A Season of Hope

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful mother's in my life. And to my mom. You're the best, I love you and I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for you!

And so you have a little idea how blessed I am, here is one of the things I got for Mother's day.

Fun at the water park for someone's 7th birthday

2011-04-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sisters

2011-03-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I've updated this. Winter is almost over and i am so thankful. I always struggle when I haven't written in so long, because there have been so many things I could update you on and I"m never sure where to start. So instead of over-thinking this ( which I often tend to do) I'll just share my deep thoughts from the night. . .

The reason I started this blog was to journal our adoption journey and I was reminded tonight once again about the miracle of adoption. The miracle doesn't end when when you sign the papers or when you get off the plane, it doesn't even end when you are home and have your family all under one roof.

The miracle is the way God picks some sweet child from across the country or across the world and orchestrates every detail, against all odds to bring them to your family, to your home.

Ok-I'll get to the point, last night Taneah woke up in the middle of the night and crawled into bead with Jonah, her brother. Tonight the girls were singing Veggie Tales" He's got the whole world in his hands and as they sang "he's got you and me sister" they held hands and swayed back and forth.

It might sound like a little thing, but as I watched them in the rear view mirror, I was suddenly blown away, by the miracle of adoption and the miracle of family. How only by God's great hands does it make sense that 2 little girls born on opposite sides of the country, who look nothing alike are sisters. Real sisters in their minds and in their hearts. Thank you Jesus for helping me see a miracle today and not missing it by my business.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

We have done all kinds of fun things this December. Most of the pics are from Christmas but a few highlights from the whole month, like Jonah snowboarding.
Christmas programs with pretty dresses and jingle bells
A limmo ride to look at all the pretty Christmas lights.
Sweet baby cousins

Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of cousins,
Even a cousin "makeover" Chase someday you won't let her put all that make-up on your face:)
More cousins with the traditional cute kids in front of the Christmas tree,

Grandma's and babies, bet this one will make you smile,
and girls showing off their purses, Uncle Mark I won't tell anyone about your purse fettish:)

2010-12-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

I've been writing this post in my head for a long time. I've been trying to figure out just the right words to say to you so that you would "get it" The right words to inspire you and touch you. The right words to more you to action. So instead of trying to convince you I'm praying, and I'll let the pictures and the blog about these beautiful children speak for themselves. Please consider giving to these sweet babies.

God's Children in Haiti

****Just so you know God's Children is the agency we used to help us get our daughter Taneah. We know Amy, she is a great person and passionate about orphans.

Family Pics

2010-12-09T17:44:00.001-08:00

My sister in law Shannon, just did the most beautiful blog post of the family pictures we took this fall. If you want to check it out click here.

I'm thankful for. . .

2010-11-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

little girl hugs especially ones that end with a slimy wet kiss

a certain "big girl" who had become my favorite shopping partner

a big boy who still thinks I"m cool

40 degree days like today

new friends who make me smile every single day

old friends who I can call when I'm worried or sad and know just what to say

everyday friends to share my life with

a job where I feel like a can make a difference

a warm house when it's cold outside

aunts and uncles, who no matter how long it's been since I've seen them still love me just for who I am and it is a joy watching them love on my kids.

and even a crabby husband who is pouting right now b/c the remote is lost, but who does a really good job at making me feel like a princess.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had a chance to take a minute and ponder what you're thankful for.

2010-11-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I had a light bulb moment this weekend. The kids spent the weekend at the farm with my mom and dad while Aaron and I had a wedding to go to. (Thanks mom and dad). Anyway, somewhere in the middle of the weekend I had this thought, sometimes I spend sooo much time trying to be a very intentional mom and have a great relationship with my kids that I forget that I ACTUALLY have a great relationship with my kids.

And just in case you wanted to see a picture of my fun kids. Here are my butterfly, little red riding hood, and Jonah being abducted by an alien.

fabulous fall

2010-10-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

These pictures are from last weekend ( since I"m usually about a week behind:) We took a trip to the farm and helped papa give calves shots and then took a trip to the pumpkin patch. It was beautiful warm weekend!

2010-10-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am simply writing this stuff down so I don't forget it. . .

Yesterday on the way to visit the Extreme Home Makeover House ( which was sooo cool by the way), I was asked these crazy questions:

"Mom, why do people pee their pants?" and 1 minute later a different child asks, "Mom, why are there garden gnomes?"

WHAT!!! are you kidding me, where does this random stuff come from. And my favorite. . .

Before bed one night Taneah is giving me one of her famous very tight Taneah hugs and she looks up at me with those sparkly, coffee colored eyes and says, "Mom yo gweat." So grown up sounding coming out of a 3y/o. Anyway I asked her, "Really, what do you think makes me a great mom?" She paused for a second and then answered simply, "Jesus."

Believe

2010-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Part of my job is working with kids and families affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I probably shouldn’t say this but working with kids on the autism spectrum are my favorite. I love the way they see the world. They often noticie details you and I usually don’t, their blunt honesty makes me giggle and can be refreshing at times and there’s often a sensitivity I can’t really put into words, it’s just there. Well, today I was working with a delightful little fellow. He looked at me and said “Your necklace says believe.” (It’s a simple circle pennant with the word believe printed in it.) I replied,”Yep it does.” He then continued, “ That means you believe in God.”

Now the the next part I’m not sure why I went there I just did. I said “Well it could mean that or it could just mean I believe in Santa Claus or I believe in people, what do you think?” I guess I was just trying to figure out where he was coming from . Anyway, he paused from the game we were playing, looked at me with a simple, matter of fact face, and said “Nope, it means you believe in God.”

OK buddy you’re right I do believe in God, thanks for reminding me and yes that’s why I wear the necklace.

Summer 2010 Reflection

2010-09-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this picture just scream summer. I can almost feel the hot sun on my back and the sand between my toes. It's sweet T and her cousin Leighton.

I love to reflect and look back. Look back on good times and remember the feelings of joy and happiness. And remember the bad times and look what how God brought me through and learn what he needed to teach me. Since I’ve taken such a break from blogging I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to reflect on summer. Overall, the summer was a really fun one. It was filled with sunshine and playdates, vacations and extra time with family. And I think it was probably the fastest one yet. Here are some of the highlights in no particular order:

* Jonah played baseball and he loved it. For now he is totally obsessed with the Twins.
*We took a family vacation to the Black Hills. Taneah’s favorite part was “the faces” Jonah’s favorite part was the alligator show at Reptile gardens and Lydia’s favorite part was the cave. It was great time, we met some neat people and we had a fun time as a family.
*Aaron sold fireworks again and well that’s all I’ll say about that.
*We did lots of other regular summer things like camping ( we even got a new/used camper), swimming, fishing, picnics, and trips to the zoo.
*And as for me well I started a new job. After 10 years in the Moorhead Public Schools I am now the latest occupational therapist at Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services. I worked 2 days /week this summer and now I”m up to 4 days a week. I love it. It is exactly where God wants me to be right now, I am confident in that, and one of the reason’s I started to blog again.

Got a new baby cousin!

walking across the head waters of the Mississippi River

Summer of 2010, you were a good one, we played, we laughed we learned new things and as I always say my favorite part of summer is getting to know my kids better and watching them get to know each other better too.

Look Who's 3!!!

2010-09-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back and I think committed to doing a little more blogging. I didn't "plan" on talking a break for the summer, however, blogging had just begun to feel like work. Also, I started this blog in a season when God was teaching me all about hope through the adoption of our 3rd sweetpea. Since the adoption and adjustment phase is over this blog didn't have a purpose anymore. Well, after doing some searching, thinking and praying, I think I am ready to start this new season of blogging. Afterall everyone needs a little hope and a smile now and then and hopefully I can share just a drop of hope and encouragement to you through this blog. Enough babble, because I know you want to see the newest 3 year old in our house.

We had 2 parties. One last weekend camping at the lake and one last night with her favorite meal of spaghetti!

Cousins

more cousins

God is good. . .

2010-04-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Warning: This post is full of serious randomness but big stuff going on around here.

So have you ever had something pictured in your head and then you find it and it's a huge blessing. Ever since I painted this wall red (5 years ago) I pictured "my" piano in front of it. I purposely have never bought another piece of furniture for that spot for "someday" when I got a piano. My God story for the week is how through facebook, an attentive friend, a generous co-worker and some strong neighbor men I now have my piano in front of my red wall! Jonah is so excited to take lessons.

Princess Biker-- Anyone, who know Taneah knows that gross motor skills and coordination are her strength. Aaron got down the "big bike" with training wheels from the garage attic and she took off like she'd been riding it her whole life. Within minutes she even figured out that if her pedals got stuck she could stand up to make the bike go. She's 2 years old and figured out how to stand up and ride bike! She asked our 13 yr old neighbor boy," Cole, you got a big bike wike me?" God is good for giving us "big bikes"!

Juice Stand- We had the pleasure of hanging out with our cousins on Sunday and they put together a juice stand. ( We only had Tang, instead of lemonade) The kids had a blast and watching them on the warm spring day made my heart smile. They play so creatively and nice together. God is good to give us cousins.

2010-04-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Rule over me this day, O God, leading me on the path of righteousness. Put Your Word in my mind and Your Truth in my heart, that this day I neither think nor feel anything except what is good and honest.
Jacob Boehme

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach m you paths;guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5

This is what 6 looks like!

2010-04-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

My sweet, spunky, independent Lydia turned 6 years old today. She really has had a big week that I will get to later, but for today, just one letter to my girl and a few pictures from the day. She started the day be being the snack girls at kindergarten. She brought Sandy’s doughnuts for treats for her class mates and then I picked her up from Kindergarten. We headed to the mall and she got her ears pierced. She was so brave!!! Next the 5 of us went out to eat to celebrate her birthday. What a day.

To my dear sweet Lydia,

Out of all the little girls in the world I feel like the luckiest mom in the world to get to be your mom. You have taught me so much about being brave, patient and independent. I love the way you know exactly what you want and how you want it. I love the way you pay attention to detail. You have the most infectious laugh of anyone I know. And when you laugh, it makes us all want to laugh. You are silly and you tell really great jokes! You are the perfect combination of sweet and spunky and I love you for that. You’re the best Lydia Claire. Happy Birthday sweetheart!

Looking a little nervous, but she was brave and strong!

Much better. This is what 6 years old looks like!

Just before bed, I don't often get a great pic like this of all 3 of them! Wow do I love these 3 sweeties.

before and after hair

2010-03-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

I spend a lot of time researching and practicing and trying to figure out what the best way to keep T's hair healthy and cute. I have spend a lot of time lately researching natural products and I"m always looking for new styles. Here is Miss T with her hair all taken out before it is washed. Here is the latest style that I am so proud of. I think I finally have a technique for cornrows that really works.

And here is the after

Oh wait that is just a cute picture of T.

here is the after

made my heart smile

2010-03-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had parent-teacher conferences for Jonah and Lydia. It was one of those nights when God used other people to remind me what great kids I have. Sometimes, (and especially lately) I have been focusing way to much on what needs to done, who needs to be where, what needs to be cooked or cleaned .But tonight I was reminded of all the great qualities my kids have. Beside doing well with their reading and math, they are good kids, good models in their behavior for others and just all around good kids. What a blessing they are. Here are 3 stories from my three blessings that make my heart smile.

Taneah: "Mom, you're my bes fwend"

Mom: "Really!" "What do best friends do?

Taneah: " The Hokey Pokey!"

Lydia is very into writing these days. She writes all the time on any piece of scratch paper, or notepad she can get her hands on. Today, she handed me a little, pink square of paper on it said

Mom, it is OK if sometimes you are crabby. love Lydia

And my favorite is from tonight.

We were sitting at Jonah's conference tonight and his teacher had just finished going over his math and reading scores and writing samples. Everything right where he should be and then we started talking about Jonah as a kid. We talked about how sensitive and tender hearted he is and how he has a hard time with making a mistake, how he's a good friend to everyone really just an easy kid to be around. Then she started talking about how they have 1st grade reading buddies. She went on to share that there is a boy in the 1st grade that has special needs and they decided to partner Jonah with that little boy. His 2nd grade teacher said he is so good with him and he loves it. At that moment, it wouldn't have mattered what she said about his reading, writing and math. I was so proud I could burst. It made my heart smile!!!

I remember

2010-02-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Lydia coloring with my Grandma Winter Christmas 2008

Everyone has had hard things in their life. Relationships they wish were mended, weaknesses they wish were stronger, situations they wish were different. Well, as I sit here and write this the hard thing in my life is my Grandma Winter. My Grandma Winter is my dad's mom and my whole life growing up she lived on the same farm as me, a half mile away on the other side of the trees. I saw her almost every day growing up. When I was a little girl she watched my sister and I 3 days a week when my mom worked at the bank. When I got a little older we were my dad's right hand "men". We'd run to Harvey and get parts for the broken machinery. We'd go check cows together or just let him boss us around with whatever needed to be done and talk about how he needed to relax a little bit. She was my baby sitter and she was my friend. To say we were close is an understatement. Right now my Grandma suffers from Ahlzeimers. Her mind is failing and she is confused. It has robbed her of her purpose in life and it is hard. I talked to her tonight on the phone and even though she wasn't completely sure who I was and she couldn't put together a whole sentence I know she felt loved. I sent my love through the phone and I hope it was enough. I prayed for her tonight and I hope it was enough, I'm awake in the middle of the night wishing I could do more, be there for her more, love her more. It is hard. And I hope it is enough. I'm not there, I can't change the situation and so for tonight I decided a letter to her to celebrate the good times I remember will have to do.

Dear Grandma,
How are you tonight? I am good but I miss you. I think of all the fun times we've had and all the things you're taught me. I remember going to your house as a little girl and playing dress-up with Jessie upstairs and you telling us we were "fancy dames". I remember riding my bike over on a hot, dusty, summer day and sitting at your table to chat about anything and nothing all at the same time. If I had something exciting to tell, we would celebrate with fresh baked cookies and if something was bothering me you would listen. I can hear you telling me "This too shall pass. . ." Most of the time we would just sit at your kitchen table and talk or look at what was cute or ugly in the latest JC Penney's catalog. Usually I would talk and you would listen. I remember the smell of vinegar on a freshly scrubbed kitchen floor as we played cards for hours. We'd play Rummy 500 and I think most of the time you let me win. As I got older you were always there. I never questioned that and it was just the truth. You were always there for me. What a wonderful gift to give someone, always being there for them. Thank you for that.

Some the sweetest memories I have is when we worked together. We would be armed with our sticks and farmers caps (to keep the sun out of our eyes) and help dad sort cattle. For some reason we thought those sticks were going to save us if a cow really came after us. (who were we kidding:) I remember taking lunch to the guys in the field or running here or there where ever the guys needed us to go, taking trucks out to the field or getting parts in Harvey. I remember sitting in the passenger side of a dusty, red, Ford pickup listening to an old Johnny Cash song and watching you smile with agreement as we talked about what a good song it was. And then there was your food. Oh how I remember the wonderful, huge meals you made. Whether it was chicken and strudels, kuchen or just a plain old hamburger. Everything tastes better at Grandma's right. I like to cook and I love to cook for others. I'm pretty sure I got that from you. Thanks for teaching me the joy in serving others.

Grandma, you are such a big part of me and I am blessed for having you in my life. Every person should be so lucky as to have a Grandma who is always there for them, loves them no matter what and thinks they can do no wrong. I love you so much and now that you are having a hard time I want to be there for you. I pray that you feel closer to God in these tough days than ever before. I pray you feel Him wrap his arms around you and you know you are loved. I know you don't always remember everything anymore but dont' worry because I remember. I remember and I'm thankful for you. Take Care.

With all my love,
Valerie

2010-01-25T17:59:00.001-08:00

Sometimes you just have to wait for life to happen. . . I had been contemplating what to update about. I could tell you all of the milestones we've had around here lately. Or the glorious storm day we had today ( I mean it, it was great), or about how God is teaching me in the everyday things but. . .

right now as I write I have a certain adorable 2 year old throwing and absolute hissy fit, yelling at the the top of her lungs," I WANT TO BE NAKED!" "I WANT MY SHIRT OFF LIKE JONAH!" " I WANT BE NAKED RIGHT NOW!" "MOMMY, I WANT TO BE NAKED!" All I can do is sit here and giggle!

Hope you all had a great day, I know I did, and now I can face my week with a smile.

Birthday Boy

2010-01-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

January 18th, a day I will never forget. It is the day I became a mom. WOW, when I think back of what that 3 letter word has meant in the past 8 years I"m blown away. I"m not the same girl I was way back then. I remember thinking the first time I held sweet Jonah in my arms "I couldn't have ordered a baby this good if I had tried" I still feel the same way today.

Dear Jonah,
You are the best sweetheart. You are 8 years old today and I am so proud of you. You are kind and good, nice to everyone and a just plain easy kid to be around. I pray that you always know that I love you and that Jesus loves you. Out of all the boys in the world I get to be your mom! How did I get so lucky--not luck---blessed!

We had a family party tonight where we "cooked with sticks" which means we fondued. We do it every year on Jonah's birthday per his request. And last night we had a Spy party with 15 boys complete with scavenger hunt and obstacle course. I didn't get too many pictures b/c I was too busy "partying" but you'll get the idea.

There is a new song out right now by a group called "Sidewalk Prophets" and the words of the chorus are my prayer for you tonight and always.

"Be strong in the LORD and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say"

Pray for Haiti

2010-01-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

I was going to update this today, but I can't get the pictures and stories of Haiti out of my mind. When I started blogging I got hooked on a blog of some people who had adopted and are now missionaries in Haiti. I use to joke last year I went to Haiti every Tuesday on my lunch break, b/c on Tuesday's during my lunch I would check up on their blog. I have been following the earthquake through thier eyes and the ministries they work with. The Livesay blog is on my role if you want an up close and personal account of what's going on in Haiti.

I know enough that if the Lord puts something in my my mind this much I'm suppose to pray, and pray hard, and I'm encouraging you to please pray and pray hard too!

quotable quotes

2010-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

What would I do without the great reactions from my girls. They make me laugh out loud almost everyday. Here are a just a few of the ones I can remember.

Taneah: On the way home from church the girls were talking and teasing with attitude if you know what I mean. And Taneah said in a really forceful, attitude filled voice. "I"m going to kick you in the face!" Aaron quickly and gently, said" Taneah talk nice." She answered in this sweetest little 2 year old voice ever with a little question at the end, "I kick you in the face daddy???"

Lydia: Telling a story she quickly started," Mom, remember the old days when I was 4. . ."

Every one and a while I try to expand our menu and try something different. Last night I had my family try edemamay which is a kind of soybean. After taking a bite, Lydia shout, "Mom, it tastes likes farts!!!"

A few of my favorite Christmas break things.

2010-01-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

My favorite funny faces

My favorite baby face

My favorite Christmas vacation activity (Apples to Apples Junior in case you don't recognize it).

2010-01-04T18:57:00.001-08:00

My favorite guys

My favorite girls in matching jammies ( thanks aunt Gail)

My favorite "cousins" shot

My favorite weather...just kidding, but the kids had a blast watching and"helping" Grandpa push snow in the tractor.

Christmas Weddings

2009-12-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is the 3rd Christmas wedding in 6 years on my mom's side of the family. This time it was my cousin Kevin who got married on the the 20th. It was a beautiful wedding and a beautiful day and luckily I got some really nice pictures. And we're all a lot prettier than on the real Christmas since we were snowed in at the farm under a couple feet of snow.
What a fine looking family:)

Here is the official crew who was snowed in at the farm just a lot prettier than on Christmas when we didn't have any reason to even get out of our Pj's.

Lydie's new BFF my cousin's wife Jasmine. She was her little shadow the whole night of the wedding. She wasn't snowed in with us but I did hear she was snowed in at her own house.

Taneah's budding Alexis was snowed in in the western part of the state. They sure are cute!

Next time I will show you some pictures of our real Christmas:)

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who prayed for baby Noah. I talked to our friends in GA and he got out of the hospital and was adopted the weekend before Christmas. God is good! Thanks for praying!

Christmas Princesses

2009-12-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to have "girls weekend" this weekend. It just dawned on my last week that I have girls. I know you are all thinking I am crazy. Afterall, they are 5 and 2. As much as I celebrate my children's individualism, I guess I kind of think of all 3 of them as my kids. And I had a light bulb moment last week that yes, I have girls. Anyway, Aaron and Jonah went to the Vikings game with Aaron's parents and that left Sat and Sun to just the girls. Lydia made many plans, and my plan was to try my best to NOT have an agenda, and NOT try to get my things done and just BE with my girls.

Well, as I sit here and write to you I am happy to say it was a success. We played babies, and painted nails, made a trip to Claire's to buy some very fashionable fake glasses (that's my Lydia) , we had carpet picnics and slept under the Christmas tree, oh what a blessing it is to have girls. That's what I learned this weekend. I am a very blessed mommy and it makes me smile to think about how much I love them and how much they love each other.

Lydia and I had a deep conversation last night as we're lying under the Christmas tree that went something like this:

Mom:"Lydia what do you want to learn about when you get big?"
Lydia:"Well, the thing is. . .(her new favorite saying) I would like to learn about water, you know when we're in the water and Jonah can give me a piggyback ride in the water and I'm not heavy for him, how does that work?" "I'd like to learn about that."

Ok Lydia not at all what I was expecting, but cute nonetheless.

A little over a year ago I was posting about adjusting with TWO princesses in the house, today I am happy to write that TWO princesses belong in this house and I wouldn't have it any other way. Today was our little church program at church and I was so proud as the girls got up and sang, Taneah even did the actions. They were so cute and here is the proof.

"Come on ring those bells. . ."

I just couldn't resist, it's the classic, 2 year old who has to lift her dress up

My two Christmas princess

As I tucked Lydia in tonight, I thanked her for the fun weekend and asked her if she had fun. She smiled and said "Yeah, it was delicious!"

Update

2009-12-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

I got a picture of Baby Noah this week. He's adorable. They are hoping that he will be out of the hospital by Christmas. Please continue to pray for healing for his little body and for a forever family for him.

And on to the weekend at my friends. We stayed up to late catching up on our lives, we ate too many Christmas cookies broke up a few kid fights and got to meet Baby Seth! What a sweetie. Here are some of the highlights.

Jonah wanted to be a "real" baker so my friend brought out these great aprons and we were set. He did such a great job reading the recipe cards and even figured out how to double to recipe. I love this baker boy.

Say Cheese!

Sweet baby Seth.

Prayer warriors wanted and a little randomness

2009-12-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

*I recenty learned about a little baby who our friends in Georgia are taking care of. He has some medical needs and he needs a family. I know there are babies and kids orphaned every day all over the world, but for some reason, I can't get this one out of my mind. So if you think of it, pray for little Noah.

* Life is good here and I thank God everyday that I have been blessed with this family, this set of circumstances in this place in time.

* We are getting ready to visit some friends for the weekend, my oldest friend actually. Not that she is old but we've been friends since we were 5 and I"m thankful for her too.

* And just for some random cutness, here's a picture I took 2 nights ago.
I'm thankful for them too!

so simple so wonderful

2009-11-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

I'm changing it up a little today. I'm going to talk a little bit about my job. I have many jobs you've heard about, wife, mother, friend, sister etc, but I have another job too. I have the privaledge of working with some of the most special little people on the planet. Four days a week, I work as an occupational therapist in a school system. I work with students in grades k-5 who have special needs. Well today something wonderful happened.

A little boy colored for the 1st time. A few great co-workers and I have been brainstorming for weeks on how we can get this little guy to color. We've tried adapted utensils, adapted writing surfaces, velcro, even a wiffle ball, nothing worked.

Now, you may be thinking how is that wonderful, kids color all of the time, well this is a very special little boy and the reason coloring is hard for him is because he doesn't have thumbs. Try doing just about anything without thumbs, it's very challenging. I had Jonah try brushing his teeth without using his thumbs, he gave up after about 10 seconds.

We made a crazy marker holder out of the top of milk jug and he did it. He colored- red, orange and blue-- in case your interested. The louder I cheered the more he colored. You can imagine I did everything short of standing on my head to keep him coloring. So there you have it --coloring--something so simple yet so wonderful.

It was my miracle for the day. It helped remind me why I do what I do and why God has me where he has me. It reminded me to look for the small miracles and the big ones (like coloring) in every day. I hope you saw a miracle in your day, and if you didn't just look around, you probably just missed it.

2009-11-02T18:46:00.001-08:00

Here are my 3 trick or treaters. We had 2 parties, a couple of hours of trick or treating with our friends and enough candy to last us the year! It was very fun night!

2 very cute neighbor boys in some star wars get up.

Taneah as Abby Cadabby using her magic want to put Daddy's shoes into her treat pumpkin:)

I can't wait to see what God does. . .

2009-11-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

Our attempt to raise awareness about adoption and give families who are interested more information went well. My friend presented with her family beautifully and we had 3 families take our names and wanted more information about adding to their family through adoption. God was faithful answered our prayers. We had several people who took brochures on how they can support adoption financially and overall I think people were encouraged. I know seeds were planted and I can't wait to see what God does next. I am very hopeful and excited to see God move through our church and our country to bring children who don't have a home into their forever families.

Thanks again for praying!

I need your help. . .

2009-10-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm not sure if anyone out there reads this silly ole blog anymore since I have not been keeping up with posting. Life happens- you know how it is. Posting on the blog just hasn't been priority. Anyway, today I need your help. I am asking you to pray for this weekend. This Sunday we are having a focus on adoption at our church. My friend and her family are sharing their adoption story and we are setting up a table in the entryway of the church for people to visit and learn more about adoption.

As you think about Sunday, can you please pray that God will bring at least 2 families forward to really consider adoption. Pray that people will set aside the fear, uncertainty and indifference and act on the nudging in their hearts to add to their family through adoption. Pray that the distractions of the day will be gone and God will be heard. We know our God is one of adoption, afterall he adopted us!

Now, that is a little more than one year after we got Taneah, God as ignited a new passion in my heart to spread the word about adoption. To help people understand about adoption, to be sensitive to its challenges, celebrate its blessings and more than anything help others grow closer to God through the miracle of adoption.

Thank you in advance for praying.

Pumpkin patch

2009-10-22T06:35:00.001-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch on Sunday. It was a beautiful day. We played with old friends. . .
met some new friends...

played giant connect 4

and smiled pretty for the camera. Taneah's favorite was feeding the horseys but I for some reason I couldn't get that pictures to load.

Carrying me.

2009-09-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

September is a month of transition for us. Every one of us has to get into a new routine, get out of bed earlier, go to bed earlier, see each other a little less and just kind of figure how it all goes again. It is the longest and shortest month of the year for me. Although it is sometimes uncomfortable and certainly tiring, I am thankful for the change. It forces me to reach and cling to the God of the universe, the savior of my life and the one who helps me get through each day. This song has been carrying me this month. It is the perfect love song from God to me. Read the lyrics and click here listen to the music and pretend He's singing it to you. And then know that He means it.

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If his grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
sung by: The David Crowder Band
Written by John McMillan

Happy Birthday Sweet T!

2009-09-16T20:46:00.001-07:00

One year ago tonight, I rocked my baby girl to sleep for the first time. I looked into her soulful coffee colored eyes and felt her fall asleep in my arms.

Tonight as I write I thank God for the little girl sleeping in her big sister's T-shirt.
I thank Him for her endless engery, her love of life and swimming
and the joy and craziness she has brought to our life.
I thank God that out of all the little girls in the world he chose Taneah to be my daughter!
Tonight we celebrated sweet Taneah being 2 years old.
(Actually we celebrated on Sunday and tonight)
We love you Taneah!

1 year ago tomorrow. . .

2009-09-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

One year ago tomorrow we got an e-mail about a little girl who needed a home. The details were not what we expected, the situation was not what we expected, but then again with adoption it seems it never is. We read the situation and then opened up this.

I remember thinking, oh what a sweet face, and look at those shoes!!! Could it be??? Could this be my daughter?? Could this be the face of the baby God had promised us???? My mind was racing as I looked at this little sweetie. Little did I know.. .

Today I give you this

Same sweet face and she's way more fun than we could have expected, she makes EVERY situation interesting, and yes she is my daughter. In every sense of the word she is my daughter. I couldn't have dreamed up a more beautiful, strong, charming little person to grace our family. But God knew. He always does and he knew exactly what he was doing when He placed Taneah in our family. I love you sweetie and I'm so glad I get to be your mommy!

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4,5

Finally her 1st day

2009-08-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

Well, miss Lydia finally had her first day of school today. She was suppose to go last week Thursday but woke up with a fever and stayed home both Thursday and Friday. By today she was ready! I was ready for her too, or so I thought...

We walked into her classroom found her cubby spot and coat hook. Her teacher met us at the door and gave her some instructions. She followed them just like the big girls she is. I told her it was time for me to go and she quickly gave me one of the fast squeeze hugs that said "I love you mom but I'm fine and need to get on with my day." I walked out and I was fine, really, I was. I was proud of her, I wasn't sappy, and really I didn't even think about it because after all we had been waiting 5 days for this, her first day of school. So we left and about half way down the hall way, Taneah stops looks up at me and says, "Want Lay-ah!" "Want Lay-ah!" She wanted her Lydia. All of a sudden it hit me I wanted Lydia too. I wanted my baby girl who seemed like it would be forever until she slept all night. I wanted my 2 yr old Lydia who used to throw such a fit she would pull her hair out. I wanted my 3 yr old Lydia who LOVEd dressing up like a princess and playing trucks at the same time, I wanted my baby girl!!!

All of the cliches of parenting started running through my mind, "time sure flies" "parenting is just one big lesson in letting go" "they don't stay babies forever" and on and on. But in that moment at my lip quivered and my eyes grew hot, I knew I just had to keep walking, away from my sweet Lydie's classroom. Afterall, I was leaving a stong, confident, beautiful, independant 5 year old. She was ready for kindergarten. And so after I made it to the van, kept reassuring Taneah that Lydia was in school and cried my eyes out all the way home, I decided I would be OK. And oh how blessed I am to get to be her mom, how blessed I am to get to watch her grow and learn and become the the girl God designed her to be.

I love you Lydiebug and can't wait to hear how your first day of school went!

Good Bye Summer

2009-08-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

OK those of you who know me, know I hate when things come to an end. And even though I technically have a few more days of summer left, my 2nd grader and my main man start tomorrow, so as far as our house goes, summer is done. We took a little camping trip to finish out the summer and had some fun talks with the kids about what they liked best about summer and what they were looking forward to the most about school. Jonah is looking forward to math and gym. Good man.

This time of year I think a lot about where were at as a family where I'm at in my life and where I want to be. It's definetly our new year since we're all on the school calendar. I"ve been thinking about what my favorite things were about summer. I made a top 10 because I couldn't narrow it down to just 5 and they're not in any particular order. So here goes, good bye summer, thanks for the memories, we'll see you again next year.

-Watching Jonah play baseball.
-Watching Lyida play soccer
-Going camping at Maplewood State Park, watching Taneah catch her first fish and Jonah want to fish ALL day long, taking Lydia out in a canoe alone and seeing a beaver very close:)
-Walking on the beach at night
-Being in Atlanta again
-Taneah's Court Day! ( It was about as close a perfect day as I can think of )
-Going to the Beth Moore conference and being reminded and refocused on what God has for my life.
-Getting to know my nephews better. Now that they are little people and not babies anymore.
-Enjoying our neighbors and neighborhood.
-Watching my kids form deeper brother/sister bonds and get to know each other better.

Big fun in a little puddle.

2009-08-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

I think these pictures speak for themselves. Just soaking up every last second of summer we have left.

Sand

2009-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

I have a quick moment to jot down a thought or two. Today, I packed my kindergartener's school supplies in her brand new polk-a-dotted back pack. That in itself is enought to make me ponder...she's really old enough to go to school? It seems like yesterday she was throwing a 2 year old tantrum because she didn't get her way. Oh wait that was yesterday:) Anyway, yes my Liddy is goin to school next week!
The other thing is before I could pack the back pack I had to clean it out because we had used it on our vacation. I had to vacuum out the beach sand on the bottom. It seemed kind of symbolic as I sucked up each teeny, tiny piece of sand there went summer. Just like that. Gone. Goodbye summer and thanks for the memories.

Just a few pictures

2009-08-10T15:42:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of our pictures from our vacation. It was such a fun time. As it finally feels like summer this week in ND it makes me miss the south and all the fun we had there. I would write more but we are trying to squeeze every once of summer for what it's worth and so that is why I'm so slow on getting pictures on here. Summer just takes priority to blogging these days:)

The ABC's of our vacation 2009

2009-08-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Our vacation isn't quite over yet but we were trying to make the time pass when we were driving today and so this is what we came up with.

A is for airplane and Atlanta
B is for beach
C is for crabs
D is for docks
E is for eels
F is for fish (lots of pretty ones)
G is for Georgia
H is for holes ( as in the ones the crabs live in and scurry to if you're not fast enough)
I is for Interstate
J is for jelly fish stings
K is for kites
L is for Lobster
M is for Miley Cyrus ( Yep we caught a quick glimpse)
N is for Northwoods golf course
O is for ocean
P is for palm trees and a pretty pier
Q is for quite a few alligators
R is for rivers
S is for sharks, stingray, sand and sunburn
T is for Tybee Island
U is for umbrellas
V is for vests as if life vests
W is for whale shark
X is for extras
Y is for y'all
Z is for ziti

I bet you can't wait for the pictures.

INTRODUCING. . .

2009-07-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Taneah Hope!!!

Today was the big day where Taneah was given our last name. The whole thing was fast and surreal. I can't tell you how good it feels to have it FINAL! Through the ups and downs and round and rounds adoption is a beautiful thing and I can't imagine our family without her!

Due to this great occasion we had to celebrate! It was a great party and a perfect day!

The incredible cake thanks to auntie Jessie. Don't worry Shannon we saved you a piece:)

The puppet show

The water slide!

Tubs of fun!

YEAH!!!

Frozen fudgepops, fireworks and fun

2009-07-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

We had a sort of Norman Rockwell Feel to our 4th of July. The town we live in LOVES fireworks and everybody is Bar-B-Qing in thier front yards and having family and friends over. Even though Daddy was busy selling the fireworks we had a great time with the neighbors.
Jonah was Pat's ( our neighbor) right hand man when it came to lighting off the fireworks. Until the big stuff came out then he stayed seated closely to mom.
Yummy!

During the day the kids played in the little pool and ran in the slip and slide. T decided to take a little drink:) I love this shot it sort of captures summer to me.

"han"

2009-06-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

This post is not so much about sharing something with you but recording something so I don't forget. Miss T ( Who by the way in a just a few short weeks will be introduced officially here) I just want it to be official:) Anyway, Miss T has a thing with hands. She loves to hold my hand. She holds my hand when she rides in her carseat and she needs to be comforted, we hold hands when we pray. Whenever she's having a hard time she looks up at me with those soulful, coffee colored eyes and says "han" "han" Tonight as I was rocking her to sleep she said "han mommy" I held her hands and she fell esleep.

I love that holding hands brings such comfort to her. What a sweetheart.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
Psalm 73:23

***Note the beautiful moments captured on this post and the last one are thanks to my sweet sister in law Shannon. Check out more of her beautiful photos at Mirabella Photography. They are 2 different cites.

Lydiaisms

2009-06-24T11:44:00.001-07:00

Oh my dear sweet Lydia, if it wasn't for her I would run out of "material" for this blog. Here are a few of her latest.

*Last week we were all in the van going somewhere and Miss T was sick of being in the carseat. Which seems to be her new thing. We think it's ironic since when we first got her we actually went for a drive to get her to sleep. Anyway, she is screaming and whining in the backseat and Aaron says, "Stop screaming! Noone likes a kid screaming in the backseat!" And Lydia pipes in "Yeah, not even God!"

*After soccer practice in the 83 degree heat last night, Lydia says ,"Oh no I"m wet here." As she is touching her temples. "And I'm wet here too!" Touching the other side. I said that's Ok it's sweat, it means you were working hard. Poor girl doesn't remember sweating since it's been 9 months since it was hot enought outside to sweat.

* And my favorite, recently we booked airplane tickets to go back to GA and visit the people who took care of T and have a family vacation. At supper, Jonah was asking all kind of questions about if we could stand on the airplane and where we were staying, and what it would be like. Lydia was listening very intently but not saying much. I was excitetly telling them what it would be like. After a few minutes, Lydia looked up very concerned and asked, "We still get to keep her, right." I assured her that we get to keep her and we are only going for a visit.

Oh how it warms my heart to think of how God has changed the relationship between the girls. Lydia has changed from being the frustrated dethroned princess of the house to being the protective, loving big sister. A role she was born for.

Camping

2009-06-16T11:10:00.001-07:00

Nothing says camping fun like a campfire. And fun we had! This weekend God gave us some beautiful weather and we had a great time camping.

This is the honey hole where Jonah fished all morning and caught
this small mouth bass. He also caught a ton of other fish but this was the one he was most proud of.
T caught her first fish. She looks pretty serious here, but when she reeled it in she squealed like a
pig and kept saying "fiss" "fiss"
Camping is always more fun with some friends to catch caterpillers with and have picnics with.
There's something about sleeping under the stars and taking a kid out on a canoe that is good for my soul. I loved being outside all weekend and it was the perfect kickoff to summer.

Randomness

2009-06-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

We are in the full swing of summer, and wow it's hard to get on here to update, but I am finally done with school, YEAH! So I am rejoicing! Here are a few random photos of all the things we do to kick off summer.

This young man started baseball. He gets to play with his buddy Mason. He loves it and is having fun.

This is Miss T showing me her ice cream hanging out on the deck the other night.

We made our annual trip to the zoo. It's our tradition to go the beginning of June to sort of kick off summer. The monkeys and baby otters were our favorites

Miss Lydia is now our soccer star. She just started and is loving it. She gets to play with her friends Abram and Addie.

We've also been doing a lot of planting and landscaping. Aaron got all of the rock and pavers down around the deck and I have been planting my little heart out. I love flowers have decided I am now done. So I better not go into anymore of those cute little green houses or I'll be home with a few more. This little creation is now decorating my deck.

And last but not least the puppet theatre. Aaron brought it home the other day and at any given moment I have from 1 to 7 kids on my deck putting on a show. The stories are great and listening to the giggles and imagination are even better. It's amazing how some pieces of wood and a couple pieces of fabric and a few old socks with wiggly eyes glues on can entertain for hours.

I hope you are doing your own fun things to kick off summer!

Finally!!!!

2009-05-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

We finally got the call yesterday!!! We had a bike ride and a picnic to celebrate. When Aaron told the big kids that the judge signed some papers that say we can keep her I wish I had would've had a video camera. Lydia dropped what she had in her hand jumped up from the picnic blanket and squeezed miss T around the neck, all the while cheering YEAH! My deep thinker Jonah shared that we should explain that to her when she's old enough to understand and gave Aaron a thumbs-up.

Now all we have left to do is finalize in our state and it it's a done deal!

We are so grateful that the judge confirmed where our hearts have been for a long time. She's ours. . . always has been always will be. Wow that feels good to write!

Where my heart is tonight

2009-05-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

I just had the priveledge of spending the evening with a dear friend. Some of you may remember the "twist" we put on Lydia's birthday party this year where we had the kids bring clothes and toys for kids in Africa.

Well tonight, my friend Sarah came over for supper. She is leaving Monday morning for Mozambique, Africa to be a house mother to 10 orphans in a baby home there, the things we gathered from the party are going with her.

We were able to have a rich conversation about life, kids, Africa and of course Jesus. Because without him non of her story would really make sense. I know Sarah from high school where we played basketball together and went to the same youth group. We lost touch over the years and hooked up through facebook of all things. ( Some good do come from the internet:)

It's so fun how God can rekindle hearts in a short period of time. Her heart is so obviously to seek after God's will and this comes out over and over again when we visited. Her simple and powerful faith is a great encouragement to me. I'm so glad I serve a God that makes the world so small that a farm girl from small town North Dakota would leave all she knows and move across the world to care for orphans in Africa. I"m touched by the stories of Africa and the babies there who don't have homes. I'm amazed by the courage and obedience of this woman who is going simply because her Lord asked her to. I fell blessed to be able to partner with her in spirit and in prayer as she enters this new journey. Please join me as I pray for Sarah as she travels and transitions and as we watch what God has in store for her. Pray for travel details, for protection and good health, strength and courage. If you feel God nudging you to pray leave a comment here or on her blog. I know she will be encouraged.

Sarah with T and Lydia

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T19:59:00.001-07:00

Look at these 3 goof balls! Am I a lucky mommy or what?!?!?!

I feel very blessed by lot of women in my life who have taught me, inspired me, and challenged me to the best mom I can be. I thank God for letting me be the mom to these 3 special kiddos. Thank you to all the mothers in my life and to my one and only mom. You're the best!

Somebody changed Christmas. . .

2009-05-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the big May 7th date didn't end up "EXACTLY" how we thought it would. The court hearing happened but because of the special details of miss T's case the legal risk portion won't be done until next week. I will let you know when that happens.

When I talked to the SW in GA I was very disappointed, a little frustrated and I cried. But most of all it hit me exactly what a big deal this legal stuff is. I don't really understand a lot of it and even when they are trying to explain it to me I feel like I"m back in Algebra class. (Those of you who know me from way back know Algebra was not my strong suit). There are so many legal details and I guess it just give me just one more chance to trust God in all things.

So we will wait just a little longer ( we are really good at that by now) and next week when the papers are signed we will be one step closer to our sweet T being "officially" part of our family. She's been "official" in our hearts for quite awhile but if you've followed this blog for any amount of time you know that already.

So yes I was sad and disappointed and like a good friend said to me well you should be sad it's like you woke up Christmas morning and then somebody tells you oh Christmas isn't until next week! So here's to Christmas next week. (aka. keep praying)

** Now, on to other updates. Princess C's court date went very well. Her adoption is now final and we are so happy for her family. I love sweetheart!

*** And World Aids Orphans Day was fun. It was great day with great company for a great cause. For fun pictures check out Nicole's blog for pictures and stories.

a quick countdown

2009-05-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Just 3 days until the BIG day. Thursday May 7th will be a big and special day. Here is why. . .

*1st it is sweet T's court date in Georgia. It is at 9:30 a.m. and after this day the legal risk portion of this adoption will be OVER and we can just have a quick little court day in ND to finalize. (not that anything is ever quick in adoptions:)

*2nd it is also our sweet little friend "C" court date too!! Her adoption will be final at 1:30

* And to celebrate it all we are having a picnic at a park to raise awareness for orphans all of the world affected by AIDS. May 7th is World Aids Orphans Day.

Please pray for the people and details of all of the legal "things" surrounding this two precious baby girls adoptions.

And please pray for orphans around the world. Thanks!

Four Princesses

2009-05-03T13:33:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there were 4 princesses. They were very special princesses who got along lovely.

There were the big princesses who are are spunky and beautiful

and the little princesses who are sweet and cute.

One day they got to spend the whole day together playing in the sunshine, and we all need a little sunshine after such a long winter. They played and they played. First they got dressed up for the ball. Then they headed outside to create their crystal balls. Then they decided to use up some energy at the park.

There was princess sassy,

and princess sweet

princess T

and princess kitten, who named herself, with her future prince charming

Oh the life of a princess!

It's been a while. . .

2009-04-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what to post about tonight. It'been so long since I've been on here. There is less computer time when it's nice and warm outside!

*I could tell you about the fun weekend I had last weekend being rejuvenated while working on the farm with my dad. It's spring time and being there, tagging calves, pulling calves, walking in mud so deep you lose your boots, Ahhh it's so good for my soul.

*I could tell you about the wonderful Godly friends God has put in my life to meet with and pray with and be real with. We all need those moments. I love you dear friends, thanks for taking time out of your busy lives to spend time with me.

*I could tell you about how I spend ALL morning Friday, doing hair. Whew!!

*I could tell you about the great time the kids and I had with my cousins. There was some serious princess playing and fun outside going on.

I don't even have most of the pictures up from all of these on my computer but I DO have pictures that my dear sister-in-law Shannon left with me today. I'll leave this one with you. I call it "spring sunshine"

Easter '09

2009-04-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

New sunglasses!

We started out Easter Sunday at Auntie Shannon's church this morning, then had a nice lunch at our house. The kids found their Easter baskets and had an egg hunt. It was fun relaxing time. Tonight I also tried out a new hair styler on Miss T I'm so excited about. It's on the picture of her and Lydia. But you can't really see it. Now, I"m tired and ready for bed.

I hope each of you were able to reflect and praise God for the gifts He's given you. Happy Easter!

Made me smile

2009-04-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

Today I went into the messy abyss called my closet to find the kid's Easter baskets. When I found them I had to smile, b/c last year when I bought baskets I bought 3 hoping and praying I would have 3 baskets to fill this year.

It just made me smile to pull out the 3rd basket and fill it with goodies.

Dear God,
Thank you for being faithful. For blessing us with Miss T. For surrounding me with people to love and people who love me. For seeing me through ups and downs and most of all for sending me your Son Jesus to die on a cross for my sins. Amen.

They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive!
Luke 24:23

update

2009-04-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Posting three days in a row has to be a record for me except maybe when we were in GA getting Miss T. Anyway, when I was having my sappy feely moment last night I had every intention of ending it with the lastest on our adoption finalization but it just didn't flow, so I thought I'd save it.

Here is the lastest, I heard from our agency that if everything goes as expected we will be one step closer to having Miss T forever in our family, legally, she's been there in our hearts a LONG time ago) the beginning of May. In other words, the legal risk portion will be done on May 7th.

Please pray this happens. I believe it will. I just have to ask. Thanks!

A moment

2009-04-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Take a deep breath, close your eyes (ok don't close your eyes because then you can't keep reading) but imagine the feeling of a sleeping baby lieing on your chest. . . are you feeling the weight of her body on your chest, the fuzzy little head brushing your chin, listening to the evenness of her breath. Whether it's a newborn or a 2 year old there is just something about having a sleeping child cuddled up on your chest sleeping soundly.

Tonight, I'm having a purely sweet moment. A moment when I feel all sappy inside. I love the little person sleeping on my chest so much my insides feel like mush, I love her so much I would run out in front of speeding car to save her, I love her so much that she was born on my heart long before I saw her sweet little feet or cute button nose.

I think of the first time I ever fed her a bottle before bed. She guzzled it down in a hurry and quickly drifted off to sleep.Then as soon as the last drop was swallowed she did this crazy pancake flip and was sleeping on my chest. My heart beating next to hers.

I am so thankful for moments like this, moments when God reminds me to step back from the routines of day to day and remember the moment.

A Princess Party

2009-04-04T19:24:00.001-07:00

My sweet Lydia turned 5 years old on Wednesday and we had the kid party today. It was a princess/knight theme and it was very fun! The kids were so good and I think I had as much fun as they did. We slayed the dragon, pinned the heart on the princess, and made bravery necklaces just to name a few of the challenges we had to do to become knights and princesses. These are just a few of the pictures. Auntie Shannon has LOTS more on her camera I will try to share later.

or she will:)

She's kind of into taking pictures lately:)

Here is the castle cake I stayed up way too late decorating. ( It was worth it:)

Here is the birthday girl pretending she is the dragon!

The whole crazy bunch!

Instead of bringing presents, we asked the kids to bring some gently used clothing and simple toys for my friend to take to Mozambique, Africa. She is leaving the end of May to be a house mother there in an orphanage.

Here, we are learning where Mozambique is and about a little girl named Neddie who is 3 and lives at the orphanage. The kids were all so proud of what they brought to help the kids in Africa and I was so proud of my Lydie!

Here is what the kids collected.

Happy Birthday Sweet Lydie, we love you.

Guess who's 5 today!!!

2009-04-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

Miss Lydia turns 5 years old today and I tried to put some pictures on here but it didn't work. I'll have to try later. Thanks to the flood we all get to enjoy the day together!!

I don't know who made this but I had to share it. . .

2009-03-27T19:29:00.001-07:00

Pray, Pray, Pray!!!

2009-03-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying we are safe. I don't think we will get water, we are high enough and have the protection of the diversion. They keep saying West Fargo is Ok, we are holding on to that.

The Red River has now broke it's record it is the highest it's been since 1897. There are many neighborhoods under evacuation, the hospital and many nursing homes have evacuated. We've talked to some of our friends who are leaving today. Aaron had kids at school yesterday who already lost their homes who lived north of town. Aaron and I went to sandbag last night. I could go thanks to my sweet neighbor girl Bailey.

What an experience . . . hundreds and hundreds of people lined up in 18 degrees of wind and cold smiling and joking like old friends. A warm church full of muddy, sandy, frozen people. Strangers serving warm food with a smile. This scene has been duplicated up and down the valley on both sides of the river. The whole thing is crazy and scary. It makes me feel emotional and proud to live where so many people would come out to help their neighbor. It makes me feel sacred for so many people who have lost and will lose their homes. And today with travel restrictions all over the valley what is there left to do??? PRAY.

Pray for all of the city and county workers who continue to work around the clock, the truck drivers, bobcat drivers, sandbag throwers, food makers. Pray for the people that are having to leave thier homes behind. Pray for strength and endurance for this flood fight!

Here is a website of a local photographer who has some good pictures.

I love baby calves

2009-03-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

On days like today in this neck of the woods everyone is thinking about the flood and the crazy weather. It is affecting everyone everywhere in some sort of way. Even if it's not your house that needs sandbags, roads are closed, there are alot more big trucks on the roads and it is all over the news. It's on everyone's minds. Well, today I decided I"d share with all of you something simple that makes me smile. We were at my sister's and my parent's farm last weekend and calving season has just begun. Calving season is one of my favorite memories as a little girl. It feeds my cowgirl fettish and here are a few pictures of some baby cows and cute kids.

T's 1st calving season, at first she was a little cautious but within 10 minutes she was walking right up to the little calves and trying to pet them. What I like about these pictures is my mom is in the pictures of her seeing her first baby calves. My other kids, it was all about Papa but not sweet T she's with Grandma!

The "big kids"

I remember when Jonah was just a little one year old toddling behind the little calves, now he's such a natural.

Auntie Jessie, cousin B and just a little cuddling before bed time.

Sledding, sliding and some friends

2009-03-16T10:00:00.001-07:00

We went to the indoor water part this weekend. They also had a sledding hill and it was SOOOO beautiful out side. Here are just a few of the fun pictures!
Jonah trying out his snowboard from uncle Jason. He does pretty well. I love these two!
Sweet T totally in her element. She LOVES the water!!! Her favorite was this little water slide she could go down by herself. She went down it at about 50 times.
Miss Lydia loves the water slides and the sledding she even made some new friends at the water park. Her favorite part of the trip was "riding down the tube slide with Mommy" That was one of my favorite parts too.
Goofing off like usual!

And there's nothing like staying at a hotel and taking in the water park with a bunch of friends!

Cute Cousins and Nifty high heals

2009-03-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

We have the chance to babysit our sweet cousin Leighton while his mommy and daddy are taking a class at church on Wednesday nights. It's so fun to get to know him as a big boy. Here are some fun pics of him and the girls. Oh and Aaron says GO BISON! (They won the big game tonight)

Now, for some silliness. . .

Now when you saw this title you were thinking it was going to be a picture of one my girls in high heals. Oh no, Jonah thought it would be very inventive to wear my heals when he washed the dishes so he could reach the sink instead of using the stool.

He kept saying, “These high heels are sooo nifty!” “They’re my nifty high heels!” Then he got all wet and had to take off his shirt and so you have this

After goofing off like a pro for the camera he said, “Mom, and don’t put this on the blog!”

SHHHHH it will be our little secret!

More rodeo pics

2009-03-07T20:26:00.001-08:00

The pretty horses, the big burley bulls, the smells, the sounds, the excitement, the sticky fingers from cotton candy. I love it.

2009-03-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me or have read my blog before may have caught on to the fact that I am a cowgirl wannabe. I grew up on a farm and we raised cattle, but I never did get a horse. Anyway, I was able to get a little bit of my cowgirl fix today. I met my parents and my sister and her family at the rodeo, it was great fun. And if you had to guess which one of my kids rode the mechanical bull who would it be? Here it is after waiting in line for about 45 minutes. . .

Are you guessing??? ...

wait for it...

Here she is--my little bull rider. She could have had another chance but opted not to. And she let me know on the drive home she wouldn't be riding "REAL" bulls when she grows up.

**Side note: this is the "pinkness" sweater:) Just in case you were wondering.

Going on a trip

2009-03-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

There are days, this girl is to blame for the gray hair on my head and then there are moments like this . . .

I was doing the dishes and Lydia says, “Mom, I’m going on a trip.” I turned around and saw this.

Complete with Barbie laptop in hand she begins to explain to me that she is going to Georgia for a job.

“What kind of job? “ I asked ( Sure she was going to say a dentist because for the last 2 weeks she has said she wants to be a dentist, thanks to the dentist visiting preschool.)

“Nope.” she explained “I”m going to be a social worker just like Lindsey (our social worker) and I’m going to Georgia to find homes for all the babies there who don’t have a home.

I love this kid!

The smell of new playdough

2009-02-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

I have nothing greatly profound to write today except I love the smell of new playdough. It brings back great memories. I could just get high off the stuff. Today thanks to some Valentine's Day money the kids got from the grandma's we now have new playdough! It sure was fun making cookies and our names!

T loves play dough too!

This is Jonah making his and I quote "cool face."

the last bag of diapers

2009-02-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

A couple months after we brought sweeet-T home some dear ladies from my church had a little get together in honor of T. Everyone was asked to bring either a meal to put in the freezer or a bag of diapers. It was the BEST! If you really want to bless a mom of multiple kids this would be the way. Besides, all of the great goodies I was so blessed by the prayer time we had that night.

Well, I just opened my last bag of "gift" diapers. Meaning I have only bought one box of diapers since we brought her home in September! God always provides, even in the little things and I am so thankful.

Thanks to all of you who had a part in our special night and blessed us with food and diapers.

2009-02-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

Five months ago today we met her for the first time. It was a very special baby girl's 1st birthday and adoption day. She looked up at me with this sweet little sparkle in her eye, and it seemed like she was thinking,"Could you be someone special to me?" Wow was I in awe of her. It was the most emotional day of my life. There were so many questions swirling inside my head, "Would she like us?" "Would she be scared of us?" "How is this all going to work?" But even with all of that, it felt right, so right. She was meant to be ours.

When I think about that day and how far we've come in 5 short months, it stirs my soul and brings tears to my eyes. Wow, does God know how to put together families. Adoption is such a miracle and our sweet T is such a miracle.

I went back to this post which was the day before we left, there were 3 prayer requests. The first one was to prepare us for anything. . . our first days with her were pure miracle. She took to us right away and we can't imagine our life without her.

The 2nd prayer request was for Jonah and Lydia and everyone who was taking care of them. This prayer was also awesomely answered. Thank you grandma's and grandpa's aunts and uncles and even Jonah's 1st grade teacher who were so wonderful while were gone.

The third request was that the Lord lets us keep her. Please continue to pray this. We continue to wait on the legal risk component of this adoption. As I've shared before it is getting long and we are waiting.

Ridiculous!

2009-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows my sweet Lydie knows, one is never quite sure what's going to come out of her mouth. Part of it is the charm of a 4 year old and part of it is the sense of humor she has inherited from her dad! Well here are just a few of the things she has come up with lately.

*One day this week Lydie had the sweater on I bought her this fall, (she's only worn it twice since and that was because I made her). I looked at her and said, "Oh you are wearing that pretty sweater, I thought you didn't like it." She replied, "I like it's pinkness!"

*Yesterday, when T joined Lydie in their princess castle, Lydie exclaimed, "T your diaper smells REDICLUS!" (meaning ridiculous).

I'm tagged

2009-02-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

My new friend Theresa tagged me with this fun little game.

Here are the rules:

1. Go to the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.
2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the photo.
4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun

And my fourth picture is Lydia's beatiful bracelet from her auntie Jessie. She got it for her 3rd birthday. On this paticular birthday we took pictures of all of her gifts. I can't believe that was almost 2 years ago!!

Now, I'm going to tag

1.Shannon

2.Betsy

3.Sue

4.Misty

I can't wait to see your pics!

Dog sled day!

2009-02-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

How appropriate that my 100th post reflected a fun day like today. Nicole and Jared hosted a great time of dog sled rides, exploring in the woods and drinking hot chocolate. The weather was great! 30 some degrees and we were back in the trees enough that there wasn't too much wind! There are more great pictures on Nicole's sight.

2009-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

I hope this verse can bless you this week they way it has been blessing me.

See the sovereign Lord comes with power. . . He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 40:10,11

Legacy

2009-01-28T20:12:00.001-08:00

This weekend we celebrated my Grandma Wangen's 75th birthday. My whole family was there minus two cousins along with lots of friends. It was such a nice time, and what a well deserved celebration for a extraordinary women. She is the most accepting, fair, person I know. She is the calmest, easy going Grandma I've ever met. And never, ever say you are bored around her because she will quickly put you to work. I learned that early in life. I'm so thankful for her and the legacy of family and faith she has passed on to us.

As part of the celebration my cousin Cassie put together this great slide show DVD. It was so fun to watch and when we looked at all those old pictures the thought that kept coming to my mind was family. It sound like such a cliche' but it is a legacy of family you can just feel and that words really don't do justice. Thank you Grandma for everything you've taught me and for just being you. I love you!

2nd time's a charm

2009-01-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have been on a mission since before Christmas to find the perfect day to go sledding. Afterall, we have all of this snow we might as well use it. It's just been too cold. But today when I stepped outside after work, the streets were melting and the sun was shining and yes. . . yes today was the day. Well like all good intentioned mothers I set out to gather my kids after school and tell them of the exciting plans I had for them, and after all we would have to hurry because daylight was wasting. I got everyone home and Lydia was already playing outside with a friend so she was easy. T is ALWAYS ready to go outside, so she's running around saying "boo"(boots) "boo" and then there was Jonah. For some reason the kid didn't want to go and really was throwing a total fit. I didn't understand it so after some tears and confrontation I left him and Aaron home and ventured over the park with the 3 girls ( had our neighbor girl with too.)

It was perfect. The hill was little enough for T to go down by herself, and the big girls could walk up themselves. There was no wind! It was 25 degrees ABOVE zero and the sun was starting to go down in the west and painting the sky all of these brilliaint shades of orange and purple and pink, and eventually Jonah changed his mind and came over with Aaron. We sledded for an hour until it was dark! I loved it. . .we all loved it. The only thing that would have made it more perfect is if I would have had my camera there to capture the moment. This one will have to stay photographed in my mind and you will have to settle for pictures taken about two weeks ago when we tried to go sledding but after 3 or 4 times down the hill we decided it was just too cold .

My sweet boy is 7!!!

2009-01-19T16:31:00.001-08:00

Here's my sweet boy Jonah playing his new favorite game (besides his Wii) Guess Who. We had a great birthday weekend. We celebrated with friends at the bowling alley on Saturday and then had a family party on Sunday. Jonah has started the wonderful tradition of "cooking with sticks"
for his birthday (having a fondue). Here are a few fun pictures from his birthday. I love you sweet Jonah and I am so glad that out of all the kids in the world I get to be your mommy!

What's on my mind. . .

2009-01-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

If you think of it please pray for T's adoption. We heard before Christmas that they were hoping to have a court date in February to be done with the legal risk portion. That's really all we know. The legal risk portion of this is now starting to feel very long. I had been doing very well, God has protected us in all of this and I am grateful. We haven't let us bother us. Last week, it hit me a little bit one night and well. . . now, it is time for her to be ours forever.

Please join us in praying for a smooth court date very soon and then a smooth finalization process early this spring. Thank you again to all of you for your words of prayer and encouragement. Our family feels them. Sweet T is a joyful addition to our family and we really can't imagine what life was like before her.

Dancing and hair dos

2009-01-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

Today was just one of the those days I God said, relax Valerie and have some fun. That is what Sunday's are about anyway right. Well, I didn't relax too much but really took the chance to just enjoy the 3 blessings God put in my life called my kids. Many times I get so caught up in what "needs" to be done and get checked off the list I forget to enjoy those around me. Well today we enjoyed! We danced in the kitchen, played new games we got for Christmas, read some books and I did T's hair. It is soooo cool. Whenever I try something new with her hair, I feel like it's new adventure ( i know i don't get out much), but this time I really liked the way it turned out. It is such a sense of accomplishment, I just love it. And sweet T was so patient, for a 1 year old anyway. In case you're wondering, she is saying "Cheeeeeze" in this picture. It's her new latest thing as soon as the camera comes out.

Dancing to a little "Chicken Fried". It's such a fun song. And I'm not really into drinking beer on Friday nights, but we like the song anyway.

OK I love this picture EXCEPT for the blurriness ( is that a word?) I just got a new camera and I'm a little frustrated, b/c lots of my pictures seem to come out blurry. I've played with the different settings, I just can't get it to work. So if any of you photograpy gurus out there have any advice for me I'd greatly appreciate it.

Happy Sunday!

a few of my favorites

2009-01-01T19:54:00.001-08:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Christmas. We did our usual tour around the state. A couple days at one Grandma's and a couple days at the others.

This is my sweet hubby and my Grandma. She's looked the same for as long as I can
remember. It's like she never ages!

This is the infamous "couch picture" Every Christmas all of the cousins would be lined up on the couch and we'd take pictures. So when we got together with my cousins, I thought we needed to do the same.

This is what too much Chrismas does to you! YIKES!

2009-01-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Sweet "T" and her cousin Leighton.

Lydia and my Grandma Winter, the kids call her Grandma Addie. She is such a special lady.
The 3 Muskateers under the tree. It was very fun to watch them bond and get to know each other even better over this Christmas season. Wow, do I love those kids.
Try taking a picture of a 1 year old lately. You have to be really fast because they're always on the move, espcially this one. We took about 6 pictures to get her with us.
Lydie and Grandpa Steve coloring.

For our Georgia friends

2008-12-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today I was going to post a collage of pictures from Christmas, but we got a very fun package in the mail today and I couldn't resist putting this on here. We also got a new camera that takes pretty good video that helps too. I couldn't get them to move around so please click the video on the bottom first and it will make more sense. And don't forget to scroll down and pause the music on the bottom of the blog.
John, Mary, Laura and Carol- Thank you so much for all the fun gifts, I hope this makes you smile.

Mrs. Claus

2008-12-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Jonah and Lydia were playing so nicely in Jonah's room, I had no idea what they were doing, but they were quiet so I figure that was good. I saw Lydie typing on her hamper like it was a computer, she went in the bedroom talked to Jonah then came out and asked me,

"Mom, does Mrs. Claus work? Because Jonah says she doesn't!"

I assured her that Mrs Claus works.

She then answered," Good because I am being Mrs Claus and I am sending toys to the kids in Africa because they don't have toys!"

(Thanks Nicole!)

Inspiring

2008-12-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

Through our adoption journey, God has blessed us with many people along the way who have been there for us exactly at the time when we needed them, and some even some when we didn't even know we needed them. God always amazes me with his timing! Anyway get to the point ... I need each of you reading this to check out my friend Nicole's silent auction over at her blog.

She is an amazing women and the adoptive mom of 3 princes from Africa. She is raising money for a very special children's home in South Africa (where one of her sweet boys stayed).

Please check it out. There are some awesome items and all the proceeds go to the children's home.

Please, please, please check it out. It's done on Friday.

What do you do on your storm day ???

2008-12-14T21:37:00.001-08:00

So we are in our first real blizzard for the winter of 08-09. There is just something about not being able to go anywhere that is just comforting. I love storm days and it reminds me to thanks God for my nice warm house. Here's what we do on storms day.

Gymnastics off the couch --- T says this one is "10"!

Blowing snow
frosting Christmas cookies.

read some books
it was a good day!

Trying to get in the sprirt.

2008-12-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

Ok I must be getting old because Christmas is totally sneaking up on me this year. I love Christmas and all the good food and pretty lights and time with family, but this year I"m a little bit in denial that it's really the middle of December. Anyway, we have been a bit sick with colds around here and just a few days down seems to keep you about 5 days behind. Maybe that's how the middle of December snuck up on me. Anyway, here are some things that happened this week that helped me get in spirit of Christmas.

*The first real snow for this area and I got to watch a certain Georgia peach have her first experience with snow. She loves her new light up snow boots and loved stomping in the snow. Then we were trying to walk on the sidewalk she stops and was very determined. I soon found she not only wanted to stomp in it but needed to put her hands in it. Luckily she had her nice warm mittens on.

*The kids bringing home Christmas ornaments from school.

*Watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special. I don't know the official name, because there are a few but it's the "real" one where they actually read the Christmas story from the Bible. I love that!

*Listening to little kids hide out in their room being soooo sneeky only to find them very lovingly playing with my nativity set. It is now J and L's favorite toy and the angel made it's way on top of L's bulletin board to watch over her.

So what has helped you get in the Christmas spirirt this year?

there's no place like OHMMMM!

2008-12-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

Just a quick cute story. Princess T is starting to say more words and her latest is OHMMMM (home). It's the cutest thing, she says OHMMMM and puckers up her lips and holds out the M, oK I really should just have a video of it to do it justice instead of this pathetic explantion.

And there is just something about her saying "home" that is special. Never before did that word have such huge meaning!!!

thanks for praying

2008-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Aaron and I talked about T's adoption on Wednesday at our church. It was the Thanksgiving service and it went well. I made it through without crying, just a little choke up. And even though I got down from the stage I thought of a 100 things I should've said. I have to keep telling myself that God used my words even though I can hardly remember what I said. So thanks for praying for me, I felt your prayers for sure!

Thanksgiving - So there were tons of things that happened in the past 5 days of turkey day festivities which at the time I thought, oh that would be a good blog post, but this is the only one I can remember.

On our way home from the church service, Lydia starts telling me out of nowhere what she's thankful for. I'm feeling all proud for taking her to the service and thinking wow she really does listen when we talk about what the meaning of Thanksgiving is. So here's what she says,

"I"m thankful for aunties and uncles, for mom and dad, Jonah and T, Grandma Linda, and Grandma Linda(she really has 2 grandma Lindas) Papa Steve, and Grandpa Jason, Bjorn, and Leighton, and God and Jesus and Santa . . ."

So there you have it, what can I say.

Hope you all had a Happy Thankful Thanksgiving.

say a little prayer

2008-11-25T22:31:00.001-08:00

If you think of it can you please say a little prayer for Aaron and I. We are sharing at our church's Thanksgiving service about T's adoption. Will you pray that God gives us the words HE wants us to say and that people will feel encouraged by our story. OH and pray that I'm not too long winded and that I don't cry the whole time. It's so hard to talk about something so close to your heart and not cry. I mean it's Ok to cry a little, I just don't want to get to ugly cry. You know. It's really late I need to go to bed.

Thanks for praying!

Podcasting - a new frontieer

2008-11-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am Valerie's husband, Aaron, and I am putting a new podcast of Jonah and Lydia reading their books. This is my first post on here and one of very few until Valerie learns to do this. I don't know if that will happen but I am glad to guest star on here. Just click on the mp3 at the right or the title of this post and download it or press play for immediate satisfactions...and that's it. Enjoy!

Aaron

I've been tagged

2008-11-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Nicole to tell you 6 quirky things about me. Quirky is such a hard word, so I"ll just go for it and maybe some of you will learn something about me you never knew before. The rest of you will just nod in agreement.

1. I almost always leave the last swallow in the glass of whatever I'm drinking. I"m not sure why, but It has driven those I live with (past and present) crazy.

2. Whenever I'm driving down the road and I meet a motorcycle coming toward me I have this irrational fear that I am going to lose control of my vehicle and run into the poor sap on the motorcycle and send him flying into the air.

3.I have always wanted to be a cowgirl. Now, to some of you, you may think I was a cowgirl because I grew up on a farm and we raised cattle, but we never had horses. Even though I always wanted a horse and do all the cool cowgirl things like ride a horse, rope calves and all of that. But, my dad always said "no". poor, poor Valerie.

4. I love, love, love to talk on the phone. It's how I get my dishes done, my kitchen cleaned, my problems solved.

5. I always have something to say. (This was the quirk my husband wanted me to add) But it's true, wether good or bad I love to visit and share my opinion, sometimes complain but most of the time hopefully be an encouragement.

6. Some women have a shoe fetish or have to buy a purse every time they go into a store. My weakness when it's comes to shopping is . . . are ready. . . wait for it. . . SCHOOL SUPPLIES! I have been known many times to buy all kinds of school supplies that I do not need or can not think of a need for. It's just when those cute little cardboard bins come out with all the latest pens, pencil, notebooks I just can't help myself.

And so just for fun I am going to tag Shannon and find out what her 6 quirky things are, and find out if I can learn anything new about my favorite sister-in-law!

check it out

2008-11-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Just in case you want a sneak peak of some beautiful pictures, check Susie B's blog.

2008-11-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorite things about adding the latest member to our family.

-The darkest most soulful eyes I"ve ever looked into.

-"Show me your funny face!" with a little snort that goes with with it.

- Two little girls giggling in a tent about who knows what.

-Curious little fingers that can reach the tops of bathroom counters and tables and even knock down the cricket cage ( our gecko's food). Have you ever hunted 30 crickets in your house and tried NOT to kill them?

- Hearing "Da-Da" again

- A one year old who does the best sumo wrestler stomp you've ever seen. And she can get everyone in the room doing it!

- Watching the world in the wonder of a 1 year old's eyes. Even a drinking straw is cool to them.

-The most sincere six year old's prayer thanking Jesus for the baby He sent us and all the things she can do.

-Being hugged so tightly it involves both arms and legs. It feels like you could let go of the child and they would just stay clinging to your torso, I've never let go, but the girl knows how to squeeze. She is the best squeezer ever!

-Falling in love.

Princess T you have stolen my heart, you are such a wonderful addition to our family and I thank God for every part of you.

I'm calling it Rainbow Alfredo

2008-11-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today we were getting back from a photo shoot/play date with my very talented friend Susie B and it was supper time. (I promise beautiful pictures at a later date!) Anyway it was the dreaded decision of what to make for supper. I scanned my cupboards, checked out my fridge and got a little creative. I came up with this great recipe from all the things I had on hand. And I'm writing it down just so I don't forget it. If I were really cool like the pioneer woman I would have a pictures of the process and the finished product on here, but I don't think that far a head so I'll just share the recipe. Oh and the best part is my kids ate it. Here it is:

Rainbow Alfredo

1/2 package of bacon

1/2 box of penne pasta

1/2 carton of grape tomatoes

handful of frozen peas

a couple hand fulls of frozen carrots

1 jar of Alfredo sauce

a little (like 1/2 cup) spaghetti sauce

Parmesan cheese

Fry the bacon, cook the pasta according to the box, bring you frozen carrots to a boil and cook for a couple of minutes. After the bacon is finished, pour the drained pasta in the drippings, add the vegetables, Alfredo sauce, spaghetti sauce to the skillet. Mix all together and put in a casserole dish, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake at 350F for about 15 minutes.

Yummy and pretty too!

A sense of accomplishment

2008-11-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

I have a 100 other things I should be doing right now, but I just had to share with all of you that I just did something I have never done before. It gave me a great sense of accomplishment. Those of you with big families will laugh but I just took 4 kids to the grocery store and survived! My 3 plus my neighbor girl who is 4. We had a talk about how you act in the store and it went beautifully. It was even kind of fun.

The best part was when we were in the checkout line and the bagger guy asked if I wanted to carry my eggs out or if they could go in the crate for drive up. I looked at him and then at the 4 little ones around me and said they have just as good of a chance out there as with me. He said yeah I guess you have your hands full! It was great. Hope you all have a happy Monday!

2008-11-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well, we were blessed with fun friends and nice weather for trick-or-treating. We walked around our block and showed off our costumes. The neighbors were all out and everyone had a great time visiting one of the last times before we all go into hibernation for the winter.

"T" the duck

Jonah the knight

And Liddybell

Our cousin cowboy Leighton and Horse Maverick came to get some candy too!