Life gets a little tougher...

when you put your hooded-shirt on backwards.

Laura

Laura loves the water....it's about the only way I can keep her in the kitchen with me. She's usually off playing with blocks or superhero action figures! Oh...baking brownies will also lure her into the kitchen. :)

I LOVE water!

If I could just get in...

Waiting for brownies! A girl after her Daddy's own heart!

Mai Pen Rai

In other words...it doesn't matter. Well, a little bit. Our travel to Thailand has been postponed for 2 weeks. One of the "powers that be" did not cross the t's and dot the i's appropriately and our paperwork is not ready. Needless to say, we didn't know what to do. Should we travel and take a chance that our paperwork would be there in time, but if not...we'd have to return home without our son. My stomach was in knots for a couple days and I was a wee bit cranky....OK...a LOT cranky...just ask my kids. Maybe they'll be kind since it's Mother's Day weekend.

But, we've seen some great things happen within this mess. While trying to work this out, my mom just happened to call, my dad just happened to be home to talk to me, and just happens to know a state representative and U.S. congresswoman, and they just happened to be meeting together the next morning. So...there are some "higher ups" calling Thailand for us Monday morning to get this worked out fast.

Then there were the flights. Jamie got home late Friday night (he had been in TX for 2 days while this all transpired) and began looking into changing our flights with Northwest. I never thought I'd say this...but I now LOVE NW. I won't refer to them as "Northworst" anymore. I was trying to fall asleep last night as Jamie was talking with the NW rep on the phone. I could hear his voice getting a little stronger and louder...not good. So, I started repeating to myself a new memory verse that I learned recently due to my small group study of the book of Luke.

Luke 1:37 Nothing is impossible with God.

After a few minutes, I hear Jamie say, "Well, thank you. You've just made my day." He came in to tell me that the NW rep. was going to charge us $3,700. to change our flights. No wonder Jamie's voice got louder! But the rep. put him on hold, talked to his supervisor and then told Jamie that they decided to do an even exchange...no extra cost!

This morning we informed our agency of our travel change, and they will have to aggressively take it from here. I hope Amarin wasn't told an exact date that we would be coming. I hope he's just being prepared that we will be there very, very soon. We love you, Sweet Boy.

Dear Mr. President

The kids and I were listening to talk radio today while driving around town. The host was talking about how our country needs to be in prayer now like never before. The National Day of Fasting and Prayer was instituted by the Continental Congress back on March 20, 1779. Here's the conversation that transpired:

Jacob: Why does our country need to pray more?
Mom: Some decisions are being made that are not very moral. Not as many people pray anymore.
Jacob: Is the president praying today?
Mom: No, I heard he's not participating.
Jacob: I thought he said he was a Christian, so why isn't he praying?
Mom: Why don't you ask him?
Jacob: I think he would get mad at me.
Mom: It doesn't matter if people get mad at you. You have to do what you know is right. Why don't you write him a letter?
Jacob: Will you help me?
Mom: Yep.

So, tomorrow is letter writing day. Should be interesting if he gets a response from the President of the United States.

I wish...

I could sleep like this!

Sweet dreams, Jacob!

PS. Amarin's new panda is waiting for him in the bunk below!

Prayer Requests

We have several specific prayer requests. If anyone feels led to pray for us while we're in Thailand, we would be so thankful.

** For safe travel to, within, and home again...May 10 - 23.
** For our entire family of 6 to remain healthy and strong.
** That Laura will sleep well for my parents.
** That our luggage will not be lost or damaged.
** That I will have all necessary paperwork, and the visa process would go smoothly.
** That our return date will remain May 23rd.
** That Amarin will bond well with Jamie, Jacob and me in Thailand.
** That our whole family will transition and bond well upon our return.
** That Amarin will be well prepared for our arrival, trusting of us and comfortable leaving his orphanage with us.
** That we can be a blessing to others while we are traveling.

Answered Prayers

Ephesians 5: 16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

As we get ready to travel next Sunday to Thailand to bring Amarin home (we leave on Mother's Day!!), I wanted to share our testimony about how this adoption process has fallen into place. Some of you may have an active prayer life, and if you do, you will agree that God truly does answer prayers. Maybe the prayers are not always answered with what we think we need or want, and maybe not in the timeframe that we wish, but God sees the big picture and actually does know what we need.

So, here are some prayers (P) and the answers (A)...

P: I asked God over several months early in 2008 to work in our hearts and lead us to another adoption.

A: Jamie and I both agreed that it was time to pursue another adoption.

P: I asked God to lead us to a country and agency.

A: He led us to Thailand and AAI.

P: ...to lead us to a daughter.

A: He led us to our son, Amarin, and we couldn't be more excited to add another boy to our family.

P: ...for medical reports to come back to us with clear results. Sometimes they are vague and hard to understand.

A: The report came back with one word: NEGATIVE. That was clear enough!

P: ...for international criminal checks from Belgium and Germany to be done quickly.

A: US immigration determined that we had tried numerous times to obtain them, and that was sufficient.

P: ...that Jamie's change in employment would not delay our paperwork.

A: No delay.

P: ...for childcare for Laura & Charlie.

A: My parents will keep them for the 2 weeks with help from other family members.

P: The Board Approval letter to arrive quickly.

A: This took one LONG month...but with that delay, Laura was able to finish her physical therapy program and begin walking!

P: May 6th Board date.

A: Our Board date is May 20th...good thing...the paperwork wouldn't have been ready in time for May 6th.

P: The most recent prayer request was for Amarin's photos to be at the visa office in Bangkok by Tues., April 28th, or we would have to reschedule our trip. We had already waited over two weeks for these photos and we had no idea if they were even taken.

A: The photos arrived on Tues., April 28th! Did you notice our prayer request date????

So, if you ever have any doubts that God does answer prayers...just reread this post! And watch for another post shortly with more prayer requests for our upcoming trip.

SILKS

We've been coined a new term...Jamie and I are SILKS. You've heard the term DINKS...double income, no kids. SILKS is single income, lots of kids. Come on now...a few of you reading this fall into the same category!

I read it in a book I've been reading called After The Dream Comes True, by Michelle Gardner. It's a great book about what families may go through once their new child comes home from the orphanage or foster home. I highly recommend it for anyone who is close to an adopting family. Sometimes the choices adopting families make don't make sense to others...why not have the huge "welcome home" party? Or a big birthday bash? And what's the deal with the child's name? Why can't we come visit for a few weeks once you're home? Where are all the new clothes and toys?

Even though this is our 3rd adoption, I'm learning a lot. Ah, everyday is an adventure!

The Hornets

Jacob had his first soccer game today. The weather was close to 80 degrees and windy...not typical April weather at all for these-here-parts...but a beautiful day for being outside. His team won the first game 1-0. Jacob loves playing defense, and each season, he gets more and more aggressive. He used to shy away from touching the ball, but now he's right in there. He's playing with 3rd and 4th graders, so it's little rougher...a little shoving going on, and more of a likelihood to catch a ball in the stomach or face.

We usually get a play-by-play from Jacob about what happens on the field that we can't see or hear. He said that a player on the other team was saying things that weren't very nice. So two of Jacob's teammates decided that they should "get him back." Jacob said, "Mom, I kind of witnessed to them and told them that was revenge and they shouldn't do it." I love to see God working through kids!

I'm not sure what he was doing here...maybe a block?

The little things...

I have been thinking about a new bike for Amarin. With summer approaching, I'm sure he will want to learn how to ride one, and be able to ride around with Jacob. So, this morning at our homeschool co-op, I was purusing the table of freebies that moms bring in for others that may want them. Next to the table was a red bike, all wet from the rain. I assumed someone had ridden it to co-op and parked it there. Nope. The mom was standing there and said that she was giving it away. I couldn't believe it! The bike is in wonderful condition. And what was even cooler...her boys that rode it were adopted a few years back from Russia. Can you believe this? Does God not provide even the smallest things for us?

Our week in photos

Here's our week in photos..

The first day we got his new basketball net set up in the driveway.

Jacob even plays the game in the rain!

The winter semester of Jacob's art class always includes clay work. This term, the students made "food" out of clay and they had to display it to look real. Jacob made mussels, nestled them in pasta, and added salsa and parsley to the top. Looked pretty good...even if I'm not a fan of mussels!

Can you tell where the art students liked to hang out? By the food...the REAL food!

Charlie helped make some pretzel/chocolate snacks for Jacob's art show. Yes, I made sure he washed his hands first!

Easter Sunday

Just a few snapshots of our Easter Day with family!

Jacob wanted to light his own birthday candles...we had the fire department on call...:)

Laura's being silly!

Charlie joins the fun with the hat and a "light saber" pencil!

Jacob joined the silliness club, too!

Monday morning, Laura zonked out on the livingroom floor. Charlie got blankets and stuffed animals to keep her cozy. He's just loves his big sister!

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

My baby is 9...hard to believe that much time has gone by since he was born. Jacob was so excited this AM, he wanted to open his gifts before anyone else was awake! I told him he had to wait until everyone else was up, so he went upstairs, carried Laura downstairs (still not sure if she was actually awake) and helped Charlie get up...so now that everyone was awake...he could open his presents! Love you, honey!

Jacob was sooo excited to get his light saber kit! One can never have too many light sabers, ya know...

His first set up golf clubs. He's ready to play 18!

Country Hazards

One of the hazards of living in the country...snakes! This is just a baby garter, but I know the mommy and all her friends are out there, too. A few weeks back we ran into what could have been a nest of them in the woods...too many for my liking...actually one is too many for me. I think I have a phobia, and I will no longer being going for walks in the woods until next winter. I even have the boys go on a "snake hunt" before I cut the grass on the west side of our house. There are always snakes there. Once they give me the all-clear, I proceed to cut. We also have big black snakes that someone referred to as rat snakes. Ooooh...gives me the chills! At least we're not near the Everglades in Florida where the pythons are spreading!

Thailand, here we come!

It's official...we have a board date for May 20th in Bangkok. So, we'll be leaving right around, or on Mother's Day for Bangkok, and then to the south to finally meet our Amarin. He is such a handsome little boy, and I can't wait to be able to post photos of him. I can't think of a better Mother's Day gift than to add another little one to our home.

Resurrection Sunday

Happy Resurrection Sunday! Happy Easter! This is becoming my favorite holiday of the year. It's what Christianity is all about. If there was no resurrection, there would be no Easter, and no Christianity. That's what makes Jesus so different from others who have claimed to be THE religious leader. Muhammad, Buddha, and all other men were simply that...men. They were humans on earth claiming a cause. Only Jesus, and only the Christian religion, has stood the test of time, and so many critics. No one has ever found lies or false statements or prophesies that have not come true. Jesus birth, life, crucifixtion and resurrection were foretold hundreds and hundreds of years before they happened...and they happened exactly as it was prophesied. And Jesus is the only man that ever rose again, fulfilling prophesy. What a wonderful reason we have to celebrate, and in a country where we are still able to openly celebrate our Christianity. We wish you all a very blessed Sunday.

The Cider Mill?

I was telling Jacob this morning that I was excited to go the Seder Meal that our church is having on Friday. I've never been to one, and it should be a wonderful time for families. His eyes got big...."We get to go to a cider mill on Friday?" I guess it's a good thing we're going so he can see what it's all about!

We're approved!

We received our official approval from immigration today, so we are set to go to Thailand FINALLY! We're hoping for an early May board date in Thailand (we actually have to go before adoption board members), and if so, we may be in Bangkok for the Coronation celebration for their current king. He has been king since 1949, and I'm betting this will be one awesome celebration as the Thai people have great respect for their king. More to come soon when we receive our travel date!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Peanutbutter icecream pie...made courtesy of Jacob!

Tennessee Snapshots

Laura being silly...

Charlie picked flowers for me...luckily they weren't the blooming tulips or pansies...these were the dead ones on the ground already!
Jacob and Charlie "shooting" the canons at the Carter House in Franklin, TN...a civil war site.

Jacob counting the bullet holes...

The Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN. Site of one of the worst battles of the Civil War, and this plantation home was used as a field hospital.

Lil' Laura

This little girl cracks me up. She can be so quiet, you'd never know she was around you. But, then her personality kicks in and she is so funny! Here I was trying to take some photos of Jamie and the kids and she would NOT leave Charlie alone!

Attempt #1

Attempt #2

Attempt #3

Attempt #4

Finally!

Grandbaby

On Thursday night, whatever youthfulness I felt, was quickly squashed. We were in a cute little diner in Pigeon Forge, TN, waiting for our meal. Laura wanted to walk a bit, so I was following her around the diner since there weren't many patrons at the time. Well, the hostess came up and was asking about Laura. And then the bombshell...she asked if Laura was my grandbaby!

WHAT? I have no idea what my expression must have looked like...but I tried as politely as I could to tell her that Laura is my DAUGHTER! Maybe it's time to invest in some really good anti-aging cream...or maybe things are just a little different here in the hills of TN!

Jacob talks marriage

Jacob can be quite amusing and we sometimes have the most interesting conversations. Here's one...For the longest time, he has wanted to get married and have 100 kids. Fifty of them would be bio (I feel for his future wife) and 50 would be adopted (I can see agencies lining up now). The Duggar Family has nothing on him! This morning, he was talking about how his sister(s) would eventually leave to go with their husbands, but "don't worry mom. Your sons will always be here with their wives." Lovely. But then he decided that maybe he shouldn't get married because he wants to be an inventor. "I might electrocute her when she walks into my science lab." I've prayed for my children's future spouses...I think Jacob's may need a few extra!

The check's in the mail.

Well, not exactly a check (actually there was no fee for this portion)...but the final pile of paperwork that needs to be reviewed and approved by U.S. immigration. I sent it express mail late yesterday afternoon, and that packet should be in Chicago by tomorrow afternoon. And, according to our agency, this process has been averaging only a 2 week wait even though immigration has a 90 day grace period! Then we schedule our travel to pick up Amarin. I'm starting to get butterflies in my tummy...guess I'd better start getting some things organized.

Getting closer...

Our letter, the one that we've been waiting for from Thailand, was sent to our agency last Friday via Fed Ex. So, we will hopefully have a copy in hand this week, and can mail the FINAL packet off to immigration. I think it's a true testimony of faith and patience that the letter was mailed on Laura's last day of therapy. I think the Lord had it planned out that we would have to get Laura through this PT session, her window of opportunity for walking, and then concentrate on our travel for Amarin. I knew His plans were better than mine!

Boys will be boys

Jamie was trying to tell the boys to take their wrestling and rowdiness downstairs...this is how they responded!

Jamie and Jacob attended the Winter Jam Concert last night in Ypsilanti. (I'm thrilled that Jacob loves the Christian artists!) They heard a bunch of Christian artists like Hawk Nelson, Pure NRG, The Afters, Francesca Battistelli, and best of all....TOBY MAC! The boys were rocking to TM today!

And she's off...

Laura's walking has been just amazing today! She has walked to toys that she wants, the dishwasher, drawers to play with, out into the laundry room, and even took off toward Charlie to nab his dessert. One time she wandered away while our backs were turned! I guess we're going to have to keep a close eye on her, and her brothers are going to have to watch out, too! No more cute little sister that doesn't bother their stuff!

50 Feet

We are no longer counting the number of steps that Laura is walking...we're now counting feet. She walked 50 feet today at therapy without a bit of prodding. She "chased" a huge ball down the hallway. I was so proud of her, and I know that this is just the beginning of her walking. It will take time for her to build her confidence and not rely upon being carried everywhere, but it's coming. I just have to wait.

And as we were driving away from therapy today, a song came on the radio and, boy, did it speak to me. It's called While I'm Waiting, by John Waller...and if you have your sound on, you should be listening to it now.

I really think...no...I know that God is teaching me patience as I wait for His perfect timing. If it were up to me, Laura would have been walking a few years ago, and our new son would be home already. I like to be in control, and if things don't go along at the pace I think they should, then phone calls and emails and appointments are made to get them done! But I'm learning that I can turn that all over to God, and not be anxious for anything. Yes, I'm excited for things to happen, but I try not to stress about them anymore. And actions are required of me for things to get done, but I'm learning to approach them in a much more peaceful manner. I know God has a plan, and His plan is way better than my botched attempts to work it all out myself. God works "behind the scenes" and I have no idea what He's planning through all of this...but it's gotta be good!

I read this verse in Isaiah today:

Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Spring Fever

This is the kind of fever I like! March is not known for 65 degree days, and I know it's a tease, but we are sooooo lovin' this weather. The kids have been living outside, and after 5 months of winter quarantine, they are rediscovering their favorite playtimes!

The boys get a running start, and then land on the swings on their belly. Looks like it would hurt to me!

Charlie is happy to swing like a big boy.

How much longer will they all fit on this tire?

Laura loves to swing.

Charlie witnesses to the entire neighborhood with his LOUD rendition of Jesus Loves Me. I see the makings of a pastor...

Hoops

Jacob has a new favorite sport...basketball. And to top it off...he scored his first 4 points in the game last Saturday. In one game, he scored more points than his mom did in her entire 8th grade b-ball season.

Jacob likes to keep moving so no one can block him!

Jacob doesn't attend Chatfield School, but he got to play on their team this season.

Daddy told him to get his arms up...guess the pep-talk worked!