Gratitude Tag

Thanks to Erin for "tagging" me. Here's a quick list, in no specific order, of things I'm thankful for.

1. Walmart! Seriously, I don't know what I ever did without it being in town. I practically live there. Groceries, school supplies, Christmas presents, Christmas cards, clothes, etc, etc, the list is just endless.

2. Sunshine. I really don't like cold winter days. You look outside and there's no leaves on the trees, no flowers, everything is brown. BUT when the sun is shining I can't help but feel better. Everything is golden and just a little warmer.

3. My Heavenly Father. He bought me with a price, loves me unconditionally, and daily wants a relationship with me.

4. My mother in law. She watched the boys AGAIN for me this morning so I could have lunch with a friend. She is a true servant, always serving in love, never comlaining! She is one of the most selfless people I know. I think God gave me four boys b/c I have such a great example of what a good mother in law is like. :)

5. My parents. I can't leave my own parents out. :) Over and over again, they love, support, and sacrifice for me and my family. They raised me to know God and know He's most important in life. They have modeled a perfect marriage for me to follow. I grew up in a home where I knew I was loved and secure.

6. My husband. He's a wonderful dad, my best friend, a Godly man, smart, and funny. He leads our family with integrity. He's committed and never keeps score.

7. My boys. I love them. They are all so different, fun, and just stinkin' cute. :) They make me pull my hair out. But I wouldn't trade them for anything.

8. Adoption. I never would have imagined God would lead me here. But, I'm being taught, stetched and emptied of self more b/c of this. Relationships and love don't come easy for me. I never thought I could really love someone who lives on the other side of the world, who I've never seen, and who looks nothing like me. But I do, and I understand more of God's heart now.

9. A warm house. A bed to sleep in every night. Food in my cupboards. Clothes in my closet.

Now,
Heidi
Holli
Jamie
Tasha
Christine
tell us what you're thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Four Little Monkeys

Just some fun pics of the boys. Cold days bring lots more activity (and noise) indoors. Anything loud, dangerous, funny, gross, etc. they think of. I wonder what life would be like with four girls...hmm.

Last night we got out the old video camera (we usually just use our digital camera). It's funny how big this thing seems already. It's kinda like watching slides a kid, remember? :)

One year ago...

November is National Adoption Month. It was almost exactly one year ago that I heard an interview on a Christian radio station about this. The interview focused on international adoption and was God's first calling to me. Actually, if you've been reading my blog since the beginning you'll remember our journey began when I felt a stirring in my heart while holding a little girl in our nursery at church. So maybe this was God's first answer to that desire within me. :) I remember hearing about the interview and thinking very casually, maybe I should tune in to that. Well, I did and it was just one step of many that have made this joureny. God was so clear in calling us to adopt. I really believe that not everyone is called to adopt but in some way IS called to "care for orphans" (James 1:27). Our agency, CWA, is undergoing a huge humanitarian aid project in Ethiopia, Acacia Village. You can click on that link and see what they are doing. There's also a short video on that page you can watch. I am excited about this project and pray they get the support they need. Pass this on!

Priceless, part 2

Tonight I watched as my three year old got the step stool out of the bathroom and carried it to the kitchen counter.

"Mom, watch this!" He then proceeded to climb up on the counter and on top of the stool.

"I don't think that's very safe. You might fall and then you'd crack your head open."

"Why, is there an egg in here?" (pointing to his head)

My thoughts

Random thoughts tonight...
1) This weekend Bart and I saw Fireproof. It's a great movie. Okay, yes, some parts are a little cheesy. But, the message is awesome, there were some good acting parts, and Kirk Cameron stars in it. Now, if you're over 30 (and a girl :) ) I know you had a crush on this guy. Growing Pains, come on. Anyway, I think it's important to support this movie. If you haven't seen it, go!

2) I found a new indulgence. Dove dark chocolate almond promises. Yum! My mom loves dark chocolate and I've always thought it so bitter. But, I found these and they really are delicious. The dark chocolate has got to be a little better for you than milk chocolate and I'm pretty sure with the almond bits, this sweet treat would make it on the food pyramid....in one of those categories that say you should eat 4-6 servings a day. At least, that's what I've been pretending.

3) Lastly, our family did Operation Christmas Child last week. I don't know if your mailbox is getting fuller these days, but mine is. Lots of magazines. And my boys are getting the "gimmies". They pour over these toy catalogs and already have a sizable Christmas list started. So, this fun and easy service project was a great way for our family to focus on giving instead of getting. We went to the Dollar Store together and everyone picked out items for their box. We came home and filled 6 shoeboxs that will be sent to kids somewhere. My boys loved it.

Priceless

Tonight my three year old had an accident in the bathroom...on the way to the toilet so it happened to be all over the floor.

I asked, "what happened?"

The reply: "Mom, my butt just did it all by itself!"

Quinn's narrative and adoption update

I didn't know Quinn took this little video until I found it on the camera. It gave me a good laugh.

Also, an adoption update. It's been forever. Nothing much has happened so I haven't reported. We were officially placed on the waiting list for an infant girl on Aug. 4th. At that time, we were number 14 and we were told it would be 6-9 mos. Well, today it's been exactly 3 months waiting and we are number 11. Unfortunately, the way things are going, I don't think we're going to be done in another 3 months. I'm guessing it's more like 6 from now. Which is okay. I mean some days I want to just see her and know who she is sooo bad. Other days I see a mother with her daughter and long to hold and love my little girl. But on the other hand, right now Cole has a double ear infection and really hasn't been to easy to get along with. Kade and Quinn have pink eye too. So, it's just a good reminder. God has a plan. He has from the beginning. He will bring our little girl home at the right time. It's just my job right now to trust Him to do that and to keep praying for her!