Life's always a little crazy around here

Can you tell? :)

No really, things are good, but five kids just keeps life (and me!) moving right along. A quick update.
Spring break. It was great to get away with the boys and we're so thankful Grandma and Grandpa could keep Jada.

We think Spring is here. It sure is slow coming. One warm day, caught my boys all ready for a bike ride.

And since I got my boys, I had to post one of Jada and I. Love my girl!

Adoption is moving along at about the same speed as Spring. Too slow. Still waiting on the FBI clearances to come back so we can finish the Homestudy. Once the Homestudy is done, we have probably 2 more months before we can get put on the waitlist. Currently the wait time with our agency is 10-12 months for a referral. Even though I say things are moving slow, I am doing much better with the wait this time around. I feel very peaceful that God will bring this about in His timing.

And lastly, a while back I posted about the book Radical. I had someone ask me what it really looks like (to live radically). Well, it's going to look different for everyone because God calls us all to different things. But, without going into too much detail, I've leaned it means letting go and surrendering all. For us, right now, that means the death of a dream. If I really do want God to get all the glory, then letting go is the only thing that makes sense. Even though this thing I wanted wasn't bad, it just wasn't good for us right now. God is still teaching me and the more I experience Him, the more I love Him! Happy Spring.

The winner is.....

RACHEL!!!! Congrats Rach. I don't have to worry about shipping your shirt. We'll go out again so you can babysit and pick it up. :) Thanks to all who commented. I was excited everyday to see who would comment. Some of you I don't know, but would love to get to know if you have a blog or way to connect. Leave me a comment or your blog address. And an adoption update. Our application has been accepted with WACAP adoption agency and today we had our first Homestudy visit. Seems like things should go quicker the second time around, but they won't. Some things have changed which will require more time and ya just gotta love the government....... :) Honestly though, I'm good with that. Life is very full right now and although we're praying for our little girl and can't wait to see her face, I know that it will happen in God's time.

You're gonna want this

Decided to join the blog world and do a fun giveaway. I ordered a couple of these 147 shirts for myself and loved them so much I wanted to give one away. They are a great fit with a great message.

Here is the shirt I have to give away. It's a size small. Super cute and soooo soft. Really, if I could, I'd have a whole closet full of these shirts. But then again, I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal. :)

Back of the shirt. Each shirt you purchase helps feed one child in Africa.

Close up of the words inside the 147. Love this message. So, all you have to do is leave me a comment. I will put all the names in a jar and pick one winner next week. I'm happy to ship it anywhere.

Her feminine side

So, with four older brothers, we get asked quite often how Jada gets along. On many occasions (ie, she burps out loud at supper and starts laughing) Bart and I also comment and question what she would be like in a house full of girls. She can be so loud, ornery, busy, and tomboyish (don't know what other word to use), that I just shake my head. But, let me tell you, this little girl has a feminine side that I love.

This is how I like to dress her.

This is some of her doing.... the boys sunglasses and hat, her bow around her neck, and of course the gloves we didn't put away

She loves putting her coat on, although it's usually upside down and backwards. A necklace and some of her brothers shoes.

This was actually Daddy's doing. Jada was eating breakfast and Quinn was getting his sunglasses out for spirit day at school. Jada wanted them! So, Daddy went out in the truck and brought hers in. Can you say wrapped around his little finger?! :)

Snow boats and pjs.

Daddy's coat and hat.

Her brother's pjs.

And one last pic just to show we do have some dress up clothes. Although these don't seem to be quite as fun as the real thing.

How could we not....

......want another little Jada in our lives???

Yes, we have started the adoption process again! We are adopting from Ethiopia and are requesting a toddler girl (2-3yrs). We feel very at peace that this is the right time to proceed; however, we also are fully aware that things in Ethiopia could change at any moment. If things stay the same as they are it will probably take about 1 1/2 years to complete. Thanks for praying for us as we proceed and for our little girl!

Please pray for Ethiopia-updated!

If you're a part of the adoption community, then you've probably heard about Ethiopia in the last week. A statement from MOWA (Ministry of Women and Children Affairs) said that Ethiopia will cut foreign adoptions by 90%. MOWA has been approving approximately 50 adoption cases a day. Starting March 10, tomorrow!, they will process 5. This is due largely in part to fraud in the adotpion process.

When I read this my heart sank. This country is so close to my heart because of Jada, because I've been there, because friends and family are still in process with adoption there, and because we've always thought we'd adopt from there again. Harvesting children is a terrible thing and needs to be dealt with. Reform in the process is a good thing. But, neglecting some of the legitamate 5 million orphans in ET, is not a good thing. There is so much need! I've said before that Satan takes what God intends for good and twists it to evil. But, I think GOD takes what Satan intends for evil and uses it for HIS good. He's the one in control. He wants the glory. He continually takes us through circumstances to conform us to His image. It's all about HIM.

So, will you join in prayer with me for the country of Ethiopia? Today many people will be fasting and praying for ET.

******What else can you do? Please go here to read more and sign an online petition that will go to Ethiopia's Prime Minister!**********

Spring is in the air!