Make-A-Wish, Laura

I was so excited when I went to the mailbox Saturday...an unexpected surprise was waiting for Laura. I saw the return address on the envelope...and it wasn't just a normal letter envelope...it was a bubble envelope...meaning there was probably something more than just a letter. So, ripping it open on my way up the driveway, I saw the card...Welcoming Laura to Make-A-Wish...a wish of her very own.

If you're not familiar with Make-A-Wish foundation, you can read more about them here. In a nutshell...they provide one wish per lifetime for children who face serious and/or terminal illnesses. That wish may be to travel somewhere...meet someone famous...have something special...or be someone or something for a day. Kids can just wish away...and to help Laura get started with ideas, Make-A-Wish sent a short DVD introducing the program and the possibilities. We watched it as soon as she was up from her naptime.

I sure wish Laura could tell us what she really would love. But we have some ideas that we know would make her very happy...

Dave Thomas Foundation

Vacation Day

Jamie took a day off work, the weather was sunny and hot, so we headed an hour out of town for a fun day. We had a great day...a little shopping, lunch, rolling down hills (the boys only as we adults would be in body casts), icecream and lemonades!

"Little Bo Jacob" missing one more tooth!

We call this Laura's "snob" look...she's so funny!

I love this photo of Charlie...he looks so calm...wait...what's that twinkle I see in his eye? Oh, right...he was on his way to tackle his big brother.

Laura loves...I mean LOVES...water. I've never seen her so motivated than when there is water nearby and then she walks as fast as she can with a true look of determination to get there without stumbling. We saw several water fountains and streams today and she squirmed and squealed in her stroller until we took her out of it.

Bunnies and turtles

Here's a photo of Willow, our new female Jersey Wooly. She is the bigger of the two rabbits, a bit calmer and so soft and fluffy...I can feel a sneeze coming on now!

Our neighbor brought over a turtle today that was crawling up her driveway, probably headed for the creek behind our houses. We watched him for a while, and then he crawled into the weeds. A few hours later we saw him in the middle of our backyard. Apparently, he realized that during his escape, he had gone the wrong direction and headed away from the creek!

Happy 4th Gotcha Day, Laura!

June 14, 2005...the day we finally held our precious Laura for the first time in Nanchang, JiangXi, China. What a blessing she is to our family in ways we never could have imagined. God knows exactly what He's doing, and His plan far exceeds our comprehension. It is through God's grace alone that Laura was able to join our family the way she did...and we delight in that grace every day. Here's a glimpse down memory lane...

Introducing Ling Guang Yi...handed to me by the orphanage director. I'll never forget waiting in the room with the other families, knowing our daughters were just down the hall...or hearing our guide announce "Ling Guang Yi"...or seeing her round the corner of the room...or the feeling of reaching out for her and holding her for the first time...she was so tiny and so quiet.

Getting a good look at my baby girl...

A thrilled and very doting big brother...and he still is to this day.

Our first family photo...

Oh, this photo is forever in my mind. I wish I knew what was going on in Laura's mind...she looks so scared on our bus ride back to the hotel.

Her first bottle with mommy...

First tickles from daddy...

and her first big smile later that night...

She still has the biggest smile, loves daddy's tickles, mommy's cuddles and her brothers' doting on her. What a princess!

2 New Residents

Our family has grown...by two Jersey Woolys! These beautiful bunnies needed a new home and the kids were wanting some furry companions. They were 4-H show rabbits, have the most beautiful fur and are pretty calm. Jacob's rabbit is the female and he renamed her Willow. Charlie and Laura's rabbit is the male and was renamed Cedar. They have been told that under no circumstance are these bunnies to be out of their cages simultaneously!

Jacob & Cedar

We were given a large hutch that hadn't been used in a while and needed some TLC. We ripped off some of the wood, added new wood, changed some screening, reshingled the roof, painted it and added new locks...all within 2 days! We had fun working on the hutch, learned some new skills, and a valuable lesson (in my opinion) that not everything we get has to be brand-spankin' new. A little elbow grease and hard work can be very rewarding.

Removing rotted wood...

Attaching the new back wall...

Learning how to shingle...

All painted and ready to go!

Our Music Man

Jacob's piano recital was last night. He has played for three years now, and we're so proud of his efforts to do his best. He was very relaxed last night, had his music memorized, and played beautifully. When he was done, he stood up, smiled at us and leaped off the platform...oh, brother...so much for using the stairs! Then we, including both sets of grandparents (I just realized we never got photos with them!) went out for icecream.

Jacob's teacher, Miss Becky

Our Princess...isn't she just the cutest thing?

Lots of wildlife

Success! We kept the baby bird safe and fed all night. Luckily, per our internet research, baby birds only eat from sun up to sun down...not during the night. Jacob asked me to wake him at 5AM to check on the bird. He decided that it was still to dark and there were no birds chirping yet outside, so we'd try again at 6AM. By then it was light, birds were chirping and our little guy was hungry. We fed him a few morsels of crushed rabbit pellets with water, and put him back out under the nest. Right away the mama started chirping and the baby answered back. From the house, we watched her feed him several times.

Then, Jacob spotted (pun intended) the fawn that we hadn't seen for over a week. Between the baby robin, the spotted fawn, and watching our friend feed baby mice to their "yard pet" garter snakes (gross...I did NOT watch!), these have been great homeschool science lessons that I did not have to prepare! Woohoo!

Bird drama, cont...

Well, we decided that since the mommy couldn't heft her little one back into the nest (there are two other babies, and we think they booted this one for more leg room), he should spend the night safely in our home. The boys dug up some worms (sorry, dad, for digging in the area where you're trying to grow grass seed) and the bird is eating them well, every 1/2 hour or so. Jacob asked me to set my alarm clock for 5AM so he can feed the bird one more time and let him back outside. We just couldn't rest easily tonight knowing the little guy might be something's midnight snack!

B52 "Robin-bombers"

What happens when we mess with nature? Usually end up humbled.

Jacob and I found a baby robin that had fallen out of its nest. It had some feathers, but still downy and not able to fly. Three adult robins were flying around with their tail-feathers in a knot because we were too close. I got the brilliant idea of saving this poor creature by putting him back in his nest. So, I donned my gloves, picked him up, and boy did he start to squawk. Well, that made me an instant target, so I quickly put him back down, and decided to sit and watch what would happen from safely inside the garage with Jacob.

Well, the little stinker decided to hop toward us. The mama robin was able to get a couple morsels of bug into him, and then I decided to try my hero act one more time. Jacob gave me my bike helmet for protection, he put his on, too, and stood guard with a broom in case of attack (I'm so glad our home is surrounded by trees so our neighbors can't watch our weird antics).

This time...success! I quickly picked him up, got him into the nest before he started calling for backup, and left feeling pretty good...until I saw Jacob standing there shaking his head. I looked back...that little guy jumped right out of his nest again. So, he's sitting on the stones under close surveillance...

If I didn't know better, I'd think this little punk was snubbing me!

Brothers

These two have so much fun together...even a snack break is better when they share it! I'm so thankful that they love spending time together, and really miss one another when they aren't. Last week, Jacob spent one night at Grandma's and on the way to pick him up Charlie said, "I miss my Jacob. I need my Jacob home." They usually greet one another with a big hug, and then move straight to wrestling...boys!

Hunters and Singers

Jacob and Charlie got new toy guns and they have playing army, and "shooting" the wildlife in our yard. Jacob even "patrolled" Grandma's yard one day...to the amusement of her neighbors.

Here's a new twist to "singing in the shower."

Boring meals

Naptime is just a saying for Laura. She would rather stand on her bed and bang on her brothers' wall, empty her clothes drawer (yes, she did that today) or rock on the glider in her room. Apparently, no one has told her that she still needs a nap, because this is what has been happening at dinner the past few nights...and I'm sure it's not because I have boring meals...well...maybe

One more...

I love listening to the boys as they converse in the back of the van. One more cute conversation from this morning as we were driving...

Charlie: We're going to a pikic?
Jacob: No, a pic-Nic.
C: A pikic.
J: No, pic-Nic. Say pic...
C: Pic...
J: Say Nic...
C: kik...
J: No, say nic, like Nick at church.
C: Nic...
J: Now say it (picnic)....
C: Suitcase! (followed by hilarious laughter)
J: Ugh.

Walkin' on grass

Laura has been walking on her own for just over 2 months now. I was really hoping she would be able to navigate around the backyard on her own by the end of summer. Grass has its challenges, though...it's uneven and makes for very unsure footing. BUT...today Jamie was working on our sprinklers. And when water is involved, Laura is motivated. Check out the video! Sorry it's sideways...couldn't find a rotate icon!

Kid-isms

Sometimes I just chuckle at what the kids say. Last week, Laura was a stinker in Sunday School and the teachers looked a little harried when we picked her up after church. So I told her this morning that I wanted her to be good girl and no fussing at the teachers.

Charlie came up to her, shaking a finger, and said, "No hitting other people, Lauwa." Somehow, I don't think that was the issue, but nevertheless, a good reminder...for EVERYONE.

On our way to church, Charlie said, "I want to go to church." Jacob replied, "Well, it's your lucky day because that's where we're going!"

On the drive home, Charlie shared that **** was crying in Sunday School and had to sit in a chair. "Were you a good boy?" "Yes. But Lauwa threw pretzels!" Hmmm...that was a quick diversion...

Finally, I asked Charlie, "What did you talk about in church today?" He replied, "Baby Noses." We all laughed...

Obviously, you've figured out that if I'm posting about going to church, we haven't left for Thailand. More paperwork issues to work out, so we canceled our flights for yesterday. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon....

Water Fun!

Ahhhh...we've been enjoying some 80+ degree days, and that means....water battles! The boys battled it out today...I think Charlie got the bum end of the deal. Jacob had a new super soaker and Charlie had 2 measley plastic squirters.

Sweet little Laura...just content to splash in her water table.

But I think she was as soaked as the boys!

Sandbox and plip plops

Our neighbors graciously gave us their old sandbox. Actually, I think the dad was jumping for joy to get rid of it. His girls are in high school, and he was probably tired of mowing around it. So, we worked this weekend and it came together very nicely! Charlie is even more thrilled with his new "plip plops."

Every job needs a supervisor...that was Laura's job.

Enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Choose Life...

...I'm so thankful my children's birthmoms did.

A Poem

Jacob finished his grade three grammar today...man, this stuff is what I learned in middle school...parts of speech, diagramming sentences. So, today we ended with poetry. I gave him the first two lines of the poem, and he had to come up with the proper rhyme and rhythm to finish it. The first two lines were taken from a sweet, Christian textbook (Jacob had a choice of genres and he chose it!)...Jacob ended it on his own!

I love my mother dear and kind,

She does so much for me.

She gave me schoolwork when I whined,

It is too mean to see.

Just remember, Jacob. I will be your teacher next year, too! :)

This is me...

...wishing that the "powers that be" would get their act together so we could travel to Thailand to bring Amarin home. Is it too much to ask that people get paperwork prepared ahead of time? We are indefinitely postponed...will keep you posted.

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.