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!

Home Ec. 101

Jacob loves to cook...eggs, veggies, cookies, whatever! I guess this counts as home ec. for homeschool, right? Maybe I should move on to the laundry with him...

Laura's bike

Laura got a new bouncy bike for Christmas, and she's finally getting the hang of it...however, going backwards only. But she is so proud of herself, and she gets the biggest smile on her face as she's moving this thing! You go, girl!

Here's hoping...

...that these came out of the clean-clothing pile!

Adoption Facts

This past week has been very exciting for a couple friends of mine. One received her travel approval and will pick up her new daughter in China in 3 weeks. Another friend just made the wonderful decision toward an adoption. As for us..we still are waiting on the Lord's perfect timing.

Yesterday I ran across a pamphlet from Shaohannah's Hope...an adoption assistance fund set up by Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. From this pamphlet came these facts:

1. More than 1/3 of Americans have considered adoption, but only 2% actually adopt.

2. There are over 143 million orphans and fatherless children in the world today who have lost one or both parents.

3. Over 14 million children under the age of 15 have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

4. Children are too often abandoned due to poverty, population control policies, disabilities and cultural traditions that value boys more than girls.

5. Orphans are more vulnerable and at risk of becoming victims of violence, exploitation, trafficking and other abuses.

And here's the one that stunned me:

6. If only 7% of the 2 billion Christians in the world would care for a single orphan in their distress, there would effectively be no more orphans.

Finally, a statistic from UNAIDS/WHO, July 2008:

7. Only 31% of those in developing countries that live with HIV/AIDS receive the medicine they need to live.

1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

The Book of James

I've been reading the Book of James (Jesus 1/2 brother) in the Bible for the past couple days. It's a short book, actually, but full of practical advice for everyday living. And even though it was written almost 2,000 years ago, it clearly applies to today. Several verses really hit me, but this one in particular refers to the tongue which none of us can tame.

James 3:9-10 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

As I'm thinking about this, and other verses, Charlie is singing, in his own way, another song...Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Then it came to me...there are so many families who have adopted children from all over this world. These children come from various backgrounds, and have different skin colors. And though these families may face "tongue lashings" from family and friends for this, are they not following God's Word? God never discriminated against anyone because they were of another race, or because they were poor. So why do some, as Christians, still do this? Do they not realize that when they demean a fellow human that they are demeaning the Lord as we are all made in the likeness of Him? Clearly, the tongue is speaking before the heart and mind contemplate the love we are asked to give. Something to contemplate...

Any guesses?

Yes, friends, that is a shoe hanging in Laura's hair. No, I'm not trying to start a new fashion trend. This is just how I found her today when she was supposed to be napping. Anyone care to guess how she velcroed a shoe to her head??

"Jesus Loves Me"...Charlie's version

A New Blog Feature

Good Morning! In case you haven't explored my blog lately, take a look in the right column...down under the kids' photos. You'll find a new section called "blogs I follow." These are blogs that I follow daily, written by other moms. They share beautiful and sometimes funny stories about their missions in China, their families, as well as stories about their precious children from Vietnam, Guatamala, China and Ethiopia. Enjoy!

A Few More Steps

Laura walked today. She was standing at the window in Grandma's kitchen and Grandma was sitting behind her. Laura took a couple pivot steps, and then about 5 more steps...totally without prompting...over to Grandma. We were so excited! Even Laura clapped for herself after the first couple steps. So, once again, we know she can walk...it's just a matter of time for her to gain confidence in her new mobility. We've noticed her getting stronger, and her therapists are really working on building her core muscles so when she does try to walk, she will be that much stronger and more balanced. Had someone told me 3.5 years ago that Laura still would not be walking, I'd never have believed it. Yet I've never been so excited to see one of my children take those first steps. I can't wait for the day when she can tag along with her brothers!

Odds & Ends

Just some odds and ends photos....

I took my camera when we went out for Thai food last week to celebrate. Too bad I didn't remember to use it until we were leaving the restaurant. The food was wonderful and we had enough for several leftovers!

Jacob unloading his loot from the Valentine party on Monday. He made his castle last week and was so pleased with it. One girl in his class asked why it was so big. Another girl said it looked like a "girl" castle. Fortunately, it didn't burst his bubble too much.

Even though Charlie stayed home sick, Jacob took his Valentine box and brought it home loaded with treats. Charlie was thrilled!

Mom conquered French braids for the first time in Laura's hair. She wiggled a bit...but we did it!

Board Approval

We received word today from our agency that the Thailand Adoption Board has approved our adoption of Amarin! Also, we received our immigration approval in the mail today...a double bonus!! So, we have a few more paperwork hurdles due to the new Hague Laws, and we must wait for an official document to arrive from the social worker in Thailand before we can set our travel dates. So, maybe it will be an April travel time? And here we were hoping to escape this frigid cold to the balmy breezes of southern Thailand...

But even though there seems to be a never ending paper-trail in order to get to Amarin, God's timing is perfect, and I can honestly say that we are not concerned, or feeling the need to try and rush the process. God's hand has clearly been demonstrated in so many ways throughout this adoption process, and we know that He will continue to be faithful, and that we must wait on Him. I think tonight we'll celebrate by going out for Thai food...that was the deal as soon as we received our approval. Bonus...I don't have to cook!

Little fish

Charlie has always loved swimming...even tried the deep end once without floaties! He started swim lessons last Saturday and loved it. He didn't follow everything the teacher said...like when she wanted them to blow bubbles to get used to water in their faces...well, Charlie just dunked his whole head and came up laughing. And when she wanted them to hold the side of the pool and kick their legs, well he added the head-dunk again. And when the instructor was demonstrating the backfloat with the other little boy, Charlie and his girl-buddy were sitting on the ledge. Charlie started scooting himself away from the instructor, and the little girl started following him. Great...now he's a ring-leader! We were in stitches, and that made him more animated. Poor instructor...this time it's our child that just has to wiggle and giggle and keep her on her toes!

Only 3 kids in his class!

Not overly fond the back float...

Watch me dunk my head again, Mom!