BLESSINGS

faithfully. we. wait.

2009-12-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

Thankful for

2009-11-26T08:44:00.001-08:00

and all the others out there not pictured! You know who you are.

love you all!

2009-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

TIRED.

more Peeps!

2009-10-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Isaiah's Peeps

2009-10-03T12:18:00.001-07:00

Check back for more peeps in the coming days~

OUT OF PARQUET!!!!!!

2009-09-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

HE IS OUT!

THANK YOU JESUS!

ENOUGH SAID!

me

2009-09-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

i. suck. at. waiting.

seriously.

=)

2009-09-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

YES!!!! We have $1000.00! So Blessed! Looking forward to Parquet exit! Lord keep our file safe and moving forward! We pray you will have him home this Christmas, and we trust that if it is your will, it will be done, if not, then your plan is the best plan!

This is where we are at....

2009-09-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sold our smallest dog for 200.00, sold a desk and radio for 55.00. With the small amount of savings, we have about 800.00. This will/should/hopefully cover the cost of one ticket to Haiti. If we both have to go, then we need at least this amount again. We have another item for sale on Craigslist, as well as the girls bunk beds. If they sell, then we will take 300, to replace the bunks with frames and mattresses, and have 400.00 left from the sale of that, if it sells full price. So.....Keep praying and if anyone needs any babysitting, just let me know~ My goal is to have another 800.00 by the end of the month! It's a long shot, but it could happen! We will get through this. The other thing I need to consider, is the cost of hotel, gas, water....

OK Friends.

2009-09-04T21:32:00.001-07:00

I am trying to come up with 1/2 the cost of a plane ticket within the next several weeks. Anyone needing a sitter and would be willing to bring your children here, let me know. I am available any evening, and most times on weekends. I don't charge a certain fee, just whatever you pay is good!

We got word that either Tim or I would need to travel to Haiti and sign a form to continue the adoption! Ugg right? Well, God is going to provide. If you need a night out, bring the kids to me! ;)

Double the goodness!

2009-09-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Son!

And today we were told that we are officially in PARQUET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please Pray with us that

1: my son has a great day!

2: we exit Parquet very soon!

Thanks everybody!

2009-08-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE ARE OUT OF IBESR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paying off debt! =)

2009-08-27T17:06:00.001-07:00

Wish us luck! We are starting a new way of budgeting! We are going for the gusto, and hope to have $48,000.00 of debt paid in 3 years! We don't feel like we are in over our heads yet, but we also aren't stupid enough to think that we would make it through if some horrible accident were to happen! I will keep you all posted! Say a prayer for us!

Love to all!

getting antsy....

2009-08-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

PLEASE SIGN OUT OUR FILE IBESR DIRECTOR. :) We are tired of waiting and no offence to your office, but we want to move on.... There are signatures to get, and travel arrangements to be made, and we can't do that without your sweet help....

Sincerely,

Isaiah's Family

soon, right?

2009-08-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

it's been a month since we found out about our presidential approval, and already, i'm hungry for more good news! from what i can see, most people are taking about 2-3 months to then be signed out of ibesr.... is it to much to expect it now, a month later? please keep praying. it's a long shot, but still our prayer is that our son is home by Christmas! as soon as i hear the good news, i will shout it out my front door, and then post it on here, so be looking or listening for the announcement!

past blog, blogged again!

2009-07-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks love for putting this together for me!

Isaiah's request....

2009-07-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks for hearing him out.

Praising God!

2009-07-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

We/I got Presidential dispensation!

Now, please Pray that my sweet friend gets hers!

We want to go home for Christmas... Pray for that too?

Thanks friends!

Hoping and Praying

2009-06-30T11:09:00.001-07:00

For a good news phone call regarding my sweet Haitian Son!

my beautiful girls

2009-06-23T18:36:00.002-07:00

Thank you for being so great!

picture tale of meeting his birth mother

2009-06-19T19:53:00.001-07:00

Thank you Lord for this opportunity to meet my Son's First Mother!

My Son...

2009-06-14T06:58:00.001-07:00

Is perfect
Love to hang out

Enjoys Cheetos's

Love's to play

and will forever be treasured!

I had an amazing trip! I learned a lot, and will always remember the way he looked at me, threw me a smile, or ran toward me to grab a hold of my legs and give me a hug! I will never forget the way he would grab my face just to pull me near.

On this trip, my cell phone worked, and he was able to talk to Papa! I am sure that will cost us, but it's during those precious moments, that no amount of money could stop it from happening!

He was sick for a day or so, but even then, I loved just being there, cleaning up after him, changing him, buying pedialyte, and holding him, being a real mommy, not just a long distance prayer mom. I long for the day he comes home, so I can hear his voice daily, so I can teach him right from wrong, and I can have to cook and clean for him. I look forward to the day when my family is all together here, in our home. I know it will happen, the Lord has shown and spoke to my heart.

I am so thankful that I got to meet his mom this trip! I asked her what fears and hopes she has for him when he comes to America, and she said that she hopes he can become a Doctor, and that she has no fears, because she likes me! What a blessing to my heart it was to hear her say that! I struggle with a lot of what ifs, and a recent one, was what if she doesn't like me? God was good to me this trip!

I have learned that he holds food, and wont swallow, so now I can say it in creole! Ha Ha! I really need to learn how to speak creole. I want to learn! I want to be able to speak to him and his mother, when I pick him up. I am old, and I don't know if this will ever be possible, but if anyone out there would like to tutor me, please let me know!

It was hard to leave him behind this trip. It's never been easy, but I really just wanted to stay longer. I am not one who will cry, or show that I am very upset, but once I am home, I think it really hits me. I have been sick with what I think is a Haiti bug every since I got back, and even while feeling like crap, I have wanted nothing more than to be there again! Please pray with us, that it won't be much longer. Please pray that my son will be healthy while in Haiti. Please pray for all the Orphanage workers and American directors and our Attorney, that they would all be on the same page, that they would somehow, be able to push for movement with our process. I know that God can move our file, so please beg him on our behalf that he would...

Come on Mr. President...

2009-06-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

File number 16361.... Please sign it. We have waited a long time... Please just do it. It wont hurt, and it wont take to long.... I will even thank you!

Sincerely,
Sarah: mama to Isaiah Daniel

(i think i have officially lost it)

and just like that

2009-05-23T20:51:00.001-07:00

another month practically gone, without exiting ibesr.

it's so sad, really, that we have been in this long. i personally think that 15 months is long enough! if only the government there would agree. at this time, i can only hope that we have zero delays once we are out of ibesr.

i have a very sweet friend that has been waiting much longer than us. i really would like to see them exit too.

our children are getting older every day. Every. single. day. they. get. older. how old will they have to get before joining us here?

why? when? this year? next? at this point, even if we got out of ibesr, we are looking at a winter homecoming. that sucks. really. sucks. if only it were sooner. if only he could come home this summer. if only....

please pray for us and my friend Jamie. WE WANT OUR CHILDREN HOME! just pray. pray like a crazy person gone mad. beg on our behalf. pray a miracle would happen. pray somehow, we would be able to bring them home, even this summer. pray. pray. pray.

mr. President of Haiti

2009-05-12T17:40:00.001-07:00

Please sign our file. Please give us permission to adopt. Please don't delay. Please. We will forever be grateful to you!

1 year 10 months 2 weeks

2009-05-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

That's how long it's been.

Good News

2009-05-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Please pray that we receive Good News very soon~

This is starting to really annoy me~

Thanks guys!

Consider Giving.

2009-04-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Click on the Three Angels Orphanage under the links. Go to the donate page and allow the Lord to tell you what to give!

Lord,

2009-04-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

How much longer?

~me

Dare I get to excited!

2009-04-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that 50 files were given presidential dispensation yesterday!!!! This seems so unreal! I pray and hope that one was our file. I want to be excited, but will guard my heart until I hear for sure if we were one of the blessed ones.

I am happy anyway!

50 people will hear the greatest news about their file! 50 people will praise God, sing, dance, smile, cry tears of joy, or dine out upon this wonderful news!

For that, I cannot be sad, only happy!

Lord, We are Waiting....Please bring him home to us

2009-03-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

We are in Dispensation!!!

2009-02-22T17:57:00.001-08:00

My wonderful Husband brought this awesome video back to me! Thanks honey, You Rock!!!

This is hard

2009-02-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

I cannot keep up with this blog. It is a constant reminder that my boy is not home. I will post good news as I receive it, but other wise, I'm out. Thanks for your prayers.

more on 2009 ice storm....

2009-01-31T17:51:00.000-08:00

OK, so after the last post, I left off on the burning of the popcorn note.... That night, as I had mentioned, was filled with getting up every hour or so, to tend to the fire. The next morning, which now would be Thursday, Tim came by after getting of from the fire station. He too had had a busy 24 hours. We packed our things, and decided to come home, eat breakfast, gather more clothes if we didn't have electricity and go to the YMCA for HOT showers!!!

After a LONG-HOT shower, we all decided to stay a while, so that we didn't have to get back out in the cold. We played basket ball, ping pong, air hockey, goofed off, and generally had great family time!

Lunch time was approaching, and really wanting a hot meal, but not wanting to venture back to cold homes, we decided to once again battle the cold, and look for a place who offered either free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal, or at minimum a reduced rate... Here we go again! Brrrr

YES! THANK YOU LORD!! My sister-in-law had connections!!! Not just connections, but a very dear friend at a restaurant who took care of all our meals!!! You heard me right, Free for Everyone, not just the kids!! WHAT??? Are they kidding? Taking care of the bill for 4 adults, and 7 children??? Awesome!! A hot meal at a great Amish restaurant! Needless to say, my plate was filled with nothing but starch! Straight comfort food for me!

OK, so that I am not making anyone wait any longer, I did get a call today, from the O director! NEWS??? Yes! Good? Maybe! Let me back up. Since the electricity had been out for more than 24 hours, my phone battery was ready to kick the bucket. It was beeping at me, and the battery bar was red.... After Tim brought us home, I got a phone call, and you guessed it, from Gretchen! I answered and said something like...."HI" "do you have news for me?" This is what I heard. Yes. It was not a call to say that we were out, but a call to tell me that our attorney, bless her heart, made yet another trip to IBESR only to sit and wait, and then to be told by the director of IBESR that she was to busy and to come back next WEDNESDAY! UGG! Seriously? Are you kidding me? OK folks, I am a little sad, but I do believe that we will get out of this crazy office soon! I really pray that it is very soon. I was also told that the director is trying to make out an agreement with dispense and parquet... I really have a lot of respect for the attorney and the director, who I really think is just trying to help us in the long run. What this all means exactly? I don't know. Other than we need to be praying for the two offices who don't seem to be on board... Praying for the attorney and the director for strength, and the right words when dealing with not so easy offices, and for my son to continue to learn about his family, through pictures, skype time, and visits.... Until then, I will continue to pray, and give God the respect and honor he deserves. He is in control, not me. He knows my heart, mind and desires. I pray our file will be approved and released soon, and that our process will not be delayed any further. Please pray with us, and believe with us, that we are going to be released very soon!

Please stay tuned for more on the winter storm 2009 report....

winter storm take 1

2009-01-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

Happy to announce first of all, WE HAVE POWER!!! So much has happened since Tuesday night, when we lost power to our home due to the storm... It has definitely been one WILD ride to say the least. All the while, I am very happy that we have power, sadly, there are thousands without. In this weather, it's very hard, Freezing temperatures are not easy to deal with. Every since Wednesday morning when we still didn't have electricity, I have been on a photographic journey to document this event....

This is our beautiful tree in front of our house. Each and every branch is encased with ice. It was so beautiful. I loved each and every aspect of how the ice clung to everything. (this does not mean i loved the ice on the roads...)

Our lamp in our front yard, had really cool ice formations.

After a about 15 hours, and no return of electricity, I decided it was time to find somewhere else to go. After talking to my sister-in-law, the girls and I decided to grin and bear it, and take that long, slow drive to her house. They didn't have electricity either, but they did have a wood burning fireplace, which equaled HEAT!!! The picture above was our expressway... Traffic was traveling about 20 miles per hour. I actually enjoyed the drive. I LOVE adventure!!

Once at family's house, we settled in, with cooking our food and some special snacks over the open fire. I have come to learn that I NEVER want a wood burning fireplace. I enjoy the smell it gives off, but not the mess, or the time you have to put into it to keep the fire going, and stay warm. That night, I was up about every hour freezing, because the flames would be so small, that the window draft was more than the fire draft!

We enjoyed food, camp style cooking, family, and making lots of memories. We all slept in the living room, in front of the fire. This was after having to move lots of furniture and mattresses. The kids thought this was great!!! They have had a blast the last few days!

We tried to make biscuits over the fire in a cast iron skillet, Didn't work, Jiffy Pop, Didn't work, and melt snow from out side, so we could have water to flush the toilets, (this only works if you put a lid on the pan, otherwise the snow will evaporate!) They're house is on a Well, so unless there is electricity, no running water, or flushing toilets...reason for melting snow.... Gladly, I knew this ahead of time, and brought a ton of water with me, in addition to lots of bottles of water that we had from our house....

Stay posted for more on the Winter storm 2009, including an update about our adoption still to come! Check back in a day or two for more info... =)

Matthew 21:22

2009-01-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

If you BELIEVE, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

:)

WE LOVE HIS HAIR!!!!!!!!

2009-01-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

Isn't Jutane Beautiful?

Oh my goodness!! This is so awesome!! This is exactly what we have wanted. Our son with longer hair......Thank you so much Todd and Nanny Jutane for this!!! Love you guys!

Once again,

2009-01-18T19:15:00.001-08:00

We are praying that this is a good adoption week for us and so many others. Won't you Pray with us???

I will.....

2009-01-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

Pray, Pray, Pray that next week will be our week, and many other's week!!! Until then, Have a great weekend!! I will!

I am

2009-01-14T04:47:00.000-08:00

Wishing today were the day.....

2009-01-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

A new table and chairs!!! Thank you to our special friends for such a wonderful gift!!! We love you guys and thank you so much for listening to what the Lord put on your heart!! You guys are amazing!

my two favorite Haitians!

2009-01-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks Megan!!!

missing him...

2008-12-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

NEW PICTURES

2008-12-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks to 2 very wonderful ladies who thought of us while in Haiti and took pictures of our sweet son. You know who you are, and will be blessed for your kindness! Thank you!

Isaiah!

2008-12-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

After asking my sweet daughter this morning if she knew who was coming to our house in a week, she loudly said "ISAIAH". This just melts my heart. I said, no, and then she said "Jonas" (our sweet friends son). To think that this is more on her mind, than even a visit by Santa, just blows my mind. I love that she already loves her brother, without even knowing him. What a special day it will be when I can tell her that Isaiah her brother will be coming in a week! Pray with me that I will be able to tell her that sometime this summer, or sooner.

more recents

2008-12-16T04:43:00.000-08:00

Time with Grandma

Loving, time

More love for me!

fun times in a park

just before the fall colors.

I cannot believe how fast this year has past. It seems like yesterday we were celebrating a new year, and now in a few weeks, we will do it all over again. Wow. Hopefully next year, Isaiah will be home to help out with all the exciting times! We are very excited to show him how, when, where, and why we do things.

Events dating back to October

2008-12-14T06:42:00.001-08:00

Halloween!!!! Gotta love the dress up, and candy receiving time....

Decorating the tree. Miss Emily was putting all the ornaments on one branch, near the bottom. She would then take them off, and re-place them on some other branch. =). Fun Times!

Brittany was a huge help this night! Thanks Britt!

Our attempt at making a ginger bread house. It was all good, until some little 8 year old I know decided not to follow directions.....

What a cute house it would have been. (sigh...)

All in all, pretty uneventful here at our home. I will share more pictures soon....

just

2008-12-06T10:49:00.001-08:00

PRAY AND GIVE THANKS!

Thankful for....

2008-11-26T17:44:00.001-08:00

My Children! All of them, at home and not yet at home. I am thankful for my husband, my friends, my job, home, everything right down to the clothes I wear.... I am Most thankful that I have been Saved, and will join my God in Heaven someday.

Lord Please

2008-11-13T04:57:00.000-08:00

give our son IBESR approval and release soon.....
Amen

places

2008-11-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

What I would give to have my son sit and watch a sunset with me, or to splash in the ocean holding my hand....

UGGGG!

2008-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's not that difficult people!

mr. obama

2008-11-06T15:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Mr. Obama,

Even though I did not vote for you,
I will now start to pray for you.

Please lead this country with you head and heart,
I know you are very smart.

I do have to ask,

Can you be a little more receptive,
that life begins at conception?

Oh, and could you rule,
down the cost of fuel?

Family,

2008-11-03T18:39:00.001-08:00

Yea, it's what were all about.

My two favorite men

2008-10-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

Love you guys!

7 quirky things about me....

2008-10-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks Lena, here they are....

1. I don't like to touch Caucasian hair! To me it feels oily. I do however LOVE to touch coarse hair!
2. I enjoy sneezing. It feels very cleansing....
3. I cannot stand to hear the car radio, talking, other cars passing by or the hum of the engine all at once. It makes me want to jump out of the vehicle.
4. I cannot stand clutter, it makes me feel anxious!
5. I do not like to sit anywhere there is not a window. For example in my office at work, or with my back to the window at a restaurant!
6. I do not eat most vegetables. For the most part, if it goes into a salad, you wouldn't catch me touching it!
7. I sit in the shower, instead of standing.....I feel very lazy in the morning when I wake up. My muscles are fatigued, even though, I have just woke up.

There you have it! my crazy life! I now tag other's to participate..... Colleen, Kelly, and Kathy Eden.....

Blessed!

2008-10-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Today I feel blessed! We had another fundraiser, and even though, we had 2 cancellations, and only 5 scheduled appointments we still made 330 dollars! There were some glitches today, and not everything went smooth, but all in all, we have been blessed! Thank you to everyone who participated and prayed in and for our event! Just think someday you all will get the invite to be at the airport upon our sons arrival!

Pictures

2008-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

OK for any of my readers who live nearby, and would like to have pictures made this Sunday, downtown near the river, we still have spots available. This is a great deal. For only 65 dollars, you get a 40 minute session, and a CD of your prints. Please let me know if you want to schedule a time. We would love to have you!! Think family portraits, Christmas prints, or just a great way to help us out on our fun raiser!

Hope and Faith

2008-10-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's all I have right now.

It never fails...(sigh)

2008-10-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, just when you hope nothing else goes wrong, it does! Our vacuum broke, and not only did it break, but sparks flew out of my wall, charring my outlet! Hopefully my children can be ultra careful this week to not make a mess, and spill any crumbs or likewise on our carpet.

Missing him...

2008-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Been Tagged....

2008-10-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here it goes, my neighbor Sarah tagged me to do this fun post. You click on your my pictures, find the 4th file, and then the 4th picture. You post it, and then tell about it! It's that easy, and so much fun!

This picture is of Audrey and Emily. This was taken nearly 2 years ago. We took a family day to a local pool. Burdett Pool. It was our first time at this pool for that season. As you can see, Audrey being the big sister she is, loved to walk around pushing sister. Wouldn't you just LOVE to have that nice year around tan?

I tag: Stephanie S

Kristina B

Kathy K

Angela F

Get started!!!

To feel a fathers love....Priceless

2008-10-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

Kelly

2008-10-13T17:29:00.001-07:00

More of my beautiful boy

2008-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love his beautiful white teeth! I love his perfectly shaped lips! I love his clear skin!
Chillin' with a balloon in some shades.

yard sale UPDATE

2008-10-11T15:08:00.001-07:00

OK, so we just finished up, and the total I made was 200.00! I am so excited to make this amount. I still have more to get rid of, and I will be taking a portion to Once Upon A Child, World Wide Missions, and also donate some to Good Will. I am so excited about this. I will update, as more money is generated.....

Thanks for all the prayers and the wonderful donation Kathy!

Please Pray....

2008-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

We will be having a yard sale this weekend, and all we make will go toward bringing our little guy home! Please pray for lots of traffic, and lots of sales!! Thanks!

awe...

2008-10-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

WOW

2008-10-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Kathy's Kids....

2008-10-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

Haitian beauties!

2008-10-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

sweet boys!

2008-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

such blessings

2008-10-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'll keep them coming

2008-10-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

2008-10-02T04:23:00.001-07:00

A LOT of Tim's pictures were very blurry. I have been playing around with editing to try and salvage some. As I get them edited, I will post....

just for starters...

2008-10-01T12:48:00.001-07:00

I wonder if he's thinkin' "I could so fit in that suitcase."

my superstars

2008-09-28T16:58:00.001-07:00

Some updates from Tim in haiti

2008-09-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Isaiah is freakin awesome."

"Before he fell asleep he started calling me papa and laughing hysterically."

"This trip is very laid back."

"We are now getting ready to go to bed."

"This boy is trippin if he thinks that I am going to hold him all the time."

"We are getting along great."

"We are getting some very good father son bonding time."

"Isaiah is about as tall as Emily, but as heavy as Audrey."

"When he got up from his nap he didn't want Jeutan, he wanted me."

I am thrilled with how well things are going!

Good things are about to happen!

2008-09-25T09:57:00.001-07:00

I can feel it with my every being...Just today, I mailed our final payment to the Orphanage. This is the payment that is due when your child exit's IBESR, and even though we haven't exited yet, I couldn't continue to look at that check everyday laying there on my dresser. You see, I have had that check laying there for the past 2 1/2 months. I decided today, to mail it, and pray that by the time the person it is going to gets it, we will have been approved and released from that stage in the process. Please join me in this prayer, that by the time our check arrives, we will have our approval and release. Our focus not will be trying to raise the money to bring our little fella home. We are anticipating $3000. This will only be for one of us (ME) to travel there and travel back with him. I can see this event in my dreams! We are trying so hard to not have any more debt than we already are. We Tim and I have been talking lately of how to eliminate more of our debt, and for now, we are agreeing that we will once again forgo a vacation, and take our tax money to pay our debt!!! It feels so good to have a plan of action. I am so excited to see what is about to happen.

Lord,
Please bless us in our efforts to pay our debtors, and to save enough money to bring our son home. Thank you for all you do for us, and the great way you have blessed our family! May your name be glorified!
Amen

A Sweet Note....

2008-09-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is a very sweet note, that my 8 year old wrote to her daddy today, who is going to Haiti to visit our son....

Dear, Daddy
I wish I could come
but, I would be blistering
hot and it would be too
much money. I love you!

How sweet was that?

I'll never quit

2008-09-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

DON’T QUIT
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he struck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worse,
that you must not quit.
~Kristone

Dear Mr. Obama

2008-09-15T11:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

MY TOWN...

2008-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

I love my town!

Hmm.....

2008-09-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Luke 18

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.

3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men,

5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.

7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Happy Birthday........ and UPDATE!

2008-08-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:

I didn't get news of a release from IBESR yesterday, but I did feel as through God spoke to me regarding our adoption. I received a check in the mail for 35 dollars. It was a check that I WAS NOT expecting. You see, I consigned something, and never heard anything about if it was sold or not. I guess to my surprise, it sold, and 35 dollars was my profit!!!! This was like God telling me that he is still in control, still working for us. Like he was telling me to stay focused, that he would provide. What an awesome day!

TO ME!!!

Please Lord, Give me good news today about our adoption.

IF ONLY.....

2008-08-29T04:34:00.001-07:00

I had a magic wand.........

Gustav.....

2008-08-25T17:18:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Three Angels, the People of Haiti, Our son's Birth Mother, Brother, and all his Extended Family as a strong storm, which might turn into a hurricane, heads right for Haiti. This country (and many others) needs our prayers right now, and in the days to come. Please remember, if this was you or your family, or your country, you would want prayer, so please don't forget to pray for them.....

From a very special friend.....

2008-08-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it.

She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.

Have you eve r admired a woman who has been through changes in her life?

Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up.

Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few.

Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower.

Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up.

Before you wonder, "What's up with her?" ask yourself, "What's up with me?" That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Encourage and love, forgive and forget.

May the peace and love of Christ be upon you!

Waiting!

2008-08-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK, It is so hard to wait for news!

Keep praying!

2008-08-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

no news to report yet, but it won't be long!

Caught Ya....

2008-08-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Checking, and still no news. =) We fully expect the Lord to answer our prayer that we and the others would be approved soon. Please keep us in your prayers, and feel free to share our prayer request with everyone you know!

Please PRAY for US....

2008-08-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

IBESR is looking at all our files again this week....

please pray that they say yes, and approve our families to adopt us. We want to go home and our families want us home!

CUTENESS

2008-08-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

a streak of bad luck!

2008-08-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

One bad episode after another. It all started with waking up to my phone charger broken. It evidently had been ran over by the vacuum. My phone was so old, that it was going to cost more to purchase a new charger, than to re due our contract, and get another phone. We ventured to WalMart, and got a new phone for 0 dollars, and only a 18 dollar activation fee! Whew, God saves us! Next, we were in an accident! Yes, you read right, I wrecked our suburban, with all of us in it! Fortunately, God saved us from rolling over. We find out after that, it might take a while to find out if it's totalled, or fixable. We had to have it towed to INDY. Our insurance company just picked it up today, and hopefully we will know something by tomorrow, or Wed. Bad thing is, it's not worth what we owe, and if they fix it, it could get really pricey renting cars, since our only other vehicle doesn't fit all of us, and I go back to work for the school year starting tomorrow!!!! UGG!!!!!! Does it ever stop? Anyhow, I guess all we can say now, is that we know God can and will work this out for us, and we are praising him, that no one was hurt! Our truck was airborne, and made it back on all 4 tires, with out harming anyone! We are so thankful that we are with a great very understanding bank, who has assured us, that everything will be OK, and that they will help us work something out, so that if the truck is totalled, we can still afford to get something else. We may owe them forever, but they have so far, bent over backwards for us! Please be praying that this will all fall into place very soon, that we will know answers soon, and that what ever is decided, to fix the truck or total it, that it won't take forever!

BBQ TOTAL..........

2008-07-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please....................$374.00!!!! Thank you to everyone, for your generous support! We sold all but 4. PRAISE GOD!!!!!

I also need to give a huge thank you to a generous donor, who gave $100 in loving memory of Mary Ruth Tooley. I have never met or known of this person before, but from the stories I heard today, and what I read, she was a beautiful person, who's going to be deeply missed!

Don't forget.....

2008-07-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

Wonderful ribs to be purchased this Sunday, starting at noon!!! If you need directions, please let me know!!! We are looking forward to selling out!!! Currently we are at 20 pre sold ribs, and only need to sell 25 more for full profit! Pray for us, and check back on Sunday night for an update!

Please pray with us that our file will be...

2008-07-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

RELEASED FROM IBESR!!!!!! We have been in for over 4 months, and are ready to move on! Please pray too that the other files that are "stuck" would get approval as well!

Whatever things I desire, when I pray, I believe that I receive them and I shall have them. Mark 11:24

Bar-B-Que Time!

2008-07-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

OK Folks, It's time. We are doing it, bar-b-quing that is... The date is set, for July 27th, 2008. It will be held in Newburgh, and we are taking Pre Orders..... Please considering ordering a slab of ribs for lunch or dinner. I have been told that one slab feeds about 3 people. They will be delicious..... You wont want to miss them... We only have a limited number of slabs available, so order early. IF, you order more than two, I will give a discount! Please contact me via phone or email, for details. Thanks a ton in advance for all your support.

in need of help

2008-07-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

So here's the thing to all our local people. We are in need of a baby sitter here in our home this school year. We only need someone 1-3 days a week, for the entire school day. We do pay, not much, but its pay. You would have the opportunity to earn money, help us out, and be a part of our crazy loud family!!! If you or you know of someone up for the challenge, PLEASE let us know. 8-)

This is must see video!

2008-07-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Iron man together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too. For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile(3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195kilometer) marathon run along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this race at..... click on link below and prepare yourselves!http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

You will be blessed!