date nights and stuff.....

We have been helping make cloth diapers for HH, the orphanage, A came from. Since the sewing machine is out, I have been doing some other things that I have been putting off-yes, I am a self-diagnosed procrastinator. O kept asking to learn how to sew, so I said why not???!!!
I showed him how to operate it and he practiced by sewing the liner for the diapers, which is just straight lines and perfect for a beginner.(not that I am that much past that) He was so proud of himself and the end product. He loves doing anything 'crafty' or using his imagination. He loves legos and blocks and enjoys creating things, so I shouldn't be surprised that this would make him excited. He was OBSESSED for the next couple days after learning-he made about 30 liners. My next goal is to teach him how to thread the needle, bobbin and machine. It was funny to hear him talk about when 'he has kids(which he has always said he didn't want-just a dog) he is going to make all their clothes, starting with PJ's.' He is going to start by making himself a shirt-stay tuned for that:)

Ignore the messy craft table:)

A goal we have as parents is to spend one on one time with each kid. It was my turn and privilege to take T out for his date. It is so pleasing to see how excited and proud they get when it is their turn. They get to pick where we go, within reason and it is all about them.

I had to make one stop while we were out and when I told him he said,"NOOOOO, not girlie stuff, just boyyyyyy stuff!" I laughed and said it would be quick. One would think we were going to something sporty or hunting/fishing....you know....boy stuff.....Ummmm....NO. We were going to Starbucks! But he loved it-it is a special treat to go there and have a "pink drink". We have cut our budget so much since our 2 adoptions, eating out and starbucks is like winning the lottery at our house;)

When T gets our full attention, he is a different child. He talks and talks and is polite. We went to PetSmart to see the fish and small animals they have there and he was so excited. He played with the aquarium decorations like they were toys-they had dinos and sharks.

Here he is eating his cookie at starbucks.

I Won't Let Go

We don't listen to country music often and I honestly haven't listened to this song, but a friend gave us the lyrics and said they reminded her of us-and our girls.


I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you've done all you can do
If you can't cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let go

It hurts my heart

To see you cry

I know it's dark

This part of life

Oh it finds us all

And we're too small

to stop the rain

Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you

I will help you through

When you've done all you can do

And you can't cope

I will dry your eyes

I will fight your fight

I will hold you tight

And I won't let you fall

Don't be afraid to fall

I'm right here to catch you

I won't let you down

It won't get you down
YOur gonna make it

Yea I know you can make it

Cause I will stand by you

I will help you through

When you've done all you can do

And you can't cope

And I willdry your eyes

I will fight your fight

I will hold you tight

And I won't let go

Oh I'm gonna hold you

And I won't let go

Won't let go

No I won't.

(Rascal Flatts-I won't let go)

Happy Birthday!!!

'Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday to "M".....Happy birthday to you!"

Happy Birthday to our sweet little girl "M" in Haiti!! She turned 4 today and was able to be released from the hospital! PtL!!!!

All day long when we asked the kids whose birthday it was today-they kept saying "Jesus". It was funny because the answer is whoever birthday we celebrated last......so Christmas-Jesus's birthday was the last one.......so today is Jesus's birthday.....???? By the end of the day they all got it right though.

We made a cake for her and sang Happy Birthday. The kids were excited to participate in the eating of her cake.

I hope this is the last birthday we spend apart.

Prayer Request

Please keep our two girls that are in Haiti in prayer they are BOTH having some health issues! Please pray that we can get our paperwork turned in and their paperwork turned in at the same time to avoid any delay.

Turn down blog music

I love the phrase"I hope you know that there is somebody out there searching for a way to get you here."
I pray "M"and "A" know that we are!

Haitian Gathering

Another adoptive mommy and I left sat. morning for a 5 hour drive to attend a Haitian gathering in Alexandria MN. It has been 1 year since a group of Haitian kids were brought to their adoptive families after the earthquake and were having a reunion. They also invited families who were currently in the adoption process for Haiti.
I am so glad we went. It was wonderful to meet the other families and visit about our children. Everyone has such a heart for their kids and all the kids in the orphanage. It was amazing to finally meet Rhyan since we have stalked her blog for a while now. She has such an amazing servants heart!
The adoption process is hard and long and it makes it much more pleasant to walk through it with a group who first-loves the Lord and secondly-is so passionate about adoption. I am excited to get to know these families and experience the heartache of the wait but also rejoice when their families are UNITED.
10 HOURS in the car isn't fun, but it was a JOY to visit with my friend-Michelle-without interruptions. But we were both so excited to get back and see our families. Thanks again Travis for watching the kids and being a great daddy.

He turns our Saddness to Gladness

This week has been a week of sad news and the constant reminder that God is in control.
First we have been working hard the past two weeks to get all of our paperwork ready to be turned in the beginning of Feb. Of course, things don't always go the way we plan. Changes needed to be made, mail has gotten lost, among other things-point being-we won't be able to make this deadline. I was so sad at first! I mean REALLY disappointed!!! But as the realization sunk in, I was comforted by the TRUTH- that God does work everything out and in His timing! So the rest of the day, even though I was disappointed, I had a joyful heart.
Then today we heard some sad news about a little girl at our daughters orphanage. She was most likely a good friend of our oldest daughter there, "M". And our hearts just ache for her, and everyone else there who are mourning this little sweetie.
Even thought this week has been sad and stressful, I am ending it on a good note. Tomorrow I am traveling with a friend, who is also adopting from Haiti, to Alexandria for a Haitian adoption gathering. It's been year since a group of kiddos came home and they want to get together as well as families currently in the process. Needless to say, I am so excited to meet new adoptive families and visit with Amy and Lindsey with our agency, and of course, Rhyan who spends time in Haiti. I love learning new things about Haiti and maybe she will teach me the correct way to say some phrases I have been learning. I will miss my WONDERFUL husband who will be a single parent for the next two days, and my children. But getting a way will be a nice break from the ordinary.
And today we got to see a family off at the airport, on their way to Ethiopia to meet their daughter and have court. After praying and hugging, we said goodbye. I am so excited to hear all about their trip and their first meeting with little miss 'M'. God is so good all the time-All the time God is good! When things are going good, I will praise Him. When things aren't going the way "I" want them to and my heart aches-I will praise HIM!