Praises!!!

With joy we get to announce the wonderful answers to prayer that our daughters and soon to be sons-in-law had this week!!

Danielle and Ryan have been on a prayer journey reguarding some funds they were waiting for from the mili*ary. This week they heard the funds are on the way!!

Also due to the mili*ary they were waiting on papers that they needed for housing. They did not come and they did not come. Danielle had given notice to move out on May 1st and had no where to go. We were all praying like crazy. Two days ago they were able to rent an apartment without the papers and she moves in Saturday!!

Erinn had a safe trip to Texas to see Michael for the first time since the engagement!

And yesterday with very little notice, Michael went to boards for a promotion with flying colors!! You can bet we were all covering him with prayer for this unexpected test. Looks like he will be de*loying with a few more responsibilities. Congratulations Michael!!

Honest Scrap Award!

Christine over at Smiles and Trials sent me my first blog award!! Guess you call it an award, but now I have to post 10 honest things about me! Well thanks Christine, I have enjoyed getting to know you through your blog and hope someday to meet face to face on one of our trips through your area!

So here goes--

1) I am very thankful to be a daughter of my Lord Jesus, and wish with all my heart to grow in grace and mercy to be the person He wants me to be!!

2) My two favorite jobs in the world are wife and mother!! No big surprise there---but I would not trade it for the world and am thankful (most) everyday for my job!!!

3) I am scared out of my wits that I will forget something important for these weddings!!!

4) I completely hate shopping!!! I don't mean for necessities, but for fun!!

5) I hate, hate, hate gossip!!

6) I am extremely uncoordinated--that's why I run or walk for exercise!!

7) If I could hire someone to do part of my work it would be cooking!!! I really don't enjoy it!

8) I have a passion for helping orphans and widows--no surprise there!! Praying and excited about where God may lead in these areas in the next year as our lives go through this big change.

9) I am unbelievably thankful that I will not be having an empty nest this year!!!!

10) I am much more comfortable in a background helping situation than in a up front communicating position, unless it is in a small group! These weddings will be stretching for me in more than one way!!

So there you are--the good, the bad and the truthful!!!

Now I get to tag 10 more, so here goes:

Shonni, Laurel, Nichel, Wendy, Shilo, Jen, Faye, Lisa, Jill, Dorothy

Learning!?!?

I am that is!!!

Learning how to diagnosis bumpys on chocolate skin!!!

Yep, poison oak sure looks different with out the red rash accompanying it!!

But, never-the-less, that is what my darling little Hannah has all over her tummy!!

I guess David letting her play with that turkey was not such a good idea!!

And, note to self, think outside the box when it comes to skin where you can't see redness very well!! LOL!!

And the Answer Is!

Drew was off to prom!!

Here he is in all his finery with Brenna, our pastor's daughter and good friend.

And yep, Erinn is visiting Michael in Texas and they got to enjoy a day at the Alamo!!!

Where in the World is Erinn?

Any guesses where my beautiful daughter is??

Guess Where?

Any guesses where my rarely serious, but.....

Seriously handsome son and his friend Blake are off to??

Check back tomorrow for more pics and details!!!

Turkey!!!

David and Caleb had an opportunity to to go turkey hunting on some friend's property.

Here is their wonderful prize of the day!

Wish I could have gotten some pictures of Hannah's face when they were cleaning it here at home----they were truly priceless!!!

Good experience for them both--Thanks Brian and Teresa!!

James 1: 2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Watching, waiting, praying, knowing the Lord is at work!!!!

Oh Africa!!

Fun African Pepsi Commercial---Watch and have a laugh!!

24 Years!!

I want to wish the happiest of birthdays to our oldest daughter, Danielle!!

It was 24 years ago today, that I learned what it was to be a mother for the first time!!


I have been blessed beyond words to watch this beautiful, talented, tenderhearted daughter of mine grow into such a mature young lady!!

My prayer, first and foremost your whole life, was that your would gro
w into a woman who seeks the Lord in all you do and that you would love him with your whole heart---and you do!!


I have prayed that you would find the man that God had chosen for you and that the two of you would together serve Him faithfully as your love grows---and you have!!


I have sought to teach you to love learning and to work hard in all you do--and you are!!No mother could be more proud of a daughter!!


Your accomplishments on the track and the cross country field, and your great academic success are amazing, but I mostly love you just for the wonderful person you are inside!!


I love you sweetheart!!


Happy Birthday!!!

Catching Up!

Just a little catch up on the busyness!!

I have had the blessing of reviewing papers for Drew (high school senior), Erinn (college junior), and David (masters) all in the last week. I am consistently amazed at how well they all write, the kids obviously got it from David!!! I must admit that David's papers, though amazingly well written, are hard to read because business is not anywhere in my sphere of reality. Erinn's on the other hand are a joy and I learn so very much from them, she is studying anthropology .

We had another speech therapy appointment this morning, and I am consistently amazed at what I learn about my daughter in these sessions. We are working on the 'R' sound. But more importantly still working on getting her to engage with others in her play. It is coming slowly.

I saw the podiatrist this morning for my second of three cortisone injections in my foot. I am so excited that with the injection last week and some fancy new topical anti-inflammatory patches and the crutches; I was almost pain free for the first time since August!!!!!! YEAH!!!

We were able to finish all the invitations for both weddings and the graduation and 2 sets are in the mail!!! We have gotten so many little things accomplished this week. But the big one was the delivery of 2 large boxes of linens----and yes they all need to be IRONED!!! Now I don't mind ironing, but this is a little much!!! And then we get to do it all over again for Erinn's wedding---I am going to look into having them washed and ironed professionally---praying it will not cost a fortune!!

Erinn has had the opportunity to share with a fellow student at school who has walked away from his faith!! He knew she was a Christian from how she responded in class and approached her kindly about her faith. He actually had a pastor tell him not to take the Bible literally--which sent him into his crisis of faith. Oh Lord have mercy on this generation!!! I am sure she would covet your prayers as she continues to interact with him!!

Amazing Adoption Video

Crater Classic 2010

Drew had another big invitational today.
Quite the change from very cold temperatures and pouring rain of last week.

You gotta love spring in the Pacific Northwest!

We actually got sunburned today!

Drew ran a 4:04 1500M today!

With a 59 second final lap!!

He was also second man on the 4x400 relay, which ran a 3:27.

Way to go guys great 2nd place finish!

And the guys team placed first over all by ONE point!!!

And the boys and girls teams won the entire day!

Congratulations North Medford Black Tornado

Our Adoption Blessing!!

Due to the abundance of news regarding the mother who sent her son back to Russia, the Joint Council on International Children's Services has asked adoptive parents to blog about their successful adoptions to combat the negative press.


So here is our story:


I have always wanted to adopt, actually as long as I can remember it was something I knew I wanted to do. But then came our early marriage due to our unplanned pregnancy and three beautiful children in 7 years. Adoption was not even talked about.


But about 3 years later in 1995 we started talking about wanting to add to our family, but we had done permanent things to prevent that biologically by this time. So this is when we first looked into adoption, actually took classes towards that end.


But something always prevented us from moving forward. I believe God knew our children were not ready for us yet (not even born)! In 2000 David had a reversal, but we knew that the chances of it being successful were slim, due to previous complications. So we started really praying that if God had more children planned for our future that He would make the way clear!!


Interestingly about the time we started praying this, our handsome son was conceived on a different continent!! We continued to pray and investigate adoption, then throw in a couple of moves!


In February of 2005 David just said lets do it!


So we called up the agency we had been looking at who at the time was one of the only agencies doing adoptions in Africa. They had a class starting that week!!!


We attended all our classes and had all our dossier done by May 1, 2005, including our homestudy!!!


We received our referral of Charles and Charlesetta Q. on May 15th. And accepted them the next day with only three sentences of information and NO pictures!!!


Due to the unrest with the first presidential elections in Liberia after 13 years of civil war, we were not allowed to travel when the kids were ready. So we chose to have them escorted to get them home the soonest, especially since our little Hannah was so ill.

We met Caleb and Hannah at the airport on November 19, 2005. The were very tired and hungry. We had a horrible time understanding one another, even though we both were supposed to be speaking the same language! Hannah rejected me on the spot! Caleb had the biggest eyes, think he was crazy scared and excited at the same time.

To be honest some of the bonding issues took me by surprise and some did not. I expected some rejection towards me, as it was women that kept moving them around. I did not expect the rejection towards Drew!! I think it was hard on me too, to see him so rejected. After about a year home I realized I was struggling attaching to one. Through some reading and advice from friends, I put a renewed effort into fully, moment by moment, loving on him. It was a day by day effort to praise and gently correct for the 1000th time. This really moved us to a new relationship.

We have learned:

That it takes a long time to unteach training (or lack thereof) that was learned first.

That children who have been traumatized need consistent loving reminders not to run into 'fight, flight, or freeze' mode.

That malnutrition can have lasting effects on a developing brain.

That needing to protect yourself and your family at a young age, makes it hard to let yourself not be in control of all situations.

That loving a 'child from the hard place' takes lots of time, effort, discipline and patience.

That love is a choice!!

But most of all we have learned---

That taking the risk and loving a child that is not 'flesh of your flesh' is an amazing gift!!!

A chance to experience first hand the miracle of love born of a complete choice!!

A chance to more fully understand how the loving God of the universe can choose to adopt and love me!!!

A chance to learn about who you are deep inside, and watch the Potter's hands mold out the rough spots!

A chance to make a difference for a lifetime!

A chance watch a child blossom with the watering of love and compassion.

A chance to step out on to the water and watch God's love allow you to walk upon it!!

Is adoption all a bed of roses?

No way!

But adoption can change a life for a lifetime.

Not only that of your child, but yours as well!

So step out of the boat and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Fluffelies!!!

She's got her FLUFFELIES!!!

You might remember from this post that Hannah was so looking forward to her 'fluffely' dresses for the weddings!!

Well, my wonderfully talented mother has them finished!!

And, yes, this is all you get to see for now!!

If I have the sizes right, I believe my mom did a size 6 bodice, which she had to take in another 2 inches, and a size 12 for the length!!!

Yep, you read that right!!!

My sweet treasure, barely is on the weight chart bottom for her weight..

BUT...

She is off the top of the charts for height!!!!

Hence the amazing blessing of having a mom who is a wonderful seamstress, since no off the rack dresses will come close to fitting---actually they look a little like fancy tents on her!!!

Boys!!

I think I have posted before about "Boys" and how sometimes I am not sure I 'get' them!!!

So here is how lots of our days go!!

1--Drew walks by Caleb and Caleb pokes him!

2--Caleb walks by Drew and says ever so softly, "I am the toughest man!"

3--Drew feels 'obligated' to correct that assumption!

4--I find them is some form of this you see in the picture!!

5--Caleb tells Drew "You are the toughest man, always!"

AND.......

Tomorrow we will REPEAT!!!!!!

Male bonding is a strange thing!!!

And they say women are hard to figure out!?!?!?

Adoption Blogger Day--Thursday

For those who are unaware--This last week a 7 year old boy adopted from Russia was returned to Russia, alone, with a note from his single adoptive mother that she no longer wanted to parent him and was returning him to Russia because they had lied to her.

Due to this incomprehensible act, international adoptions are being affected, especially in Eastern Europe.

So here is some action being taken----

From the Joint Council on International Children's Services:

We Are The Truth – An Adoption Blogger Day: To ensure the world knows about every successful adoption, on Thursday, April 15, 2010 blog about your adoption or the adoption of someone you know. It doesn’t matter if your adoption is with Russia, domestic or otherwise international. Let the world know your truth!

Read more about what they are calling for (especially if you have adopted from Russia) here.

Please repost this on your own blog and spread the word!!!

And hop back over here on Thursday and I will be posting on our amazing experience!!!!

Twilight Meet

You know the saying, "When it rains, it pours!"

Well last night it was literally and amazingly true!!!! At the Jim Robinson Twilight Invitational (named after David's and my former coach) it started raining about half way through the night meet, but it saved the spectacular downpour for the 3000M.

Not sure we have experienced a rain like that in a long time, especially one we had to be out in, but Drew was amazing to watch through it all!!
He raced to a 8:42.7 finish!

For a top time in the state at this moment!

The second and third place runners, Mark and Wilder, also posted marks in the state's top ten!

Congratulations son for your amazing performance on a terribly cold and wet night!!

Pear Blossom 2010

This morning was our annual Pear Blossom Run here in the Rogue Valley!

Erinn participated in the 5K, which meant a 7am start time, hence the early morning faces and lighting!!

Yep, those are my crutches--docs new try at giving some relief to my swollen foot, along with cortisone injections!!

Erinn and her friend, Devon, at the 5K turn around!!

Lookin good!


Hannah decided to help them out a bit!

She told us she didn't want to run today because running makes her feet move too fast!!!

David getting ready to escort Caleb on his one mile race!!!

Which he ran in 7:30! All of these races are to raise funds for scholarships for local athletes!!

Drew was one of the six athletes honored this year with funds towards his college!

Josh beside him is also a 2 time state xc champ at the 5A level, the other guy (who was not here), Cole is the 3A state xc champ. We have a very fast Southern Oregon this year!!

And, NO, David could not sit out this year!!

Though he has been out for 3 weeks with an arthritis flare, he was back in the race today!!!

Running 1:08.30 for 10 miles!!!

Congratulations David!!!

Update...

So the update is..

Jury is out!!!! Yeah!!

(I was excused)

Hannah's hair is in braids again!!

And the only bugs I have seen her playing with this afternoon are the ones she and Caleb made with craft stuff yesterday!!

Surprises!

On top of all the extras I have going on right now, I had to laugh when I went to the mail yesterday and found a.......

jury summons!!!!

Now really, I am into my civic duty and all, but you have to laugh at the timing!!

I did ask to be excused since I have full care of my youngest two. We will see how that goes!!

Also...

yesterday I was watching my youngest try to do her school with one hand!!!

Her left hand was a big fist!

So Hannah, what is in your hand?

A bug!!

Really!

Yep, it was a great big something she found while taking the recycling out and I guess she was just going to have it help her do her phonics!!!!

This daughter of mine loves bugs!!

No fear!!

It was big enough she could barely get her hand around it, but I guess it was her morning friend!!

Off to see what today may hold in the way of fun surprises!!

This, my friends, is a pirate ship!

Yea, I know, I can't see it either, but...

They have been playing in the pirate ship, which will someday hold our garden, all afternoon!

And this handsome young man is very happy to be having our school days winding down!!

He loves to be outside, and is getting more creative and imaginative everyday!!

And this little one can sit like this for hours, in fact every time I have looked outside this afternoon, this is how she is sitting!!
So here's to hoping she grows up with healthy knees!!

Granite Man Video

Last year Erinn made this video of Drew running the Granite Man Triathalon. Also running were Nate G.,Nate H., Marty, Andrew C. and narrated by Dustin, all from church. They had a great time!

Well unbenownst to us those running the Granite Man this year found the video on You Tube and posted it on their website as a promotional video!!

Interesting!

Looking forward to what Erinn produces when she has more time!!!

....but God!!!!

I guess there are a lot of things I could say, or not say anything at all and save face,

but.....

Let's just say it like this.....

We are circling the wagons!!!!

Lots of pressures, lots of attacks!!

Get thee behind us Sat*n!!

Our God is stronger than anything you can throw at us!!!

Medford Relays

We spent the afternoon down at the track for our annual relay meet!

Every event is run as a relay!

One of the premier events of the day is the distance medley!

There were 4 state champions participating in some part of the race!!

It is run as a 1200m, 400m, 800m and ends with the mile!!

Here Drew is in the anchor mile. He was handed the baton in the lead and they won with about a 100m.

They ran a 12 second meet record!!

Drew's split for the day was 4:27 for the mile!

My guess is the reporter was asking how it felt---Looks like he had to think about it!! LOL Then Drew ran the second leg of the 4x400 relay! He was handed the baton in 6th place. Here he is, tied for third getting ready to hand off!!!

His future teammate at WSU, Wilder, is running right beside him!!!

He ran a 52 second split!!

Brian and David, the proud dad's and photographers!!

Honor Society

Erinn was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at her university last night. As a junior, she had to be in the top 7.5% of her class even be nominated. Then the department chair had to move forward the students they thought were top of their disciplines in all areas.

So this honor puts Erinn in the top 2% of her class!!!

We are so proud of her accomplishment!!

And she has done this while working 20+ hours a week!!

She is paying for her school as she goes, with a academic scholarship, some help from us and her work funds. At this point she is debt free!!!

Don't ever let them fool you into believing it is not possible!!

Congratulations Erinn---Keep up the awesome work!!!

Watch out world, here comes an anthropologist with some big dreams!!!