It's About Time

Chaos before the glorious wedding :)

I figure it's about time for life to settle into some sort of normal around here.  But I'll be darned if 'normal' doesn't keep changing the boundaries.  Yep, we're on shaky ground if we're waiting for 'normal' in our neck of the woods.

We just celebrated the marriage of Kolton and Alllie (I'll share that later when we have more pics and I have permission).  They are a beautiful couple, and it was a beautiful ceremony.  I'm reminded how quickly time flies as next month Kuyler and Caitlin celebrate their first anniversary!

In a few weeks we have the privilege of sharing our testimony with a Ch*nese ministry.  We're really excited...and a lot nervous.  Our prayer is that we would speak the truth of the gospel and that God would be glorified.

Then in July it's corn harvest, and that's just a season of nose-to-the-grindstone and don't look up till it's over!  The cool temperatures have slowed the crop growth, but the Lord has spared us of any damaging storms.  

Our summers aren't exactly 'lazy days,' but we're used to a bit of chaos.  The main thing is that we keep perspective and make time for extended family and friends.

Even though our life is on the crazy side, there is One who is unshakable and unchanging!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb 13:8


He is the only One who can keep us grounded.  And no matter what circumstances or chaos I'm faced with, I can trust Him.

Oswald Chambers says it like this: 

"We are not made for the bright-shining moments of life, but we have to walk in the light of them in our everyday ways....If I am a friend of Jesus, I must deliberately and carefully lay down my life for Him.  It is a difficult thing to do, and thank God that it is.  Salvation is easy for us, because it cost God so much.  But the exhibiting of salvation in my life is difficult.  God saves a person, fills him with the Holy Spirit, and then says, in effect, 'Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful.'"

Friends, are you trusting Jesus in the chaos of your everyday life?

To Him be all glory!

Takin' Care of Business

Feelin' like there are so many loose ends to tie up, and I don't know where to start :)

First, regarding the auction, if you have not made contact with the vendor or received your items, please please let me know so I can take care of it. 
Thank you again to everyone who participated!!!

Next, thank you to everyone who ordered a necklace from Jubilee's Jewels on our behalf!  We raised $360!!!  The Jubilee's Jewels fundraiser has ended, but I want to give a big shout out to Stacy for all she does ~ THANK YOU, SISTA!

Then, the Wild Olive Tee fundraiser is still going on through this week.

Finally, don't forget our iPad Mini fundraiser going on till Monday night!  I'd love to have one of these, but I'd love even more for YOU to have one :)  Thank you to everyone who has shared and entered so far!

Also, thank you for the recipes!  I'm making several dishes each day to freeze, and it's looking good!

My head's in a whirl with all I should be doing, but I can't help but smile when I think about holding Khloie in 2 weeks!!!!

*Give Me Your Freezable Dish Recipes, Puleeeze!*

Two weeks from today we will be China bound.  
It hasn't sunk in yet!

An amazing family will be moving into our oh-so-crowded home in our two-week absence.

One way I can make things a little easier for this mama is to prepare some meals for freezing.  After all, she will be feeding 18 people on a daily basis - yikes!  

And if she decides to cook fresh every day, or meals miraculously appear at our doorstep...then I'll have meals ready for the fog of jet lag :)  You know that feeling, 24 eyes staring at you, wondering what's for dinner, and you haven't even thought about it - gah!

I've started a list of dishes that freeze well...and here's where you can help!

Do you have a super-delicious recipe that I can double or triple and will freeze well?  

*hint* I'm not into complicated, fancy dishes.  We like ground beef and chicken...and ground beef...and cheese :)  I would love to try some new things though that will please a crowd!

Can't wait to see what you've got!!!!

To Sum it up

In a word, "frazzled" would describe my state of mind this week.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength...I can do everything through Him who gives me strength...I can do everything through Him who gives me strength...

Mama's Home!

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!

Change!

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!

I've Got It!

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.

Successful Day, Yes?

I have re-defined success :)

Yesterday six kids piled into the suburban (well, technically, I loaded and strapped in 2 of them), and we embarked on the horrendous task of school supply shopping, which rates second to multiple doctor's appointments in a single day.

After hitting St*ples and W*l-Mart, we retrieved 75 percent of the supplies.

Two other stores granted us two of the six pair of tennis shoes we need.

We renewed our strength with Ch*ck-Fila (yum!), and met Dad and more kids at the school.

In under two hours we enrolled six kids and headed to the softball field to watch Kenzie's first high school double-header. (Way to go, Lady Devils!)

We came home, fixed supper and went to bed on time...and then Kolton had midnight madness football practice, which I did not attend thank.you.very.much. (Thanks, Ty, for taking him!)

No one got lost, I didn't lose my mind, and we accomplished most of what we set out to do.

It was a successful day. (except I didn't get any softball pix)

Now, please excuse me while I wash the uniform (and six more loads I didn't get to yesterday) for another game today...

Hope for Today *update*

*update below*

I must confess that the pace of life right now is much faster than I prefer. I’d rather stroll through the day, taking time to enjoy every moment. But today’s reality is a marathon of rushing here and there, rarely finishing a conversation, spending much too little time with my children and often wondering if I’ve missed an important appointment or deadline. This kind of chaos leaves me empty. I lack perspective, energy, desire …and sometimes even hope.

Can you believe that? I have the assurance of eternal life, yet lack the hope for today. Something’s gotta give!

As stewards of an abundant crop and parents to ten beautiful children, our summer days are anything but lazy. Most days we are exhausted. Have you ever been there ~ so tired or confused you can’t remember how to put one foot in front of the other, let alone make a decision beyond what’s for supper?

The Lord has poured out His blessings on our family ~ I know this! But the truth is, some blessings come with a price. I say this not so you’ll feel sorry for me, but to encourage you! Maybe you’re there. You’re seeking the Lord; you’re responding in obedience…and in the midst of it all there is despair. Even though we know we have an opportunity to grow in the hard places, we sometimes lack that perspective in the moment-by-moment encounters that seem to wrestle us to the ground.

This week I’m asking the Lord not necessarily to help me see in the dark, but to lead me through the dark with hope. I have such limited vision of His grand plans that I can easily get lost in the momentary troubles. Yet I know in my heart His plans are good and He is faithful to bring them to fruition. He has given me the opportunity to seize abundant life here and now, this side of heaven. That is my hope.

By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. Galatians 5:5

Even when I see nothing in the darkness, am I willing to walk through it with Him? When my cup seems filled with sorrow, am I willing to drink it? I want the answer to be “YES”! I’m clinging to His hand and claiming His promises, waiting expectantly for a glimmer of light that I KNOW will come. He is already stirring my heart! I am intentionally seeking Him, poring over His promises. I can stand victoriously, even in the darkness!

One of the ways He refreshes me is through prayer…for others. I love intercessory prayer. In January I started a new prayer journal and prayed through your requests daily until my trip to China. By that time many of your prayers had been answered!

So…it’s time to update my prayer journal. I would be honored to stand in the gap for you. If you’d like me to pray for you, please either leave a comment or email me.

*Thank you for allowing me to pray for you! I've gotten your comments and emails and intend to respond to each one. Ya'll have blessed me so much by allowing me to pray for you!*

How can I pray for you?

Keepin' it Real

Lest you think things are perfect here, I will set the record straight ;-)

It's true, the girls are transitioning miraculously well, but we are not livin' the stuff fairy tales are made of.

I'm not even talking about the piles of laundry waiting for me every morning, threatening to interfere with the precious moments I need with my Lord.

I'm not talking about the need to start another meal by the time I've cleared the aftermath of the last one. On that note, I just want to say THANK YOU to the families who are bringing us meals! It's a huge blessing! (If you're wondering how to minister to an adoptive family, this is an incredible way to do so!)

I'm not talking about the fact that our suburban doesn't hold all of us. We are still hoping to receive the adoption tax refund which will allow us to buy a bigger vehicle...but like so many other adoptive families we are still waiting...

I'm not talking about the fact that Clayton is so busy planting, fertilizing and spraying corn that I've got a semi-single-parent thing going on (which I'm lousy at!).

I'm not talking about the fact that Falls Creek is less than 2 weeks away, and I'm still praying about going, with 2 new girls in tow. I can't imagine missing it, and I think the girls will do fine; I'm just not sure if I will recuperate physically once we come home, especially with sweet corn harvest starting a week later.

I'm not talking about the fact that eventually I will have to return to work. Fortunately, I don't leave home every day for work, but still, it's an added responsibility that tests my sanity :)

What I am talking about are typical adoption/transition/attachment/health issues.

Kasidi appears to have allergies - imagine that in our windy, dusty climate. Once we do the usual post-adoption checkup/bloodwork/immunization stuff she will be seen at the spina bifida clinic to begin the rotation of diagnosis, testing and treatment. She's doing fantastic, really! She loves all her siblings, but is quick to let them know when they are between her and her mama ;-) Emotionally, she's coping as I would expect. She's pretty much my appendage, but I can put her down to play sometimes. It makes getting things done very challenging, but I'm realizing those things will eventually get done when they need to. Everyone will eventually run out of clean underwear and dishes, and then someone will take action :)

Miss Kennah, at 3 years old, struggles with new challenges each day. She has decided Mama is somewhat awesome. So awesome in fact that she can't leave my side. At first she would eat like there was no tomorrow, and we celebrated the fact she'd gained 2 ounces! But now she piddles with her food, and won't finish it. I frequently have to call Daddy out of the corn field to come in and tell her to eat. Ridiculous, I know. If I weren't concerned about her health, I'd let it go.

Kennah also struggles with language. She understands most everything we say; she just doesn't talk. The orphanage staff told our guide repeatedly that Kennah's 'speech wasn't clear.' Understatement! I know it has everything to do with her cleft, and I'm so anxious to get her into the cleft clinic. Just waiting on insurance paperwork - ugh. We've taught her signs, and she's so stinkin' smart that she refuses to use her words. Then two days ago she started whining. She can whine like a pro! Oh my word. She will stand at the door and whine to go outside; she will whine for a drink, whine for a snack, whine to go potty. The whinometer has reached the top! I pray for compassion and understanding every day. My heart knows it's part of the routine; my head just needs to be reminded. On the other hand, she looks at me with those big eyes and smiles, and I can't refuse her. She will randomly break into dance and song, which is so adorable, and she shows true compassion and empathy toward anyone who is upset. So I will stop my whining, get on my knees and accept that this is what we signed up for...

GAME ON!

We Interrupt This Life...

...to bring you basketball season! Jr. High and High School hoops is under way, and I wonder if we'll survive :)

In February we'll come up for air.

Since many have asked about the wallets, here's a preview. They are $5 + shipping, which we'll figure out this week.

As for the squeaky shoes, I'm working on a SPECIAL! Do you love a sale like I do? Stay tuned!

Thank you to those who have supported us through our Wild Olive Tee fundraiser! It runs till December 17. Check the sidebar for details!

Happy Hallow-Weekend!

Now, please excuse us while we take advantage of a weekend at home and disappear into this dirty dungeon of a house, wave our magic wand and hope it comes out clean ;-)

Next Year!

I love all the fun pictures of families visiting punkin' patches! We've talked about growing a punkin' patch right after corn harvest, but we've been too exhausted to carry it out. It would be such a fun family thing... so next year Mr. Greenthumb will have a punkin' patch!

Don't Ya Love it...(updated)

...when your son says, "You going to town today?"

"Wasn't planning on it. Why???"

"We have an 'opening ceremonies' competition tomorrow...and I need black pants, black shoes and a white shirt."

...of course, son. Right after I jump in my time machine AND water the money tree...

argh.

****Whew, I knew I wasn't the only mom dealing with this! Just so ya' know, I do get the less-than-24-hour-notice too. This call occurred on my way to town...

"Mom, do you have your checkbook...cuz you need to stop by the school NOW and pay for my FFA jacket. Oh, and I will also need a black belt and black socks to wear tomorrow for the competition...since you're going to town."

Bring it on!

I'm taking this week in segments of one half day at a time. We're getting as much done ahead of time as possible because it's going to be a l.o.n.g. one!

It was a beautiful evening for pitching practice with Dad...

...and being stuck in the house completing a geography project due next Friday.
I'd say it turned out pretty good!
I'm not thinking about what's between now and this time next week. No, I'm not. Tomorrow is an orthodontist visit, Festival preps, work and Kolton's JV game; Tuesday is school meeting and softball game; Wednesday is long day of work and youth; Thursday is Kandle making; Friday is picking up a truckload of mums, setting up at Festival and football game; Saturday and Sunday are Festival days where we will sell every single mum and Kandle we have. But I'm not thinking about this right now...

*Note to Self*

When my 3-year-old complains all day that her tummy hurts, even though she seems fine, I would be wise to take a change of clothes to the football game...and another vehicle.

Stellar Week

It's been a busy one...but it's just gonna get busier.

Kooper skyped with his friend M from his province who is now home!!!

Today we are making the initial preparations for our very first Fall Festival next weekend! My helpers and I drug out all the supplies and made 66 candles.
First batch
It's so hard to keep good help :) Acting like they're done!
Tomorrow Kooper will march with the band in the NWOSU parade (he's a little excited!)
I'm afraid as busy as this homecoming week was, next week will be even more crowded. More softball, more football, orthodontics consult, pick up our mums and set up for Oktoberfest!

It's Fair Week - and The Home Study Experience

What a whirlwind first 2 weeks of school, with county and local fair, the start of Friday night lights, and other stuff!

Kolton and Blaze, ready for the parade.

Sorry it's blurry, but that's Kooper with the cymbals! How cool is that?!? He LOVES band!!!!
Kolton and Boomer.
The audience (Kayden, Kambry, Kinley & Kaeleb)
Kuyler drove his VW and Kooper worked the crowd.
Kolton's Freshman class float.
Kenzie on the Spirit float.
Kolton and Blaze bringing up the end of the parade.
All of my kids were at the parade today!

I can only wish the next few weeks would slow down, but there's really no hope in that.

The youth staff has our first 5th Quarter next Friday night; hopefully an awesome adoption fundraiser on Saturday; two kids getting braces soon...

Kolton's finger is healing, and he will start playing football again this week.

On the adoption front, we had our home visit yesterday since the kids were out of school for the fair. Our SW was scheduled to arrive at lunch time. I have no idea whether it's appropriate to invite your SW to eat lunch with you, but I DID! What a stupid brave thing to do - invite our SW to the trough table!

The good news is after 3.5 hours in our home, she is still willing to complete our home study... even though somebody told her to go home, somebody came out of the bathroom half nekkid needing assistance, somebody climbed the back of her chair and said 'boo', somebody shared their food with her, Daddy asked somebody if he needed to cut their toe off when they stubbed it, and somebody spilled a gallon of Sunny D after carrying a stool to the fridge and helping themselves during the three minutes we walked to the hallway. I'm sure my responses were all appropriate :)

So much to do ... and nothing getting done

How can it be that my 'to-do' list is so long ... and yet, I have accomplished nothing today?

If you hadn't noticed, I'm trying to stay off of here - to keep from sharing too much info too soon! Oh, I can't wait to shout God's praises, but all in due time.

I can say that following our referral on Monday morning, our LOI (Letter of Intent to Adopt) was sent electronically Monday night! We are currently waiting on PA (pre-approval), which should come next week.

In other news, we received a call from Lifesong today - we have been awarded a matching grant, praise the Lord!

April and I spent all yesterday pricing and boxing items for our garage sale fundraiser we had planned for this weekend. We have postponed it to May 22 and 23 due to weather. Thanks to all our donors, we have too much stuff to chance the rain! And a huge 'Thank You' to A, L, L and E for helping us price and box all the goodies yesterday!

This is about half the donated items! Thank goodness our church has a huge bus barn!

Kambry found a treasure!

If you live nearby, mark your calendar for Thursday, May 14th! Amy is hosting a "Candles & Cupcakes" fundraiser event for us. If you'd like details, please call or email me.

My sweet mom has received her Mother's Day bouquet ... and our good news. We hope to see her and have Kambry's birthday party this Sunday (don't forget your mamas!)

Now, to get to the stack of laundry, dishes, grant applications ... it's all good!

Let's Hear it For the Boy!

No accidents in 3 days - way to go, Little Man!