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!! =)