter. It’s more like having an infant who needs ourfull attention…except they are too big for us to swaddle and rock in the midstof their fits of rage. And even whenthey barely know English they seem to know the words that hurt the most.

In many cases it’s especially hard for usMamas because God made us to love and nurture. We don’t like rejection, especially from our children. We have dreams of this precious childcleaving to us as if they’d been entrusted to our care forever. Teens are naturally becomingindependent. It’s God’s design. They are not seeking approval of parents as muchas approval of peers. In fact, weparents are pretty doggone stupid by the time our kids are 12 or 13 J And so we’ve entered their lives at a time ofnatural transition, and yet it’s so important for bonding and attachment tooccur with the family. It’s completelycontradictory, but somehow we have to fight nature and make this unnaturalthing happen!

And what happens if our Treasure becomesviolent, aggressive or promiscuous? Betcha didn’t see that in the referral info. It can be a costly endeavor. But really, how much is a life worth?

Okay, enough reality. Again, if the Lord is leading you to adopt anolder child, there is nothing that should stop you. No horror story, no fear of the unknown, nohurtful words of discouragement (oh, that’s the enemy himself!), should keepyou from following through with God’s amazing plans!

So what can we do?

First, we can alter ourexpectations. Chances are good this ain’tno fairy tale. But it can be a time ofgrowth! It’s in these challenging timeswith no answers that we are forced to turn to the One with ALL the answers, theOne who doles out grace unending, Whose strength is unsurpassable, Whose Loveis immeasurable…and Who allows us to see ourselves in the mirror each time ourchild rejects us to the core. We mustkeep our expectations low and our hopes high.

We can strive for simplicity. Keeping a routine without a ton ofextracurricular activities and commitments is so important. I’m not suggesting that life stops here! Some things just may need to hit thebackburner for a while.

As I said before, it’s helpful to have relationshipswith families who have Been There Done That. We can glean so much from their experiences and their advice. It’s so much more helpful to seek out thetruth rather than what we want to hear. I love it when my confidantes hold me accountable to ‘do what Jesus did,’which is love even the unlovely.

Keep perspective! Chances are, a season of struggle will notlast forever. As I’m whining to theLord, I’m often given a glimpse of others who have much deeper struggles.

Bookmark resources! If you’re in the middle of a battle with yournew addition and you have no clue how to respond, surfing the net for that oneapplicable morsel of truth you read somewhere, sometime will only add to yourfrustration. If you find something good,keep it, mark it, print it, whatever you need to do. And if caught off guard, you can always calla time-out! After all, you’re theboss-mom, right?!? I really appreciateKaryn Purvis’ resources!

Pray…and often! Iremember the early days when I’d ask the Lord, “Please give us a good day.” That’s laughable now. Soon my prayers changed to, “Lord, no matterwhat today brings, please give me the grace to respond in a way that glorifiesYou.” Ahem…I don’t always do that, justfor the record.

Every child deserves a family! But they deserve a good family. Not a perfect one, but one willing to makechanges to help them through the most difficult transition of their lives. We owe it to our children to approach theirhomecoming in prayer and with preparation. And we must remember that we were created notfor ourselves, but for His purposes.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect inweakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

For our struggle isnot against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evilin the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12

I will give you a newheart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove your heart of stone and giveyou a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

B90X, Here We Go! update

2012-01-04T11:28:00.000-06:00

*Oh my word! I keep getting messages that more of ya'll are challenged to read through the Bible in 90 days, and I'm just so excited that we are united in delving into the Word!

I don't know about ya'll, but I sure need this intense dose of Truth right now! If you need encouragement or prayer, please don't hesitate to ask. That's one of the cool things about doing this together!

The weekly reading schedule will be posted every Sunday, and if you're just getting started, you will find this week's schedule at the bottom of this post.

Oh, and if you're interested in corresponding via text about our reading, please message me on FB (Connie Darnell Johnson) so we can exchange numbers!*

I'm so excited some of ya'll are going to join me in reading the Bible through in 90 days!

There's still time to join in!

Since we start tomorrow, just a few notes of encouragement ~

Don't be scared!

Go into it with an "I can do this" attitude!

Don't get discouraged or give up if you get behind!

Plan for at least 45 minutes of reading per day (sometimes it takes me an hour).

Remember, this is not a Bible study; it's a reading plan. It's a lot to absorb, but it does soak in!

Ask for accountability and/or prayer.

I'm one of those annoying morning people, and I love to start my day in the Word, in prayer and then on the treadmill....however, in the wintertime I tend to snuggle up to read and it's easy to get drowsy so I'm gonna change it up a bit. I'm going to hit the treadmill first just to get my blood flowing :) That's just something I think will work for me. When I'm drowsy it's so hard to sit and read for long.

Last January I started the 90 day reading plan while we were knee deep in paperwork and full-time fundraising to bring our Treasures home, so I know how busy we all are. But this is truly an amazing adventure that's worth our time, and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Each Sunday I will post the week's reading plan so you will have it at your fingertips.

So, Leveta, Shelley, Traci, Jennifer, Robin, Jennifer, Suzie, Tina, Jodi, Laurel, Sarah, Ginna, Debbie, Leona, Raegan and anyone else who wants to join in, let's read!

Reading Plan for Week 1 ~ Jan 2 through Jan 8:

Day 1 (Mon) ~ Gen 1:1 - Gen 16:16

Day 2 (Tues) ~ Gen 17:1 - Gen 28:19

Day 3 (Wed) ~ Gen 28:20 - Gen 40:11

Day 4 (Thur) ~ Gen 40:12 - Gen 50:26

Day 5 (Fri) ~ Ex 1:1 - Ex 15:18

Day 6 (Sat) ~ Ex 15:19 - Ex 28:43

Day 7 (Sun) ~ Ex 29:1 - Ex 40:38

YOU CAN DO THIS!

It's Here!

2012-01-01T06:42:00.003-06:00

A new year!
A fresh start.
365 days of unopened gifts packed with opportunities!
I don't want to miss one of them.
I want to live out the dreams God has placed in my heart!

And that includes reading my Bible through in 90 days.
I love the 90-day plan. It gives context to the reading. It brings the Truth to life. And it's completely doable!
The plan starts tomorrow, and if you want to join me, leave a comment and I'll share how you can do it too!

Praying we all approach this new year with expectation and it surpasses our wildest dreams!

B90X, here we come!!!!

What Goes Up...

2011-12-29T20:23:00.002-06:00

...must come down!

Because we have much better things for that corner!

Thank goodness, the dust-collecting decorations are back in the attic:)

Is It Time for School Yet???

2011-12-28T11:59:00.000-06:00

These monkeys are having a blast...

...but I think the big kids are getting bored.

I try to keep them busy, but they resist the chores I give them :)

Kuyler went back to Norman today. After four and a half years of him leaving for college...it still makes me sad when he goes.

His classes don't start till mid January, but he recently started working at a gym and is taking clients for personal training. I guess he's livin' in the real world now :(

Christmas in Pix... and CHANGE!

2011-12-26T18:50:00.000-06:00

This year Christmas was so fun and so full of surprises!

It's no secret I waited till the very last minute to shop, for multiple reasons.

But it all worked out just fine.

We've been giving three gifts for a while now, representing the gifts given to Jesus.

This year we changed it up a bit.

Everybody still gets three gifts ~ something they want, something they need and something to give.

I barely got the two gifts each, but me and Amazon have this thing and ...well, everything arrived by the 24th ;-)

This week we will go shopping together for the gifts the kids have chosen to give.

This is one of the gifts Kenzie chose for our 'dirty santa' drawings...which she strategically entered into the one she would surely claim and bring it home - which she did!

The girls made a gingerbread house which Kambry ultimately snacked on throughout the week.

We enjoyed noodle lunches, ~~mostly as a result of Mom's procrastination.~~
Kuyler came home! They really were excited, despite the I-need-a-nap expressions.

Friday evening we had a huge surprise!!! Santa and two of his helpers showed up!

This was such a huge blessing!!!!

Everybody from the biggest to the littlest had gifts personally chosen for them!

There were even sweet treats for the Sweets!
And these adorable outfits sported by all the girls on Christmas Eve!Even the Personal Trainer in the family gave Santa a hug.
That was Friday.
On Christmas Eve we baked our traditional sugar cookies.

Dad clowned around, as usual :)
We hosted my brothers' families and Grandma. What a blast!
Hello Kitty with a twist.
Words not necessary ;-)
Then Christmas morning...

the kids slept in and literally had to be woke up so we could make our next destination.

Some of them would've preferred to stay in bed...

But me...boy, was I surprised! Blown away really! I knew something was up, but I had no idea it was this big. Dad and the Krew presented me with a double-decker gift. The box on top contained cherry chocolates...and under them was... a book??? Enter confusion...
...but then I opened the book and found this! They got me a Kindle Fire!!!!!! I LOVE to read!!! This family of mine really spoils me! (Kuyler and Kenzie spent 30 minutes cutting this out)

The littlest girls have been cooking up a storm since receiving this! I'm off duty - ha!
And the kids were all benefactors of each others' creative shopping...Just what he needs!

What could it be?Adorable!!!Then we got a herd of kids ready and drove to Norman to celebrate CHRISTmas with my aunts and cousins.
And this is how the story ended...
What's the CHANGE I've referred to?

Ya'll have made me giggle with your speculation. And to be honest, adoption is always on our hearts. We have no idea what the Lord has in store for our family, but our prayer is that we would always respond with "YES"!

But we have other plans for the immediate future. On January 9th I will return to college! I'm stoked...and maybe a little nervous.

I'm enrolled in 13 hours this semester toward a degree in social work.

The recruitment office worked tirelessly to get a plan put together over the past few weeks so I could start in January.

For several months I've been asking the Lord to reveal a new 'career' to me. I've been a freelance court reporter for 22 years, and I've enjoyed it. But I feel it's time to move on. I will continue to work as much as possible with my school schedule, and I'm not sure when I'll actually attain my degree, but I plan to take classes full time until I'm finished, Lord willing.

I could probably use your prayers :) No, I could really use your prayers! I don't want to neglect my duties as a wife and mama.

So that's it, that's the change. I'm looking forward to big things from my big GOD!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T12:14:00.000-06:00

I am especially humbled this Christmas as we have received many surprise blessings and as I look at my tiny living room FULL of children. God is so very good, and I praise HIM for what He has done and for what He is going to do in 2012!
Thank you, Jesus for blessing us with our newest Treasures!

Change!

2011-12-23T06:47:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited about things God is doing in our family!
Yep, things are gonna change in these here parts.
But it all starts in 2012.
And right now, I want to focus on the Reason for the season ~ Jesus!

Going to China!

2011-12-22T08:57:00.000-06:00

God is so good!

This afternoon Mandi will board a plane for China, and she will meet Kalia on Christmas day!

We have watched God miraculously provide all this family needs, seemingly at the last minute.

It's been a test of faith, and I'm so glad the Yager family accepted the challenge and moved forward.

Thank you to everyone who gave!

The dollars contributed to the Chip-In on this blog have been forwarded to the family.

Thank you to my amazing friends at Oklahoma Hearts for Adoption!

This Christmas there will be One Less orphan ~ and that pleases God!!!!

You can follow their journey here.

Immediate Help for Yager Family!!!

2011-12-19T08:09:00.001-06:00

The Yagers have all the approvals required to fly to China this Friday, December 23rd! However, they must book flights today and are still short $5,500. They have worked hard for the past 16 months and have prayed even harder. Without the additional $5,500 they can't leave this Friday, meaning they WILL NOT meet Kalia on Christmas Day and travel will be delayed until the funds are in hand.
We know the Lord's timing is perfect and His provision is boundless!
Maybe He wants to give us an opportunity to search our hearts and choose to respond to this need.
Will you please prayerfully consider helping Matt and Mandi bring Kalia home for Christmas?
You can check out their blog at http://mattmandi.blogspot.com

God bless you!!!

Help Needed!

2011-12-18T17:17:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I posted about my friend Mandi's fundraiser to bring her daughter Kalia home from China.
You responded!

They now have TA...and CA...and leave next Friday! That's right, two days before Christmas!
But they are still thousands of dollars short and will not be able to travel without the funds to do so.

I know what that feels like. But I also know that nothing is too big for God! At what seemed to us the very last minute, but was in His perfect time, He provided all we needed, and I trust He will do the same for Mandi.

She is still holding the i-Pad fundraiser till tomorrow. Even though she chip-in says the goal is reached, there are still funds needed.

Will you please pray for this precious family and ask the Lord what He would have you do to help them get Kalia home?
The fundraiser ends tomorrow!
Please go check it out!

Three and Counting!

2011-12-18T16:52:00.001-06:00

3.6, to be exact! That's how many pounds Kennah has gained since she's been home.
She's as ornery as ever :)

They Wait

2011-12-16T15:06:00.000-06:00

Brandon and Bobby!
Two precious baby boys who need a family.
Lifeline only has their files till Tuesday!
A family must be logged in and must be prepared to use Lifeline.
For more details, please go to http://lifelineadoption.org
Or call Lifeline - 2059670811

Christmas Program

2011-12-15T21:58:00.000-06:00

Five of our Treasures participated ~
Aren't they darling?!?

Party Central

2011-12-15T15:03:00.000-06:00

It's true, yesterday was my birthday!!! Thank you for the birthday wishes ~ what a blessing!
My birthday is so special that the youth group came out to celebrate it - bahahahahaha! Actually, we just happened to plan the youth Christmas party for Wednesday the 14th. But what a fun bunch to celebrate with.
As for my gifts ~ Kasidi's good news; the most beautiful message a mama could receive (from Kuyler); sweet birthday wishes from my man, my mom and my 10 treasures; the 'official' news that Kuyler is graduating from OU next May ...and there's something brewing among the big kids and their dad. I've begged, threatened and even demanded they tell me, but their lips are sealed. Hmmm, maybe I could get Kooper to tell me...
But anyway, about the party. April and I slaved away all day ...

We tried a new way of exchanging gifts by passing the gifts to the left and right, according to the story.
GAME ON!

GAME OVER!

CREATE-A-REINDEER :) :) :)

'JOY'ful News!!!!

2011-12-13T15:39:00.000-06:00

Thank you for praying for Kasidi Joy!

I'm so glad to have professionals fighting for her.

And I'm so blessed by awesome gals like Jennifer (the most courageous and ambitious young woman with SB I know!) and Ginna (an awesome godly mama to the most adorable little man with SB who God just happened to plant in our small church family!).

And for the good news: Kasidi's normal tendency is to walk on her tiptoes (maybe because her ankles are tight). The AFOs don't allow her to do that, and she's compensating by turning her feet inward. (I'm sure the large size of the shoes affects her step too.) We notice her losing control particularly when she's tired so this makes loads of sense!

What does this mean? We have to be more intentional about building her muscle tone so she won't get so tired and will eventually be able to carry her weight and walk. We need to keep a daily walking regimen on her schedule, as well as stretching exercises.

It also means we don't have to squeeze in another two-day trip to St. Louis before Christmas, thank You, JESUS!!!!

Fill Their Stockings

2011-12-13T08:07:00.003-06:00

Look what my friends Stefanie, Diana and Lisa are up to! Fill Their Stockings is a unique fundraiser to help support orphans in China through the amazing organizationAn Orphans Wish!

Something's Awry

2011-12-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

Baby Joy has had her AFOs for almost two weeks!

She doesn't really want to walk :(

I don't know if it's that the shoes are 3 sizes too big, she's just not used to the appliances or what...but she does not want to walk.

Last week I noticed that when she does walk, her feet turn in, especially her left.

I didn't think much of it ~~cuz I'm just ignorant like that~~.

But her therapist noticed it right away today!

We tried putting the shoes on the opposite feet and even taking off the left AFO...but there is a problem.

She told us to take the braces off asap and call the orthotist.

I see another trip to St. Louis on the horizon.

We are praying this is a 'simple fix.'

Kandles!

2011-12-10T10:54:00.000-06:00

These are simply elegant, handmade candles made with high-quality ingredients that go with any decor! Both are delicious winter/holiday aromas.

I have two scents:

Buttercream Crunch.

Comes in a 3" jar

$12 + Shipping = $18.95

Available: 5

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Comes in a 2.5" jar

$9 + Shipping = $15.95

Available: 12
Here's the size difference
I will try to get the Paypal button made today, but until then you can leave a comment to order.

Or email me so I can reply and get your shipping addy.

It Was Like Christmas!

2011-12-09T14:46:00.002-06:00

When I got today's mail, it was like Christmastime!

My sweet friend, Jodi, sent a box of adorable clothes for my two girls who are growing like weeds ~ Kennah and Kinley!

Jailyn and Jorja, thank you for handing your stylin' duds down :)

And speaking of Christmas, I'm whipping up a small batch of Kandles for sale!

Details as soon as they're done.

Gotta run ~ Kasidi and I are making kandles...

Terms I Never Wanted Thought I'd Need to Know

2011-12-07T14:21:00.001-06:00

PTSD ~ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Major Depressive Affective Disorder
PIBS ~ Post Institutional Behavior Syndrome
Hypervigilant
Control/Avoidant Behavior
Self-parenting
Extreme Attention-seeking
Feelings of Entitlement
Repetitive Emotional Traumatization/ Developmental Trauma Disorder
Social/emotional immaturity and/or mixed maturity
Extreme emotional instability
Cumulative Cognitive Delays
Abandonment
Deprivation
Neglect
Maltreatment
Institutionalization
Low self-esteem

We're learning.
Some of these terms are familiar, but others are very new to us. We have changed some things about our parenting; we have let some things go (including some hopes and dreams); and we are willing to take the subtle and not-so-subtle steps outlined in Dr. Gindis' report once we get it.

I've written and deleted three posts on our visit, and I've come to the realization I don't know enough of what I'm speaking about to explain it...yet.

There is something I do know ~ my God is bigger than all this! There is no thing and no one beyond His redemptive power. That, I know.

And there is something I believe ~ when adopting an older child internationally, we aren't just discovering and dealing with the culture of their birth country, but also the culture of institutionalization.

Teens in da house

2011-12-06T06:15:00.002-06:00

10th Annual Hanging of the Greens. What a privilege to hang out with these amazing kids!

Especially this Krew :)

Thank you for allowing me to pray for you. It's not too late if you'd like to send me your requests. You may leave a comment or email me.

Their Christmas Wish

2011-12-05T07:49:00.001-06:00

My friend Mandi and her husband Matt have been waiting a long time to bring their 10-year-old daughter Kalia home from China!

They are praying for travel this month. They've been fundraising this entire journey, and they are still in need of travel funds.

I know it's time for Christmas shopping and convenience eating (mostly due to the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping), but would you consider giving to a family whose Christmas wish is to have their daughter home? It would be an eternal investment, and much more fulfilling than a fast food meal.

You can check out their fundraiser here.

Cuts, Hoops and Bedlam

2011-12-03T12:02:00.000-06:00

It's Saturday!
We started with haircuts for half the Krew...
Next we'll watch high school hoops...
And finally, Bedlam with the youth.
I'm tired :)

Your Prayer Requests

2011-12-02T13:43:00.000-06:00

Okay, ya'll, it's time to add to or update your prayer requests!

It's been amazing to watch God work as only He can in your lives.

Some were praying to move forward in the adoption journey, and you are now ready to travel!

Whether you need prayer about adoption, health issues, a job, family, relationships...whatever you'd like to share with me, it would be my privilege to pray for you!

Please either leave a comment or email me.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thes 5:16-18

Just What the Dr. Ordered updated

2011-11-29T14:03:00.000-06:00

*see the update at the bottom!!!!*

I'm totally consumed with what's going on 10 hours away today!

Daddy and Kasidi Joy are at Shriner's (as if you haven't seen it posted all over my FB and received my prayer requests via text ;-).

She's got her cute new ladybug braces, and her rockin' daddy sent me two pictures!

I've been praying about these appointments and thanking God for what He is doing...and what He's already done that we don't even know about!

Now that the braces are fitted, Daddy and Kasidi are on their way to Children's to have her urodynamics tests done. My very basic understanding is that right now we are trying to maintain healthy kidneys and see if she has bladder/bowel control.

We will have answers this afternoon, and I'm thanking God in advance that Kasidi will have full control and will not need a catheter!

Thank you for your prayers!

*UPDATE*

Clayton just called me with the best possible news!

First answered prayer ~ all the tests were moved up so they are leaving 2 hours early and will be home late tonight!

Second ~ Kasidi has two completely healthy, functional kidneys!

Third ~ her bladder is also healthy and functional, and by the looks of things she will not need a catheter!

We couldn't have asked for better news today! Isn't that just like our God!!!!!

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and will you please join us in praising Him!!!

We.Are.Family

2011-11-26T12:01:00.001-06:00

We so enjoyed hosting our big ole' family yesterday! Kelsey, Korbin, Paittan and Sean, we missed you! Grandma has 20 grandkids! You could say she's responsible for all this ;-)

Some of the teens ... and the young adult!
The ornery bunch.
The newest duo.

Yep, it was a good day!

So Thankful!

2011-11-24T15:10:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Kasidi Joy!

Last year we celebrated half a world apart and only had pictures of you. Not this year! We have the real deal!

How blessed we are!

Some assembly required.

No problem for Daddy!

Two, really?

For good luck? Big brother is such a good sport!

So many secrets to share...

Nah nah nah nah boo boo

Our non-traditional Thanksgiving celebration (having family here tomorrow!)

After clearing the table, I noticed the 12 cups, and it just made me smile.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Change My Mind Heart!

2011-11-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

Here it is the eve of Thanksgiving, and I've been complaining all day! One of my precious friends ~~(to protect the innocent, I will not mention names)~~ knows how I feel...because I've been so honest with her today. I love you, sister!!!

I'm not at all proud of how I'm feeling. In fact, I've been saying to myself, "I SO need to change my mind about how I feel today." Like that's gonna happen! I'm so human...and my mind isn't the problem. It's my heart!

For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34

So that's why my words are so ugly today - ack!

Truth is, I can be thankful just because God is who He is! Never mind the indescribable amount of blessing He has heaped upon me! Even without all of that, I can still praise Him just because He IS!

If I just weren't so stinkin' human and caught up with what's going on right in front of me at this very moment as if it's going to last a lifetime: One child would rather stand on the sidelines sucking her thumb than play with her sibs; one can't find a single constructive thing to do; four are competing for the l.o.u.d. championship...blah, blah, blah.

See, I'm imagining that everyone else's home is so much more pleasant, peaceful and...well, Thanks-giving-y.

And the Lord stopped me in my tracks!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

I need to stop whining, turn to Him and gain perspective! This Thanksgiving we have 2 more Treasures home! My college kid is home! My family is well! We get to host Thanksgiving on Friday! We are celebrating Baby Joy's birthday tonight! But above all else, my God reigns!!!

Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5:6

I'm reminded of this beautiful Josh Wilson song, Fall Apart:

Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise

Now it all seems upside down

‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

My goodness, though my life is far from perfect, I have so very much to be thankful for. And today I am especially thankful that God changes my heart, not just for eternity...but moment by moment!

My sweet friends, from our imperfect home to yours, may the Lord bless you in this season of Thanksgiving!

The Pendant Winner is...

2011-11-22T06:25:00.000-06:00

Rebecca Speight!

Congratulations, Rebecca!

Please leave a comment or email me so I can confirm your contact info with Gayly!

THANK YOU again to all of you and to Gayly for holding this fundraiser! The jewelry is beautiful!

So, It's Monday

2011-11-21T13:15:00.000-06:00

There's so much I want to say, a lot I need to say...and yet I keep coming up empty. Either I don't have the time or the words, so I figure it's the Lord's way of keeping my big mouth shut so I can listen to Him.

First, for the pendant drawing, we will have a winner! Gayly has a very important trip early this week, and as soon as she returns I can get the names of everyone who ordered pendants...and then I promise I will announce the winner! We just don't want to leave anyone out!

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word and who purchased pendants! The fundraiser will pay for more than half our hotel!

We are still soaking in what we learned in NY and taking one day at a time. But every day is surely different because of Jr. High basketball, high school basketball and Thanksgiving this week - yeah!!!!

And I can't possibly say who, but some little lovey has a birthday tomorrow ...

...and a trip to Shriner's next week for her AFO braces!!!

Because Sometimes...

2011-11-17T17:48:00.003-06:00

...we just need a little perspective!

Pendants till Midnight Friday!

2011-11-17T11:33:00.001-06:00

Thank you for purchasing Gayly's beautiful pendants and helping raise funds for our trip to BG Center! So far, 20 have been purchased.
Gayly is extending the fundraiser to midnight Friday so there's still time!!!! They truly are beautiful.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Answers and Shades of Grey

2011-11-16T06:53:00.000-06:00

This is going to be a therapeutic blog post for me. We have answers from
BG Center.
That's good, right?!?
It is. The news could be much worse...and it could be better. Right now we have to process the information and prepare for lots of hard work.
There's no time to sit around, pouting and whining, although as a Mama I think I am grieving. This information doesn't change who my son is; it helps me understand where he's been and why he does the things he does...and doesn't do the things he doesn't do. And that makes me sad.
Over time, as we process the information and begin putting one foot in front of the other, I will share more. After all, the purpose of this blog is to
glorify the Lord, bring hope and encouragement to families considering adoption, families who have already adopted and to chronicle our journey of faith in parenting a Krew, (which will hopefully, ultimately, glorify the Lord).
I am overwhelmed right now, so I'm turning to the only One I know who can bring the perspective, hope and strength I need.
Proverbs 22:6 is a familiar passage ~
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.That's truth. Only thing is, instead of 18 years, we have 5, at most, with our Teen Treasure. Like I said, no time to sit around whining :)
I think this journey will take our faith to a new level. Romans 3:3-4a says,
"What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all!"I know the Enemy will fight like mad, so we must constantly arm ourselves. We must remember who we are in the Lord, and we must remember the power given us by the Spirit residing within us!
We don't want to misplace our hope. It is in Him alone.
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. Psalm 25:4-5We should not be afraid; rather, we must draw strength from the One who gives it perfectly:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19
I know that just as a single candle brings light to a dark room, the Lord's promises will bring light to my gloomy heart.As for our impression of Dr. Gindis and the BG Center, we are very impressed and thankful for the service they offer to families of internationally adopted children! If you would like more specific information, please email me.Thank you for praying. My guys will return in the wee hours of tomorrow morning.
(I'm having trouble with Blogger adding cute ladybugs when I post so bear with me...)

Country Boys in the City

2011-11-14T13:45:00.001-06:00

My boys are doing great in NY, despite having to pay $13 for a burger!
You're not in ~~Kansas~~ Oklahoma anymore, Toto.

Really, I miss my hubby terribly, ~~especially when I need to transport a bunch of small people.~~
Ahem...
I'm getting good reports about the sessions. Clayton is really impressed with Dr. G and Dr. C, and our Teen Treasure is doing well.
Tuesday afternoon we will have a two-hour conference call where Dr. Gindis will discuss his findings with us.
It is confirmed that we face much hard work, but we are willing...because time is not on his side, and our boy is worth it!

Speaking of hard work, my friend Gayly is prepared to make as many necklaces as ya'll order. Thank you to those who have spread the word and purchased yours! She is offering this fundraiser through this Thursday, the 17th.

It is so very hard to ask for help, but we've been humbled a lot lately. The BG Center fee is $4500, and the trip expenses (airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation) are over $2000. We obviously weren't planning for such a venture, but it was such a God thing how it came to be, and it just seems so necessary to help our son begin to heal. So we jumped in with both feet, and the Lord has really blessed us!

We are praying that 45 necklaces would be sold, which would almost pay for the hotel.
And the Lord has proven over and over that He gives us far more than we can ask or imagine!

You can also get chances to win the beautiful pendant pictured above by sharing on your blog, on FB and the purchase of other pendants.
Please see this post for details.
Most of all, thank you for lifting us up to the Father!

There is no thing and no one beyond His redemptive power!

Down to the Wire

2011-11-12T19:34:00.000-06:00

It's only a matter of hours till Clayton and Kooper fly to NY for our appointment at BG Center...and we need your prayers.

We have a child who has completely shut down.

He's disrespectful and disobedient...and not because he's a teenager. It's because he's afraid. This is what our traumatized kids do.

He's going to be spending many hours with two doctors who get kids like him.In his mind he's lost control.

There's a lot of hard work required, not only for this visit, but afterward.We are willing, but we don't know if he is.

We would very much appreciate your prayers for~

Travel mercies

Kooper's willingness to cooperate with Dr. Gindis

Answers

Mama and 8 kiddos at home :)

The visit goes something like this:

*A 2-hour visit with a Chinese psychologist Sunday evening

*A family session and intake for 1 hour Monday morning

*Dr. Gindis and Kooper do testing throughout the day with a lunch break

*A morning session with Kooper Tuesday

*A family session Tuesday afternoon where Dr. Gindis will explain his findings

*Fly out of NY late Wednesday night (without a 3 day gap between flights the tickets were $1400 each - good grief!) so they have a full day of nothing, just to reduce the ticket price.
Thank you for your prayers!

Beautiful Pendants..for a Purpose

2011-11-11T08:03:00.000-06:00

We are so humbled by our sweet friend, Gayly, and her generosity! She is making these beautiful pendants and donating the profits to help fund our trip to BG Center (the guys leave early Sunday the 13th and return late Wednesday the 16th).

She's set up a website with all the details, order and payment information here.

This beautiful brass pendant with freshwater pearl charm will be given away after the fundraiser which ends November 17.

There are several ways you can enter to win this beautiful pendant:

For every necklace you buy, you get 5 chances

For posting on your blog, you get 1 chance

For posting on Facebook you get 1 chance

For being a follower on my blog you get 1 chance

Here are samples of some of the pendants available.

It's no coincidence that these pendants say HOPE! The Lord has given Dr. Gindis the skills and experience to equip families, and we are praying for HOPE to be restored to our Teen Treasure.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us in this journey of HOPE. And, Gayly, we thank you for your sweet and generous heart!

The pendants are available from today to November 17th, and the website is here.

Please leave a comment or email me if you've shared this on your blog or Facebook.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Heb 10:23

Sneak Peek ~ Christmas Shopping for a Cause!

2011-11-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

A sweet friend is putting together a short-term fundraiser for us.

She makes beautiful pendants like this one~

And to sweeten the deal, you can have a chance to win this very pendant!

I'll post the details soon...but in the meantime one of the simplest things you can do to get a chance to win this pendant is to be a follower on my blog.

Then get your Christmas shopping list ready :)

"I Can't Do This"

2011-11-09T06:33:00.000-06:00

I posted on Katelyn's Fund blog today.

It's short and sweet, but this is my heart at the moment.

Check it out.

Win This!

2011-11-08T13:19:00.000-06:00

From the Meadors' blog, The Adoption Call:

Here's the deal. We need to broaden our blog readership in a big way. So we want to reward you for helping us. This package - 1 of our custom adoption t-shirts, 1 copy of Matt's book "When You Come Home" and one copy of "Lovesongs and Lullabyes" can be yours!

Here's how.

1 chance for simply becoming a follower on our blog

1 chance for doing a facebook post referencing our blog

2 chances for putting our blog button on your blog

2 chances for sharing on your blog

Please email us at mmeadors23@yahoo.com or send us a facebook message to let us know you've done these things so we can give you credit.We will be randomly selecting a name on November 14. Let's get this party started!

It's so simple! There are 4 ways to enter, and they are all FREE!

We've been praying a long time for this family to add another child through adoption, and the Lord is answering our prayers. Maybe we can help them???

Happy Birthday, Kolton Tee!!!!

2011-11-07T21:50:00.000-06:00

Number 16!

Some days we didn't think you'd make it to 16 :)

Then again, it took us 4 years to have you ~ but that's a story for another day.

Anyway, we are so proud of you, son!

Frogmore Stew...

...an ordinary roll of toilet paper...
...with a whole bunch of green rolled up inside. That mighta sounded wrong.
...an incredibly scary gift...
...with very explicit instructions.
And one proud mama!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, indeed!

The Cast

2011-11-07T14:04:00.000-06:00

David, April, Clayton and I are privileged to lead an amazing youth group of around 15 students.

Every single one of them serves in one or more ways in our church ~ nursery (bless you!); praise team; youth praise band; VBS...

We don't have a drama team, but the group was challenged to put together a performance for our service of praise, and these 10 students stepped up to the plate in commitment and followed through.

We are proud of the whole youth group!

Saints: Ben and Kyle

Lust: Ty

Girl: Kenzie

Jesus: Clayton

Greed: Kooper

Addiction: Loren

Rejection: Kaylee

Fear: Shaylee

Peer Pressure: MacKenzie

Depression: Taylor

Youth Skit!

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

This is the ~~dramatic~~ powerful skit performed by some of our youth group at Sunday's praise service. They worked hard on this all week, and we pray the Lord was honored.
Three members of my family are in it. Not braggin'; just sayin'.
Music - Pieces by Red
*I've been told I should issue a tissue alert* :)

Family Time

2011-11-05T12:52:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy busy week...but I see blog posting potential in it :).
Meanwhile, from our Krew to yours, have a blessed Saturday!
Now off to a family gathering...

Snakes, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...

2011-11-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

...that's what little boys are made of.
And look at these cute fellas.
They are on Lifeline's list, and are waiting for their mama and daddy to find them!

Brennan

Charlie

Denny

Elliot

Jeff

Freddy

Jimmy

Quentin

Sammy

Stevie

For more details, please check out Lifeline's site!

Folding Our Tents

2011-11-01T06:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I read the account of the Israelites' exodus I want to shake my head. It seems so obvious they had everything they needed, and that the Lord was directing their every move...in visible ways: "
...the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire." Num 10:15

When the cloud lifted, they moved. When it stayed, they stayed. Sometimes it remained many days, sometimes only from morning till evening.

Some days I wish I had a 'cloud.' But what about the days that are long and dry? Wouldn't I question the Lord, "Why aren't you moving? What is the purpose of staying here, close to danger...or in the blazing heat...or the freezing cold?"

Waiting with uncertainty would so make me wanna fold my tent! As I'm sure it was with the Israelites.

Waiting, without clear direction, makes me want to scramble and come up with a plan. I'm not patient. I like to be on the move rather than sitting still. But there's a problem with my plans. I can only see the small picture, from my limited view.
*************************************************************************************

I realize that even if I had a real-life, visible, fluffy cloud, I would still question it. After all, I have the whole Book! I have the Way to God. And yet, I ask why? And when? I'm still impatient.

Only when I draw closer to Him, leaning in to hear His heartbeat, can I settle into my tent until He tells me otherwise.

Climbing Our Way to the Big Apple, Part I

2011-11-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

We've been counting down to our trip to BG Center in NY for two months now, and suddenly we realize in two short weeks we'll be there!

In case you're not aware, the BG Center is a Center for Cognitive-Developmental Assessment and Remediation for internationally adopted children, founded by Dr. Boris Gindis.

While we don't expect a miracle in the trip itself, we do expect miracles to result from the findings of Dr. Gindis' assessment of our Teen Treasure.

We know the hard work will begin once we get home and put into play the recommendations of Dr. Gindis. We believe this assessment will provide some of the missing pieces to the puzzle of our son's history, and will equip us to help him have a successful future.

The assessment itself will take two days, and we had hoped to fly in the night before and fly out the afternoon we were finished. Surprise! Without a 3-day gap between return flights, the tickets were $1400 each!!! So we are flying in very early Sunday the 13th and won't arrive home until very late Wednesday the 16th (which reduced the tickets to $400!). We will have three and a half days in New York, but that is still less expensive than flying out and back in 48 hours.

In the last 30 days we have begun experiencing healing, and we've gotten a diagnosis that explains a lot, but we still need answers. And tools. And direction. And fast! Time is not on our side.

We committed to this assessment over two months ago, without a dime to pay for it, and the Lord has already blessed the commitment in ways we didn't expect. But we are still $1,500 short of covering the cost of the assessment. So we are going to attempt to raise the remainder of the funds in less than two weeks! No matter what, we know the Lord is faithful, and we trust Him completely!

For our first fundraiser we have these adorable squeaky shoes! There's only one of each pair because I bought them in China (and some were given to us by another family), but Kasidi never got to wear them. They are new, and the pictures don't do them justice. If you want a pair of shoes, please leave a comment or email me, and they are first come, first served.

The shoes are $20, which includes S&H inside the US.

We have set up a chip-in on the sidebar for convenience and additional fundraisers. We appreciate your help and your prayers!!!

Brown with pink flowers ~ 5.25" heel to toe

Orange with flowers ~ 5.5" heel to toe

Solid pink with pink flower ~ 5.25" heel to toe

Pink with green and orange ~ 5" heel to toe
Brown sandal ~ 5.25" heel to toe

White with pink flower ~ 5.25" heel to toe *SOLD*
"The past affects the future, but it does not have to determine it."

~Dr. Karyn Purvis~

Created to Connect

Home from St. Louis!

2011-10-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

It was quite eventful. But it was good, nonetheless.

First the bad news; then the good :)

We left at 4:30 am Thursday to arrive in Tulsa by 7:30, where we would load up in the Shriner's van.

We are SO grateful for the Shriners!

We arrived in St. Louis at 3 pm Thursday, and they checked us into a hotel. Little Miss was quite comfortable.

We were able to reunite with our friends, Terry and Diane, for supper! We traveled together in 2009, and this is the first time we've seen them since then. It's the only picture I have - sorry for the creep-eye; guess we were looking at the other hunky cameraman.
We were so excited for Kasidi's appointments the following morning, and we were sleeping fine...until I suddenly got sick. Really sick. I'm pretty sure my sickness had nothing to do with the e-coli outbreak in St. Louis, but it sure felt like it.

Even though I was still sick Friday morning, we went to the hospital because we'd traveled so far and waited so long. By then Clayton was feeling sick too - oh no! We spotted the nearest restrooms so we could make the run to lose our cookies (which we did). Between the two of us, we downed 6 bottles of Dasani from the vending machine. And by the time we left at 1:30 we were even more grateful we weren't driving ourselves. CJ hunkered down in the back of the van, and I rested against Kasidi's car seat all the way to Tulsa.

When we got back into Tulsa around 9 pm we'd checked in with the four families keeping the rest of our Krew, and they were willing to keep them another night so we could check into a hotel and try to recover from whatever had knocked us out.

Saturday morning neither of us felt like eating, but we were much better! And Kasidi was a trooper through the whole thing!

I can't say it enough: Thank you to the families who kept our kiddos! And thank you for praying for us!

Now for Kasidi's appointments~

First we saw the neurologist, and he felt really good about where she's at. The fact that she has feeling in her feet is good. The pictures the orphanage took before Kasidi's surgery were such a blessing, because he could see the different tissue that was in her meningocele. He didn't want to take any images because she doesn't have any symptoms of hydrocephalus. So we don't have to see him again for a year!

Next we say the urologist. He also was impressed with where she's at, and thinks she will be able to potty train successfully. Other than returning in 2 months for a kidney ultrasound and cath test, he doesn't want to see her till next year either!

Then we saw the physical therapist and occupational therapist. PT gave us some more stretching exercises to use and recommended AFO braces.

So when we saw the orthopedist, she prescribed the AFO braces and said we don't need to come back till next year! They also think that once she gets the braces on, she'll be walking in no time!

Kasidi was casted for braces, and we'll go back in 2 months to have them fitted and do the urology tests. All in all, it was a great visit with the best news we could hope for! Thank You, JESUS!

It's a First

2011-10-26T09:05:00.000-05:00

For the first time in 18 years of sending kids off to school, when the wheels on the bus went round and round, down our driveway...

I went back to bed.

Yes, I did.

Kasidi and I both.

Kennah was still asleep.

Poor baby had a rough night.

I mean four changes of bedding rough.

First she 'barked' according to Kambry.

Then around 3:30 we heard "Maaaaaama" from the hall bathroom.

She had another kind of accident, climbed out of her crib and left a nice trail all the way to the porcelain throne.

She's resting now.

Even though I did laundry all night long, I haven't started packing 11 people for the next 48 hours.

And I'm tired.

So Kasidi and I went back to bed.

She slept.

I dozed...

or not.

Couldn't stop thinking about what I'm going to do if this isn't a something-she-ate thing, and packing, and a zillion other things.

Because come 4:30 tomorrow morning we are on our way to St. Louis.

So This is the Face...

2011-10-24T19:57:00.000-05:00

...of spina bifida?
I've been doing a little research in preparation for Kasidi's appointment at Shriner's this Friday.

Out of curiosity I thought I'd check stats on the abortion rate for babies diagnosed prenatally with SB.

It's hard to get really good numbers, and they vary from state to state, year to year.

But the fact that we can still estimate 50 percent of babies are aborted after being diagnosed with spina bifida is astounding!

This baby with a 'birth defect' has so much heart and personality it astonishes me!
One mama gave her life...

...and now this mama is going to give her the best life possible! I sure can't imagine our family without her!

Girl on the go!

2011-10-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

She's working so hard!
Inquiring minds want to know if I spend all day kissing her adorableness...
Y.E.S.!

Feast Your Eyes on This!

2011-10-18T19:34:00.000-05:00

Feelin' totally spoiled tonight.
Last night hubby concocted a marinade...
...slathered it on some baby back ribs...
...let it sit all night...
...then let them baste for 6 hours over a bed of hickory chips...
...just so we could gobble them up tonight!
He even threw in some of his awesome corn!
Yep, feelin' the love!

I've been trying for 24 hours to upload an adorable video but Bl*gger isn't cooperating. Maybe tomorrow...

Broken Things

2011-10-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

Ever notice the Lord uses broken things?

Am I the only one who struggles with not wanting to be broken? Oh, how I want to chase my own dreams. But in my brokenness, the Lord can really speak to me and cause me to move.

When I look around our home and see actual broken things (a doorknob, a bar stool, a cabinet door...) they are tangible reminders of my struggle ~ where I sometimes want to be and where the Lord wants me to be.

While I have a wish list of things I'd like to be different: a house tidied up, a schedule set in stone, some time to myself, a vacation (!!!)...the Lord has something better in store.

Remember the impoverished widow in 2 Kings whose sons were going to be taken as slaves to repay her debt? She pleaded with Elisha, and he instructed her to gather as many jars as she could and fill them with the last of her oil. The oil kept flowing until the last jar was full. Then she had enough oil to sell and repay her debt. But she had to break the seal on the only thing she had left, a jar of oil.

How many times can I truly say I've allowed the Lord to use the last of what I have? When I'm at the end of the proverbial rope, will I still try to fix things myself or give all I have for Him to do as He pleases?

You'd think I'd learn because in the few instances I've given the last, He has blessed me in miraculous ways! Look at the ways He's brought our children home! Totally HIM.

And now the Lord is guiding us in how He's going to heal their brokenness.

We are counting down to two very important appointments ~

Two weeks from today we will be home from Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis with answers about our Baby Joy and the medical special need that has kept her from walking.

And four weeks from today we leave for BG Center in NY to seek answers and equip our Teen Treasure for a life free from the maltreatment of his past that has clouded his vision for the future.

The Lord is even using the broken lives of our children to reveal Himself and His miraculous healing and redemption. Even though the struggle to chase my own futile dreams is sometimes great, I wouldn't miss this broken journey for anything!

Change of Seasons

2011-10-12T06:44:00.001-05:00

The change of seasons brings new colors, but the cool temperatures also bring the end of life to many once beautiful plants. They will soon wither and turn brown. But a miraculous thing happens to some plants. In dying, they produce seed, and next spring there will be new life, multiplied!

The same thing happens in our new life with Christ. It may seem like we are living radiantly…until we come to know Christ, and then a dying process must begin. We must die to ourselves, surrendering our old self to Him, exchanging our old dreams for His…and then we see new life!

Even though I know His plans are unfathomably good, His promises are not broken and He is completely unchanging and faithful, for me, the dying process is a daily one. Some days I’m in a virtual tug-of-war with the Lord, trying to take control. I know I just mess things up when I do this, and yet, in my humanness I continue to do so. It’s not that I want to go back to the ‘old’ life; it’s just that some seasons bring too much change, unpredictability and even heartache.

We are in such a season now. We thank the Lord for breaking our hearts for the things that break His, and for changing our lives through the miracle of adoption, but following Him is not always easy. Life for our child adopted as a teen has been difficult. He can’t fathom a ‘happily ever after’ because he’s never seen one. And he struggles with the idea that he could truly be loved. As his parents, we are fighting for every opportunity to help him excel. Above all else, he needs to know God’s love. Unfortunately for our son, it must be given in our human, futile, failing strength ~ unless we daily receive the Lord’s renewed mercies and lean on Him!

We know that spring will come, and with it, new life!

I posted this today on Katelyn's Fund blog.

Book Bindery

2011-10-12T05:53:00.000-05:00

Since some of you have asked where I had my Bible rebound I thought I'd just share it here. I will tell you up front, it wasn't cheap...but to me it was worth it. It cost me more because there were complete sections falling out of my Bible. But if you've priced study Bibles, you know they're not cheap either! Also, don't forget to G*ogle for a book bindery near you. I'm so pleased with the job they did on mine that I'm happy to share their info with you!

McSpadden Bookbindery

1.866.919.7788

Weekend

2011-10-11T05:57:00.000-05:00

I started this post 24 hours ago, then didn't have time to finish it. But it's kind of random anyway :)
I'm so excited to get MY Bible back from the bindery this weekend! It's the second time I've had it bound, and I'm hoping this time it will last.

It's my old Bible, renewed!

What are you two up to? Never mind, I don't want to know!

A bug collection in the works.

No, she is not gluing parts back on ;-)

A bug collection complete - thank goodness!

Of course there was football!

And just playing around

And RAIN! Thank You, Jesus!

Morning Routine

2011-10-07T09:42:00.000-05:00

I love mornings that we don't have to go anywhere. It gives us therapy time.

First we try out the parallel bars...

...several different ways.

Then we walk the 'balance beam.'
Next, we transition between equipment.
And we always take time for High Fives for work well done!
You can see the determination in her face.
Three more weeks till Shriner's St. Louis!

Mine...or His?

2011-10-06T06:25:00.001-05:00

"Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been. You have had the vision, but you are not yet to the reality of it by any means.

It is when we are in the valley, where we prove whether we will be the choice ones, that most of us turn back. We are not quite prepared for the bumps and bruises that must come if we are going to be turned into the shape of the vision.

We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God? The beatings will always come in the most common, everyday ways and through common, everyday people."

~Oswald Chambers~

So these 'common, everyday' things that have been a thorn in my side are actually the very things that God wants to use to shape my character? I will admit that rather than embracing them for what they are, I am rebuking and complaining about them.

But this week the Lord is gently nudging me back onto the path of the 'vision.' I can't honor Him with a complaining spirit. I can't glorify Him by running from the very tests meant to shape who I am in Him.

I constantly struggle with my right to myself. But how can I claim a right to myself and desire to be His? Sometimes being His is so.very.hard.

Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life.

Rom 6:13

I've Got It!

2011-10-02T07:18:00.000-05:00

I now realize why I feel ~~incredibly~~ overwhelmed!
I just glanced back at my day planner for last week.
We had physical therapy, Speech evals and picked up 74 mums Monday (sold out - praise the Lord!!!)

Delivered mums and worked Tuesday

See You at the Pole and delivered more mums Wednesday

Four doctor's appointments Thursday (one more in glasses)

School pictures Friday (you know what I mean!!!), worked in the morning, speech meetings in the afternoon, Homecoming...

I think I'm just wore plum out. I need a day off - L.O.L.!
No time for that. We've got more meetings this week, more doctors' appointments, we get to feed the football team Thursday and have 5th Quarter Friday.

But today...today I will worship the Lord and thank Him for giving me the energy to keep going, even when I feel I can't take another step. And I praise Him that in heaven I won't need a day planner!!!!
May He be the center of our attention today and every day.

Released for Play!

2011-09-29T21:28:00.003-05:00

One of our doctor's visits netted great results today!

Kolton has been released to play again!

We are praying the muscle continues to heal without further injury...

and the bone chip repairs itself.
Let's go, 25!

She's Back!

2011-09-29T12:59:00.000-05:00

Little Beast is back and good as new (except the need for a wash)!
So now we can fill two ginormous tanks with gas on days like today with 4 different doctors' appointments - oh joy!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

The Name Game with Kasidi ~ video :)

2011-09-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

Weekend Randomness

2011-09-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

Mr. Herdsman! Congratulations, Kolton!
Mr. Awesome :)

Friday night ball game.

Unloading, reloading... don't be

jealous ;-)

Stadium seating, re-invented! *disclaimer ~ it only took a few minutes to realize Kasidi's foot was caught*

Saturday morning was Michelle's Celebration of Life, and Saturday evening was Noah's birthday party!

Yikes ~ the pinata busted!

Every little body is happy now...right?

Okay, he's always happy.

Gotcha, Kolton Tee!

Have a wonderful week!

The end.

The Envelope

2011-09-25T15:35:00.000-05:00

I love it when the Lord impresses a message upon our hearts...and then backs it up with the Sunday School lesson...and then just in case we missed the point, He further confirms it in the sermon :)

This week has been tough. And yet, we know God is sovereign, and He brings beauty from ashes. *Thank you for your prayers, and can I ask you to continue praying for the Nichols family. I want so desperately for the body of Christ to continue to reach out to this precious family.*

And that has a lot to do with my original topic...the Lord has really shown me changes He ~~wants~~ expects to make in my heart. And I have agreed to surrender my will. And I'll be darned if He just doesn't give me a chance to do so... immediately. I guess He's going to take me at my word! No doubt, He'll give me many chances to prove myself.

Compassion ~ love in action.

Hurt Healer

~Tony Nolan~

And speaking of compassion, as we left church today, Brother Brian handed Clayton a plain envelope and said someone asked him to give it to us. Inside the plain envelope were ten $100 bills! Yes, read that again, ten $100 bills. For our trip to BG Center in November!

We don't know who you are, but we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We are so humbled by your generosity. So.very.humbled.

We can only assume this gift is from someone in our church family. WE LOVE OUR CHURCH FAMILY! And how they love us! May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Let's go out and be "Jesus with skin" this week...

Specs

2011-09-23T11:41:00.000-05:00

And on her special day, she got these:

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Seven Years Ago...

2011-09-23T05:53:00.002-05:00

You were placed in our arms and changed our lives forever!

You add a little glam to everything!
KAYDEN FAITH, we love you!

Reality

2011-09-22T06:31:00.000-05:00

Every time I start whining to God, He shows me someone who is really hurting. Every.single.time.

We lost a dear friend this week in a tragic accident, and I just can't wrap my mind around the reality of it. Before noon Tuesday everything changed for that family.

A wife, a mama, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a community-state-nationwide helper and lover of people went to be with Jesus.

I think back to when we were both first married and thinking about starting a family. When our boys were little and showing heifers that towered over them. When our boys played sports together. In February 2009 when we woke up to a flooded house, and she and her husband brought hot cocoa and muffins. And so much more.

Michelle made the most of every day! She lived and loved life.

God, I pray you will blanket this family with comfort and peace. Help them to find a new normal and keep the memories alive. And draw them near to You as they cling to the hope of seeing her one day in heaven.

Do you know Jesus? Do you have the hope of seeing your loved ones in heaven? It's the most important decision we will ever make. We don't know if we have tomorrow.

Courageous

2011-09-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

If I had to think of one word to describe our Joy, it would be courageous.

She has no clue how rough her tiny life began.

She doesn't know the orphanage director gave her the name Chun, the character "meaning 'effect a miraculous cure and bring the dying back to life,' which bears our hope that she would recover upon treatments."

Kasidi officially started physical therapy today, and she accepted every challenge! The therapist showed me how to use stretching and standing techniques in play. And Kasidi totally responded to her. The only onslaught of panic was when she asked me to remove a cushion from the couch - ack, how'd that get in there?!?

Kasidi Joy, you are a child of the God of redemption!
He has amazing plans for you, baby girl!
And the fact that I get to be your mommy leaves me in complete awe!

We also received letter confirmation of her appointment at Shriners on October 28th. Who knows ~ maybe by then she'll be walking!

No life, no past, no heart...

2011-09-19T06:06:00.000-05:00

"We need to also cling to the truth that no life is too broken, no past too imperfect, no heart too wounded for our loving God to redeem and begin to heal. Jesus has extended the invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28) We need to accept his invitation and find rest and hope in him and all that he has made available to us.
~Dr. Karyn Purvis~
Created to Connect

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Hail Damage

2011-09-18T07:27:00.002-05:00

The night sky left something behind.

As evidenced on the Beast.

And Little Beast, who goes to the shop tomorrow for damage caused by the sprinting deer.

Coulda been worse.

Praising the Lord there are no windows broken and our new metal roof isn't on yet.

Truth in words

2011-09-16T05:46:00.002-05:00

Somehow this morning I stumbled onto this blog and read this post.
I am so grateful.
Though I don't know this family, I know their struggle.
I know their joy.
I know their hurt.
I know their LORD!
Our closest friends know we are still "after the airport."
It's an amazing articulation of daily life in the trenches, on the mountaintop and everywhere in between, especially for parents of kids from hard places.
Go ahead, have a read.

100%

2011-09-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

Pure JOY!

Okay, back to work...if I must.

Princess Road Trip

2011-09-15T05:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Kennah's first appointment to meet her surgeon. So we made a day of it.
We snagged a little friend (Miss Emily).
And had lunch with a big friend (Thanks, Susan!).
Dr. Miller's nurse is so awesome she made 'little girl sized chairs' for the princesses.
"The wheels on the bus go round and round..."

Sorta like a tea party

Poor Emily saw her doctor earlier this week and was not interested in seeing another, so Mr. Clayton's lap was the safest place for her, thank.you.very.much.

And they all lived happily ever after, as princesses do.

PT Cruiser

2011-09-13T20:35:00.000-05:00

Yep, she cruised through Physical Therapy ;-)

The therapist showed us a mini parallel bar set that a family had constructed and donated, and Kasidi wanted so badly to get on it...so we tried it. The little squirt grabbed the bars and slowly walked the length of the thing. Then she went backward! I guess next week we'll get a new piece of furniture...

And, Kuyler-son, the rest of this post is for you. Finally, the three pictures of your car I've promised :)

But I digress.

I'm so excited for Kasidi to start PT. I think she'll have her wheels in no time!

BUT...Shriner's called yesterday and told us her clinic appointment has been moved from next Friday, September 23 to Friday, October 28 :( Another month we have to wait to see what's really going on with our Joy.

It also happens to be two weeks before we go to BGCenter in NY.

Which happens to be 10 days before we take two princesses to the cleft clinic.

I hereby declare November removed from the calendar...except it holds Kolton and Kasidi's birthdays, so maybe not.

Mum's the Word!

2011-09-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

Remember these beauties from a year ago? All 150 of them!
We are selling mums again!
We've pre-ordered 50 large mums ~ 25 yellow and 25 orange.
Mr. Greenthumb is also growing pumpkins, and they will go nicely with a mum (or 10).
All proceeds go to our trip to BGCenter in November.

Yellow
Orange. (actual mum from last year) They are ginormous!

Only $15 each!

She's Gonna Do It!

2011-09-11T15:06:00.000-05:00

I am confident our Joy will walk one day very soon!

Last night she made it to a squatting position...then stood up for a second!!! Of course, I missed the photo, I was so excited!

Tuesday we meet with PT to outline the therapy plan. I'm excited to learn ways to encourage, strengthen and teach her how to get upright. She's already gotten so much stronger in the three months she's been home.

Thank you for praying for Kolton. Got a call from radiology today that when his muscle tore, it pulled a bone chip with it. We'll know more tomorrow when we see ortho.

Friday Night Lights...in the ER

2011-09-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

Let me just say I praise the Lord we are home this morning! Last night's game was a bit more exciting than we'd hoped. We were one touch down from ending the game, and Kolton was making his third TD run down the field when he stumbled and fell just short of the goal line. He said he felt something pop and couldn't lift his leg to finish the drive.

Dad joined Kolton in the ambulance...and we followed in hot pursuit in the Beast. (Which I now think you could add flashing lights and it would serve as an ambulance. Or add a flip-out stop sign and it would serve as a bus. Or maybe it's the new Winnebego.)

At first the ER doc was talking about breaking or seperating the growth plate in his hip...and that just doesn't sound good. X-ray revealed there is no bone involvement and the plate is fine! (thank You, Jesus!)

He's apparently torn, strained or seperated muscle(s) near his hip bone. You can actually see it move. He's really bummed at the thought of finishing the season on the sidelines...but we are praising the Lord it's not any worse! We see the ortho team Monday to learn more...

By the way, the Devils did score the touchdown to end the game!

*Thank you to everyone who gathered Kolton's things, hung around waiting for the news, followed us to the ER, prayed for Kolton and offered to take our kids! We so appreciate each one of you!!!*

Bags to Bring Kalia Home!

2011-09-09T06:52:00.003-05:00

My friend Mandi is on day 100 of the wait for LOA to bring their daughter Kalia home.
It's been an excruciating wait, full of trials, but Matt and Mandi are fighting for Kalia to come home.
There are two ways we can help!
1) Pray for God to continue to move mountains on Kalia's behalf, including miraculous provision.

2) Join their fundraising efforts to pay the orphanage donation by getting a shot at these beautiful Vera Bradley bags.
But hurry, the fundraiser ends September 29th...and I'm praying they have LOA before that!
Please check out Mandi's blog for details.

UPDATE Beyond Love ~ Redemption and Remediation Required!

2011-09-08T13:58:00.000-05:00

*update at the bottom*

This is a really tough post to write. I struggle to keep a balance between my child's privacy, informing and encouraging prospective and adoptive parents and living out the purpose of this blog, which is to glorify God in all things. You may not share my opinion, but if you have not shared my experience, please be kind.

I remember when God broke my heart for older children waiting to be adopted. It totally caught me off guard. He showed me the plight of many left in their birth country with no family to care for them. He drew me to families who had walked this narrow path. He opened my eyes! While there are many ways to ‘defend the least of these,’ Clayton and I sensed clearly that God was asking us to open our hearts and home to an older child.

So we jumped in with both feet, armed with the Lord’s strength, the faith of a mustard seed and total dependence upon His provision.

We educated ourselves, prepared our children and soaked in peace beyond understanding, even though our son’s file was full of gaps and we were taking the road less traveled.

It was a gloriously exciting day when we met our son 22 months ago. He was scared to death, and so were we, but we soon warmed up to each other. We could tell right away that he had suffered neglect, and as much as he tried to hide it, the scars of his many losses were evident in his eyes.

We were probably naïve – no, we were naïve – in thinking if we just love our son enough, he will be whole again. We’re pretty laid back folk. We tend to take things in stride. Although we were prepared to fight for our son’s life and soul, we had no idea how big the battle would really be.

Early on we noticed immature behavior. Pretty typical for a child experiencing delays due to institutionalization. Then there was anger… Defiance and disobedience… Disrespect... Disconnect. .. Memory and language processing issues… Frustration…and anger.

Based on what little we’ve been able to understand about his past, his behaviors over the past 22 months, all the testing and treatment we’ve sought and the counseling consultations we’ve had, we believe we are dealing with an attachment disorder and other issues.

For this reason we have decided to take our son to the Boris Gindis Center for Cognitive-Developmental Assessment & Remediation in New York for a Combined Developmental, Neuropsychological and Educational Assessment

A combined developmental,
neuropsychological and psycho-
educational assessment conducted by
Dr. B. Gindis is recommended for a
child, exhibiting symptoms of certain
cognitive impairments (memory,
attention, comprehension, language
issues), behavioral problems or
emotional disturbance, the nature of
which needs to be understood to
develop a comprehensive remedial
program for this child. Our multifaceted
assessment includes developmental,
neuropsychological and psycho-
educational evaluation components; it establishes the diagnosis and provides detailed analysis of the neurological impairment in question as well as remedial programming and school-related educational recommendations for your child. Bgcenter.com

Our hope is that we will get answers regarding our son's educational/emotional/social/developmental needs so that we can implement the plan formulated by the BGCenter, allowing him to live a productive adult life of independence. Time is not on our side!

The only problem with this plan is that it’s costly. We estimate the trip to and services at BGCenter will cost approximately $6,300. Our insurance might refund some of the costs, but with our high deductable we aren’t expecting much, if anything. We know the Lord will provide the dollars we need to help our son in this way.

Since we believe this is necessary and we simply don’t have the funds, we have decided to hold some short-term fundraisers. This is a decision we’ve struggled with. We are willing to fight for our son, even if it means humbling ourselves once again, asking for prayer and support and working like the dickens to raise the money for special medical care.

The Lord is always faithful, and He never changes! We know that nothing and no one is beyond His redemption!

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 (KJV)

*update*

I'm ashamed of even questioning God and His faithfulness!
Just this morning I set our BGCenter appointment for mid November and reviewed all the details of the trip. Meanwhile, Clayton and Kasidi were in town getting some things done to the van when he decided to go to lunch, turning into one place but realizing there wasn't much for Kasidi to eat there, he left and went elsewhere. He saw a family that buys corn from us, and they spotted Kasidi and started asking about the kids. He asked them to pray about our trip, and the woman said she wanted to help and would we accept a substantial amount of money toward the treatment?!? She wrote a large check and said, "It's from God!"

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are renewed every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lam 3:22-24

Resting up from Labor Day :)

2011-09-07T06:03:00.000-05:00

What an awesome weekend! The Corkern family visited us, and we solved all the world's problems and got caught up on family happenings :)
Our two families have grown by four kiddos since we were last together in April!
They arrived in time for our first football game of the season.
Saturday we went to the parade.
WTG, freshman class! Float champs you are! But that 'Class of 2015' thing is kinda weirding me out!
The theme: Around the World in 2011.
This cool pic netted Kenzie a champion ribbon.

Sunday we celebrated Kuyler's birthday with lots of friends.

Monday we celebrated Clair's birthday! She turned 8, and it's the first time her birthday has ever been celebrated. What a blessing to be a part of that.

And to add to the coolness, Clayton and Doug drove to OKC Monday morning and picked up the Beast! She has arrived, has 150 car seats installed and a cool decal on the back window.

Tuesday was Kasidi's physical therapy assessment, and she scored higher than expected!

Today we meet the insurance adjuster to estimate the DDD (dumb deer damage) to Junior Beast.

Kenzie's softball tourney starts tomorrow.

And we have our 2nd Friday Night Lights after that.

Seems like I should post more pictures, but I'm resting up from Labor Day!

Up in Your Grill

2011-09-01T16:03:00.000-05:00

Literally.
He left his DNA.
And possibly more.
Up in my grill...my door...and the door behind me.
Kasidi, Kennah and I were making the one-and-a-half hour trip to the pediatric dentist this morning, when in broad daylight, from the trees sprang a deer. (that sounds poetic, but it wasn't)
He was fast.
Not fast enough.
In a split second I felt I had two choices: swerve and risk rolling my car, possibly injuring my babies, or hitting the critter and taking the damage.
I've never hit anything before, and I was surprised by the impact. And surprised at how sore my arms are from gripping the wheel...and my leg from mashing the brake.
Praise the Lord we are ok! I was able to drive the car, and the girls wouldn't have known anything happened but for my scream.
The up side: I get my exercise climbing over the console because my door won't open.
The adjuster will meet me next Wednesday *sigh*.
But we may be picking up the Mamavan at the airport Monday!!!!!
Lord, thank You for your protection!

Midweek (and More)

2011-09-01T06:34:00.000-05:00

For several years our Ministerial Alliance has hosted a community picnic during fair week. There's good food, fellowship and fun.
Well...it's not always fun trying to get this many kids to eat when they want to play...

There was singing

Lots of water

And it was hot (like 109)!

But we survived!

And we'll do it again next year!

On another note, thank you so much for sending me your prayer requests! It's my privilege to lift you up! We serve an awesome God!

Prayer Requests?

2011-08-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

…being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4:21

It’s been almost 2 months since I received many of your prayer requests, and I know God has already moved mountains. I think it’s time for updated requests, so please leave a comment or email me.

If you email me with your request and you have a blog, I’d love it if you would give me the address!