Tummy Tickles and Goofy Giggles

Check Out Ashlyn's New Do

2012-02-09T06:54:00.010-05:00

I absolutley LOVE Ashlyn's new haircut!!

I think it fits her perfectly!!

I just love these two little dumplins!!

Weigh in Week 1

2012-02-08T08:09:00.000-05:00

Week one is here!

My three goals were to get leaner, stronger and healthier. You can see my original post here. So here is how I did this past week.....

Leaner: Unfortunately, I gained two pounds this week. Now usually that would frustrate me to the point of either giving up or 'starting over'. I know you know what I am talking about. But this time there is no 'starting over' or stopping allowed. I am going to keep pushing through. I still have 29 weeks to go, which leads me to my next goal....

Stronger: I actually do feel stronger after this last week, both physically and mentally. You see, I think that for me to accomplish these goals I definitely have to have a change in how I think. Knowing that I did not do my best last week (and gained two pounds), but not quitting is a big step for me. And, honestly, I am proud of the fact that I did manage to accomplish some workouts this past week. That is HUGE for me. I speed walked 2.5 miles and I did some kettle bell workouts that kicked my butt! I am proud of myself for making that change in my life.

Healthier: I also made a change in my eating. I started eating breakfast in the mornings. I did not eat every morning but I did eat four out of the seven mornings. I have not eaten breakfast consistently since I was in 6th grade. That is a LONG time. Now as far as my other meals, I really did not even try on most of them. Oh, I could make excuses about how it was Noah's birthday and Super Bowl, but there were other non celebratory days that I dropped the ball too, so NO EXCUSES!!! I refuse to beat myself up over this (and I always have in the past). I can do nothing about the past, just about now so I will do better this next week.

So all in all I feel like this past week was successful. I have made some good changes to my life and I know in the end it will all pay off. I am changing the way that I think and how I live. This is not a diet/exercise 'program' for me. This is a change in my life, for the rest of my life. On to week two!!

So, how did you do?

Join Me in My Madness

2012-02-07T04:21:00.000-05:00

On February 1st, I announced my BIG news that I was going to get in shape this year and you all were going to be my accountability partners.

I have received a very good response to my post and so I thought that I would throw this out there for those of you that want to join me on my journey to a healthier me. Every week I will post how I did the past week. I do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable (including me) so I will not ask for you to announce your starting weight. I will only be posting weight lost that week and not an actual weight. I, personally, will also be stating whether I was able to exercise and eat right for the previous week since these three things were my goals.

So we have seven months to a healthier us. I think it will be fun to be able to do this with you guys. You are some of my favorite people!!

So our first 'weigh in' is on Wednesday the 8th. THAT IS TOMORROW!!! I look forward to hearing from you!

If you are catching this after we start, please do not hesitate to join in. You can start whenever you like.

Happy Birthday, Noah!!

2012-02-06T16:08:00.001-05:00

Noah turned FIVE years old on Friday!!

I can not believe that it has been five whole years since I birthed my last baby. It just does not seem possible.

As per tradition, on our child's birthday they are allowed to pick ANY restaurant that they wish and they get a date with Mommy and Daddy ALL...BY...THEMSELVES!!! So Noah picked T-Rex Cafe (again).

We had such a special time with him. He was so very excited to just have Mommy and Daddy to himself for a couple of hours. Oh, and the dinosaurs too!!

Off we go......

Popcorn shrimp and Dino nuggets with fries
the perfect dinner!

It gets really loud during the meteor shower.

Is it over???

The Tar Pit

his favorite dinosaur dessert

New Year, New Me

2012-02-01T17:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I NEVER make New Year Resolutions, basically because I wouldn't stick to them.

I know me.

BUT.........

This year I am making a resolution.

Yes, it is a typical resolution. And, yes, everybody makes this resolution, but here goes anyways....

This year I intend to get into the best shape of my life.

Waiting for the sighhhhhhssssssssss.......

Why??? Because doesn't EVERYBODY make this resolution EVERY year?????

Well, I have not.

But this year I am.

I will be turning 39 in September.

I know, you are all shocked that I would ACTUALLY tell the world my REAL age!!!!!

The HORROR!!!!!

But my age does not bother me. It never has. Maybe because I don't 'feel' like I am actually that old.

Yes, I might be a bit delusional too.

Anyways, back to my resolution.....

So why am I making this resolution? More importantly why I am making it to the world??

Well, here is my thought process...

If I tell you all then I guess it makes me accountable since now I know that LOTS of people will actually be watching my progress. That alone helps keep me motivated because I certainly wouldn't want to fail in front of all of you. Failing is best done in the presence of your hubby and children ONLY. It doesn't feel like you failed that bad then. Just like you messed up a little and then, "oh well, now I will move on to something else".

So I am giving myself seven full months to be a better me.

What does that look like to me, you ask?

Well, I do not think that it is all about weight loss. I believe what I am looking for is a leaner (yes - weight loss), stronger (never really felt like I would call myself strong before), and healthier (cleaner eating) me. This is what I want to accomplish in the next seven months.

Why now? Why this year?

Well like I said earlier, I will be turning 39 in September. I want to roll into my 40's feeling better about myself than I have ever felt before.

As you know, I am a Mom to six amazing people. I want to be a huge part of their lives for as long as they will have me. I don't want typical old age stuff slowing me down. I have a three year old that is going to need her Momma to do all those fun girly things when she grows up. I need to be able to be there for and keep up with my kids. Because I want to.

I also have this amazing, sexy hunk of a husband. He has kept himself in top shape for as long as I can remember. He is an athlete. He plays and coaches his adult soccer team and then coaches our son's soccer team also. He works out multiple times a week and he is one good looking man. It would be really awful if I could not be by his side enjoying these things with him because I did not take care of myself. I want to grow old with this man as a healthy couple. I want to be that couple where you would be shocked if you knew their age because of how active and involved in life they are.

So why have I not just done this before???

Well, I think that my answer is the same as many others out there. It's not that I have not wanted to. It's just that I have not really felt motivated to - outside of the occasional spurt of "I'm gonna do this" moments. You know what I'm saying?

You are also looking at a girl who does not like to do ANYTHING of the sporty nature - and NEVER has. I was the girl who skipped PE every day. I still do not know how I passed that class and graduated. I was NEVER in it!! Praise God for miracles!!!

I would much rather attend a sporting event. I LOVE watching...HATE participating. Catch my drift.

So this really is a challenge for me. I know that mentally I have to NOT think of it as exercising or my brain starts to tell me ALL the reasons that this is a VERY dumb idea. I do actually ENJOY exercising once I'm doing it, it's just getting there that's the problem.

Lazy?? Probably.

So in an effort to keep me motivated and be accountable I will be posting updates for you all to see. I do not know how often I will be posting them....any suggestions?

This is WAY outside my comfort zone, but if it might motivate or help any of you I will put myself out there. So what do you think???? Want to join me or just watch from the side lines? We can all do something to better ourselves. Won't you join me?

By the way.....I know that it is February and I am just starting. Seems January has up and gone with us going to China and getting our daughter and all. So my new year actually starts NOW.

Happy Birthday, Makinley

2012-01-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

When we started our adoption of Makinley back in February 2011, one of my prayers was to get Makinley home before her next birthday. With just starting the process in February, I knew that we would be cutting it close to get her home on time. I did a lot of praying and I even made my friend at the adoption agency PROMISE me that she would be home before her birthday. I knew fully well that it wasn't up to my friend on timing, but I knew she would tell me if she didn't think I had a shot. She stood by me to the end and she reminded me often at the end that Makinley would indeed be home for her birthday. And so she is!!!

Today my baby girl turns THREE YEARS OLD!!!

I feel like I have missed so much of her life, but I am reminded that I have the rest of her life.

Yesterday we had a family birthday party for her. We did not want to overwhelm her with a lot of new faces as soon as she came home so this was the first time that most of her family were able to meet her. It just so happens that my father-in-law's birthday is the day before Makinley's so we had a double birthday celebration.

Papi turned 77 yesterday and Makinley turned 3 today. Sharing his birthday with his new granddaughter meant so much to my father-in-law.

Chris and Lorelai

Love the Daddy my nephew has become.

She loved her birthday cake!

Jess and Lorelai

My two Asian sweeties!

Home

2012-01-16T05:55:00.000-05:00

We are home with all of our children under one roof!

We are Going to Get Our Daughter

2011-12-28T19:37:00.000-05:00

In 36 hours we will be getting on a plane to go and get our beautiful new daughter from China!

We are so very excited and would love for you to follow along.

http://www.journeytome.com/journal_view.cfm?journalid=3438

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Leaving in One Week

2011-12-23T18:01:00.002-05:00

We will finally be leaving in ONE week to get our baby girl from China.

You can follow along at: http://www.journeytome.com/journal_view.cfm?journalid=3438

We will be using that address as our blog while we are in China from December 30 - January 14th.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Time is Here and Thoughts About My Daughter

2011-12-20T08:24:00.002-05:00

Christmas time is here, and it seems to be moving by very quickly!

Saturday night Lianna and I went to see the Nutcracker performed by a professional ballet group. It was Lianna's first time at a professional ballet performance. I was so excited to take her.

During intermission I asked her if it was like she thought that it would be. She got a huge smile on her face and said,"NO!! It is so much better!!"

I still remember the first time I went to a ballet. It just happened to also be the Nutcracker. I was so amazed by the scenery and the dancing. It was more than I had imagined also.

Now my baby girl is grown up and able to do grown up things with me. I have waited for moments like this since I found out that I was pregnant with a little girl 13 years ago. Now that it is here, I enjoy it thoroughly. But it also means that she is growing up...which is the down fall to the whole thing. I love my sweet girl. I am so proud of the little woman that she is becoming. I can not wait to see the woman she will become. Just praying that it comes a little slower.

Start Celebrating Christmas!

2011-12-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

I seem to have a hard time keeping up with my blog this year. It isn't because I have nothing to post, but just because we have been so busy and we are doing so many fun things together.

Last weekend was jam packed full of activities.

The first thing we did was Lianna's first piano recital. It was great to see her up on stage doing something that she truly loves. It is so nice that some one in the house can actually play an instrument. But the fact that she can play the piano by ear and fill my home with beautiful music everyday is very soothing to the soul.

After the recital we hurried home, ate lunch, and then attended Noah's first soccer game. He is finally old enough to play this year and he is very excited. I love watching four year olds play soccer. It is very humorous. But he did well, two goals, and he enjoyed himself thoroughly.

Later that night Gabriel had his first soccer game of the season. He has a great team and this is going to be a great soccer year for our family!

On Sunday we hosted our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange party. This was our fifth year hosting it. We always have so much fun and we all end up with six dozen amazing cookies!

The first two years we only filled up my dining room table, but over the past three years we have had to use two tables. This year we completely filled two large tables so I might need to add an extra table next year!!

As the weekend came to an end, I came across my sweet puppy....

What an exhausting and fun weekend!

And what a great start to our Christmas celebrations!

When Big Kids Help

2011-12-15T08:43:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when his 9 year old big brother helps him get dressed.

So the kids were playing outside today and I saw Noah coming towards the house. He seemed to be having an awful lot of trouble with his jeans. As he moved closer, I could see why. I called him inside and then asked him if he thought that something was wrong with his pants. He said "Yes, they keep fallin' off!" Ummmmm.....that's because Gabriel gave you HIS jeans to wear.

Then I called in Gabriel.

Mom: Gabriel, do you see a problem with Noah's jeans?

Gabriel: Yes, they're too big.

Mom: Why do you think that is?

Gabriel: I dunno.

Mom: Maybe because they are YOUR jeans!!

Gabriel: (smirk on his face) Hee hee...oh.

Boys!!

One Month....

2011-12-03T12:10:00.002-05:00

On January 3rd we will be meeting our sweet baby girl for the first time.

You can follow our adoption story at www.ourjourneytotheeast.blogspot.com

It's Been a Long Time

2011-11-15T13:55:00.003-05:00

My boy is growing up, and it has been an awfully long time since we have heard a Gabeism from him. But YESTERDAY when we were driving home the following conversation ensued from the back of the truck:

Ashlyn: I can't wait for Mismas (Christmas)!

Gabriel: Ooooohhhhhh...now I know why reindeer eat carrots!! So they can see better at night when they fly!

Jordan and I just look at each other as if both to say, "Where did THAT come from?"

Jordan: Wonder why Santa picked reindeer? Why didn't he pick something like polar bears?

Gabriel: Sheesh....because polar bears can't FLY!!!

Ummm, yes, I did then tell him that reindeer do not fly, only Santa's. That is, after I was sure that I was going to say it seriously and not giggle. That's what good Mommas are for. He just said very sarcastically, "I know that!"

Yay, not liking the sarcasim so much. Guess that goes with the 'getting older' part.

Busy October Week

2011-10-30T09:48:00.001-04:00

What a busy fun-filled time we had this past week.

This past Wednesday we celebrated Ashlyn's 2 year Family Day!! It is so hard to believe that just two years ago we met our sweet girl in China for the first time. We watched her dvd that we made while we were in China and we can not believe how much this child has changed in two years. God is so good and my sweet daughter is a picture of that goodness.

For her special day we visited the 'pumpkin patch' and had a very special dinner for her.

Happy Family Day, my Dumplin'

Last night Lianna and I prepared a very special Halloween Dinner. I have been wanting to do this for years and I always forget. So last night was a first and everybody loved it so I think we have started a new family tradition!

Here is our Halloween spread.

Zombie Brains

Mummies and Spider Dip

Scarecrow Dip

Witches' Brooms

Pumpkin Guts

Hope you have a wonderful Halloween!

Our Adoption

2011-10-28T10:16:00.001-04:00

We just received an update on Makinley with a great new picture!! Go to our adoption blog and take a look www.ourjourneytotheeast.blogspot.com

Halloween Fun

2011-10-25T10:59:00.001-04:00

I just love home school!

I wish that I could have been home schooled!

We always have so much fun!

Now that the weather has been cooler we have been focusing on fall, today we decided to start our day with a Halloween project. I read the kids one of my favorite Halloween books....

Then we colored our own pumpkins.

I had the kids draw their own pumpkin on the bottom of the page.

Now I know that this is a 'kiddie' project. But I find that with any kind of art project all of the kids (minus the 16 year old boy) tend to gravitate towards the project.

I guess that having this out kind of pulls them in.

Love the Candy Corn!

Now off to start 'real' school.

Urgent Prayer for a Dear Friend

2011-10-24T15:47:00.001-04:00

This is a re-post from a dear friend's husband's blog. They are in dire need of prayer RIGHT NOW!!

Please pray that Roberta and Adrian will be able to bring Lukai home. She is due to fly to Ch*na in a couple of weeks.

The following is Adrian's post:

I should really know by now. I mean, you go out, you post something like this, feeling all "Gods in Control" ... and then you get a chance to back up your words, with action. I mean, don't get me wrong! Oh no, I LOVE the opportunity to grow, and to make sure that what I say, I live out and believe.

... late Friday night...
Wife: ... okay, thanks. Good bye.
Me: Was that the adoption agency?
Wife: Yea. They said last month, Lukai had to go to the hospital.
Me: What? Why?
Wife: Ummm, I don't know. They said, something about a 2nd Special Need which was previously not diagnosised. They are sending us an email about it now.
Me: Okay, hold on, let me check the email.
*BING! You've got mail!*
Wife: It's all in Chinese! *grabs the phone*
Me: I'll start translating it.
Wife: Hey, the email is all in Chinese.
Adoption Agency: I know, we're trying to find our translator. She is not in.
Wife: Okay, thanks. Bye.
Me: Why do they need a translator? Our adoption agency is Chinese!
Wife: It's all medical terms. They need the medical terms translated.
Me: It says he was diagnoised with Vitiligo.
Wife: Isn't that the same thing Micheal Jackson had?
Me: It is a depigmentation of the skin...
Wife: Oh, good. So it's only cosmetic.
Me: ... which is caused by thyroid conditions...
Wife: Oh, well, you can get medical help for that.
Me: ... or, auto immune deficiencies...
Wife: Oh.
Me: Or, other reasons. And apparently, it has spread since August from a "soya bean sized spot", to "the rest of his body". Now that is a chinese to english translation, by me. So... take it for what it is worth.

What followed that phone conversation has been about 48 hours so far of an emotional roller coaster ride - having a sick child is one thing, having a sick child on the other side of the world is a whole different thing.

But even during this emotional roller coaster ride, there was one constant. Well, maybe two.
Number 1) God still "has this"
Number 2) We are still adopting Lukai.

An auto immune problem, or a thyroid condition, or even cancer (oh yes, right, vitiligo is often a missdiagnoises for a certain form of leukemia) can strike at any time. Is our love for Lukai based upon his health status? No. If one of our other children all of a sudden were struck with cancer, or a thyroid problem, would we stop loving them? Of course not.

Lukai is our son - and my wife said it best, "Us NOT adopting Lukai isn't even on the table. It isn't even an option."

See, when our Adoption Agency phoned us, we were not so much worried about Lukais physical looks, his skin condition, or even cancer. We can deal with that once he is here with us. I think they (or maybe China) was thinking we would want to back out of the adoption. What we are worried about is IF China (or the Ontario government, or anyone else) is going to "cancel" the adoption. See, there was a different little boy we tried to adopt - had his referral and were moving forward with, when China pulled the child from the adoption process. Someone somewhere had decided that that little boy was not for us and our family.

So are we worried about the vitiligo? Of course. Depending on how bad it is, this could be a big deal for Lukai to have to work though. Are we worried that it might be cancer or something serious? Of course. It would be foolish to ignore any diagnosis of a medical condition. Are we worried that someone, somewhere might try to stop the adoption? Absolutely.

But see #1 above.

We loved Lukai yesterday, when he didn't have vitiligo, and we love Lukai today, even with Vitiligo.

So what do we need? Prayer. Prayer for us, prayer for Lukai, and prayer for all the directors, social workers, and government officials involved not to panic and try to stop the adoption. What does Lukai need? Part of me wants to scream "US! He needs a home! Someone to take care of him.", but he has a foster family, and hopefully he is being well cared for. God knows what he needs - and God will meet those needs, either through us, or through someone else.

All we can do, is hold on, and push through to bring Lukai home... with or without Vitiligo.

Now... if you don't mind... I'm in the middle of a conversation with God, and I'm trying to explain to him what "I got this" means. I think he has a very different interpretation of this than I do... I suppose that is a good thing.

Gabriel's Bowling Party

2011-10-14T08:08:00.001-04:00

We have two birthdays within five days of each other. Gabriel's was last week and Jordan's was this week. So for us October starts out full steam.

We had a bowling party for Gabriel last weekend. This was a first for us and everyone had such a great time, especially the littles!

The Birthday Boy!

Noah was taking this picture.

I had to aim for him!!!

The adults even got in on a game.
And, yes, that is my oldest covering his face.
He hates his picture taken....sigh....

This was my sister-in-laws first time bowling!!

She beat my husband!!

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy!

The Making of a Family

2011-10-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

My nephew, Chris, with his beautiful wife, Jess, and my new great niece, Lorelai

Love watching families grow.

Baby Lorelai

2011-10-08T09:31:00.000-04:00

Our sweet great niece was born this past Thursday.

My sweet Gabriel was so happy to share his birthday with his new baby cousin!

Happy Birthday to my two sweeties!

Lorelai was born a week late weighing 7 lbs and was 18 inches long. She is an itty bitty!

The kids had so much fun meeting her last night. Of course, Gabriel was the first to hold her so that we could get the 'Birthday' picture. Everyone held her, but my Big. He is turning 16, so I get it. But he did think that she was pretty cute. After Gabriel, Noah held her and he was such a big boy. He just could not stop smiling! Then it was Ashlyn's turn and she was in heaven. After a second or two she kept commenting that Lorelai was "too heavy"! I guess she thought that she would be light like her baby dolls. Then Lianna got to hold her.

I loved watching the children's faces as they met their new baby cousin.

(I did not get pictures of Noah and Ashlyn holding her because I was 'helping' them. Chris and Lianna got pictures of them holding her, so I will post them later.)

Halloween Cookie Decorating

2011-10-05T15:42:00.001-04:00

It is finally fall!

From now until the end of the year is absolutely my FAVORITE time of the year! We celebrate from my birthday in September all the way to New Year!

So today we decided to decorate Halloween cookies and listen to Christmas music (not at the same time). The kids had a blast and LOVED the ghost and pumpkin cookies.

The last picture is Gabriel's cookie
(he wanted me to tell you all that)

What a great way to start the holidays!

Baby Cooper

2011-09-24T13:36:00.000-04:00

Baby Cooper was born last night at 9:06pm weighing 9 lbs and was 20 1/2 inches long. He definitely took his time coming into this world! Congratulations Ashley and Justin, we love you!

How Do Ya Like Them Apples??

2011-08-18T10:00:00.027-04:00

{These posts are sort of sporadic and out of order, but I am trying to catch up on our summer. These pictures were taken in May.}

So as most of you know we have a vegetable garden and a rose garden in our back yard. But did you know that we also have our own little orchard?????

That's right, an orchard in our neighborhood backyard. And in Florida no less.

So what is in our orchard, you ask?

Well we have two apple trees and a peach tree. And no we do not live in North Florida, we live in Central Florida.

Are you shocked?

I was.

Who knew you could grow these delicious fruits this far south.

But you can!!!

Noah is sportin' the Anna variety.

YUMMY!!!

I was actually surprised by how sweet they are.

We just planted the trees this winter and both varieties produced a handful of apples.

The trees are just a bit bigger than Noah.

This is the Dorsett variety.

You need both to cross pollinate.

Our peach tree did not produce peaches this year, but it is growing like a weed. I think it is now double the size it was when we planted it in December. I love that I can still have my 'dream' of living on a farm in my own sweet suburban backyard.

Feeling Blessed

2011-08-17T11:07:00.001-04:00

Our daughter, Makinley, who is waiting for us in China, was wearing a brace in the last group of pictures that we received of her. Over the past five days we have been contemplating what that might mean...Did she break her leg? Did she twist her ankle? I just received word that it is actually a brace to help her to walk better. Whew....what a relief!! Feeling truly blessed right now. And I am so appreciative of all the prayers that have been going up for her. Please continue to pray for her pain. It looked like she was very uncomfortable walking in her new brace.....sigh.....

A Baby Shower

2011-08-15T11:04:00.001-04:00

Not for me......(smile).......

On Saturday we celebrated the upcoming birth of my first GREAT-NIECE!!!!!! Yes, I am going to be a great-aunt! Can't believe it, but I am so excited!!

We had a wonderful time loving on my niece and spending time with family and friends. It was a nice distraction from all things adoption.

Here are some pictures of our day...Enjoy!

The theme was

Cute as a Button

Mommy-to-be

Only 6 weeks left!

This is Jess's sister, Chana.

She is due in two weeks and she put this entire shower together for Jess!!

Summer Vacation Part Three ~ A Walk in the Woods

2011-08-13T08:22:00.000-04:00

As summer is now over for us (we started school two weeks ago), I thought that I would end with my last post from our vacation to the Smoky Mountains.

As most of you remember, I told you of this great historical walk that we took with the kids and a guide. Yes, it was the walk that I was stung by a yellow jacket. Ouch.....still hurts when I think about it!

When I was preparing for my trip I found this great guide service online that does historical walks throughout the Smoky Mountain National Park. A Walk in the Woods (click here for their web site) is a very kid friendly and knowledgeable organization. There were many different walks to choose from that were kid friendly and we ended up picking 'A Stroll Back in Time'. We thought that if we (we meaning the kids, of course) enjoyed this 2.5 hour walk then we would pick another one to do every time we come back up to the mountains.

Our sweet guide did not disappoint! We had another couple, who was just engaged, that joined our monstrous family for the walk. Glad the kids were behaved, but I know what they must have been thinking when they saw us coming. (bwahhahahah) Anyways, we met each other and then we were off. We started in one of our favorite secluded places of the park, Greenbriar Park. She showed us many different signs in nature that would show us what had been there in the past. It was a very educational walk. I learned a ton about early settlers to the Appalachians while we were on this walk. At one point she stopped us and showed us that we were standing in an old corn field. How did we know????? She taught us to look at the surroundings and see all the new growth in this area, while on the outskirts of it were tress that were much larger. Very interesting. Especially since we had walked by there quite a few times before and would never had guessed.

Along the way we stopped a lot so that Sam could tell us a new story. This rock was called the 'Courting Rock'. This is where a lot of young ones would come and court. It is a really beautiful place. Right down the slope behind the rock is the river. My oldest daughter got totally grossed out when we were informed that Daddys would sit up on the ridge and watch their girls at the courting rock. Sometimes what they saw they did not like and then there was miraculously a wedding within the week!! When it clicked to her what they had been caught doing on the rock she would not go anywhere near it (hee hee).

Luckily, these three were clueless.

The walk we took followed the river so there were lots of opportunities to see little critters. They found this salamander in one of the tiny creeks.

Noah wanted so badly to hold the little guy.

It would just NOT go in his hand.

Aaawwwww... the lovely sting.

If you missed what happened to me you can read about it here.

LOOK....another bug!!!!

Actually it was a centipede.

This old barn was in the back of the woods. We had no idea is was even there. It was really neat to here about the history of all of the families that lived around this area.

Here is the spring house where they kept their food cold.

Old Fashioned refrigerator.

And, of course, the outhouse.

Noah did manage to get the centipede on his hand. I think that they liked this little guy the most because he tickled them.

There were so many other interesting things that we learned on our walk. We learned that they brushed their teeth with birch twigs and she showed us what one looked like. We then all tried it and it tasted like spearmint. It is also an antiseptic and they used it to cure belly aches.

We also got to taste sassafras, and the leaves tasted like bubble gum when you chewed them. She had homemade root beer that she passed out for us to taste too that was made from sassafras. The kids really enjoyed learning that you could use things that grew in the woods as medicine and everyday things.

She even pointed out poison ivy to us, which just happened to be EVERYWHERE!!! I never knew that we were constantly stepping in it while we walked in the woods. Apparently some people are allergic to it (like Lianna) and some are not. It was also interesting to know that it only grows in areas where man has disturbed nature. Where trees have been lumbered and removed, and land has been cleared. Hmmmmm...interesting how God evens allows nature to protect itself in such a unique way from destruction that people cause.

We had a wonderful time and the littles really did not complain about the walk until we were almost back to the car. We will definitely do this again, and I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves history and wants to learn some really interesting facts about the woods.

Our Second Adoption

2011-08-05T08:48:00.001-04:00

We just received another picture of Makinley! Click here to follow along on our second adoption journey to China.

I try to keep this blog for family goings-ons. The other blog is strictly adoption of both of our girls and a lot of Momma's heart.

Happy Birthday, Ashlyn!!

2011-07-31T11:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Ashlyn's 4th Birthday!! I can not believe that this child has turned four!

This birthday was extra special to us as we watched our little girl anticipating her upcoming party. She told us over and over and OVER again (all week long) how she LOVED her cake!! How funny that my minimal eater was not thinking about presents, friends, swimming, etc, she was ALL about the cake!! The cake did not disappoint.

I can not believe that we have now celebrated two birthdays with our little dumplin. She has grown so much this past year. Last year at this time she was still reserved and unsure. This year she is truly a typical four year old. I am so proud of her and I admire her so much for the amount of courage that she has. She has endured so much in her little life. I love seeing where God has her now. We are so proud of her!

Happy birthday, sweet girl! We love you so much and are so blessed that you are in our lives!!

Summer Vacation ~ Part Two...The River

2011-07-14T09:33:00.001-04:00

When we go up to the cabin a great deal of our time is spent on the river which happens to be right outside our back door. With the sickness on this trip it was really great for the little ones who were not feeling bad to have a chance to still get outside and have some fun.

This year was a bit different in that one of the biggest highlights of our trip was a baptism. On the way up to the cabin my 8 year old was talking with us and in his very grown up mindset announced at dinner at a table at Pizza Hut that he was going to get baptized in the river this year just like Jesus had been baptized in a river. As usual this came out of no where and we all stopped eating so that we could take this announcement in. As we pondered it for a couple of seconds we all agreed that it was a very neat idea. What a memorable way to get baptized! My other two big kids have been baptized at church and Gabriel has been talking about it off and on for awhile now. It made perfect sense and it was an amazing idea!

His Daddy was very honored to be the one to get to baptize his son. It was an incredible experience for all of us. We will never forget the day that Gabriel was baptized.

After the baptism the kids played in the river for a very long time. This year was the first year that Noah and Ashlyn actually got to play in the river and walk around. The current moves fast, even near the banks, so you really have to have steady feet. Even the grown ups fall over on the slippery rocks....that's why Momma does not go in too far. Smart Momma!

First moments in the water.

Love how they are trying to figure out what it's all about.

My "twins" are my cautious ones.

Ok....it's ok, Momma!

Look, we are cautiously having fun....

After awhile they felt brave enough to walk around.

See how closely they stick together...
they are always like this.

So Cute!

It amazes me just how much like twins they are.

Only God could have created that bond.

All kids naturally love to throw rocks!

So after a couple of days of wading around in the river, Dad went and bought a tube. This is the kids favorite part of being on the river. There are little rapids right in front of our cabin so they can walk up and float down and still be on our property. It is the perfect amount of rapids to have a blast and bump your booties on the rocks...which consequently gets my kids laughing hysterically until they cry. Why do we laugh at pain??? They are always covered with bruises when we leave to come home.

This year Noah was old enough to go with Daddy. This was his first trip on the rapids. Ashlyn wanted nothing to do with it. She was very happy sitting with Momma watching them scream and holler like crazy people. That still unsettles her, all their screaming and she can't figure out why. Poor baby...sometimes I think she thinks that the other kids have lost their minds.

I absolutely love that in one picture he is nervous, in the next he has a smile...kinda, in the next picture he's nervous again, and so on. He did have fun and I think he did it one more time and then that was enough for him. My brave little Boo!

Prayer Needed

2011-06-28T09:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday on the first day of my children's camp, a 21 year old counselor had a swimming accident and passed away. Please be in prayer for the Fowler and Rivera families. Also pray for the children at camp and the staff. He was married just less than a year ago, so please cover his precious wife, Diana, in prayer. Thank you.

Back to Vacation

2011-06-27T15:10:00.002-04:00

It has been far too long, but I knew the vacation posts would take some time so here is the first of several posts on our vacation back in May.

This was the first hike we took on our trip this year. We had never been to this part of the Smoky Mountains because, honestly, I had never heard about it. It is in the park, but you have to go off a certain road and there really are no signs for it. I found it in one of our trail books. We hiked to the Walker Sisters' Cabin.

This place has such amazing history. The park bought the land and the house from the six spinster sisters that were living there and told them that they could live there until they passed away. That was in the 1920's. The last sister died in the 1960's. Guess they were not counting on that!

The sisters lived self sufficiently in their home and tourists would hike to their house and visit with them. These visitors usually brought them things like sugar, newspapers and magazines. They also brought them little things that they thought that the women might need. They had no electricity and no plumbing.

I could go on and on...I learned a lot and was amazed that this all was going on not that long ago. It was a very wonderful experience and I highly recommend you go and visit their house if you are ever in the Smoky Mountains National Park. It is about a mile walk to their cabin and then back. We did it with all of our kiddos. The little ones whined a little....cause we made them walk.....how dare us!!!! They need to use those legs that God gave them! But, seriously, you could push a stroller. It was a gravel road that is wide enough for a car to drive on. They just won't let you drive on it anymore.

Our hike started at the Greenbriar Schoolhouse.

This is the cemetery right in front of the school house.

My sweet baby girl picking wild flowers.

This is the road/path to the Walker Sisters' Cabin.

You have to cross a foot bridge to get over the creek.

Stopping for a "picture" rest.

"Wook, Momma, a wady bug!"

The view of the cabin when you come out of the woods and into the clearing.

Inside the cabin there are very few things. I wanted you to see the original shelving. That is a picture of three of the sisters. There are a lot of broken bottles and a couple of old-timey devices still left sitting on the shelves. The Park took out all of the furniture and valuables and are storing them for now. They would have liked to have had a permanent ranger live out there and keep all of the things in the cabin, but they were unable to get funding.

This is newspaper and magazine pages on the wall. They would use it as a sort of "wall paper". We were told that every year they would tear lasts year's paper down and put on a new coat of "wall paper". They even used seed envelopes some times. Anything that they thought was pretty.

Here is my 5'5" fifteen year old son. I wanted you to see how low the ceiling is. The windows are pretty low too. You have to bend down to look out of them.

And here is my 5'10" husband ducking out the back door...literally. Maybe that's where they got that saying.

I tried to talk him into letting us live out here, but sadly, he said no. Of course I would need electricity, plumbing, and a bigger house. But the land is amazing and it is so totally peaceful and quiet. I can so see why the sisters didn't want to leave.

What a great experience. We will definitely come back again next time.

I found a picture of four of the sisters online. If you look back at the second picture that I took of their house (with my kids in front of the stone exterior of the fireplace) you will see the exact porch that they are sitting on in this picture to the right of my kids. Totally cool!

Dad Life

2011-06-24T10:17:00.001-04:00

Ok......you know all of our men want to star in this video!! Enjoy!

I'm Back

2011-06-21T14:45:00.000-04:00

...and really wanting to love on my baby girl today.

It's just been one of those days where the process just can not go fast enough.

Ughhhhhh.....

2011-06-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I still have not been posting.

We had to leave our vacation a day early because I was just not feeling better. We headed home hoping that the change (don't ask me what change...I have no idea) would some how kick it out of me. I NEVER get sick!!

Unfortunately since I have been home I have continuously gotten worse. I saw the doctor on Monday and he said everything from my neck up was highly infected. He put me on Cipro and a decongestant and sent me on my way.

Here we are on Wednesday and I still feel like crap, but now my stomach is just icky. I can not tell if it is the medicine or the medicine working and it is the drainage from all of this crap in my head. I really can not hear much out of my left ear, and that has been since last Wednesday.

So I am just a mess. I don't remember the last time I have had to stay "in bed" for so many days. I am very thankful right now for responsible children that can keep the house running while I am out of commission.

When I feel better (praying that is tomorrow) I will post about our very weird vacation.

Cabin Fever

2011-06-01T10:47:00.000-04:00

It started last Thursday night. Noah started to s...l...o....w down. When a 4 year old little boy starts to slow down it can only mean one thing...sickness is a comin! Sure enough by 4:00 pm he was sleeping in my arms as I rocked him on the porch in the rocking chair. He started to run a fever and I knew we were in for a couple days of sitting at the cabin. Next day, Ashlyn woke up with a fever. Then my oldest ended up sleeping until 5:00 pm the day after that. Then, graciously, it was my turn. Gabe has a bit of something on and off, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Probably allergies. So this is why I have not been posting. We seem to be on the mend, but you always catch it faster than you get rid of it. I personally think that is totally unfair.

Making Friends.....Mountain Style

2011-05-27T15:03:00.024-04:00

This is what happens late, late at night when little children leave a cup with watered down grape juice outside on the picnic table on the deck of the cabin.

We make a new friend.

I came out this morning to have my quiet time and this is what I saw on the picnic table.

Apparently the raccoon liked the sweet water in the cup.

The kids just marveled at the sight and tried to follow the sticky footprints to see where he went.

Tonight we will be checking the deck a bit closer to make sure that there is nothing left out that a mischievous little critter might want to get into.

(Including toys, since they saw how he carried Daddy's sponge from the front of the cabin to the back deck. Don't want to be losing any precious treasures.)

Lessons We Learn in the Woods

2011-05-26T14:54:00.003-04:00

YELLOW JACKETS ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS!!

I learned this in a very NOT fun way yesterday.

And the picture looks sooooo much better than my hand actually did.

Lianna took this right after we ran away.....

We are on our annual trip to the Smoky Mountains and we took our first guided hike through one of our favorite secluded parts of the park. (Way off the tourist trail). We were meandering along learning a whole bunch of neat stuff when we started to head up a man made stone stairway so our guide could show us an old home site. After most of us went up the steps, I handed Ashlyn up to Donny (cause she was too little to climb the steps) and as I looked down to reach Noah to hand to his Daddy I saw a swarm of yellow jackets under the first stone that they had disturbed by walking on the steps. I grabbed Noah with my left arm and swung him behind me and as I am telling Donny that we can't go up that there is a yellow jacket's nest, I look at my right hand and there is one sitting on my knuckle. I shake my hand to get it off and it stings me. I look at my knuckle and it is still there and it stings me AGAIN! Then I shake my hand (frantically this time) and I get stung AGAIN, but I do fling him off this time. I have been stung in my life by a lot of things, but let me tell you that this sting is ABSOLUTELY, EXCRUCIATINGLY painful!!!! Lianna (who is the only one left down with me and Noah) lets me know that it is flying around me again! So I grabbed Noah. Lianna and I then ran up the road as fast as we could. I was glad that I knew that they typically will continue to attack you and sometimes bring more along to help. I was so afraid that the kids were going to get stung. I can not imagine if it would have been Noah instead of me. So glad that my Momma Bear instincts kicked in and I was able to protect my cub.

My knuckles and fingers swelled up pretty good. For a while I could not even straighten my hand. The burning and stinging was very intense until the guide used this very cool suction tool to get the venom out of the wound. (I need to buy one of those. They are pretty handy.) My hand did not stop hurting until this morning when I woke up. I really would not wish that experience on any body. Again, I am so glad that it was me and not one of my kids.

Besides that, the walk was amazing. I promise. We learned a lot. I will share that in another post.

Nineteen Years...Already!!

2011-05-16T13:12:00.001-04:00

Happy 19th Anniversary to the most
amazing man I know!!

All I can say is THANK YOU, Jesus!!

You knew exactly what I needed!

Most Memorable Trip to the Doctors....EVER!!

2011-05-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

My poor Noah is sick so I decided that it was time to take him to the doctor. He was complaining that his ear hurt last night, and saying that today is Friday, any well seasoned Momma knows that you need to get to the doctor or you will be visiting an after hours clinic over the weekend. That is no fun on the wallet. But mostly there is just too much sickness for any one place to take. Usually you go in and you come out with something much worse.

On the way to the doctor my itty bitty man started asking some very serious questions about Jesus. Before I knew it he was praying for Jesus to be his Savior!! My heart about burst! I just LOVE that part of being a Momma!!!!

I love that sweet little boy of mine.

(And by the way, he has a really bad cold. He will be just fine after his antibiotics kick in).

Easter ~ Part Two

2011-05-10T09:32:00.000-04:00

Easter morning the kids came running in our room bright and early. Kids being Gabriel and Noah. It was 6:00am, but who could sleep....the Easter Bunny had been here!!!!! When we ~~drudged~~ pleasently and cheerfully made our way to the family room, Lianna was also up waiting for us on the couch. Apparently her tactic was to send in the cute little boys. I guess she felt she would not have gotten the same result. I'm still wondering if she woke them up....hmmmmmm.

Then it was time to go wake up Ashlyn. Poor thing. She still does not get the rule that you have to wake up extremely early when strange animals enter your house and leave goodies. (Actually, that is a kind of scary thought isn't it?)

Poor thing, she was having such a hard time waking up....until...

OoOoOoooo...Noah, whatcha got?

Look, Ashlyn, you have one too!!!!

NICE...candy for breakfast!!!

Then it was time for the Easter Egg Hunt!! This was Ashlyn's first egg hunt. Last year she had only been home for about six months and she was really in need of a schedule. The egg hunt happened, unfortunately, when she was napping. Looking back, she probably would not have been into it at all. She was still so scared and confused. It is amazing to me to look at her today and see the amazing little girl that has blossomed out of that. This is who she was always supposed to be. She just did not have the oppurtunity for the first two years of her life.

Mom, it's hot.

But are you having fun?

"JES!!!!"

Easter ~ Part One

2011-04-28T18:52:00.003-04:00

Easter Egg coloring at its best!!

Noah, are you coloring eggs?

Oooooo...look, it's a GOLDEN one!!!!

Wait...Noah...

What are you DOING?!?!?!?

NOOOOOOOooooooOOOOOooooooo!!!!!!

You can't eat the egg with the shell still on it!!!

YUCK!!!!

Ok, so he ripped open the egg and said he had "found" the golden egg inside...aka "the yolk"

Too cute!!

Our Trip to Grand Cayman

2011-04-21T13:46:00.000-04:00

I am finally getting settled back at home. I have been busy planning for Easter and getting the kids back on a normal school schedule. My parents are leaving to go home the day after Easter so I have also been trying to spend some extra time with them before they leave.

Now that I have a moment I thought that I would post some pictures of our trip to Grand Cayman last week. We had such a wonderful time and feel very blessed that we were able to go and be pampered. On this trip we had less commitments than usual so we were able to really spend some time alone together. That was super nice.

So here you go.....ENJOY!!

There were really no waves here. The beach was beautiful and best of all NOT CROWDED!!!

Great place to eat....although it gets a bit wild inside. They have a pool with a water slide inside the restaurant. There is also a DJ that plays every Jimmy Buffet song ever made.

Ahhhhhh.....fruity drinks!!!

Totally Feeling Relaxed

2011-04-13T15:27:00.001-04:00

So I was REALLY wrong about the low humidity thing. It is ridiculously humid here. They are in desperate need of a breeze, even on the beach. I think that I have sweat more on this trip than any other time that I have ever been to the beach.

But that is really the only bad thing. It is just beautiful here. The beach has to be the prettiest beach that I have ever been to, and I have been to a lot. The water is the perfect temperature, the sand is the best and the water is super clear. We just love it! Donny went snorkeling right off the beach and saw a big lobster and tons of fish.

Georgetown is ok. Not as impressive as we were hoping for. It is sort of like the little towns outside of Cabo San Lucas. Great restaurants, but the shops are not all that great. And everything is super expensive here, including the taxis.

The food is actually amazing here. Everything that we have eaten has been really good. Definately have a lot of places that I would highly recommend.

We have had a great time, but we are ready to head home. Not much to do if you aren't at the beach.

I will post more when I get home and download some pictures. Awards Dinner is tonight, and that is always amazing. Then we fly out tomorrow. Can't wait to see our kids!

On Island Time

2011-04-11T13:42:00.002-04:00

We arrived in Grand Cayman yesterday. It was an uneventful hour and 20 minute flight, which is good since I do not particularly like flying.

The weather is great and, unlike Florida, there is not much humidity. I spent three hours this morning out at the beach while hubby attends a four hour meeting. I actually got to read a book. I love these trips.

Don't get me wrong, I miss my children terribly! (I have already talked to them twice today.) But God knows that sometimes Mommas and Daddies just need to get away and recharge. I truly believe that it makes Donny and I better parents when we return. A few days without stress does wonders on your mood. It totally increases your patience level too.

In a bit we will be heading to Georgetown for some lunch and shopping. I'll post pictures after I actually take some this afternoon.

Oh, and Melanie, the hotel is nice. You will love it.

Updates

2011-04-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

So sorry for the silence lately. We have a lot going on around here.

The adoption is going...not very quickly...but moving along none the less.

The kids are trying to rev up to finish out our home school year in the next two months.

Ashlyn's first year of speech class is going well. She will finish at the end of May and take a break for the summer.

Donny and I will be heading to Grand Cayman for a week this coming weekend. We so look forward to our annual trip that his company puts on. It is a relaxing time for Momma and Daddy to get some alone time.

My nephew and niece are in town on their Spring Break. We have missed them so much, so it is nice for the kids to get to spend time with their cousins.

My parents are in town for the month. This is always a real gift to spend time with them and let them "catch up" with the kids. Plus, they always babysit for us when we go on our trip. Works out lovely!

Vacation was moved from this fall to May due to the fact that we are hoping to travel to China this fall. I can not wait to go on vacation. It is one of my favorite times of the year!!

And, I am going to be a GREAT AUNT!!!!! My nephew and his wife are having their first child this September!!!

So we are busy, but it's all good!!

One Step Closer

2011-03-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

We are one step closer to Makinley.

http://www.ourjourneytotheeast.blogspot.com/

Our Trip to American Girl

2011-03-10T17:53:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I took a road trip with my daughter (just the two of us) to American Girl in Atlanta. What an absolute blast we had. What a great estrogen filled girlie weekend!

We were both so excited to get to be alone together. It was a 7 hour drive to get there and I really enjoyed being able to talk with her and really "listen" to her without being interrupted by so many others.

The plan was to go to American Girl the next day and have lunch at the cafe. Somehow she talked me into taking her there the night we arrived so I could buy her the doll that was her gift from us for her birthday.

The next morning we headed out so she could spend her money that she has been saving for a year. After the crazy chaos of shopping in the store (every little girl in Atlanta must have been there), we had a gourmet lunch at the cafe. It was very yummy and even Josefina was able to eat with us.

Later that evening we met up with Aunt Erin and she took us to this incredible fondue restaurant called Dante's. It is in an old warehouse building. When you walk in there is a pirate ship and it looks like you are in a shipyard on a boat dock. It truly looks like it could go along with Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Totally cool and unique. We were able to eat on the pirate's ship and the food was incredible. Thanks, Aunt Erin, for such an amazing evening.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. I am so glad that I was able to give you such an incredible weekend.

Happy Birthday, Lianna!

2011-03-06T09:00:00.040-05:00

Last week was our oldest daughter's 12th birthday. Because I am taking her on a girl's only road trip to visit American Girl, she knew that she was not going to be able to have a party. Well, this Momma just can NOT not throw a birthday party! So I opted for a SURPRISE party!!

Boy was she surprised!

I don't think that I have ever seen her so embarassed!

But along with the BIG 12 came something we have been dreading.......

Ummmmmm...Momma don't like this at all!! You don't even want to know what Daddy thinks!

Surprise!!

2011-03-03T13:25:00.001-05:00

I would REALLY like to introduce you to some one extremely special to me.....
You can meet her here http://www.ourjourneytotheeast.blogspot.com/
I am so EXCITED!!

Thank You

2011-02-11T21:15:00.001-05:00

Ya'll never cease to amaze me.

Thank you so much for checking in on me and praying for our family this past week. I received a lot of emails and even some phone calls, everyone has truley blessed my heart with your friendships and concerns.

God moved in mighty ways and made His direction for our family EXTREMELY clear. I still can not share a lot of what has happened, but I can say that we are now going to be a family of EIGHT!!

Mosey on over to http://www.ourjourneytotheeast.blogspot.com/ to get a little more information.

Have I told you lately that I just LOVE you guys!

Don't Text While Driving

2011-02-09T14:36:00.001-05:00

PLEASE talk to your spouses and kids about this. We have commited, as a family, to not use our phones while in the car. It can wait.

Change Can Be a Blessing

2011-02-07T12:44:00.001-05:00

God presented us with something about a week and a half ago, that in all honesty, is the most difficult decision that we have ever had to make in our entire lives. We are desperately seeking God's direction for our family. We have been praying and searching for a Word from Him. We have completely taken ourselves (our emotions, our logic, our desires) off of the table and are waiting for God to tell us what to do. We will joyfully walk in this direction, knowing that it would indeed be a blessing to our family, if this is what God has called us to do.

While trying to find a Word from God, the below message came in my email box. This is the message in its entirety.

We live in a time of rapid change--precipitated by technological advances, planetary disruptions, socio-cultural transitions, economic troubles, and virtually instantaneous global communication networks.

And even though no one escapes the challenge of change, there's something hardwired into most human beings that makes us resist and resent it. In fact, the first reaction to a big change (actual or possible) is sometimes fear.

But the Bible says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

If an infant never changed, we would know something was wrong. Likewise, if our life never changed we would have no opportunities to grow. So, next time you face an unexpected change, especially an unwelcomed one, look for the blessings hiding inside. Change is part of God's loving plan for us!

We are trying desperately not to have a spirit of fear...knowing that God would never harm us. Please pray for us to honor the Lord by following His direction. We are praying that He gives us the answer soon. Then I will share with you all that has happened.

Happy Birthday, Noah!

2011-01-30T09:25:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Noah's 4th birthday yesterday. We were very blessed with great weather and lots of sunshine.

Noah learned how to ride his bike yesterday.

He says he is a "BIG BOY" now that he is 4!

Ashlyn has not figured out how the pedals work yet.

But I am sure she is not far behind.

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy!

I can not believe how fast you are growing.

You are one of my most sensitive children.
You have so much love to give.

You are such a blessing to our family!

We love you, Noah Boo!

A Family in Need

2011-01-27T11:14:00.001-05:00

My friend, Shawny, lost her husband last November. We have known the Duncans for almost 15 years. They are such a dear sweet family. She is now a widow with 8 children and a house that is falling apart. Below is a campaign that has been started for this precious family. If you can help AT ALL, please let me know. Every little bit helps. I just know that God is going to move mountains and perform a miracle!

For those who don't know, the Duncan Family, a homeschool family of 2 boys and 6 girls ages 1 to 17, lost their dad to a heart attack during the holidays. Brian Duncan was only 47 years old. Almost two years before this, Brian fell ill to the condition called Guillan-Barre Syndrome causing him to become completely paralyzed. Some people do not recover from this but Brian fortunately was able to come home from the hospital and did regain some of his functions. However, he was not able to return to work. This put the family in a financial decline and they lost their home to foreclosure. Last August, they were allowed to move into a home that is intended to be demolished. It was previously a rental to a drug addict who completely left the home in horrible disarray. The owner said the Duncans could stay there if they were willing to clean it up and fix whatever needed to be fixed and eventually pay a small rent until his property sold. Brian and friends quickly went to work to make the home livable and safe for his family. Despite this hard work the house is still just a temporary situation. The small septic tank continues to back up and has to be emptied every month. Just recently they found mold growing in various places. The roof has seen its last days. The family has made it an awesome place and they are so appreciative of it. But Shawny Duncan, especially now with her husband gone, needs a place she can call home. A place she can raise her children and not have to worry about leaks, sewer back ups, and mold!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are spearheading a project to raise $150,000 by December 2011. We would like to invite as many families and businesses to come along side this family to make this happen. For example, if 300 families gave $50.00 a month for 10 months, this would equal $150,000!!! Some may want to pledge a monthly amount; others may want to give a one-time donation; others may want to hold fund-raisers and bake sales or offer a matching challenge at their office. Churches may want to take this on as a 2011 mission project. There is no limit to how this can happen. Will you join us? Will you pray now and see how you can be involved.

The Faces

2011-01-21T14:57:00.007-05:00

There are more than 147 million orphans in this world today.

That means 147 million children with out a family....

...147 million children without a Mommy or a Daddy.....

.....no one to hug them.....

...no one to kiss them good night....

...no one to calm them from their nightmares...

...no one to rock them to sleep....

...no one to kiss their hurts away....

...no one to say "I love you"....

...no one to teach them to play sports.....

...no one to show them what a tea party is.....

.....no one to ALWAYS be there for them, NO MATTER WHAT.....

All alone in this world needing the most precious gift a person can give...

Everyone deserves to be loved.

Please consider giving a child the most precious gift of all...your heart.

Everyone deserves to belong to a family.

Our Christmas (a little past due)

2011-01-10T16:50:00.004-05:00

Time seems to get away from me more and more lately. I have been a terrible Blogger and just realized that I NEVER posted pictures from our vacation back in October. Oooooo...so bad!!!!

So I am backing up a couple of weeks to our Christmas. Christmas for us always starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving when we go out and buy our lovely Christmas tree. It is a wonderful tradition that the kids look forward to so much because it marks the beginning of Christmas in our house.

This year our Christmas was derailed a tad by Ashlyn's surgery. She did really well through her procedure and the weeks that followed. It was completely an answer to our prayers.

Around that time my father, who was visiting, got injured before Thanksgiving and we had to help them through some medical things before they could go back home to North Carolina the week of Ashlyn's surgery.

Then we had two unexpected deaths of very close friends. That really through us, and our mindset, for a loop. On top of that I was still trying to finish up with homeschooling for the 2010 year, and my kiddos all caught a very nasty virus that blew up into other more serious things (after hours doctors are a life saver to not have to go to the ER). Needless to say, I ditched the school plan for the rest of the year. My parents arrived back right around this time to celebrate Christmas with us, and they got very sick while they were here.

I did manage to get my hubby and our three oldest to go and serve at our local homeless shelter the week of Christmas. This is another tradition that we have started. My husband takes all the kids that are old enough to go and I stay home with the little ones. This was Gabe's first year serving and he was so excited. His enthusiasm was so contagious. He just was biting at the bit to find someone to help. Bless his sweet heart.

Christmas finally arrived and God blessed us with some wonderful time with family before the sicknesses of my parents hit full force and I even caught a bit of whatever was going around.

I continue to be amazed by the blessings that God gives our family daily. I am so in awe of the way He makes Himself known to each and every one of us in this family. I am just tremendously blessed by the love that He has enabled my children to have for others. I just love being a Momma!

I'll end with a picture from Christmas morning of each of the kids. I pray that 2011 is a very blessed year for you and your family.

Dinosaur Farts

2010-12-31T20:09:00.003-05:00

Ok guys, I just had to share this. (I know my Dad will LOVE it!!)

And, yes, this is what our family does on New Year's Eve, look for corny clips on y*utube. This is definately the kids favorite so far. My daughter says I need to get out more often (hee hee).

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T09:49:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Update on Ashlyn

2010-12-23T10:25:00.004-05:00

Before

After

Before

After

Sorry it took so long to update. She actually got sick after her surgery and so her lip/nose wasn't looking so hot last week.

She is so happy, and looks absolutely beautiful!

Thank you so much for praying for her. The surgery went really well and recovering was night and day from last February. God definately revealed how much more secure she is with her family now. She was so much more relaxed and at peace with her stay at the hospital. She really did not even cry. She is such a strong little girl. What a blessing it is to be her Momma.

The Twelve Days of a Large Family Christmas

2010-12-22T19:01:00.001-05:00

I can so relate to this sweet rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. I have been asked almost all of these questions before. Enjoy!

Yummy Cookie Recipe

2010-12-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

Every year I have a Cookie Exchange Party a couple of weeks before Christmas. Unfortunately, I did not get pictures yet again this year. I know...bad blogger!!!!

I did happen to take a picture of these "test" cookies the week before the party. I ended up making two other kinds, don't ask me why.

The cookies posted here are very yummy and my kids love them! They are fairly easy to make too.

I hope you all enjoy!

S'more Thumbprint Cookies

-1 cup butter, softened

-1/2 cup packed brown sugar

-1 egg

-1 teaspoon vanilla

-1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

-1 cup finely ground graham cracker crumbs (16 cracker squares)

-1/8 teaspoon salt

-120 miniature marshmallows (about 1 1/4 cups)

-60 rectangles milk chocolate (from four 1.55-oz bars)

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour, cracker crumbs and salt; on low speed, beat about 1 minute or until stiff dough forms.

3. Shape dough by heaping teaspoons into balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls two inches apart. With thumb, make indention in center of each.

4. Bake 10 - 12 minutes. Lightly press three marshmallows in center of each cookie; bake 2 - 3 minutes longer. Top marshmallows on each cookie with one rectangle of chocolate; let stand 2 - 3 minutes. With tip of knife, gently spread chocolate over marshmallows. Let stand until chocolate sets.

Something is Missing

2010-12-06T10:06:00.003-05:00

Ashlyn woke up this morning and something was missing.....

Where, oh where is her nose stint??????

There it is!!!

It had fallen out last night when she was sleeping. I know she didn't pull it out because she is afraid to even touch her face.

Poor baby, this thing is longer than any of my fingernails. It must have been touching her brain!!

I have a call into the Doctor to see what he wants to do. It did come out 4 days early.

Although, I must say, she has a cute little nose now, doesn't she!?!

Ashlyn is Home

2010-12-04T13:58:00.003-05:00

We were able to leave the hospital this morning at 9:30 or so.

She came home and took a bath. The next thing on her list to do was play. I let her play in her room with all of us gathered around, gave her lunch and then put her to bed.

She has done so well this time. She only took children's Tylen*l after her surgery. I wish that I was that tough.

Her face is a bit more swollen today. She has a hard time shutting her mouth all the way because the top lip is so fat.

Noah and Gabriel are concerned about her because of the stint. They do not like the way that it looks. I keep telling them that they will take it out next Friday. We might have to start a count down for little Noah's sake. He is a bit bothered by it. Ashlyn just tells him that SHE has a boo boo and not NOAH!! The girl is proud of her boo boo.

Ashlyn is Out of Surgery

2010-12-03T18:40:00.007-05:00

Thank you all for praying for a baby girl today.

She was a bit nervous when we were driving in because her brothers and sister were not with us. She was not quite sure where we were going.

But as we got there and started to get checked in, she relaxed a bit more.

All ready to go.

Teddy even went in for surgery today too. He got bands just like Ashlyn and went back in the operation room with her.

Teddy getting his band.

Now Teddy is ready to go.

Matching bands!!

Aunt Pam and Chris came by to support Momma and Daddy.

Thank you guys. It meant a lot.

And Happy Birthday Aunt Pam!!

I swear they are twins!!

Ashlyn after surgery.

About 50 stitches and a nose stint...

Doesn't she look beautiful already!?!

My sleeping Beauty...snoring away...

..which is an answer to prayer. She is very nervous, but so much more relaxed. As long as I am in sight she is ok. I don't need to be touching her at all times this time (unlike her surgery back in February).

She even giggled a bit and tried to smile when she heard Noah on the speaker phone. She just LOVES her brother.

Going home tomorrow. Stitches stay in for a week and then we return to get them out. Stint stays in for a week or so. She already looks different (minus the swelling). Her bitty nose isn't flat on one side anymore.

Thank you so much for praying for our baby.

A Wedding, Two Funerals and a Surgery

2010-12-01T19:15:00.003-05:00

That pretty much sums up this week for us. Last Saturday we went to a wedding that ended up being a very emotional time for us. A beautiful wedding with a beautiful Bride.

That evening a sweet friend of mine lost her husband at the age of 47 to a heart attack. He left behind his amazing wife and eight beautiful children ages 8 months to 17 years.

As I was getting ready for the funeral this morning I got a message that a friend of the family had passed away on Sunday. He was like an uncle to my husband. He was my husband's best friend's uncle and they were always together. He was with him every week for most of his young life and had been a presence in our lives up until about 15 years ago. His funeral will be on Friday. With heavy hearts we will not be able to make it to the funeral because Ashlyn will be having surgery. At least we can make the viewing tomorrow night.

And Friday is the day for Ashlyn's lip revision. She will be having her surgery at noon and it will last about three hours. She will have to stay over night. We should be able to go home on Saturday morning.

While Ashlyn was in China they corrected her cleft lip. It had been a complete unilateral cleft. This means that it was wide open with no formed nostril on the right side (when you are looking at her it is on the right side.)

In February we had surgery to correct her complete cleft palate. This means that she had no palate in the middle at all. Like this....

They had to cut the sides and stretch her skin to make the palate she has now....

Her doctor did an amazing job!! Thank you, Dr Ruas!!

Now she will be getting the lip redone that they corrected in China. He will be removing some extra skin that is on the right side of her lip. She has quite a bit on the inside of her lip too that he will be "shaving" off. He will get rid of the scar tissue that is not very noticeable on her skin above the lip, but is more noticeable in that nostril that they needed to create. Then he will try to give the right nostril a little more shape without doing major nose surgery. That will be done when she is a teenager. He just wants to lift it up a little bit so that it is not so flat.

We have always felt that they did a terrific job on her while she was in China. Most people we come in contact with can not even see her scar. We are very grateful that they tried to help her out.

So I took lots of pictures tonight because come Friday afternoon my sweet dumplin' will look a little different. She will be losing her pookey lip. Makes me a wee bit sad......

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T10:13:00.004-05:00

Today I am grateful for my Dad. I am glad that yesterday, for Thanksgiving, he was able to sit up and celebrate the day with his family. He injured his leg a week ago, tore tendons in the upper part of his leg, and has been in a horrible amount of pain. I am so glad that he is able to get around some now. He was also given a diagnosis that our family is trying to adjust to. Please pray for us as we walk this new road that God has laid before us.

I am also grateful for this sweet little dumplin'. I can not believe that just a year ago we were just newly home with her and she was such a scared and fragile little girl. I love the joy in her smile and the twinkle in her eye. She has been such a blessing to our family.

Next week she will be going into the hospital for another surgery. They are going to do a lip revision. The first was done in China. She will have to stay over night and then we will have to go back a week later to have her put under again to remove the stitches. She had a terrible time last February with her palate surgery. She had an enormous amount of fear. Fear that I was going to leave her. I am praying that God would take this fear from her. Please pray for our little girl.

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! God Bless!

Walking for Orphans

2010-11-20T08:32:00.004-05:00

This morning we are on our way out the door to walk for orphans. Loving God's Children, a non-profit adoption and orphan care ministry, is hosting The Walk Home. We will be walking to raise money and awareness for orphans both here and around the world. So if you get a chance get out and walk with us this morning, even if it is just down your street, and pray for the orphans who desperately need families.

http://www.lovinggodschildren.blogspot.com/
http://www.lovinggodschildren.org/

UPDATE: The walk was amazing. Check out the pictures at www.lovinggodschildren.blogspot.com

Prayers Needed

2010-11-18T09:23:00.004-05:00

Sorry I have not been around lately, there has been a lot that God has thrown our way since we have been back from our vacation trip.

Yesterday I spent all day in the Emergency Room with my Dad. He apparently has pulled or torn the tendon or tendons in his upper leg and he has not been able to stand on his leg at all without being in a tremendous amount of pain since Sunday. I am just glad that he was staying with us when this happened and not in North Carolina.

Anyways, we thought that they would run some tests and we would be out fairly quickly, not so. They quickly found out that his breathing was labored and did a chest x ray to see if he had pneumonia from laying in bed for the past three days without getting up. No fluid, that was good. But now the blood tests were showing a possible blood clot somewhere.

More tests were run...no blood clots. Great news, but breathing was still not right. End result...emphysema. My Dad had smoked from the age of 12 until he was well into his 50's. He miraculously quit one day, only by the grace of God. He has not smoked for quite a few years now, but the damage has been done. Fifty years of smoking has finally caught up with him.

My Dad belongs to God and I know that he will continue to serve Him for the rest of his life. Right now his lungs are ok....not great. They gave him a couple of inhalers and when he gets back home he will be seeing a pulmonary specialist to do a whole lung work up.

Please pray for my parents as they enter this new stage in their lives. We are thanking God that He allowed my Dad's leg to be injured enough for us to have to take him to the hospital so that God could show us what was secretly going on inside of my Dad's body.

We have been given a heads up. We will not take for granted this information that God has now supplied us with. Life is precious and short. You never know when God will say, "Ok, you have been there long enough, now I want you home with me." Glorious that God WANTS us to come home!

Orphan Sunday

2010-11-07T15:06:00.002-05:00

Today is Orphan Sunday.

What that means to my family is that there are still too many children in this world without a family.

What can we do about such a monumental heart break?

My family spent the morning passing out pamphlets that show 10 ways that EVERYONE/ANYONE can touch an orphan's life.

Not every one is called to adopt or foster a child, but EVERYONE/ANYONE can do something.

Watching my 11 year old and 8 year old pass out pamphlets reminding people that there are orphans in this world that need our help was such a blessing to my heart. It is important to get the children involved. They need to know. They need to have the opportunity to help other children. They want to help other children. Let us teach them how they can help.

There are so many needs, but here is what we were passing out today. Maybe something on the list will grab your heart. Please just do something.

1. Pray for them.
2. Speak up for them.
3. Provide for their needs.
4. Support those who support them.
5. Protect them from harm.
6. Visit them where they are.
7. Give sacrificially to them.
8. Encourage them to press on.
9. Adopt them into your family.
10. Mobilize your church for them.

If you have any questions about how you can implement any of these suggestions, please let me know. I have LOTS of ideas!!

Have a blessed day!

Happy 40th Birthday, Donny!

2010-11-06T09:48:00.003-04:00

Last night we celebrated Donny's 40th birthday with some of our favorite people. We had a lot of fun and we were so happy that everyone was able to make it. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful family. Those who live far away were missed, but we know you would have been there if you were closer.

Elvis and Donna

Donny's sister and her husband

Stayc and Eric

Donny's cousin and his wife

Keith and Donny

One of my hubby's closest friends

Jess and Chris

Our nephew and his new bride

Alissa and Frank

Our niece and her wonderful boyfriend

Pam and Bill

Donny's sister and her husband

My brother was there too, but he would not let me take a good picture. He just kept giving goofy faces. Typical.

I love you, my dear hubby! I can not believe that we have been together for 22 years. It is just amazing how God has blessed our lives. Who would have ever guessed when you were 18 and I was 15 that we would be here, at this amazing place in our lives, 22 years later. Life is full. We have been blessed beyond our dreams. As you often say, I can not wait to see what God has for us for the rest of our lives together. He has already blown our minds! I am so excited about travelling the rest of the road with you, my love.

Happy 40th Birthday!!

Look What I Found

2010-10-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

I was looking at a magazine the other day and came across an article about Christy and her new cookbook. I was so excited because I love to cook. I also LOVE Southern food. I was even more excited when I found out that she has a blog!!

Here it is www.southernplate.com

There are some pretty great recipes over there so go and check it out. The kids and I are going to make the festive fall cookie bars. Enjoy!!

Gotcha Day!

2010-10-26T21:01:00.004-04:00

A year ago today we held our baby girl for the first time and our family grew by one. Our hearts were instantly healed from the distance that had separated us from our daughter for so long.

We have missed two years of her life, but we have a lifetime to make wonderful memories with her and for her. She has blessed all of us in very unique ways. She was definitely a missing piece in our lives because she has completed a part in our hearts that we did not know was missing.

This past year has been one of the hardest for our family as we try and help Ashlyn to find herself and become the sweet girl that God has always intended her to be. It has also been one of the most amazing and rewarding as our lives continue to grow in ways that they never could have without her. Noah, for one, has found his long lost twin. When you watch them you would think that they have been together all of their lives. They are inseparable. It is amazing.

There is no doubt that God has orchestrated our entire family. He has created children to come into our lives in different ways, but they all fit just perfectly. Adoption was never a second option for us. It was just another way that God wanted to grow our family. We have been tremendously blessed for obeying His call to adopt.

What a difference a year makes. She is absolutely a different child. In China, she was a scared, fragile little girl. Now she is a determined little girl with great confidence and flowing over with love. I can not wait to see what this next year brings.

Home Again

2010-10-24T09:11:00.003-04:00

We had an incredible time up in the Smoky Mountains for our family vacation this year. The weather was gorgeous and the colors were amazing. Living in Florida, it is such a treat to be able to go up to the cabin to experience what fall is suppose to feel and look like. We were definitely not disappointed this time.

This year was a special year for us because it was Ashlyn's first time to go to the mountains with us. She had an absolute blast! She loved climbing the mountains, throwing rocks in the river, hiking on the trails, and doing all of the other fun stuff that we do every year when we go up there. Noah has come to the conclusion that he wants to live there instead of at home...don't we all!

We were also blessed to be able to share this trip with some of our family. It is so great for the kids to be able to spend time with their grandparents who don't live near us anymore, and their uncle even was able to join us on the trip this year.

More trip to come....a HUGE pile of laundry is calling my name!

Prayers Answered

2010-10-16T20:37:00.004-04:00

Georgia's family just got news from the cardiologist that she will be fine. They still aren't sure exactly what is wrong with her heart, but they are pretty sure that they can figure it out and treat it. Thank you so much for praying with us for this precious little girl.

You can read more of her story here.

As for our family, we are on vacation in Tennessee and the weather is amazing! I will share more soon. I don't get the greatest connection up in our cabin, but I can tell you that we are having an absolute BLAST!!

Check back in soon!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

2010-10-12T12:09:00.004-04:00

Yep, another birthday! This time it was Jordan's turn. 15...it just doesn't seem right.

This was where he picked to eat with his Mom and Dad.

No pictures for the teenager.

Dad had a camera in one direction and I was in the other.

We sabotaged him.

How did we get this great picture, you wonder?

Well, we promised if we could get a picture we would not sing to him.

The waitress was thoroughly bummed by his decision to have the picture.

Then we celebrated with a Mountain Dew cake at home last night with the family.

Gabriel was obviously astounded by the number of candles on the cake.

He covers his face to blow out candles too!

Look at all that smoke...

and still the hand is in front of the face.
Happy Birthday, baby boy!

Please Pray for Georgia

2010-10-08T09:10:00.004-04:00

Please pray for this precious little girl who is having some serious heart problems right now. The doctors are trying to figure out how to help her. She has already had major heart surgery since coming home from China a year ago. You can read her story at http://www.throwingourarmsopenwide.blogspot.com/

On a more personal note...this little girl means the world to us. She is our Ashlyn's "Yulin sister". They were born two weeks apart and they spent the first two years of their lives together at the orphanage. While Ashlyn was having surgery last February, Georgia's mommy would check in to follow our progress. Georgia would see pictures of Ashlyn, recognize her, and call Ashlyn by her Chinese name. She knows by baby and Ashlyn recognizes her. What a blessing that I found Shannon during both of our journeys to our girls. This family is part of our family. They mean so much to us.

Please pray for complete healing of little Georgia's heart.

Gabriel Turns 8!!

2010-10-05T16:38:00.006-04:00

This past Saturday we had a party to celebrate Gabriel's 8th birthday. It was a beautiful day and we all had so much fun celebrating our amazing little boy.

This year the theme was Knights and Dragons

Noah had fun hitting the pinata.

This was his first pinata, so he was very excited

when all of the candy came out!

Ashlyn catching some rays with Jess.

And of course there was the super BIG waterslide!!

Gabriel and his cousin both were missing their top two teeth.

When BIG slides come out...so do BIG brothers!!

...and BIG Dads!!!

(you notice how they are all huddled to one side...he throws them down one at a time...very dangerous...they LOVE it!!!)

Legos were the hit of the day.

Another family tradition we have is a dinner date ALONE with Mom and Dad the weekend before your birthday. We started this tradition at the beginning of the year and they absolutely LOVE it! They get to pick anywhere they want to go and they get our undivided attention. This is such a blessing to do when you have a big family. We loved our time with Gabriel. He has a lot going on in that brain of his. He is quite the thinker.

Dinner and a dessert...what a great birthday!

On another note....Gabriel lost THREE teeth in four days last week!!!

The tooth fairy is now broke!

Walk for the Orphans

2010-09-29T17:21:00.002-04:00

My family will be walking for the orphans on Saturday, November 20, 2010. Loving God's Children, our adoption and orphan care ministry, will be hosting its first walk. We are very excited about this family friendly event. We will be walking for a mile and a half so the walk is perfect even for the little ones to ride in the stroller.

I want to challenge all of you to walk with us. I know a lot of you do not live near us, but you too can join in on the fun. You can collect donations for sponsorship and walk a mile and a half with your families too. What a great time to put orphans in the hearts of our children. We desperately need to pass this on to the next generation. And this is a fun way to do it.

For more information please visit www.lovinggodschildren.blogspot.com

I have a feeling that this is the start of a new family tradition.

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

2010-09-27T04:25:00.007-04:00

This past Wednesday we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. This is one of the China's larger holidays. It is a time for family from all over to get together and celebrate with a wonderful meal. It is somewhat similar to our Thanksgiving.

After dinner everyone goes out under the full moon and celebrates some more by eating moon cakes and lighting lanterns.

Moon Cakes

This year we bought red bean moon cakes.

We have tried the lotus moon cakes,

but we did not like the taste too much

so we thought that we would try something new.

Our yummy dinner from our great Chinese restaurant down the road.
Their food is the only one that we have found that tastes like the food in China.
It even has the same smell.
For those that have visited China, you know what I mean.

He's full after eating all of those pan-fried dumplings!

I wanted to get more authentic moon cakes this year so I bought the ones made in Hong Kong (vs. the ones made in the US). They were authentic alright. They even had the two salted egg yolks in the middle. Which, by the way, no one was brave enough to eat.

She actually loved her moon cake...minus the yolks.

So did he.

Gabriel, not so much....

Lianna...so-so...

This was what was left. At least everyone tried them.

That's all a momma can ask.

See how the yolks were picked out on the middle plate.

And then they all opted for Moon Pies!

Not Chinese...but southern none the less.

A perfect mixture for our perfect mixed family!

Mummifying

2010-09-19T16:50:00.004-04:00

This week in history we learned about Egypt and how they practiced mummification in ancient times. We love our history curriculum because it is a very hands on study. I can also teach it to two of my kids at once, which saves this momma some time.

We always have so much fun, but this time Gabriel had an absolute blast! He got to be the Egyptian Pharaoh that was getting mummified (by his big brother, of course....funny his big brother isn't even doing this study. I guess he couldn't pass up the opportunity to mummify his little brother).

And of course, Pharaoh Gabriel must bring a pet along for the afterlife......

Poor, Tiger!!!!

Question

2010-09-15T16:56:00.003-04:00

Ok.....so I have had a few conversations with some friends about a certain topic and now I will throw it out to you, my bloggy friends, to see what you all think.

As you know, until the day I die I will advocate for the orphans of this world. It is my heart, my passion. But this certain topic has no obvious answer for me. There is not a "this way" or a "that way" answer.

So the conversations that I have been having with some people lately are on the topic of "If I had a choice of whether or not to birth another child or to adopt, what should I do?"

This is a very sensitive area for many people. But first let me start by saying that ALL children are a gift from God and He grows all families in their own very unique way. My advice has always been to pray about it and let God lead your family in the direction that He wants to take it.

I have known families that have said that they would always choose adoption over birth and then God has blessed their family with a pregnancy. No way is wrong.

So how is it that people that feel led to birth a child after adoption, or instead of adoption, feel so much guilt? Maybe it is because they know that there are children out there waiting for families. Perhaps there are other reasons.

I would love to get some input from you guys. Let me know how you feel on this issue.

Shop for a Cause

2010-09-09T11:40:00.003-04:00

Our non-profit adoption and orphan care ministry, Loving God's Children, is selling tickets to Macy's Shop for a Cause. Tickets are $5 a piece and can be used at any Macy's or online on October 16, 2010 only. With this ticket you can get great discounts, but more importantly we are able to keep ALL of the money that we raise and help support more children and their families!!

If you would like to purchase a ticket please let me know and I will make sure that I will get your ticket to you!

Thanks so much for your support!

http://www.lovinggodschildren.org/

http://www.lovinggodschildren.blogspot.com/

Who Do We Serve?

2010-09-07T15:57:00.003-04:00

In my Bible time today I came across a rather familiar verse. It was one of the first verses that I had felt a connection with when I first became a Christian. I had not read it in awhile, but today when I read it, it again pricked my heart.

Romans 7:15-25 (Amplified Bible)

For I do not understand my own actions. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe.

Now if I do (habitually) what is contrary to my desire, that means that I acknowledge and agree that the Law of God is good and that I take sides with it.

However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin which is at home in me and has possession of me.

For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. (I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out).

For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am ever doing.

Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it but the sin which dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.

For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self.

But I discern in my bodily members a different law at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs.

O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from the shackles of this body of death?

O thank God! He will! through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

As these verses point out we are either serving the Law of God or the law of sin. I find it comforting to know that even many years ago Paul was fighting the very same battle that we fight today. God NEVER gives up on us. We just have to choose Him EVERY TIME!!!

This was a great reminder to me that I need to be purposeful in living with my heart and mind and not with my flesh .

The Biltmore House - Part 3

2010-08-29T19:58:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I saved the best for last.

The Rose Garden!

It was another one of my most favorite spots on the Estate's property.

Enjoy!!

The Love of My Life!

Bringing five kids into the Rose Garden was sort of tricky.

We gave the rule to stay on the path because you don't

want to hurt the beautiful flowers.

Of course S.O.M.E.O.N.E. had to break the rule...

This ended up in Noah's sweet little forehead!

OUCH!!!

I guess I was wrong.

He didn't hurt the flowers, they hurt him!

He is so stinkin' cute, isn't he?!

Bye Bye, Biltmore! Thanks for the great memories!

The Biltmore House - Part 2

2010-08-25T19:43:00.004-04:00

Aaaaahhhhhhh.....one of my favorite parts of the whole trip....the Kitchen Garden.

You all know I was living my dream as my hubby wrangled the kids and let me meander through this piece of Heaven on earth.

I was so happy!!

I so wanted to pick up this garden and move it to my backyard.

Better yet, move me to the estate. I could do that!

My girls take after their Momma.

They were walking around the garden day dreaming right along with me.

The Biltmore House - Part 1

2010-08-23T08:59:00.005-04:00

Well, summer is officially over for us. We had a full, fun-packed summer and we are now ready to have some routine in our lives.....well, at least Momma is.

We started home schooling at the beginning of August and today will be the start of our fourth week of school for this year. We have been doing very well and I think this year will be really fun. I have changed some of our curriculum and we are having fun with the new ways that we are learning. I now home school ALL five of the children. Jordan started High School this year (9th grade), Lianna started Middle School this year (6th grade), Gabriel is in 2nd grade and the babies are starting their preschool studies this year...they are the MOST excited of all of them!

So now that we have some routine to our days, I am looking forward to getting back to my blogging. And of course, catching up with my bloggy friends!

I wanted to share a part of our summer that was such a great treat to be able to share with the kids this year. Back in June, when we travelled to North Carolina to visit my parents, we took a trip to Asheville to visit the Biltmore House. It is something that I have always wanted to do with the kids. My husband and I had taken a couple of days for ourselves several years ago and headed north to visit the Biltmore House during Christmas time. (I highly recommend this. It was amazing! We fell in love with this majestic place.) So after visiting that December we had planned to take the kids some day. The kicker is that it is not the cheapest place to visit. After adding two more kiddos to the bunch we just didn't know if we would be able to take the kids.

When I was preparing for our trip to visit my parents, I was also looking for a place to meet with my in-loves for the day. They live on the other side of North Carolina. Meeting in the middle meant Asheville, and the Biltmore House is in Asheville. I curiously went to their web site just to see how outrageous the prices were and to my surprise..... kids were FREE all summer long!!!!! What a HUGE blessing for us!!! So we met up with my hubby's parents and spent the day with them at the beautiful Biltmore House. We had so much fun and took so many pictures that I have to do this post in three parts. I feel so blessed to have been able to bring the kids. It was a very memorable day!

We took a picnic lunch and ate it over by the stables and the winery.

The kids wanted to go into the petting farm.

Ashlyn had a lot of firsts on this trip!

This was her first time petting a horse.

She was scared at first, but not for long.

Lianna holding a chicken.

Papi and Grandma gave Ashlyn this blingy necklace.

The girl loves her BLING!!

They had the best flowers all over the property.

I wish my garden looked like theirs!

Gabeism of the Day

2010-08-11T09:56:00.002-04:00

Mommy: (talking to the kids at bible time this morning) Today I will be getting two wisdom teeth pulled. I was wondering if you could all pray for Mommy?

Gabriel: OoOoOoOooooo...that means the tooth fairy will be bringing you TWO dollars tonight!!!!

I love my Gaby Baby!!

A Party for a Princess

2010-08-07T15:02:00.006-04:00

Today we celebrated Ashlyn's 3rd Birthday!!!

She was so excited about her Snow White cake!

A kiss from Noah

Ashlyn has no fear...jumps right in...that's how she rolls

Getting love from Chris

Lots and lots of presents!!!

Happy Birthday, little Dumplin'

Three Year Check Up

2010-08-03T16:37:00.003-04:00

So yesterday we went to the pediatrician for Ashlyn's 3 year check up. She is all up to date on her shots and everything looks good. She has even grown 2 inches since last November when we brought her home. Problem is she has not gained any weight.

When we met her in China she weighed 18 pounds at 27 months old. When we took her to her doctor two weeks after we returned home she weighed 19 pounds. By January she had moved up to a whopping 22 pounds! Yesterday she weighed 22 pounds. Not good. She has not gained weight since January.

I can't really blame her cleft because she eats everything we give her. She just eats R.E.A.L.L.Y S.L.O.W..... Today it took her two hours to eat lunch and I had to make her eat. She nibbles every bite.

This has not always been the case. She use to eat a bit faster, still slower than the rest of the kids, but faster than she does now. When she caught strep over two weeks ago her eating almost stopped for obvious reasons. She has been feeling better for almost two weeks now and now she just nibbles. She likes what I give her. She can't wait to eat. She just gets bored after a couple bites.

I don't know if she is reverting back to some mentality that she has previously had or what. I know they did not feed her much in China, just congee (porridge) and formula. I know she has never been use to eating much, but she was doing well...now she is doing not so well.

Even when she ate better than she does now she still has not managed to gain any weight. I am just trying to figure out what to do. I hate MAKING her eat her food. But if she doesn't gain weight that will hurt her more. She has still been drinking a bottle of toddler formula at night. I plan to put another batch in her sippy cup during the day for calories. I just don't want it to replace food for her.

I am just wondering if any of you "been there done that" Moms have any advice. I will keep you all posted on Ashlyn's progress. Hopefully this too will pass soon.

Look Who is THREE!!!!!!!!

2010-07-31T12:04:00.006-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLYN!!!!!!!

Snow White is the new favorite princess in our house these days, so Ashlyn wanted a Snow White birthday!!! She looks so cute in her new costume!

Jordan gave her the phone connected to her ear. After she opened it she continued to hold it to her ear and talk while she proceeded to open the rest of her gifts. And, NO, she does not get that from her Momma!! Her Daddy is the one that is always on the phone! He claims it's work...I just don't know (hee hee).

Ok, so when one does something they BOTH have to do it/have it. Luckily Lianna had an extra costume she could put on her brother. Noah was so excited that Ashlyn was now three like him.

(I LOVE that Ashlyn is holding Noah's arm in this picture!)

Our Princesses

I've Got China on my Mind

2010-07-29T10:36:00.004-04:00

As my little dumplin's third birthday is approaching this week, I find myself thinking of a woman in China. I have never met this woman and never will. And even though this is the case, this woman and I have a very deep connection....my baby girl. Yes, my thoughts have returned often to Ashlyn's "China Mom" as we call her. We opted for this because "birth Mom" just didn't seem to fit for our family.

So, like I said, my thoughts and heart have been in China a lot this past week. I did not ever think that I would feel this way on my daughter's first birthday at home with her family, but I do. Last year at this time my heart was aching for my baby girl because she was still in China and we were trying to finish the adoption process so that we could go to China and bring her home. My thoughts were on me and my family and at that time Ashlyn's China Mom was not on my mind. This year is different. Having Ashlyn home, my heart now aches for a woman who, alone with God, will always remember the exact day, the exact time, the exact moment that my precious girl came into this world. All we have is a guess on her birth date because she was not given up the day she was born. She was with her family, or at least her China Mom, for a few days and then left with some very special items at the hospital steps so that she could get medical help for her severe cleft lip/cleft palate. The orphanage report said that when they brought Ashlyn in it was hard for them to get any formula down because of her condition. I imagine that it was agonizing for Ashlyn's China Mom as she tried to feed her newborn daughter.

I do not believe in making up a story in my head of what this woman's circumstances were. Before we went to China we had read many articles, books and opinions on this matter, and my husband and I felt that it was best if we only gave Ashlyn the facts we knew to be true and not to put any of our own opinions in even if we had no facts to give. This is her story and the missing pieces are not ours to fill in. That being said, we did receive some "facts" from the orphanage while in China and with that we can fill in some of the pieces for our baby girl. God is good.

So I have spent my days praying and thinking about a woman who has no idea of what has happened to her daughter. As a mom that hurts my heart. No matter what any one's opinion is, she will always be reminded of this child at this time of the year. You can not have a child and completely dismiss them from your mind forever. Events happen in our lives (births, deaths, etc) that will always be in our memory. So with a prayer as simple as this...I just want God to give her a peace that Ashlyn is safe and loved.

Ashlyn celebrating her 2nd birthday

in China last year.

We sent her a cake and a gift for her birthday.

This year our Dumplin' will be celebrating her

3rd birthday at home where she belongs!

I Love When God Changes the Plan!!

2010-07-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

We had a long list of projects this summer and this particular project was NOT on our list for the coming year. It was on our list for maybe next year or the year after, but definitely NOT this year.

Well, God had other plans for our money than we had and we could not pass up on this great financial deal. So instead of my new built ins for the office/home school room, we painted our house! And I am soooooo glad we did!!!!

Before

After

The Lord led us to a great Christian man who did a phenomenal job on our house. He also helped us with some other things that we needed to do and had just not gotten to yet on the outside of the house. In 6 days he totally transformed our home!!! What a huge blessing Jesse has been to us! Thank you, God, for showing us how to use the money you have provided us with in the most appropriate ways and thank you for the blessing that came along with it. This, my friends, was definitely a Divine intervention! Love it when God does that!

Our Summer Fun

2010-07-22T08:28:00.005-04:00

I can not believe that our summer is nearly over. It has been packed full of fun and we have made many memories that will stay with us forever.

This has also been a summer of a lot of firsts for both Ashlyn and Noah. They both got to go to the beach for the first time. Ashlyn made her first 10 hour car ride to North Carolina and did amazing! All of the kids were able to visit the Biltm*re House for the first time. Ashlyn was able to pet a horse, eat cotton candy and swim without wings all for the first time this summer!

She has also grown into such a big girl this summer. She has gained 5 pounds since we met her in China almost 9 months ago. She is now weighing in at 23 pounds! She is now 3 inches taller too. Even though she is still itty bitty (she wears 12 month bottoms and an 18 month top), she is growing and loving life with so much gusto! She even learned to use the potty this summer...no more diapers! Now it is just panties with princesses and Hello Kitty on them. She has become such a little girly girl. Momma loves it!

We went to North Carolina to visit my Dad for his birthday. We love going up to their house and spending time with my parents. The kids love their yard. It is wide open and has no "itchy grass" like we do back home in Florida. Mom loves the no humidity aspect. I love to sit on my parent's deck and watch the kids run around in the yard all day long. I am always in such a state on peace when we go up to visit them. Chaos does not follow us to North Carolina...we leave it at home.

Ashlyn's first cotton candy

This was very sweet.

Ashlyn was watching Gabriel blow the "gwass" so she thought she could try.

At this point in her life she still does not know how to blow (because of her cleft lip/ cleft palate). It is something she is still working on in speech therapy.

I just love the intensity on her face in these pictures. She is my precious angel sent from above!

How is it that boys always make such a mess eating spaghetti?

But my little perfectionist seems to be doing much better than her brother.

Happy Birthday, Papa!! We love you so much!