Christmas Festivities!!

Oh my! What a wonderful last few days we've had celebrating Christmas! The activities all began on Sunday evening when we went to Brian's sister, Gina's house. We had lots of fun eating, playing games, and visiting with friends. The cousins couldn't get enough of each other! We brought our niece, Brooklyn, home with us to spend the night and Ridgedon stayed the night there with Corban and Nathan. The next day, Christmas Eve, we all got up and met out at Brian's dad's place. We had a really nice time and stuffed ourselves silly with Mexican food. Tamales, fajitas, enchiladas!!! We left there and made it home in time to clean ourselves up and head back out for the Christmas Eve service at our church. Sometimes, don't you feel like your children are really getting the idea of what Christmas is all about? We talk about it, they talk about it, and then....brick wall. That's how I felt when we were driving to church and Ridge says "Mom, why did God have to plan for Jesus to be born the SAME night as when Santa comes?". Sorry!!! Oh well! They are getting it...slowly but surely! After that, we went home and got ready for the BIG DAY!! We made sure they knew that they were not to come out of their rooms until 7 the next morning! Santa was REALLY good to them this year and they got alot of things they were hoping for. Most importantly the Wii!! Mom and Dad had a great time playing with it(so did the kids)!! They were truly excited and truly grateful which made me very proud!! Santa was even thinking of Adiah and left her a little stash too! We then headed off to Brian's mom's house for the day. They hit the jackpot again and our car was stuffed to the top with gifts. We've spent alot of time talking about how you don't have to spend money on someone to tell them you love them. But when someone buys you a gift...they do it because they love you. It doesn't even matter what it is. Man, that sounds confusing to kids!! The festivities have not ended yet! We will do Christmas with my family next weekend. We've just had such a good time being together, being with friends and family, and focusing on what really matters. Jesus. He has given us so much to be thankful for! And we have another daughter who will join us this year. What more could I ask for?!? I'm doing much better in the sadness department. The Lord is so faithful! He has been teaching me so much! Even in my sadness. I wouldn't have wanted to miss any of what he is teaching me. And Adiah has been thought of all Christmas long. So many people can't wait for her to be here. I'm trying to document it all! Anyway, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



Emily "attacked" Natalie when she saw the Wii. Not sure how Nat survived that!


Pure joy!


Me posing with Ridge after opening his gift to me


Brian doing the same...


My beautiful girls and their beautiful cousin, Brooklyn

Big ol' post!!

I guess its time that I do a new post. What do you think? My friend, Britney, would prefer this gets done on a more regular basis but I like to keep her hanging!! Sorry, Brit! I think this post will be the last thing I do on the computer for a few days. I need to walk away. My sister suggested it and I agree. I need to stop checking all things related to the adoption. I think I'll spend that time soaking in the Lord (and maybe doing some shopping and eating of bon bons) instead. Basically, in a nutshell, we are still waiting for our RA. Several came in to our agency yesterday but we were not one of them. Today is day 58 for us. I'm sad by that but also know that the Lord has plans for us. Plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future!! So I guess for a few days I am going to fast from the computer. How about that?!?!


Moving on...Emily has changed alot in the last couple of weeks! She had been asking me every night to braid her hair wet so it would be kinky the next day. That look isn't always the best, if you know what I mean. So finally, I said "Emily, I'm not sure they even do these anymore(sort of just kidding) but maybe you should get a perm". Long story short we went to Regis and she got one! I was very skeptical because the last time I had a perm was in the 80's. And those are not all together fond memories. Big hair!!!! The thought make me shiver! But this one is very calm and Emily does not like to do a whole lot to it. Also, in that same week, she got her braces off for a while. She looks so grown up! It's very sad and good all at the same time. She has also decided that she would like to try out for honor choir. She auditions this Tuesday. Thirteen 5th graders from all participating elementary schools will sing in a concert in March. So we'll see what Tuesday holds. She is also taking a break from horse lessons for the month of December. She was feeling burned out so we'll see in January if she wants to go back.




Last weekend, Natalie had her state meet in gymnastics. This is the final competitive meet of the season. She has improved so drastically this year! Its amazing to watch. Anyway, this is the meet where not everyone gets a ribbon or medal just for competing. Remember, she is level 4. Well....my girl got a medal in EVERY event last weekend!! Yes!! She got 2 bronze medals, 2 silver medals, and her team took home a gold trophy!! She was very proud of herself as were we! We had some friends over later in the week and as I was telling them about her meet she chimed in with "And that's not the only thing.....(inserted more about herself here). The only negative thing that happened that day was Ridgedon got in trouble several times by many people, his parents included, for doing his heely's right in front of the parents trying to watch their daughters. There was about to be a thrown down when one man tried to come up in the stands, take him from us, and yell at him some more. I don't think so!






On Monday, Ridgedon came home from school and informed us that he and another girl had been chosen as the Marvelous Mavs for the week. Out of the entire school, Ridgedon was honored for being respectful, responsible, and there is another r. I can't remember it right now. Isn't that awesome? We were so proud of him!! Unfortunately, on the same day he also got a "sad note" in his folder from his teacher. Interesting. It had been wet outside and the teacher instructed the class to only play on the basketball court as to not get muddy. Ridgedon went anyway. When I asked him if he just forgot (hoping he would say yes) he said "No. I just wanted to go." I have an honest boy. He was punished. On Friday, he and the other girl who was Marvelous Mav got to be on the closed circuit news "show" that the school does every morning. He was big stuff!!







Well, there you go. When I hear anything about our adoption, I will be sure to post. Please, if you think about it, pray. Pray for Adiah. Pray for peace. He is giving it to us and we are learning so much about trusting Him. Have a fabulous week!!

Bear with me people...

I'm trying to customize my blog but need my sweet husband to help me when he gets home. So for now...enjoy the gargantuan picture of my family. Wow.

Change is in the air...or is it?

What do you think of the new look? I needed a change. Something a little more cheerful. Speaking of change...there is none in the adoption waiting game. Still waiting. Today is day 50 of our wait for RA. I have days when I do really well. And then there are days when I just get so frustrated. Brian says there is no sense in getting frustrated over something we can't control. He is right. Can we really control anything? Do I really want to control this? Actually, no. Because then that would mean that the Lord wasn't in control and His mighty and sovereign plan wasn't going to happen. I want His plan! As hard as it is not understanding this whole thing...I want His plan. And like I was telling a friend earlier this week, I want everything that the Lord has planned for me during this time of waiting. Obviously, He has more planned. I want all the lessons, all the searching, all the waiting on Him that He has for me. So we wait. And we praise Him during the waiting. AND THEN, we go get our daughter!! Yeah!! Next week is a new week!! Praise God!! On another note, our friend, Brittany Ecklind, took some great family pictures of us. These are just a few. Enjoy!!

Abby - Psalm 23

AAAAHHHH!! So cute! This is just how it should be....

Adoption Presentation

A fellow AWAA member, Regina, made this presentation for their church. I thought it was so beautifully done and wanted you all to see it too.