Updates are a Blessing

We were very blessed today to find 16 new pictures of our little Isaiah in our email. He is progressing well and in good health.
I can't believe how cute he is!! We are really hoping to travel in January/February to bring him home. No court date yet, but at least we have an update about him.

I realized how bad of a blogger I am too. I do check other people's blogs occasionally but with not feeling well the past few weeks due to pregnancy stuff i have been MIA. I am taking some anti-nausea medication which takes the edge off.
Hope I can keep things more up to date from now on.
Now back to enjoying my new pictures!!

We Have News!!

Friday night we received a call from our agency telling us we have a 2 year old little boy!!!! He is so cute. We are very blessed and thankful for him. I can hardly stop thinking of him and staring at his picture.
We just found out last week we are expecting a baby in June. Double blessing!!
I wish I could put up his picture but we are not allowed too. I am sure I will send out something to show him off in our Christmas cards!
Thank you for all your prayers. We meet with our adoption worker on Tuesday to go over paperwork. I want to get it all in as soon as possible so we can get a court date. After we pass court they will call us to travel when the paperwork is complete and an embassy date is scheduled. Not sure of the exact time line yet.
Now to pick a name...we are keeping his Ethiopian name as a middle name. For some reason Matt and Isaac just don't agree with me?!

Very Soon

Matt's Birthday Pie



Strawberry Mice by Grandma


We are still next in line for a baby, so very close. Yesterday several families found out they either passed court or were scheduled a court date in November. It is exciting to see things moving again. We will have wonderful news to share with everyone soon.
Until then I am loving fall and all of God's blessings.

Waiting...

Isaac visiting a local dairy farm!


"My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." Psalm 62:5-8
This was a verse a found today. I just love it. I really have to focus on quieting my soul and those negative voices. Instead, teaching my soul what the word of God says! This is something we are learning in our bible school classes.

We continue to wait for a referral, just hanging in first place. Guess that is not a bad thing! Soon, very soon...

Updates

Isaac with a cute kitty, but not ours! I don't think Matt will ever go for it.

This week we have our homestudy update completed. We just have to sign the papers. Our re-fingerprinting appointment is scheduled for this Saturday. Our new medical forms are complete and on our way to our adoption specialist. Everything should be ready for another year of waiting...but since we should be next in line it better not be another year!!!!!
On another note, I asked one of my friends if she was pregnant yet? I told her we know what it it feels like to be over 12 months pregnant, not comfortable:(

Even Closer!!

We should be next in line for a little one! I wondered if I could sleep last night or not. I know it could still happen this week and if not it should be in the next month or so. The family ahead of us received their call yesterday afternoon! Congratulations to the Matthews family, they have a new little boy.
Isaac is doing much better, we are very thankful. Thank your for your prayers.

What a weekend

Finally on Saturday morning we took Isaac to the doctor. His respirations were so high on Friday night it really concerned us. We talked to the doctor at 4:00 a.m. but waited to take him in until the office opened a few hours later. He received a breathing treatment and then went to the hospital for another chest x-ray. They found pneumona again, same spot. He is on antibiotics and breathing treatments at home. What a day we had. Matt and I were both awake most of the night, which made us not feel so great.
Last night was better. His breathing was still quick, but not as bad. He was able to keep one dose of antibiotics down as well.
Thank you to friends who prayed and those of you who brought stuff over for us, mashed potatoes hit the spot for me. The probiotics and chocolate syrup were perfect! I am off to church and then Matt's parents will watch him tonight so we can go to church together.

Prayers

Isaac started his first week of preschool right after labor day. He is really enjoying it! He had just recovered from pnuemonia and was feeling great.
Unfortunetely, this week he seems to have started with a runny nose/cough/fever again. Needless to say I am mad. I hate these things and especially hate what it does to his body and fun plans we have. I spent much of yesterday and today in prayer. Praying for complete healing in his little body. I am not giving up!! We can take medicine several times a day so why can't I pray the Word of God over him several times as well? I know God wants us to be healthy so we can do his work. Psalm 107:20 "He sent his word, and healed them and delivered them from their destruction." Isaiah 55:11 "The Word of God will accomplish what it was sent out to do."
Thank you Jesus for dying for our salvation, healing and protection.
No other news of our baby. I still think it will be October, my favorite month of the year!
We are praying for those waiting, quick court dates and passing the first time!

Number 2

Isaac's choice to add to the blog today. Him and his cousin at our annual car show at church!

Matt and I think we are second in line for a child! Wow, so many children matched this week with families. Everyday I was excited to learn of more referrals. We pray there are more in the next month or two, what a Christmas gift!
Isaac starts pre-school soon and we head to Canada for a vacation. Tonight we hope the rain holds off so we can make it to the demolitian derby at the local fairgrounds!!

9 Children to 8 Families

This week Bethany matched 9 kids to 8 different families. Isn't that wonderful?! We are excited for the families and believe our referral is right around the corner.
I need to take a deep breath and pray for these families and their little ones. Soon it will be our child's picture I am staring at and showing to everyone!
Until then I have Isaac's cute face to admire!

The good news is...

We have to be getting close to a referral. Maybe 4th or so in line. Congratulations to our friends who heard of their new children yesterday. So far 5 children will have homes and families!! Maybe we will hear of more yet this week.
I am posting a couple of pictures, one of Isaac and I in my brother's wedding and another of Isaac at a friends pool, showing off his new swim gear! Too funny.
I hope to share more good news soon.

The Rearview Mirror

It has been an exciting few weeks. My brother was married July 17th! I did not take a ton of pictures because it was a busy time but here are a couple for now!




Last night about 9 of us Ethiopian moms got together at a local Ethiopian restaurant. It was great! I am still enjoying left-overs. There were new and "old" friends there to encourage and share in each others joys!
Today we went to the zoo. Isaac wanted to get his hair painted red!! So out of character for him!

I was thinking today how much I love to watch Isaac in the rearview mirror. He enjoys listening to music on the ipod. Everything from Michael Gungor to Toby Keith and Hillsong United. He really rocks it out to Newsboys!
Thinking about out adoption journey and how for we have come made me thing of this verse..."And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place" Exodus 13:3
God has brought us so far and through many joys and sorrows. I am so happy to have him as my heavenly father and put my trust in him for myself and my family.
I talked to our adoption worker today and we are in the midst of updating our homestudy. New finger prints, home visits and changing our age range a bit. We are opening it up to 0-24 months old and removing any wording that would indicated we would prefer an infant. Soon our time will come and we will be able to hug and kiss our little baby!

It is July!

Matt and Isaac fishing in Canada

The falls in Canada

Matt and Isaac at the beach

July is usually one of my favorite months of the year. This year we spent the 4th of July in Canada with Matt's family. Isaac did not want to leave! We wish it was not so far away, otherwise we would spend more time there.
Next week my brother is getting married. We are getting ready for the big wedding. My dress gets fitted tomorrow, can't wait to see Matt and Isaac in their tuxedos!
Tomorrow Matt and I are going out to dinner to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. Wouldn't it be great if we got a referral for out little boy tomorrow?? We are expecting a phone call any day.
My birthday is also coming up! Often we take a week to vacation at my parents home. Not sure about this year, I may have to go up without Matt because we have to save some vacation days to travel to Ethiopia! I just can't hardly stand to be away from up north in the summer!!!!! When we visited Canada I thought to myself, "why don't I spend from Memorial Day to Labor Day in either Canada or Northern Michigan?" I am just having withdrawls today...
Two local families are in Ethiopia right now and several more should go by the end of the month. Pray for a friend who's baby will need to see some specialists next week when they return home. He is a cutie pie and it would be very difficult to not know exactly what he needs. I am sure they just want to bring him home!
I have my final exam in bible school tonight and lots of groceries to get. Thankfully the wash is complete!
Have a great week and I will be posting some beautiful wedding pictures soon.

Almost There

We celebrate with families last week who received referrals for their children! Five in all to families all across the nation. Two local families leave next week to meet their little baby boy and girl.

We believe we are next in line for a little boy. Their are several in front of us that are waiting for a girl. What a blessing!!

Some of you know Matt and I are in bible school through our church. It is called Leader's for Christ Training Center. We will complete 5 trimesters and receive an associates in ministry. Both of us will be finished next May. I am currently in a summer session to catch up to Matt.
A couple of months ago our facilitator asked us to believe for something specific by July when the class ended. He stated he would be praying for us daily.
Right away in my spirit I felt it should be for a call from our adoption worker telling us we had a child. Of course, my next thought was doubt. What if it does not happen? What if I feel let down by God? All those thoughts that can run through our mind daily.
Since the birth and loss of our son Samuel my relationship with God has grown and changed. It is definitely more intimate. So I talked to Matt about my feelings and to God. Matt's response was, "why not?" God is bigger than any human circumstances.

I decided, "Yes" I would step out in faith and believe for a referral by July. I really want to have a picture of our little one to show off at my brother's wedding. Now of course here we are next in line...I had to really put my faith in God!
Also, I step out and tell people we were believing for a referral by JULY! That we believed it could happen ANY day.

I went through all of Isaac's clothes and sorted through them to donate or repack for our baby. It was a step of faith because those clothes were waiting for Samuel and he did not get to use them. Thank You Jesus you have him in your arms in heaven and have made a way for us to continue growing our family through adopting. Adoption is so important. Just last night alone I was talking to Isaac about how Moses and Esther were adopted.

God wants us to believe Him for more than we could ever ask, think, pray or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
More news to come soon...oh, and our next step of faith is to put up the crib!

Prayers for Friends

Cousins and Best Friends

We pray for two families in Ethiopia seeing their children for the first time. How exciting it would be!

I also found out today an American family who lives in Ethiopia, who we happen to get connected with through a friend of mine, knows and assists with programs in Ethiopia. (Kind of confusing how we know each other, basically Facebook connection) This family lives in Ethiopia, has adopted and knows the directors of Yezelalem Minch Children's Home.
So she was helping them with their community feeding program the other day. She told YM's directors, Birtukan and Nesibu about a recent Youtube video she had received from me! She said it made them smile!!
Small world isn't it? YM is a large part of the video Bethany put together recently. Anyway, we can't wait to get there and meet this family and of course our baby!! Praying it is soon.

9 Months Waiting

My Niece and Nephew

My Mom and I


This Friday will be 9 months of waiting for a referral. We started the process of adoption 8 months earlier. We are believing we hear something by mid-summer! We can believe God for anything.
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him." Ephesians 3:14-17
Last Friday I went to an amazing adoption baby shower for a family from our church. God is putting adoption on the hearts of people all around the world. I pray we can bring the children home and into our hearts and families forever!!
On Saturday we had an open house for my niece. It was a beautiful windy day, but everything turned out wonderful!

Changing...

So obviously I am changing my blog a bit. I was getting tired of my old colors. I lost everything in the transition, including my blog links. When I tried to add them they would not show up. I will keep trying!

So Much To Be Thankful For

There has been quite a bit of activity for the families waiting for children. Referrals, court dates, travel, so exciting!!!
Now we wait for travel calls for several who have passed court!! This week we pray they receive travel dates.

Also, several are going to have court hearings in the next two weeks. We pray God's favor falls on them and the Bethany staff so that all the families pass court the first time.
Last Thursday a bunch of us adopting mothers met at a local coffee shop. Can't tell you how encouraging it is to get together with everyone. We have so much in common and I know God put us together to encourage each other and fulfill His hearts cry of adoption. Isn't it great Jesus died for us and God has adopted us into His family? We are able to call him Dad and be loved and love.
Matt and I are believing for a referral very soon. With God, all things are possible. We are thankful for a wonderful agency to work with and the grace of God in our lives.
This week was Tulip Time in Holland. We watched the parade and had a ton of fun with friends and family. I snapped this picture of Isaac and my mother-in-law.
This is one of my favorite new verses.
Proverbs 30:4 "Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?"

More Referrals!

At least two more children were referred to families today. I am shocked that there were more this month because 5 were referred at the beginning of April. Today, I was thinking how far we are down on the list and how it seemed it would take another year. I have to keep reminding myself how big God is, He can do ANYTHING!
I am thinking maybe we are around 11th now, but several people ahead of us (like 5) have specific requests, where we have none.
So our prayers for our baby to come home this year can still happen!

Family

We just spent 4 days up north and had a blast. Even though it rained most of the time we enjoyed being outside as much as possible. Isaac loves playing with his cousins, Matt and my dad.
We are praying for the 4 families who are in Ethiopia right now picking up their kids!! Prayers for safe travels and having a wonderful time. Hope our turn comes very soon!

My Mac

Today I am getting use to my new Mac. So far I love it!! The options with pictures are endless!
It was a great Easter service and a wonderful dinner at Matt's parent's house. Isaac found 20 Eggs outside and Matt and I went for an hour road bike ride. Yes, spandex and all. Not too pretty, but I am told it is necessary.
Looking forward to a great week and spending time with Isaac and Matt.
I am going to try and attach a few pictures from a recent get together with friends. Got to love these pictures!!

5 referrals!

We found out from reading the Bethany Blog there were 5 referrals given out this week! I think we may be around 11th on the waiting list.

In other news...Matt is still working a lot at his job. Praying the economy in Michigan improves. Right now he is road biking with a bunch of guys.
I had a personal trainer come over a couple of times so a friend and I are working hard and getting in better shape! Lots of sweat and tears.
Isaac is growing and having fun. He loves being outside and going to the park. Thankfully my neighbor has a trampoline too. Of course he enjoys playing cars, tractors and things like that with Matt.
Him and Matt were measured for tuxes for my brother's wedding in July. Can't wait to see him in a tuxedo!
We are preparing for more snow here in Michgan. Today is a beautiful day though.
This Thursday some moms who are adopting from Ethiopia are meeting. If we missed inviting you and you live around here let me know and I can give you the details!
Matt and I have exams Monday night in bible school. Better get back to studying!

Finally!

Today there has been lots of action on our Bethany Adoption Forum. So far three families have referrals.
A dear friend who lives close by has a new 1 month old baby boy. Another family not too far away has a 1 month old baby girl and another local family has a 5 year old girl. There has to be more coming...we know who is waiting in line!
Congratulations to all the families. Not praying for quick court dates and travel plans!

Pictures

My computer is not allowing me to post pictures from my camera card. Today I put some on a CD and wanted to show everyone how much snow they had in Northern Michigan last week!
Here is my parents bird feeder, I think it is a cute way of hanging even more bird feeders.

How Long Is It Going To Take?

That is the question everyone is asking! I think there have only been 3 referrals this year from Bethany. We are still quite a way down on the list. The verse I found today was Psalm 62:5-6 "My soul waits silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be moved."
We are believing for the adoption to be completed this year.
Praying for more referrals to come this week!

Did You See?

I keep forgetting to let everyone know that on page 17 and 18 of Joyce Meyer's magazine Enjoying Everyday life she visited Ethiopia!
She has opened two homes to rescue girls from the sex trafficking and prostitution district in Addis, Ababa. They also have a new medical clinic open that was once run by the government offering free care to people in Angacha, Ethiopia.

We have to congratulate Kim C on her new baby girl. They came home last week, probably still feeling jet-lagged! Also, five families passed court the first time last week! Seven kids have found a home. They all should be traveling soon.

Matt and I are starting to check into our immunizations. We will be getting the Hep. A vaccine now as there was a warning issued to travelers of an outbreak.
He is not happy about getting them!

Isaac and I are heading to my parents house for a few days next week. I am looking forward to a change as the winter is getting long in Michigan!

A Little Survey

1. When was your "engagement" anniversary: August 11th, 2000

2. When is your "marriage" anniversary: July 7, 2001

3. How long have you known your spouse: 10 years

4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged: 8 months

5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time: Blind date Christmas party

6. What is your spouses name: Matt

7. Do you have any children yet: Yes

8. How many: We have Isaac, Samuel in heaven and a new little one coming in our hearts

9. Do you have any house pets: 2 fish

10. Do you own a house or rent: Own

11. Do you live in the country or town/city: City

12. What is one of your favorite activities together: Watching LOST, working out

13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot: Well we pretty much either go up north to Northern Michigan to my parents house or to Canada where Matt's family has a house.

14. How many siblings: Matt has one sister and I have two older half sisters and a younger brother and sister

15. What church do you attend: Resurrection Life Church-Grandville

16. Is this the church you were married in: NO

17. What town is your current address: Hudsonville

18. Do you work or stay at home: Stay at Home, Yeah!

19. Where did you honeymoon: St. Vincent, West Indies. On an island off of St. Vincent called Young Island. (Where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean.)

20: Leave a piece of marriage advice: Never cut down your spouse, remember you are one so when you rip on them you are hurting yourself.

Adopting a Child

It has been almost 6 months of waiting...Today I found a Prayer book that I have not used in awhile. It is called Prayers That Avail Much, by Germaine Copeland.
There are a few volumes out there but I happened to pick up volume three this morning. I am going to include the prayer for Adopting a Child in this post.

Yesterday I heard about a formula shortage in Ethiopia, my mind does not understand how this adoption process can take so long. SO many families are waiting and willing to open up their homes to children. We know we will be totally blessed by our child as well. I just feel like everyone is missing out.

On a good note, this week I have been in touch with 3 more families in the area adopting from Ethiopia. One family we met at the local Ethiopian Rest. on Friday night. They are traveling to pick up their two children mid-March. Another couple actually goes to our church and is waiting for an infant. The third family lives around the CORNER! Can you believe it? We are getting together Friday with them. How exciting.
Here is the Adoption Prayer and the scripture ref. at the end.
Father, in Jesus' name, we come boldy before Your throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. We are trusting in You, and seek to do good; so that we may dwell in the land, and feed surely on Your faithfulness.
We delight ourselves also in You, and You give us the desires and secret petitions of our heart. We believe our desire to adopt a child is from You, and we are willing to assume the responsibility of rearing this child in the ways of the Master.
Father, we commit our way to You [roll and repose each care of our load on You]. Our confidence is in You, and You will bring this adoption to pass according to Your purpose and plan.
Lord, Your son Jesus demonstrated Your love for children when He said,..."let the children alone, don't prevent them from coming to me. God's kingdom is made up of people like this." (Matt 19:14) Then, He laid hands on them and blessed them.
Use us as Your instruments of peace and righteousness to bless this child. We purpose in our hearts to train this child up in the way that he/she should go.
Lord, we are embracing this child (Your best gift) as our very own and with Your love, as Jesus said, "whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me God Who sent me." (Mark 9:37)
Father, take this child up and be a Father and Mother to him/her as we extend our hands and our hearts to embrace him/her. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that gives protection to this one whom we love.
We thank You for the man and woman who conceived this child, and pray that You will bless them, cause Your face to shine upon them, and be merciful to them. If they do not know Jesus, we ask You the Lord of the harvest to send for the laborers to share truth with them that they may come out of the snare of the devil.
Mercy and truth are written upon the tablets of our hearts, and You cause us to find favor and good understnading with You and with man-the adoption agency staff, the judges, and all those who are involved in this decision-making process. May everyone be careful that they do not despise one of these little ones over whom they have jurisdiction- for they have angels who see Your face continually in heaven.
We believe that all our words are righteous (upright and in right standing with You, Father). By our long forbearing and calmness of spirit those in authority are persuaded, and our soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance.
Lord, we are looking to You are our Great Counselor and Might Advocate. We ask for Your wisdom for us and our attorneys.
Father, contend with those who contend with us, and give safety to our child and ease him/her day by day. We are calling on You, in the name of Jesus, and You will answer us and show us great and might things. No weapon formed against us and this adoption shall prosper and any tongue that rises against us in judgement we shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is our inheritance as Your children.
Father, we believe therefore we have spoken. May it be done unto us according to Your Word.

In Jesus' name, AmenScripture References
Heb 4:16
Ps 37:3
Ps 37:4
Ephes 6:4
Ps 37:5
Prov 22:6
Ps 67:1
Matt 9:38
2 Tim 2:26
Prov 2:3,4
Matt 18:10
Prov 8:8, 25:15
James 1:5
Isaiah 49:25
Jeremiah 33:3
Isaiah 54:17
Ps 116:10
Luke 1:38

So Long...

I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted. We have had several problems with our computer lately. Very frustrating, but now we are back in buisness! There was a referral last week for a baby boy, 3 months old. Congratuations:) We hope we are only 15 on the waiting list now. Slowly we are moving up!

Sledding and Friends

Today we went sledding near our house. It is a huge sledding area. I have to say we went very fast and over several jumps. So much fun, but not without a couple of bruises on my thighs!
I had to put up a picture of Isaac with his blue hair. Whenever he gets it cut he chooses the color of gel he wants.
We were able to spend some time with friends this weekend and tomorrow we will visit with our cousins. Isn't great to get together with people you care about?
Looking forward to a great week!

The Ring Bearer

Isaac is going to be in my brothers wedding this summer. He is going to walk up with my other two nieces. They will be the cutest kids! Here is a picture of Josh and Emily with my new chocolate fountain:)

I am in a bible study called Beautiful Womanhood. This weeks chapter to study was called Creating a Culture of Beauty.

One of my favorite verses was Is 55:3 "Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen for the life of your soul is at stake." I have been thinking lately that I learn more from listening than from talking.
As women we create the environment in our home. I pray ours is a peaceful one. I remember when I was a teenager saying to my mom, "Why would so and so want to come home from work at night, I can't stand his wife and he probably can't either. She has to make him WANT to come home."

Prov 27:15-16 "A nagging wife is as annoying as the constant dripping on a rainy day. Trying to stop her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or hold something with greased hands."
I always tell Matt, "I am not your mother and I never will be, No husband wants to make love to his mother." True isn't it:) Be your husbands wife today!
Looking forward to having a great day!

Which Kind Are You?

Here is a picture of Isaac with my parents cat Fluffy. Or at least it WAS their cat. After my mom posted a picture of herself with Fluffy on Facebook, a neighbor saw it and realized it was their kitty Penelope who had ran away. Oh how sad for us. We loved little fluffy. We are promised a kitty when she has kittens, first pick!!

I was reading something the other day and it has really stuck with me. It is the introduction to 1 Corinthians 1-6 in the Daily Walk Bible.
"There are three kinds of people in the business world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who ask, "What happened?" Which kind are you?
There are also 3 kinds of spiritual people. Those who are spiritually dead (without the Spirit, Cor 2,14), those who are spiritually immature (worldly, 3:1), and those who are spiritually discerning (spiritual man, 2:15-16). Which kind are you?


The natural person does not have the Spirit of God and cannot understand or apply spiritual truth. The carnal person is a Christian who is acting like a natural person (3:3). This person' growth in Christ is stunted. He or She is still feeding on the spiritual "milk" when he or she should be eating "meat."

The spiritual person has "the mind of the Lord" (2:16) and is able to take the truths of God's Word and translate them into obedient action.
Talk to God about where you are and ask Him what needs to change before you could be described as "he or she who is spiritual.
This was challenging and I love a challenge from God's word. Probably the biggest thing I see among fellow Christians is their lack of knowledge of God's word, I didn't say knowledge in general, but Bible knowledge.
What they speak does not line up with God's word and the Word of God has SO much to say about our mouths.
James 1:26 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

WOW, Guess what? We need to keep our mouths shut a lot more than we do. And when we speak make sure it lines up with the Word of God. Otherwise our religion is "worthless." Certainly convicts me to watch what I say and if I need to speak make sure it is Godly speech.
A challenge for all of us, I encourage you to take it this New Year! I know there will be less strife in our homes, with friends and family and life in general. Strive to live in Peace with all people. Lay down pride, idle thoughts and jealousy.

I Am Still Counting!

I had to put up a picture of my red neck garage door opener. Our spring broke so it is very heavy to push up. We are leaving our cars outside most of the time, but with all the snow and the possible blizzard (that seems to have past us up) we sometimes park them inside. When I want to get out I lift it up slowly and put things underneath it to rest. Because we have a bike rack on top of our SUV I have to add this blue container on top of the ladder. The neighbors must love it!!
I was Re-counting last night and since there were a couple of more children given to families we may be around 16 on the list!! Hard not to be excited!

I just finished reading a book a friend gave us, What is the What. I liked this quote from Mother Theresa,
"Lord Jesus, make us realize
that it is only by frequent deaths of ourselves
and our self-centered desires
that we can come to live more fully;
for it is only by dying iwth you
that we can rise with you."

Counting Down...

I get so excited when I see families have been given their referral! Today I checked the Bethany Forum and saw that a little 9 month old girl and an 11 month old boy have been chosen for families.
So by my estimation, however off it may be, I think we are about 19 on the list AHEAD of us. Some families are open to adopting older children and some may have put a gender preference. In any case, we are getting closer to meeting our little boy or girl. Isaac is still pretty sure it will be a girl and we need to name her Flower. If it is a boy he thinks another Isaac or Titus would be good. Where he gets these names I do not know!
We are going to the Ethiopian Restaurant tonight. There will be 8-10 of us going. Matt's family loves it so we enjoy visiting and seeing Sam, the owner. Maybe sweet potato pie for dessert tonight. Also looking forward to talking to him about a cooking class he may be doing and trying to pick a night so us Bethany families could meet there for dinner, more on that later.
Here is a picture of Matt and Isaac on New Year's Eve. We tried to go to a nice Italian restaurant for dinner but it had a 2 1/2 hour wait! So we headed over to the local Mexican place instead. Afterward we had my chocolate fountain going at home and by the end of the night my brother and his fiance had a chocolate fight and we got some great pictures!

Our Son Is A Blessing!

Yesterday our son told me he wanted to marry me someday! Isn't that sweet? We just adore and love him.
Today I am taking him to a nature center to possibly meet up with our cousins. They have bees, snakes, turtles and bunnies!
Matt went out for a run this morning, 10 degrees, WOW that is cold.
Our weeks will start getting busier again. Matt and I start back to bible school on Monday, I volunteer at church one morning and we are doing The Story on Wednesday nights as a church family. That is only the beginning! But we are not over stressed and enjoying everything.
I was reading Psalms 5 this morning. Verse 3 "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation." Isn't that a great verse?
We pray we hear of more referrals soon for our friends. That means one step closer for us!