Pruiksmas Progress..........

the story of the quilt....

2012-02-15T23:24:00.000-05:00

When DP and I first began the process of adoption my friend Tammy told me to let her know when we had to decided to go ahead and move forward. So I let her know and she said that she had something to give to me. Tammy and her husband at one time had been in the process to adopt from China as well - but the Lord had other plans for their lives. Well while they were in the process - other families who were also in the same process began to send quilt squares to them. In China to welcome and celebrate new life there is a tradition to make a Bai Jia Bei or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is custom for friends and family to donate a patch of cloth along with a wish for the baby. Part of the patch should go into the quilt and the other part in a memory book for the child. The quilt is said to contain luck and energy and is passed down from generation to generation. Tammy gave me all her quilt squares and the cards that came along with them. It just so happened that my friend Angie had just taken a quilting class when Tammy had given me all these squares. So what did I do?? I called Angie and asked her to make a quilt for me. She has quite the story to tell about her adventure in making the quilt and maybe I can convince her to blog about it. I am so thankful that Tammy thought of us and gave us all the quilt squares and I am so thankful to Angie for taking the squares and turning it into a beautiful quilt and mini blanket for our sweet girl!! Enjoy the pics....

front of quilt

back of the quilt, the binding says faith, hope and charity...

front of mini quilt

back of mini quilt

This room needs an occupant

2012-02-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful to have had a few showers for our little princess. I am so blessed to have such sweet friends and family. Thanks to all of you she has a super cute room and she will be quite the fashionista!! Here are a few pictures of her room - now we just need her!!

Yeah...... I am ready to go get her.......

I wanted this .... so I made this......

2012-02-15T22:57:00.001-05:00

In getting Linnea's room ready I had been searching for a cute little crib skirt that had some pink and purple in it. Well finding one that wasn't going to cost me an arm and a leg proved to be quite a task. In my searching I came across this on targets website....

Now this is super cute but I didn't like the brown and I wasn't willing to pay the price on the tag - so I took this super cute idea and made this.....

I googled crib skirt tutorials and found some really simple ideals and this is what I came up with. If I do say so myself it looks pretty close to the target one. This picture really doesn't do it justice - the ribbon is a purple and pink but you can't really tell in this picture. I have to give a shout out to Angie - she taught me how to sew and the art of finding really good tutorials!! And to my Mimi - she let me come and use her huge sewing table that Pop Pop made her years ago in her basement. So... what do you think??!!

update...

2012-02-15T22:49:00.000-05:00

So I don't really have any news to report of on the adoption front. We are currently waiting on travel approval and that could come anytime between now and the next 2-3 weeks. Yeah I am hoping for the now part. In the meantime I have been busying myself sewing, rearranging rooms in the house, getting Linnea's room ready, and really spending some quality time with my three little princes. Oh how I love my three sons ;-). Daddy was off at CFA seminar this week and the boys and I were home - we had a little Valentines date night and rented the movie Dolphin Tale - super cute if you have not seen it. They helped me do some of my rearranging around the house (I think I am nesting.) They really know how to step up and be the "men of the house" while daddy is away. And of course you know I never slept alone - imagine that!! We are now all a bit under the weather. I know it sounds strange to say but I say bring on the sickness now so we can get it all out of the way before we travel. I am so thankful that I did not end up going to seminar with David as on Sunday I ended up taking Ethan to an urgent care center his ears were hurting him so badly. I certainly don't want my kiddos to be sick and want mommy while we are gone - that would be terrible. Hopefully the coughs and colds well get on out of here. Daddy came back home tonight and we were all glad to see him. Thankful we are all under the same roof again!!

a mothers heart......

2012-02-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

Does this picture not just scream ADORABLE!!!! Look at that precious face!!! Is March here yet?????!!!!! These are Linnea's sweet foster parents. It is soo evident how much love they have for her. This foster mother clearly adores her. Not only can you see it in her face - I think I can feel it in her heart!! I must admit I cried as soon as I saw this picture tonight. My emotions were on overload. Such excitement to see our sweet girl, sad and happy for her all at the same time. Happy because she is coming home with us and has a mommy, daddy and three brothers who already ADORE her, happy because we have the opportunity to tell her about the ONE who adores her way more than we ever could. Sad because she is leaving all she has ever known and she will truly grieve the loss of these people who obviously love her so much, and sad because it is likely that this family who loves her so much doesn't know the One who loves them so much. If you think about it will you pray for Linnea - her little world is about to be turned upside down. Pray for this family - they will grieve too - adoption for foster families is bitter sweet but most importantly pray that God would reveal himself to them if He has not already, and pray the same for her birth mother. I have this sweet picture in my mind that one day we will all be united with Him and Linnea will not only be at the feet of her creator, but she will be with both families who loved her so much and the mother who loved her so much she took her to a place where she would be found and gotten the medical attention she needed. I am so thankful for adoption on so many levels......

I said yes...... again

2012-01-25T22:39:00.001-05:00

10 years ago today marks one of the most if not most memorable events in our lives. David asked me to marry him - and while of course getting married was a topic of discussion on more than one occasion I had no idea when he was going to propose - and really I had no idea up until the very moment he asked me. Our engagement story is one of the most romantic stories ever (at least in my opinion)!! Tonight my sweet husband recreated that evening for me - he even got down on one knee and asked me to marry him all over again - and of course I said yes!!! This was the sweet surprise that awaited me when I came home this evening. It was so neat to have our boys be a part of it as well. I explained that daddy had lots of candles out in the garden where he proposed to me and he had music playing. Ethan asked David "daddy did you put those stars up there too?" It was a sweet evening filled with lots of reminiscing. I am so blessed and I am so thankful that God brought David to me and it was in His sovereign plan that I become his wife. I love being married to this man and I never know what surprises he's got up his sleeves!

Pearls

2012-01-23T00:17:00.000-05:00

We have been doing some fundraising off and on with pearls. The set below was custom made by friends of ours in honor of our daughter. They have a pearl business within China. The Chinese character in the cross is "hope" (Linnea's middle name.) The set is $30 and the money goes to our adoption fund. We still have a few sets available. If you are interested leave a comment and I will get in touch with you. Thanks for your support!

catching up....

2012-01-23T00:05:00.000-05:00

David here. I will give this a shot since I may be doing some of the blogging when we go overseas. I am not crazy about this "girl looking" template on our blog but I can get over that to write a few things!

Here are a couple of our latest happenings:

Last Saturday I took the boys to Lowes as they love to go on the days they have kid's building projects. I think hammering nails into the wood is their favorite thing to do. Teaching them the patience to follow the instructions is almost a lost cause! I love getting to spend time with them and it gives Mommy much needed breaks from time to time. I think she actually got to sleep in that morning since we were out early.

Here are a few pictures from this fun day.

Last Sunday we were invited to be a part of the service at Woolsey Baptist Church. We thank them for the invitation to be a part of the service as the Pastor spoke about adoption during this particular Sunday during sanctity of life month. We had prayed for opportunities such as these at it was neat to get a random call from the Pastor that we did not know before last Sunday. Our prayer is that this was not about us, but to be an instrument to let people know of our testimony….how we were convicted through the Scriptures and through the messages from our own Church calling us to care for the fatherless and the orphan. Thanks to those who came up afterwards to talk with us. Since we point many to this blog for more information, here are some tools that helped us but feel free to call or email us if we can help in any way.

Books (these are good books to get you started and then there are more specific books if you do indeed decide to adopt, do foster care, etc)

Adopted for Life – This was one of the first "adoption" books we read and it is great. It is written by Dr. Russell Moore who is the Dean and VP of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Adopt without Debt, Creative ways to cover the cost of adoption – Written by Julie Gumm and recommended often on Dave Ramsey's show. This book gives many practical ideas and also covers the majority of adoption grant organizations.
Orphanology – Dr. Tony Merida, Pastor and Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Internet resources – there are many resources online. The agency we used has a great website: www.lifelineadoption.org

There are also many grant programs such as Steven Curtis Chapman's organization – www.showhope.org

Martin Luther King Day

We took the boys to the Martin Luther King Day parade in Fayette County this past week. We had a great time and the weather was good. We had a great group of folks from our Church as well as other friends that attended. This was a great teaching moment for our children and I'm glad my family could be a part of the parade. The MacIntosh High School band came, there were many classic cars and other organizations in the parade. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2012-01-22T23:59:00.000-05:00

Chinese New Year has begun - and for the Chinese this celebration can last for up to 4 weeks. A friend of ours over in China said that some of the schools over there are closed for 4 weeks. Nathan had quite a response to this!! For the most part businesses are generally closed 1-2 weeks. I kind of compare it to our Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all rolled into one giant holiday. For most Chinese this is the only time of year they will get to return to their home province or city and visit their family. It has been so fun and interesting to learn more about their culture and traditions. We are looking forward to CNY next year with Linnea. Hopefully we can have a big celebration with our friends who are traveling this same road with us right now. Nat, Jenny - can't wait to celebrate with you and our daughters (and our husbands too)! Gung hay fat choy!!!

One more step in the journey

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Found out tonight that our Article 5 (one of the last pieces of paperwork that China needs before we get travel approval) was dropped off at the US Embassy today!!! We are so excited. After our Article 5 is picked up we just wait for China to tell us we can come and get our little girl. So thankful for the Lord's hand in all of this!! I was thinking the other day just about God's providence and sovereignty in our lives. A little over 11 years ago I was in China and felt sure I was going to be going back there on a more permanent basis - well you know the story - that didn't happen. And to be honest there were times that I wondered why the Lord didn't allow me to go back there - why couldn't DP and I both just go - after all I just wanted to live amongst those precious people and share with them who gave them life! Fast forward to now - God is allowing me to go back and DP is coming too!! And we get to bring one of those precious lives home here to the U.S. (my comfort zone) and not to mention in our very own home and I/we are going to have the privilege of sharing with her everyday out in the open not in secret about the very one who gives her life. This truly is a gift.

Are they speaking Spanish??

2012-01-20T23:46:00.000-05:00

This blog post is what I am going to call blogging incognito. I have a friend (who shall remain nameless) that I have told over and over she needs to blog. Her kids are soo cute and they say the funny things that I think just need to be blogged about, I think she will want to be able to look back on all the funny things that were said and done but there is no blog and friend is more than likely not going to get one she is a good journaler and I am not which is why I have the blog but I am digressing as usual... so I asked if I could share a story and she gave me permission.... maybe I can do more blogging incognito.... but for now here is the story. You will have to just bear with me and keep reading because I won't use names or gender or ages so I am not quite sure how this will work out grammatically but you know me when I blog grammar goes out the window!!

So my friend and her family were on their way to friends sisters church. One of the sisters children were going to be baptized and the family was going to be there for this celebration. The church that they were attending was an assembly of God church. My friend and her family attend a Baptist church so the children were not accustomed to some of the practices that occur in an assembly of God church setting - i.e. the speaking of tongues. Well at some point in this service the practice of speaking in tongues occurred. My friends youngest child immediately blurted out "are they speaking Spanish?' I know you are probably thinking that this story is not that funny - but for me it is really funny - I even chuckled out loud as I was typing up the story. So thanks for bearing with me and reading thus far - because this is a story I wanted to remember.

2012-01-15T21:16:00.001-05:00

Slumber party. Three boys in one twin bed not sure how long this will work out.

PS. This didn't work out so well. I think it was nice long enough for a picture....

Fundraising Journey Update...

2012-01-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Many of you have asked where we are in our fundraising - so we thought we would add a little gadget so you can see where we are in what we have left to raise. You can check it out on the left side of the blog. We are so grateful that God has brought us thus far and are confident in His provisions for the future. Thank you all for praying with us and supporting us in our journey.

Yep she's a cutie.....

2012-01-12T23:59:00.003-05:00

We sent a package back for Linnea with Jenny our contact in China over the holidays. We got some pictures of her opening the things we sent. I had also sent some questions to TCH asking about Linnea and her personality. Well here is what we got... I did not change any of the translation that was lost in the answers to the questions we sent....

Does she like a bath? Yes, like

Is she afraid of water? Not very much afraid of

Does she sleep in a crib or a bed? Sleep alone baby bed

Where does she sleep? Foster mother with the same bedroom

Does she still take a nap? Occasionally will take a nap, generally don't take a nap

Does she sleep with anything in particular?No，She sleep like sucking his fingers

Does she sleep with a night light or music?No, Want to open small night light

Does she drink from a sippy cup or a bottle? Can use,OK

What does she like to drink? As long as is sweet like. Don't be fastidious about food

What are her favorite foods to eat? Candy, cookies, bananas, bread, noodles in soup bars

What makes Zhong Sha happy? Outdoor activities, with her interaction, and children play together

What toys does she like? Have music, novel all kinds of toys

What is she afraid of? Set off firecrackers

How much does she weigh? 8.5kg (this is about 18 1/2 pounds)

How tall is she?80cm (this is about 31 inches)

Does she have nickname her foster family calls her. ShaSha

If Zhong Sha is upset what soothes her? Hug her, and to coax her, and take her to go out to play

It seems as if she is a little thing. These clothes I sent were 24 mos and they look big!! And it looks like she and Ethan have some things in common - sucking their fingers and a love for bars!!

We are awaiting on our notice from the National Visa Center that our paperwork has been cabled to Guanzhou. Once we receive that - then our adoption agency will send the last of the paperwork to China - we will wait for that to be delivered to the Adoption Center in China and then await travel approval. With Chinese New Year coming up - our wait will be extended a bit longer than usual. Our agency says we should expect to travel in March. Please continue to pray for us that God would provide what we still need to finalize the adoption and pray for Linnea as she has a huge transition ahead of her.

As always thanks for keeping us with us!!

A slump.....

2012-01-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

I love to run, I love to work out but I also LOVE my sleep - I AM NOT a morning person - just ask DP!! So needless to say I have been in a bit of a rut. I cannot believe that there was once a time that I got up before dawn to go and work out - but because I did it once before I know that it can be done again. I don't know when was the last time I had a really good workout. The last time I ran was in the beginning of November!! And of course with the holidays - eating healthy has not been my first choice - besides the fact that I also LOVE anything sweet and I am a coke zero addict (phew glad I got that out there)!!
So here we are at the beginning of a new year - a sort of new beginnings if you will. While I am not really into making quote un quote new year resolutions - I do think it is good to set goals spiritual, fitness, career, etc. and goals can be set anytime of year even on January 11. Last night DP told me about a goal he had set to run 500 miles this year. We had both said at the beginning of the year yes I know a mere 12 days ago that we were going to get into gear and get working out again. So for the past two weeks he has been asking me "did you run today?" (because he actually has been working out!) and I would usually laugh and say yep I ran - all over the house today chasing 3 little hotcakes!! Well after he told me about his 500 mile goal - I decided that I would make myself a running goal (for those of you who know me well my little competitive spirit was kicking in and beginning to show itself) so I set a goal to run 2 miles a day everyday except for on Sundays. That would mean I should run a little over 600 miles this year. Now I live in the real world and know that there will be days that this might not work out -pardon the pun - (especially since we are adding a new little one to our family)- but none the less it is a goal and maybe I can at least match DP's 500. And while I am doing this - I will be getting healthy again and shedding some unwanted pounds. I love the verse in Proverbs that says "Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established." I actually have this verse up on my treadmill. So when DP asked me today "did you run?" I said yes - 2 miles!! Here's to getting out of the slump and a little less coke zero ;-)

Dad has two jobs now???

2012-01-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

Recently DP was nominated and elected in our church to become a deacon. This is an honor and privilege that comes with responsibility. I am thankful that the Lord has given me a husband like mine - God was truly gracious to me!! Last Sunday our pastor Justin shared a great message entitled "Who's In Charge Here" it was a great reminder of leadership and what that means within the church body. Toward the end of the message he did introduce our new elders and deacons with DP being one of them. DP however was out of town and Justin mentioned to the boys just a minute about what daddy was doing. At the end of our service we prayed for these men and their families. It really was an excellent service. I am so thankful to be part of such and incredible church body. On the way home from church I always ask the boys what the learned about in Sunday School and what they can remember about the sermon from the morning and this was Nathan's take on Justin's message - "so mom does this mean dad has two jobs now - is he going to be a pastor like Mr. Justin and work for CFA?" Don't worry I explained.... for now unless the Lord calls other wise - we will keep selling chicken :-)

They make me us laugh....

2012-01-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

Our boys give us soo many giggles!! !!! This blog is my journal so to speak so I have to post these things here maybe you will get a laugh too.....

One day last week around the lunch table Nathan informed me when he got older he was going to change his name. I humored him as I can remember a time when I was little that I wanted to change my name - I have no idea as to what but I remember having that thought. So I asked him what he was going to change it to and he replied "Daniel." I asked why Daniel and he told me because it was a name in the Bible. I kindly reminded him that Nathan was also a name in the Bible. He then says - "but isn't Daniel a book of the Bible" to which I say yes and he tells me that that is why he chose Daniel because it is a book of the Bible. After the name change discussion our topic of conversation changed to jobs - as in my job. Luke wanted to know what I was going to be when I got older and I said the same thing I am right now - a wife and mommy. Nathan then has to explain that Luke means what I am going to do when I don't have them anymore - as in when they are no longer in the house. I told them that I still would have daddy to take care of and I would be a wife. Luke says "no mom - you know like Gramma has a job - what are you going to do?" I stuck to my story and continued to explain that I would be wife - Luke informs me that is not a "real job."

This last story is not so much a conversation but just something funny Ethan said. The boys were upstairs being wild with daddy and DP told them they were all a wild bunch of Indians to which Ethan says ever so seriously "I'm a tame Indian..." Luke then asks "Daddy what does tame mean?"

An update on our journey....

2011-12-30T18:49:00.000-05:00

It is with mixed emotions that I write this post -but at the same time I can assuredly say we have been given much grace and peace that passes all understanding. For those of you who have been following our adoption journey you know were were matched with our sweet Linnea Hope on July 15 of this year.

All of our paperwork made it to China and was logged in at the end of September. We then begin the wait to be matched with our second daughter Kaylah. It was our hope that our girls would come from the same orphanage so we began to wait for specific files from the Maoming Orphanage. October came and went with no files and the hope that we would know something on November 1, that hope got moved to December 1, then December 15, then January 1, and now to February 1. We got a call from our agency this week and the time has come for us to decide do we want to keep waiting and thus delay getting Linnea or do we want to move forward and go get our sweet girl. We could choose to keep waiting but there is no guarantee that the files will actually come on February 1 - in fact that is right during Chinese New Year - so it is really an unlikely scenario. Even if the files came in February - we have to wait for pre-approval from China which takes about two weeks from the time you are matched. Then once you have pre-approval you have to wait for a Letter of Acceptance and right now those are taking anywhere from 90 to 100 plus days. There is a family in our Lifeline yahoo group who has been waiting 143 days!! Then after you get LOA (letter of acceptance) you are still 2-3 months away from travel. So even if the files came in February - and the trend does not make that look likely.... the earliest we might travel would be August. Meanwhile our sweet Linnea is sitting in China waiting on her mommy and daddy. All of this to say that after much thought and prayer (and a sleepless night for me) we are moving forward to get Linnea. We feel confident that this is God's plan. He has been faithful to give us much confirmation. We learned today that the children's home/foster care program that she is a part of is transitioning and at the end of May someone else would oversee her care. We have to go get her!! This decision does not come without some sadness and even some wonder at what others might think. However, it also comes with great reminders that God is in control, He wrote our story He knew that this is how things would turn out long ago; and there is a Kaylah Joy still out there who needs a mommy and daddy - I don't know if she will ever be part of our family - but I will forever be reminded of the 147 million orphans in the world by knowing she is out there. And while there was some sadness there has been GREAT REJOICING!!!! We are now on the home stretch of our journey!!! We could be traveling to get our sweet girl in 10-12 weeks!!!! (as long as I have calculated correctly with the Chinese New Year) Did you catch that - we our going to get our girl!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you hear the excitement!! I have a room to get ready and I don't own too many girl things!!! Lots to still do!! We are so thankful to know the One who has been in control of this all and we are beyond grateful for your prayers and support. Thanks for keeping up with us!!!

updates....

2011-12-26T23:04:00.000-05:00

So many ask if we have heard anything about a second referral and we are still waiting on our sweet Kaylah Joy. We have been told that hopefully files will be ready by Jan 1 - but I must tell you we heard that Nov. 1, Dec. 1, and Dec. 15 so I am not so sure. What I am sure is that God's timing is perfect. I would be lying if I told you the waiting was easy because it is not and I am not a good waiter. The kids keep asking when we are going to see Kaylah and will we ever send her a package and I can't wait for the day to say here is your other sister and let's go put a package together for her!! Again I remind myself the Lord knows and for that I am grateful! And I am also grateful for new updates and pictures on our Linnea and we got some today! She is changing soo much!! Just when I thought I was getting content with the waiting somewhat - I get these and see she is growing up too fast!! It also looks like she might have gotten a haircut - she didn't have bangs before and now she does. I had sent these christmas presents along with her birthday package. We sent some pj's and a blanket that I made as well as some crayons and a coloring book. I am not sure who gave her the doll in the last picture but the picture is so sweet. We are sending out another package this week with some more goodies. Pray for us as we are waiting.

Merry CHRISTmas!!

2011-12-25T22:56:00.000-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas from our family to yours!!

It's cookie time!!

2011-12-07T21:26:00.002-05:00

So I will let the cat out of the bag ... one of my favorite movies to watch growing up was Troop Beverly Hills with Shelly Long... you know it's cookie time!! I used to love singing that little diddy with my sister. Well its not girl scout cookie time but it is Christmas cookie time!! Tomorrow night I am having a cookie swap with the dwarf house girls and I am so looking forward to it!! Tonight I made my moms famous skillet cookies. I was reminiscing about the baked goodies my mom used to make around the holidays and this was always one of my favorites!! Chocolate and peanut butter - seriously you cannot go wrong!! So I called my mom for the recipe and of course she couldn't give me exact measurements and this as you know was driving me crazy!! So I googled them and of course they are not called skillet cookies I found them under no bake peanut butter cookies - to me they will always be good ole skillet cookies. They were super easy and deliciously yummy!! Thanks for the recipe and memories mom!!

Skillet Cookies

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup cocoa powder

2/3 cup peanut butter

3 cups quick oats

2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine sugar, butter, milk and cocoa in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.

Remove from heat cool one minute

Add peanut butter, stir to blend, add vanilla and oats stir to mix well.

Quickly drop mixture by spoonful onto wax paper.

Cool completely.

ENJOY!!!

Off to bake some more cookies!!

Driving through the desert...

2011-12-06T13:42:00.002-05:00

I am so behind in blogging - lots of pictures to load, stories to tell - maybe I can catch up sometime this week - but I also have lots to do - stockings to make for little girls, PJ's to sew together for my 5 ducklings for Christmas eve, presents to wrap, parties to attend, and well you know the usual - homeschool, laundry, cooking, cleaning ... you get my drift. But for today - we are driving through the desert in our jeep looking for a place we can camp - as Nathan told Luke there are no hotels in the desert we just have to find a spot to lay down our sleeping bags.....they work in the army...

Have I mentioned I LOVE their imaginations!!

It's their pleasure....

2011-12-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

It’s their pleasure | ajc.com

This was a really great article about Chick-fil-A's Winshape Foster Care program. I have told DP that once he retires this is the job I want us to have ..... I love being a mom and he loves being a dad and we LOVE kids - so it fits.....

Movie Night ...

2011-11-11T20:35:00.002-05:00

It's chilly so we have a fire going, we're sipping on hot chocolate and watching one of my all time favorites White Christmas!! Hope you're enjoying your Friday night.

We got this today.....

2011-11-10T15:28:00.002-05:00

I am in shock. We have only been waiting 45 days for this. This is our official letter of acceptance from China stating we can adopt Linnea. Usually LOA's take about 3 months to get. Some of my blogging adopting friends have been waiting a long time for theirs. So you are probably wondering what this means now. Well we are still waiting on a referral for Kaylah Joy. We are hoping that will come soon. As soon as we get her referral we will wait on a PA (pre-approval) which takes about 2-3 weeks and then we will wait on her LOA which as I said before takes about 3 months. Please pray that all these things would come quickly as we are ready to bring our girls home. I know God is sovereign and His timing is best. I rest in that.

Orphan Sunday

2011-11-10T15:13:00.000-05:00

November is National Adoption Awareness Month and I am thankful that so many are opening their hearts as to what God would have them do in regards to orphan care. Since David and I have become involved in the whole adoption process God has not only opened our hearts for our own two daughters but we also feel deeply convicted about the plight of the orphan in general. Did you know that there are 147 million orphans in the world today?? If every orphan held hands and you drove past each one at 60 mph nonstop (1,700 each mile) it would take two months. Every few seconds an orphan dies of a preventable disease. The statistics are unbearable. While I know we cannot adopt all 147 million children we can pray for them and we can tell others and pray that God would stir in the hearts of those around us. The great thing is we are getting to watch Him do just that. We have 5 couple friends who are also in the adoption process and we have seen countless other friends become involved in other ways.
This past Sunday was Orphan Sunday. I am so thankful that we belong to a church who desires to see our church filled with faces that are not all alike. And I am thankful for the challenge - it was a message from one of our pastors that lead us to the journey we are on right now and it actually wasn't even preached on Orphan Sunday. But now that we are on this journey our hearts are in much different places Orphan Sunday is much closer to our hearts. So in trying to help our kids understand what it means to be an orphan and some of the challenges that orphans face we decided to have this for dinner.....

Just rice. It made for an interesting meal and dinner conversations and to be honest made me quite THANKFUL!!! Some kids only get to eat this one time a day. I honestly just cannot imagine. I can't imagine what it is like to be cold or lonely or even hungry. I am, we are way beyond richly blessed.

Full of Questions....

2011-11-10T13:19:00.002-05:00

Lately Nathan has been full of questions and for that I am soo thankful!! We have had such great conversations and many opportunities for me to remind him of the gospel. I love how he thinks through the Bible - for example he recently sat down next to me as I was reading my Bible and says this...

"Mom I have a question.... you know the books of the New Testament start out Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.... so how come Jesus dies in Matthew but he's not born until Luke 2???!!!" Thankfully that was an easy one to explain - they haven't all been that easy. And actually the subject matter of his questions can vary. This next story is for my sister - she would be proud...

This past Tuesday was a voting day - but only for the city and we live outside of the city limits - so our polling location was not open. This concerned Nathan greatly. Here is how that conversation went....

N: "But what about President Obama??"

M: "Well we are not voting for the president today but if we were mommy would not vote for President Obama - because he does not value many of the things God values and we want to honor God." (I explained some of the issues that do not reflect the character of God and he suggested some as well so I knew he was getting the point.)

N: "Well what about Ken Steele?"

M: "Who is Ken Steele??" (I am clueless to who this is - much to my dismay and I am not proud to admit sorry Shannon!!)

N: "I don't know." (getting all embarrassed)

M: "Do you know where you heard his name??" (thinking maybe a commercial or something - I still don't know who this is and we just dismiss the conversation, drop Luke off at school and head home)

On my way to pick Luke back up from preschool I see this.....

This is who Ken Steele is.... guess he saw enough of his signs to know they meant something!!

Wow....

2011-11-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

God has been so gracious to us and I always want to be consciously aware that it is His graciousness alone that makes anything possible. We are so thankful for the cards and emails you have sent to us on behalf of our adoption journey. Here is one of the many ways God has been so gracious to us...

I recently went to our mailbox and found a letter addressed to us from a name I did not recognize. (Because we are on the world wide web here I will make up names for the purpose of this story.) The return address label said Tony Williams. I thought to myself who in the world is Tony Williams?? I opened the letter and there was this note in it....

"The Pruiksma Family"

Such a beautiful and wonderful thing you are planning to give a new life to two beautiful young ladies. Just think what a wonderful life the will have and to be living with a beautiful family. And most of all they will experience love and be wanted!! Best of all things-

"Polly and Tony Williams"

Included in the note was a donation for our adoption fund. I still am so clueless as to who this couple might be - The names were so unfamiliar to me and the handwriting made "Polly" look like "Dolly" so here I am trying to figure out who in the world are "Tony and Dolly." I really have no idea!! But I am so thankful as God uses whomever He chooses. I called dad thinking he might know them because the return address label looked militaryish...- he didn't know them. I left a message for David thinking maybe it might be someone he knew that I didn't. Then the lightbulb came on - its not "Dolly" its "Polly" as in "Tony and Polly"!!! They are an older couple that are regulars at the Fayetteville Dwarf House. I waited on them often when I used to work there and of course David knew them because of his many years there. And I was just overwhelmed and blown away!! This sweet couple whom we have known for years only through CFA, who probably attended our wedding as many of the regulars at the Dwarf House did, blessed our lives in ways they will probably never know. Who knew so many years ago when I was waiting on their table - that they would be intertwined in our lives again and ultimately making an impact for the kingdom. I am amazed at God's goodness and thankful for Chick-fil-A and how He has used it in our lives.

This is just one of the many stories I could share in how God has been so good to us. We are beyond grateful.......

Dear Luke....

2011-11-09T14:46:00.000-05:00

My Sweet boy,

We love you so much!! You are so generous and kind and most of all LOVING. You have such a sweet spirit about you. You care so much about what others think - and I want you to know we are so proud of you - especially for working so hard on your ice cream scoops. You are doing such a great job in school learning and writing your name. You are definitely our quality time little man!! Mommy had such a fun date with you this weekend and I look forward to having another one soon. We are so thankful God has placed you in our family.

The "Christmas List...."

2011-11-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

David and I usually are not really into the kids making a big Christmas list and telling us all the things they want for Christmas because we don't want to emphasize Christmas being all about getting presents and we don't want them to have set expectations. They love getting all the catalogs in the mail and circling things they would like especially the "hunting magazines." However this year while we were out of town one evening Nathan was really having a hard time with going to bed and there was much crying and drama - so we suggested he be allowed to have a flash light and some paper and write down a few things he might like for Christmas......thus he made a "Christmas List." I am going to put a picture on here for you - and as you can see it is 2 pages full. This list made us laugh soo hard!! I will translate it for you below but I am going to use his spelling and punctuation - and possibly put some comments to the side. Rest assured our first born dreams big!

PAGE 1:
Night Stand!
Book Light!
pup
walky-talkys!!
a small tv! (this will never happen)
some legos!
cook book!
Modls!
hunting toys!
gi-Jos and some gi Jo things
some PJS!
a power wiels for weler!
10 Nerf guns!!!!
army stuf
a new Laptop!!!!!!! (what is he thinking??)
reymote catrol snow mobel !
some Wii things!!!!!!!
some tools with a saw and vest!!!
dirt bike!!!!!!!!!! (he drew a dirt bike - I can't replicate that)
a tree house
two tny pecees of wood
a box of nails!!!!
some paper
some cards!
a new jakit
a tikit to six flags
thas it!! (that is until we get to page 2)

PAGE 2:
cow boy bots!!!!!
air soft gun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cell phon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (again not happening)
some bace balls!
Ninga stuf
an art esl with some pante
air soft hand gun!
a fish!
soem pens!
some tom and Jury movies

And that my friends completes his list. Hope you guys got a good laugh we sure did! He dreams big and we love him for it!! Love you Nathan!!

Ladybug

2011-11-06T14:33:00.003-05:00

Ladybugs and adoption are a big thing in China. I am actually not sure what the correlation really is so I need to do my research. However on this day Orphan Sunday we saw a ladybug in our van on two separate occasions. Whatever it may mean in China I am taking it as a reminder from our sovereign God that he is in all the details of our adoption and I am thankful.

Fall Festival Fun

2011-10-31T17:31:00.002-04:00

What a treat!!!

2011-10-26T06:48:00.002-04:00

What a treat for our family!! Blogger doesn't doesn't do this video justice as far as graphics are concerned but I had to let you see her!! The first video is really short but the kids got quite a kick out of that one!! She has quite the expressions in the second one! I just love her to pieces!! Truly a mommy in love with her daughter!!

Our girl.......

2011-10-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

Linnea had her birthday celebration this weekend at her friends in the park outing with TCH. I won't keep you waiting here are the pics!!!! Can March get here any quicker!!!???

opening her birthday outfit made by mommy

how cute is she??!!!

playing with friends

Linnea celebrated her birthday with 3 other friends from TCH

I love this face!

they are showing her pictures of mommy making her outfit

how funny
she gets a musical toy with a cow on it!!
Could this be any more appropriate!!

This is my favorite!!
It looks like she is eating a pastry with chocolate on it
Can we say mama's girl already!!

SOOO thankful for TCH - she will cherish these pictures as do we!

Thank you Jenny, TCH and Linnea's foster mother and father for making it such a fun day for her and for letting us be able to see the fun!!

Cupcakes...

2011-10-16T22:29:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe I am about to say this but I think I found a cupcake better than Crumbs - my all time favorite cupcake place in NYC (they have other locations but none of them are remotely close to me.) I believe myself to be a connoisseur of cupcakes - if there is a cupcake around - I will try it. So as you can imagine I have tried a good number of cupcakes and have yet to find one that was just over the top - besides the ones I eat at Crumbs. Now please don't get me wrong - Crumbs cupcakes are still in my favorites and if I am ever in the area of a Crumbs - please note I will be eating one of their cupcakes. Having said all that - the best cupcake I have eaten as of today came from this place

Now this is not a very good picture as I was across the street - but it is called Hey Cupcake and it has a big swirling cupcake on the top of this RV looking trailer you see. It is located in Austin Texas and unfortunately nowhere else. Why is it all the really good cupcake places are never anywhere near me!! Anyway I digress..... so the menu is limited but the cupcakes I tried - yes I said cupcakes were oh so yummy!! I had the pumpkinator whipper snapper style. What this means is that I got a squirt of homemade whip cream shot right into the middle of my cupcake and boy was it good. It was the best cupcake ever!! So moist. It was pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing with graham crackers sprinkled on top along with my whip cream in the middle. Okay it was soo good!! Take a look....

I also tried a vegan cupcake called the Elvis - it was banana cake with chocolate chips inside with a peanut butter cream cheese icing - it was also very delicious and oh so moist. For later I got a chocolate cupcake with cream cheese icing - I can't remember its exact name - but I do remember it was not my favorite and in the chocolate cupcake category so far Crumbs is still my favorite there. David tried the strawberry and red velvet both of which he said were fabulous. So next time you are out in Austin go to Hey Cupcake try a cupcake and bring me back one too. For that matter if you are ever near a Crumbs cupcake shop contact me!!

Luke on the farm....

2011-10-16T21:57:00.000-04:00

Before we left for Texas the boys and I went on a field trip with Luke's preschool class to Southern Belle Farms. LOVED it!! We had a great time learning about pumpkins and farm animals. We got to see a cow get milked - we saw a baby calf that was only 2 weeks old. And if you can believe this - we saw pig races!! It was the cutest thing. I wish I had thought to take a picture - because they swam in water! It was a fun morning for all of us!!

Hook em Horns!!

2011-10-16T20:44:00.001-04:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to travel with David to the CFA market in Austin Texas. While we were there I had the opportunity to tour the University of Texas Football offices and I got to meet UT Longhorns coach Mack Brown. If that wasn't fun enough - one of the operators out in Austin gave us tickets to the UT vs. Okalahoma State game. Can you say FUN!! Coach Brown was so hospitable and just hearing how he coaches and his vision for the Longhorns was enough to make me a fan! Here are a few pictures from our time in Texas. Hook em Horns!!!

Coach Brown

Love the comma at the end - continuing to strive for excellence!

This was a painting and no matter how you looked at it - the Longhorn was always looking at you!

Sweet friends and fun

2011-10-16T20:22:00.000-04:00

What a sweet time we had with our friends the Lees while they were here!! We feel so blessed to know them and I am so thankful for the special friendship we share. Nathan and Diana have such a testimony and God's grace is overwhelmingly evident in their lives. They came down for a special golf tournament put on for Emily

While they were in town they were supposed to stay at our house but because we had some sickness going on and that is not good for Emily - they stayed at David's parents house which is not too far away. So thankful they were willing to let them come and stay! We were able to visit and spend time together. It was so neat to hear our kids talk about and interact with Emily. Ethan was a little apprehensive but one evening he warmed up and sat next to her and showed her things and talked with her. It was so sweet for us to be able to watch both of them.

The day after the tournament Diana and I were able to spend some time together doing a little crafting and cooking. Melanie my sister-in-law joined in on the learning fun as well! She taught me how to make a few Chinese dishes!! My kids actually got to eat rice that didn't taste like rocks!! I think I can now safely cook us some rice anytime even fried rice -correctly!! Thank you so much Diana for teaching me!! Enjoy these pics!!

Flower hairbow crafting

a little chopping lesson

Rice that is edible!!

some yummy fried rice and veggies!

Ginger scallion chicken

I can't remember what this was called but it was my favorite!!

yummo broccoli

yummo green beans

my first chinese dish cooked by me!

me and Melanie got caught with some sweets!

our finished silk flower bows!

Reading....

2011-10-14T10:54:00.001-04:00

I love to read and I really love to read books focusing on adoption and orphan care. This is what I'm reading now. I told DP he should be nervous because when I finish I am sure I'll feel the need to adopt from Uganda next.

Namesake...

2011-10-09T19:15:00.001-04:00

This is our sweet friend Emily Hope. This is who our Linnea Hope gets her middle name from. Linnea comes from Emily's big sister Linnea Grace who went to be with Jesus in 2004.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!

2011-10-05T00:20:00.000-04:00

Just a few moments ago the date in the U.S. became October 5th. It has been October 5th for 12 hours now in China and today is Linnea's birthday - she is turning two!! Several weeks ago we mailed out some goodies for her to have for her special day and a few for Christmas as well. I made her an outfit to wear for her birthday celebration with her foster family and the other families that live in her village. I also made her a little purse and then for Christmas I made her the "annual Christmas eve pj's" and a warm blanket to cuddle up with. We threw in some other things as well. Here are a few pics of what was in the package and then the packages all wrapped up...

Birthday shirt and skirt and hairbow made my mommy

Birthday goodies

Christmas goodies

all ready to go!!

a little help from google translator

Tonight I made a little strawberry cake with some pink icing and we had a little birthday celebration for her. We let the boys blow out the candles. Luke has been sick this week so he is not looking so up to par. Right before I was finishing up the cake and icing I had asked Ethan who's birthday it was and who the cake was for and he said Linnea and then he asked me "is sister coming?" after all in his mind who has a birthday party and doesn't even show up for their own celebration? My heart was melting and aching at the same time - longing for her to be home on her birthday. We are thankful that the Lord has in His kindness given her a loving foster family to be with her on her birthday. We should get some pictures soon of her little celebration. I will be sure to post them when they come. For now Happy Birthday to our sweet girl!!

Strawberry cake with pink icing and sprinkles

Happy Birthday Linnea!! We love you!!

Eating a cupcake for Linnea :-)

Cabin fever.....

2011-10-03T10:34:00.001-04:00

Mommy and Ethan enjoying a morning fire on this chilly morning at the cabin!! We are loving our time here at Mr. Doug's cabin. Thank you so much Doug and Sally for letting us get away!! We picked apples, had good tomato soup, relaxed, checked out some pumpkins, relaxed. Can you see a theme here!!We have also been doing puzzles and laying by the fire ALOT!!! I have loved the weather!! I am so ready for cold weather, hot chocolate, and Christmas!!! And for those that know me best - yep I am listening to it right now as I blog!! If I remember I will try to post more pictures from our cabin time when we get home!!

Baby toys...

2011-10-01T21:43:00.001-04:00

E got this toy for his birthday. As he is opening it up he says "oh look mom it's a baby toy!". He also got a few new t-shirts and after he opened those up he said "oh I have these kind" he doesn't but what he does know is how to keep us laughing!!

It's official

2011-09-30T22:12:00.000-04:00

We are LID!!!! As of September 26, 2011 our paperwork has been logged in with China!!! Exciting news for us.

Ethan turns 3!!

2011-09-30T10:08:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday to my baby!!

2011-09-27T07:25:00.001-04:00

I made a meal for a friend yesterday and Nathan wanted to send a card and some flowers along as well. This note brought tears to my eyes. So thankful for the gift of motherhood.

Pieces to the puzzle

2011-09-24T21:36:00.001-04:00

just an example;-)

Adoption is somewhat like a puzzle. There are so many different pieces that have to be put together. David being the creative one that he is - came up with the idea to do a puzzle for the girls. We will send in a photo of the girls to a photo company and they will make a puzzle out of it kind of like the one pictured here. We plan to do the puzzle and have it framed and mounted between two sheets of glass so the back side of the puzzle can be seen. You are probably wondering why would we want the back side of the puzzle to be visible. Let me explain.... David and I are in the process of sending out an adoption journey letter (which can be read here.) Our hope is that you would come along side us and partner with us in our adoption making you a piece of the puzzle. We have already been so overwhelmed at God's goodness. We have been blessed with your gifts and words of encouragement and we are so thankful. Every prayer, note of encouragement or gift we receive becomes a puzzle piece. Here is an illustration - there is a little girl at our church named Lydia she is six I think. She has been in cubbies with me and now she is in children's choir with me. A few Sundays ago she handed me a card. This is not unusual for Lydia as she is so thoughtful - making me cards, and bracelets. So when I sat down I opened up the card and it said congrats. In it was five dollars and this note from Lydia "hera is some mony for adopteding...Love Lydia" We later found out from her parents that this money had been given to her for her birthday a few days prior. Lydia's name is going to go on the back of a puzzle piece. God used this sweet child to be a part of our journey to complete the puzzle and help bring Linnea and Kaylah home. Another example of this is when David received a random phone call from our home owners insurance agent to tell him that he and his family were praying for us and our adoption. The Baileys are now a part of our puzzle. It is a joy to see how many people are following our blog (even when aren't aware) and praying for us. It is our intent to one day be able to show the girls the back of the puzzle picture so they can see the many names of those who helped bring them home. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

"what do you do??"

2011-09-16T01:22:00.000-04:00

This afternoon as we were outside I was approached by an ATT salesman going door to door trying to sell ATT products i.e phone service, internet, cable you get the idea. He walked up and called me by name .. a little scary actually ... but I never told him if that was me. I just informed him that we were not interested in ATT - they used to be our phone and internet service provider but we had really bad service and every month for the last year we had them our bill was wrong and I would have to call about it and they would change it - yes I did this for a year. I finally got smart and changed companies - but I digress. The salesman proceeds to tell me about these new lines in the area and don't I want to at least hear about the packages they offer and I replied "No, we don't have cable, nor are we going to be getting it so I don't really need to hear about any of the packages. I wish you could have seen his face when I told him we didn't have cable. (I was on the phone with my friend Suzanne so she could hear the whole thing - I know she was cracking up) This gentleman says to me "You don't have cable?? What do you do? Read some books??" To which I reply yes we read books and we play outside. He must of thought I lived in the dark ages not having TV and all. It was humorous. Suzanne and I got a good laugh out of it!

Three Letters....

2011-09-16T01:14:00.000-04:00

DTC!!!!!!

What in the world does that mean??!! It means Dossier to China. All of our paperwork is heading to China!! Hooray!! Now we await for a log in date with the Adoption Affairs in the Chinese government and then we can work on getting matched with Kaylah Joy!! This is a very exciting day in this adoption process!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

2011-09-09T10:51:00.001-04:00

I think it's safe to say I am well protected today.

Ten years ago today......

2011-09-07T22:54:00.002-04:00

I have been waiting to write this blog post for a week as I have been thinking about this day for some time - but I wanted to do it on the actual day of our first date ten years ago today I finally gave in and met DP for coffee.

Maybe I should start from the beginning. This sweet husband of mine was so persistent that he asked me out 3 times before I finally accepted. See I only got a job at the Dwarf House so I could make some money before I went out on the mission field. I knew my time there would be short because I was going to be moving overseas. So you can see why I turned him down. The last thing I needed was to be getting into a relationship with anyone - but I won't go into all the long details because you can see how things turned out :-) However I want to walk down memory lane of our first date (even though at that time I would not have called it a date - funny how time changes things) because today marks 10 years ago that I finally gave in and met him for coffee -funny thing is at the time I didn't even like coffee!!

It was September 7, 2001 and I had to go sing at a church and give a missions report. I told DP I could meet him at Starbucks in PTC at the Avenue after I was done singing. DP wanted to come and hear me sing and do my report but I told him no - he says I was a little mean and he even tried to convince me to let him come but I didn't give in. He says I was a real challenge - hard to get ;-) Since I wouldn't let DP come hear me he decided to go and hang out at J93.3 with some of his friends they were having some kind fundraising event on the air for World Vision. He was with our dear friend and dj Sheila Richards Harper -who just this week she lost her battle with cancer. What sweet memories we have of her but I am digressing. I made it to Starbucks and since at the time I didn't like coffee I ordered a water. It's so funny to hear David tell this story because after I finally agreed to go meet him we meet at a coffee place and I order a water. We sat outside and talked forever. I knew that night there was something different about him ..... the rest is history!!

In honor of tonight we revisited our good old stomping "grounds" (get it ha ha). We took a drive out to Starbucks in PTC and I got coffee this time - I actually had two. It was so fun to reminisce and see all the changes that have taken place over the last 10 years. After some coffee we decided to head to the Dwarf house the place where it all began. We enjoyed sitting in the booth where we used to have chats during break time. It was so fun to see Leslie tonight as she is one of the few employees who was there when it all began. It was fun to see her and remember back to our early dating days.

I am so thankful that DP was indeed persistent. Even more so thankful that God is sovereign and even in my turning him down more than once - he kept asking. A lot has changed in these past ten years. As I have been thinking about our first date and all that we have been through I was reminded of the song David wrote me when we got married. These words convey exactly how I feel......

Miracle

The Lord has been quite good to me

I've always knows that true

There's no doubt He blessed me most

The day He gave me you

You've made world much better

With your tender loving ways

And brought a sweet contentment

A real beauty to my days

Every time I look at you

I thank my Lord above

For giving me a miracle

The gift of you to love

Your a miracle to me

A special gift from God above

Your life is a reflection

Of the beauty of God's love

You're a blessing in my world

A gentle soul unique and rare

Who always lifts my spirits

With your tender loving care

You're everything I hoped for

The one I love and ever need

And thats why you'll always be a miracle to me

And every time I look at you

I thank my Lord above

For giving me the miracle

The gift of you to love

And every time I look at you

I thank my Lord above

For giving me the miracle

The gift of you to love

Its hunting season at least in the Pruiksma playroom

2011-09-07T15:38:00.003-04:00

Cabelas new poster child

Luke's first day of Preschool.

2011-09-06T07:01:00.001-04:00

FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL

So hard to believe this day is here!! Love my sweet little guy and looking forward to a fantastic year!

Thank you friends and crock pot

2011-08-31T21:23:00.000-04:00

Many of you commented on my recent post that included food disasters. I want to say thank you for all your help and recipes!! I am proud to say I have cooked successfully two nights in a row with my crock pot. Last night I made spaghetti and tonight I made meatloaf. I have always loved using the crock pot and I never realized how many things you could make in it. I came across the this website called crock pot girls. They have a number of recipes and other people comment and share their recipes. It really has been useful. One thing that I like about using the crock pot is that I can get dinner started right after breakfast and I am still in the kitchen area with N while he is working on school. It really has made the evening much more relaxed for me - I don't feel like I am scrambling to get everything done and ready. AND the food so far has turned out edible! Take a look at this meatloaf..... I think they liked it.....

Nathan was so sweet - tonight he said "this is my favorite!" Even Luke ate all of his meat and he really is not a meat man he prefers chicken. So tonight I would have to say score for mommy we didn't have rocks for dinner!!

All talk.....

2011-08-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

I cut the boys hair once they get to a certain age and can have the buzz cut. Ethan however is not of this age yet nor would he sit still long enough for me to cut his hair and he is not a huge fan of the buzzer. So he goes to the barber shop to get his hair cut by Mr. Jerry. When the time comes for E to get a haircut he talks about going to the barber and how he wants Mr. Jerry to cut his hair and how he gets two suckers after he is all done. He is really excited about the whole adventure. He even told me on the way there in the car "I'm not gonna cry." Let me just let you look at this picture.....

This is reality... this is how he really feels about getting his hair cut. I think when it comes to haircuts - he is all talk!

Day 68 = It's here!!!

2011-08-29T21:29:00.001-04:00

See this picture ... I think it might be my new favorite picture!! See what it says ... "You have been approved to adopt two children from the following Convention country : China" Today the postmaster delivered the long anticipated and awaited I800 approval letter. David got to be the one to get it out of the mailbox and I wish I could have seen his face when he went through the mail!! I know it must have been one of pure joy!! We have scanned and emailed it to our agency and now we begin another countdown - the countdown to DTC (dossier to China.) One step closer!! Praise the Lord!!

Singing Bible Songs

2011-08-27T20:27:00.001-04:00

We have been learning the doxology and Ethan has picked it up pretty well!!

Date Night

2011-08-26T22:04:00.002-04:00

Thank you CFA for a great date night. Dinner at Figos and red carpet premier for the movie COURAGEOUS. Go see it in your local movie theatre beginning September 30th. "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Sweet Surprises

2011-08-26T11:53:00.002-04:00

I have said it before but I am going to say it again - I have the BEST husband in the world!! There will never be enough words or time for me to truly express myself. I love him so much and I am so thankful that God graciously gave him to me. While I know perfection is not something we can attain until eternity here on earth as far as perfect goes he is perfect for me!!! I have a huge grin on my face right now just thinking about how he knows how to get a good rise out of me, or the way he can make me laugh at myself. He knows me and my response to these thoughts it so Praise God. That really is the only response - He created David and He knows our needs. Thank you God for giving this sweet man to me.

I need to note here a few things before I get on with the "sweet surprise" - yesterday marked 64 days that we have been waiting for our I800A approval letter. I have been to the mailbox everyday waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Postman to bring us our letter - so far he/she hasn't. I have been really emotional this week - Luke starts preschool next week - and I have so enjoyed having all the boys home I'm just not ready to send him off - but I know I have to quit being selfish and do what is in his best interest. And then we got new pictures of Linnea opening her package and wearing the clothes we bought her and the hairbows I made and I just want to go get her - like YESTERDAY. Then I was worrying about her foster parents and how they were going to have to give her up and will they ever hear the gospel? I have been reading "Give Them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and I am actually going to quote from my friend Leah's blog because her thoughts are exactly the same ones I had ...."There is much to process and digest in this book. I am humbled and convicted and see so many areas where I do not preach the gospel to myself, let alone to my children." Here is a quote from the book ..."We are commanded [to teach our children God's law] but not to make them good. We are commanded to give them the law so that they will be crushed by it and see their need for a Savior. The law won't make them good. It will make them despair of ever being good, and in that way it will make them open to the love, sacrifice and welcome of their Savior, Jesus Christ. Sorry to bog you down with those details but they were important. Now to the reason for this post......

I am not a morning person generally - I actually cannot believe I used to get up at 5:15 am and go to the gym. So I can get up early it is just not my personal favorite but when you have 3 kiddos sleeping until 7 is a luxury. I didn't hear DP get up this morning but I heard the kids come in the bedroom and they wanted to go to the playroom so I turned off the alarm and they were heading downstairs I said I would be following shortly - but then I heard daddy ask them where they were going - I told him they were going downstairs and then he told them mommy has to go first. What??!! So I said hang on kids I'm coming. I sat up and see this on my night stand....

A sweet card from my husband. I know I am in for a treat.....So I open the card.........

I am not sure if you can read it but take note of the color - I did........

DP has noticed my disappointment over the passing of day 64 and no letter so he thought I needed a smile to start my day. Tonight is date night we are going to eat at Figo one of our favorite authentic Italian restaurants and see the premier of the movie Courageous at the Fox. He thinks we should go ahead and plan our next date night. He sends me to the coffee maker for my "next clue." I know I am in for a treat and a scavenger hunt. Here I go!!

For those of you that don't know the first time DP asked me out he asked me to just go get coffee with him - I asked for a rain check. I finally conceded the third or fourth time he asked me. We went to Starbucks at the time I didn't even like coffee - so I ordered a bottled water!! So we will go to Starbucks and think about some of our favorite memories like in Italy - so now I am heading to the book of Romans for my next clue.

We actually have a few Bibles in house - one being on top of the coffee maker but that wasn't the one - so I headed to the family room to the Bible on top of the coffee table. Where I turned to the book of Romans - seeing the map of one of my favorite cities we visited in Italy. I found there a gift card to Figos our favorite authentic Italian restaurant and a note telling me to "head to the couch we used to take naps on..." So I make my way to the playroom.....

This couch has sentimental value. DP and I used to take Sunday afternoon naps here pre children of course! I found this cup that can keep your drink hot or cold filled with chocolate which I love! This note tells me to "head to the piano bench and open it."

There I found this note "Hope this fun little morning adventure brought a smile to your face. Looking forward to tonight as well as our next date. I love you LeighAnn. Lots of great memories from this piano bench!! Look under the Tomlin book.

Remember when I told you the green was important to note!!! AHHHHHH!!! I was and am so excited. I jumped up and down and gave DP the biggest hug ever!! Tickets to see my favorite broadway musical Wicked. You can read about my first time seeing it here. I really didn't think we would get to go this year but that DP is very sneaky and surprising!!

This indeed was a fun little adventure and a great start to the morning. I am so thankful for you Pruiksma and I love you more than I will ever be able to tell you!! I always tease DP that I have a list of my "top ten" favorite things he has done for me, there are way more than 10 things and he is always doing something for me so I always say I have to add that to the list and then he says what's getting bumped off. This morning was no exception and this will have to go on the list and the list is going to have to get a new name because I have a lifetime full of things on it! I found this (picture below) this morning when I was doing laundry - he must have hid the goods in the laundry room.

Life is a special occasion and I am thankful God has given me life here on earth and in eternity. I will leave you with quote from one of my favorite songs from Wicked and it is just a small expression of how I feel about DP....

"Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun. Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood. Who can say if I've been changed for the better. But because I knew you I have been changed for good."

Details...

2011-08-24T22:05:00.000-04:00

I just got caught up in my handwritten adoption journey journal. Yes I am blogging and writing - don't want to forget - and I can't blog about everything but I can write it all down. As I was looking back and writing new entries I was struck by all the connections and how each detail is knit together. I have had so many as Nat would call them "shut up" moments its crazy!!
Remember the "target lady"?? She does have a name it's Lois. If you remember it was Lois that told me about Lifeline. We still keep in touch and they are actually adopting another child from China. A boy this time - Andrew Nathanael is his name (love the middle name!!) I was catching up last night on their journey and found out that Andrew is from the same province I was in when I spent time in China. Not just the same province - the same city!!! Turns out Lois has been there before because she lived there. Can you guess what - yep - she was living there around the same time I was there. I cannot get over this!! Speaking of the "target lady" (Lois) - DP was at work the other day talking to a coworker who was telling him about her brother and sister-in-law who were adopting from China through Lifeline and how they had met a young lady at Target who was beginning the adoption process and she had 3 boys - DP was like um that's my wife - and those are my boys. The connections that God shows us - are just beyond my comprehension and I feel so blessed!!!!
I was talking to Nat again tonight (side note - please remember to keep praying for both of our families - I really want to be able to travel together) telling her of these connections and I told her I am so thankful for God's kindness in letting me see how he knits all the details together in ways I would not have imagined - and how I always want to consciously be thankful even if a detail doesn't go the way I would have planned it. After I hung up with her I finished up my journal entry and this verse was at the top of the page it could not have been more perfect - but that is just how God is so I will close my post with it :

"Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I do it

2011-08-24T21:41:00.002-04:00

"I can do it all by myself."

Teethbrushing Talk

2011-08-23T20:53:00.001-04:00

DP and I got to be privy to a conversation between Nathan and his brothers during toothbrushing time tonight. This is what we heard....

Nathan: "Quit wasting toothpaste. Daddy works hard for this stuff. Thats why he only takes off Saturday and has to work all week. What do you want to do? Live in a dirty old van?"

Then we cracked up laughing. Out of the mouths of babes.....

Last Stop - China

2011-08-23T20:04:00.001-04:00

The package for our sweet girl arrived in China and today we got some pictures of her opening it up and trying on some of the clothes we bought her. I made her all the hairbows you see. We were told she really liked her sippy cup which had tinkerbell on it, the clothes, and her little backpack. God is so gracious to us. We feel so privileged to see our daughter. Words cannot describe how I was feeling as I looked through these pictures today. The last picture you will see is Linnea with her foster parents. This picture really evokes so much emotion in me -again not something I think I can put into words. The mother is holding up her two fingers not indicating the peace sign but "victory." This is very common in China especially in pictures - I remembered it as soon as I saw it. What great memories I have from my time there. Enjoy these pictures of our precious girl - I know we did!!

she is looking at our photos

checking out her new brothers

loving that sippy cup

she must like to color

she was eating up those raisins

This is my favorite

We are beyond grateful for this family...

Recipe for disaster....

2011-08-23T19:52:00.002-04:00

LeighAnn = cooking nightmare. That is a very accurate statement. In fact it has become a little joke in my immediate family. When I cook (with the exception of a few things) it doesn't get all the way done, it is burnt, or it just tastes awful!! Tonight was no exception. I used a recipe that had been handed down and seemed rather fool proof. It was called "no peek chicken" called for chicken, rice, cream of celery soup, water, onion soup mix, grated cheese, and crushed ritz crackers. You throw all this into a baking dish and bake at 300 for 3 hours. Well I followed the directions to a t and baked it for exactly how long it said on what setting it said. Didn't turn out so well. I can usually tell when my family doesn't like the meal by their reactions - i.e. DP won't have seconds and the kids well - they speak for themselves. In fact tonight DP only had one helping and here is what N had to say "it feels like I am eating rocks." Friends all I could do was laugh. I might for a few moments have wanted to cry but at this point in my cooking career it has just gotten humorous. I can do alot of things but cooking is NOT one of them. And really that is a sad thing. I love the kitchen. I love for my family to sit down together at meal time and enjoy one another and the time we have together - because one day these times will be gone!! I must confess though - when one is horrible in the kitchen these times are not frequent! So friends I need your help. I need some recipes and I might even need some cooking classes. HELP!! Send me your thoughts and ideas or come be my teacher!! The menu for tomorrow night is spaghetti - there is hope for my family - the won't be hungry at least not tomorrow night :)

Fun dinner with friends...

2011-08-22T20:14:00.004-04:00

Fun dinner with friends!! So glad we could spend time with the Majors. I'm so thankful for my CFA family!!

Date Nite...

2011-08-21T00:13:00.003-04:00

Date Nite with CFA Home Office team at Canoes in ATL. Fun times!!

Today I am thankful for homeschooling...

2011-08-18T20:54:00.136-04:00

Recently I have had many people ask me what made us decide to homeschool this year so I thought I would answer here in a post - so on those days when I am tearing my hair out and crying uncontrollably and thinking I am going to put N in the car and drive him right over to Crossroads - I can go back and read this post!! I want to point out that I am not against public or private education. I have taught in both and N has attended a private school up until now and L is going to a local church school after labor day. All that to say I know homeschooling is not for every parent or for every child. What might be best for one family might not be for the next and you have to take it one year at a time! This is just our story and what it looks like right now.

First of all you see that adorable picture above - that priceless one - that is one of the reasons. Not because my child thinks that I am the "best mom in the wrold" (world) or I am a "shooper (super) mom" but because of the quality time that I am getting to spend with him one on one. Time that is fleeing!!! He is growing so fast and I might be a super mom but I haven't figured out how to stop time - nor will I ever!! We feel like while our kids are young - they do not need to be in school all day. Learning doesn't just take place in a classroom - it takes place everywhere especially in the home. And kids need time to be kids they need time to play and run around and explore - especially boys!! This is one of the things I loved about N's school last year, Crossroads Christian School - there the students do not go all day everyday until 4th grade and even then Friday is a half day. Schooling at home gives us the opportunity to work work work in the morning and then play til the heart is content and no homework in the evening. And even after we are technically done with "school" work that doesn't mean they have quit learning for the day and we read at night. Kids are sponges and they are taking in everything that is around them all times of the day and night!

Another reason we choose to homeschool this year - was because it offers great flexibility When we travel to get the girls hopefully in March we will be gone overseas for a little over two weeks. I wanted to homeschool for the flexibility it provides. We started toward the beginning of August and I will work through and not take some of the holidays that our local county takes that way I can bank some days while we are gone. If we want to take a vacation in October we can. It is just really flexible and I like. It just so happened that one day this week E ran a fever and I was up all night and fortunately I didn't have to get up early the next morning and get ready to get out the door to school. I was able to cuddle with E and take care of him and school was postponed a few hours - yet we still got it all done. I also want to say though that we are pretty structured as well. I believe you can be flexible but still have structure. We still have rules just like we had when we went to a traditional school building.

Another deciding factor was cost. We are obviously trying to save so that played a part in our decision. Now you may say why didn't we just send him to public school? Well we do not feel like that is where he needs to be. He is in his most formative years right now and we are working on building character - the best place to build that is at home. Now homeschooling can be costly but we chose to do the Georgia Cyber Academy which is an online charter school funded by the state. Basically what that means is that I got all my curriculum and materials for free. I have only bought a few things like pencils, crayons, colored pencils and a few notebooks - and actually my neighbor had some extra from her classroom and she donated a few items. The curriculum they use is called K12 and so far I am very pleased. It even uses some of the same supplements and readers that Crossroads uses. Now I supplement some things and I added Bible - I just used what Crossroads does and made up some of my own with the help of the world wide web. (I found a kids bible reading plan!)

Homeschooling is a full time job and when I first started after a few days I thought - selfishly I will admit - my life was over. My mornings like I used to know them no longer existed. When was the laundry going to get done, the house cleaned, errands run, etc. etc. I honestly felt like I was a teacher again - I just didn't have to dress up or drive to my place of work. I was writing/organizing the lesson plans etc. doing all the same things I did when I went to work! But you know what - it has been ALL worth it! I have gotten into a groove and my life is not over the house is not going to pot, the laundry is getting done, dinner is getting cooked and all is well. Praise the Lord for grace - because my selfish self sure has needed it.

All that to say while all the reasons we have decided to homeschool are good (I think) - they really aren't the most important. God gave me these children to love, protect, nurture and care for and during this season of our lives we felt led to teach Nathan at home. So in obedience to what the Lord was calling us to do - we decided to teach Nathan at home this year. Regardless of what method of education we use for our children - it is our job to teach them and whether we do that at home or we partner with someone outside of the home at a school God gave them to us and we have to do whats best for them as the Lord leads us. So thats our story for now. I don't know what the future holds but I know the One who holds the future.

Dinner with old friends

2011-08-16T19:43:00.002-04:00

Fun dinner with old friends!!!

Mommy and the "hotcakes"

2011-08-13T16:13:00.002-04:00

Mommy and her sweet little hotcakes cheesin it up. He loves to have his picture taken!!

Correction and an update...

2011-08-12T22:26:00.002-04:00

I need to make a correction to one of my earlier posts about Linnea (It's a MATCH.) And I will edit that post but I thought I would tell you here as well. I said that Linnea was moved to TCH (True Childrens Home) after she had surgery and that is incorrect. She was moved to TCH first and then through TCH had her surgery. I found out today that her surgery was sponsored by someone through TCH. I am so thankful for this and will have the opportunity to write this generous donor/donors after the adoption. Just another incredible blessing. I am so grateful for Jenny as she has been able to share with us and clarify things like this and fill in parts of her life we might not have ever known. So THANK YOU Jenny!! Linnea Hope has quite a story already and I am looking forward to seeing how God continues to write her story. Speaking of sweet Linnea....

I got a new pictures today!! I just want to squeeze that little cupcake!! I want to kiss those sweet cheeks and tell her how long I have prayed for her and how much we have wanted her. I could go on - but I will stop for now. On top of getting a new picture today I called the USCIS - customs and immigrations. If you remember we had to send our paperwork off to them and then we had to be fingerprinted and since we've been fingerprinted we have been waiting for our approval. Well I decided to call on Monday to see where we were in the approval process and the gentleman on the phone said that our paperwork was there in some tub waiting to be assigned an agent to review the case. Comforting I know... so I asked if he could be a little more detailed. Basically he said that our paperwork is in tub somewhere waiting for an agent and that could take up to 90 days. This was not really what I was looking for and knowing that we had been fingerprinted almost 30 days ago I just decided I would keep calling every few days and see where it was. I mean who was I hurting by this. I called Wednesday and spoke with a woman this time - much more comforting she said that they had it and call back next week and check on it - it has not been taking 90 days she informed me. Well I called back today and guess what?? It has been assigned an agent. I even received an email from our agent and he has it on his desk - it takes about two days to review and then they mail out our approval. So here is hoping for next week!! I was so tickled!! New info, a picture and an agent all in one day!! Woo hoo!! We have so much to be thankful for!! Praise the Lord!!

look at those sweet little hands
so glad we sent her some crayons!

And the package is making its way....

2011-08-12T21:40:00.004-04:00

Our care package for our sweet girl is making its way around the globe. Thanks so much to Bonnie for taking it to Myrtle Beach and thank you Jenny for taking it to China!! Next stop .... China!!!

The hotcakes..

2011-08-12T19:25:00.002-04:00

This hotcakes found some deodorant today and came to inform me. He says to me very seriously "mom I was just putting on some yogurt." Of course I had to take a picture of him in his mischief. And of course he wants to see the picture. I show him and with enthusiasm he says "that's a great picture!". What am I going to do with him?

Luke and Mayah

2011-08-10T17:32:00.002-04:00

Luke and his buddy Mayah sporting a hairbow I made.

Vacations must come to an end...

2011-08-10T00:07:00.003-04:00

I'm so glad that we got to spend a week at the beach. I love spending quality time with my family and it especially nice for me and the boys to have daddy the whole entire week!! We made some really great memories riding the waves, snorkeling finding crabs and seashells, playing in the sand, fishing, eating great seafood, meeting up with old friends, reading, watching shark week together, playing games, putting together a puzzle, we just had tons of fun!!! Our time together is priceless.

my three sons

Crab Trap night

E loves to play on daddy's ipad
I think he knows it better than we do!

"daddy buried me mommy-
take a picture"

one of our sand castles

seashells we found

our collection of shells and little crabs

had to boil the creatures out... fun science lesson

put together a shark puzzle

Fishermen

2011-08-09T23:52:00.001-04:00

Daddy and the boys minus E went on a little fishing adventure during our trip to the beach. The whole week the excitement was building as the trip wasn't until Thursday. They had their little countdown on and the night before they were in the bed by 7:30ish as they had to awake super early to get going i.e 5 am. They left about 5:30 and didn't get home until after lunch. I wish you could hear their stories of the trip - the size of the fish changes every time :). Here are some pictures to enjoy. I should note that Luke caught the biggest fish - a 24 lb King Mackeral. Funny how the smallest guy on the boat caught the biggest fish :)

they were not quite awake yet...

fun day with daddy

fishing wore Luke out :)

that's L's big fish.. he doesn't weigh much more
than the fish!

an afternoon nap was a must!!

fish - its whats for dinner

The beach and books

2011-08-09T23:37:00.001-04:00

It is no secret I love to read, I love a good bookstore and I LOVE the beach. DP says if we ever move to the beach when we retire we will have to live far away from the bookstore or he would never see me because I love to read on the beach :). And this vacation proved no less. I read three books on vacation and not just little books you know the 400 page kind. I am very thankful that my boys are content to play in the sand until their hearts are content while mommy sits and reads. I love it. And I am thankful for the kindle and amazon free books. It is a great travel companion and I don't have to pack so many books to take with me. Road trips have made reading this summer a bit easier as I don't think I have read this many books since I was in school! This summer I have read 8 books : Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn (all Francine Rivers); The Help (Kathryn Stockett); The Swan House, The Dwelling Place (Elizabeth Musser) and Courageous (Randy Alcorn) All these books are fiction with the majority being Christian fiction the only exception was The Help. I read an article the other day about reading fiction and I would like to quote it here:

"I read more fiction than I do non-fiction, if you exempt the Bible from consideration, and I consider it, most often, truer than anything in the world. Those without the imagination to read fiction usually lack the imagination to hear the rhythm and contours of Scripture, much less to peer into the mysteries of the human heart."

Happy reading...

School starts tomorrow

2011-08-09T21:39:00.002-04:00

School starts tomorrow at our house!!

Ice Cream

2011-08-03T21:48:00.002-04:00

It's whats for dinner - at least on vacation!!

good til the last drop - literally

my vanilla lovers

Birthday cake ice cream with brownie, sprinkles, and hot fudge - yummo!

Awwww...

2011-08-03T17:01:00.001-04:00

That is what all three of our boys said today as we showed them our latest adoption email. I am getting spoiled!! We got some more new pictures of Linnea today. We are so fortunate that Lifeline just sent a medical missions team to our orphanage in Maoming. Dr. Chambers from the top notch International Childrens Clinic went along with the team. This is so great!! It is a bit expensive to take your kids to the IAC but we got a medical exam for free so to speak. While the team was there they took some new pictures of the kids. Linnea was brought from her foster home down to the orphanage to be checked out - we are awaiting the medical report but have no concerns really as she looks so good. Here are the pics they sent us! Is she not just too cute!!

This is one of our favorites :)

Love her!!!!

A little R and R

2011-08-03T16:47:00.001-04:00

We have been enjoying some time on the beach this week for our family vacation. It is hard to think next year this time family vacation will include 2 more children!! We are really enjoying the time with the boys and they are having such a wonderful time. Ethan still is unsure about this whole beach, water, sand thing I sure am hoping he grows out of it. It has worked out well because when David gets tired of the sun and hot weather he and Ethan go up and E takes a nap and D chills out. My other two boys are just like there mama and would stay out all day!! In fact yesterday was an all day in your bathing suit kind of day. We took a quick break in the mid afternoon and then went right back outside and stayed til dark. N and L were in having the time of their lives. I was enjoying watching their fun and excitement and finishing up a good book. It really was a fun day. I haven't been as good about capturing pictures. I kind of feel like there are only so many you can take of them playing in the sand. The weather has been beautiful - HOT but the scenery is breathtaking. The water has been so clear. I am thankful for water and how it not only is beautiful to look at but refreshing from the heat. It is magnificent.

He only likes the water if he is in this raft!

take my "piture" mama

Nathan and Daddy riding the waves

playing til the sun goes down...

Luke shell hunting

this is my little fish!!

China Bound

2011-08-02T18:29:00.001-04:00

The great thing about Jenny being in the US right now is that we were able to put together a package for our little girl and Jenny will take it back with her to China. Our CFA friend Bonnie is going to visit Jenny so we sent our package with her just in case we don't get to connect with her while she is here. I had to post pictures of the journey of this package. I want to remember. And yes I might I have gone a little overboard - remember this was the first time I got to buy for a girl!! Thank you Bonnie for being a part of this journey!!

It's a MATCH

2011-08-02T18:22:00.002-04:00

Today I got on the website of our adoption agency and our daughters picture was up on the site and next to it was the word MATCHED. Do you know just how much joy that brings to us?? I can't even explain. I wanted to share one more story and a few updated pictures. These stories that have become crafted into our adoption journey have only one explanation - they were weaved by the ultimate Craftsman - God. It is such a privilege for you to be able to share this journey with us. I was telling a good friend that I am just overwhelmed by God's goodness to me - as we are all so undeserving of anything good. She reminded me that while God does indeed shower me with His goodness and loving kindness because He loves me so - that is really just a bonus for me. He is making Himself known to others through our stories and His glory is being revealed and that is His ultimate purpose - making Himself known!!! So I hope you see Him all over this story and that you too will praise Him for He indeed is good and His love endures forever.

This story takes place the Saturday morning after we had been matched with Linnea. Like probably a good number of people - I checked my email on Saturday morning and found an email from Andrea - stating that Linnea had been moved from the orphanage to a childrens home that was run by Americans and she gave me the email address of the director of the childrens home. We believed that she was in foster care but were really not sure of all the logistics. I should note here - this is huge!! There are not many childrens homes in China and this was so good on so many levels. She would be getting excellent care and if she was in a foster home she was getting one on one care!!
So right away I email the director Jenny. Knowing it was 9 am our time meant that it was 9pm Saturday night China time. I at best was hoping Jenny might check her email before she went to bed but even if she did she wouldn't be at the childrens home so she likely wouldn't be able to answer my a zillion questions - but I emailed anyway. I told her we would be adopting Zhong Sha (Linnea's chinese name) and we were so thrilled and excited. I asked a few questions about her you know how big was she, is she in a foster home, what is she like etc. etc. I told her a little bit about ourselves and off the email went into cyber world. While I was on the computer I checked out her childrens home True Childrens Home and searched for any pictures or updates I could find about our sweet little girl. 30 minutes later I got a response from Jenny. She just wanted to acknowledge my email, told us Linnea was indeed in a foster home. She would try and get some updated pictures for us and answer our questions soon. She did ask us where we were from at the end of her email. I right away responded and thanked her for getting back to me and I let her know we were from Fayetteville. The funny thing about that is - I debated whether to write Atlanta or Fayetteville - I mean seriously how many people know where Fayetteville is - but I decided that all our paperwork said Fayetteville and that is how I was going to leave it - I didn't want to take any chances. I didn't expect to hear back from her by this time it was late Saturday night in China and she had already emailed me so I just went on about my day. I had been doing some laundry and had taken some folded clothes upstairs and I noticed on my cell phone I had an email from Jenny (today I was really thankful for technological advances) I'm holding my laundry and read the note off my phone it reads "LeighAnn I hope you are sitting down - I am in Peachtree City right now. - Jenny" All of my folded laundry went to the floor. I was in total shock and utter excitement. There is a lady who has held my daughter literally 15 minutes from me!!! AHHHHHH. I quick emailed her can you call me can we meet here are my phone numbers etc. I called DP and Andrea who just could not believe this news. I was talking on the phone with DP when I got the next email. Jenny says she will call us later and explain why she was in the states. She and her husband used to live in Georgia she worked for the Chick-fil-A corporate office. In the words of my good friend Nat I said to David as I was reading this email aloud "Shut up....." That was for you Nat! If you know me that is not a word I use ever - but now it is a joke btween us and the Grubbs our friends who are also adopting so it was kind of appropriate. Anyway I digress. So not only has Jenny held our baby but she used to work for CFA. I wrote her back telling her DP worked at CFA and I was just so in awe of how all this was working out. Only God could orchestrate events like this. She shared with us that she had just had dinner the night before with some of DP's coworkers. WOW was all we could say and we continue to say that today. Even as I type this I am saying WOW!!

We did get to catch up with Jenny on the phone and she was in town to attend a wedding of the daughter of a CFA employee and visit with her family. She will head back to China in August. We are hoping to be able to meet up with her. I cannot wait to hug the neck of a lady who has been instrumental in the care of our daughter. This really is such a blessing on so many levels but more importantly it shows how God is intimately involved in all the details of our lives. We recently got a few new pictures of Linnea from Jenny. She looks so well taken care of. Oh how I pray for her foster parents. We long to meet them and talk to them face to face. This will be bittersweet for them. Here is our sweet girl!! We love her soo much!!

And then there were four... still waiting on five :)

2011-08-01T22:48:00.001-04:00

This is probably going to be one of the longest blogposts ever!! However I have been wanting to write this post since Thursday July 14 because on this day we were introduced to our daughter - Linnea Hope. Her chinese name is Mao Zhong Sha. We received her referral on July 14 and today we finally received our PA (pre-approval) and now we can share our wonderful news with you. Believe me it has been a long two weeks!

Let me say that this referral came as a complete surprise... in many respects!! First of all I was busy getting ready for a birthday party for Luke and so my mind was occupied - which was totally the way the Lord knew I needed it to be. Secondly, we were not expecting a referral until we were logged in with China (LID) meaning all of our paperwork is in the Chinese govt's hands - and our paperwork is still in the hands of the US govt. In fact we had just gotten our fingerprints done two days ago! What I learned on that Thursday was that when you adopt two children from China at the same time one child must be from the special focus list. Let me explain the lists now. China has 3 lists of special needs children that are available. There is the agency specific list which means only families from a certain agency are eligible to adopt children from that list. Then you have the shared list which means any family can adopt from this list but you have to be logged in with China unless the child has been on the shared list for more than 30 days, if they have been on the list for more than 30 days then you do not have to be logged in with China. And finally you have the special focus list generally these are children that might have more than one special need, older healthy children that are getting ready to age out, there really is no rhyme or reason to this list. You do not have to be logged in to get a referral from the special focus list. Linnea is from the special focus list - hence the reason we got to see her file. Back to my story....
When I got the call from Andrea (our adoption buddy - as she calls herself) Thursday morning I had actually just gotten back from Walmart and I was working on making icing for Luke's cupcakes we were having his birthday party (yes very late) that evening. DP was out running errands and like I said I wasn't expecting this!! So when she had said she had a file - I was in shock. My first question I think was "are you for real?? is she from Maoming???" Our agency is working specifically with an orphanage in Maoming, China and DP and I have said from the beginning that we wanted both of our girls to come from the same orphanage. In normal circumstances this really wouldn't be likely but since Lifeline is working with Maoming it is very likely that both girls will come from there. Yes she was from Maoming and yes this was for real because she was on the special focus list.
If I write down every detail from that day - you will be reading forever - and don't worry I have journaled the whole day - detail by detail. What I will tell you is that we could see God's hand all over. When you get a referral you only have 48 hours to make a decision. This means we don't have long to get the file to our pediatrician have her look over it, pray alot and make a decision. Our pediatrician was out of the country. But God in his goodness gave us two different pediatricians to look over her file and they both gave us the thumbs up.
I will share that sometime during the day on that Thursday I asked DP what he was thinking and he says to me "I think we should sleep on it." Of course we should sleep on it I'm thinking. I just wanted some kind of gut feeling but I moved on - remember I had a party to be getting on. Late that night after we had heard from both pediatricians my ever sweet thoughtful husband comes home from "running an errand" with pink flowers and one of my favorite Starbucks coffees and says "I think we should go get her!" I was so excited I couldn't even drink my coffee!! We woke up Andrea (not purposefully) to tell her to lock her file. I could not even sleep that night. I am so thankful for God's provision and our sweet daughter. You won't believe the ways in which God has worked just in the few days after we received her referral. I will post the rest of this incredible testimony to God's goodness and faithfulness soon so be sure to check back because I also have updated pictures!! Thanks for sharing this journey with us!!

Ahhhh

2011-07-31T17:28:00.002-04:00

Reading a book listening to the waves crash being reminded of Gods magnificence. That's this mamas idea of a good time.
Sent from my iPod

A lesson learned

2011-07-29T21:33:00.001-04:00

So... my iphone went swimming today.....sigh......sigh......and sigh again. It was totally my fault. I had been reading in the pool - I was leaning over the concrete on my towel with my book and my phone was on the corner of my towel all covered up. I had been talking with our adoption agency and took a picture of me and my sister and instead of getting up and putting the phone back - I laid it in the towel and forgot about it - so when I got up and pulled up my towel with me - guess where my phone went. Yep in the pool - of course I dove in to get it but by then as we all know it was too late. I tried really hard not to get upset and realize it is just a phone but if I am to be truthful with you - that didn't work out so well for me.

Here is the real me - I profusely tried to revive it this included calling Apple and my brother calling Verizon for me. I cried - yes I had a few minutes of complete meltdown. Of course this isn't really how I wanted to feel or act like Paul says I do the things I do not want to do - it was just a phone- a nice one - but just a phone. I still acted what I now can call ridiculous and sinful. My poor husband who is watching my emotional fit even offers to take me out to eat - I decline (don't worry I came to my senses) then he offers me chocolate - again I decline. Finally I snapped out of my woe is me attitude and remembered this phone is a possession I cannot take to Heaven. It's nothing and I have an old phone I will be able to get hooked up and use. I am so ashamed of my sinfulness. The phone isn't a soul nor will it ever be. I know God used this incident for my benefit - while at the time and maybe even now it doesn't feel good - it was still a beneficial lesson for me. See I have three precious children whom are in my care and they have souls. Lately it seems as if all I have been doing is handing out discipline. This is an area where I really struggle - I want to discipline my children and teach them in the way of the Lord and I don't want to be legalistic and I do want to extend grace it is a never ending battle for me. When we are in the midst of discipline I remind the kids that God disciplines adults too - even mommy. Its not the same kind of discipline I explain but there are still consequences to our sin. Today I was irresponsible and a dead phone is the consequence. God gave me something tangible for me to explain to my kids the next time I have to have the responsibility talk. More than anything I want to conform to be the mom God wants me to be and I want to be just as grieved over my sin and the sin of my children as I was over my dead phone. And not grieved because of how our sin affects me but grieved because I've offended my Savior. I want my children to see this - see that I am grieved over my sin, see me living out the gospel everyday. I'm so thankful that ultimately the penalty of my sins and the sins of my children has been paid. I'm thankful for the cross and I am working on being thankful for a dead phone.

Pool time with my sista

2011-07-29T16:41:00.001-04:00

Hanging at the pool with my sista!!!

Christ and the cross...

2011-07-28T11:32:00.001-04:00

I read this quote below today on a blog I read often. I am thankful for the reminder of my true self and I am reminded how I need to be thankful on a daily, hourly, moment by moment basis for Christ and the cross. As one of my favorite songs puts it "Jesus Thank You."

Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to say to us, “I am here because of you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying.” Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called Calvary. It is here, at the foot of the cross that we shrink to our true size.

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-27T23:51:00.001-04:00

I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with family and friends this weekend but I must say it is good to be back home. I think of Heaven when we will finally be home and we will never long to be anywhere else but for now I am thankful for the home I have now and it is good to be back in it.

Alma Georgia - home away from home! I visited my old small town stomping grounds and spent some good quality time with my Alma family. I am so thankful for them and how God used them in my life. I love how I can go back and just pick up right where we left off - and I would have to agree with my dear friend Jennifer there are not many people that you can do that with. I love spending time with my friend and watching our children play together and talking about the joys and struggles in our own lives. The kids play so well together and I wish we lived closer to one another. I'm truly grateful for these people!! I love them dearly!! Here are a few pictures from our time together!! Enjoy.

Me and my sweet friend Jennifer - she is could be my sister!

Nathan on the 4 wheeler

the rest of us take a ride and even pick some blueberries :)

Jenn's hog just had baby pigs - soo cute!

From youngest to oldest Ethan, Abigail, Luke, Grace and Nathan (little Rayson was sleeping)

I have a few more pics I want to post but blogger is acting funny - I will try to put them up later!

Reconnecting

2011-07-25T23:32:00.001-04:00

Tonight I was able to connect with a girlfriend from college, Melodie. We met up at a local park so our kids could play while we played catch up. It had probably been 10 years since we had seen one another. The kids had so much fun. I think the merry go round was the favorite. It was good to catch up with an old friend! Tomorrow I am heading to Alma, GA for some more catching up with old friends!!

The kiddos - Nathan, Bailey, Ethan, Luke and Chloe

Me and Melodie

Fun Times

2011-07-25T23:18:00.002-04:00

The kids were up at the first sign of dawn ready to hit the beach. We waited a little bit and then headed to St. Simons Island of course with several "how much longer" questions. We had a fun time walking around the island a bit and then had a small bite to eat a local restaurant Iguanas, famous for their shrimp and boy was it good. We even got a free ice cream treat and that was a nice surprise -especially for the kids. After that we headed to the beach to play and they boys played hard. Ethan was not so into the whole beach scene. He did play in the sand but he is not one to like to be messy (what can I say he comes by it honestly) so he was being stretched. He most certainly didn't like the water nor did he want to be remotely close to it. I kept asking him if he liked the beach and he would say "I don't want to go to the beach I want to go to the ocean." He's a funny little guy. Nathan and Luke on the other hand loved everything about the beach. From playing in the sand to riding the waves in the water. I had to drag Nathan out after I got stung by a jelly fish. There were multiple incidents so knowing him and his personality I thought it best to take a little break. After some sand time he headed right back into the water and thankfully no more jelly fish attacks occurred. They had a really great time and are really ready to go the beach for more than a day!

Mommy and her boys

cheese ...

Playing in the sand

Mommy's little hot cakes...

Worn out...

That's my Pop Pop....

2011-07-25T22:52:00.001-04:00

Mommy, "Pop Pop" and Ethan

Growing up I called my my grandfather on my dads side "Pop Pop." I am not really sure how I came up with this name or if it was made up for me - but that's what I called him and still do today. Pop Pop is in his early 80's and I am so thankful to still have him around. Well as much as I love Pop Pop I cannot say that Ethan has been his favorite fan. I'm not sure what it is or was about him that E didn't like but anytime we would go over to their (my grandparents) house he wouldn't have anything to do with Pop Pop. In fact he wouldn't go anywhere near him and when it would come time to leave he wouldn't even tell him goodbye and if I made him he would cry. I'm happy to report that E is not so afraid of Pop Pop anymore. Last night we had a little "that's my Pop Pop" war :). Ethan was getting such a kick out of going back and forth about who's Pop Pop he was. I'm thankful he's a Pop Pop fan now!!

A Mama of boys...

2011-07-25T00:11:00.001-04:00

Have I ever mentioned I love being a mom to boys! Don't get me wrong I eagerly await the day I can bring home our sweet girls but there is something to be said about being a mommy of all boys. It actually is a feeling I don't think I can put into words - all I can say is that I love it! I think I live vicariously through them. I so much enjoy the looks on their faces when they are having fun - it really is priceless. Having said that the boys and I took a little adventure to south GA to visit my brother and then some friends. Being down here has brought back many memories as I went to college and interned at a church around the area we are in. Daddy is at home keeping things burning on the homefront. We miss him terribly and I think if I hear "I miss daddy" again I might develop a complex :) But I do wish he were here to enjoy these fun memory making moments too!

This morning and this evening we went to church but we had time in the afternoon to get in a little river fun. Ethan wasn't so sure about this whole river adventure and being in a boat - but he warmed up to the idea. Nathan and Luke loved it as you will see in the following pictures. We road on the john boat, played in the river, N and L rode on the tube and the jet skis and N jumped off the dock - almost 18 feet down plunging into the river. We really had fantastic afternoon as you will see through the pictures!

Mommy and Ebear

Luke on the tube

sweet brothers...

tubing together

check out these expressions

having fun!!

"fishing" with a stick...

river play

Ethan got in the water!!

Nathan was doing a handstand!

getting ready to jump

taking the plunge 18 feet down into 12 feet of h2o! I love the shadow in the water.

hey mom!!

We are beach bound tomorrow!! The boys can't wait!!

Hamburgers anyone?

2011-07-23T21:22:00.001-04:00

David and the kids love to "wrastle" with each other. I think maybe the kids love it more than he does since he isn't 25 anymore - but I know he loves those boys and the time he gets to spend with them. Sometimes when he is "wrastling"/tickling them he grabs their upper legs and says he is going to "eat him some hambones." He has done this with all three boys and they just love it. Well tonight my brother was wrestling around with Ethan and Ethan says to him "I want you to eat my hamburgers!" I just busted out laughing knowing he meant "hambones." Joseph "ate Ethan's hamburgers" and lots of laughing followed.

Bows for babies..

2011-07-17T23:40:00.001-04:00

I have wanted to know how to make bows for awhile now - but since next year this time I am actually going to have girls in my house I thought I might better go ahead and learn how. So tonight my good friend Shellie taught me how!! So thank you Shellie!! I gathered what ribbon I had around the house and started playing around. Here are a few that I made. It took me making a few to get the hang of it - so I made a few. You know I had to make a cow print one - that one is probably my best one - it was the last one I made tonight. If I get good at this I just might have to start selling some bows... for my babies.

Out of my hands...

2011-07-13T21:24:00.002-04:00

Today I sent off all of the paperwork that we have been collecting since we started the adoption process to our agency. PHEW!!! These are the papers I have been gathering and putting in our fireproof safe deposit box and today I turned them in. I had mixed emotions. I was super happy to be sending them on their way as the agency will in turn get them certified and authenticated and sent to China which is the goal!! I was also apprehensive I told DP I wished I could have driven them to the agency myself - as opposed to handing them to the mail lady to have them fed exed. It truly shows where I am weak and it makes me abundantly grateful that I serve a God who strong and in all the details of this process including very important papers going in the mail.

Yesterday we were able to go and get our fingerprints done at the Homeland Security office here in Atlanta. This was a true blessing. When we got our appointments this week they were scheduled for a time when we were not able to go. Thankfully they let us walk in and we were able to do them early - 19 days early!! Thank you to those who prayed that we would be able to get this done. Hopefully this means our waiting days will be lessened some as we await approval from them.

I must say I think I get more excited as each day passes!! And as time passes on we encounter more families who want to pursue adoption. Just in this week I have talked with 3 different families. I love seeing God work in the lives of those around us. I am so thankful for His goodness. Thanks for sharing in this journey with us! We'll keep you posted!

Game time

2011-07-11T18:59:00.001-04:00

It's Battleship game night!!

Best buddies

2011-07-11T13:46:00.002-04:00

Samuel and Luke

Best buddies!!

So I have a favor to ask....

2011-07-09T22:54:00.003-04:00

As most of you know and have read by now we are in the process of adopting two little girls from China - you probably read my whole countdown post and yes we are still waiting. But we are not the only ones waiting. It just so happens that our dear friends Wade and Natalie are waiting too! Just a little 411 - Wade and Natalie are our friends from Berachah, our church. We have known them for a few years but have recently become much closer as God has put us on the same adoption path. We are using the same agency, adopting from the same country, had the same social worker, you get the idea. The only difference is they started the process a bit before us. So what that essentially means is they are one step ahead. I have to say what a blessing it has been to be on the journey with someone you know and not just someone you know but your close friends. Natalie and I were already bonded for life because of our hope in Christ but now we are really bonded even more because of this process that we are in. I can't tell you how many coffees we have had or phone calls that have taken place over the last few months I am so thankful for her and how God has seen fit to knit our lives together in only a way HE could do.
So this brings me to my favor. We REALLY REALLY REALLY would love to be able to travel to China together. Looking at it from a paperwork standpoint - it seems nearly impossible because they, Wade and Nat, are ahead of us in the paperwork trail journey. However we know that we serve a God who makes the impossible possible. So that is where you come in - you can pray. Natalie and I have been praying for this because it is a desire we have and we also know that it may not be God's will but it certainly doesn't hurt to pray. Specifically you can pray that the Lord would work out all the details i.e. our paperwork moving faster than ever and that we got matching consulate appointments in China.
Nat has been on vacation for 9 days which seemed like forever to me so we got to catch up tonight and we both again stated how we wished we could travel together. It's something we both pray for so I said to her why are we not asking other people to pray that for us?? So that's my favor - would you join us and pray that we could travel together. We do know that this may not be God's will for our lives but we know He is faithful to bring about His perfect will whatever that may be. Thanks for praying!

Cow Appreciation Day 2011

2011-07-08T13:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Cow Day!! Thanks Mr. Doug for great service!!

60 some days but who's counting??

2011-07-02T22:34:00.001-04:00

Thought I would give you and update on our adoption process. And I'm the one counting not David. So here is where we are. We finished our part of our home study in May right before we left for Italy and in record time might I add. Funny how the Lord works - we weren't even going to turn in our adoption application until we got back from Italy. Then we decided to turn it in (late March) but thought for sure we wouldn't even begin our home study until after our Italy trip in mid May - and yes we finished our home study before we left for Italy. I digress sorry. Before we left we filled out our CIS papers - for homeland security and immigration but we could not mail them until our home study had been written and reviewed and notarized etc. We finally got all of that done on June 14 and got our papers in the mail and off to our agency who in turn sent them off to the govt. I got a letter from the govt this week saying that they had received our application and would be sending us our appointment time for our biometric fingerprints. Here is where the 60 some days come into play. We have some good friends who just got their approval from CIS and it took about 64 days from the day the govt cashes the check we sent them. So yes I am counting down the days sort of. I'm not literally marking the days off the calendar but I am thinking about them. If the time frame is right then we should receive our approval from homeland security at the end of August. You might be wondering why I have a countdown on this - well let me tell you what happens next. After we get approval from CIS/homeland security our paperwork goes back to our agency and they get all those papers (which makes up our dossier) notarized, certified and authenticated, then our paperwork/dossier goes to China!!!! Yay yay!! Once our paperwork goes to China and they get it we can be matched with our girls - so see why I have a countdown. I am so ready to see the faces of our little Linnea Hope and Kaylah Claire. I get so excited just thinking about it. If time frame follows the pattern of those who have proceeded us we should be logged in with China at the earliest late September but more likely early October. Here is a timeline our caseworker sent so you can see kind of what the process is like....

1. Home study completed

2. 800a application submitted with finalized home study to USCIS

3. Fundraise

4. Immigration approval received from USCIS (approx. 2-3 months)

5. dossier docs certified/authenticated (approx. 2-3 weeks)

6. dossier sent to China

7. Log-in date received ( LID) from CCCWA (approx. 3-4 weeks after DTC)

8. Letter of Acceptance (LOA) received from China (approx. 2-3 months after LID)

9. 800 paperwork submitted to USCIS

10. 800 provisional approval received (approx 3 weeks after submission)

11. information for visa sent by USCIS to National Visa Center (NVC)

12. information for visa cabled to the US Embassy in GZ by the NVC (approx. 2 weeks after information sent by NBC to NVC)

13. Article 5 letter received (approx 2 weeks from cabling)

14. Article 5 letter couriered to the CCCWA

15. Travel Approval received from CCCWA (approx. 3-4 weeks from being received by CCCWA)

16. Apply for Consulate Appointment

17. Receive Consulate Appointment (2approx 2 business days after application)

18. Travel (approximately 2 weeks after receiving TA)

Hopefully that makes a little sense. Our agency has privileges with an orphanage in Maoming China in the Guangdong Province. We have seen some of the children from the orphanage on our agencies website so you can probably see where my excitement is coming from. And I am excited. So where does that leave us right now praying and fundraising. I know God has all the details worked out. I wish I could say waiting was easy but it isn't always. However I rest in knowing He knows Linnea and Kaylah. Thanks for keeping up with us and keep praying!!