Here We Grow Again

Jada Video!

2012-01-21T11:44:00.000-06:00

I hope this works. Scroll down and pause my music at the bottom of the page.

Introducing Jada

2012-01-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

I try to keep my eyes on the waiting children lists for many reasons. One because WHAT IF MY child is on a list? The child that we don't even know we need? Could happen. It HAS happened. One has to be SMART about these things. Seriously, you just never know what God has for you if you are willing to ask and look!

The second reason is because of my Chenzhou babies. LOTS of babies who I know must certainly come up eventually. I have waited to see them, PRAYED to see them. And FINALLY one is available that I can try to help find a home for!

I would love to introduce you to her. I would love for you to fall in love with her. I would love to help her find her mommy. She is waiting!!

This is Joyous Jada. (the blonde is Christy, part of Team Chenzhou!)

She is almost 2 years old.

She is listed as having weakness in her arm and leg. I think it is probably Cerebral Palsy.

I am no doctor, but I would guess it is pretty severe. She did not sit, or bear weight on her legs.

But that is not who she is to us, not what defined her.

She is a fighter, look at her trying to pull up!

She is quite the little snuggle bug!

And curious about us. Look at those lips! Don't you just want to kiss on them?

Nothing sweeter than holding a sleeping baby!

And nothing harder than leaving her to lay on that flat bed.

Truth is, a family is going to have to be prepared for the unknown with this sweet girl. As I think is the case with most adoptions. Or giving birth for that matter! Reality is this baby girl has been in a crib most of her life, given maybe 2 hours per day. She has not had therapy, or even been encouraged to sit or support herself. She was one of the driving reasons for our bumbo drive. The kids NEED those things, so they can have a chance at a future Because really, how many of us are looking for an almost 2 year old who can't sit up? It is SCARY! To think of taking that on, well, not many would be able to to even imagine it.

But what if we could get PAST the scary part, and think of this sweet little soul. Who deserves SO.MUCH.MORE. than being stuck in a crib each day. Or propped in a corner. A baby girl. A LIFE created PERFECTLY by the Creator, who knit her together himself! Did He make a mistake? Of course not. He made her EXACTLY in His image and I believe He LONGS for her family to look past the scary and see the miracle. To look at this beautiful little girl and only see their daughter.

If you would like to know the specific agency that holds her file, please email me.

It is coming!

2012-01-04T23:18:00.003-06:00

6 months.

26 weeks.

183 days.

4392 hours.

However you want to look atit, on July 6^th Team Chenzhou will head back to China!

We will land in Shanghaiwhere we will spend a few days getting back on our feet.

Then we will fly down toChangsha with a bus ride to Chenzhou.

The kids are waiting. Thenannies and staff are waiting.

We NEED you! Plans are beingmade. Will you join us on Team Chenzhou 2012?

So many children wait. Themore we take, the more arms to hold babies. The more time we have to play withkids. The more love we can shower on the staff.

Yes, it takes money. Almost$4000.00.

Yep, it takes time. We aregone 2 full weeks.

It takes heart. And guts. Andpatience.

But oh how it GIVES so muchmore than it takes.

We go to change their lives.

Yet it is ours that are themost changed.

Would love to share with youhow you can go, love, be forever changed.

Click here to apply.

One Word

2012-01-02T22:32:00.000-06:00

I have heard this concept a few times and had been mulling over it. I am a big fan of January and the new promises that it can hold. I ENJOY making resolutions, lists of things that I AM going to change in this new year.

And typically by February, if not sooner, the lists are tucked away. I am back in the old habits and stuck right where I have always been.

So when I heard this idea about claiming a WORD, just one word, instead of a whole list of resolutions, it stuck in my head. It seemed so simple. To easy perhaps. Not enough details for me.

But the more I thought on it, the more I liked the idea. ONE word, that I could cling to each day. ONE word, from God, that could encompass exactly what it is HE wants me to change.

One word that could remind me to keep going. Not a list of things that I might fail at. Just one.

So I have been thinking, WHAT is MY word going to be? I mentally went through my list of resolutions that I once again NEED to work on. The usual never ending list that I can't seem to get on top of. I tried to come up with a word that could cover ALL of that list. Self Control was certainly up at the top. Patience. Grace.

But it was clear the Lord was not giving those to me.

And so I waited, and He did.

My word for 2012 is....

Awake

Websters defines Awake :

1: to cease sleeping

2: to become aroused or active again

3: to become conscious or aware of something <awoke to the possibilities>

And what does the Bible say about the word Awake?

Ephesians 5:14
For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Psalm 17:15

As for me, I will continue beholding Your face in righteousness (rightness, justice, and right standing with You); I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake [to find myself] beholding Your form [and having sweet communion with You].

Psalm 119:148
My eyes anticipate the night watches and I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word.

Matthew 26:41
All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Revelation 3:3
So call to mind the lessons you received and heard; continually lay them to heart and obey them, and repent. In case you will not rouse yourselves and keep awake and watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not know or suspect at what hour I will come.

And then some quotes that struck me...

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.
Carl Jung

the best dreams happen when you are awake.

Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake. Thoreau, Henry David

I think there are many reasons awake is MY word He gave me. I want to be AWAKE for so many things, in so many areas. I am pleading with the Lord to awaken my soul to HIM and what He has for me this year. To keep me AWAKE (fully present) for the moments I have with my children. To let my heart AWAKE to things I need to change. To STAY awake more because if you know me, you know I LIKE my sleep!

I am excited and anxious to see how the Lord reveals and uses this word through out 2012. I have also asked the rest of my household to claim a word, and that they would be in prayer and let the Lord give them their word. If you would like you can check out one of the sights I read about this idea.
And then what really pushed me was reading about it on my friend Lori's blog here.

Awaken 2012!

Merry Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T20:12:00.001-06:00

December in Review

Mark and I had a weekend away in Branson.
We hosted our Sunday School Group here.
I hosted a Christmas Youth Party at church. Fun and Crazy times!
Enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at Eckerts
Drove through the Lights at Santa's Magical Kingdom.
I managed to watch 2 seasons of Parenthood.
And read all 3 of the Hunger Games in 5 days. ;-)
I did not sleep much.
We had our Family Fondue Christmas. YUM!
Christmas upon Christmas Party with family.
We had the Annual Nativity which was as hilarious as always. Hope I can get it posted here.
Were joined by Shane & Elisa from China through Skype for Christmas Eve.
Visited with Marks brother and family in from Georgia.
Makenna & I traveled to Youth Encounter. Obviously she as a youth, me as a well not youth.
I actually enjoyed it, loud music and all.
Ate & ate and ate and ate

I think that about wraps it up! It was crazy and loud and fun. We stayed up late, we slept late, we played and played. I think Sage's prayer on Christmas though was the highlight.

"Dear God, I hope this is your BEST birthday ever, AMEN".

I hope your Christmas was Merry & Bright!

The Battle With In Me

2011-12-21T11:39:00.000-06:00

As most every other parent in the USA I am in the midst of Christmas Crazy. Wrapping, shopping, balancing my lists to make sure each child is going to open EQUAL presents.

I have STRUGGLED with even what to get my 5 children this year. I am a gift giver. I LOVE to give gifts. People who do not share this love language can't understand this. Though I think as moms, we all love to give and see our chidren's faces light up as they tear into packages.

But with 5 children, FOUR of those girls, we have it all. So I find myself making up things they "need" just to be sure they get something to open. I find myself bending to the challenge of getting the gift that is sold out and hard to find. I find myself buying simply so they can open.

Not all true. I actually tried to put some practicality into my choices this year. Things that will be used instead of played with. We did set a budget (Thank you Dave Ramsey) and amazingly I stuck to it. Something I typically struggle with.

Part of our gift giving involves donating to a cause in different peoples names. In lieu of teacher gifts we choose to give in their honor to the cause we feel is needed. It has been much better received than any of the other creative "junk" I have given. And so today as I sat down to figure out what we will be doing I was consumed with sadness. We have contacted Chenzhou, and they said they are in need of warm clothing for the kids. One of my amazing team members , Megan, did a clothing drive to get clothes over. I wish you could all know her heart for the orphan. I wish you could all know HER. Love that girl and SOOO thankful I get her as my team member! She was able to send over 3 suitcases of clothes. She was guessing that was about 50 outfits! WOW! Our family is in the process of giving more warm clothes to add to that. Because the thought of my babies over there in the cold, while I sit here in my warm house with my warm clothes, makes me so sick.

It puts things into perspective when I start wrapping up the toys for MY children, that around the world, those kids, whom I also consider MINE, are freezing. Just because I can't adopt all of them, I know that God has called me to care for Chenzhou, as if it is my own.

It causes a battle in me. The battle to fit in with this world I live in. Of designer boots, dream vacations and i-phones/i-pads-pods, etc. And the battle to sell out for what tugs at my heart. Am I wrong to want things for ME and for my children? I don't know. I don't think we are ALL called to sacrifice those things. BUT if God has laid it on MY heart to REALLY care for the orphan, THEN is it wrong if I choose ME over them? Is that what I am doing, choosing me? No one can argue my heart for orphans. Obviously I plan to return in July, so is that enough? Is it enough to raise funds to send over bumbo seats or send a few fruit baskets for the nannies to enjoy? To provide air conditioning? To keep the communication lines open, reminding them I still think of them? Somehow it does not feel enough. It feels like things I can check off the list. Not that those are not great, because they ARE. I am SO thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of this story of helping the kids of Chenzhou with bumbos and air conditioning. I don't take those lightly. They are GOOD things.

But is it enough? From ME? That is the question.

Can you hear me now?

2011-11-28T13:06:00.000-06:00

This is Mavery with her picture of the Floating Lights. Do YOU know what the Floating lights are? You would if you lived here and had watched Tangled exactly 52 times in the last week. Good thing it is one of my favorites. And if you have not seen it, I am sure you would enjoy it!

Mavery is doing better. Her emotions have been WAY up and then WAY down this weekend. For example. She asked me to curl her hair. She has alot of hair, but I started to curl. And curl. Till suddenly she started screaming, I want my hair straight! Ok stop curling. NO I want my hair CURLY! And on we went till I finally convinced her to watch Tangled, Again. We tried to go out on Black Friday. Because we are idiots. And desperate to leave the house. We thought just a short stroll to the Apple Store and dinner. Apple store was not so bad. She played computer games for awhile. Then it was meltdown time. And a 6 year old throwing herself on the floor who I can't pick up and straddle on my hip to carry out because of her surgery is not fun. I promise. We finally got her out and Mark was still hopeful for dinner. I was hopeful for Rapture. We compromised on Steak & Shake drive thru, which made Mavery happy. As well as ending the evening with... Tangled. ;-) This is just how it goes each time for her. Drugs are GOOD in the hospital. Drugs are BAD when you come off of them.

Today was our meeting with the Ear Nose and Throat Doctor. They once again tested her hearing. And the audiologist once again said she suggested double hearing aides and was sure the doctor would agree. She then proceeded to tell us about getting the hearing aides, how they work etc. Then we met with the doctor. First, I am not sure how many people have been in a waiting room that proclaims Jesus. This is the only place I have been, and believe me, I have seen MANY medical facilities. I am not talking about a cross on the wall. I am talking bibles and christian reading on the shelves. A doctor whose faith just pours from him when he invites you in. I adore him, he is so amazing.

He said there is no way he thinks Mavery needs hearing aides. (Say what?) In his opinion, her hearing is heart related (interesting) and will not get worse. (Praise God!) He thinks it is not bad enough to warrant aides and that with the right speech therapy she will be just fine. I confirmed that the audiologist said AGAIN she needs aides. He just smiled and said, she does not. What she does need is a good ear cleaning once a year (yuck!) and he will re check her then, but no aides. She is fine.

FINE.

It is as if the angels were singing. I sat there stunned and so really did not ask questions. I asked Mavery if she understood that she does not have to wear hearing aides and she was not happy. I mean come on, purple hearing aides she was going to name Papa Larry were pretty exciting in her head.

I asked Mark if we could spend the money we saved on a cruise instead.

That is a joke. We did not HAVE the money for hearing aides. And now, we don't have to worry.

She is fine. WE are fine. And God is good.

Home!!

2011-11-24T19:26:00.001-06:00

It was a long night, because of course when you sleep all day who needs to sleep at night?? Mavery was quite ready to go home this morning, as were we! The hospital was so quiet today, only a skeleton staff. Which means everything takes awhile. Had a chest xray, watched enchanted, again. Finally, we were free! Slept away the afternoon, turkey dinner was delivered and enjoyed. Grammy & Papa have the rest of the kids for the weekend so we can spoil ms mavery! Happy and thankful!

All is well!

2011-11-23T21:33:00.001-06:00

Mavery is doing great! She slept the entire 6 hours after, praise the Lord! We were told we would have a room mate but came to a private room, thankful! She has been so sweet and calm this evening and we are now enjoying watching enchanted while she drinks a smoothie and enjoys some fruit. Her night nurse has been our same nurse every single hospital stay, and remembers Ms Mavery well! All the way back to our first visit 3 years ago when mavery paraded the halls in her cowgirl boot slippers, her purse and her bling! As much as we don't enjoy being in the hospital, we have used every chance we get to share our story, Maverys story. She has loved handing out treats we made to her nurses. We are so thankful God let us parent this sweet girl.

Update so far...

2011-11-23T11:39:00.001-06:00

Mavery is done! We are waiting to see her but just talked to the surgeon. Great words to hear "we like you guys, but we don't want to see you for a long time, stay away! " First time for a good report since we started on this journey of the heart 3 years ago. They ballooned the right pulmonary artery, and placed 2 more stents in the right. Eventually these will need dilated as she grows, but prayerfully, not for a long time. And the valve is leaky, but unless we see signs(over tired) they will wait till she is older to mess with it. We are feeling very very thankful. But now the fun begins. 5-6 hours of lying flat! I hope they can keep her drugged. Or me drugged, either way. :-)

Update time for tomorrow

2011-11-22T18:11:00.001-06:00

Cath lab called tonight and moved Mavery up to arrive at 645 am! This is great news! Means we can stay in cath lab(on the good drugs!) till she can get up. They said they called in an extra anesthesiologist. The lady who called has been with us each procedure, she knows our girl well!

Cardiac cath Wednesday

2011-11-22T10:13:00.001-06:00

Testing to see if I can post from my phone. Tomorrow we are supposed to be at Children's Hospital at 10am for mavery's cath. I'm guessing it will be noon or later before they actually start. Yes we will be there overnight. Yes we will prayerfully be home on Thanksgiving. She has been acting more tired lately so we are anxious to get this over. And as I made the appointment and asked for an earlier time, I was told before her is a heart transplant. So I am thankful that we are not there, that my daughter "just needs" a heart cath. Thanks for praying!

Mavery's Medical Madness

2011-11-17T13:45:00.000-06:00

I have some posts about ready. As it IS birthday season here. But I wanted to give an update on Mavery and her many doctor appointments recently.

We started with cavities. Her first. Besides the fact that I am wondering if my dentist just ENJOYS getting $ from us, I just can't imagine because she is a good "brusher". I think we will get a 2nd opinion on this one.
Hearing. Since Mavery started school, they tested her for speech and she flunked the test. Or passed, however you want to look at it. It is no surprise to us. She talks well, she learned English at the speed of lightening. BUT there are many sounds she struggles with. So they set up all our appointments to get her speech therapy while in school. They went ahead and did a hearing test, which she failed. Thinking MAYBE it was just her having waxy ears, they suggested we go on to an audiologist.
She failed that too. SO, the suggestion is that she gets double hearing aides. We see the doctor later this month to discuss what all of this means. It is the higher sounds she is missing. It was almost as if an light bulb went off. It COULD explain SO much of her behavior. Which brings out a whole lot of guilt. In me. I have lots more to say on this, hopefully soon.
Heart check up was this week. She did AMAZING, oh when I remember back on those early echo's, they were SO hard and now she just cooperates. They scanned FOREVER which is never a good sign. Her pressures in the arteries are up. They SHOULD be 20, they were 40 lat check and now up to 60. We are seeing signs of this, she is more tired than usual. Which is scary now that we know. So, they will be doing a cath to go in and dilate both arteries. Which means they go in the left and right side. We have done this, what 4 or 5 times now? But still not something you want for your child. She will be under and we will be there overnight. Mavery does not do well with sedation so prayerfully this will go smoothly.

As we have had each appointment, we have been adding up the costs of all we will have to pay out of pocket. It is not good. It is more than not good. Especially since we have been trying SO hard to pay off our debt (which surprisingly enough is all Mavery! ;-) ) We have been in a class of Dave Ramsey, and trying, REALLY trying.

But today I am reminded of the BLESSING we have that Mavery is HERE! She is ours, and she is ALIVE! IF we had not adopted her, the chances that she would have had more done to fix her heart were slim. In fact, the chances that they would have even caught that aneurysm, well I have a feeling there is one way they would have known it was there. Not a good way either.

We appreciate your prayers as we finish out this year with lots of doctors. So thankful for a loving Father who cared so much for Mavery He allowed us to parent her. I will update as we get a date on that heart cath.

Happy Halloween! 2011

2011-10-31T21:41:00.013-05:00

This IS your Final Destination-Judgement House 2011

2011-10-25T21:20:00.001-05:00

A Mom-Van

2011-10-20T00:11:00.001-05:00

I overheard a conversation of someone talking about how they don't want to drive a van.

ANYTHING but a van.

That has always made me laugh because I could not WAIT to drive a van! Even when I was pregnant with Makenna, we bought a van! We lived out of town and we wanted to be able to ride with our guests when they visited.

We also traveled home often and so it just made sense.

And seriously, I have not done much in life that really MAKES SENSE.

So the fact that I was EXCITED about a van, kind of strange.

Thinking about how so many people are against vans, just makes me ponder. What is it that for some make them so UN -COOL? And why for me, is it not a big deal?

I am not going to try to figure out everyone else. I honestly don't get it simply because they are comfortable, much more comfortable than an SUV. I have had both. I do know. They are great on gas. They hold a ton.

But for me...

I am PROUD to drive a van. Because it is a symbol of being a mom.

And I love being a mom. I really do.

Yes, some days I complain. Ok, ALOT of days I complain.

And I get tired. Stressed. Crabby. MEAN!

But I still love my job. Mommy to 5.

I love that we not only drive a mini van but that we HAD to get a larger van.

To seat more. 15 to be exact.

Because God blessed us for a season with a baby boy, and his even his mama at times.

I love that my husband urged me to fill out an application to invite even MORE into that van.

So you can have your SUV's and your fancy cars. But give me a van any day.

Though if it were possible to add a glass partition between the front row and children, I would have no complaints!

Gotcha Mavery THREE YEARS!!

2011-10-13T23:08:00.000-05:00

So much to say about Ms Mavery since that day we got her 3 years ago. Mavery Monday, remember? It has been quite the ride these last 3 years. Up and down emotionally, physically and mentally. As I read back on some of the posts through these past years such as this one or back in the beginning this... I can read those now and smile.

We made it.

In one of the posts I talked about how sometimes I am told it takes as long as a child lived in an orphanage to adjust.

For Mavery that was almost 3 years.

And here we are.

THREE YEARS..

God is good. We are blessed.

There are times I look back on the hard days, and I feel much guilt. Things I could have done better. Some of the selfishness on my part. And there still is. I get tired. Worn down.

Yet the Lord is good to remind me, that I did the best I could at the time. It was not always perfect, but it was all I had.

I remember at times wishing AHEAD to when things settled down. It seemed SO FAR away to think of being home 3 years, but it was like this magic number I held in my heart.

And while I hate that time is going SO fast, life really is good.

Mavery is a miracle. She is MY miracle. And I am so, so thankful that I am her mommy.

She is a different child than the one we met in China. The one home a year, or even 2.

No doubt, she still does better in a routine. She still prefers to hang out at time with adults. She still can spin out of control when she is tired. Like alot of other children who are 5.

But when I look at her now, MY heart is softer. There is a tenderness there that is new. The wall that came up before at times when she would begin to scream, is gone.

I see SO much of the good now.

She is my little artist. She LOVES to color and draw pictures.

Her favorite is to write WOW Mom, love Mavery.

Wow! My Mavery has AMAZING handwriting and drawing skills!

Wow! She can ride a 2 wheeler like a pro. Down "green grass hill" (our yard) and over the skate ramp.

Wow! She has yet to meet a stranger. She LOVES everyone and makes you feel like your her best friend.

Wow! She is the most polite and thoughtful child. Will share ANYTHING she has.

Wow! If you have not had a Mavery hug, you are missing out! And her kisses? She still has the best kissy lips ever!

Wow! She ALWAYS picks up, puts her shoes away, follows directions. (especially if it is ROUTINE!)

Wow! She has such a tender heart.

Don't get me wrong, if you know her you know she is full of SPUNK. ESPECIALLY if we are out of routine. She is brutally honest, so you NEVER doubt what she is thinking. She will tell you if you are old, have funny hair, done something she is not happy with, or doing something wrong. She can't always control her curiosity so if she wants to see what you are wearing under your dress, she will look! She has one volume so in a quiet place is not a good thing. She has a mouth on her at times and I was told this week that I was a mean mom because I do not let her say bad words like the neighbors mom does. We have to keep an eye on her because we never know whose lap she will be in, whose food she will be eating, or whose purse she might be going through! Thankfully we are surrounded by family and friends who love our girl and enjoy her! Well, maybe not the pulling up the dress part! ;-)

3 years. She has now lived with us officially longer than she lived in the orphanage. I love that we have reached that point. Big stuff really when you think about it.

Last week I was telling her how beautiful her hair is. She is PROUD of her hair and gets REALLY angry with me when I even trim her bangs. And she has GREAT hair. It is THICK and wavy and perfect. I asked her if she was sad in China when they would cut her hair. She said "Yes, they used this cutter thing like this and I would cry because they would cut it ALL off and I wanted long hair"! I was shocked, I did not think she could remember, but obviously she does, because what she described was a razor. And of course she had a shaved head in most photos and on gotcha day.

Her past is a part of her, and of course we don't want her to forget. BUT, we want her to be able to look back KNOWING that she is here now. Forever. Loved. Wanted. Chosen.

So thankful for a God who carries us, directs us and loves us BIG. Thankful that He opened our eyes to adoption. So thankful that the little girl we met 3 years ago who we worried would never smile, now smiles from head to toes. So thankful for 3 years with Ms Mavery!

Malaine is NINE!

2011-10-11T19:22:00.052-05:00

What can I say about my Lainey bug? My little love bug. My middle child. Easy, sweet, lovely. As I worked on this blog and went through my photos of Malaine, I decided to take a trip down memory lane. So here are some past pictures and 9 great things about our little Lainey.

She smiles. ALWAYS. She is a pleaser, and I have to make sure that no one takes advantage of that. I was going through her closet choosing a Sunday outfit and I lay out a dress for her. She came in and told me it did not fit quite right, which I knew it did. I asked her if she does not like the dress, and she refused to tell me she did not like it, because I had picked it out!

She wants a baby in our family in the worst way. She LOVES babies. ADORES babies. When she grows up she wants to.. be a mom! With lots of adopted babies. I can't wait to take her to China. Someday.

Is my child that actually plays with toys. So many times I buy toys feeling as if they will not get played with. Malaine PLAYS. She has lots of imagination and loves EACH of her toys. American Girl DOLLS, barbie DOLLS. BABY dolls, all rank high.

She is still homeschooled and an easy student. Because even when I have a bad day, Lainey smiles! She does tell me that if I would adopt again she would happily go to school. ;-)

Loves the Lord and has such a tender heart. She was baptized this year and loves being a "princess of the King!"

Makes friends no matter where we go. I am proud of her for always trying to make sure everyone has a friend.

Still has part monkey to her. She loves to climb, hang, you name it. Is in gymnastics this year and today was the first day she said, It is HARD.

Was able to have a part in our production at church this year, Judgement House. She LOVED being a part of Gods story for 2 weeks.

Is a prayer warrior. If you ask this girl to pray, she is ON it. She LOVES to pray and is quick to remind us who we forgot to pray for. I always trust that when you ask her to pray, it comes from her heart.

Happy Birthday sweet girl, we are so thankful for you!

Wedding Weekend!

2011-10-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

The first weekend of September we were able to celebrate my "baby" cousin Brett, getting married. Obviously, he is all grown up now and we are so proud of the Godly man he has grown into. And we are thrilled to welcome our new cousin Rachel into this crazy family! I did not get any ceremony photos, I was to busy controlling the 3 ring circus in my row. Rachel was a beautiful bride and we all had such a great time! Sage is already asking when they are going to have babies and if those babies are going to come from China! ;-)

Posts not showing..

2011-10-05T20:38:00.002-05:00

I have no idea why some people are not able to see all my posts. I am trying to figure out what the issue is, sorry!!

Makenna is 14!!!

2011-10-01T22:36:00.014-05:00

Yep, it is true. My firstborn has now moved on from that first year of turning a teenager to being just one year away from being able to have a driving permit. GULP. She enjoys the fact that she often gets asked if she is 16. We do not enjoy that. BUT we are enjoying her as she grows, so here are 14 things about Makenna.

She is as tall as me now.

Grammy took her for a makeup makeover. Beautiful girl. Those eyes.

She wears the same size shoe as me. (I wish it were the same size clothes!)

She desperately wants to return to China.

So she is trying to "bake" her way there.

She loves to bake and has decided instead of being a vet maybe she wants to own her own cofee shop/bakery.

She loves being a part of the youth worship band, and spent the evening of her birthday doing praise & worship with the band.

Nothing makes my mama heart prouder than watching my children worship the Lord.

In our co-op this year she is learning to knit! She is a lefty so that has made it a bit more difficult when the teacher does not know how to teach lefty's but Makenna was able to learn it right handed.

She was in a production of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe this summer and LOVED it.

She ran her first 5K recently and ran the entire way! She ran for LIFE.

She is a night owl like her mama. We don't do mornings.

She is still homeschooling but is taking math and science through a co-op this year.

She is competitive so give her a challenge and she works REALLY hard at it.

She is dependable. I worry about nothing when I ask her to do it.

She is opinionated. I have NO IDEA where she gets that from. ;-)

I think that is 14. I am so proud of Makenna. Though at times we want to strangle each other (I have a feeling we are just a bit to much alike in many ways!) I truly think she is amazing. There is nothing she enjoys more than serving others and serving the Lord. I know that the Lord has big plans for this girl of mine.

The Airport Equals China for us!

2011-09-29T08:27:00.000-05:00

Drive In fun!

I am pretty sure my childrenthink that the St Louis airport only goes to one place. TO China. Home fromChina.

Mark tends to travel often,but we do not go to the airport with him. So they really only head that way if it involves something big.

Friends Adopting = a trip tothe airport. One came from China. Theother, well not far from China and in their eyes don’t all adoptions happen inChina?

Last summer we had thecollege student staying with us, the baby we had custody of. We made quite a few trips to theairport. To China. Home from China. To China.

We traveled to China in June. They dropped us off. They picked us up.

My brother Shane came homefrom China in July.

In August we went to pick upShane’s girlfriend at the airport. From where? Well China of course!

First time to make smores!

And then we had our most recent trip to the airport as we sent Shane and Ellisa off to…China.

First time to TASTE smores, and it was not a winner!

It was so great to haveShane home this summer. He left last July to serve in China as a“teacher.” I was lucky to be able to seehim while at Chenzhou, and to meet his girlfriend, whom I adore. It was great fun to have her here andexperience her first taste of the USA. We loaded her up on the good ole American Diet. We went up in the arch, tried Root BeerFloats at Fitz’s, went to the Drive In, boating on the lake, she experienced an American wedding (pictures to come), Cardinal Game, church, and more! For the record, Root Beer Floatswere NOT a hit. ;-)

The Arch!

And then we had to say goodbyeto her and Shane both as they headed back to China together. We are so happy that Shane has been called toserve in a place that we love. Even though it is SO FAR AWAY, we know he isexactly where he is supposed to be, doing exactly what he is supposed to do.Not to mention skype is an amazing thing!

Brother Sawyer

2011-09-28T23:07:00.000-05:00

This week, on Sunday night we had an exciting evening. We put all the kids to bed but with in about30 minutes Sawyer was back upstairs. He had this look of terror on his face andcould not speak. We asked what was going on and he finally gets out throughtears that he felt that God had just spoke to him and was telling him to be ayouth pastor. He was so shaken up and SOcertain that he had heard from Him!

Of course we encouraged him and prayed with him and told himhow AMAZING that is that at 11 years old he already had heard from the Lord onwhat he is going to do with the rest of his life! We also reminded him that this meant he DOEShave to go to college and could not fulfill his dream of being a video gamedesigner. Though we assured him that hecould design LOTS of things for youth! ;-)

This boy is a blessing to us for sure. He has such a tenderheart and sweet spirit. Mark and I havesecretly always said to each other we thought he would make a great pastor, hehas that personality. But we never saidthat to him.

My prayer is that Sawyer will ALWAYS remember hearing Godsvoice and calling on his life. He is only 11, and so when he turns 13, 16, 21,and the world presses in, I pray he will look back and remember, I pray he willstay on course.

I did ask him if he was certain that the Lordhad not told him he has another sister waiting in China. He asked me if he did hear that if Mark would believe him. I told him lets wait and see if God tells him that and then we will find out. ;-)

Team Chenzhou 2012

2011-09-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Yep, plans are being made!

Sign ups are happening!

Will you join us?!

Click here...

Updates on Air & my sweet Rosebud

2011-09-15T23:10:00.000-05:00

When my mom tells me it is time to blog, I know I am REALLY being a blog slacker! I hate that I have not kept up better, I WANT to share all the things going on. Hopefully by the time 2011 ends I will catch up with our busy year! I THINK life is actually calming down, if that is possible.

I do have lots of pictures with some fun things we did this summer to come, I promise. BUT I had to share some updates on Chenzhou. If you scroll down a few posts you will read about my collection of money to send them some air conditioners that they were in need of. And you will read about my Rosebud, sweet baby girl.

I will start with the air. We were able to send over enough money for them to buy 2 air conditioners and a heater! The units are for the hospital wing, which is where the new babies stay and of course the sick babies. Not everyone who gave sent in a photo, but many did and I love that they did hang them around the unit!

The 2nd news to share is about my Rosebud and how amazing God is. If you remember, Chenzhou told me she was being adopted and my understanding was that it was a domestic adoption. Well last week I opened an email from an unfamiliar name and it was telling me she was adopting from Chenzhou, she found my blog, and I referred to her baby as ROSEBUD. Let me tell you, the tears of JOY that fell. We exchanged a few emails with a promise to call so we could talk about "our" baby. Her mama's first words to me were "You are my baby's angel". We had a wonderful well over 2 hour talk as I was able to share all the reason why I fell in love with this little peanut that would soon come home! I have no idea why the translation came through as domestic, the communication gap is such a problem. But thank goodness that this mama was searching for info on Chenzhou and we were able to connect! She said that she received the referral 2 weeks after her birthday and was so upset to miss her birthday. And then she found pictures of her party that I gave her! I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to be just a tiny bit of Rosebud's story. Maybe all I was to be was someone to cover her in prayer for awhile. Her family has waited FIVE years for her, and while she is one lucky girl, I know they are really the lucky ones. She is going to be such a blessing for them. When Chenzhou sent the photos of the air, they also sent me some photos of RB in an outfit I had sent over.

Look at her! I was just in China 3 months ago and this baby was not even sitting! She is standing!! And looking older, and oh so beautiful! I can't help but hope that MAYBE our bumbos and exersaucers helped out a bit.

Her family is actually in China and will be holding this angel in her arms on Monday. I am so thankful, an orphan no more. My sweet little Rosebud, forever loved.

Kindergarten Rocks

2011-08-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

When your babies are babies, kindergarten seems so far away. When you are dealing with two 3 year olds and ready to pull your hair out, kindergarten seems TO far away.

Breakfast Celebration before School! Decor by Makenna & Sawyer. Omelet by Daddy!

And then, suddenly, it comes.

K is for Kindergarten!

No matter how ready they are, and on some days how ready I am, how can one EVER really be ready?

So excited!

It is one thing when it is child #2 or even #3. But the BABIES of the family?

As many of you know, we sent our older 3 to Victory Christian for kindergarten. (some beyond) And now we homeschool them. I am a huge fan of school kindergarten for many reasons.

We knew that we would probably not be able to afford Victory for the girls. We also realized that Mavery was going to need a bit more than they could offer, even if we could afford it. Along with the fact their preschool teacher strongly suggested the girls being in their own classes. Things we could only get at our local public school.

A school we pay a whole bunch in taxes for that we have not used.

So with much prayer we signed them up.

I worried. They tested Mavery and questioned if she was ready. At almost 6 years old I felt I could not really hold her back.

I worried because, well, there are things I prefer about homeschool. No matter what others say.

I have to throw this in. I find it humorous how many opinions there are on schooling. How many have applauded me for sending them to public school INSTEAD of homeschool. As if I finally did something right. ;-) Though my homeschool mommy friends? Have all been very supportive of my decision. Well to my face anways. ;-)

I have always tried to maintain my stand on school. I am not a homeschool snob who snubs their nose at those who do public school swearing you would die before you send your innocent children to school. (you people are annoying!) And I am not a public school snob who snubs their nose at those who homeschool with the always ALWAYS quick comment of “I could NEVER homeschool”. (you people are REALLY annoying) Because yes you COULD, if God called you to it!

I am simply a mom of many children with a whole variety of needs. Yes, God has called our family to homeschool our 3 older children. And for now, He has also opened up a door for our girls to go to a school that can meet their needs. What will we do next year?? I have NO CLUE! We just take it day by day, prayer by prayer around here.

Ok, where was I? Oh yeah, sending off my babies. Being worried.

First day came, and I actually did ok. It was only 3 hours the first day and they both went in so easily. Everyone was so sweet and friendly. No big deal, I walked them to their desk, helped them unpack their backpacks. Mark was there.

Then day 2. A full day. I could only walk them to their door per the school. They looked so little walking in that room, I walked away and burst into tears.

Some say sending your kids to school is natural. It is just part of their growing up. Really?? Because there is NOTHING that feels natural to me about sending my 5 years olds off for someone else to raise ALL DAY EVERY DAY.

Don’t get me wrong. There are some REALLY great things about them going. We have not started homeschooling, so I have been able to do things like deep clean my house, organize, have fun with the big kids doing big kid things. It is QUIET. It is EASIER.

And, they love school so far. They are learning, they are happy. Mavery is doing SO well. A routine agrees with her. They are thrilled to see each other at the end of the day.

But I do miss them. And I am jealous that I miss the best parts of their day. I envy their teachers for what they are experiencing that I am not a part of. They are MINE and yet I get less time with them than the government, I mean school.

We asked Sage what her favorite thing about school is. She chimed in with the bus, which they ride home. I asked, the bus, that is the best part? Her reply? I like the bus, it brings me home to you.

And that is my favorite part too.

Rosebud

2011-08-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

You might have read my posts about a precious little blossom I fell in love with while at Chenzhou this summer. If not, feel free to hear my heart here and here.

I knew that to adopt her would take a miracle.

I also KNOW the God of miracles and believe in His plans.

So, I felt pretty secure in trusting that if she was meant to be mine, she would be.

Through some conversations with Chenzhou, it led to some conversations with my husband. Who is convinced we are done.

Funny guy he is. I should remind you he was done 3 kids ago.

BUT, because he loves God more than his own agenda, he agreed to tell Chenzhou we would bring her home if we could.

I love him.

We passed this on to Chenzhou. And in return found out that Rosebud is going to be adopted domestically.

Mixed emotions.

One on hand, I am thrilled! She did not even have paperwork started. So to know she will have a family, it is what each child deserves!

BUT… She will remain in China. Forever. Does her family to be know God? Do they have a relationship with him? Will SHE know Him?

It confirmed to me WHY I am going. Why God has planted deep in my heart a love for this country. What my job is. And why I will return.

Chenzhou was so sweet when they told me the news. They felt bad! I assured them that I was thrilled for Rosebud to have a family, that is my prayer for each child.

What about us? Are we looking? Mark said he feels like this part of our marriage is ground-hog day. Every so many months we have the same exact same discussion. I am still not sure what the answer is. Honestly. I am open to another, BUT I also know I am being called to care for the orphans in more ways than adoption. So, for now, we just wait.

And for those of you who think we have enough? I am glad you have an opinion. That is great! However, I do not care.

Because until there are no more orphans, I will continue to be open to Gods plan.Whatever that might be.

2011-08-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

I.AM.ADDICTED.

If you know me even a little bit, you know that I have a bit of a problem with my brain.

IT.NEVER.STOPS.

It is full of ideas. I think about things, wonder, plan, dream. ALL the time.

I came across this sight called pinterest on a blog one day and knew I had to join. Especially when it said by invitation only. It MUST be good if you have to get invited!

Took me awhile to find someone to invite me. Once you join you only get a handful of invites to send out.

In no time at all I was hooked. Let me try to explain it. You have pinboards, as many as you would like. Think of it as a virtual bulletin board. Or even a bookmark on your computer. You see an idea you like, instead of book marking it, you pin it on your board. You can categorize things as much as you want. Which is my favorite part. I have tons of boards for holidays, kids, organization, school, recipes, favorite quotes, you name it.

It is a nice mindless activity. Nothing stressful about browsing other people’s boards and seeing their creative ideas then pinning it onto your own board for future use.

So while it does not help my never quiet brain, it DOES help me categorize all the ideas I have, or helps me come up with ways to implement them.

Sometimes I need to stop thinking of orphans and think of nothing. ;-)

If YOU would like an invitation, just email me. I am happy to get you addicted too!

Vacation 2011

2011-08-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

I will admit, I was not excited about vacation this year. I like vacation. I enjoy getting away with my family. In the last few years we have enjoyed the beach, Disney World, Amish Country & Hershey World.

One lane bridge we crossed on our way to the mine. We had an adventure!

Part of going to China this year meant we would have to forfeit an expensive vacation. We are very blessed that my parents own a condo down on a lake a few hours away, which means we always have a free get away when needed. That was our vacation plan.

Fitz Restaurant in KC

Kids love the train bringing our food.

But after China as the time drew near to leave, and I heard everyone else talking about their vacation plans, going to the lake did not sound so exciting. We ALWAYS go to the lake. What fun is there in that?

Mark won out though and to the lake we went. And you know what? It was FUN! It was relaxing. It was just what we needed this year. We did take a few days in Kansas City, just a short drive from the lake.

And it convinced me, it does not take tons of money to make memories with my children. Sometimes just getting away, together, is exactly what we need.

Time flies...

2011-08-19T14:26:00.000-05:00

Time flies when you are having fun! Actually it flies even when you are not having fun doesn't it? Posts to come...

Vacation Bible School, Rockin it Old School, 80s style!
Our Family Vacation
Goodbye Summer!
Hello Kindergarten, and our adjustment as our baby birds fly the nest.
My newest addiction.
Homeschool coming soon.
Updates on Chenzhou Air
Updates on my Sweet Rosebud
Organizing and Cleaning out
Welcoming a sweet friend from China to stay!

And more, hopefully soon.

Cooling off Chenzhou- Part 2

2011-08-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

I posted about Chenzhou needing an air conditoner and in less than 24 hours, the money was there.

In Awe.

Amazed.

Humbled.

More than half the money came from a 13 year old girl who had been fundraising and was trying to decide what to do with her money. Honestly, how many 13 year old's DO THAT??

Amazed.

Here is the thing. When I prayed about raising the funds, I asked God to send it by Monday. So we could get the money there as quickly as possible.

Not only did He bring it by Monday He brought it RIGHT THEN!

Humbled.

A family is in China now. Adopting one of the sweet 4 year old girls. She was able to visit rooms I did not see and saw the need for air in 3 different rooms. She confirmed THEY.NEED.THIS.

So after some prayer I felt why just ONE unit when they need 3?

I already had families wanting to help, so here we go.

My goal is to send THREE air conditioners.

I need to raise $1000 more to cover the extra 2.

Same concept as before, send in $25, your photo goes on a heart to be placed around the unit!
(my brother returns to China in just a few weeks and will be mailing these when he is back)

Let's bless these babies!

Cooling off Chenzhou!

2011-08-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

This week I received a new photo from Chenzhou of the babies in bumbos. As I quickly scanned the photo, drinking in each precious face, my eyes stopped on one of our little boys. Hiding in the back. His head covered in a bandage.

I quickly emailed back asking what was wrong. Funny, these children, it is like they are MINE. Each of us from Team Chenzhou feel the same. These are not just babies in photos, they are our babies. We have nicknames for them, we laugh over memories, or cry. So a photo of Big Al with his head bandaged had us all on alert.

They answered quickly saying that he has a boil on his head and the heat aggravates it. They then asked if we could help them get an air conditioner for the hospital room, which I am assuming, is where the babies go when they have things such as a boil on their head.

At first I was a bit nervous. It is one thing to raise money for bumbos, knowing there is not necessarily a set amount. I raise what I can, I send what I can. . But an air conditioner, it has a price tag. If I say I will give it, but then can’t raise it, well, I will be letting down not only the staff, but all of my babies who are sitting there HOT. Especially the sick ones.

After some time in prayer I know that this can be done and NEEDS to be done. Quickly. Here is the plan.

I am asking for donations.

For each $25 donation you give, I would like to have a photo of your family or child/children emailed to me. shannonlaxton@gmail.com

I will print the photos and attach them to a heart with your family name.

The hearts will be delivered to Chenzhou where I am going to ask them to "decorate" around the air conditioner.

You CAN give more than $25! You will get a heart for each $25 donation.

The goal? 25 hearts. $600.

Deadline is August 25th.

I have been in awe of how amazing everyone has been to help out with giving to Chenzhou! I don't even have the words to thank you. I pray that each person who has given will know what a difference YOU are making in the lives of not only a child, but in those who work daily with the kids. They are noticing, WE CARE!

And we really, really do.

Sawyer is ELEVEN

2011-08-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

No matter how much I wish it were not true, my kids continue to age. I asked Sawyer if he would mind turning 9 instead of 11 and he said he felt it might look a little silly with how tall he is. ;-) 11 things about Sawyers year and who he is...

He was baptized this year! I love how much he loves the Lord!

He is VERY bible smart. He has read through his Action Bible a few times since getting it this year and knows WAY more about the stories than I do.

He is silly. He has a great sense of humor and even if he is crabby you can make him laugh easy. OR he can make YOU laugh easy!

His favorite place to eat is Fazolis. Which is funny because he does not like pasta. Only kid I know that does not like carbs. Always picks apples over fries. But he LOVES their pizza.

He is a strong reader. Enjoys reading.

Loves his video games. And legos. i have given up on ever thinking the room will be cleaned up with lego creations to be built in it.

Still into Harry Potter. Has even convinced me to read them all. I must admit, I have enjoyed them and enjoy being able to discuss the twists with him.

After YEARS of hair issues, we have given in and let it grow. He hates haircuts, who has the time for those? He has the THICKEST hair in the house.

Attended his first ever week of camp. I was nervous, but he did GREAT and is so excited for next year!

Is quite the creative writer. He loves to write books and stories.


Saved up his money and bought himself an ipod touch. He is learning the value of saving!

Happy Birthday Sawyer! I am so thankful I get to be your mom. You will always be my boy.

Sawyers Birthday Baby Boy

2011-07-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

I have had my eye on this cutie for awhile now. I saw him on a list awhile back and he reminded me so much of Sawyer as a baby.

And when I saw his birthday, SAWYERS birthday, I could not help but pray over him. Sawyers birthday baby brother? ;-)

Obviously, if I am praying over these babies, I am drawn to them and have questioned if they are maybe mine. Obviously He has still not made that clear to us on if we have another for our family. And until He does make that clear, I continue to pray for these that wait.

This sweet little guy has a birthday Monday. He turns one the day Sawyer turns 11. Here we will celebrate Sawyer with gifts and cake and lots of birthday loving. In China? Well, I bet his birthday passes with out much thought.

So if YOU are looking for a YOUNG baby BOY from China, take a look at this little cutie. Yep, he is from China, hard to tell with that blonde hair isn't it? His special need is, of course, albinism. And that bugs me to say that because really, what he especially needs, is a family. He is a child that waits. Can't you just imagine the giggles from him? Let's pray another birthday does not pass with out him being home.

Goodbye Sweet Isobel

2011-07-22T22:49:00.000-05:00

You may remember my visit to the Butterfly House in China. If not, please read about it here.

One of the first babies I laid eyes on was Isobel. And as I heard her story from Lyn, my tears began to fall and that feeling in the pit of your stomach about how unfair life can be filled me. She shared with us that baby Isobel did not have much longer to live. How do you walk away from that? This beautiful child, created by God, living life as an orphan, and so, so sick.

She seemed so healthy. An adorable little pixie so full of life and smiles.

We received word this week that Baby Isobel has gone home. She now rests in the arms of her Father. An orphan no more, healed completely.

It is hard to make sense of these things. Questions that toss around in my head. Why was she born in China, an orphan, no hope? If she had been born here, she would have had a chance. If only she could have been adopted as a newborn, maybe she could have been saved. What if, if only, why why why...

And the Lord, ever so patient with me, reminds me. She IS saved. He wrote her story, from Beginning to End. She did not have a family, per se. But she DID live at the Butterfly House. SHE.WAS.LOVED. While her story might not have gone as I wanted it to go, it went as HE planned it to go. Or allowed it to go. Which is it? Honestly, I am not sure and really not in the mood to debate theology on orphans and babies who die to young.

I am sure of this. She is Home. Heaven. Happy. Healthy, Healed.

And here? Never, ever forgotten.

Below is the email I received about this angel girl. Please take a moment to check out the Butterfly House and meet the people who loved on sweet Isobel.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Isobel has passed away. This brave little
girl exceeded all our expectations – living for longer and with more joy than we originally
thought possible. Isobel was one of our first babies. She was sent to us due to her incurable
liver disease, and she soon became a princess in Butterfly Home. She learnt to charm her
way into the hearts of visitors, and gently tease her brothers and sisters. She was funny and
clever, with a little bit of drama about her too. Most importantly of all, she was loved, and
she reflected that love back to those around her.

Isobel passed away peacefully on the night of Tuesday 19th July in her nanny’s arms. Just
last week she was in great spirits – a cheeky little girl enjoying cuddles, music and playing
silly games. During the time leading up to her death, she was never alone, and the nannies
who love her sang and prayed over her as she slept. This special little princess will be
deeply missed at Butterfly Home. We are forever thankful for the support which allowed
Isobel to live a cherished life."

6 Flags=Showing my age!

2011-07-21T23:13:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, I lived on days full of roller coasters and thrill rides. The faster the better! I could go on again and again. And AGAIN!

As we had children, we shared with them our love of adventure. There is nothing my older's won't go on.

But for some reason, things have changed. For me. My children, they taunt me.

As I come to the end of a ride holding my head, and praying I won't puke, they ask me...

Are you OLD? Can't handle it anymore?

And as much as I hate to admit it.

YES I AM!

After taking our older 3 to 6 flags this week (got to love the fact that homeschoolers get in on the free tickets for reading as does their teacher!) Mark and I both decided that by the time Sage and Mavery can ride things, we may have to hire someone to take them on the rides!

There are some I just refuse to ride anymore.

There are some I ride and come off wishing I had refused to ride.

But despite my age showing, all in all it was a fun day!

We avoided the kiddy area, which was nice! Despite predictions of 100 degree heat and thunderstorms, it ended up being a perfect day. No lines, and the rain held off till we had ridden everything we wanted. We did get to ride one coaster in the rain, which was a new experience.

And no matter the age, the day still ends with this goodness!

Loving these lazy, crazy days of summer!

Happy Birthday Rosebud!

2011-07-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday I woke up with hopes that I would have news from China. No luck. We were heading out for the day, so I hit refresh. Over, and over. And over. Just as I was getting ready to close the computer, an email. Birthday party photos!

Look at that Watermelon! But more important, look at those beautiful children! All ready for some fun!

And look at my girl!

Happy Birthday Rosebud!

May all your dreams come true sweet girl!

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

2011-07-12T22:56:00.001-05:00

Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again.

Author Unknown

"If I could have a rose for every time I thought of you, The world would be empty of them."

Source Unknown

"Love is like a rose. When pressed between two lifetimes, it will last forever."
Source Unknown

A life with love will have some thorns,

but a life without love will have no roses.

"Even if love is full of thorns, I'd still embrace it for I know that in between

those thorns, there is a rose that's worth all the pain."
Source Unknown

The rose speaks of love silently,

in a language known only to the heart.

"Have you ever watched a rose as it fades away; the color becomes deeper as the petals dry. That's how my love for you deepens as the days go by."
Source Unknown

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.

William Shakespeare

" If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I'd be picking roses for a lifetime.”
Swedish Proverb

I'd rather have roses on my table
than diamonds 'round my neck.
Emma Goldman

"The rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart."
Source Unknown

I know, we were not supposed to have favorites. And I promised myself I was not. So I will blame it on her, maybe I was HER favorite? We just connected. She just felt RIGHT in my arms. As if she was meant to be there. She felt good.

I did share her, a little bit.

In case you did not read my story of Rosebud here, I will share a bit. From what I understand, her paperwork is not quite ready in China, which means at this point, she is not available for adoption.

If she DOES become available, she will most likely be a healthy referral as I think her only issue is she was born pre-mature. Of course, hard to know for sure at her age. So even if we wanted to TRY to adopt her, if she is a healthy referral, she would go to those who have already been waiting for years.

And if she did go out as special needs, well, it would still take God to bring her into our family. It is not as easy as saying, I want that baby! As much as I wish it were that way, selfishly.

And what does Mark say? I think he feels pretty safe in the fact that finding her is such a crazy idea and only a miracle could bring her here. In other words, he does not have much to say. When I talk about her, he buries his head. ;-)

My sweet girl is having a birthday today. Her very first birthday. And though she was not even eating food yet, but still only a bottle, I had a cake delivered. Because every baby should have a first birthday cake. I sure hope to get a picture of her sitting with that cake. And I wish I could be with her, helping her blow out a candle and singing silly songs. Spoiling her rotten with tons of fancy clothes and toys and hugs and kisses.

I am not going to lie. Yep, it is all sappy and all these songs on my playlist might seem corny and just to torture myself, but it is HARD. These children we all met while in China, they are not just photos, they are flesh and blood and they live in an orphanage. They are in a crib ALL day except @ 4-5 hours TOTAL. It is easy when it is pictures and we feel sad, but this baby, she is more than a picture. She is real, I KNOW what she smells like. I know where to tickle her to make her smile. I know that she has long thin fingers that probably need clipped right now. I know that she does NOT care to be left in her crib. I know that I can make her happy just by paying attention to her. She is not scared of strangers, and she is a wiggly girl. She is tiny, but mighty!

So this week I ask you to pray for my sweet Rosebud as she turns one. I am reminded that though I am not there, though a mommy is not there, God is. He holds her in the palm of His hand. He chose her birthday and I have no doubt that He has written the story of her life. I pray that I am able to somehow, someway, watch it unfold.

Babies IN Bumbos!

2011-07-11T10:59:00.000-05:00

As soon as I returned from China, you might remember that I found out about a sweet boy going Home to soon. You can read about that here. And so in honor of Evan, I collected money to send bumbo's over to China here.

In just a few days time, I raised almost $500 for the babies of Chenzhou, in Evan's name. The original plan was to send bumbos, but with so much money I divided it into bumbos and exersaucers.

Last night I was having a "I miss my Chenzhou babies terribly pity party", so much so that I asked my group to pray for me. Not even an hour later I got an email from Chenzhou, with pictures of my babies!

Look at them in their seats!

I sooo needed this!! This is only part of the order, so hopefully as the rest gets in, more pictures will come!

And of course it helps that they sent me plenty of my Rosebud! ;-)

If you donated, THANK YOU!!! And if you wanted to but did not get a chance, I will be doing more things like this.

Isn't it just like God? When we cry out to Him, He answers! My heart really needed this, to see that they have not forgotten us, that they are ok! AND they even put Rosebud in the pants I bought her!

I have more to share, will soon I promise!

Sawyer First time at Camp

2011-07-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

I sent Sawyer off for his first year of camp this week.

I dreamed that he was so homesick Mark had to drive the 4 hours to bring him home.

I figured he would come home with moldy towels and clean underwear.

He did take Papa Larry along as one of his chaperones, that was for MY sake more than his.

He came home today.

From the smile on his face, I don't think he missed us one little bit.

His favorite activity was Archery. And he was very impressed with the food. I am certain I should be offended by this since he will hardly ever eat what I make, and THAT was cafeteria food.

He said he knows that God has a plan for his life, he is just trying to figure that out still.

He said he also learned that 6th grade girls are the most annoying ever.

We have alot of girls in this house, but no 6th graders I guess.

I am happy to report that the underwear were all in the dirty clothes bag. And the wet towels were, well, in all the bags!

We missed our boy child, and are thrilled that he had such a great week!

I Miss Her

2011-07-02T23:08:00.001-05:00

My Rosebud...

Life besides China, kind of!

2011-06-29T22:29:00.000-05:00

I DO realize that I have 5 children here, my whole world does not revolve around China. Though it IS all wrapped up together in so many ways.. Here is such a mix of there.....

My own Chinese Angels giving me a Rock Concert.

Most of the time you will find this child begging to get on the computer and look at pictures of babies. From China. She especially enjoys looking at the orphans who wait. She can tell you more about the Waiting Children than most agencies. Tonight she was asking how many days till she is able to go to China to work. And what type of work she can do to save her money.

Today we welcomed Uncle Shane home, from??? CHINA!! ;-) See what I mean, this life here is so closely woven together with there. Shane left for China in August and is now home till early September. I was able to see him while there, but the kids were thrilled! If you look closely you will see we recycled our signs from our homecoming. He enjoyed that. ;-) It is good to have him here, because that means hearing more stories of THERE!!

Meet June

2011-06-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

So many times when people are looking for a child, they are looking for a baby. And who can blame us them? Cute, easy, cute, cuddly, cute, quiet (in the can't talk back yet type of quiet) did I mention cute?

I will be the first to admit, I am drawn to babies. Partly because of the reasons above. Partly I dont' feel done with babies, I have all the other ages thank you very much. But a baby, I could do a baby.

I mean honestly, WHO thinks when they think of taking on a child... Hmm, how about a TEENAGER? Much less, who thinks a THIRTEEN year old?

In reality, when I think of 13 year olds, I think of mouthy, moody, monsters!

Ok, so maybe that is a bit dramatic, unless of course you are living with a 13 year old. Then you get me.

While in China I met a 13 year old girl. I will call her June.

Because she had a birthday while we were there. Unfortunately we did not know that. A June girl.

I actually wonder if she even knew it was her birthday. Something tells me they do not tell the kids, hey today is YOUR day!

Because she turned 13, it means she only has ONE YEAR left to find a family. Or she loses her chance, forever. At 14 they are to old.

So what becomes of her? We really do not know.

Here is what I know about June.

She is beautiful and her smile lights up her face.

She watches out for the little ones. One day she was upstairs with us and we were trying to get the kids downstairs. One of the little ones needs a walker, and we did not know where it was. We did not have to say a word, June was on it and ran off to help her little friend.

She attends school so we were not with her as much as some of the other kids. We know she can count in English and writes well.

She has palsey of the left limbs. But it did not seem to affect her.

Her favorite color is yellow.

And she wants a family. She told us this.

Because she only has ONE YEAR left, she needs her family to step up NOW.

It COULD be done.

So she might not be what you or I would typically think of when we think of adoption.

She is 13. she has lived in an orphanage her entire life. There will be issues to work through.

Though we did NOT see this side of her, she MIGHT be like any teenage girl.

MOUTHY & MOODY!

Or she might not, because she might just look at life a bit differently.

Regardless of any of that, she wants a family. She DESERVES a family, doesn't she?

She needs a daddy to tell her she is beautiful before she starts looking at boys.

She needs a mommy to take her shopping, fix her hair, talk to her about life.

She needs to hear about Jesus...

Please help me spread the word about June. WE can be her voice. WE can lift her up in prayer till she is home. WE could change her world.

Coming Home

2011-06-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

Since I have been home almost a week, I figure it is time to come back to my "home blog".

I had a post written up today to share here about a beautiful girl we met that was looking for a family.

Then I found out she HAS a family!

But she is not the only one waiting, so I will be sharing.

I hope that you had a chance to follow our journey to China.

It was life changing.

And I can't wait to go back!

Prayers for travel

2011-06-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

China team heading home soon. Check out the heading home post. :-) teamchenzhou.blogspot.com. Pray for the team as they travel!

Nearing the end of the Trip

2011-06-15T10:33:00.001-05:00

There are some more posts about the last moments in Chenzou and the beginning thoughts about Beijing. Some pictures from Shepherd's Field are added to Flickr.

Updates from China

2011-06-11T23:40:00.000-05:00

There are a few updates on the Team Chenzou Blog. Pictures from the trip are being posted on Flickr. Click on the Flickr Badge on the side bar to get to the pictures.

A Brief post up about an adventerous day

2011-06-08T16:34:00.000-05:00

Just time for a brief post about meeting "Angel" and visiting the police station.

http://teamchenzhou.blogspot.com/2011/06/day-i-will-never-forget.html

Check Out Two New China Posts and flickr Photos

2011-06-07T19:39:00.000-05:00

You can see two new posts

Here
and

Here

And check out photos on Flickr

Here

To China we go!

2011-06-03T00:57:00.000-05:00

Bags are packed.

And even zipped shut!

House is cleaned.

Schedules are made.

And in just a few more hours, Makenna & I will begin a journey of a lifetime.

I will get to see China through her eyes.

I pray we are never the same.

Join us at my travel blog by clicking HERE.

testing

2011-06-03T00:43:00.001-05:00

testing to see if I can email my blog posts!

Flying a million miles

2011-06-01T23:33:00.000-05:00

I have been pretty calm about the whole going to China thing overall.

I know Mark is amazing and will do great with the kids.

Well, besides the fashion part. Hair and clothes are not his thing. And he admits that.

So the kids might be naked and their hair a mess. BUT they will be having fun.

Plus the kids have a whole bunch of invitations to come play.

A bible study class even asked if they could make meals for Mark.

I know they will all be just fine.

I have an amazing team, have LOVED getting to know them so far and can't wait to spend 2 weeks with them.

God has shown up in such AMAZING ways as we have prepared for this trip.

But I had a little panic moment today.

There is the whole thing of Mark is always in charge of electronics, I can blog and I can email, but I can't get things set up!

And the money. Mark is my walking calculator. or bank, whatever I need.

But what REALLY hit me is this.

I do NOT enjoy flying. AT. ALL.

And it is one thing to get on a flight knowing I am flying a REALLY long time, to get a BABY.

But to think of all those hours on a plane, and I come home. With empty arms.

No baby. WHAT AM I DOING!!!

But, the Lord, who is always so good to remind me of why This. is. not. about. me... spoke to me.

I will NOT be coming home with my baby.

In the flesh anyways. ;-)

BUT, I will be coming home with SO many pictures.

And memories.

Maybe I can't bring my ONE child home. But maybe I can bring home LOTS of babies.

For people who are waiting.

One of our team prayers is that we are able to take photos of kids that are waiting.

Then come home and share about those children. To put a story with a picture.

So while flying a million miles is NOT my favorite thing to do.

Helping families grow IS.

Pray for us, Friday is THE day! I will be switching over to my travel blog, but will post a link here.

One week!

2011-05-28T00:26:00.001-05:00

Remember my whiny post last week about the craziness of, well, life?

This week was no exception.

Starting with, SUMMER VACATION.

Which is great for some children, terrible for others who need structure, schedules, consistency.

Apparently all things I stink at.

Then came a call that Mark's brother's house BURNED DOWN.

Praise God no one was hurt. Including the dog. Who was in the house, in her cage.

Yesterday we went to load into the van and realized that a window was shattered. All inside the van and all over our driveway. A million pieces shattered. We assume either hail or our basketball goal fell into it from the winds we had this week.

Not a huge deal, but a few hundred dollars and just a whole lot of hassle. Shockingly windows for church bus size vans are not just sitting around waiting to be installed.

Our hearts continue to hurt for our sweet boy in China who is still in the hospital from burns. His mama is struggling and we feel so far away.

But VERY soon I will be there! Prayerfully we will be able to see him somehow. I can't wait to give him and his mama a big ole hug!

So all of this life stuff going on? Just taking it day by day. Keeping my focus on what is waiting.

Well, besides a bazillion hours of plane rides. Trying really hard NOT to think on that.

Thinking of the children and the places the Lord has called us to.

In just one more week!

Help Bring Alivia Home!

2011-05-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

Besides getting a child through adoption, one of the greatest gifts we are given is friendships with people we would have probably never met. Kathy & I were matched as "secret pals" during my wait for Sage & her wait for her 3rd daughter from China. She lives just a few hours away from me, so we have been able to get together on many occasions, and have just formed such a great friendship through the years.

They have once again been called back to China for their 6th adoption! Isn't Alivia beautiful? After 5 other adoptions you can imagine trying to come up with the money for another. But they know that the Lord has led them to their daughter, and they know He will provide. Please take a look at their blog at all the ways you can help them in bringing home sweet Alivia.

How you can help the orphans!

2011-05-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

In 11 DAYS we board our first plane towards China. ELEVEN DAYS!!!!

264 hours.

ALMOST HERE!

We have been AMAZED at the donations we have received.

Blessed.

And so anxious to bless the orphans, the nannies, and the directors.

God has, once again, blown me away through each step of preparing for this trip.

Many continue to ask what we still need.

There are a few things. We thank you in advance.

For Children & Infants

Laxatives
Gummy Vitamins
Infant Vitamin Drops
Diaper Rash Cream
Antibacterial Creams
Cleft Bottles for cleft lip babies

For the Nannies

small packets of Starbucks Coffee
nice ink pens
small travel size deoderant
small bath and body lotions & soaps, men & women
Ginseng
Fish Oil Capsules

Cash that we will use towards our orphanage donations. We are visiting 3 different locations!

If you are able to help out, please let me know ASAP. We are trying to get it all packed! Again we thank you SOO much! Not everyone is able to adopt, but what a gift to see so many willing to step up and help the orphans!

Crazy Days

2011-05-20T11:28:00.002-05:00

I want to continue with my Summit posts. I don't want to forget all that I heard. It helps me to write.

But life! Let me share just one day this week. That started the day before.

My aunt was taken to the hospital with chest pain.

I got a call that the baby we had custody of last summer was badly burned. 10% of his body, 2nd degree burns.

Mark was out of town.

I stayed up all night praying.

Girls had fun day at school.

We went from there strawberry picking.

Then on to the doctors office to get some medical records for the baby we still have custody of, though he now lives in China.

From there the girls had gymnastics try outs at a new gym.

Then we got to go to the Apple Store to get Makenna's IPOD fixed. Again.

By this time of the day I had apparently lost all sense of well anything and attempted to get a bit of shopping done since we were already out.

With 5 kids.

Who had not had good naps and 1 of which is never easy to shop with.

We gave up on shopping. We came home.

I was exhausted and oh so tired and having a pity party for myself.

I was reminded of this. If the Devil is not attacking then we are probably not doing anything to get his attention.

I love that!

Well, not the being attacked by the devil part. But the fact that I AM getting his attention. And He is so ready to swoop in and steal my joy.

Joy from hearing so much at the Summit. Joy I am ready to put into action.

Joy at the piles of "Stuff" piled in my room. Stuff that is going to bless orphans!

Joy at the suitcases I am tripping over. Suitcases that will hold JOY & Blessings in just 2 weeks!

I will get back to writing about Summit.

And I will pack with out stressing out.

Maybe. ;-)

Orphan Summit Part 2

2011-05-15T21:00:00.002-05:00

I think one of the biggest things that God placed on my heart this weekend at Summit was this.

There is SO much more to orphan care than adoption.

Not that I did not know that. Not that Mark has not reminded me of that DAILY or hourly or whenever I bring up adding more.

And not that adoption is not important. It is, it REALLY is.

But, there are 147 million orphans in this world.

Many of them are not even able to be adopted.

And of those that are? Well, I can't adopt them all. I can't even come close.

So, while I am not sure what our future holds as far as more children, I do know this.

God is calling our family to big things. Things beyond ourselves and what WE think we need to be doing for the orphans.

And I also know that God wants me to learn some things about Him and WHY we should care for the orphans. Why others should. Of course I KNOW, we all know the Bible commands it.

But do we REALLY know? Deep in our hearts and soul?

That is another post.

Back to what we can do. I know the Lord wants an orphan ministry to happen at our church. A ministry that reaches not only beyond our borders, but right here in the US also. My dreams for this group are so big! I want to see us getting involved in Safe Families, Foster Care, Adoption. Funding adoptions. BUT I also want to see us getting involved with children that are not able to be adopted through support, love, mission trips.

Most important, I want to say a Resounding YES to the things He has called me too, and a Resounding NO to those He has not. Be it messy or hard, I am willing.

Orphan Summit Part 1

2011-05-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

You might remember my post about summit a few months back. Well this was the week. A friend from church, who is also interested in orphan ministry attended with me.

I was blown away.

Emotionally drained.

Overwhelmed.

Wondering where to begin.

Changed.

And loving ALL of that.

I heard amazing testimonies.

Heartbreaking statistics.

Beautiful orphans singing.

I learned that I do not have to change the world. I just need to do something.

I learned that I can do more to help orphans than just pushing adoption. (though I am not done doing that to, no worries!)

I learned more about the heart of God than I thought possible.

And now I am home.

I am processing it all.

In a whole new light.

I want to share more details in the coming days, as I think through it all.

And of course I am counting down, TWENTY DAYS TO CHINA!!

Sawyer & Malaine are Baptized!

2011-05-07T22:27:00.000-05:00

My prayer since I have found out I was expecting each of my children is that they would love Jesus more than anything, and that they would find friends and eventually a spouse that did the same. To watch those prayers unfold is a true gift.

Quite a few years ago Sawyer came to us and felt He was ready to have Jesus become His Lord and Savior. We felt he was sincere, but he was very adamant that he did NOT want to get baptized. We were totally OK. We wanted to be sure, and wanted him to be sure that he was ready.

This past spring Malaine came to us one night and said, "How do you know when Jesus wants you to ask Him into your heart? " We talked through it and she said, "well I am pretty sure He is asking me to ask Him!" But, again we wanted to be sure so we told her to sleep on it and we would talk more about it the next day. FIRST thing the next morning she came jumping in my bed and said "Ok, it's morning, I am ready!". So, we had the joy of walking with our 3rd child into the family of God.

We invited Ms Jenny over to talk through with the kids and plan their baptism. We set the date and the kids were so excited to count down to their special day!

Pastor Jonathan did a great job of calming the kids, and having fun before we got started!

I love this one!

Jonathan asked Sawyer why he wanted to be baptized.

He told him because he wanted to show everyone that He had asked Jesus to be his Lord

And his Savior.

Malaine was a bit nervous, she was worried about holding on to Jonathans arm!

He is trying to get her to look at me, she is concentrating on that arm he told her to hold!

Malaine told Jonathan she wanted everyone to know that Jesus was in her heart.

Forever!

After church we had lunch at home with family to celebrate!

We wanted to present Sawyer with something special and after much thought, and google searching, we decided to present him with a sword. Yep, a REAL sword. We told him it was part of the armor of God and this was the Sword of the Spirit. He was very excited!

And for our princess? A crown! We told her how she is now a daughter of the King. I hope that someday maybe she will use this pillow or crown in her wedding!

Beautiful girl!

So proud of Sawyer and Malaine, so thankful God has saved them! Now 3 of our children are believers and that makes my mama heart feel good. Thank you Jesus!

Donations for China

2011-05-06T12:26:00.004-05:00

We are down to one month before we leave! I can't believe we are so close to being back in the land of my daughters. I am ready! Well, almost ready. Ready to love on kids, not so ready to leave behind mine, or packed, or any of that stuff.

Some have asked how they can help. Besides the cost of our trip, we also take over a donation to take the director of the orphanage shopping. So that means extra cash on top of our trip. AND we are bringing over things for the kids to do, along with things that the orphanages need. Here is a list of things we would like to take with us. If you are able to donate any of these things, we would greatly appreciate it!

For the children

jump ropes
play dough
inflatable balls
balloons for balloon animals
winter hats for kids
burp rags
childrens triaminic thin strips for kids-all varieties
crib mirrors to hang in cribs
medicine to treat constipation in children
tremadol
lotions/soaps for super dry skin
mens depends in size small for older boys
children's vitamin drops

For the workers

hand lotions
soaps
vitamins
ginseng
deoderant
lipstick/nailpolish
makeup (lipstick/nail polish in bold colors)
aprons
scarfs
stationary
sample size perfumes
sample size coffee packs

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T21:03:00.000-05:00

Flashes going off everywhere, which way do we look!

Marks Parents

My parents and Grandpa

Cousinly Fun

Patiently waiting for the inside downstairs egg hunt!

Our 5 blessings!

Girls Weekend!

2011-04-19T22:36:00.000-05:00

My parents are always so generous with their lake house and let me take some friends down for the weekend. (Add to the fact my husband is always so good to let me get away!) It was MUCH needed therapy for me! So much fun to just get away, relax, eat, shop, eat, shop, LAUGH! I am so thankful for the christian friends God has blessed me with. On our way down we stopped to see my good friend Shannon and her new baby girl. Isn't she adorable?

Sweet Mackinly & her mama, I love baby snuggles!

Can't believe she is a mama!

We ate at On the Rise Bistro and Cafe twice, it was SO yummy!

I love these ladies!

Can you tell what we did alot of??

Only God

2011-04-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

As you know a baby Angel has captured my heart, and often lately, my blog or my Facebook! Once again God has taught me a lesson through one of His own.

I saw Angel on one of the advocate sights in early March. There are many blogs that now post children who are waiting, which I will be doing more of. I contacted the agency for her file, but it was on hold. I was ok with that, thrilled actually, she most likely had a family! And honestly, we were not REALLY looking. I often look through files, just in case. I consider it a privilege to pray for these kids who wait. Some tug on my heart harder than others and make me go to my knees to just "make sure" they are not mine.

It is obvious my heart has been restless. I have been praying, pondering, wondering, what it is exactly the Lord wants of me. Adoption, again? Moving? Advocating? Ministry?   I have been searching and questioning.

On March 15th, the agency emailed saying that Angels file was available again. Of course I felt it was a sign and took it. I read every inch of it. I started to email and research as much as possible. I would think, she is MINE, THIS is why I have been restless. Then I would get a doubt in my heart. But HOW could I doubt that she was not mine, she needs a mommy! So I would look for ways to calm the doubt. Of course there is no bigger way to calm my doubts than to lay out an adoption file to my husband.

Have you heard, his middle name is doubt!

But, even Mr Doubter himself became wrapped up in this little pixie. He agreed to pray.

And he meant it. Because sometimes he agrees with me just to make me shut up, I know.

We talked about the what ifs of her special need. The fact that we do not have the money, nor has our house sold. The struggles of what we went through, and still go through with certain little angels in our house.   We talked to our kids about adding another girl. We talked and we talked.

I was so confused. With both of our adoptions, I had a very VERY clear yes. I had no doubt that the Lord spoke to me and told me both times to push. This time, I was not getting it. I WANTED to hear it, and continued to feel that it was simply my fear this time.   But while I was not necessarily getting a clear yes, I was not getting a clear no either. Which is exactly what Mark was feeling.

And so if it is not a no, does that mean it is a yes?

On Friday of last week I told Mark, we had to make a decision. Either we move forward in faith, OR we say no, and I get over it. I was tired of wondering, and if she was ours, I wanted to jump in and get her home.   It was not a matter of being worried her file would be locked. Because I believe that if the Lord wanted me to adopt her, ANY child, He will work that out. There was no need to rush.

In fact, let me get off on a "rant" here. This waiting child thing, it is not a game of who can lock a file first, as it sometimes seems to be.   These are children, it is NOT a game. I read some very ugly comments from people on boards about how they can't stand it that agencies lock files or that you can't switch agencies, and that certain agencies get "better" special needs kids. To be honest, it makes me sick. Here is my take on it. God already knows if we have another child. And He knows who that child is!! He WILL lead me to them! I don't have to rush to make decisions for fear of "losing out". I don't have to worry that someone else will get my child. My God is so big, and only He could orchestrate the plans to bring a child into families.   This is why I take this looking SO seriously. I believe that if He leads me to MY child, and I say no, I will have to answer Him for it.   Anyways...

Where was I? Oh yes, the weekend.   I wanted to make a decision by Monday morning. I spent the weekend in prayer. I was reminded of Gideon in the bible and how he asked for a sign with his fleece. I begged for a BIG sign, in neon colors please. Sunday night, I asked and Mark said he felt it was no. I, promised him I was going to submit this time. I am pretty sure he rolled his eyes at this point. I told him I would trust that the Lord would speak to him. And if it was no, it was no.

Monday, I spent the time in the Word and in prayer, begging for peace and that neon sign.

Tuesday a friend sent an email saying she saw Angel had a family.

I cried. Partly out of relief but also out of a whole lot of sadness for me. ( And partly because I had to admit to Mark that he was RIGHT! )

When I told him you could just see the relief lift off his shoulders.

I asked the Lord to please, give me peace and PLEASE let her family be believers.

About an hour after that prayer, I saw Angels mama post her blog. And the address said Pure Religion.   Hmmm..

I read the blog and just burst into tears.

I called Mark in to read it, and he burst into tears.

The Lord gave me my "fleece" alright. The sign was glowing in neon colors of every shade! This little Angel is going to be so loved and adored. She is going to be living in a town that is near and dear to us as we lived there while Makenna was a baby.

Only God!

And yes, I know the question now is, so does this mean we are adopting again?

I have NO IDEA!!

Right now my focus is on the Orphan Summit and the trip in June to China. I KNOW that is what God wants me to put my heart and soul into.   I will continue to advocate for kids, but I will not be taking any more files. ;-)

Only God knows what our future holds, and right now, that is just fine with me!

Isaiah 25:1
O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.

Fresh Paint!

2011-04-12T23:04:00.002-05:00

Thought some of you who have been to the house would enjoy seeing the change. We had orange and red walls before. We thought neutral might help it sell. Which so far, no luck. BUT I am enjoying the change. Loved my color, but if you know me, always up for something new. Makes it feel so much brighter and bigger. And is a good welcome for Spring.

Countdown to China

2011-04-09T23:37:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it, it seems we have been planning and talking of this trip forever, and in just 55 days we are FINALLY getting on this...

My least favorite part of the trip. Flying. Believe me, I have looked into other avenues to get to China. I am pretty excited that we fly from Vancouver, and that is ONLY 11 hours to China! Regardless of how much I do not like flying, my eyes are on the reason we go.

Babies! And kids! And even some teens we hope! I can not wait to love on each and everyone one of those who wait. Preparing for the trip has really been amazing. I am pretty sure I am going to need about this much luggage...

If not more! I have an AMAZING team going with me. At one point I was scared we were not going to have enough, I could not get anyone to commit. But you know what?? I now have THIRTEEN! 12 girls and ONE brave guy going with us! Half of the team is made up of people I have not met from all across the US. Though we have not met in person, we have enjoyed chatting on Facebook, emails and I know we are going to have a wonderful trip. They are all working hard getting donations to take with us, which is why we will need all the suitcases.

The adoption world is such an amazing place and through it I have been so blessed to make new friends. One of the ladies going on our trip is Lori.

My friend Monte sent me to Lori's blog awhile back. I immediately liked her, and emailed to ask if she would be interested in going to China with me. She said yes. She has a huge heart for the orphans, and is hilarious, so check out her blog. She put out a list of our needs for China, and had half our suitcases filled in one day. AMAZING.

As soon as some of the other members on my team get their blogs going, I will link them in, because I am super excited about each of them! They have all been such an encouragement to me and I know God is going to do life changing things with our team.

Plans are coming along. In China and as far as me trying to organize being away for 2 weeks. Mark is going to have some fun! ;-) I think he is just worried I am going to come back with this little Angel...

And if it was as easy to just stick in her my suitcase, I would!

Baking Sweets

2011-03-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

Orphan Summit

2011-03-24T21:50:00.000-05:00

I am pretty excited about this opportunity. Last year I heard of the Summit, I think my brother told me about it. (He was attending Southern Seminary in Louisville) It did not work out at the time, and I forgot about it. Till I was recently ~~whining~~, ~~crying,~~ talking to my sweet cousin in law Amy, sharing my heart about the orphans and hoping that she could give me some Godly answers that I was not finding. (she is a saint by the way, as is my cousin and I love them!) They suggested that I attend this so I started looking into it again. And while the timing is not so great. 3 weeks before China. I knew the content is EXACTLY what I need as I spend this time praying about what the Lord is asking of me and my role with orphans. Here is a brief description of the event.

JOIN organization leaders, grassroots advocates, pastors, and ministry entrepreneurs sharing your passion.
ENCOUNTER the gathering hub of orphan ministry partnership, networking and inspiration for service.
BUILD knowledge, resources and practical skills via more than 75 workshops & unforgettable speakers and music.

Some of the break out sessions I am taking are:
Starting a church orphan ministry.
Starting a church orphan fund
Advocating as a busy mom.
And more! But obviously my goal is to really learn about the church ministry.

My prayer is that by attending this, and then leaving for China the next month, I will have NO DOUBT what I am to do. He is calling, I am sure. But for what is the question.

If you want to read more about Summit, check out the details here!

Babies that Wait on my Heart

2011-03-22T22:50:00.000-05:00

I shared with you this baby boy who was on my heart awhile back. Just barely over a year old, adorable little face! Today I got a glimpse of him learning to walk in video. And it made me so sad for him. SO young and no mommy to cheer him on as he attempts to take his first steps. He has been on a few different lists now, since before the new year. In other words, he has been waiting for over 6 months for someone to look at him and fall in love and bring him home.

And this baby Angel has really stole my heart. REALLY, as in I have tried to figure out is she mine?

We have prayed, and so far, the door is not opening. I want to MAKE it open. In fact to be honest, I would be crazy enough to say, I wish God would throw it SO wide open I could bring them both home. Because they are babies. And they deserve to be in a family before they reach their 2nd birthday and have a mommy bake them a birthday cake and light the candles for them. They deserve to come home before they are even old enough to remember a life before a family. They deserve a chance!

Some might read this and say we are SO crazy to even think about bringing more home. (my husband included). Some will read this and say, just DO it. But God.... He is who we listen to. Or TRY to listen to. I wish I could hear clearly. I wish my house would sell. I wish money would just rain down from heaven. I wish those who don't want to adopt, would help those that will! I need a sponsor. Anyone? ;-)

Someday my heart will settle. Until then I will pray that God would whisper to their families quickly.

The Many Faces of a Spicy Girl

2011-03-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

If Only I had...

2011-03-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

more money
more time.
more patience.
more clarity.
more support.
more Faith.

Then maybe, just maybe, she would have a home.

What does James 1:27 mean for ME?

2011-03-11T12:50:00.000-06:00

I have been pondering that lately. James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

What does it mean? For me?

There is no doubt the Lord has given me a passion for orphans. People have passions for many things. It is what makes their heart beat. What gets them so excited they can't sleep. Or makes them ache so much they can't breathe.

Orphans. My heartbeat.

Now to figure out what it means. Does it mean I am supposed to adopt. Again?

Does it mean I am supposed to go on a mission trip each year and work with orphans.

Does it mean that our family is supposed to give to others so they can adopt?

Does it mean I need to get involved in Foster Care? (which we have looked into)

Does it mean I am to advocate and fight for those left behind?

Does it mean all of the above? Or none of the above.

Because if we continue to add to our family through adoption, it gives us less of a chance to help out in all the other ways.

So what is the answer? Am I more useful in being able to GO and serve.

Or bringing more home as my children.

Helping others who are willing, but can't afford it?

Or parenting my own.

I wish the answer was clear. We have no idea, we just know that the Lord is asking us to figure it out. Sure would be nice if He sent an email to clarify "figure it out". We know that many have an opinion on what we should do. For the record, we don't care. ;-) We serve an audience of ONE, and we will do as He tells us. As I travel to China, and work with the orphans this summer, I have a feeling He is going to show me our answer. Till then we pray and listen and dream of all the things He has planned.

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans.

Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17

House 4 Sale 4 Ever!?

2011-03-09T19:23:00.000-06:00

You may remember this post back in September. We had put our house up for sale. We had felt the Lord nudging us to do this for awhile. And we felt strongly last summer it was time. It was a hard decision. We love our house. It fits our family. Besides having enough bedrooms for each child, it also has an office for Mark, since he does work from home. It is a great house for parties. It is OUR house.

We found a house we were ready to buy, just as soon as our house sold. We felt it was the perfect situation, had room for all of us. They were willing to wait till we sold. We just knew for sure that our house would sell fast. It is a GREAT house! Who wouldn't want it??

Well at this point, we have no idea who wants it! It is still for sale. At first, it showed quite a bit. Then as the holidays and cold weather came, we had fewer and fewer showings. Which was honestly just fine with me. Can you even imagine how hard it is keeping up with a house while homeschooling and five kids? Yep, it is that bad. But no showings mean no selling.

And the house we were planning to buy? Is listed for sale. Which we are fine with, because they can't wait forever. What if we never sell? What if that is not meant to be our house? We have no worries that if it is meant to be ours, it will work out. Though let me tell you how difficult it is to find a house that fits all of us. It is not about everyone having their own space. But we do have an age range of kids, and we do homeschool and Mark does have to have a quiet place for an office. We have looked at other options, we are still looking.

For the first 6 months, I was fine with WHATEVER happened. But now? I am getting anxious. Our reason for selling? To have more money. Why do we need MORE money? Because God has given us a heart for orphans. We are in a place now where we feel stuck with what we can do. Which is take care of our children. Afford our insurance (ugh!) Believe me, we are fine. We are not starving. And in reality? We CAN stay in this house and keep doing as we are doing. But we can NOT do more. And that bothers us. We are not selling for us, we are selling for them..

The children that are still waiting. God has called us to help orphans, and right now we are trying to be still and listen to what that means. Because there are SO many..

Beautiful children who have nothing. We have so much. To much.

But not enough to give them what they deserve. Which is what makes it so confusing. We WANT to sell! We held on to our house for longer than we should have probably, with hands clenched tight, not wanting to let go. And now we are willing, we have come to peace with it, we WANT it to sell. Yet nothing. So we try to listen some more. What is HIS plan?

We continue to listen. And wait. Spending much time in prayer. Wondering what our future holds, but trying to stay in the moment. Till He answers. We know He will.

(we did have it painted, I kind of miss my orange and red, but a nice change!)

Sometimes Love IS Enough

2011-03-06T23:44:00.000-06:00

Recently I have been looking back over our journey with Mavery and went back to some of my blog posts I shared about how difficult life was. If you want to see my heart and where I was, take a peek at this post by clicking here.

I think it was the first post where I admitted the stress we were living in. Not just a we have alot of kids and homeschool and now have added a new child with heart issues and an insane life stress, but a deep. we are in the pit stress. That look we saw in her referral picture of sadness?

And the screaming you might almost be able to imagine in this picture? Think loud, piercing..

It lasted a really REALLY long time.

And while some might be able to handle screaming for hours on end by a large 3 year old (because coming from a newborn is not quite the same!) I.COULD.NOT.HANDLE.IT.

I was driving in the car the other day, and was thinking about how in those first few months of being home, I would drive my kids to school. (we ended up putting Malaine back into christian school that year soon after getting home) It was almost an hour round trip for me. Mavery screamed the entire drive every. single. day. By the time we would return home, I would be shaking and crying myself most days. Then I would come in to attempt and homeschool the older 2 children, while Mavery was mostly hanging on my leg. Screaming. Not to mention Spicy girl running around.

All that said, it was just rough. On top of the emotional issues of dealing with some pretty severe medical things. You know, the child who we thought was "fixed" who needed open heart surgery pretty quickly.

On top of heart caths and hospital stays and well, you get the picture.

As I took Mavery in last week for her heart check up, God really spoke to me in that visit. I sat and I watched her, and I was full of tears. He reminded me of those first 5 10 visits where it took 2 of us to hold her down. The visits where I left the office crying from 1. the shock of news. 2. The stress of a screaming, kicking, thrashing toddler I had just held down for 3 hours. He allowed me to look at Mavery with His eyes and the Big Picture He had been able to see over the last few years.

Isn't it funny sometimes the moments when the Lord chooses to really speak to us? Not in the quietness of home, alone. But maybe sitting in a doctors office, watching my daughter hop up on a table ON HER OWN and lay there still watching a tv show while they scan her heart.

As I watched her lay there, I realized that alot of what it is, she simply trusts us now. She knows this routine. She knows that when we say they are not going to give her a shot, we mean it. She knows that if I promise her candy to lay there, she will get it. She knows that I am her mommy and I am going to keep her safe. From the doctor, or from whatever I need to keep her safe from.

I watched her on the table and I thought back to not only the screaming, but also the times when we saw breakthroughs. God whispered those times when we started getting a glimpse of who she really was. When the sadness started to leave her eyes. And when it started to leave mine.

And as He whispered these reminders to me, I started to feel the guilt seep in. Feelings of failure as a mother, that I was that upset, that frustrated, that impatient with her so many times. Knowing all she had been through, I should have handled it all better. That mommy guilt, it can eat you alive.

I love my Father and how sweet He is though in my moments of guilt to grab hold and let His promises of good rest on my heart. It WAS hard, and I am pretty certain that ANYONE would have struggled in the same situation. And you know what? We did what we could do. We did not always handle it perfectly. But through it all we loved. We hugged. We found help in ways we could.

And so regardless of those days when I feel I failed, I look at Mavery now. I see her climb up on a doctors table and lay there with out me holding her down.

I see her smile and laugh. Our girl has a sense of humor that has just blossomed. She LOVES to trick and make jokes. And we have found that laughter really IS the best medicine. Sometimes, when the fits threaten to creep in, on both our parts!, we make a joke and we are all laughing! Her smile, that we rarely saw at first, never leaves her now. You can see the difference. She now smiles with her eyes, not just her mouth. And it comes from deep in her heart.

And you know what else? I see her love. Mavery loves with a passion. My favorite to hear is "I LUB you mommy, and I really like you too". If you have not had a Mavery hug, you are missing out! She is the friendliest most loving child. She does not meet a stranger and just loves hugging everyone!

At the writing of the post, back almost 2 years ago, I said maybe love is not enough. But now I know. It is, it really is! Because LOVE is what brought Mavery home. It is what carried us through. It is what holds our family together. No, it was not enough to heal her as quickly as we wanted. But it DID heal her, in Gods timing. He allowed us to love a child before we knew her. He allowed us to love her, when we were struggling. He breathed love into her heart which led to trusting us, believing us, attaching to us. She is love.

We love because He first Loved us.

1 John 4:19

Maverys Heart Update

2011-03-04T16:22:00.000-06:00

Today we went for Mavery's heart appointment. The last time we went was for her cath on August 31, so it had been awhile. This was the first time I went with out Mark. Typically it takes 2 of us to hold her down while they scan her, or one to feed her candy, the other to hold her. But our Ms Mavery is CHANGING! She climbed right up on the table, lay so still and quiet, I did not even have to break out the candy this time! Till we were speaking with the doctor anyways, then she just happily ate her skittles. Amazed!
Pressures in the heart are about the same. Which is good, they are not getting worse, but he says he would like to see them a bit better. We will go Monday for a Lung Profusion Scan to check the pressures in her lungs. Last scan they were 70/30 so we are hopeful to see a bit of improvement there. I am nervous for that scan. They have to give her an IV which puts dye through her lungs that they measure. She is not going to be happy about a needle, but hopefully we can do it with out to much screaming. Lots of candy? I have a Mavery update I am working on, hope to get it up soon. Here are a few posts from the last few months about her, if you want to read! Just click here and here.

New Look!

2011-03-02T13:28:00.000-06:00

So excited about my blog makeover. What do you think? I love it and loved working with Christie over at a Bushel & a Peck Designs. If you are looking for a new look for your blog, you can click on her blog name, or she is on my sidebar. She is fast, and patient! I am still working on updating the tabs at the top. After a crazy couple of weeks, hope to get back to updating soon.

An Interview with Mavery-5 years old

2011-02-21T10:00:00.001-06:00

I started Maverys interview in the midst of all the others, but if you know Mavery, it was not the easiest thing to do! She is quite the comedian and so there are no serious answers. OR the answers were 5 minutes long and I could not keep up on typing! Hope you have enjoyed getting a peek at our children!

Q: What is your name/nicknames
Mavery Jin Song/Jin Song Laxton

Q: What do you like about your age?
I want to be 60 and be alot of old. Like Daddy, he is alot of old.

Q: Why do you like to be a girl in this family?
Because I don't want to be a boy.

Q:What do you like about our family?
I like my family. And Jesus.

Q: Do you wish you had another brother or sister?
Yes I do. Why? Because I want a little teeny baby like Bria. We should get a baby from China, far away where Shane is. I want to see Shane.

Q: What was your favorite vacation?
I liked the roller coaster when we had so fun and I screamed!And seeing Cinderella and Snow White and Belle with Grammy and the princess were in the castle and Bell is my favorite.

Q: What is your favorite bible story?
That the Wicked Witch Poisoned Snow White. That is not the Bible!

Q: Why do you love Jesus?
Because he made everything, and God made Jesus.

Q: What is something your mom always says to you?
Clean your room, and I do.

Q: What makes your mom happy?
If you draw her a special picture. And listen to her.

Q: What makes your mom sad?
If we don't draw her a picture.

Q: What does your mom dream about?
I don't know. Princesses? And money. hehe. And wicked witches, if she is wearing her snow white dress. (I do not wear a snow white dress, in case you were curious!)

Q: How does your mom serve others?
She gives food and shares.

Q: How does your mom make you laugh?
If you say pants on the ground, hehehe, that is funny!

Q: How old is your mom?
I don't know, ummm Daddy is 69. Hehehe!

Q: How tall is your mom?
Tall like Grammy, moms aren't very tall, just tall, daddies are very tall. Jesus and God are the tallest.

Q: What is her favorite thing to do?
She likes to color and give candy.

Q: What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Toot? hahahahaha.

Q: What is your mom good at?
Writing names. Writing 4s. No that is Me, I am good at writing 4s.

Q: What does your mom do for a job?
To clean the dishes. And to spank people. (for the record we barely spank here!)

Q: What is your mom’s favorite food?
Ice Cream

Q: If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Kailin and Dora and boots

Q: What do you and your mom do together?
We read books.

Q: How are you and your mom the same?
Our chestes are the same? (Ummmm)

Q: How are you and your mom different?
We don't have matching hair and you are tall so we look different.

Q: How do you know your mom loves you?
Because

Q: What does your mom like most about your dad?
Because

Q: Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
Chick Filet and McDonalds to get ice cream. I think McDonalds is YOUR favorite place to go!

Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?
I want to put a baby in my belly.

Q: If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I would have a blankie on my back and fly in the air like superman.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?
To McDonalds then DisneyWorld. Where are we going????

Q: If you could build anything, what would you like to build?
a giant robot!

Q: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you want?
A dog and a cat and a giraffe.

Q: If you could look like someone else, who would it be?
Makenna And look like Mommy. And have ladybug pajamas.

Q: If you had plenty of money, what would you buy?
Candy cane and tootsie rolls and a stuffed animal.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in school?
Color pictures for mommy and then you throw them away. You are throwing ALL our pictures away! I did not! Yes you are and that is not nice!

Q: Have you ever sneaked a peek at presents that were hidden from you?
Yes.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are alone?
Draw a picture of mommy.

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?
Salad and corn and carrots and salad and mashed potatoes and corn flakes and cookies and bear.

Q: What is your favorite season of the year?
I like all the things.

Q: What is your favorite Bible verse?

I don't know.

Braces!

2011-02-17T19:07:00.000-06:00

Now you see them.....

Now you don't!

After ALMOST 2 years we have ONE child through braces. And I am not sure I like it, she looks to old, so pretty! She sure is happy to have them off, I think she has been chewing gum since they came off yesterday. Retainers come in next week!

An interview with Makenna-13 years old

2011-02-16T13:33:00.001-06:00

Q: What is your name/nicknames
Makenna, Kenna, Cherry Coke. (I guess this is a NN her cousin gave her in youth)

Q: What do you like about your age?
That I am a teenageer

Q: Why do you like to be a girl/oldest in this family?
Cause I like to be in charge

Q: Do you wish you had another brother/sibling?
No & No well depends on the age. if its a girl my age I want a sibling

Q: What was your favorite vacation?
The one on the beach with all of the family, the BIG one. (St George Island, )

Q: What is your favorite bible story?
Moses

Q: Why do you love Jesus?

Because He died on the cross and saved me.

Q: What is something your mom always says to you?

Give me your phone, your grounded.

Q: What makes your mom happy?
A Chai

Q: What makes your mom sad?
hmmm, alot of things. Orphans.

Q: What does your mom dream about?
Orphans.

Q: How does your mom serve others?
Going on a mission trip, helping at church.

Q: How does your mom make you laugh?
You mean like when you do WII fit?

Q: How old is your mom?
35?

Q: How tall is your mom?
a little bit taller than me

Q: What is her favorite thing to do?
Facebook, computer

Q: What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Computer

Q: What is your mom good at?
blogging, though you are bad at that lately. Getting what you want, taking charge. Good with kids.

Q: What does your mom do for a job?
Taking care of 5 kids and homeschooling

Q: What is your mom’s favorite food?
No idea. Chocolate? Chocolate Chai?

Q: If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Her own special character

Q: What do you and your mom do together?
Shop

Q: How are you and your mom the same?
We look the same. And we like to be in charge.

Q: How are you and your mom different?
Your old? And I am funny. You have the power to ground me, and I don't.

Q: How do you know your mom loves you?

Because of everything she does. Because she raised me into this wonderful obedient lady I am now. (Hmmm!)

Q: What does your mom like most about your dad?
How am I supposed to know?

Q: Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
Shopping, Walmart? (Its a sad life I lead!)

Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?
I guess a Vet or something with baking.

Q: If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Changing into animals.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?
China, duh.

Q: If you could build anything, what would you like to build?
Umm, I don't know. Oh an orphanage where we could take care of kids.

Q: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you want?
Who needs another pet when you have the perfect dog, Hershey! A boxer, maybe.

Q: If you could look like someone else, who would it be?
I don't want to look like anyone else.

Q: If you had plenty of money, what would you buy?
I would go to China. Again. Maybe I would have an animal shelter.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in school?
Write

Q: Have you ever sneaked a peek at presents that were hidden from you?
Nope. Really? Have I? No I haven't I have tried though.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are alone?
Listen to music. Play on my ipod.

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?
Potatoes

Q: What is your favorite season of the year?
Fall

Q: What is your favorite Bible verse?
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

An Interview with Sage-5 years old

2011-02-15T22:14:00.000-06:00

Q: What is your name/nicknames
Sage/ChenYi Qiao/ChenYi Mae/QiaoQiao/Sagey Boo

Q: What do you like about your age?
That Mavery is my friend.

Q: Why do you like to be a girl in this family?
Cause we get long hair, and you picked me and named me Sagey Boo.

Q:What do you like about being the baby in the family?
I still get a mer mer. (this would be her pacifier. The shame!)

Q: Do you wish you had a another brother?
I want to have 2 buddies. (she calls Sawyer her buddy) I want to be the big sister.

Q: What was your favorite vacation?
Mall of America, I like all the trips.

Q: What is your favorite bible story?
Jesus died on the cross for us.

Q: Why do you love Jesus?
Because He made us. And he made the earth.

Q: What is something your mom always says to you?
Your my baby

Q: What makes your mom happy?
When I hug her and give her presents on her birthday. Even when she is sad I hug her.

Q: What makes your mom sad?
That I sneak my mer mer and I am not allowed to have it. And at naptime when I am not napping. When I hit Mavery or argue with you.

Q: What does your mom dream about?
ME. Mommy, do you dream about me?

Q: How does your mom serve others?
teaches everyone at church.

Q: How does your mom make you laugh?
Tickle me.

Q: How old is your mom?
35

Q: How tall is your mom?
tall

Q: What is her favorite thing to do?
Hug me

Q: What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Go somewhere with Daddy.

Q: What is your mom good at?
Taking care of me.

Q: What does your mom do for a job?
Clean the dishwasher

Q: What is your mom’s favorite food?
Shrimp

Q: If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I don't know.

Q: What do you and your mom do together?
We go on special days. I get a makeup phone and we go to the nail place and get our nails painted.

Q: How are you and your mom the same?
We both have white on our shirt.

Q: How are you and your mom different?
I am wearing some green and you black.

Q: How do you know your mom loves you?
She got me in China. She kisses me every day and at night time and nap.

Q: What does your mom like most about your dad?
Because you got alot of babies.

Q: Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
Chinese Restaurant

Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?
Delivering Mail

Q: If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I would shoot fire and ice

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?
Georgia Why? Cause it is sunny there and they have a pool at Brett &Amy and Tyler and Grahams. (her cousins moved there)

Q: If you could build anything, what would you like to build?
A house A silver house

Q: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you want?
PUGGIE poo poo and a kitten! (Sage is obsessed with pugs and REALLY wants one!)

Q: If you could look like someone else, who would it be?
You mommy. ( Awww! )

Q: If you had plenty of money, what would you buy?
everything and a stitchy tent (ever since Disney Sage has been in love with Stitch, as in Lilo & Stitch)

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in school?
Play barbies Barbies? At School? Mom, they do have barbies at school!

Q: Have you ever sneaked a peek at presents that were hidden from you?
yes, What?? The lollipop girls were in a bag, a white bag by your door. you mean in my closet? oh yeah. (guess I better get a bit more sneaky!)

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are alone?
Play with my bears, play with all my unicorns and and and kitty cats

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?
Carrots I LOVE carrots with ranch dress. Mom, I REALLY like Ranch dressing. And I really want rapunzle.

Q: What is your favorite season of the year?
I like Summer Why? It is nice and hot and I wish I won a pool in our front yard. A BIG big pool.

Q: What is your favorite Bible verse?
The bible?

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T22:12:00.022-06:00

No pictures from our day, so I had to share this one I found of Malaine when she was 2. CUTE!
Such a fun day today. Started with chocolate chai for me and hot chocolate for the kids, a special treat! Little girls had their school party, then we all went to our friends for a home school party. Can I just say, when you have 5 kids, it is not all that often you get invited to other peoples houses. ;-) LOVE it when we do. Especially love it when their house feels as crazy as ours so we can really relax! hehe! We had 4 families, 16 kids. 10 of them belong to 2 of us. OH and for the record, FOURTEEN of those are GIRLS. THANK the Lord there is one boy in that mix that is Sawyers buddy! I should add that the host, my friend, is honestly THE most laid back person I know. I love her. And I love her house and backyard full of woods that kept my children happy and muddy today! They will never forget the year they literally got themselves stuck in the mud screaming for us to call 911, while we moms did what all good home school moms would do. Ignored them and figured it had to be some sort of school lesson as they worked together to get out! A bit of science, a bit of math, geography?
I hope your day was full of love, and maybe a bit of muddy adventures!

A Life Around the Box

2011-02-13T23:18:00.001-06:00

It is a funny thing when you think about God sometimes and the plans He comes up with. Take for instance the fact that he created a boy. Who liked order, and things that made sense. A boy with a plan mapped out that was logical and added up. A boy who actually kind of liked life inside the box, because, well, that was pretty normal.

And then God created a girl. And gave her a mind that rolled 24 hours a day. He allowed that mind to go in so many different directions, amazingly never really on a straight path. A girl with a bit of a rebellious spirit who was always pushing it just as far as she could. A girl who dreamed and wondered and questioned and was never settled. A girl who refused to live in a box because there was SO much more to life than that stinken box!

Here is where it gets funny. God put that boy, and the girl, together! But guess what? GOD, is amazing! And He knew that the boy needed the girl to push him outside the box once in awhile. And that girl needed the boy to keep her grounded.

And they lived Happily Ever After! Sometimes in the box, sometimes out, but always trying to listen to God and follow where He wanted them to be.Happy Birthday to my amazing husband, so thankful that God made him mine!

Weekend Re-Cap

2011-02-12T23:31:00.000-06:00

Trying so hard to keep up with one blog a day! Not that anyone probably cares, but I said I would do it so I will...

Attended my first "book club" last night. So fun! We read the book Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymabla. GREAT, great read and so inspiring. Wonderful group of ladies. So sweet. My friend Christy opened her home and made a delicious dinner. She asked Makenna to come and serve/clean up. Then asked all the ladies in attendance to donate to our China trip. Makenna LOVED serving and made a good amount of $. I enjoyed getting together with a new group that I do not normally hang out with. I look forward to next time around. We are going to read Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity.

No pictures, but we had fun tonight Roller Skating. We rented a near by rink and did a fundraiser for our trip. GREAT time of fellowship with friends. So thankful for the support we have received from our family and friends as we work towards our goal. Nice to make money tonight, but really nice just to visit with friends while the kids were having fun!

Open House tomorrow (Sunday) House is still for sale. And causing me some stress. Not even the "when are we moving". It is the "THE HOUSE IS SHOWING WE HAVE TO CLEAN". Which is no easy feat with 5 children. And a whol lot of living going on around here. Pray for me if you will. That I can be patient. And that we will know we are doing the right thing.

Teaching tomorrow on communication. Did you know that a mans brain takes SEVEN hours longer to process information that a woman's? No surprise if you think about it. And a very good thing to remember next time you speak to your hubby!

Sage has a gymnastics competition tomorrow. Of course she does, Because that adds more chaos to an already crazy weekend!

Not to mention, Mark has a birthday! Sad when you barely have time to celebrate your birthday! But we are going out of town for his birthday later this month, so I guess he gets an extra long celebration!

11:30PM but I made it!! ;-)

An Interview with Malaine-8 years old

2011-02-11T14:53:00.001-06:00

Q: What is your name/nicknames
Malaine/Lainey

Q: What do you like about your age?
I have nothing.

Q: Why do you like to be a girl in this family?
Because there are more girls than boys.

Q:What do you like/not like about being the middle child?
Well I like being the middle because I get to do the older kids stuff and I get to do little kids stuff too. But I don't like is about how .. I have nothing. (meaning she has no answer)

Q: Do you wish you had a another brother?
I wish that I had a baby brother, yea.

Q: What was your favorite vacation?
Disney World

Q: What is your favorite bible story?
The time Jesus was born.

Q: Why do you love Jesus?
Because He is our God and He is the one who can do everything.

Q: What is something your mom always says to you?
GO TO YOUR ROOM! (which is so funny because this child barely gets in trouble!)

Q: What makes your mom happy?
When you do something she wants you to do.

Q: What makes your mom sad?
When you do something she does not want you to do.

Q: What does your mom dream about?
Adopting a child.

Q: How does your mom serve others?
By giving them stuff. She supports them.

Q: How does your mom make you laugh?
When I am sad she makes me laugh.

Q: How old is your mom?
35

Q: How tall is your mom?
I don't know, how tall are you mom?

Q: What is her favorite thing to do?
Be on the computer.

Q: What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Computer or clean

Q: What is your mom good at?
Driving

Q: What does your mom do for a job?
Watch the kids.

Q: What is your mom’s favorite food?
Chinese

Q: If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
The mom from Rugrats

Q: What do you and your mom do together?
We have special days together. We shop together. And school.

Q: How are you and your mom the same?
We look the same.

Q: How are you and your mom different?
Our hair is different.

Q: How do you know your mom loves you?
Because when you feel bad she cheers you up, and she loves me just the way I am. Because she is my mom. Because she gives me lots of hugs and kisses.

Q: What does your mom like most about your dad?
Whispering, what do you like most about him? That he works for you?

Q: Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
Chick Filet

Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?
A mom.

Q: If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Freeze Time (funny, that was also Sawyers!)

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?
I like Chicago. Wait no China! I always wanted to go there.

Q: If you could build anything, what would you like to build?
A mansion oh and a american girl doll house.

Q: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you want?
Parrot

Q: If you could look like someone else, who would it be?
you (mom) Awww..

Q: If you had plenty of money, what would you buy?
First a computer, then my own huge trampoline

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in school?
My Fathers World (history and bible)

Q: Have you ever sneaked a peek at presents that were hidden from you?
No

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are alone?
Watch a movie. American Girls or Dollhouse

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?
None but my favorite fruit is everything except pears.

Q: What is your favorite season of the year?
I like Fall Why? It is not to hot or cold and you get to jump in leaves.

Q: What is your favorite Bible verse? (Same as Sawyers, we have been talking about this in school this week)
Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall be in want He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads be beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me, your rod and your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

An Interview with Sawyer-10 years old

2011-02-10T21:21:00.001-06:00

Saw this on a friends blog and thought it would be fun to hear my children answer. I did not edit anything out! I wish I could have added the giggles I got while asking Sawyer these questions, he is so funny!

Q: What is your name/nicknames
Sawyer, SawSaw, Soy Sauce

Q: What do you like about your age?
You get a good sunday school teacher. (yeah for Mr Dave!)

Q: Why do you like to be a boy in this family?
Cause I don't have to be a girl.

Q: Do you wish you had a brother?
Hmmm, sometimes I do, sometimes i don't. Kind of.

Q: What was your favorite vacation?
Mall of America, Don't get mad but Disney World was so crazy and the mall is fun. (Not sure why he thinks I would be mad! DW IS crazy!)

Q: What is your favorite bible story?
The Story of David, King David. And Moses, I like him.

Q: Why do you love Jesus?
Because, umm, He made me and loves me and is our ruler and he is awesome.

Q: What is something your mom always says to you?

Good job Buddy!

Q: What makes your mom happy?
When I don't do bad stuff. When I am not in the room, giggle giggle.

Q: What makes your mom sad?
When I don’t listen. And orphans.

Q: What does your mom dream about?
Orphans

Q: How does your mom serve others?
She helps at church alot.

Q: How does your mom make you laugh?
When she is sarcastic.

Q: How old is your mom?
37 (WRONG, 35)

Q: How tall is your mom?
medium

Q: What is her favorite thing to do?
FACEBOOK!

Q: What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Facebook and clean

Q: What is your mom good at? Organizing

Q: What does your mom do for a job?
Housewife

Q: What is your mom’s favorite food?
Umm OH oh oh Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cupcakes

Q: If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Mrs Puff from Spongebob (I am a bit scared to even know who this is!)

Q: What do you and your mom do together?
We watch movies.

Q: How are you and your mom the same?
We look alike, that is what people tell me at least.

Q: How are you and your mom different?
I am a boy and she is a girl.

Q: How do you know your mom loves you?
A very good question, ummm cause she cleans every day and she hugs me and kisses me and tell me she loves me oh and she forgives me no matter what i do, even when I should be grounded, she lets me out of it.

Q: What does your mom like most about your dad?
That he loves her.

Q: Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
The coffee house to get a chocolate chai.

Q: If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?
Video Game Designer

Q: If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Freeze Time

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?
I want to go to China but I could not live off their food.

Q: If you could build anything, what would you like to build?
A money machine that is not illegal.

Q: If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you want?
Puppy

Q: If you could look like someone else, who would it be?
Daniel Radcliffe AKA Harry Potter hehehehehe

Q: If you had plenty of money, what would you buy?
My own laptop

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in school?
Lunch, Bible.

Q: Have you ever sneaked a peek at presents that were hidden from you?
No but I have tried.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are alone?
Read or legos

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?
Corn

Q: What is your favorite season of the year?
Fall

Q: What is your favorite Bible verse?
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

My Growing China Team!

2011-02-09T13:44:00.000-06:00

If you have not had a chance, I have a blog set up for our China trip. Please take a peek over at
Team Chenzhou. And don't miss my posts below, my goal is to blog this month every day. Trying to get better and thought if I can do it every day, maybe it will get me back in the habit!

Here We Grow Again

Jada Video!

Introducing Jada

It is coming!

One Word

Merry Merry Christmas 2011

The Battle With In Me

Can you hear me now?

Home!!

All is well!

Update so far...

Update time for tomorrow

Cardiac cath Wednesday

Mavery's Medical Madness

Happy Halloween! 2011

This IS your Final Destination-Judgement House 2011

A Mom-Van

Gotcha Mavery THREE YEARS!!

Malaine is NINE!

Wedding Weekend!

Posts not showing..

Makenna is 14!!!

The Airport Equals China for us!

Brother Sawyer

Team Chenzhou 2012

Updates on Air & my sweet Rosebud

Kindergarten Rocks

Rosebud

Pinterest

Vacation 2011

Time flies...

Cooling off Chenzhou- Part 2

Cooling off Chenzhou!

Sawyer is ELEVEN

Sawyers Birthday Baby Boy

Goodbye Sweet Isobel

6 Flags=Showing my age!

Happy Birthday Rosebud!

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

Babies IN Bumbos!

Sawyer First time at Camp

I Miss Her

Life besides China, kind of!

Meet June

Coming Home

Prayers for travel

China team heading home soon. Check out the heading home post. :-) teamchenzhou.blogspot.com. Pray for the team as they travel!

Nearing the end of the Trip

Updates from China

A Brief post up about an adventerous day

Check Out Two New China Posts and flickr Photos

To China we go!

testing

Flying a million miles

One week!

Help Bring Alivia Home!

How you can help the orphans!

Crazy Days

Orphan Summit Part 2

Orphan Summit Part 1

Sawyer & Malaine are Baptized!

Donations for China

Easter 2011

Girls Weekend!

Only God

Fresh Paint!

Countdown to China

Baking Sweets

Orphan Summit

Babies that Wait on my Heart

The Many Faces of a Spicy Girl

If Only I had...

What does James 1:27 mean for ME?

House 4 Sale 4 Ever!?

Sometimes Love IS Enough

Maverys Heart Update

New Look!

An Interview with Mavery-5 years old

Braces!

An interview with Makenna-13 years old