Happy Thanksgiving!

Our hearts are full of thanks today. We are a blessed family, living amongst blessed friends, in a blessed nation. We take time today to give thanks to God for all His many blessings, but may our hearts be filled with this type of gratitude everyday! From "Our House" to yours....HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

Psalm 95:1-3

From the mouth of a babe...

This morning our family read Psalm 8 together and I had to smile a great BIG smile as we read the first part of verse 2:

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise...
Psalm 8:2a

For a month or two, Micah has been folding his hands together when we say "let's pray." But, just a couple of weeks ago he did something that made my heart leap...he put his hands together, bowed his head and mumbled "Jesus" (actually, it sounded more like "Shee-sus")! Of course we got excited about one of his first words being the Lord's name!

Then, last week I had this amazing image as I read Philippians 2:

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2: 9-11

As I read those verses, I had this awesome image of Micah praying... a baby in his highchair lowering his sweet little curly-haired-head, muttering the name of Jesus...and I just imagined this "swishing-thumping" sound as all of heaven's angels fell onto their knees.

I have no idea if something like that really happens when Micah says "Shee-sus"....but I do know that the Bible says that one day EVERY knee will bow at the sound of His precious name.

Sometimes I think I forget that...I forget the magnitude of it and I take for granted the power He gives me to pray in His almighty name. What a blessing that God gave me these verses--and a baby saying "Shee-sus"--to remind me!!

Joy Unspeakable!

Last night, while we were fast alseep, Tim and Ali (my brother and sister-in-law) were united forever with their daughter Faith! God is so good...and we continue to marvel at His ways...ways that are beyond our understanding.





We are blessed to welcome this sweet little girl into the family!

You have got to try this recipe!!

I don't post many recipes...but you HAVE to know about this one! I stumbled on it last week, today I tired it for a pitch-in...it was a HUGE hit...lots and lots of requests for the recipe. It was so very easy and seems too simple to be so yummy....you just have to try it to believe it.

SLOW COOKER CREAMED CORN

1 1/2 packages (16 oz) frozen corn
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter or marg
1/2 cup milk
1-2 Tbls sugar
salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat cream cheese, butter, milk, sugar in saucepan until melted.
2. Place frozed corn in slow cooker.
3. Pour melted mixture over corn.
4. Slow cook on high for 1 hour, then low for 3 hours.

That's it!!
I doubled the recipe and it was "gobbled up" quick!
Just in time for Thanksgiving...give it try and let me know what you think!

What a great reminder!

In her post yesterday, Ann (from Holy Experience) included these lyrics from Casting Crown's "Who Am I?"

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again
Who am I?
That the voice that calms the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am.
But because of what You've done.
Not because of what I've done.
But because of who You are.

from "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns

What a great reminder to me...that these gifts I have been listing over the past week are ALL about God's goodness...about who He is, and how He loves me...not because of anything I have done, or anything I could ever do...but ONLY because He is an awesome, giving, loving, wonderful, gracious God!!!

Extreme "Our House" Makeover!!!

Yippeeee!!! "Our House" got redecorated! Were you surprised?

A big thank you to Susie at Blurbird Blogs for the design and for being patient with me as a asked question after question! Thanks, Susie!!

Now I know how to do blockquotes, too! This is my first try...and it worked! How fun is this??

Enough of this fun, though...My REAL house needs an extreme makeover...Chad's family is coming here for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, and there is still MUCH cooking and cleaning to do!

Have a great trip, Tim and Ali!!

Tomorrow morning my brother, Tim, and his wife Ali (visit Family Footprints) are headed to China to bring home their daughter, Faith.

We can't wait to hear all the details and see the pictures!

We will be praying for you!!!!

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely , O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12.

Lord, we pray your protection and shield over this family as they journey to bring sweet little Faith home. Watch over Tim, Ali and Faith during travel. Keep Tyler and Zack safe as well, and give them your peace to know that they will be reunited very soon as a family of 5!!

p.s. How cute is this pic?? So sweet of Faith to wave at her Aunt Michelle! You can just see it in her eyes, can't you...."Hi Aunt Michelle!!!!"

AND!!

271. Newly purchased airline tickets to visit Stacy in January!!!!!

Oh happy day!

and....and.....and......and......and.....

101. sunsets
117. starry nights
119. seeing "I AM" spelled out in the clouds after Brock pointed it out to me!
143. Rich Mullins...his music and his life
145. Christian rock concerts
156. a toasty warm corn stove on cold, cloudy days
157. slippers
171. my corner windows in the kitchen (thank you Lord, and thank you MOM!)
179. Micah sleeping in his crib after so many nights of praying by his empty crib
181. Hawaiian pizza
185. Dean's crab dip
200. Taste buds!!!
207. The sacrifice of veterans throughout the years/wars
224. Heather Radu
228. We're out of PGN! (still a great thing to be thankful for!!!)
242. living out in the country where, on a windy day, God rakes my whole yard!
251. beds that were made by kids who did not need to be told to make them
256. "Show Me Your Glory" runs
265. watching videos from my childhood
...and the list continues to grow.

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. Psalm 95:2

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

Dad,

I am guessing that you have never been on our blog?? Maybe mom has read you a thing or two from it....and maybe she has shown you some pictures (if not...we need to change that!) And I am guessing that mom is reading this to you right now...so...give her a minute to get her kleenex first. You see, it has become a bit of a tradition on our blog to honor people on their birthday be doing a "birthday list"...pointing out some things that we love about the "birthday boy/girl".

So, keeping with recent tradition, here is your "birthday list" ( I decided I better limit it to ten, because that is what we did for mom...you know what I mean??) of things we love about you!!

1. Your amazing work ethic
2. The way you tell a story
3. How (when the boat broke down) time after time, you would drive to Raccoon Lake, run the boat to Tom's Marina, and get it back ASAP so we did not miss out on any lake time!
4. The way you coached basketball (with such passion and excitement!)
5. The way your players respect you so highly to this day....you are very loved!
6. Your sense of humor
7. The way you always demanded that Mike, Tim and I respect authority figures (teachers, coaches, referees, etc.)
8. How you would baby sit for Brock...and how you broke your ankle when you jumped out the window and off the roof to rescue him from the locked door!!!!
9. Your love of Bluegrass music
10. And, last but certainly not least.....one of the things we love most about you dad, is how you keep hanging in there with your Parkinson's.....we know it is very tough, but you just keep plugging away...and for all the times we have not said it, we are so PROUD of you for that.

And speaking of PROUD...let me just close by adding that one of the things I am most proud of in my life (more than any award, honor or degree I have earned) is being able to say that I am "HOWARD LEEDY'S DAUGHTER"!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Dad! We love you very much!

Not much to you....but it's "progress" to me!!

I realize that it is not an "earth-shattering, life-saving, mountain-moving, cancer-curing" type of accomplishment....but for me, it feels like a somewhat big deal...

...it is progress in an area of weakness in my life
...IT IS 8 DAYS WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING MY SNOOZE BUTTON!
...and hopefully, it is progress toward my ultimate goal of CONSISTENT EARLY MORNING QUIET TIME with my Saviour.

More than a list

Heavenly Father,

I am thankful. You have blessed me and my family, in ways that I take for granted every day. I pray that this process...this 1000 gifts...will be more than just a list. I pray that it will be a process of seeing new things, of growing in gratitude, of praising you more often...I pray that it will be a time of growth for me, and a time of drawing nearer to you. 1000 is big number...its a lot of things to think of and a lot of things to write...but help me to see more clearly that in You, the 1000 gifts are just the tip of the iceberg. Thank you, Lord.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving...

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

I was inspired and challenged by Ann at Holy Experience. She has asked others to join her in an excercise of gratitude... of praising God for His goodness...of listing 1000 things for which I am thankful. So, in this season of Thanksgiving, I have decided to join in. I will be keeping a list of things...big things, small things, extraordinary things, everyday things...things that I just want to thank the Lord for.

Now, don't worry. I will not post the whole list here. But I certainly will share some items, and let you know how the journey of 1000 gifts is coming along!!

I pray that as I do this...as I look around my life for things to thank God for...I pray that as I do this, my heart will fill with gratitude...and that I will begin to be more in the habit of constantly thanking God for things that I too often pass by without notice.

Open my eyes, Lord.

This is not a political BLOG.....but......

Have you voted yet??

We are planning to later today...when we can take the kids with us. Maybe I will post later about how that went...but, if you haven't already, we would like to encourage to go vote today (AND VOTE CONSERVATIVE!! oooops. this is not a political blog.)

Happy Birthday, MOM!! Part 2...

YoooooHooooooooo!!!! It's your birthday card...right here on my blog! How fun is that??? Recently I have started doing "birthday lists"....so here is yours. I thought about posting 67 things that we love about you (hmmmm...where did I come up with that number??) but decided to do a top ten list of things that we are SOOOO thankful for when we think of you!

1. The way you love our children...not just in word, but in action!
2. The way you are always willing and WANTING to help our family.
3. The way you take care of dad!!!!!!!!
4. Food runs to town.
5. The way you put the needs of others in front of your own.
6. How strict you were when I was growing up
7. The example you set for our children
8. The way you care for Grandma Leedy!
9. How you have accepted Chad, and love him (even if you do take his side....ALWAYS!)
10. Spring Break (need we say more????) =)

This list is trully just the tip of the iceberg, Mom. You bless our lives in ways that you probably do not even realize. We are so thankful for you...and love you very much!!

Happy Birthday, Gummie!!!!

Happy Birthday, MOM!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

I will follow with a full "birthday post" later. But I wanted you wish you a happy day TODAY!!

Have you tried these????

A few weeks ago I stumbled onto these in the grocery store...and oh my do I regret it! I have consumed several bags since! They are so yummy! I initially bought them to go on my salads. But lately, I have just been eating them like candy! Look for them in your local grocery....and let me know what you think!!!

Have a great weekend!

OH.....by the way....not setting my alarm clock worked great...now I am TWO DAYS without using my snooze button!

Slaying My Snooze Button

It is the most over-used item in my house...it is amazing it still works...it is my SNOOZE BUTTON.

Somedays I just hit it once or twice. Some days (you know those days when I want to get up early, but don't HAVE to) I have been known to hit that stinking button for an hour and a half...seriously!! I have't always been this way. I think it was the combination of parenthood and medical residency that did it to me. Anyway, I am ready for a change!

Last night I was hanging out over at "GirlTalk" (have you been there yet?) and was reading in the archives about their morning devotions and I became convicted that if I am EVER going to have a consistent morning quiet time, I am going to have to do something about that snooze button! So....that is what I am setting out to do. Slay my snooze button!! I thought about shopping for an alarm clock without a snooze button...but I really want victory through SELF-CONTROL and DISCIPLINE.

So, I started this morning. When my alarm went off..I got out of bed (novel approach, don't you think??) NO SNOOZING! VICTORY day #1!!

Oh man...tomorrow is Saturday! Well.......I guess if I don't set my alarm at all, then I won't need my snooze button to sleep in, right?? =)

A Life To Remember

Philip R. Baker
June 10, 1936 - October 30, 2006

The dates are significant...
but the really important stuff happened in the dash...
and Phil lived a very full dash!!
We will miss you...but we can look forward to seeing you on that glorious day to come!!

Concert Junkie

I suppose there are worse hobbies...

but I LOVE going to Christian rock concerts. Seriously. Third Day, Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, The Gaithers (wink)...just to name a few! As Erica already mentioned, I was very blessed to go to the Jeremy Camp concert on Saturday with Chad, and our friends Dean & Carrie. The guys seem to enjoy the concerts...sort of...but Carrie??? she's a junkie like me!!! We've taken in lots of concerts together..and laugh about how we hope we are still "rocking" when we are old and grey (and I don't mean in a chair!!) I love being at a concert worshipping with her...our hands held high in praise and our hearts focused on the Lord!

Anyway, if you have never had the priviledge of seeing him, Jeremy Camp is a great worship leader in concert. It is not only his music...but his testimony...his heart for the Lord...his desire to have his life reflect nothing but Christ.

His new album comes out today...and I can't wait to hear it...but there is a song from his "Carried Me" album that blesses me everytime I hear it...it is called "Walk by Faith"...and, in fact, a year ago (on Saturday, October 29th...in the midst of adoption turmoil) I journaled about it. The chorus says:

I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see
because this broken road prepares your will for me.

As I look at Micah each day, I have an amazing reminder of how God can use a broken road (and I would describe our adoption journey as just that) to prepare His will in our lives. I am thankful for a sovereign God who loves me completely and has our best interest in His hands. I want my life to reflect that. I pray that on this journey I will walk by faith even when I cannot see what the road ahead has in store.

Rock On!!!

We had a great time....twice!

First things first.....a special thanks to Erica for posting in my abscence! She has got the process all figured out now!! Great job, sis!!

More on that Jeremy Camp concert later...some day soon!

We were so blessed to have TWO great birthday celebrations for Micah!

Wednesday evening we had just the 5 of us (plus Brock and Erica each had a friend) for pizza and cake. Micah loved his first piece of birthday cake...he was a little hesitant at first, but once he got a taste of all that sugar, his hands could not get to his mouth quick enough...one bite after another.

Sunday we were blessed to share the special occasion with family and friends...Gummie, Papaw, Nana, Paps, Tim, Ali, Tyler, Zack, Rhonda, Harper, Carter, Rutger, Dean, Carrie, Madi, Merrill, Mollie, Tim, Colleen, Olivia, Garrett, Audrey, Mike, Sheila, Christian, Shannon, Ethan, Aunt Dona, and of course...Daddy, Mommy, Brock and Erica...did I get everyone?? Anyway, we had a great time!

One of my favorite moments was watching Micah sit on Brock's lap, while Erica helped open the gifts and read the cards. They are so good with that sweet baby!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICAH!! WE LOVE YOU!!

She Is gone...to Jermey Camp concert

Mom and dad went to the Jermey Camp concert with Carrie and Dean. My Grandma (Nana) came to baby-sit me(Erica),Brock and Micah.Mom said that Hawk Nelson was the opening singer.I have a cold.This is all I can think of.So I have to go (I don't want to miss the candy convention on T.V. )





Bye,
Erica
A.K.A The forth grade goat lover

Thank you, sweet girls!!

What a gift I received this morning!! The gift of sleep!!

Erica and her friend Audrey allowed me some extra sleep this morning....they heard Micah wake up before I did, so they snuck upstairs into his room, got him out of his crib, played with him, CHANGED A POOPY DIAPER (oh how I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that one!!), fed him some peaches and played with him some more!

What a blessing! Not just the sleep itself....but that these two girls had the hearts to care for Micah AND the "mothering" skills to do it!

Thank you, girls!!

Happy Birthday Micah!

Micah is ONE year old today!!

What does a mommy say on a day like today??

Sweet baby Micah,
Happy birthday!!
What an amazing year it has been! We could never have imagined the joy you would bring to our lives...to our family! A year ago today God brought you into this world...and continued weaving the circumstances that would bring you into our family forever! We are so blessed. You bring us joy and laughter each and every day with all the little things you do! I think we could name a million things about you that we love so much, like...

• your happy, content nature
• your sweet little kisses
• your smile...could it be any bigger?
• your fake cry (you know the one!)
• your wonderful habit of always sleeping through the night for mommy and daddy
• your belly laugh...the one that Brock and Erica can always get you to do
• your "tricks"...like "shy boy", peek-a-boo, and "soooo big"
• your ability to make bubby and sissy laugh!
• your animal sounds (doggie and cow)
• your curls!
  

And those are just to name a few.

Micah, I pray that one day you will be able to comprehend the love we have for you. We continue to stand in awe at the miracle of God (His plan, His timing, His purpose) that brought you to us. We love you, sweet boy!!!

Oh......and you may be growing (faster than we wish) but you aren't "too big" yet....you still fit in the kitchen sink!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICAH!!

"Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!" 1 Samuel 12:16

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

My thoughts on this day....

Tomorrow is Micah's first birthday! Hard to believe, isn't it??

I know that tomorrow will be a day to celebrate and rejoice at the miracle of Micah's birth! But, today my thoughts are elsewhere...in another country, in fact. Today I have been overwhelmed with thoughts of Micah's birthmom...wondering....
When did she go into labor? What was her labor like?
When did she make her way into Guatemala City...and who brought her there?
At what point did she make the decision to place him into another family...with the hopes that he would have a better life?
How did she learn of Hannah's Hope?
Is she thinking of him today? Will tomorrow be emotional for her?

....and a million more questions. Questions that we may never know the answer to.

But what we do know is this: One year ago tomorrow, a healthy beautiful baby boy was born to a woman that loved him and wanted him to have opportunities that she could not provide. We are blessed to know this, because she took the time to put it in a short letter to Micah.

I have no idea what it was like for Micah's birthmom a year ago today, tomorrow and the next...but what I do know is that our family is forever grateful to this woman for choosing life for her baby...our baby.

I have no idea what emotions she is having right now, a year later...but when she thinks of Micah, I pray that God gives her a peace that passes understanding and an assurance that Micah is quite possibly the most loved little boy in the world!!

This world is not my home!

It's no wonder.

That's what I keep thinking. It is no wonder we have struggles, frustrations, disappointments, insecurities, etc, in this world. We are aliens. Aliens...strangers...foreigners... living in a world that is not our home. That is what the Bible says, and I believe it.

Don't get me wrong. God created some beautiful things for THIS world. Just look around....the colorful leaves, amazing sunsets, etc. And all that is nothing compared to the blessings of family and friends! But, when I think of what I have to look forward to...a perfect body, perfect relationships, and eternity with my perfect Lord and Savior...I can't help but yearn for my real home.

These thoughts are not new to me. I have thought this way for as long as I can remember...and I have always loved songs like "Elijah" (Rich Mullins), "One of These Days" (FFH) and "I Can Only Imagine" (Mercy Me) that talk about that glorious day when I will see my Savior face to face.

Recently, I was listening to Aaron Shust's CD "Anything Worth Saying" and I fell in love with the last song on the album..."One Day". Oh how I wish I could sing it for you now! But, you will have to settle for the lyrics of the chorus (but, if you ever get the chance to hear the entire song, I just know you will enjoy it, too!)

More on this topic later...

We will gather at the Crystal Throne
All these years; we're finally home
I can actually see His face
And all I can do is say,

Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty
Who was and is and is to come,
We lay our crowns before You
Every heart and soul adore You
The God of gods, Almighty One

More on this topic later, I am sure!

Praise the Lord!!!!

We are celebrating today! Katerine was declared abandoned (see previous post) and can now be adopted by the loving family who accepted her as their daughter several months ago (my friend Stephanie and her family...click on my link and go visit their blog today!)

Our hearts are filled with joy for our friends...and we are so thankful that God moved the judge's heart to make this happen!

Please keep praying for Katerine, Stephanie, John and Daniel. The road ahead is still long...with several "waiting phases", but I am confident that sweet Katerine will be joined with her family soon!

CONGRATULATIONS KATERINE AND FAMILY!!!! WE ARE REJOICING WITH YOU!!!!

Happy Birthday, Amy!!

Technically this is a day late, but because we are CELEBRATING today, I thought it would be the best day to post this!!

Last week for Chad's birthday I made a list of things that I love about him (one for each year)...since I do not want to give away your age, I will make a TOP 10 list of things I love about you (not that I couldn't come up with 28 things that I love about you....OOOOPS! that gave away your age, didn't it??).

So...here goes:
1) You are a sister in Christ who loves the Lord!!
2) You treat my patients with kindness and compassion (even when it is not easy)
3) You have a great sense of humor
4) You are honest
5) You have a super sweet smile
6) You fill in my gaps and make make me a better doctor
7) You have an amazingly bubbly personality
8) You have all the qualities of an ideal employee (reliable, punctual, responsible, etc)
9) You listen to all of my stories and dorky ideas...usually without even rolling your eyes.
10) When you are already swamped and I add something to your stack, you do not throw it back at me!!

You are a blessing to my life and a blessing to my patients. Thank you! and Happy Birthday!!

Michelle

BLOGGING...ALONE

I am Erica. While mom was getting Micah ready for bed I got on. This is the first time I blogged alone.I did this in Guatamala ,but mom knew. I have been good,if you wanted to know. I am excited for Micah's first birhtday. He is turning 1. I keep on telling him he is going to be a whole number , not a fraction. Sorry,I can't think of any thing else to put. Bye.



Your friend,
Erica


A.K.A The fourth grader
The goat lover

This mom's prayer...

As I was reading last night, I came across Phil. 1:9-11. This my prayer today (and everyday) for Brock, Erica and Micah....

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight; so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blamelesss until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Phil. 1:9-11

Yep...that's it...that is my heart's desire for my children...but OH MY, I am constantly reminded how much Chad and I need the Lord's help/guidance/inspiration/strength/wisdom, etc. as we seek to raise our children for this purpose!!

Please Pray With Us!!

This Wednesday, October 18th, is a very important day for a beautiful little girl in Guatemala...AND her family here in the USA who is anxious to bring her home!!

The sweet little girl is Katerine...her story is long, and not mine to tell...but it makes my heart ache...and I am asking today that you join us in praying for her. On Wednesday, somewhere in Guatemala, a judge will decide whether or not to declare Katerine "abandoned"...and she must be declared abandoned before she can be adopted.

Please pray for Katerine's family, too. Her mommy ("Stephanie" on my blog links), and daddy John, and brother Daniel (9 years old) have been on this adoption journey for a very long time. Please pray that God would continue to strengthen them. Stephanie has been so steadfast in her faith...but I know from experience that some days are much harder than others.

Thank you for joining us before God's throne for this precious child (and her family)!!!

Come on, fess up!!

Yesterday my sister-in-law, Ali (over at Family Footprints) cracked me up with her post. She was talking about how she had been guilty of "messing up" the lyrics to different songs.

So, I busted out laughing as I remembered some songs that I have sung...only to find out later that I was singing the lyrics all wrong! I used to sing "There's a Fire Downtown" until I learned that the real words were: "It's the Final Countdown"...and then there was the song "Two Pop-Tarts", which I was surprised to learn was really "Two of Hearts"!!! But I am in good company...Do you know the song Entertaining Angels by the Newsboys?? Instead of "24/7 He waits for me"....I heard Chad singing "24/7 Eight days a week" !?!?!?!?? Then there was sweet Erica...instead of singing "I am a friend of God, He calls me friend" she was singing "I am a friend of God, He calls me Frank"...which we had to laugh as we questioned her as to why God was calling her Frank!?!?!

I really got a good chuckle out of her post...so it makes me wonder....HAVE YOU EVER BEEN GUILTY OF "MESSING UP" ANY LYRICS???? Come on, fess up! I could use a good laugh!

Happy Birthday Chad!!

37 things that I LOVE about you, Chad....one for each year...

1. You love the Lord
2. You desire to be a godly husband and father
3. You have such a servant's heart
4. You are the most physically strong person I know
5. The laugh that you belt out when something is REALLY funny to you
6. How when asked what you want for your birthday you ALWAYS say "nothing"
7. That you mean it when you say you want nothing
8. The way you call my dad "Coach"
9. Your patriotism
10. Your fun-loving spirit (even if I do call you "otter-boy" sometimes!)
11. How you esteem the elderly
12. That you cook dinner so often
13. Your desire to host/entertain our friends
14. How you listen to my mom (with compassion) when she is worried or stressed
15. How you play football with Brock in the front yard
16. How you huddle with Erica to make up plays with her when she joins in the football games
17. That you encourage me to have time with my girlfriends (in person, on the phone and im)
18. That YOU built us a house!!
19. That you have a "like mind" to me in parenting our children
20. That you do NOT have a like mind to me on everything (how boring would that be??)
21. How you give me back rubs
22. That you are putting a corn stove in the office to keep me warm
23. That you built your construction company from scratch
24. That your company has such a great reputation in our community
25. How you can remember so many details about people you talk to
26. Your sense of humor
27. How you love to help people
28. That you sleep on the floor next to our kids when they are sick
29. Your work ethic
30. Knowing you since 3rd grade
31. That our relationship began as a "best friendship"
32. That you teach our kids to respect authority
33. That you are letting me use your laptop while mine is STILL being fixed
34. How you take the kids to school when it is so cold out in the morning (or raining)
35. How you always want to do what is right
36. How you will read this list and humbly think that I am exaggerating (but I am not)
37. That you chose me!!

I am thankful for this day...37 years ago...when God brought you into this world. And I am thankful for the path that God led you on...the one that led to "us". And I am thankful each day (although I too often fail to show it) for the life we live together. You are a great husband, a wonderful father and an amazing man!

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine...." Song of Sol. 6:3

HAPPY BIRHTDAY, "BELOVED"!!!

A long line of love....

Dick and Sue Timmons

aka: Dad and Mom
aka: Paps and Nana

Last night Chad's parents came for dinner to celebrate their 42 years of marriage. 42 YEARS OF MARRIAGE! I love it!!!

In a day and age when there are so many "family feuds", I am very blessed to have in-laws that BLESS our family.
...they are committed to one another
...they build up our marriage (Chad and I's)
...they invest much time, energy and love into the lives of our children
...the list could go on and on (and most certainly includes readily available, high-quality babysitting!!)

Happy 42nd Anniversary!! and we pray for many, many more!!

Ready or Not.....

Ready or not... cold weather is on the way.

I mean...I am not saying that winter starts tomorrow or anything. But they are forcasting a high on Thursday of only 35 degrees (or 50 degrees...you know how those weathermen are!) and lows in high 20's!!!!

So....I started thinking....thinking of reasons that I could be GLAD that cold weather, snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain, windchill, etc, are on the way. So here is my list. Please feel free to add to it. I think it is a good way to combat the onset of seasonal affective disorder.

1. No more mosquitos, flies and ants.
2. Snow days with the kids.
3. No more mowing the yard.
4. Snow angels.
5. Cozying up in front of the corn stove (that's for another post!)
6. Hot chocolate.
7. Colleen's peppermint cheesecake (Chad's input to the list)
8. Did I mention no more mosquitos??
9. Beautiful wintery scenes just outside the window.
10. Sledding.

OK.....I feel better already, don't you?? Help me out....add to my list. What are you favorite things about winter??

Way back when....

Fur trading. Pottery making. Stove blackening. Water pumping. The meeting house. The school house. The wigwam. Doc Campbell's house. Zimmerman's farm.....and driving the turkeys home!

And that was all just BEFORE lunch.

On Friday, Erica and I (along with the entire 4th grade) enjoyed a field trip to Connor Prairie...a "living museum" set back in the 1800's. We had a super fun day, while learning about what life was like in Indiana in the 1800's...complete with lots of hands-on activities.

Thanks for a fun day, sis!!

This is not a recipe!

This is not a recipe....it is an ingredient list...for a very, very yummy salad. If you have never tried this combo in a salad before, you really should....

Lettuce (I like Romaine)
Chicken Fingers (cut into bite size pieces)
Mandarin oranges
Dried cranberries
Feta or Blue Cheese
Candied pecans (or walnuts)....you can find some recipes online
Vinegarette dressing (I like the Raspberry Walnut Vinagarette)


Since it is not a recipe (only an ingredient list) you can use the ratio of ingredients that suits you best...as for me, my salad usually ends up looking like a bunch of toppings, with a little lettuce tossed in.

So yummy!! Try it soon and let me know what you think!?!?

How cute is this??

Is there anything more adorable than a baby asleep with his hind-end sticking up in the air??

This morning, when I went into Micah's room and saw this...I was pretty sure he was the cutest thing I had ever seen!!

I conquered "That Grey Tub"

OK....so this post may mean nothing to YOU...but it means SO SO SO MUCH to ME!!

When we remodeled a couple of years ago, I put a bunch of stuff (some of it important, some of it just junk) into this big grey tub. Ever since then, if I was looking for something that I had not seen in awhile...I would always have to rummage through "That Grey Tub"to see if it was in there. GRRRR...I would get so mad! Several times I had started to clean "That Grey Tub" out...but there was just SO much STUFF in there and it was a MESS.

So...today I did it!!!! Everything is sorted out, and filed or put in its proper place....the tub is EMPTY!!!

yippeee! I think I will celebrate tonight with a big bowl of ice cream!! =)

Our Morning Drive

Each morning when I drive the kids to school, I get my excercise. How?? By waving.

We have a morning routine that gets us out the door within the same 5 minute window almost every day...apparently many other people do too. And I love it. We usually see "***" as we wait to get on the State Road. Then "+++" gives us a big wave as we pull into the Junior-Senior High School. A few minutes later we give a little honk to "###" at the corner gas station. Then "^^^", a high schooler in our youth group, gives his cool little wave as he passes us going the other direction. A couple miles down the road "===" waves to us...she usually gets her daughter to school a few minutes earlier than us. Then we usually see"@@@", he was one of Chad's groomsmen. And my morning is not complete without a huge wave from "%%%" , another youth grouper, as he waits to get on his bus. And it just goes on and on like that.

Sometimes it feels like I stepped onto the set of "Groundhog's Day."

This morning, I felt so grateful. I love the smiles and the waves and the honks...a genuine blessing of living in a rural community...and a great way to start the day!!

Sometimes I feel like my heart could burst!

On Monday it will be three months...

three months of kissing those chubby cheeks
three months of watching Brock and Erica's love for their baby brother deepen
three months of laughing at Micah's expressions
three months of baby food and diapers (after a 7 year hiatus)
three months of good sleep (much to our delightful surprise!!)
three months of marveling at God's plan
three months of forgetting the "waiting pains"

As our sweet baby cuddled on my chest last night (something that he is starting to do more and more!!!!!!and I love it!!!) I seriously felt like my heart could burst with joy. I love feeling his little breaths and yawns and the way he kicks his little foot every once in awhile. Brock captured the moment on digital, but I am not sure any picture or any words can begin to describe how thankful I am for moments like these.

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands."
Psalm 92:4

This little light of mine...

Do you ever get the feeling that the Lord is trying to tell you something???

I have noticed that sometimes when the Lord wants me to really focus on an issue, He brings it to my attention several times in a short period of time. Maybe it is the same verse that pops up several times in one day....maybe it is someone who is brought to my attention several times...maybe it is a song that keeps playing at "that exact moment"...ANYWAY, clearly the Lord understands that I need something repeated for it to really sink in.

In the last couple of days, here is what happened:

At church on Sunday: We sang "Go Light Your World". We have sung this song many times before (you know the one..."carry your candle"...don't you wish you could hear me singing it now??)...but this Sunday I was especially moved by the phrases "run to the darkness" and "seek out the helpless". I really started thinking about MY candle....am I running to the darkness to share the light of Christ??? Do I seek out the lost??

THEN, on Monday, I found the song "This Little Light of Mine" ringing in my ears from a children's CD. AND to top it off...while doing my Bible study on Tuesday, I came across Matthew 5:14-16. You know the verses..."a city on a hill cannot be hidden...let your light shine before men..."

SO>>>>clearly at this point I was seeing the "repetition"....and I have been thinking about it ever since...this whole idea of Christ's light being evident in my life (and in my home) to the point that others see Jesus in us.

I am thinking that balance is SO IMPORTANT here....it is cruciall that I be sure that my candle is "fully lit" and that the light of Jesus is shining bright in our home.

But is that enough??

Sometimes I think that I focus so much energy "stoking the fire" in my own heart and in my own home...that I do not have the time/energy/focus to run and seek out others who need Jesus in their lives.

Balance. That is the key, I think. There must be a balance. I need to tend to the flame in my own heart and in my own home....but I cannot become so consumed with my own flame, that I neglect Jesus' command to get out there and "light up our world"!!

"Blog-surfing" or "Blog-hopping" or what do YOU call it??

Is it just me??
One of the things I love about this blog-world is "surfing" to other Christian families' blogs.

I was explaining this to my husband last night (when he gave me that quirky "how in the world can you get so sucked into that computer" look)... and my reply:

"Here's how it works. I usually first check out my friends' blogs (Stacy's, Carrie's, Ali's, Stephanie's, Sandy's...etc)...THEN the blog surfing begins. I either start from the friends/favorites list of one of my friends' blogs (Stacy has a bunch) OR I go to the Christian women online blog-roll and select one (or occasionally I just hit the "random" button) ...if the blog interests me, I read on...if not, I surf to another.

WHY??? (I think that is the look Chad was giving me next)....I gave this some real thought last night (you know...like...is this a wise use of my time??)...and decided that there are two things I like most about hopping around to other blogs....

1) I LOVE to see what ideas/strategies other women are using, especially as they seek to raise their children in a godly fashion. I love to read about the successes and failures and triumphs and challenges of other Christian moms...sort of a "best practices" resource.

2) I come away feeling very encouraged. I was telling Chad last night that it renews my faith in mankind...that there ARE other families (all over the U.S.) who desire --like we do--to set standards based on God's word, not on what society deems acceptable. I am very blessed to have some wonderful Christian girlfriends...but blog surfing reminds me that we are not alone (I believe that Satan loves to tempt us to believe that we are)

SO.....chime in here!!!!

Are you a blog surfer too?? What are some cool places you have found?? I want to expand my "blogs we like" section!! And be sure in the future to tell me when you stumble on a good blog!!

SHOCKING NEWS IN CYBERSPACE:

Well, maybe not so shocking for all of you....but it jolted ME out of my usual routine! A wonderful thing happened today...MY BROTHER, MIKE, VISITED MY BLOG AND LEFT A COMMENT!!!!

Made my day!

My older brother, Mike, is an attorney in Baltimore, Maryland. He is one of those computer-technology-geekie guys (but in a very cool way) who knows everything about computers (and has a SLIGHT preference for Apple over PC) and who probably spends hours each day on his computer....but TODAY he did something really special...he took time for his little sister!

Glad you visited, Mike! I hope you drop back by OFTEN...and when you do, leave me a comment...I LOVE READING COMMENTS (that goes for all of you other silent visitors, too!!)

And we all wore green!!!

This post is one I should have written months ago!

I have heard it said that friends can multiply one's joys and divide one's sorrows...and I could not agree more. These three friends of mine (Carrie front center, Sheila on the right, and Colleen back center) have blessed my life in ways beyond measure!!

Maybe it would be fun to do an individual post on each of them...what do you think girls? Ready for your profile? I will be calling to interview you soon!

Over the years, we have shared.... cookouts, pitchins, games, fireworks, boating, vacations, joys, heartaches, baptisms, births (and an adoption!), deaths, home repair projects, ER visits, shopping trips, laser tag, weekend youth events, birthday parties, late night chats, weddings, campouts, road trips....the list could go on and on....but it HAS to end with a confession of the INSANE amount of food we have prepared (and eaten) together!!!

Above all other things, the thing I enjoy MOST about these girls is that we share a love for the Lord and a desire to be the wives/moms that God calls us to be! The moments that I treasure most, are the moments with Christ at the center...the talks we have had, the scriptures we have shared, the prayers that have been offered, the encouragement to press on.

And did I mention the "failures"?? I am thankful to have friends that like me when I am "real"...and that share their real selves with me.

OK...the tears are welling up...so I am stopping there for now.

But, OH...the picture!!!??? This summer, I was given 4 tickets to a Third Day concert just a couple of hours before the show started...so....the cell phones went into action, and the next thing I knew, we were all standing next to each other, worshipping our Creator (to the music of my favorite group, I might add).

We had a good laugh that night, too, when we all met in the Steak and Shake parking lot to leave and realized that we had NOT co-ordinated our clothes...I mean seriously, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT WE WOULD ALL SHOW UP WEARING GREEN!?!?! A little embarrassing, don't ya' think!?!

That's not MICAH'S duckie, Stacy!!

OH MY GOODNESS....call me obsessive, call me paranoid, call me psychotic....but I just had to be sure that y'all knew that grungy, gray duckie in the bottom picture is NOT Micah's duckie...it belongs to a patient of mine who clearly has loved that duckie to pieces! The sad thing is...the mom says that even after her duckie is washed, it still looks all gray....SEE!!!That is my point!!!

Ok....well, this is the end of the duckie debate...promise...I was accused of "having too much time on my hands"...which is clearly not true (I just apparently have a problem with prioritization).

Maybe my next post will be something of eternal value...ummm...or maybe not!! =)

Words to remember....

During the adoption process, the Lord used several scriptures to minister to my heart. These verses will always be so dear to me, as they "held me" through the process of bringing Micah home. This morning I was reminded of this one:

"The Lord Almighty has sworn this oath, "It will happen as I have planned. It will come about according to my purposes..."" Isaiah 14:24

Oh, Lord, how I need to be reminded (every minute of every day, I think) that you have a plan and a purpose for my life...and for the lives of Chad and the kids....I want to be faithful in living according to your will, that I would not miss what you have so lovingly prepared for our lives.

The Great Debate (aka: "Teddy vs. Duckie") - pictures!!

I know, I know....duckie is not THAT bad! In the end....I am sure it will be Micah who get to make the final decision (but I cannot promise that I won't continue to make duckie a little less accessible to him!! ) =) Pathological, don't you think???

The Great Debate (aka: "Teddy vs. Duckie") -- about those pictures...

Depite my repeated (and I mean REPEATED) attempts to add the pics of duckie and teddy, I have been unable to post the pics. I know you are crushed....check back later...maybe I can getter' done at some point.

The Great Debate (aka: "Teddy vs. Duckie")

History: Micah comes home from Guatemala and has a couple of stuffed animals in his crib (including a musical giraffe that we gave him when he was 3 weeks old...it was with him in his crib at the orphanage). Somehow a little white stuffed duck with a silkie night-cap ended up in the crib.

Opening argument: Micah started to become attached to the duckie...very cute...he would cuddle it next to his face and suck on the little cap.

Counter argument: It is a WHITE duck that looks more like a platypus (top pic)...and the night cap is a little goofy. If it turns into his "attachment toy" it will not stay white...and I have no idea where to get another if it gets lost!

Solution: I bought a cute little teddy bear (at Target...and I am sure they have them a million other places too, just in case this one gets lost) with a little silkie blankie attached (next pic)

Strategy: Put both little toys in the crib for awhile and let him attach to both..then "phase out" duckie.

Progress: The plan is working well...Micah loves teddy...he pulls it up next to his face and cuddles it and sucks on the little silk blankie and the tag (next pic!!). He gets all happy-excited when he sees it.

PROBLEM!!!!: Brock and Erica and Aunt Dona (our nanny for 8 years now) keep putting duckie back in the crib every time I am not around. They think I am a meanie for trying to get rid of duckie! It has become this game of sorts...I take duckie out of the crib (AND MICAH IS PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH TEDDY) but every time I turn around, duckie has re-appeared IN the crib!

So....what am I to do?? I feel like a meanie if I take away duckie (only because THEY will think I am a meanie...I am fine with it, mind you!!...after all...Micah HAS teddy!!!) but...I received such confirmation a couple of days ago when this little girl came into my office with HER duckie...I think it used to be light yellow, but now it is hard to tell...I was thinking that if only she had attached to a little teddy like Micah's, it would wash up SO much better!!!!! I snapped a picture (with her consent, of course) to "beef up" my side of the argument (last pic)! Think it will work?? Doubtful.

Did you hear it???/

Did you hear a big crashing noise yesterday??

It was the sound of my computer. Yep....gotta love it....my laptop (you know the one...the one with all my pictures (most saved somewhere else) and financial stuff (none of it saved anywhere else) and presentations (did i save those??))....the computer with all THAT stuff on it....IT CRASHED HARD (I fear it is the hard drive) and has no intention of recovering without some serious therapy.

So....it may seem a little shallow....but if your prayer list has room...I am having a panic attack at the thought to spending the next three weeks trying to go back and recover/reenter/rewrite everything...ugh!!!!

Maybe something better to post about tomorrow?????????

"Hey, look at me....see me??...I CAN CRAWL!!"

My mom has been a bit of a slacker lately in updating you on all my new tricks. So, let me fill you in! This week I finally got tired of dragging my belly on the ground "army crawling"...and decided to just get up and for-real-crawl...and I have been crawling from room to room ever since! If I would have known what a big deal everyone would make of it, I would have done it much sooner!

Speaking of "making a big deal of something"...you should see how these people respond to me when I do this little trick. It goes like this: someone says the word "up" and I just raise both my hands high in the air and make a big cheesy smile. I do not know what it is...but everyone just goes NUTS about that one.

I have gotten really good at putting my own food in my mouth, too! Well, except one little glitch...every once in awhile I feel this very sharp pain on my fingers when I put them in my mouth...OUCH that hurts!....then I just get real mad...but mama always says something like "Well, quit biting yourself cutie pie!!"...I hope I figure that one out real soon...while I still have fingers, that is!

My bubby and sissy have got to be the most fun people in the world...SERIOUSLY...they give me tons of smooches and always tell me "I love you" ...and they act like I am more fun than any other thing in this whole house!!

Well, I could go on like this forever...but mommy should be getting me ready for bed sometime soon...and I LOVE my bedtime...I have this cute little teddy-bear thing with a little silky blankie stuck right to it!! Mommy just lays me in my crib and I snuggle right up to "little bear" and I am off to sleep! Everyone always seems so surprised that I never fuss...but what is there to fuss about??? Life is good here!! GOD is good!!

Diving and Dancing

Throughout the adoption process, there were a couple of songs that the Lord used to really speak to my heart. One of those songs was "Dive" by Steven Curtis Chapman. I remember very clearly that this song was playing in my headphones (while out for a jog) at the very moment that I felt the Lord saying we just needed to jump in and do it. Chad and I had been talking about adopting for a long time, and at that very moment I felt like the Lord was giving me clear direction that we were to "Take His hand, count to three and take a leap of faith"....so, we dove in to the adoption world.

There were several other times that I am convinced with all of my heart that the Lord played this song SPECIFICALLY for me...here is one more example...I was driving home and knew that we had a "packet" waiting for us...it was Micah's referral packet (with pictures, birthmom information, etc). I knew that in just a couple of minutes we would be making the decision whether or not to adopt this precious baby. Our adoption agency had showed some hesitation, for concerns that the birthmom may have trouble making to her appointments, etc...which, of course, was a major concern to us, given that we were (at the time) still waiting on Isaac's birthmom to reappear. Anyway, as I was driving home, I was just praying that the Lord would give us clear indication and a peace about our decision. The sky was amazing...an incredible sunset. After I finished praying, I snapped a couple of pictures of the sky as I was driving (bad idea, I know) . Then, I turned my radio on and there it was...."Dive"....I wish I could describe the feeling that came over me...it was as if the Lord was saying so clearly "You dove...now dive again...trust me...." I knew before we even opened the referral packet that this was the baby that would be our son.

SO....this very fun thing happened this morning...I set Micah down on the floor to play...and he started to dance...except there was no music. So, he looked at the TV (where I often have music playing from) and then back at me and then started to dance again. I think he was asking me to turn the music on! =) So, I turned it on ...and you guessed...the song "Dive" was just starting to play.

I cannot describe the joy in my heart...as Micah and I sat on the floor together and danced to this song TOGETHER...to a song that had such a rich history and meaning!!

I praise you, Lord, and thank you....for the road that we have traveled...and for this beautiful baby boy who is learning to dance in our home!!

The Practice of the Presence of God

The biggest cry of my heart at this time in my life is this: I want to live each day...every moment of each day...aware of God's presence in my life. I want to be constantly thinking of Him as I am doing everything throughout my day...giving Him glory and honor, asking for His guidance and wisdom, thanking Him for His abundant blessings, following the lead of the Holy Spirit in my actions and decisions. I get so frustrated when I realize that time has passed ("sometimes lots of time, sometime just a little time") and I realize that I have not been aware of God's presence in what I was doing.

Sometimes I get frustrated with my inconsistent quiet times...and that IS a real problem...but I think it is so much bigger than that. I want to train my mind and heart to be focused on God during the many other hours of the day, too. Somedays are better than others. One of the blessings (can I really say this???) of the WAITING phase of bringing Micah home, was that it forced me to my knees so much more than any other trial in my life. I was constantly looking for God's presence/reassurance/activity all around me. I miss that.

I recently got out my copy of "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence...and was re-reading some of the things I had underlined over the years...here is one of the passages I had "double-starred"...

"We have only ourselves to blame if we turn from God, occupying ourselves instead with the trifles of life. In the Lord's patience, he endures our weaknesses. But just think of the price we pay by being separated from His presence! Once and for all, let us begin to be His entirely. Let us banish from our heart and soul all that does not reflect Jesus. Let us ask Him for the grace to do this, so that He alone might rule in our hearts."


That is it! That is what I crave!!! For God alone to rule my heart...to the point that I am no longer satisfied unless I am constantly aware of His presence throughout my day, whether I am in the middle of my quiet time...or the middle of cleaning up a messy kitchen...or whatever!!

That is it! That is what I crave!!! Lord, lead me there!

Just plain "cool"!

Not much spiritual food here today...just had to share this pic...Last weekend we went to the Indy Air Show. It was hot, humid and a muddy mess. BUT, one thing is for sure...there is something really cool about having the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly right over your head! The amount of power/speed these jets have is amazing!! Not to mention the abilities of the pilots!! Good show guys!

Lessons Never-Ceasing

One of the things that I love about being a parent is the way that God uses my children to constantly mold ME...as I seek to raise godly children, the Lord uses my children over and over again to TEACH ME lessons of unconditional love, forgiveness/grace, patience, persistence, discipline (the list goes on and on). I am constantly humbled and reminded of my dependence on my heavenly Father to give me wisdom and guidance and encouragement each day.

At times I feel overwhelmed at the "vision" of the mother I want to be (and reazlize how far I have to go!)...and frustrated at the mistakes I continually make with my kids. I pray that the Lord uses all of my parenting successes AND failures to mold each of my children into joyful, loving, dedicated servants for His kingdom...with a passion for the Lord that exceeds even my own....oh, how that is my heart's desire!!

OH......and the pictures????
Ha!
I came across the top one (of Brock and Erica) recently and laughed at those mohawks!! So this morning I tried to "mohawk" Micah's hair to get a similar picture....and realized that today's LESSON might just be this: curly hair does not mohawk as high!!! I love those curls...and those sweet sweet smiles!!!

"PROUD" to be called a "copy cat"

Monday in my office, I had a mom tell me that she was sure she had seen my kids at the Children's Musuem a couple of weeks ago. I told her that we were there a couple of weeks ago, and I was there too, and that I was sorry I did not see her. She asked if my son was wearing a Colt's jersey, and I confirmed it...then she said this: "Your son was being so sweet to your daughter. They were in the Science Works exhibit and he was helping her do something. I was thinking that I hope my kids treat each other like that when they get older."

Well, as any good mom of 9 and 12 year old siblings would do...I (in a fairly surprised tone) said "REALLY??" And she went on to give me some more details. Well, my heart was about to bust with joy and pride...then I remembered Stacy's post from a couple of days ago...and the post that she referred to on the "Three for Thee" blog. So, I decided to make a purposeful change myself. That evening when I was telling Brock and Erica about what this sweet woman had said about them, I made a real point to discuss how proud God must have been of them, and how glad I was to see them treating each other the way the Lord desires them to...that I was so happy to hear how they were being obedient to the Lord in their actions toward one another.

If you haven't checked out those 2 posts, you really should. As a (often very proud) parent, it has given me lots of food for thought...and motivation for change.


Striving each day (and thankful for other "striving moms", too!!),
Michelle

Catching up--Part 3: Done with that plan!

Ok...I confess....I do not want to play "catch-up" any longer.

I started to post about our weekend in "Amish-land"...and I how I yearn for the Amish lifestyle.
Nope.
Then I started to post about Grandma's birthday...and how I need to be more faithful about visiting her in the nursing home.
Nope.
Then I was going to post about the Third Day concert...and how their music seems to bring me into the presence of the Lord (second only to Rich Mullins' music)...and what a blessing to go with three girlfriends on a moment's notice.
Nope.

I think the problem is...I don't want to play catch up anymore. So, I won't. Who wants to live in the past, right???

So, fresh start...but not tonight. After all that waffling back and forth, I am tired. If you are looking for a good read, may I suggest checking out my sweet friend, Stacy's, blog....they have been posting some great stuff lately (as usual)...the link is right over there to the right!

Tomorrow...something "current"....

Catching up--Part 2: The County Fair

At this rate...I may never get "caught up"!! =)
The County 4-H Fair followed right on the heels of Stacy's visit! This was the first year for both Brock and Erica to be in 4-H!

Brock completed a self-determined project. He chose to do a "farm scene" and did a GREAT job!!! He loves to carpet farm in his room and all over the house...so he chose to make a project out of that. He did a little research on some of the John Deere equipment that he had, and make a "life-like" scene of a farm during harvest! He worked hard, and was proud of the final result (and we were proud of him!)

Erica did cake decorating and goats. Her cake turned out very cute, and she learned of neat cake decorating techniques in the process. She has become the family cake decorator. She also showed the 2 goats (Patches and Tin Can) that she has been taking care of for the past several months. This was her first time in "the show ring"...but, she was so calm and did an awesome job!

It was fun for the kids to "show" during the fair...but the real fun for us, as parents, was watching them learn some new things and work hard to do their "personal best". I was hesitant about adding to the commitments of summer (and still have some other reservations about the whole 4-H scene), but I am very thankful for how this first year of 4-H turned out for both of them.

Oh, and by the way, Micah had a blast at the fair getting to meet everyone!! So fun!!

Catching up-- Part 1: Special visitors from "the West"!!

I have some serious "catching up" to do...and I want to start right here!!!

Mid-july (oh my, has it really been that long ago???) our family was SO blessed to have Stacy and her family visit our home for a whole week!! We first met Stacy and Mark just over a year ago, when we traveled to Guatemala for our first trip to see Isaac. Stacy and I had chatted on line and on the phone a couple of times...but when I first met her face to face in Houston on our way to Guatemala...I just loved her instantly! Our friendship has grown (obviously) over the past year...and I am so blessed to count Stacy as one of my dearest friends!!!

It seemed crazy to some, to think that they would fly all the way across the country to stay a week with people they had only seen face to face for a handful of hours in a foreign country (or for us to host them, for that matter) BUT, I am forever grateful at their willingness to come and stay with us, eat, hang out with us, eat, meet our friends and family, eat, play games, and eat. The week was an amazing blessing to me (and my family), and my heart was so heavy when they left!

If you have never visited Stacy's blog, go NOW! Each time I visit...I am encouraged, challenged, enlightened or entertained!!

Stacy, you are a great blessing to me and my family! Through our rough adoption journey, you held my arms up when I couldn't any longer...and you gave me sips of cold water when the marathon was getting so long!! I have come to love and respect you so much...as a friend, a wife, a mother, a keeper-of-the-house...and above all, as a child of God, striving to serve Him faithfully in all you do!!! God has blessed my life in an amazing way through the gift of your friendship!

A sweet blessing!

I am overdue for an update on Micah...so, here goes!
Micah continues to adjust so well, although I almost feel funny saying that, because really he just seemed "adjusted" from the beginning. We are loving the whole scene...diapers, bottles, stroller, carseat, babyproofing, laughing at just about anything cute he does...really, it has been such a joy so far! The biggest adjustment has been figuring out when mama is supposed to find computer time (obviously I am still sorting that one out)!

Our sweet Micah has even managed to make it to the Chilren's Museum (like the glasses a friend found in the gift shop?? he will not appreciate this pic when he is 16, will he??) and a movie...and both were super enjoyable...OK, confession, I picked a movie time that I was certain I could get him asleep in...and it worked like a charm!

Brock and Erica continued to be captivated by their new baby brother...earlier today we just all sat on the couch cuddling him and laughing at all his expressions!

New developments in the past week: He has learned to get from his tummy to sitting and back to his tummy again, he is REALLY finding his voice, he has definitely learned what the word "no" means, and he is self-feeding some finger foods! It has been a big week, for sure!!

OK... I have probably gone on too much already....

We continue to marvel at the path and circumstances that God used to bring Micah into our lives, into our family!! Although the journey was long, we are so filled with joy at where God's road has brought us!!

Invisible post??

Yesterday I posted on "the first day of school"....but it is not showing up on my computer....yet, I have one comment on it??? Can anyone see it? Can you see this?? Go figure....I "get back to blogging" and I have a tech. problem!

First Day of School!!

We can't remember which started first..."First Day of School Cake" or "Last Day of School Cake"!! But, it really makes no difference...both are firmly established in our household!! The kids know that when they get home, there will be yummy cake (Cheerios for Micah this year) and a mom who is very anxious to eat it with them while we chat about the day. This year was no exception...the first day of school, with all its ups and downs, has passed....and soon we will slip into the routine again!

I pray that Brock and Erica will show Christ's love to their classmates and their peers, that they will make wise choices, that they will recognize and resist every one of Satan's tricks, that they will grow Christlike maturity and that they will be willing (and wanting) to stand out from their peers as they stand firm in their faith.

In our morning devotion, we talked this morning about choices...about the many choices, both big and small, that await them throughout this year. We read part of Joshua 24...including verse 15...and they were reminded that many of their peers may choose this year to follow "little g gods"...but as for our house, we will serve the LORD!!

Back to blogging....really???

I cannot believe what a blog-slacker I have been! And I cannot believe that some of you are still so faithful to check in each day, even though so many "post-less" days have passed!!

Tomorrow is the first day of school for Brock and Erica...so I plan to post about that.
Then...an update on Micah (who is doing GREAT!! by the way)
Then...I have a series of "catching up" posts to share...

There certainly has been no shortage of things to post about...but a definite shortage of time and motivation to do it.

Please don't give up on this blog yet...!!!!! =)