We Interrupt This Series To Bring You ...

CHRISTMAS!

Gotta love the pre-Christmas injuries that happen when you run and fall with a cup in your mouth.

Now we can figure out where we're going... right?

What are these? Oh yeah, movies, entertainment, lounge material. Yeah, right!

Wow, this kid's got an entire fleet of new trucks!

Don't ask!

We had a very laid-back Christmas. It was awesome! Praise the Lord our newest Treasures were home to celebrate.

On a side note, that's a LOT of stockings! Am I crazy to think that one of these years Santa will have done his job before I check in?!?

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours~
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
May the center of our attention be on the Baby in the manger who later went to the cross for all of us!
Clayton, Connie, Kuyler, Kolton, Kooper, Kenzie, Kayden, Kambry, Kaeleb & Kinley

"Why Wouldn't I?" by Peder Eide

Don't forget to turn off the sound at the bottom of the page and listen to this beautiful message!

Older Child Adoption, Part II

Every day I realize that God truly wants the glory for my son's raising! I'm reminded of my weaknesses and lack of qualification to transition a 13 year old from a life of 'running the orphanage' to thriving in a family. What's that cliche ~ if God brings ya' to it, He'll get ya' through it. But I don't want to just get through it; I want to excel! I want to meet the challenges head on! I want Him to grant me the strength, endurance and grace (oh, and joy) as I become the child He desires and the mom my son needs.

Of all the families, God chose us to parent our son, l.o.n.g. ago. We have found that we are suddenly teachers, which has never been a gift of mine (ask the kids). I have this mindset that people should be equipped with an inherent knowledge and ability to do things asked of them (nope, I'm not a teacher). That is a reflection on my inability to give clear instruction! And yet, I get to teach my son English, math, reading...and the really good stuff, Truth.

We had no idea what level of education our son had. The question everyone asked was, "Does he know English?" We were fighting so hard to get him home, we never considered the language issue, and in fact I boldly announced that 'the language of love will speak volumes.' To answer the question of whether he knew English: 'NO!'

In fact, our son's education is, at best, a 2nd grade level. See, somewhere along the way he might have been called a failure...or he was never challenged...or it was easier to let him do whatever he wanted...or all 3! In any case, he hasn't had any formal education for over 2 years, and we suspect 4. When we met him we asked what kind of student he was. The stammering and hem-hawing around should have been a good indication.

Our son seems to live by the philosophy that "if I don't try, I can't fail." Very sad. But we get to teach him that he can do anything he sets his mind to. We get to teach him that just because he can't catch a baseball the first time doesn't mean he's a failure. We got to teach him to ride a bike. We got to teach him to read his first book. We get to teach him about love. We get to teach him how to be a son, a little brother and a big brother.

And last night my 13-year-old son who's been home for 6 weeks asked if he could say the prayer at supper! God is so very good!

Older Child Adoption, Part I

I think this will be a continuing post and I will share my heart as I can formulate the words. As I see the Lord leading more and more families to adopt older children (and for purposes of this post, I'll define older child as those over the age of 2), I want to be an encouragement.

See, a year ago as we were deep into the paper process to be matched by our agency with a SN toddler under 24 months, I was that person who said, "I'm so glad the Lord calls folks to adopt older kids...but I could never do that."

Nope, I could never do that! Until the Lord slammed me with the truth in April that it's not at all about what I can do and all about what He can do! We knew clearly the Lord was confiding His plans to us. We were once again on the blessed journey of adoption, and yet in the end the path would look much different from the way we envisioned.

Believe!

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:45

What has the Lord asked you/me to do? Do you/I believe His plans? Do you/I believe He will bring them to pass? Is it time to take action?

Checking the List

Nope, not the gift list...the organizational list. Am I the only person who uses hosted gatherings as a motivation to get things done?!? We're hosting Christmas Friday and Saturday and there are some things that have needed to be checked off (besides the kitchen walls). The boys' room has two sets of bunk beds (ugh!) and needed to be decluttered. I shudder every time I walk by that room!

The girls have been sleeping in toddler beds - actually Kambry always climbs into the same bed with Kayden (poor Kayden) and it was time for big girl beds.

So since we have nothing else to do (lol!) we tackled those jobs yesterday. Now, to touch up the paint in the boys' room, clean house, wrap gifts and plan the menu....

Fun 'N Games

Our first Gingerbread House! It sure was fun. I had pictures of the kids building it...who knows? Probably some person under the age of 4 got my camera and we no longer have pictures of the kids building the Gingerbread House.
While Christmas shopping yesterday I found this game. We love the Eye Spy books, and I thought it would be the perfect game for all of us - no words, only pictures. I'm not sure the game is worth the $15.50 I paid for it...but the experience of playing it as a family is priceless!

I really should be working, making Christmas cookies, working, planning our Christmas menu, working and doing laundry...maybe later :)

In Awe of Him

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe... Heb 12:28

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that You are in control, You still perform miracles today and You are worthy of my worship - not because of the things You do, but because of WHO You are! Thank you for adopting me and reserving a place for me in Heaven. Father, thank You for not only giving me everlasting eternal life, but full and abundant life here and now through Jesus. Please help me to focus on the things of eternal value and cast aside those which are not. In Jesus' name, amen.

I stand in awe of the things God is doing! Not just in my life, but in the lives of His children around the world. Things which are impossible in our own strength; things which are beyond our resources; things which are drastically outside our comfort; things which defy logic and reason. That is the God we serve ~ to Him be the glory!

Is it the Weekend Yet?

Just in case you wanted to know... we did finish the kitchen! Well, my hubby did. I pretty much cleaned the surfaces, taped, painted trim, played zookeeper, made sure everyone had warm food and clean underwear (nothing new really). In less than 48 hours we stripped the wallpaper, primed and painted, including the trim. It turned out kind of purply. It's a base coat of lilac with a sponge-on of sweet currant. Kind of purply, and I can't get a good picture. I need to hang more stuff on the wall to offset the purplishness. I like the change. The jury's still out as to whether I like the color.

This week we've had Kayden's school Christmas program and our youth Christmas party. Yesterday April and I made candy and cookies like mad women in between school and whatever else goes on around here in a typical day. It was a great party with a TON of food!

And since there is no order to this post... I thought this might finally be the year I didn't do Christmas cards...and I just couldn't stand it, so I threw something together. And they remain in a tidy stack on my desk, unsigned, unaddressed, unstuffed....

Kuyler comes home for break this Friday, and we can't wait! All the kids are excited. Let's see, I have a bunkbed for him to assemble, some techy stuff to fix ....

Thank you to everyone who ordered candles! Everything has been shipped. I still have more candles if you're interested.

Thank you!

Thank you, sweet friends, for your birthday wishes, cards, texts and calls! It's been the best birthday ever...but you have to check out the other site to see why :) :) :)

If 45 Is...

...having a Heavenly Father who loves me, in spite of ME;
having an amazing God-fearing husband who happens to be a super daddy;
having a church family, extended family and friends who may think I'm crazy but love me anyway;
being surrounded by eight kids from 2 to 21 who express their exuberance for life;
where that same Khaos is slightly less lively in public (I said slightly);
where each meal requires planning;
where my laundry room could stock a large second-hand store;
knowing every day will require more energy than I can imagine;
knowing my Father will provide exactly what I need;
having friends near and far who share God's heartbeat for the lost and the orphan and are His hands and feet in effecting change;
ever so slowly recognizing what's really important and letting go of what's not;
experiencing joy and peace in all of this...
Then I guess I'm there!
I don't know what 45 is supposed to feel like, but it feels pretty good to me.
Besides, I was 'reborn' eight and a half years ago...so how old does that really make me?!?
Thank You, LORD, for this day!

Hold up, Wait a Minute...

Let all wallpaper stripping cease so...
Daddy can remove a piece of cereal from Kambry's naval ...
and two hours later Mommy can extract a barbie shoe from Kaeleb's nostril.
What's the deal? Do these kids conspire, "Hey, the folks are busy; let's see how many objects we can put where they don't belong."
(Is it wrong that I would've taken a picture except Kenzie has the camera today for the Revolve Tour ;-)

What Goes Up ... (revised)

...must come down!

Ick! Can you believe I'm doing this NOW? I don't even know what color we'll paint, but I know the next birthday pictures we take WON'T have this paper in the background ;-)

ADVICE NEEDED!!!! If you know a good way to remove wallpaper, please share with me! I don't want to texture this wall - I want a quick paint job and be done with it! So if you have any advice about painting without texture, I'll take that too. In case you couldn't tell, this stuff is NOT my forte! But my hubby is a man of many talents...ummmm, I'm sure there's lots of laundry to do, and bathrooms to clean, and dishes to wash, and meals to plan....

Around noonish:

7:30 p.m.:

We're nearly done here, folks - well, with the destruction anyway. Next step, taping.

Wallpaper is the enemy! Never, ever again will I use it...

Kandles!

What we did last night ~ made a few batches of candles, and they are ready to ship!
Here's the scent and quantity we have on hand:

Buttercream Crunch ~ 19 12
Cinnamon Bun ~ 6 2
Pumpkin Pie Spice ~ 4
Sage & Citrus ~ 3 2
Cinnamon Toast ~ 1
Baked Apple Pie ~ 1

The candles are $12 each, plus S&H. You may leave a comment or email me.

Have a blessed day!

Just Throwin' This Out There...

Some folks have asked if I'm making any more K & Kompany Kandles, and ... well, I've been too swamped to think about them, but if y'all are interested, I would love to make some up to raise funds to help pay our adoption debt. I would love to then use them to raise funds for other adoptive families. I've nearly missed the boat for Christmas, but I have three scents I could ship immediately: Buttercream Crunch (Joy); Cinnamon Toast (Gentleness); Cinnamon Bun (Peace). Any others I could ship within 6 or 7 days.
Right now I just want to know if y'all are interested in the candles. Please let me know (don't worry, no commitment) if I should get some poured!

Reflection

Isn't that what funeral services are really about, reflection ~ into the life of our cherished love one; into what God has done for us; into our own lives.

As I reflect on Roxie's life, I am reminded of her love for the Lord and for people. Roxie always made time for people. She could never be caught off guard! She would stop what she was doing to take time with someone who dropped by, and if it was near mealtime she would whip up a masterpiece, with plenty to spare. She always had time for her girls, and her legacy of loving children is passed on to them. Roxie didn't sweat the small stuff. She knew what was important!

Her service yesterday was so peaceful, just like her life. There was a gentle, peaceful snow falling, and for me it was God's reminder of Roxie's life. After a seven-month courageous fight with cancer, she passed peacefully after saying her goodbyes.

I couldn't help but think of my dad's service a year and a half ago as I reflected on God's goodness, grace and mercy. The Lord allowed my dad to pass peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer. His last days were heartbreaking as his body succumbed to the enemy within. But as I left his room for the last time, I told him how much I loved him and that it was okay to go home since he had done business with the Lord and accepted Jesus just a few weeks prior. He squeezed my hand in the way my dad always squeezed my hand! We simply cannot comprehend God's mercy. He extended the same mercy to my dad, who lived a life of rebellion, as He did my sweet sister Roxie, who had surrendered to a life of love and service long ago. There are no words to describe my God! "I AM WHO I AM."

I can't even imagine the splendor of Heaven, but I can see Roxie surrounded by the children who, in our minds, have gone much too soon. She is not comforting them because there is no sadness, but rather sharing laughter and praising the Father!

As I reflect on my life and the season I'm in, I am clinging to God's grace and mercy. He is slowly molding me into the wife and mother He desires. He's allowed me to tap into the same grace in dealing with our transition. He has brought our newest Treasures so far, only by His grace. A week ago we couldn't have taken this same journey to Kansas, but yesterday we realized the changes God has brought in such a short time. Though he understood very little, Kooper did fantastic yesterday. He was quiet and courteous. Our daily life requires structure with enough flexibility to allow spontaneity. Structure I am good at; spontaneity not so much...but I am learning. We are reminded of our inconsistencies, and we are closing the gap. Daily I am reminded of my own insecurities outside the parenting of my Heavenly Father as I see Kinley blossom before our eyes.

Father, thank you for your grace, mercy and love. Thank you for changing me, ever so slowly, as I am so human and selfish. But gradually, as those around me look closely, may I fade into the distance as they begin to see You more clearly. In Jesus' name, amen.

Hanging of the Green

Another beautiful service. WTG, April! So much for a family picture. Kuyler, we needed you to control the chaos ;-)
We will be on the road ten hours tomorrow for our sweet Roxie's service. The entire family appreciates your prayers.

From Where I Stand ...

...God's plans look pretty good!

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5

Week Three in Pictures

This is my favorite :)

After their basketball game I convinced my teens to try on their duds I found at JCP's super sale - I only have to exchange 2 items today! We're ready for Hanging of the Greens!

Proof of citizenship came in the mail! Kinley's passport, visa and citizenship picture all have the same expression - lol!
We had our first official Family Cleaning Day - hey, I figure with ten people it couldn't take too long (I forgot that three of them tend to leave a trail of destruction, but it only took an hour and a half!) Kuyler was probably ready to get back to college ;-)

Umm, seriously, Daddy, how long do ya' think that'll stay clean? He doesn't do a job halfway!

My mind swims at the thought of washing all that bedding.

Hey, cowboy, this rodeo's not over yet!

Seriously, Honey, what are you thinking???? I wouldn't disturb that dust.

There's something for everyone :)

We got the decorations put up. That was interesting.

Little Miss had her first bath without protest!

Not too exciting, but lots of fun. Thank you for praying for our family as we approach Roxie's service. Too difficult to put into words.

Loss

To say that my mind has been swimming lately is an understatement. I'm working on a lengthy post to share my heart, but I have to write in bits and pieces as my family demands (and deserves) so much of my time. That is not what I'm writing about today.

We have lost a beloved sister today. Our sister-in-love, Roxie, lost her battle to a rapid-growing cancer today. Roxie L.O.V.E.S. children and leaves four precious daughters behind, as well as her wonderful husband, Glenn. The last week I have been pleading with the Lord for a miracle. I know His plans are best and His timing is perfect, but it seems so unfair that our Roxie will never see her girls marry or hold her grandchildren. She is now united in Heaven with the precious child they lost years ago. Please ask our Comforter to grant peace to Glenn, Kayleen, Bonnie, Amanda, Suzie and the rest of the family.