Earl...

I was reading the comments from my last post. The Wright family brought to our attention that Hurricane Earl was heading to Turks and Caicos...

We had no idea that a hurricane was heading to the spot that our son Mark would be going to in just a few days... oh my! He is supposed to leave this Sunday.

We are watching it closely, now. It doesn't look good for the islands. The hurricane is a category 4 and these islands are small and the one he is going to is fairly primitive. We pray for those on the islands that they will be okay and the damage will be minimal.

This study abroad had to be canceled in 2008 due to a hurricane. They are still rebuilding from that hurricane.

We will soon see if Marks study abroad will a go or if it will be cancelled...

The Rebel Inside!

I did it! I have always wanted to park there and on this day - I did it!! I have small children- well, they're not that small but it was very hot outside and the girls had only been home 3 weeks at that point. I decided if anyone wanted to argue with me go right ahead- this was my right. I may not be a young new Mom but I am a new Mom!!

I felt a little rebellious! It felt kind of good!

Some Serious FUN!

In my Sunday posts I am hoping to begin them with scripture.

I was not given the gift of preaching but I was given the gift of sharing.

I know that these blessings could never have happened unless it was through our Dear Lord.

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on by behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but my Father who sent me."

Mark 9:36-37

It is so much fun for this Momma to experience their "firsts" with them!

This is Cheyenne and this was our horse at the party!!

They all got to groom the horse!

And ride him!

There were tons of smiles in the stable and the ring!

There was also lots of giggling! It was funny watching them getting on the horse- they had no idea what to do but caught on quickly!

They also do riding for special needs children, so they understood our new daughters- their fears and excitement. We needed to keep them calm around the horses and no sudden movements. I held tight to them most of the time but managed to get a few fun pics! Someday we may look into riding for the girls but not now, our schedule is full enough for the fall.

Anna enjoyed the horses, too!

In her her own special way!

Each of the kids got to be a helper! Emma loves helping!

Here is a foal at the farm.

Then the kids rode the carousel!

It brought more smiles to their faces!

Then it was train rides around the grounds! They went about 3 times- and loved every minute of it!!

And last but not least a picture with the birthday girl!

Happy Birthday Amy!

Just so you know we are not fun and smiles all the time. Our 2 new American girls dolls are talking a respite! One got a haircut from her new mother and the other got a new hair do from here new mother ... rather lot of back combing- in other words major snarls and knots.

One is pouting because she wants to play inside and mean Mommy is sending everyone outside for some fresh air.

Just this morning they were climbing the closet to retrieve their dolls- Mom said No No- cannot do that. So one pouted and missed the donut and coffee run- she sure showed me ;-)

Our life is resembling a normal life with girls that are 10, 9, 8 and 4!

And we love it!

Day Trip!!

We took a day trip with the girls. It was 2.5 hours away and they did great in the car. We watched movies, listened to music and enjoyed the scenery outside.

They are thrilled with the most simple things! I love that about them!

Another real smile!! If I were to say we are getting more real smiles you know that I would be proven wrong so I will not be so bold as to say that but... it may be happening!!

And that goes for Anna, too!!

The happy crew!

Someone is not cooperating? I wonder who it is??

Yes, I know we are matching. We all have red on for a reason!

It was beautiful on Lake Superior! The weather was perfect! It almost made us want to move there BUT we know better! Hubby's Dad used to say "The coldest winter I ever had was a summer in Duluth!" We thought that was the funniest thing we ever heard! He had such a great sense of humor!!

That is the lift bridge! It raises up to let the big boats through!! And then it lowers for the cars to drive over! The girls were amazed with the sight of the road rising!

It was huge! Seriously huge!

It was a glorious day! Beautiful in every way! It is such a blessing to have our daughters home and to have everything going well!

The reason for the road trip was to see Johnny's High School soccer game!

They had an away game and a time to bond as a team. We had a time to bond as a family!

Well, partial family that is...

Sarah is a big fan of her brother!!

They all cheered for him and almost ran out on the field a couple times! We caught them in time ;-)

Puppies! That's what first came to mind as I watched them play! I forgot to bring things to do at the game like coloring, stickers, etc. Thank goodness they seemed to entertain themselves!!

And no one got hurt! Whew!

This is why we wore RED! To support the team and our big brother!

Here he is ...#4...

We love you Johnny!

OverJoyed!!

Emma after the MRI. She was sedated during it, so in the pic she is a little groggy.

She loves the "care" she is getting- the appts, the TLC, the stickers!! Here is her nurse and the translator. I encouraged them not to have one. We are getting along fine without one but she was very nice and Emma did answer a few questions for her.

Now that is one seriously big and natural smile!! I love it!!

Once again I say- thank you Jesus!

This was a big week for our Emma Joy! She had an MRI and we got the results back in 24 hours! Everything is fine- alleluia!! We are thrilled and can check that concern off the list!

She also had an OT eval and she does qualify for the services! In some areas she did a good job and then other areas, not so much. The therapist thinks that many of Emma's movements and reactions are very primitive (exactly the word I was thinking of) and feels with PT and OT she will be able to move her through some of the stages that she did not get to experience probably due to neglect. By saying this, I do not feel that it was something her birth parents did deliberately. It was probably due to their situation and then the situation in the orphanage. On top of that she was labeled the bad child in her foster home so along the way Emma just didn't get the nurturing she needed. Many of her mannerisms and movements are very infantile and toddlerish.

It was reassuring to me to know that the therapist was thinking and seeing the same things. She just seemed to understand everything I was saying!! It was a relief to know someone else "got it"! I felt completely "lead" to her and to this situation! Afterwards, I was filed with complete gratitude. There is so much hope for our darling daughter!

We also finish this month of swimming lessons. When we started I wondered if the teacher would have enough patients for Emma. Again her movements and responses are so primitive and toddlerish. We will be moving to another time and teacher for September. I thanked him for the good job he did- and he said it was challenging but he also looked quite happy with himself for the job that he did and the progress that Emma made!

At the end of the day I was so grateful to God! For the answers we have, for the hopeful future and for the help that we have along the way! It was such a good feeling to know God is with us, there is hope for our daughter and that with everyday she makes progress- little by little! Thank You Jesus!!

If you are thinking about plunging into older child adoption- I have to tell you it is the MOST rewarding thing I have ever done in my life! AND I wouldn't even consider doing it without walking every step of the way with our Saviour, Jesus!!

These kids are awesome... although that is not evident right away- they blossom like a flower! Be patient and enjoy the moments, it is so worth it!! I feel like I am seeing God at work, right in front of my very eyes! Nothing short of amazing!

A Walk In The Park!

Isn't this the cutest little puppy you've ever seen!

We took a walk around a local city lake yesterday!

It turned out to be such a pretty day! We love the long walks!! The girls are getting used to it too! Although I think they are wearing down their crocs. If there is a warranty on those things- I'm sure it doesn't apply to us- there is a lot of scuffing going on in our world!

They are noticing so many more things now that they have been home for a month. Emma had to stop and check out almost every flower along the way! They pointed out ducks, boats, trees, roller bladers, everything! I love an inquisical mind! It shows a desire to learn!

Their language is coming along slowly but we are making progress. They are now repeating simple phrases- it is adorable when they do and of course Sarah wants to laugh. We told her 18 months ago she was doing the same thing- so no laughing!

Sarah and Emma spent a lot of their time running! Running ahead and then running back to us! Many of the concerns I have had for Emma are subsiding- she is doing so well!

She has an MRI appt this week, so we will be getting more answers. Along with an OT eval. I think learning will come at a slower pace for her BUT we are so encouraged with how well she is doing!

Both of these girls are so amazing! We are so grateful to God for them and for their progress!!

Having a little treat along the way is a highlight of the outing!!

Yes, they are very silly!

I said look at Momma about 5 times, hmmmm!

In every way their adjust is moving in a positive direction. They are getting very used to our home and our routine. The seems to love their new home and family! They just seem happy! All the girls spent a fair amount of time giggling! They scream a lot, too- when they're excited, happy, scared, laughing, hurt, surprised- I think that pretty much includes all the time.

They are adjusting to the food. It was never a problem with Emma but Ellie is liking it now too. She is no longer asking for chicken feet! We are finding that she is not a breakfast person but otherwise enjoys all the foods we eat.

Ellie is catching onto the numbers and colors. She does not whine or pout anymore except if she feels left out. Now we understand and can be sure to get everyone included.

Emma is taking her time with the colors but she can count. She seems to get thing a little bit after Ellie- but she is getting them!!

We are communicating now with simple sentences - they are understanding us! We still do some charades and hand gestures but they are getting it!!

We are so encouraged with their progress!! We honestly think they are a miracle and we are so thankful for our new additions!!

Please Pray

My sister's friend has just lost her granddaughter (7 yrs old) to bacterial meningitis...

Please pray for this dear family.

For the great loss they have suffered.

For our Dear Lord to comfort them as they grieve...

For our heavenly Father to help them heal as the days go by...

Thank you dear friends for your prayers...

When an "A" becomes a "B"!

The pics are from last weekend. We took the girls out on their first boat ride! No one wore swim suits- we did not what them to think they should jump in the lake!

It was a beautiful morning and we all enjoyed our time on the water! Oh my, Anna drove the boat! Thank goodness the co-captain was close by!!

The girls were amazed with everything- well, most of them were! Our other sweet girl is just happy to be home!!

Yep- here are the nappers! I think they are so cute together! Ellie loves to nap and Anna needs to nap! They are a great team!!

Hubby and I were talking tonight. We decided it takes an A type personality to hop into the adoption ring and get all the paperwork done BUT it takes a B type personality to deal with it all once they are home.

So, I have now decided to become a B type personality (smile- not so sure you can just do that) to deal with the array of challenges as they come up!

Yep- that's me- easy going, calm at all times and not in a rush!

Hubby said to me- "You are so "A" , I have no doubt you will "will" yourself to become a "B"!

Awe, honey, that is so sweet!

Really, have you ever heard such a nice compliment!

He coulda said I was pretty but no he said just what I wanted to hear!

So as of today I am a "B"!!

Hebrews 6:11-12

"JOY"

"LOVE"

"FREEDOM"

"FAMILY"

I have been praying over a few issues- future adoption issues, asking God for his direction. We want to joyfully serve him and follow his plan. Sometimes "I" go off on a tangent and well... I make my own plan. I am asking God to help me/us not do that but to adhere to his plan - I know his plan is a good one, it always is!!

Through him we can become who and what HE has intended us to be- I think it sounds like such an incredible journey!

This is verse that I stumbled on-

Hebrews 6:11

But we do desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of hope until the end.

In my living bible Hebrews 6:11 said-

Our great desire is that you will keep loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.

and it goes on in verse 12 to say-

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.

I felt such great peace after reading this- I felt like he spoke to me though his word, through his book, through the Bible.

I do not want to be spiritually dull, I want to be alive in Christ. I want to be his hands and feet, here and now.

In all honesty it is not only the big picture that I am looking at- it is not only inheriting God's promises that keep me going. Although I hope and pray to happily for them when the time comes. Right now it is the the pure joy that I feel when I am close to HIM. It is the love that is bursting in my heart that I can not longer contain. It is the peace that consumes me when he is near or when I know I am following his will. I am in LOVE! I am in love with HIM! HE brings me joy- the closer I am to him the more joy I feel, the more joy and love I can give to others... and the others... why, they are the ones that need the love- they are the orphans. The little children that need and want parents, that want love, that want to belong to a family... They are his children and they need us now!

It is a circle of LOVE that begins with HIM. Thank YOU Lord for allowing us to be part of that circle of love!

This is not a journey I would have thought up on my own, this is His journey for our family. It amazes me how alive our Lord is- how the Bible is there for us for reference, for comfort, for direction and for a really good read!

To think I spent so much of my life not knowing the living God - what a shame. I don't want to spend a moment longer without HIM! I have always had a faith but when I was younger I found my faith sometimes did not coincide with my desires and I was bent on controlling MY life. Oh my, many mistakes where made- I'd love to have a second chance at all of it but now I need to focus on the precious present. The past is the past and through him I am forgiven for my sins.

I love it when I see young people with a strong and passionate faith. How blessed they are to know the Lord at such a young age!

I pray that all the children will know the love and joy of having a relationship with Jesus!