Giveaway Reminder!

Just 19 more days to enter our giveaway drawing! Click on the 'chipin' button above to enter and help contribute to our adoption. Some folks have sent their entries directly to me, and if you're more comfortable with that, please let me know, either by leaving a comment or emailing me. Wow, June is flying by!

Life Preserver

Do you ever feel like you're sinking? Are you going through a season that begs the question, "Why?" Do you ever search for answers when there just aren't any? Have you ever been in a place where the only answer is complete trust in the unseen? Have you ever had to trust completely in God's faithfulness, goodness, provision... without the benefit of understanding?
I'm right there with ya', sister! Our circumstances change, people in our lives change ... shoot, the whole world changes! There is only One who never changes, our Almighty God! I am so grateful He is my Life Preserver! I may not have control of my circumstances, but He sure does. And I've learned that I don't need to fully understand His will to have the faith to know He is good, just, faithful, steadfast, ever-present, all-knowing, almighty and so much more! I have experienced more growth in the times of faith-testing than any other season. He always uses my junk for His glory. I've learned that it's easy to praise Him when everything is going good; it's another to praise Him in the storm. My life trials have caused me to stretch, grow and step outside the box ... and He is always there, my Life Preserver!

~These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Pet 1:7

~He is the rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deut 32:4

~For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

~For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

May He be your Life Preserver today!

Dadblasted skeeters

When Kayden came home we learned how ugly mosquito bites can be on a child allergic to the creepy critters. Part of it has to do with her beautiful Asian skin. The site will welt up, then seep, then turn purple and scar for about a month and eventually fade away. We quickly realized we had to protect Kayden's skin anytime she was outside, and if she did get bitten we'd give her Benadryl and cover the bites with Calamine.

Apparently Kaeleb is even sweeter! He will be covered in bites when there isn't a single sign of the critters on anyone else. Saturday his hairline was covered in bites, and Sunday he got bitten on the brow. Monday his right eye was swollen shut, and even Benadryl wouldn't treat it. We hope his visit to the doctor will render the cure my precious boy needs. I can't even post his picture because it looks like he's been socked a good one - poor baby.

All this to say, once you bring home your precious Asian born child, you may need to take extra precautions against pesky mosquitoes. We were shocked the first time we saw our children's reaction to the bites.

UPDATE***

The doctor didn't think Kaeleb had a secondary infection in his eye. He says to keep using repellent and follow up with Benadryl.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

No words needed :)

A truck and a tractor ... that's all a boy needs!

It's not safe in the jungle anymore ;-)

Sissy will check out your glasses and card.

Happy birthday, Kaeleb Jon! I can't believe how much you've grown in the last year. You are such a blessing, and we love you like crazy!

Another Miracle!

Congratulations to the Hamm Family on the referral of your beautiful Korean-born daughter!

His Word Never Returns Empty

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
Every day as I read my devotional passages I am in awe that God gives me the same message over and over. So many of the same Scriptures He has given me in our journey of prayer, He is affirming daily. He's good like that!

Yep, It's Summertime!

What are the 'lazy days of summer'? Someone please tell me ;-) We seem to be sleeping less and running more... and I love staying home!
Kenzie and Company leaving for her last Children's Camp. Next year it will be youth camp!

No, Mom, this is not a chair. This is our ship and we're sailing. Hmmm, what's that sailor in the back up to?!?

Late night baseball with a popsicle and a friend!

Summertime means giving the flowers a drink...

...riding our bikes...

...and shading our face.

How's your summer going?

New Giveaway Fundraiser!

Do you see our beautiful button above? Thank you, Jennisa, for making it! I'm going to give a larger text description of the items in our giveaway here, along with a few pictures!

Giveaway:
1 ~ Book set, includes 2 Lysa Terkeurst books, coffee mug, bookmark
2 ~ Necklace/Earring set
3 ~ Necklace/Earring set
4 ~ Handbag by Humor, Carnival Bloom (Crazy Dazy)
5 ~ Backpack by Stephen Joseph (Crazy Dazy)
6 ~ Handmade Cross décor by Karlea’s Art
7 ~ Manicure gift set by Pembrook Salon
8 ~ Pedicure gift set by Pembrook Salon
Eight items, eight opportunities to win! Enter the giveaway for $10. Click on the ChipIn button to enter. You don’t need a Paypal account to enter.
Also, add my button to your blog, site or Facebook, leave a comment with your link, and you are automatically entered for 1 item!

God is good!

Oklahoma Hearts has two speaking engagements today, and God has already blessed the first one! In an hour we will leave for the second. My prayer is that God would be heard, despite us ;-) None of us claims to be public speakers, but we all love to brag on our amazing God. After our first engagement this morning we were blessed with a love offering almost large enough to cover one grant! Yes, God is good!
Our family has been in fervent prayer, and we thank you for joining us. I'm hoping to have something new on the blog tomorrow ...
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31

Busy, busy, busy

It's that time! We've got a solid month of Kenzie and Kolton's softball and baseball, Falls Creek, Kaeleb's birthday, and getting ready for sweet corn!
Right now three of my snuggle bunnies aren't feeling well so today will be spent cuddling.
Oklahoma Hearts for Adoption has 2 speaking engagements tomorrow! Very excited to share!
I'm working on something really cool ... so stay tuned!
Please continue to pray for our family. God is so very good!
Have a blessed weekend!

How We Love

Have you ever had a message hit you upside the head? I mean slap you silly, get your attention kinda deal? Like it's in a song, a conversation, the Word (yikes, it's gotta be true!). I can be pretty dense, but sometimes there's just no room left to say, "Lord, if you'd just give me a sign ..."

I'm a pretty introverted gal. You could even call me socially retarded. Don't get me wrong, I love people, I love family and friend gatherings, but take me to the mall and I'm overwhelmed! I'll go before a crowd and speak if it's to brag on the Lord, but then let me quickly walk to the back row. Put me in an amusement park and I'm gonna find a bench and catch a tan. So this is the real me, but what does it say about me? How does it identify me? Does it make me appear uncaring, unapproachable, snobbish?

I've encountered a message of love in various forms lately, and it's really made me search my heart. Even though I know I love people, do they know I love them?
In John 13:35, Jesus says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I profess to be a follower of Christ, but what does that look like? When I take my last breath, what legacy will I leave? Did I serve well? Did I know 'peeps'? Did I leave an inheritance to my children? Did I join all the booster clubs? Did I attend every meeting? Did I enroll my kids in every activity under the sun?

God has done a lot of 'pruning' in me over the last few years. We've ditched the extracurricular activities, allowing each child 1 favorite. We've left the clubs behind if it they took up family time. The inheritance has only eternal value. Lots of changes. But still, how do I love?

See, I can even do all these things, but if I complain, gossip, control and scowl, I am not representative of Christ's love. As a result of Christ's love, I should do many things, even do some things sacrificially, like give of my time, finances, talents .... But doing those things alone doesn't make me a disciple. God is transforming my heart, showing me how to step out and engage in conversation, even when I don't know what to say.

I want people to know I care about them, what's going on in their lives. Many times I don't ask, for fear they will think I'm just being nosy. I'm asking the Lord to make me sensitive to needs, to know when to ask and when to remain silent. I want to plant seeds. I want to water growing plants. I want to have a full 'fruit' basket. When someone meets me for the first time, I want them to know I am a follower of Christ. When someone has known me for years, I want them to see the transformation Christ has made in me! I want to leave a legacy of love. What will be your legacy?

Sleek New Look

Our awesome square jars were discontinued so we found these beautiful round jars with a solid base. Very sleek ... and just made today!

So It's Come Down To This :)

We were out of peanut butter ... and this is what we reached for. It'll last a good week or so.
*Point of clarification: This giant can with the flying man is rarely wasted as the main course. Oh no, it's reserved for hors d'euvres. We find it particularly satisfying served on crackers, celery sticks, apples and fingertips :)

No Need to Worry

In my study time, I came across this commentary, and it was just what I needed. Isn't that just like our God! It's called "Seven Reasons Not to Worry," taken from Matthew 6:25-34.
Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life ..."
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...See how the lilies of the field grow...If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ...So do not worry ... your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself..."
Wow! The message to me is that the God who created the universe is the same God who orchestrates the details of my life. If I worry about what might happen tomorrow, I will not serve effectively today. God does not turn His back on those who depend on Him. In fact, He knows our needs even before we do. Worrying demonstrates a lack of faith in how big our God is, putting Him in a box and limiting His boundless resources and power. God challenges me to grow and step out of my comfort zone, and if I worry, then I will let my own fears keep me from experiencing all He has for me. I know He gives me sufficient grace and compassion for today, and I don't need to be concerned about tomorrow!
Whatever trials you and I are facing, there is One who has the answers, the strength, grace, mercy and desire to walk us through the fire. His Word says He confides in those who fear Him - awesome! Let's not be paralyzed by fear and worry - let's get on our knees and give it to Him!

Thank you!

We have so much to be grateful for! Y'all are the best! Thank you for your prayers. We still need and appreciate your petitions ...
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16(b)
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Now for the garage sale - IT WAS A SUCCESS! How many trailers does it take?
One~
Two~

Three~

Four~

Some of the stuff off the trailers

This is the .25 table!

You get the idea ...

Oh yeah, we had a little fun too!

April, Queen of Garage Sale!

Kenzie, Joker Extraordinaire!

Ashley, Supreme Model of Merchandise!

Big brother taking little sibs for a walk

Trying to take three monkeys' picture:

Thank you to everyone who donated items, time and funds. Praise the Lord for giving us perfect garage sale weather and sales beyond our expectation!

Needing Your Prayers, Please

Would you please join us in prayer. The Lord knows our need. If there was a way I could share it, I would, but that is not possible right now. We know that where the Lord is at work, so is the enemy ...

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb 11:1
... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid ... John 14:27
But the plans of the Lord stand firm. Psa 33:11
I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Treasure Sale

I mean garage sale! The Muellers and Johnsons are holding our ginormous garage sale over the next three days to raise adoption funds. Thank you to everyone who donated items, priced, plan to move the 4 trailer loads of stuff, set up and work the sale, buyers ... and thank you, Lord, for the funds you are going to provide!

Referral (Make it Plural) Part IV

Plural Referral – Part IV
During our long weekend of waiting and praying, we were faced with the very real possibility that our daughter might not be on the next shared list. This would mean that our son’s file would still be ‘out there’ for at least another 30 days. Needless to say, we had already fallen head over heels in love with him and couldn’t bear the thought of losing him.

Every time my human self would begin to worry, I would turn to the Scriptures and be reminded that God has empowered me with the Holy Spirit who allows me to pray with confidence and expectation. I would also dwell on the mountains He had already moved and His numerous promises fulfilled.

During this battle, we had enlisted an army of prayer warriors, and at 7:30 a.m., Monday, May 4th our prayers were answered! Karla called with the referral of our daughter! We quickly viewed her file and completed our Nurture and Care Plan for both children. To our delight, Karla called again that evening to tell us that our Letters of Intent were being electronically sent to C*AA and that we should stop and pray because both children were being locked in for us at that moment. God is so good! But there’s more …

Stepping into the realm of special needs adoption can be a process, at least it was for us. We started out accepting a very short list of minor needs, and over time God opened our hearts to more severe needs, giving us peace that if we are obedient, He will supply what we need, including the stamina, funds and education to nurture and care for our children. After all, their most significant special need is a family.

We were expecting to adopt a toddler with a need that would require multiple trips to a specialist some 8 to 12 hours away over a period of 6 to 8 weeks. I could already envision the trips. I would take our newest 13 year old son along so we could improve our communication, and there would be tons of laughter, pointing and even the possibility that I might learn a few new words.

So now I get to tell you about my children! Our daughter’s Chinese name is **** and she has resided in **** since the day after her birth in **** of ***. When she was 8 months old she had surgery to repair her cleft lip under C*AA’s Tomorrow Plan. We have named her Kinley Grace, and she is essentially completely healthy with a postoperative cleft lip!

Our son, ***, was very ill and left on the roadside at 3 months of age, and has spent the last 13 years in foster care and the ***. He will turn 14 in ***, 2010, at which time he would no longer be eligible for international adoption and would be left to support himself. While this makes my heart ache, I know that I serve a God who turns ashes to beauty, and He has beautiful plans for our precious son, Kooper Joe. God is always on time. He is never late!

We have been told that in the rare instance C*AA grants a request for a family to adopt two children at the same time, the children must be from the same orphanage. This was waived in our case, but we were warned that we would have two provincial stays, about five days each, and extended travel and obviously increased fee.
We were once again blown away by the fact that our children are in neighboring provinces! Of course travel details will be worked out later, but there is a possibility we will be able to receive both children at the same time, drive to each Civil Affairs office for the adoption proceedings, and not have an extended stay! We expect to travel in ***, unless C*AA decides to expedite our paperwork :)

Once our Letters of Intent to adopt were submitted to C*AA, we were told to expect our PA (pre-approval to adopt) within 7 to 10 business days. I had care packages ready to ship the minute we got our PA, and on Monday, May 11 I began praising God in advance for sending our PA the next day, which would be Day 7. Karla called at 9:45 p.m. May 12 to let us know we had PA on 2 children! Needless to say, both care packages were shipped the following day.

I am not prophetic, and I am no one special (apart from Christ). But God has shown me the power in faithful, confident prayer. If I pray for something and don’t really believe it’s going to happen, I am faithless. I know my God is able to answer my prayers, and I know He is willing. I praise Him for giving me an abundant life in Jesus!
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

Scented Special II!

Running a special on the seasonal favorites I have in stock! They are first come, first served, and I don't plan to make any more of these flavors until the holidays, so please leave a comment as to how many and which scent you want.
They are $10 each plus S&H.
Here's what I have:
1 Peace ~ Cinnamon Bun
2 Goodness ~ Midnight Pomegranate - SOLD
3 Gentleness ~ Cinnamon Toast
3 Self Control ~ Baked Apple Pie
8 Faithfulness ~ Pumpkin Pie Spice
*My favorite square jars are no longer available :( so we are changing to a round jar, but it will hold at least as much wax and will still be beautiful, I promise!

Lest we forget the humor ...

I promise to tell 'the rest of the story,' but we interrupt this program for a little slice of life this week.
This is one of the care packages shipped last week!
Kayden's Little Olympics was Friday. Oops, that's Kambry :)

Big air for a little girl!

Picking 'flowers'

"Let me get this straight. You want me to r-u-n? As in break a sweat? I'm pretty sure princesses don't do that!"

Kayden with the camera. Yes, Mom's mouth is always open :)

We made a road trip on Saturday to my niece's graduation. It was a very long but awesome day. Love spending time with family.

We had tons of amazing food!

My two brothers. Love 'em!

View from afar ... nobody wants to get on the trampoline with the little monkeys!

We got in really late. And apparently Daddy thought it would be funny to catch everybody asleep before church this morning.

Sleeping Beauty, Kenzie

Tough guys sleep too - Kolton

Displaced Kuyler home for the summer. We ARE working on getting bunkbeds!

I'm pretty sure that's my bed ... but who are the monkeys? Very funny, Daddy!

Did I mention we have a zillion things to do this week?!? Three more graduations, a youth end-of-school party, garage sale fundraiser... I'm ready for NEXT Monday!

In regard to the homecoming of our two precious kiddos, someone said to me this week, "You must have a really big house!" Well, by some standards it's huge. Ten years ago we built it the perfect size for our family of 5 (five) f-i-v-e. Now that we are soon to be a family of 10, it will still be the perfect size, just not as many square feet per capita :) I wonder if there are triple decker bunkbeds?

While on our road trip we discussed the fact that our suburban is perfect - for 8; our dining table is perfect - for 8. I admit on April 14th we didn't consider any of these things. We haven't even thought about them much since then. If we dwell on the size of our home, our car, our budget ... we are too quick to try to figure out how we are going to make this work. It's not up to us to make this work. I'm confident the details are already worked out, and have been for a very long time. As for us, we will continue to work hard, love our kids well, and stay on our knees.

And speaking of prayers, I assure you mine have never been: "Oh, please Lord, give me two 13-year-olds! Because, Lord, I have this desire to be outwitted and second guessed every day. I want two of the most intelligent young people (because I know nothing!) to give me an answer for everything, to turn their noses up at well-prepared meals, to wreak havoc on my schedule, to redefine the term 'mountain of laundry,' to break the bank with necessary sports attire and food. Oh, and Lord, could you add a couple of two-year-olds to the mix. Because I'd love to buy diapers in bulk, spend fewer hours sleeping and confine myself to home for fear of losing someone. And while you're at it, could you please give me just four more for good measure. Because, Lord, you know my weaknesses ... but I know Your strength is made perfect in weakness. So, as long as You promise to stay with me for the long haul, bring 'em on!"

Again, it reminds me of the verse that has spoken volumes to me recently:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us ... Eph 3:20

In keeping it real, we are so excited to be adding to our family. It's going to be a little challenging, but it's also going to be a blast! Communication is going to be amazing! We'll probably invent our very own signs! Yes, let's keep it real and dare not forget the humor.