Nations Around Our Table

I Didn’t Take A Picture

2012-01-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

A special moment happened on my couch this afternoon. Noelani has a magna-doodle and has been playing on it all day. Later this afternoon, she sat down beside me and asked me to spell her name for her. I began to finger spell (Am. Sign Lang.) to help her “hear” the letters I was saying. She did a great job spelling her name, looking up to my fingers to make sure that she was right.
Then something very special happened. She began to ask me to spell every family member’s names. We went through all her brothers and sisters names; me finger spelling, her writing and looking up at my fingers when she wasn’t sure. Then we went through “Dandy” and “Gommy”, and her cousins, aunts and uncles. It was really quite cute! I wanted to get the camera and take a picture, but I also didn’t want to get up and disturb the special moment. So I didn’t get a picture.
Also, Clive was wanting more bread at lunch, and he couldn’t remember the word for “bread”, but he did remember the sign (ASL) for “bread” and signed it to ask for more. I was so proud for him.
I don’t need more confirmation that “Signing Times” is being a huge blessing in helping our new children adjust!
However, I can’t leave you without an adorable picture.

We are really enjoying our new puppies. They are really so good.

Let’s Be Traders!

2012-01-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this at Amy’s blog and had to share it. This is how I want to live!!

Opps, I Forget...

2012-01-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

Cari won the book from last week.
Cari, I will get it out to you later this week. Sorry it’s taking me so long.
loves to you all.

No Go

2012-01-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

No go on Caresse’s surgery. She has a staph infection in her hand and it has traveled up her arm. So we will have to reschedule it.
In other news,

Kiana has been asking for two years, and saving her money to put with our birthday gift for her this year - a puppy. We picked up her new little love on Saturday. Name - Rider

And my sweet husband did something very silly - he showed me a Havanese puppy that needed a new home. This is the type of dog that Bluez is, and we both fell in love with this new one. These dogs are usually hard to find and very expensive, but an elderly couple was just wanting to find a good home for this little cutie. We picked him up on Saturday as well. Name - Jazz.

So, yes, we picked up TWO new puppies on Saturday, and now have three dogs. My mom laughingly said “You know, you can’t save all the puppies in the world.” (Inside joke)

I thought it was funny/cute to see Chinese chalk handwriting on our drive way.

I was showing Noelani America and China on a map. Then through various signs I finally understood that she wanted me to show her the countries where our other children where born. So I also highlighted those for her.

I was mixing up something yesterday, and Noelani asked to help. I told her that I probably needed to do it because it was a little tricky to mix. She said “Noelani, careful.” Cute.
Kalyn has been sick that last few days.
Our favorite subject for school is Signing Times.

We use the videos and a few of the books. I really felt that this was the best way to begin teaching English to Noelani and Clive. The other children LOVE it also. After we watch a video, I have Noelani say the word, sign the word, and then write it several times. She has good moments and not so good moments with her school. Clive really only works in work books, or cuts shapes. I just can’t seem to get his attention for much else right now. I am going to just give him time to adjust and learn English before I really try anything formal with him.
Well, onward with this unexpected day. How are ya’ll doing?

Remember This?

2012-01-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

Yea, that’s the HORRIBLE bone growth that is in Caresse’s shoulder. And it has gotten larger. She is having surgery on Tuesday to remove it, and to take out the plate that was put in her leg to help straighten it. And we are praising the LORD, because the plate did straighten her leg and the dr. said it looks great!

This shoulder surgery will be more intense than the others that Caresse has had. Our amazing dr. has warned us that because the bone growth has grown threw her muscles there will be spasms after the removal. Please pray for her surgery and recovery!!

Thank you so much!!!!

How’s It Going?

2012-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it’s like a dance that I really don’t know the steps to. And poor Noelani and Clive sure don’t know them. Adopting older children is very different and I find our days flipping between many emotions. Also, I have made several mistakes. I have been to hard when I should have been softer; not firm enough when I was being a push over. We have laughed (some) cried (some), apologized for mistakes, and tried to find the steps to this exhausting dance.
Yes, they are trying....
except when their not.
How much do I share that can be helpful to someone else, with out “picking” on my newest children?
I knew that they could/would act younger than their age. YES, they do. I do know that it is good for them to revisit those areas of development that they might have missed out on. An example - sometimes when Clive is feeling especially low or upset he wants me to feed him. Now, of course, he is “able” to feed himself physically, but emotionally he needs some babying.
Some things that REALLY bother me (which shows me my own “plank in my eye” - impatience with a fair mix of expectations), is Clive’s DIRECT and frequent, blatant, obvious, unmistakable, undeniable, overt (is that enough adjectives?) attempts to challenge and disobey us. It’s really more like a sick sort of teasing. And when we try to tell him "stop" or sit him on the “sad chair” (this is what they called THE chair in China, so they are familiar with this), or anytime he gets mad about something he yells LOUDLY (the kind that makes you want to pull your hair out) and hits his head on anything he can find. Now, my mothering heart hurts for his inability to deal with his frustration, thus the head hitting, yet I must also train him, thus the discipline. So it’s always a simple math equation; Clive is naughty, we have to stop him, he get angry and tries to hurt himself, we have to hold him till he calms down, knowing that this will repeat itself again soon. He’s a smart guy too, and will uses the whole head hitting thing just because he doesn’t like what we tell him. It gets the same results - fine, we hold you till you aren’t hurting you or our walls. Sometimes, when I’m in an ornery mood (usually tired), I think, “Fine little buddy - hit your head all you want...your not doing it hard enough to hurt anyway.”
This dance is an emotional one.
On the flip side, I was up one night with him crying and scared, unable to sleep and after he finally went to sleep, I kept thinking “I don’t mind...”
-helping him when he is afraid;
-teaching Noelani manners and how to read;
-having extra work as we bring home these two children and teach them how to live in a family instead of an orphanage;
-watching them relax and actually play;
-ask a thousand times a day if they can go outside because they can’t seem to get enough of just playing;
-hearing her say for the millionth time that she is hungry, and teaching her to wait, because good food will be there;
-watching Noelani pout because she doesn’t like something I told her, and I tell her to give me a smile and stop pouting, and she does;
-helping Clive clean up the paper mess because he is ADDICTED to cutting paper;
-telling Noelani again and again, that she isn’t going to die because her muscles are sore from all the exercising that she is doing and is obviously not use to;
-finding things hidden in their rooms;
-wondering why Noelani still wears her purse EVERY SINGLE DAY;
-the thousands of times that Clive kisses me;
-seeing Noelani’s HUGE heart showing itself for someone with a disability;
-typing on google translator so that we can try to get to know each other.
No I don’t mind. Except when I do. Ha-ha...am I sounding a little like Dr. Seuss?
A side story about the google translator....Noelani was upset about getting caught doing something that Clive had asked her to do. I knew that she didn’t know it was wrong, and I told her that on google. Still she was upset, so I prayed and then typed “It isn’t easy when you and I don’t understand each other because of the different language, is it?” She shed a little tear and nodded yes. She still wont really let me hug her or anything. I patted her hand and said I understood and was sorry. She was fine in a minute. Another time she was being very rebellious about doing her school work. I typed in “I bet you never acted this way with your teachers in China, did you?” (Now, this was a bit of a trick question ... I met her teachers in China and knew about the "sad chair", and I also knew that they were very kind, but expected order). She looked in shock at me and nodded her head “no”, as in no, she would never have treated them the way she was treating me. Non-the-less, she spent some time in the sad chair before she decided to change her attitude.
So, how’s it going?
Well, it’s like a dance...we’re a little rough right now, but we are practicing each day, and I have no doubt that one day, we will be dancing a beautiful dance.

Please Read This

2012-01-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

My blog friend, Cari, wrote a post about relationships, and even if you haven’t adopted, please take the time to read it. It was so encouraging to me as I mother my children, and try to understand what the LORD would have me do during some of the harder times...of which, we had several yesterday!
I pray that we would continue to encourage each other as we each walk the journey that the LORD has for EACH individual family and our children. May we seek His mercy and grace each day as choose to live for HIS Glory.

Smiles

2012-01-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

Source: jeannenyegaard.wordpress.com via Jane on Pinterest

I needed a little bit of adorable tonight...and how come my wrinkles don’t look that cute?

You're Going To Laugh

2012-01-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

(And look at the end for a surprise give away).
We were so excited that these wonderful friends were coming to visit us. Steve got in late Friday night, and after a celebration last night for our anniversary here at home, we got the house ready for company. The outdoor was picked up, supper was in the slow cooker, windows looked nice, and I was feeling pretty darn good as I looked around. Steve ran to town for groceries and I shot an email to Shauna to see when they would be here.
Guess what...they want be here till the first week of February. LOL I’m not sure that I can keep the house clean that long. YES, IT WAS ME that got the dates messed up and I think that I can still claim post adoption dis - order on my part, don’t you think so?

(He is so cute, isn’t he?)

(sorry, it’s backwards cuz I was using my computer camera)

And here is a great give away. I read A Heart For Freedom on the way to China and really was touched by the story. So I am going to give a book away to a lucky person. Just leave a comment here, and we will choose one in the next few days. And thank you all again for your support.

“Do You Love Me?"

2012-01-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

Steve had to leave for a week on Monday, and that really threw Clive. He was horrible on Monday and Tuesday. I was asking the LORD what I needed to do to help all of my family this week. I knew that it was going to be especially hard with Steve gone and me trying to start school. As I was going to sleep Tuesday night, I felt that the LORD was reminding me that He is my Shepherd and that I was to follow His example right now with my family.
I have prayed and sought the LORD these last days, and have felt Him asking me “Do you love Me?”
The next day I heard His sweet voice saying “Feed my sheep.”
So many of you have sent precious encouragement, prayers and notes to me. THANK YOU so much. I wish I could write to you all, but I am just not having time right now...I’m so sorry.
There are some things that I don’t want to forget...
-Noelani went with me to gather eggs and give the chickens their scraps. After she had put all the eggs in the bowl, she bowed to them and said in her broken English “Thank you, chickens.” ADORABLE.
-The first weeks, Noelani and Clive both spoke to Kiana, who came home from China when she was a baby, in Chinese. I think that they thought she could speak Mandarin and would translate for them. Kiana would look at me and ask “What do I do?” I just laughed and told her that they would figure out soon enough that she couldn’t help them.
-We are using the Signing Time Videos for their school (love these!!!!). And they are getting it!!! Clive walked up to Kiana and signed “silly Kiana" to engage her in playing.
-Clive gives me a dozen kisses a day. Of course, I love those!
-Noelani is very helpful!
-Noelani is having a horrible skin eczema all over her body. We went to the dr. this week, which made her very nervous, but I knew that we had to get medicine for it.
-Clive LOVES Nemo....so we are watching that a lot right now. Our other favorite movie is Dolphin Tales. Noelani was asking about the dolphin and his hurt tail. She seems to be very sensitive and sweet about people with a disability.
-I am feeling a little more comfortable with them. In China, I would beg Kalyn to not leave me alone with them. Now, I went all the way to town by myself with them, and even took them to an indoor play area. Good on me - right? LOL
-They LOVE to eat....especially Noelani.
There is more, but daddy just got home, the pressure cooker is broken, so supper is late.
Tonight, I am thankful and TIRED.

This Is All I Have Today...

2012-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

We are having some “hard” days right now. I was trying to write a post, but,
well, little hurt hearts needed me. And as I am trying to help them, I am crying to the LORD to help me help them.
So I’m letting the “heavy” post wait for a while, and decided to post something that made me laugh.

Karlie took this picture of my mother, Gommy. When I saw it, I laughed and said “Wow, mom, you’ve got some large “ta-ta’s”. I think that whole “ta-ta” thing came from my grandmother (Gommy’s mother). Anyway, I believe my mother laughingly said something like “Well, thank you!” Then I showed her this picture and we all had a great laugh.
Please keep praying for us. I am not able, but I know that my LORD is.

Want To See A Totally Awesome Photo

2012-01-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Yep, that’s my oldest throwing and yes, catching my youngest ... who, by the way, still had his broken arm in a cast.
Karlie, Jace’s new and precious wife captured this photo. It really is awesome, don’t you think?
Here’s my edited picture of Karlie’s original....

Keshawn looks like he is suspended, doesn’t he!
Got to love digital...it is so fun!

She Is Trying!!!

2012-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

In broken, and very difficult to understand English, plus made up sign language, she tells me “Good job, Mommy. Yea!!!! I love you”. Now, if you would have been here to see/hear this, you wouldn’t have understood any of it. But I did. What prompted the above?

Were do I start? The first day in China when she made it clear that she hated me/our family? The days after when she communicated that she was going to run away, or at best, get a job as soon as possible, asking the translator just how soon that was, so that she could leave us? Telling me that my (and her new) family was ugly, especially all the boys (and especially her new daddy)? Or how about what I hated most - telling herself and my new son, Clive, that no one in America was going to love them and they needed to run away?

Those examples, as I soon learned, were not my new daughter speaking, but her fear. And boy, did we encounter that every hour.
Then her fear pushed us all over the edge when it and its companion - anger, gripped this poor child in a traumatic fit of rage in the hotel lobby in China. The hotel manager actually politely asked that we keep her in the room (ha- thus our “house arrest”, which was actually a respite for me - LOL).

After this, my new daughter pulled the anger and fear in a little and we made it home to America without any major displays ... although, I’m sure that having motion sickness over the course of two days, didn’t hurt the emotional energy level any (sad, but true...she was to sick to fight us).
As you have seen in the previous post, we had a wonderful time in Texas with my family, and Noelani really began to let down her walls, and receive a little love from us all.
Now we are back home and we am trying to familiarize Noelani and Clive with our family routines and structure. We have been telling Noelani that we would begin school this coming Monday (which honestly, scares me more than anyone). She seemed fine with that till she finally understood that I was her teacher, and we did school here at home. She was VERY upset by this. Today I have been busy figuring out exactly WHAT the next part of our school year looks like and more specifically, what Noelani and Clive need for their school RIGHT NOW (knowing that their educational goals will change as they learn English). Noelani has been in and out of the “school room” as I worked among books, videos, charts, curriculums, my computer and work schedules. The room was A MESS. I communicated through google translator what school would look like, where her desk was, and generally, how things worked. She got angry, hid in the bath room, cried to “baa-baa” (daddy), and then, like in China, seemed to resign herself to this new unknown. I have been working pretty much all day planning out the next few months for all the children’s school, including our soon to graduate, Kalyn. AND we met with our new social worker for the follow up reports (she was great). So, to say that today has been long and hard for me would be, well, on the light side. Yet, I also love seeing what the LORD has planned for the children’s education...but that is for another post.

Do you remember where this post began? I know my rambling might have lost you, but I hope not. The more that Noelani asked and began to understand that she was doing REAL school here at home, she got EXCITED. Which usually includes a lot of screaming (working on that), huge hugs (working on that because it hurts), and general EXCITEMENT (she has that in spades - LOL).
After supper, when I had pretty much organized the room, Noelani came into the room, and that is when she blessed me with the words “Good job, Mommy. Yea!!!!! I love you” She lovingly looked at all the books on her desk and then asked me where all her brothers and sister “do” school. She will say each name and ask me to show her where they will sit. And then she pretended to be me, the “teacher”, telling everyone to sit down and be quiet. So funny.
When I say that “she asked” something or told me something, it is really more of a mixture of made up sign language, Chinese, and incomplete English words. I am learning more each day what she is trying to say, and she is learning more each day how to communicate in any way that she can with us.
AND that comes back to the title for the post. See in China her fear made it very clear that she had no intentions of working with us. However, now, in the safety of our“home” and “family”, she is learning, and SHE IS TRYING.
Now, I call that a BIG, THANK YOU JESUS!

He Is Making UP...

2012-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

...for lost time...mommy time. I don’t consider his “age”, I look at his heart. And it is one precious, hungry little thing. He has so changed from the stressed little boy that we saw in China. There are still several “instinutional” behaviors...hiding toys and food, unwilling to share, yelling and acting “younger” than his age.
But what I see is a little boy who is HUNGRY for the love of a mommy and family. He has kissed me a dozen times today. And not to be outdone, when “Baa-baa” (daddy) came home from work and kissed me, Clive launched in right away for his kiss. A prayer request here is that he is completely rejecting and is horribly mean to Kalyn. This is really hurting her feelings. I am now keeping Clive with me “constantly” as if he were a newborn, and am praying that he comes around to Kalyn. He is so loving, that I am a little confused by his rejection of Kalyn.

Since the day that he came to us, I found out that he LOVES fish. We would daily visit the fish at the hotel.
And that didn’t change when we were at the Texas coast.

I know, ADORABLE, or what!!!! And guess what, he actually caught this beautiful fish with a child’s fishing pole (by accident)...hey, we will take it. Now, there was a major sad moment, when Clive accidentally saw his fish being cut up for supper. However, I think he understood later when he kept saying “fishy yum-yum”. LOL
Time for night night....more tomorrow about our precious Noelani...the one that God named.

HOME!!

2012-01-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

We are back from our Christmas vacation to the Texas coast - Mustang Island. We just got in after three days of driving and I “begged” Steve to watch everything and everyone so that I could catch up with all of ya’ll. (Isn’t the above picture great - Dandy took it during our beach bon-fire night. Those are glow sticks that my brother, Kim brought).

I’m sorry that I haven’t written sooner, but we were desperate for some time with these precious people...brother Kim, sister (in-law) Karla, and my parents - known around the world as Dandy and Gommy.

I know that it is absolutely crazy to take two newly adopted and (older) children and stick them in a van (for a grand total of 14 people and a small dog), and travel to Texas. However, if ya’ll have been around much, you know that our extended family is extremely important to Steve, me and our children. I knew that do or die, this trip was part of the journey that we were to travel with our new children.
So, what about our new children, Noelani and Clive?
THANK YOU SWEET JESUS, and THANK YOU for all your prayers and sweet notes to our family. The LORD has heard our prayers, and they did AMAZINGLY well!
Want to see some pictures? (I knew you were just waiting).

It was so GOOD to see happy after all that we had all been through. They each, in their own way, warmed up and feel in love with their new family. I’m not sure that I understand it, but once we were together in Texas with all of my family, things begin to “relax” with Noelani and Clive. Not that there weren’t (and still aren’t) certain behaviors and battles, but it seems that they began to get a picture of “family” and, of course, what could be better than a family that has fun?!!! Each day they seemed to relax and love a little more. My family was amazing, as usual.

My new daughter (in-law), Karlie, knows sign language very well, and 1st up taught Noelani the sign for “you are beautiful”. After that we would all say that to her, and within a few days she was saying it back to all of us, including Dandy (LOL-we think he is beautiful too). Noelani wasn’t to sure of her new Dandy at first, but he would look at her and tell her “I love you”, which she understood and she would say “no”, kind of in a teasing manner, but by the end of the week she was saying it to him, just to start the game of love. Gommy showered them each with her normal laughter and fun and just included them in her beautiful world of joy and blessings.

And as the stress began to melt away (at least SOME), I began to fall in love again with this little boy;

And this little girl.

And I began to let go of some of my expectations and embrace the gift of these children, with their past, their fears and our future together.
Our other children are doing awesome with their new siblings. They are very patient and do what children do ... play.
It’s good to be home again. Clive did cry when we drove up to the house. Best I can figure from sign language and Chinese words is he thought he had just enjoyed a great vacation and we were going back to China. But, what I also saw in this precious little boy is that he LOVES deeply. He cried when Jace left, and then again when we left Uncle Kim and Aunt Karla, and then he cried a long time when we left Dandy and Gommy. I think he loves his new family and also, naturally, misses the only “home” he has ever known. He settled pretty quickly though and began to look at family pictures as I was writing this post. He would point to each family member and tell me their name;
and then, just to make me fall in love with him more, he would kiss each picture. (I know, precious, or what).
Noelani is doing so well. She did cry some and look out the window at the beach house when she listened to her music that we bought in China. But she is also so very helpful and sweet and will give us a hug when she is excited and tell us “I love you” in both English and Chinese. So Cute!!! She really wants to work with us now, and I think the biggest frustrations will slowly go away as she learns more English, and we just get “to know” each other more. She loves having a family that cares about her and seems to be a “people person”.
Well, I must go help Steve now...but here are a few more pictures and I will catch up more this week.

I love you all so much, and can never thank you enough for your prayers, support, encouragement and help through this time in my life. You each have truly meant more to me than I can say.
loves,
Shonni

We Are Breathing A Little More Deeply

2011-12-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

There is so much I want to write about, but due to bad winter storms, we are being forced to pack up to leave tomorrow for our Texas Christmas as soon as Steve gets off work and then we will drive all night to get to Texas.
Before we leave I wanted to write a few things...
-Thank you all for your comments on the last few post. I can never truly tell you all how much your words of encouragement, support and prayers mean to me/us.
-Noelani and Clive are doing a little better each day, thus, I feel like we can breathe a little better right now.
-It is so cute because Noelani will look at Kiana (our other Chinese daugher, home since she was 11 months old) and talk to her in Chinese thinking that she will be able to translate, which, of course, she can’t.
-The children are really doing well with each other...Clive even began to play games with the children yesterday...big step for him.
-Clive has no concept of what will hurt him right now, and accidentally burned his cheek on the hot light shade...poor baby. I must watch him even more closely, even though he was in the same room as I was. I just had never thought of him climbing up on the back of the couch and touching the floor lamp with his face - honestly, I’m still not sure how he did it.
-There really are some pretty funny moments that come up with us trying to communicate with our new Chinese speaking children, but I’m to tired to think of an example right now.
-Which leads to the fact that I am may be getting 3-4 hours of sleep right now...I am so tired.
Again, thank you all for your prayers for us. I am so grateful...I hope that I can blog more in the next few days...but I will as soon as I can.
loves,
Shonni

Hope Is A Fixed Anchor

2011-12-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

I’m not finding it easy to post these pictures, or my thoughts when I see them. Yet, this is the LORD’s story, and OUR story. We do not know what the ending is yet. But HOPE is our anchor.

First meeting with Clive.

First meeting with Noelani.

She was very upset and scared.

Our translators tried to help us with her questions and her fears. This is so NOT like receiving a baby. I can’t hold them or comfort them. Sorry, I really have no words.

She is showing me her photo book from the orphanage. It was so noisy and stressful in this room with dozen’s of children crying in the background.

My thoughts here were “O.K. little girl, we are BOTH going to have to be brave...I’m scared, your scared, but we have to walk this thing through.

Trying...

Trying to talk with Steve at the hotel. Things really went from bad to worse for all of us. Noelani wrapped up in the curtains, mumbled in Chinese and wouldn’t come out.

I can SAY that we prepared for this adoption of older children; we knew and understood how hard it can be for older children. But, I can also now say that there is no way I could have ever been prepared for the EMOTIONS - both ours and theirs. The next weeks placed this experience as one of the top three worse things I have gone through in my adult life. There have been times in my life that I felt I was following the LORD’s will, and yet when I was walking it out, I would have easily told God that had of I “known” how hard it was going to be, I wouldn’t have done it. I’m glad that I had those experiences to look back on and draw hope from as we woke each day and my raw emotions were saying “LORD, I can’t do this. I DON’T WANT to do this.”

Kalyn and I, our family, and being adopted were rejected and hated and this was certainly communicated to us in no uncertain terms.

Shell shock would be the best way to describe our time in China. And I just couldn’t find those “warm-fussy” mothering feelings anymore. Kalyn and I daily encouraged each other with prayer, scripture and songs, yet mostly we just did the next things that had to be done and prayed that our time in China would end soon. I have to say up front, our agency, ASIA, was AMAZING in their support for our family. They saw this for the crisis that it was and truly went out of their way to help this adoption succeed. I am very grateful to them and to Jacqueline, who allowed me to cry and express my fears and feelings in safety, and also listened to and tried to help Noelani and Clive. How grateful I was that she was in the same hotel with us, and I often had to call her for help.

I have been up at 3 the last few nights, thinking things threw and praying. I read a beautiful devotional from E. Elliot in the early hours of this morning. I’ll share from it later, but for now, I wanted to begin our story, because it is with HOPE and in FAITH, that I believe the ending of the story will be amazing, because I know that we belong to and faithful and amazing God.

I NEED a baa-baa...

2011-12-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

These were the first words that my darling baby Keshawn said to me today, right after he hugged me, patted my back, and said he was glad that I was home. He also showed me his casted arm and asked me to kiss it. After I fed him his bottle last night, just hours after we came home with our two newest children, Keshawn then threw up his supper and his bottle all over his blue casted arm. (Laughing) I am so glad to be home!!!! The warm “mothering”feelings that I haven’t felt for a few days, came rushing back up like a spring out of the dry ground.
Noelani and Clive did “pretty” good on the way home. I cried when the USA stamped their pass ports and said “They are now American citizens.”
I want to thank you all for your prayers, and sweet encouragement to us. You up held me while I was there.
Guess what we received today? Just hours after being home, we found out that our family had been nominated and received the support of our church to be gifted with a Walmart gift card for several hundred dollars AND we got to “shop” in the church lobby for Christmas gifts given by the church for families. Because of different things, we really weren’t going to give the children Christmas gifts. How fun it was for Steve and I to look at all the toys and games and choose things that we knew the children would enjoy. We were a little afraid when we first walked in and the lady asked us how many children we were “shopping” for. Steve laughingly said “ummmmmmmmm, we have 13 children, but we could just pick for 10 if that is O.K.?” The lady was sweet and said “That’s fine, we have your family down for 12.” Even though we didn’t pick things for 12 children, it was certainly a blessing to pick things for the children.
I am so tired! LOL Steve and I were up with Clive and Noelani most of the night. I have not slept well for weeks! When Steve took Clive down stairs around 5 a.m. I fell ASLEEP for the 1st time in almost 3 weeks. And boy, did I sleep. I kept thinking that it was may be 10:00 a.m. and then Steve came in and said it was 1:00 p.m. and he was afraid that if I didn’t get up, I wouldn’t sleep tonight.
So, tonight, I am so glad to be home!! And to be with my family again.
Please PRAY for my mom (Gommy) and my dad (Dandy). A very heavy box fell on Dandy today, and at first he thought his leg was broke. We are praying that it is just badly bruised. And after years of favoring the one leg that was not damaged in the accident, Gommy found out that the “good” knee has pretty much collapsed. She needs a surgery to replace that knee. It had to support so much for so long that it just gave out. We are praying our way though Christmas. We are suppose to leave next Thursday for Texas....
I have so many thoughts about that and China. I am praying to have time to write them down here in the next few days.
BUT for now, there is a little baby boy, with his arm in a cute little blue cast, that NEEDS his baa-baa...
so I will write more soon.
loves,
Shonni

From shonni

2011-12-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

I have not figured out a way around the block here in Ch. so I have not been able to post on my blog. However, that is really only half the reason for not personally writing anything. Many of you have probably “figured” out from Steve and Caresse’s little notes that things have been very hard here. I honestly have had no words for what we all are going through. Some where along the way, my understanding and love for these little people has been murked up in the hard emotions and their extreme misbehavior. Believe me when I say that right now, love IS A CHOICE for us. If I did not have faith in the LORD’s good plans for our us, I am not sure how we would have gone on. I still really don’t know what to say to you all except to share the thoughts of my heart ... the anchor that has help me the last few weeks. The Lord reminded me the 1st few days that He loved us first, before we loved Him and that He loved us while we were still in our “ugliness” - our sin and bad attitudes. Boy, do these two have some “ugliness” and bad attitudes that are hard to love “past”. N. has truly done a very good job of trying to push us away and make us “hate” her. C mimics her bad stuff and then adds his own little battles to the field. Kalyn and I have slept very little, and are truly exhausted emotionally.

I have also been remembered the words that He spoke to me earlier this Autumn...to be faithful in the work that He has for us to do. “In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” Ps. 22:4-5. My parents have certainly been an examples of “the fathers” who trusted the LORD, and now Steve and I have the chance to yet again, show, in action, our trust in God. How many times I have prayed and asked the LORD to teach me His paths, His ways...”Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in Your trust and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” Ps. 25-4-5 Is He surely not answering that prayer and teaching me to love as He loves me?

Other comfort has come from these verses “My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Ps. 25”15-18.

And the LORD has reminded me of my “field” right now...”The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely He has given to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Cor. 9:6-12

My eyes turn to the LORD right now, often with no words to even speak. We must keep our eyes on Him and on His truth. He has led us to this ministry - to parent these children. My emotions don’t want to...my heart is seeking Him for the strength...it will not be by my might or for my praise, but for His glory and His praise.

Today, we got up and breathed. Last night the oldest threw a fit of epic proportions in the lobby that was out of control. I wont go into to details, but she has been under “house arrest" today. I just can’t trust what she will do in public. Please pray us home sweet friends. And thank you for your amazing support, help, encouragement and prayers through this journey.

THE LORD’S TRUTH SHINES HERE...THE LORD LOVES THE FATHERLESS, and one day THEY will know that!!!

Test OK

2011-12-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

They did x-rays on Clive and everything is all right! Still having difficulties with Noelani and her adjustments to her new life. Being very challenging and emotions are strained. Need to get her home where we can love and parent her and help her. Pray Jesus surround, comfort, protect, and minister to her and all of her fears/anxiety that are causing her to act out.

Update

2011-12-11T17:59:00.001-08:00

Update from Shonni-Clive is having a reaction to the TB scratch test. Going on for the follow up today. May need X-ray depending on what the Dr. says. Maybe nothing, but don't know yet. Things still very stressful for everyone. Please keep praying! Thanks.

Adjustments, Alvin and Anticipation

2011-12-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

So we are 5 days from us all being a family together again. From my talks with Shonni and Kalyn, they are more than ready to be home. This has been an emotionally challenging and draining trip. Not quite the “adventure” we had all hoped it to be. Noelani and Clive are still going through adjustments which are trying. Noelani; breaking out in hives, being difficult, testing the limits and resistant to bonding. Clive; loving and bonding, but also clingy to Shonni at times, to the point he makes her carry him everywhere, and yet not very nice to Kalyn. He does well in the hotel room, but becomes unruly in public. Should any of this come as a surprise? These babies are coming from an orphanage environment and into a very strange world they no little of. The fear, anxiety, stress in these little ones must be enormous. We pray for the love of Jesus to shine through, His wisdom to know how to parent these children, their hearts to be softened, His peace to reign.

On the home front, all is essentially well. The kids just finished watching “Alvin and the Chipmunks – the Squeakqual” - what more needs to be said? We are working to keep the house picked up and clean, to have no further injuries, and to keep the peace (we have had a few “negative attitudes” but overall not bad. We’ve been watching lots of movies, playing Kinects (even with Jace and Karlie over the internet), doing crafts, and just getting ready for mommy, Kalyn, Noelani and Clive to be home.

I think we are all anxious about the weeks that lay ahead with our new family, the holidays, traveling, and beyond. I am sure there will be more adjustments, not only for the two new little ones, but for the rest of us as well. But isn’t that what He has called us to? Not a life of ease and comfort, but one of risk and challenge? Stepping out in faith which more often than not will mean difficulties? It is in those times that we get to see God move and learn to trust in Him and not in our own efforts. For it is only through Him in us that we can accomplish anything.

We greatly appreciate your prayers and your notes of encouragement and support.

Steve

What are they thinking?

2011-12-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas shopping.

2011-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

A shopping day with nine children can be pretty hectic, but no more then usual! Today me and Dad are getting all of our presents together for Christmas and birthday's! Thank you all for your prayers for Keshawn's arm. He is doing much better and being as much a little stinker as always =). Here is a pictures of him with his cast. He wouldn't smile and open his eyes for me.Haha.

Kalyn and Mom are still going through some problems so please continue praying for them. Below are Pictures of my three latest sewing projects, a long silk dress,

A green peasant shirt

And a new pillowcase with a doe embroidery.

Trials continue- please keep praying!

2011-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Wishing I could take my ladies place in China as they weather the storm of transition with the children. It is emotionally taxing, for all of them. Not the smooth, seamless process we all hoped and prayed for. But difficult does not always mean bad, but when you are in the midst of it, I know it is hard to see the other side. I can pray and encourage from half a world away, but what I wish I could do is hold them, comfort them, and even take their place. Lord, where their faith is challenged, may my faith suffice, for the hope lays not in the size of my faith, but in the greatness of my God in whom I have faith!

Need for Prayer in China

2011-12-05T00:30:00.000-08:00

Just spoke with Shonni. She has Noelani and Clive, but they are having a very difficult first go of it right now. Big adjustment issues with the kids. Please keep them in prayer! Got to imagine it is a huge change for these two kids to be leaving their "home" at the orphanage to go with these two strangers. Shonni and Kalyn need wisdom and strength on how to love them through this process.

Beijing, Broken Bones, and Blessings

2011-12-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

Caresse has been doing a great job giving some tidbits to keep ya'll up to date, Thanks sweetie! I thought I would try and fill everyone on a bit more of the happenings. Unfortunately, there will be no pictures, because Shonni and Kalyn took all of the cameras with them! Imagine that!

Beijing - So Shonni and Kalyn made it safely to Beijing on Wednesday. With the wonders of technology, we have been able to Skype with them a couple of times (usually first thing in their am and in the late afternoon for us given the 15 hour time difference). Other than being extremely tired the first day, they have been having a great time. They are more or less getting a personal tour since there is no one else in their group. Also since it is winter (yes freezing temps and snow) there are very few crowds at all of the tourist sites. Even their tour guide has commented that she is getting to see things she has not seen since she was a little girl. as would be expected, in some situations, Shonni and Kalyn have become the tourist attraction, with people asking to take their picture or discretely taking is to capture the foreigners on film!

They have gotten to see several temples, the great wall, forbidden city, the summer palace, Tienanmen Square as well as Kung fu and acrobatic shows. They will be flying to Guangzhou on Sunday and then meet Noelani and Clive on Monday. These few days in Beijing have been a nice opportunity to not just see some of China, but also to adjust to the changes (time and culture) before they meet the children. There is still some anxiety about meeting the children; how they will respond, how they all will communicate, and more, but having a few days prep under their belts will certainly help.

Bones - of course our adventure has included the littlest one, Keshawn, breaking his arm the day Shonni and Kalyn left for China. Pretty traumatic to start things off, but life has settled down now (as much as it can with 9 little ones and daddy in charge!) Keshawn is healing well, so much so that other than the cast on his arm you never know he had recently been hurt! Everyone else is doing well too, missing mommy and sister of course, but making the best of the time they are away. We have had snow and cold weather, which limits any outside play, but we have had inside play time, movies, and even sleeping out in the family room one night!

Blessing - What can I say, we have had numerous blessings to be thankful for: friends who came to help at a moments notice when I had to stay in the hospital with Keshawn ( Thanks Hannah and Theresa!) Help from family with last minute adoption expenses, able to get a last minute loan to cover the in country fees (not what we planned to do, but thankful we were able to and well worth taking out a loan to bring our children home), finally got our full tax refund, unexpectedly and with interest! (now we can get some pesky bills paid off!) Lots of prayer support. words of encouragement, and well wishes. We are thankful for everyone who is standing with us as we walk out this journey of faith.

God is so good and so faithful. We see that each and everyday, through the good times and the tough times. For me the lesson learned (again!) is to always keep Him at the center and to not let the circumstances of life take precedence over Him as I am often guilty of doing. I too easily think I have to focus on the problems to try and find answers or solutions, when in fact what I must do is look past the problems to Him and let Him rule in my heart soul and mind. Whenever I finally get around to doing that it is incredible how He brings the answers and solutions!

Keshawn

2011-12-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

Keshawn is doing wonderful, they got the bone set and put it in a cast and sling thank you all for your prayers. Mom and Kalyn have made it to Beijing and are doing great. They will continue to Guangzhou on Sunday, Which will be Saturday here. Again thank you all for your prayers.

Update...

2011-11-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Keshawn has broken his arm and will have surgery first thing tomorrow morning.

LOTS OF PRAYER...

2011-11-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

Dad is on his way to the ER with Keshawn. Don't know if his wrist is broken or dislocated. Pleases be praying especially with Kalyn and Mom gone.
Caresse

Blog Mess, Thanksgiving and CHINA!!!!!

2011-11-27T05:03:00.000-08:00

Hi every one. Poor Alexis is working hard to fix my blog, as well as several others. I pray that it is fixed soon!!!!
We had a wonderful weekend with Steve’s family from Denver. And then Jace and Karlie were able to come for the 1st time since their wedding. It was so fun ... we didn’t tell the children that Jace and Karlie were coming for the week. So on Wednesday, I was “looking” for them. They wanted to sneak up from the back. All of a sudden one of the children yells, “Hey, there is some one on our land!”

They were so surprised and lots of happy noise filled the house!

In other news,
WE ARE LEAVING FOR CHINA IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH.
I must seriously start packing today and make sure that we have everything that we need. After that I might run around the house screaming like a mad woman.....SO EXCITED.

I Almost Lost It...

2011-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

My mind, that is. I woke up this morning and my mind began to think. It probably shouldn’t have done that, and I tried to distract it, but IT insisted on going down a bad road. It began to think about some pain of some loved ones, and how hard it is being to find food that fits Landon’s newly discovered and severe food allergies; it wondered around the up coming China trip and packing for it; it teased with the idea of not doing school today (it is our last day till after Christmas); it stressed over the meals for next week, including Thanksgiving here at our house; it dwelt on the MANY things that need to be done before I leave and stressed over finances.
I quickly felt that I was about to loose it.
So I took control of it and told it to shush, sit down follow the schedule for the day. FIRST - have Bible with the children. “It” consented reluctantly. Still fighting my silent battle with my mind after Bible I told it to play some school games with the children. It didn’t want to...”To bad” I told it. So I began a school game with one of the children, and it slowly started to relax and enjoy itself a little. Before long, it came around to “my” way of thinking and we played a spelling game with the older ones. It even offered some helpful suggestions for the little ones to play.

And before we knew it, we, my mind and I, felt that we just might make it through this busy time. I just hope it continues to stay focused on the most important things...GOD and loving my family!!

The LORD Reminded Me...

2011-11-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good."

I often think when I am reading the Bible, how I can apply it to being a mother, or other areas of my days. When I read the above verse this morning I thought how many times my eyes see the “evil” or the bad that the children do, but I needed to be reminded to see the “good” more often.

It is so easy for me to unintentionally just “notice” the bad and sinful behaviors. I stop noticing the good that they do, and showing them my appreciation for it. A good reminder today to intentionally be sure that “my eyes” are also seeing the good.
We are praying for an appointment today...Steve and I are driving to Denver to have an “intake” appointment with an Occupational Therapist for Aiden. Praying for the LORD’s direction and wisdom!!!! Goodness, do I need some here.

I Probably Shouldn’t Have Said THAT....

2011-11-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

And it is obvious that their shock went on....

...and on, and....

...and, well, I bet you get the picture.
What did I dare say to cause such distress and dismay?

Out of pure frustration, with a TAD of tiredness, and in the midst of complete pandaemonium, I yelled down the hall to no one in particular;
“THERE WILL BE NO MORE SINNING IN THIS HOUSE TONIGHT.”
And I am going to be the first to set a good example for this declaration....I am going to bed right this second!!

Yep....

2011-11-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

I’m grateful! Grateful for the many prayers for our adoption journey; grateful for the donations to help bring our children home; grateful that my husband follow’s Jesus’ example when He says in John “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.”; grateful that my children embrace more siblings with excitement; grateful for my parents and family who share theirs lives and love with us; grateful to you for sharing our journey of love. THANK YOU!

We have had a few questions asked....
-Sadly, we moved on to plan B...Steve will be staying home with our family and now Kalyn will be going with me. I really did not want to go alone this time. I have done that several times, and it is just so very hard.
-We still need several thousand dollars to help pay for the travel expenses. Thank you all for your donations, and please pray for the rest to come in - SOON.
-We will be staying in Guangzhou City. Our children are at the Social Welfare Center of Bao’an district, Shenzhen City. We will meet them December the 5th.

I end this post the way I began it...GRATEFUL! The LORD is near, we are not alone. Praise the LORD.

Happy Awesome Good Wonderful News

2011-11-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

We have our consulate appointment December 13th. So we will be leaving the 1st week of December!
I am BEGGING you other adoptive parents who have traveled to China to share advice, tips and good places to visit with me!!!
YEA!!!!!!!!!!
Praise the LORD!!!!!!!!

We Do Have A Choice

2011-11-09T17:52:00.000-08:00

"Abraham's life was a life a faith, and the life of faith is a life of testing. At every juncture we are tested. Passing each test requires stubborn optimism, resolute confidence in God and steadfast obedience. Life's problems are opportunities to prove our faith and to improve our faithfulness. We fail life's tests when we give in to despair, lose confidence in God or turn away from obedience. Every difficulty and trial is a test of faith. Will we assess the problem through the eyes of faith or not? Will we respond in faith or faithlessness?” (First Fruits of Zion)
This above quote was very encouraging to me as I continue to walk through our days. What an awesome and sometimes scary adventure we can choice to walk with the LORD. But, oh, how I want to choose faithfulness each day. We do have a choice, don’t we. I encourage us to remember to look at our days through eyes of faith.

We have been at the dr.’s again with Landon’s tummy problems. We now know that he has severe allergies to wheat, peanuts and soy. Tonight, Steve and I are becoming food detectives as we begin to remove everything that is causing him to be sick. And so far, IT’S A LOT!

We are still waiting to see if we can travel to China in early December. Goodness, you would think as many times as I have been through this “wait” I would be better at it. But I find myself completely distracted, waiting, hopeful, ready ... like a woman who’s time is near and all her thoughts are on the upcoming “birth”.
How are ya’ll doing? Can you believe that Thanksgiving is in just a few weeks? We usually have Thanksgiving at our brother-in-laws house...however, we are glad to have it here this year, as their house is still being rebuilt after the lightening fire. I am trying to come out of my “when are we going to China” fog long enough to find some fun and nice things to do with the children and to fix for our visiting family.
Have you found anything fun to do with your children for this special time of the year?

You Called Me

2011-11-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

In the middle of the night, I hear a little voice wake me up, “Mommy, I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you, Please.” "Of course you can." I scoot over to make room for your little body to snuggle.

Trying desperately to finish a project, I am interrupted yet again, “Mommy, will you come see the marble maze that I just made.” Yes, I will come. I set aside the project with a sigh, reminding myself that the little voice that called me is more precious than any project.

As I sit at the end of a long day, a small body squishes between my husband and I with his pooh bear, blanket and bottle and asks me to hold him and feed him. Grateful that my husband values my role as a nurturer, we make room for him and I answer his call.

Down the hall I hear my little man calling “Momma, kiss me good night.” I feel slightely guiltly that I was rushing to get in my bed, but I turn around, remembering what a joy it is to have so many children who lay in my home waiting for their bed time loves.

My pretty daughter is growing into womanhood. She needs me to listen to her and empathize with the many emotions that come with growing up. I remind myself to stop and look and listen and love.

Sitting to eat my meal finally, after serving 8 plates of food, one child remembers that he needs something. I get up to meet the request.
Each day, I hear the little voices calling - a hurt ouchie to fix, sad tears, hurt feelings, creations to see, books to read, teeth to pull out, little bodies to bathe, sickness to soothe, artwork to admire, hungry tummies, things to teach, games to play, “I love you Mommy” hugs around my neck. I answer each call sometimes with patience, and sadly sometimes with irritation. I let my selfishness and my own desires dull my ears to the little one’s calls.

Half way around the world, a little girl sleeps tonight. She has known hunger, pain, and fear. Her world is one of loneliness, sadness, uncertainty, and struggles. There is none to hear her voice when she has a bad dream, draws a pretty picture, cries in pain, is hungry, sad or afraid.

In a far away and foreign country, a little boy plays alone. He goes through his days. He dresses himself and feeds him self. Does any one wipe his tears, or cheer his accomplishments?

I read the information about these orphaned children. I look at their precious faces. I think, can we pay for one more adoption? Can I mother one more child? I have feelings that conflict for just a moment… fear, uncertainty…

Then, I hear You call me yet again. You replace my fear with faith, my uncertainty with excitement. And I know: You have called me to mother another child. I joyfully answer “Yes LORD. Let’s Go!"

Our First Introduction...

2011-11-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

...to Noelani and Clive was very special. Before, I go further though, I really need to state that skyping with your children is NOT normal and is usually not possible. I would hate for other adoptive families to hope that they can skype with their future children when really, it is normally just not possible. And to ask puts a huge pressure on the precious agencies and orphanages who serve us families. This was a very special and unusual opportunity, and one that we all pursued for the sake of Noelani.
Having said that now, the connection was very slow and unclear, so we were not able to see the children very well. Communication was also hard. They had an interpreter and the children would look to him/her to try to understand a few things that we were saying. One sweet moment was when I said “we love you” to them, and Noelani looked to the interpreter to find out what I said, and then she repeated it back slowly in English. Bless her sweet heart! I cannot even imagine the fear that she must have...but I’m trying too. We tried to show them a few things in the house, but I’m not sure how much they were able to see. Noelani did a little dance for us - so stinkin’ precious and Clive was interested in just looking at the computer and trying to figure it out.

When we had to say goodbye, all I could think was how much I love them and want to hold them in my arms. We do think that the adjustments could be very hard for our daughter, and we are trying to prepare for that. I must admit, I’m a little scared also. But seeing them just made me love them more.
We have a new prayer request...my sister in law, Karla, was going to come stay with the children to help Kalyn, but she is feeling very sick and may not be able to come. We are praying for the LORD’s direction and leading in this. We feel that Kalyn needs someone to stay with her...and if push comes to shove, Steve may have to say home and me go alone...not our plan A.
Thank you all for your prayers and sweet encouragement for us. We still do not have our TA, but are praying for it in the next few days.

I’m Trying To Not Freak Out...

2011-11-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

No, we don’t have our TA yet, which is driving me a little crazy, since we thought we would be on an airplane this month flying to our children in China.
However, the AWESOME thing that is happening today is that we are skyping with our children at 7:00 tonight, which is 9:00 a.m Wednesday for them.

In just a few hours we will be “meeting” our children, sort of, face to face. This is pretty unusual in adoptions I hear. Our agency felt that it might be helpful for Noelani because of what has happened in the past. I am really nervous, excited, scared, thrilled...
and wondering.
How will it go meeting them like this? What will we say? Will they like us? What will it be like trying to skype with the language differences? I know that they will be nervous and shy...how do I help them (and me)?
We bought them an outfit and a gift each to show to them tonight. We plan to walk them through the house and show them their bedrooms. Or course, we will introduce them to their siblings. We were advised to try to learn a few Chinese phrases to say to them; to show them that we are trying. But every time I try to remember what I was trying to learn, I forget it. Do we try to teach them a song? How? Thoughts swirl through my head...I can hardly think straight.
Oh, Please Pray for us...we are about to meet our children!!!!!!!!!
And please share ANY advise that you might have!
I’ll let you know how things go!

He Missed Me....

2011-10-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

But I am trying to make up to him and to my other precious darlings. They had very little “active” parenting this weekend. Our videos were their “best friends” for two days. Us adults (and some great helpers), worked long and hard part of Friday, and all of Saturday and Sunday on our kitchen remodel job. My parents are so creative and such hard workers. We could have never done this work without them. What a wonderful gift for our family. Our formica was pretty much shot, so we are so thankful for our new tile counters and back splash.

Mom, Kalyn and Caresse are almost on the home stretch...counters being grouted!!! And, dog gone it, now that I see the above picture, I sure wish I had of cleaned the side of the stove before they put it back...oh well, that will just be between you and me, O.K.?

Something almost as awesome as having our TA is happening, I think, tomorrow!! I’m excited, nervous, and...
well, I’ll have to tell you more tomorrow. Those little darlings that have been missing me are asking for attention and food. Not necessarily in that order.

Work In Progress

2011-10-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas gift is a remodel on our kitchen counters. Out with the formica and in with BEAUTIFUL tile.

More picture tomorrow.

Guess What?

2011-10-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

I’m getting a Christmas gift this weekend. No, it isn’t Clive and Noelani, though there is something exciting happening there that I will share later.
My parents are coming today with a gift for us...
it’s pretty major...
I’ll show pictures as soon as I can.

So be sure and sneak a peek later!

I Had A Dream Last Night...

2011-10-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

...I dreamed that Steve and I were sitting in a crowded room in China waiting to meet Noelani and Clive. I was so excited and anxious and I was pretty sure that they were too. Then some women came in with a bunch of children. It was so crowded and I was searching for my precious new children. Then, I saw Clive...my handsome new son, but I was still looking for Noelani...

Then Keshawn woke me up.

YES, I am ready to bring my children home. It looks like it will be December now.

And look at our beautiful family tree...there are so many new leaves of love on it. We are so grateful for every donation to help us bring home our children.

Of course, it’s not to late to get a leaf with your name put on our tree!

And if you can, would you consider sharing our fundraiser with others.

Thank you for praying our newest darlin’s home!!!

2011-10-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

"A cheerful heart will make the task of keeping house pleasant. When you understand that messes are part of living at home, and that cleaning them up is the reason you are there, you can approach them as though they were a matter of fact. When you realize this is what you are home for, you can approach it as part of your responsibility, rather than as an inconvenience.”
quote from HERE

A very good reminder for me. I love being blessed to stay home and preform this precious work that the LORD has given me to do. And children just naturally create, explore, cut up paper, build things, and eat.

And since I am really checking my thoughts, I saw I was looking at the messes with a critical, self-centered - “More to clean up” attitude. So, I want to replace that with positive and thankful thoughts. And I want to again see the “messes” for what they really represent...A home that is loved and lived in by many precious little children that are healthy, happy and living in peace. When I was in Uganda, one of the beautiful young men that we worked with said to me “Momma, you are blessed...you can raise your children in peace. Here in Uganda, we can not do that. But I pray that one day we can.”
I will always remember that and be thankful for those little messes.

What Does It Equal?

2011-10-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

On one of my normal wake up calls around 2:00 p.m. (Keshawn still loves his night time bottle), I began to think back on how horribly negative the day had been. It didn’t start out that way, of course. I didn’t wake up and think “How can I make this day horrible?” And I’m sure that the children didn’t either, though, I have no evidence for that assumption. I am quite sure that the IRS, who is still not giving us our tax refund, ARE trying to make my day horrible, but that’s another story. And since I am working on improving my thought patterns and reactions from critical and negative, well, an eye twitching little laugh may have escaped from my lips into the darkness of the night. Hopefully Steve just thought I was having a bad dream.
Some thing so simple came to my mind in the quietness;

Negative Plus Negative DOES NOT equal Positive

When I get stressed, frustrated, overwhelmed or any of those other “bads”, I certainly start doing the math ... their negative gets a negative from me, which equals more negative, and we all know the downward spiral that this gets into. Negative plus negative just keeps adding up to more negative, for all of us.

Of course, what I want, and what we all want, is a peaceful, respectful and happy atmosphere.

And I was reminder of an exercise I use to practice;

Two Positives for Each One Negative

What does that look like? If I thought of or said something critical or negative, I would make myself go to a private place (outside, or the bathroom) and write out two positives for that one negative. Let’s say I think something frustrating about a mess a child just made...I would go to the bath room and write out two positives, like “I am so glad that the LORD gave me this child. I am thankful that she is healthy and fun to be with.” Then I would get back in the game. Also something that really helped me; if I felt stressed or overwhelmed, I would go outside, regardless of the weather, breath deeply, and thank the LORD for two things, like the beauty of the trees, and the fresh smell of the air. This exercise really did strengthen me and gave me a “tool” to use to fight negative or critical thoughts.

And I really want this....

...to look like this!

So, I am picking back up this “tool” and will be exercising those thinking muscles. If you would like to try it, I can tell you it is best if you start out writing down your positives.

And, I’m EVEN going to go so far as to start out with two positives for our tax frustrations....

1. I am glad that we live in a time and a country where there are laws to protect our freedom.

2. I am thankful for the people that are helping us to correct the mistakes that the IRS has made.

Please, share what helps you....and may we continue to “encourage one another daily” (Heb. 3:13) for HIS GLORY.

There May Be Silence....

2011-10-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was so motivated by sweet mom at Acceptance With Joy and her challenge to not not say anything negative or critical for 14 days, that I signed up for the challenge. I told her I am sure that I could be a complete success at this IF I could hole up in a beautifully furnished and totally stocked with goodies cabin in the Rocky Mountains for 14 days. (insert Happy Thought).

BUT, I think that is not the purpose of the challenge is it.
As I was sitting alone in my bedroom this morning (because the door is closed with warnings to go to daddy if anything is needed), I was listening to our precious Aiden screaming his head off downstairs some where. He was mad at daddy because Daddy had asked him to stay beside him for a while. You know the opposite of time out...

Steve has been out of town all week and when he came home I told him that I was sorry that I wasn’t greeting him with a big ol’ smooch and “hello darling, I’m so glad you are home! I have a wonderful meal cooking, the house is spotless, the children are perfectly clean, and I have romantic plans for later...”
Nope, I’m afraid it was more of a “Hello darling...will you grill the fish I pulled out this morning because I forget to thaw the roast for the slow cook meal that was planned? And will your work allow you to take 3 children to work with you tomorrow? No? O.K., I will PAY YOU if you will just take Aiden...I think it is time (at 5 years of age ) for him to enter the work force with you. I bathed the black children...can you get the Asian’s? I’m sorry that it is only 8:00 p.m., but I am exhausted, can I go to bed, PLEASE????”

Back to the 14 day challenge...I have been seeing that in the “life-ness” of raising our family I have become very “short” and critical without even meaning to. I want to think and act Biblically, but there is no doubt that many days I don’t. It is so easy to get into certain thought patterns that are not affirming, loving, patient, kind and the other ways that the LORD shows us how to love in actions and words. And I want to follow His ways...to Love Him First and to Love Others. I want to accept HIS challenge to GO LOVE. We need healthy bodies to serve and love, and we need healthy (and Biblical) thought patterns to serve and love. So, how about you...want to join? I’ll be sharing some of the “exercises” that I will be using to help improve my thought patterns.
As always with this blog...I pray that we may encourage and support each other in the ministry - THE JOURNEY - that the LORD has called each of us too. And no matter where we are, who we are, how young or old we are, we are ALL called to a ministry of LOVE.
And I’m hoping that I don’t have to go silent for 14 days....if you don’t hear from me you know that I have taken a vow...

This Precious Mom...

2011-10-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

...is working to make a difference and BE the church!!! Let’s join Adeye and help these children come home!!! (not just ours by the way).
Visit her blog here
Thank you all for helping us as we raise the rest of the finances needed to bring home Noelani and Clive. If you missed our fundraiser, you can read about it here.

Continue - Where’s My Passion?????!!!!!!!!

2011-10-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for waiting for the rest of my story. I really did have to go this morning to take care of the children, but it was delightful of you to play along.
I felt that the LORD had spoke two little words to me a few days earlier - “Be Faithful”. It had settled into my spirit and then this morning I opened up my O. Chambers devotion.
“After every time of exaltation we are brought down with a sudden rush into things as they are where it is neither beautiful not poetic nor thrilling. The height of the mountain top is measured by the drab drudgery of the valley; but it is in the valley that we have to live for the glory of God. We SEE His glory on the mount, but we never LIVE for His glory there. It is in the sphere of humiliation that we find our true worth to God, that is where our faithfulness is revealed.”
The devotion continues....
“When you were on the mount, you could believe anything, but what about the time when you were up against facts in the valley? The last time you were on the mount with God, you saw that all power in heaven and in earth belonged to Jesus - will you be skeptical now in the valley of humiliation?”
There were so many “wows” in this for me. And I asked myself if my faithfulness to the LORD was being revealed today by our circumstances? It’s so true that there are “highs” on the mountain tops of emotions, passions and experiences. I knew that the LORD was showing me how to live each day, right now when the passion of emotions isn’t present. Simply be faithful. Faithful to each thing that comes up each moment (don’t look at the whole day because that starts getting overwhelming). Faithful to clean the dishes, fix supper, keep to our home school schedule, remember as I look at my child that “love is patient and kind...”.
Simply be faithful in the work that the LORD has given me to do. And I also realized something important to me...those “passions" that I believe the LORD has given to me are still there. Now, though, instead of relying on the emotions of them, I have the opportunity to show God through my actions how much I love Him, and believe and trust Him, and how much I want to BE faithful here in the valley - faithfully working this field that He has given to me today.
(Ideas and thoughts in this study came from Mark 9, Eph. 2:10, Matt. 9:36-38).
So I encourage you each also, to walk in faithfulness to the TRUTH that we know from the Scripture and the teachings of the Holy Spirit. And may we find encouragement in the fact that our Heavenly Father is FAITHFUL always - and may we, like little children, follow our Father’s example.

Were’s My Passion!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

In the quiet, darkness of 5:00 a.m. I reluctantly rolled out of our warm bed with thoughts and prayers on my mind. I much prefer to stay in our warm bed till 6:30, but the heaviness of certain problems felt crushing and instead of trying in vain to go back to sleep I decided it was better to get up and spend time reading the Bible, praying and asking Him for direction.
I have felt so “down” lately ... wondering where my normal passion had gone. Yes, of course, “reasons” could be given - financial tightness, broken things around the house, home educating 8 children, mothering 11, preparing for two new children to come home, Aiden’s SPD, concern that Corbin also has some learning slowness, Landon’s sickenss, Caresse’s shoulder, taking care of the home, meals, chores, laundry....
Yes, many “reasons” could be given. And, in the “nornal” many would agree that the above list is quite - well - MUCH. But, I KNEW, that it wasn’t the “much” of it that was getting me down because the much of it was the very reason that we choice to journey with the LORD. Let me explain that better...plainly put, we started out passionate for children that had no family, no home and we knew what we were getting into when we signed up to follow the LORD on this adventure of ministry that He has for us. We were and still are passionate to bring home and give a family to those that HE says are our children. We have not put any number of children limit on the LORD and will continue to passionately open up our home and family to those that He brings. We are passionate about loving these precious ones as He has taught us to in the Bible. In fact, the “passion” of it all had long been my emotional mode of transportation. In other words - what got me through each day.
And, “dog-gone-it (Texas slong), I still believed that we were working the “field” that He had called us to. So where was that dadgum (more Texas slang) emotional passion!!!!! I needed it back.
I know this is getting long....
do you want me to finish our should I wait till tomorrow? Do you want to know what the LORD told me?
LOL - I MIGHT be teasing you a bit....
let me know.

Would You Like To Be Apart Of Our Family Tree?

2011-10-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to show you our family’s fundraiser - our Leaves Of Love Tree. What a beautiful reminder of the love, the tears, the joy, and the work that has gone into bringing home Noelani and Clive.

I love this fundraising idea. Here is how it works; every person who would like to donate funds (ANY amount) to help us finance the rest of the adoption to bring home Noelani and Clive will become apart of our Love Makes A Family Tree.

We will add a finger print for your donation and write your name with the finger print.

How precious it will be for our children to be able to look at this art work and see all the people who loved them before they even arrived home. So please help us put some leaves on our tree!!! And thank you so much!!! Donations can be received on the side at our PayPal Account or on our ChipIn.

"Noelani and Clive - You are precious and loved by us, and by your Heavenly Father. It’s almost time to come home my sweet loves! I can’t wait to meet you both.”

A Royal Purpose!!!

2011-10-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

To look into the eyes of her child and know that God has put a purpose for that child here on earth--to advance the kingdom of heaven-- while glorifying the Father they serve above. Mothers are also put on earth for royal purposes, to raise children for the King; shaping and molding them to become warriors one day for the Lord. Who will not just feed the poor in secret but also help direct and change the course of a nation. History has proven time and time again, that just one person can change the course

Fuentes, June (2011-09-08). True Christian Motherhood (Kindle Locations 65-69). Kindle Edition.

What Do You Think...

2011-10-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Does he have just a little bit of CUTE happening, or what?

Honestly....

2011-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

...these last few weeks have been hard. And I know that many other families can say the same. How I pray that we may encourage each other, and lift each other up in prayer. I haven’t said much, because we haven’t been sure of what is wrong; but Landon has been in the hospital and at the Dr.’s office often the last week. Something is wrong in his tummy, and we are still searching for answers. So far the blood work is negative for the “bad” diseases - and that is good. However, every day Landon is on the couch, moaning in pain, and that is bad. Tomorrow we will have an outpatient surgery looking into other possibilities.
I hate seeing him in pain, of course, but the other stress for me has been that we just started our new home school schedule and yet, “I can’t do it all”, so the home education has to be put off for now while I take Landon to various appointments. That means make up some where.
And here is something interesting in a “oh my gosh, that is a monster”...

...see that mushroom shape sticking out where it says “Here”? That is the bone spurt that is crippling Caresse’s shoulder. I know...it’s HUGE! We are suppose to meet with the 2nd surgeon on the 31st of this month and get a surgery plan in place.
Now all that is good and all I can think is that “Thank goodness the LORD is in control of all things”, because if things go right Steve and I will be on an airplane to China within a few days of Caresse’s appointment to bring home Clive and Noelani. (Do you hear my nervous, eye twitching giggle?) .
Also...(there are usually “also’s” aren’t there?)...our leach field has failed (a few thousand dollars to fix), the bladder on our well pump has broke (SEVERAL hundred - but thank you Jesus for friends who are helping us on this one), no tax refund yet...the list is overwhelming sometimes,
HOWEVER, the LORD is always faithful and always provides for His children. So tonight, we rest in Him and we ask for prayers. And how can I pray for you this week?

Have You Seen This?

2011-10-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Pixlr? It is a picture editing program that I downloaded to my computer. It is a blast!! And fun and easy. I like that combination!!!
Have a wonderful Monday!!!!

Go Straight Into The Danger

2011-10-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

In order to get to a place called Laity Lodge in Texas you have to drive into a riverbed. The road takes you down a steep, rocky hill into a canyon and straight into the water. There is a sign at the water's edge which says, "Yes. You drive in the river."

One who has made up his mind to go to the uttermost with God will come to a place as unexpected and perhaps looking as impossible to travel as that riverbed looks. He may glance around for an alternative route, but if he wants what God promises His faithful ones, he must go straight into the danger. There is no other way.

The written word is our direction. Trust it. Obey it. Drive in the river and get to Laity Lodge. Moses said to Israel, "I offer you the choice of life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life and then you and your descendants will live; love the Lord your God, obey him, and hold fast to him: that is life for you."

When you take the risk of obedience, you find solid rock beneath you--and markers, evidence that someone has traveled this route before. "The Lord your God will cross over at your head... he will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not be discouraged or afraid" (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; 31:3, 8, NEB). It's what the old gospel song puts so simply:

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way  To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.  --John H. Sammis”

This devotional by Elizabeth Elliot (source - Keep a Quiet Heart) has been so encouraging to me right now! It is true that the Bible is our written directions for any situation that we are facing right now!!! I pray that you are encouraged as well today!!! Happy Sabbath to you all!!!

Well....

2011-09-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Poor little Alia had an abscess tooth pulled yesterday...however, a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream helped!!! In fact, I did something CRAZY yesterday and had ONLY chocolate chip ice cream for my lunch. I must confess...it was yummy.

Well, back to Caresse...she has a large mushroom shaped bone growth under her should blade that has grown through her muscles and is pushing against the back of her rib cage. This is what is causing a “hunch back” effect on her shoulder. Our surgeon wants another surgeon (the Dr. who has worked on her legs) to look at the results before a decision is made about the course for surgery. We will see her October 31st. I hate that it is so late out, but we couldn’t get a sooner appointment.

My precious Caresse just ran in crying with a wasp sting! Poor thing. I quickly mixed a little water and charcoal powder and put that on the sting to remove the poison. After 15 or so minutes I put a poultice of plantain on the sting to help relieve the pain. If you have never used natural herbs before, then the Bulk Herb Store is a wonderful resource.
I have something fun to show off in a few days...(well, I think it is fun).

It’s A Journey

2011-09-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

My journey as a new knitter is teaching me something...
I must enjoy it as a journey,
or I will go crazy with all the mistakes I keep making.
It is very frustrating because I normally don’t know how to fix my mistakes and so I have to pull out the whole thing. However, after a week of that, I must find out how to fix things.
But for now, I keep telling myself that this is a journey;
of learning, breathing, slowing down, thinking, reflecting, enjoying the feel of rhythm in the needles and the softness of the yarn.
And I know that sounds beautifully poetic and all,
but I can also tell you that my more practical side is hoping that there will be an actual completed projected at the end of this journey.

Not good news on Caresse’s shoulder, but I have to run a little girl to the dentist with a tooth ache. So I’ll be back later with more.
loves to ya’ll this Tuesday.

Come And Rest

2011-09-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Come Rest Awhile

by Lucy Maude Montgomery 1874-1942

Come rest awhile, and let us idly stray,

In glimmering valleys, cool and far away.

Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street,

And listen to the music, faint and sweet,

That echoes ever to a listening ear,

Unheard by those who will not pause to hear

The wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells,

Wind-blown o'er misty hills and curtained dells.

One step aside and dewy buds unclose

The sweetness of the violet and the rose;

Song and romance still linger in the green,

Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen,

And near at hand, would you but see them, lie

All lovely things beloved in days gone by.

You have forgotten what it is to smile

In your too busy life-- come, rest awhile.

You Are For Me

2011-09-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Solving The Puzzle Of Difficult Behavior

2011-09-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

“The difficult history of these children (home through adoption) means that you, as a caretaker (mother or daddy), have to work harder to understand and address their unique deficits and make a conscious effort to help them learn the skills they need at home with a caring family.” The Connected Child

I was thinking, had of my biological child, Caresse, been adopted, no one would have known that our family has a history of bone growths that have caused problems for at least 4 generations, and effected dozens of our family members to varying degrees. Here is Caresse, and not only does she have them, but she has had them far worse than any of our family members that I’m aware of. It was helpful for me as her mother, to know about this medical history all along and to be on the look out for it.
As we bring home our children through adoption, there is so much that we can’t know...what was the birth mother’s diet like (YES, it does effect the overall health of the child), are there any past medical issues that would help us if we knew, what about birth trauma, how about the pain and fear of hunger, being alone, possible neglect, harder to imagine - abuse....
Each one of my children need me to mother them - period. What I must continue to pray and seek wisdom for the LORD on is WHAT do they need from me at this time in their lives. Caresse certainly needs a special understanding and empathy as we go to the doctor to find out the results of the CAT scan and the MRI tomorrow. She is so tender right now. Kalyn - 18, beautiful and looking for the LORD’s will for her future decisions. Jace, married but still loves to call and share his life with us. However, with my biological children, I was always there. From the time I knew I was pregnant till know, I have had an active part is their lives, their health, - their days.
But, for my children home through adoption, there are things that I don’t know. The LORD does though!!!
And I must respect that there are needs that will be different than the needs of my first three children.

“If you remain mindful of a child’s unique history and how early growth was disrupted, you can even admire the strength that allowed this little child to survive adversity and have compassion for the ongoing struggles he faces.” The Connected Child

I almost get tears as I think of my precious Noelani and Clive...so many years they have been alone, had no one, belonged to no one. I can never know what that feels like, because I have always BELONGED. I have always been loved and cared for. But now, my precious ones BELONG...they have each other, and soon they will have their family. How amazing to one day have no one, and then the LORD does something beautiful and they have a family.
So my thoughts are busy looking into what we can do to help Aiden with the SPD, and preparing to bring home our two (praying before Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!)
And today, I want to re-remind myself to have compassion for the struggles that all of my children face and to walk beside them - what ever their pasts might have held.

Wordlessly Adorable

2011-09-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Journey With A New Knitter

2011-09-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I’ve been teaching myself a new skill, ya know, because I have SO much extra time. Ha-ha. Actually, I have always loved beautiful yarns and the look of knitting. So I bought a beginners knitting video and started learning this beautiful art. The cute thing is that three of my children have fallen in love with knitting also. The video that I got (at Amazon - here) has been a wonderful help to me and has also been a great help for the children.

Last night I jumped in with both feet (well, hands), and started a shawl.

I can’t even tell you how many times I cast on my yarn, knit a bit, messed up and then pulled it out to start over. Non-the-less, this morning, I started to get the hang of it. And I can tell you, I think I’m addicted to knitting.

And it’s all their fault.

I keeping thinking how fun it would be to learn to dye, spin and knit with my own yarn. And there is going to be an open house at the alpaca farm this Sunday. I can’t wait! The owner will be doing some fiber demonstrations! What fun!!!

Guatemala

2011-09-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your patience in waiting to hear about Guatemala. I lost the pictures that I took while there and didn't want to do a post without showing you all what we did. So I finally have the pictures again and thank you all for your prayers and support while I was gone.

I had an amazing trip, I went with my wonderful grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousin. Another amazing family, the Porters made up the rest of our team.

We divided up into three different teams, one team was a medical team, who did a great job taking care of people that came in with all sorts of medical issues.

Next was the eyeglass team, Doctor Rob would prescribe a prescription and then the people would walk out to a long table full of glasses that were lovingly donated where a match would be found. God was so good because rarely would a person have to leave without having their prescription filled.
And lastly they would head over to my incredible Gommy who would fit the glasses, just right on their face.

The last team was a construction team, this clever, good looking, group was made up of just two people, my Uncle Kim (the clever one) and me (the cute one).
We transformed this shack

into a, mosquito proof, water free, dry, one bed room house. We built this house for a man who is a crippled and can no longer work or support himself. A loving family from the church allowed him to live on their property. In some peopl's eyes what we built him would still be called a shack, but we built him what we could and the best building is the one built out of love.

^Later that week we also fixed the roof on a house for a family of fifteen. We didn't do anything really big or grand or something that is going to impact thousands of people. But the whole point was to show them that we care for them, as individuals. That way over here in America they have brothers and sisters in Christ who are praying for them and who yearn to make a difference in their lives by one act of kindness at a time, for one family, one person, one child.

Guatemala is an amazingly beautiful place, the scenery there is just breathtaking. And even though we all worked hard we still had time for lots of fun.

I had a wonderful time and was so blessed by the people that I went with and the people and friends that I made there. It was a very memorable trip and one that I would gladly do again.

And who knows, next year just might find me on a plane heading back to Guatemala...

Cannot Fail

2011-09-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

When you don't give up you cannot fail --Derek Redmond.

(Look how hard he is trying - Precious One)

I saw the above quote at Ann’s blog - Crazy For Kids. It was perfect since last week was another tough week for both Aiden and us. As he gets older I can see that the Sensory Processing - Sensory Seeking issues are also getting bigger. I started 1st grade with Alia and Joeliana, and Aiden jumped right into it with them, which I wasn’t quite expecting. I wasn’t sure if he would be ready yet. I was hoping that Corbin would join the girls, but HE is the one that isn’t ready. I don’t stress over a 6 year old not being ready for “formal” academics. There are plenty of fun ways to “teach” that do not need to be stressful to a child that isn’t ready for it yet.

Seeing Aiden in “school” mode though was also an eye opener. I sit here trying to find the words to describe what he does...there is so much energy in this little guy...no, not “energy", but ENERGY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great big bouncing off the ceiling intense energy. He would never make it in a public class room. I stay in a constant state of trying to direct this little darling adorable tornado in a positive way - which just isn’t possible, and it is exhausting. A few things happened last week that re-surfaced the need for me to find an Occupational Therapist and get the help that both Aiden and I need. Those who know Aiden all understand...he isn’t “bad” and nor have we neglected to discipline and train him. In fact Aiden has one of the most tender and loving hearts I’ve seen. It’s like the engine in a car - his behavior can quickly start running at 100mph, and he can’t get it to slow down. He literally craves and seems to need high-energy, high impact activity. And, of course there are situations daily that trigger immediate explosions of disorganized energy. Besides that, he is crazy strong for a 5 year old. And not afraid of anything.

I felt overwhelmed last week about how and where to get the help that we need and that is why that quote (and if you go to Ann’s blog, there is an awesome video story behind the quote), meant so much to me. Of course we wont “give up” or quite; we will pick ourselves up again, pray to the LORD for guidance and wisdom, and keep on walking beside our son until we cross the finish line. Because this little guy is worth it all!!!

From My Journal

2011-09-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

I was reading in James 2 this morning and started thinking on the idea from verses 14 - 26; especially “...faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” I don’t know why, but I began to think of a tree, so I drew a dead tree (on the left) and an alive tree (right). By the way, my parents are artistic - I know that I’m not - LOL.
Any way, I think better when I can “see” something so this helped me think through dead faith and living faith. I want to be sure that my faith is living and vibrant...visible to all. So what does this look like in the “todays” of my life?
Frist, for me to actively live faith, I must have no doubt in the promises of the LORD. One that I was reminded of earlier this week is from Eph. 6:8 “... knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the LORD...”. I know that many days we can become discouraged, tired, and overwhelmed. It helps me to remember, when I don’t feel like doing anything, to do the next good thing that needs to be done - cook supper, fix my African daughters hair (which takes so much time), clean a bathroom or bathe a child...what ever it is, the LORD sees and knows that I want to live a faithful life in the work that He has given me to do and He will give good back to me more than I can now know.

Second, a living faith must be a surrendered will. A verse that helped me on Monday was “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” Will I give Him my concerns, fears and problems and surrender them all for deliverance from them? A quote that I love from O. Chambers is “We do not need to care what our circumstances are, Jesus is amply sufficient.” Yes, I must surrender MY will to Jesus for rest!

I was reminded of this next living faith principle today (this really is FIRST) in 2 Chronicles 34; part of the story of King Josiah. From verse 31 “And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book (the Torah).” I must, like King Josiah, have a wholehearted commitment to obey everything that is in the Bible. We must not just read it and walk away from it forgetting what it says. As James 1:25 says “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a does who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” I want to be blessed in my doing and I know that you do too!

See, faith without works (the evidence that we really believe) truly is dead, useless, of no value to yourself or anyone else. But, as we LIVE our faith each day, really live it out through WHAT we do, our faith produces life for us and for others. And also we can answer a very important question....
“WHY do you do what you do?”
As we grow closer to bring our two children home from China, I feel “pressured” by some expensive difficulties and other problems that we didn’t see coming a year ago. I still don’t SEE how it is all going to come together, yet would I change anything about bringing Noelani and Clive home? No, because we know that the LORD told us to do so, just like we knew with all of our other 11 children. God calls children a blessing. So when the trials come, they test our faith, which, if we allow, produces a patience that we must LIVE out (works) - (James 1:2-4).

Why do we do what we do?
Because we believe what He has said and that He is faithful in all things!!!! HE will provide for us. He has given us a good work to do, so today we LIVE for Him.

HELP - Their Chance Is Almost Gone!!!!

2011-09-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

These three and six other children have one week to find their families before their files go back and their chances to have a family are pretty much gone forever. PLEASE help spread the word and pray for them all. These children and the other children can be seen on the ASIA blog. Several of the older children have grants also!! So please blog, facebook and all those other handy communication thingy’s and let’s help these precious ones find their forever families!!!

CT Scan...

2011-09-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Cat scan tomorrow on Caresse’s shoulder...
then a follow up appointment with the Dr. Tonight, I am so grateful for this Dr. that takes care of my family. He, Dr. T., has been a blessing from the LORD to us. I first “met” him in the emergency room, when I needed surgery on my hand after a traumatic accident that killed our dog and left me with two fingers that had severe nerve damage. This wonderful dr. put me back together those 10 years ago and has now taken care of Caresse and the bone growths that cause her so many problems since (in the upper half of her body...we have another blessing from the LORD...Dr. M, who takes care of the problems in Caresse’s legs).
Thank you for your prayers and comments today...I really need it right now and am so grateful. I will be praying for you also.
To the LORD be the glory...He reminded me today that He provides all that we need...I love Him so and can not imagine walking a day without Him!!!!!
Loves to you all and thank you again for your prayers, thoughts and comments. I am also so GRATEFUL for each of you!!!!!

2011-09-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

This wonderful moma, whom I admire so much, has written a very good post on some of the feelings our oldest children might have called “When older children don’t want you to adopt again...”. If you or some one you know might be encouraged by this post, then visit Jean.

I have a post running around my head...the enemy is trying to scare me..

but, I will have to post it in the next few days. Today we have an appointment for my darling little Caresse, who, yet AGAIN, is having bone growth where it shouldn’t be, this time in her shoulder. If you remember, she is the one who has had 5 surgeries on her legs, and right now has a plate in one leg because it was growing in a way that would cripple her. Today we will find out what is happening in her left shoulder.
Could I please ask for prayers in a few areas, and because I know I’m not alone, please leave anything in the comment section that you would like us to pray for. May we continue to lift each other up in prayer and encourage each other as we walk the LORD’s journey for us.
1st - or course, Caresse...she is very discouraged and “sick” of surgeries!!!
2nd - $$ for the adoption...we are needing to raise money for the last part of our adoption...travel, etc., and I’m not sure the best way to do this... we have put in several grants but nothing so far.
3rd - $$ in general...there are MANY things that have come up this year to make things hard...nuff said on that.

What can I pray for you?
Off to chase this pretty sun shiney Colorado day.
loves to you all.

Oh Silly, Silly Me

2011-09-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when we got some easy, beginner basket making kits to use for the children’s school this year for one of our projects.

And since I have been sick with a bad cold, I thought that we would have an “easy” school day and do our basket projects. Six basket projects soaked in my bathtub as we watched our ocean video. I completely expected that the children would need help, but in my minds eye I figured I would get six children started on their baskets and them let them got for it, while I sat and rested.

You are probably guessing that it didn’t go that way. In fact at one point I looked around at the struggling TWO children and the reeds that were drying out and thought “I am in way over my head!!!” And on top of that, the little darlings were being anything but “darling”.

I re-soaked the dried out reeds that the 2 children needed for their baskets, not even caring about the rest that sat on the floor. Then pulled out the big guns for the little guys...

...reading with Kalyn and playing in the rice bin.

In my fevered induced, sickened mind, I still had hope that we were going to do SIX amazing basket projects before lunch. HAAAAA. It is 12:40 p.m. and lunch is just now happening. Do you want to know how many baskets are done?

ZERO. Yep, 0. Landon’s may get done before the end of the day. However, we bought the suckers and they will BE made...
may be another day. Now, how do I put that mess of reeds that are not rolled into their perfect little circular packages back up?

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

What A Perfect Unplanned Day

2011-09-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

Our "day in the mountains” plan was cancelled on Monday when we woke up with two boys who weren’t feeling to good. But we figured we could still try to have some easier fun with our little darlings. So we set out for a nice miniature golf course. However, an adventure was waiting for us. We loaded up the car with happy children and a cooler full of hot dog goodies to cook along the way.
Not far from our house we began to see signs that an Alpaca farm was open to visitors, so we stopped there for a while

The children loved feeding the Algerian Goats

The above is a two week old baby alpaca!

Isn’t this a beautiful chicken...I told Steve that I want one and he said he knew that was coming and then grumbling lovingly that the stupid thing didn’t lay eggs. LOL

After our fun at the farm, we headed west to see something that I have always wanted to see, but never have in the 20 some odd years that I have lived here...

The United States Air Force Academy Chapel!!!

It was so beautiful.

Finally, sometime in the late afternoon we made it to the miniature golf course.

After some instructions and help from daddy, the children were ready to be divided between Team Mommy and Team Daddy.

Some time after 6:00, we drove back up the drive way that we had left earlier that morning with children ready for the hot dog roast that never happened because all the park grills were closed for fire ban reasons. (We did enjoy a taco for lunch to hold them over).
Goodness!!!! We ended up having a very long and fun day! And our little darlings were READY for bed. It was a perfect unplanned day!

The Cranky Noble

2011-09-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

My children had some fun!

Stop And Consider!

2011-09-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have not had much time to blog the last week. I have really been struggling with putting together this next school year. Yet, in my weakness the LORD is pulling it together. I continue to learn that I must have a good plan with so many little lives to minister to. So I keep reminding myself that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” (Proverbs 12:5).
Here’s a little blurb from my handwritten journal;

“School has been so hard to figure out this year and money is SO tight. I feel stressed about everything I need to order. I hate to waste any money on a bad or wrong school decision. One of my favorite places to search for needed supplies has been Currclick. I even found a nice Pre-K handwriting program to download for free. Alia, Joeliana and even Aiden (5 yrs) are really excited about starting school, but for some reason (?competition, delayed?), Corbin will have nothing to do with any of it and he tells me so. He practically cries out “I’m NOT doing school.” He is so stressed about it, and since he is only 6, I’m not pushing anything. I’ll just look for “hidden” opportunities that show up. I just want him to “enjoy” learning, not be stressed by it. Printer has given me problems and of course that’s been stressful since I needed to make copies for each child.

Garett is doing good....loves the McGuffy readers - praise the LORD. Not to sure yet on the math.

Kiana - a BIT of a perfectionist. She will not do anything that she can’t do perfect. And her handwriting is PERFECTION - like art. She hates math...so not pushing that to much.

Landon - the brilliant one...that child listens and narrates EVERY DETAIL. Amazing in math.

My desire - to bring in more nature study.

1st priority - the Bible and teaching them about the LORD.

Oh dear - trauma in the kitchen...Caresse says there is not roast juice for the gravy. Gotta go...”

Well, not long after the kitchen was cleaned up, Kiana was playing around with her camera. Caresse wanted to watch a movie, but Steve and I weren’t in the mood...it was almost 9:00 and we were both so tired.

Very suddenly a thunderstorm began to roll in from the west. It was a “perfect” lightning storm.

So we stayed up, opened windows where the rain didn’t come in, cozied up together with blankets and watched the most wonderful thunderstorm pass over us. Kiana had fun trying to “catch” a picture of the lightening, and Caresse pulled out her video camera. The boys and I stayed warm in our blankets, with Garett squealing that this was the best night of his life and he would never forget it.

(ALL pictures by Kiana...pretty good, huh?!!)

These Bible verses are perfect for the awesome time we had last night - “Keep listening to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. Under the whole heaven He lets it go, and His lightning to the corners of the earth. After it His voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, and He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard. God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things that we cannot comprehend. ... stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37: 2-5, and 14.

So wasn’t that nice? God heard my desire and gave us some nature study last night!!!

Checking My Passion

2011-08-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

"Christ did not die to make good works merely possible or to produce a half-hearted pursuit. He died to produce in us a passion for good deeds. Christian purity is not the mere avoidance of evil, but the pursuit of good."
— John Piper (The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die)

“The pursuit of good”... what am I pursuing?

I am going to be asking this of myself. There are many voices that tell me, as a wife, mother, and woman “good things” to do. But I am going to “check” myself with prayer and Scripture.

I pray that my little blog encourages others to pursue what God has created them to do. We should not “copy” each other, or try to be like anyone else. We will bring glory to HIS Name as we live the life HE created us to live. Non the less, I do want us "to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

So today, I ask you and myself to think about what we are pursuing.

This Turned Out Good

2011-08-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have shared how much I love the new IKEA that just opened in Denver. We bought these wood boxes to help organize my school and I let the children paint them for me. They liked putting the little foam stickies on that I picked up at Hobby Lobby too. The children loved the project and we had several extra boxes left over. So they painted one for themselves and are using them in their closets to keep their personal things organized.
That’s what I call a Good Thing...inexpensive boxes; fun project for the children; organization!

How Does The Wise Man Live...

2011-08-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

...and make decisions?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Prov. 3:5-8

I have contemplate this verse often as I have been putting together this year’s school ideas. It has been one of the hardest years for me to “get it together”. This verse has been helpful to me as I seek the LORD and confess any pride in thinking that I can do anything without His leading and His wisdom. I’m getting excited about the journey that the children and I will walk this year. Yet I do wonder still how it is going to come together. Trust the LORD, acknowledge the LORD, and fear the LORD.
Today I recommit again to walking this past with My God, because I know that His love and faithfulness is sure.

Sunday Snapshot-Remembering When

2011-08-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are such a celebration...and a remembrance...

of a year of growth, accomplishments, learning and seeing the LORD leading, guiding and teaching us.

For a mother, birthdays are an especially precious time in the moments of our lives as we contemplate the amazing privilege that God has given to us to minister to our little darlin’s.

Alia turned 7 and it is amazing to me the journey she has walked from scared little toddler to the happy, shining little package of music and love that she is. I am so thankful to the LORD that He chose me to mother her.

And this little darling turned 18 last month. EIGHTEEN years old - wow. She has grown into one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. Her name means purity, and nothing sums up this little beauty more than that! Again, I thank the LORD for giving me this child, for the honor to be her mother, and for the journey that we will yet walk together.

You can join the Sunday Snapshot fun by going HERE.

I’m Just Not Ready

2011-08-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am NOT ready for summer time to end. I hope it sticks around for a while. Different, and good things, have kept us so busy this summer and I have missed summer outdoor lounging with my children. Kalyn took these cute pictures one day while I had to be in town.
I’m asking God for a little extra “summer”, knowing that here in the Rockies September normally brings cooler weather.
On the other hand, September brings me one stop closer to Noelani and Clive...Yes, “Clive” is Asher. We had the opportunity to ask the children through a message if they wanted new names. Noelani said yes, but Asher asked to keep the American name that the orphanage had give to him. So, if he chooses, we will give him the name Clive Charles. Clive is a great name and I like it, so it’s all good with me. What a journey!!!
Happy Summer to you sweet family and friends!

We Had An EXPERIENCE Today

2011-08-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we are needing beds for the children. Our biggest bed for the boys broke, and with adding two more children, well, we ended up needing at least 5 new beds.
And I can say tonight that we are the proud owners of 5 bunk beds. One we already had.
This little beauty was a gift from a new family friend. Isn’t it nice!!!!

We were still needing another bunk bed for this room and two for the girls room. Here is where the EXPERIENCE comes in. We had a little extra $ as a gift from our precious family, and all the used beds that we could find were costing as much new beds from IKEA. Do ya’ll know about this store????? One just opened up in Denver two weeks ago. So Steve and I ventured north today to see if we could get 3 bunk beds that we could afford. Now, if you have not been to IKEA, well, it really is something totally different than just a large warehouse kind of store. One lady next to me said it was like “Epcot” on steroids for the shopping experience. I have to agree with her. Now, I don’t like crazy crowds, however, today was worth it. And the prices are RIDICULOUS. Like WONDERFULLY RIDICULOUS. The end result of this crazy adventure is that we did get our three bunk beds. One of them we still need to stain, but we put the girls beds up tonight. We still need four mattresses, but we are one step closer. Here are the pictures of two girls beds in their new home...

First I did a little wall touch up, will Steve and the children put the beds together.

I love the feel of this room now. There are only two things missing (not including the mattresses) that I still need to do.

I would like to find some kind of fabric to cover this closet.

I put this wall decal in the boys room. And I knew that I needed another one when Kiana told me that she wants a “tatoo” for her room. Ha-ha. I bought the wall decal at Fruitful Vine Creations.

“Thank you LORD for providing what we need!!!"

Deference

2011-08-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Do you know what it means? I had forgotten what a punch this little word has and needed to remind myself of it. Here is the Noah Webster 1828 (HIGHLY recommended book) definition:
“A yielding in opinion; submission of judgment to the opinion or judgment of another. Hence, regard; respect. We often decline acting in opposition to those for whose wisdom we have a great deference.

Here is a definition of deference that I liked from Live Life With Your Kids!. I played with it a little in my PhotoShop and came up with this pretty picture to remind myself daily.

Well, back to working on next years school/discipleship goals.

Pieces Of A Puzzle

2011-08-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am receiving pieces of a puzzle this year as I pray and ask the LORD to lead me in choosing what we need for this next school year. I like puzzles - when I can see the whole picture!! Usually when I am prayerfully planning our school year, I feel that I have an “idea” of what we are suppose to do and then I just search for what I need for the children. However, this year has been very different. I really do not have a “picture” yet. May be I am feeling overwhelmed with the idea of adding 4 more children to our school schedule (I know...LOL -”DUH”). May be it is the thought of our children from China coming home and I’m not sure yet “what that looks like” in the everyday, living it out life. One thing I do know is that the LORD has always faithfully led us and provided what we needed for each child. Educating our children at home is a precious gift and an undeniable responsibility. And I really do love that we are blessed to home school.
One thing that I keep thinking of is that our world seems to be changing quickly. Many things seems unsettled and uncertain. I feel a “pressure” to diligently prepare the children for their futures with the only foundation that will sustain them - the TRUTH of the Bible and the knowledge of the LORD. In light of this, I “think” that I will be forming our school around the Heart Of Wisdom ideas.
“The foundation of the Heart of Wisdom philosophy is to give up man’s standards and lean on God for what He would have us teach our children. Matthew 6:33 is our focus, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

“Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12

You know, the nice thing about writing in my blog is that often my thoughts come together and I can see things clearer. I think I just found the picture for my “puzzle”. I’ll let you know how it comes out.

Here is a link if you would like to read an overview about Heart Of Wisdom.

In the mean time...

I am so sorry and laughed with ya’ll regarding my “18” passenger van. It is really ONLY a 15 passenger van...ooops.

This Is Why

2011-08-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Many have asked how in the world we travel so far with so many children and why we would do it. For sure, it IS a lot of work and it is hard. It does cost for us and for the precious family that we spend time with. Two days of traveling in an 15 passenger van has, well, for a better word, ISSUES.

And it is worth EVERYTHING to spend time with our family and friends.

Some of the reasons why we do it are...

...to watch our children learn to play, ski, swim, laugh, work together and love their family and each other;

...to see the pure joy of playing with those you love and who love you and to see a child who once was alone learn that he belongs for ever and always to his family-through the good and the difficult;

...to watch the faith that my mother had in her Healing God to give her one of her greatest desires - to ski again; to see rainbows, and crazy tubing sibling;

...to experience acceptance; jump scary heights with those who applaud your courage; to see newlyweds enjoying the gift of marriage.

There are so many reasons, and as my mom, dad, Steve and I have discussed the “whys”, the greatest reason that we come up with is that we are investing in one of the greatest gifts that the LORD has given us...each other.

How Many....

2011-08-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

...handsome boys can you put in a SMALL baby pool? Well, last count, we had my brother - Kim, my oldest son - Jace, and Corbin, Garett, and possibly Aiden was hiding in the back - not sure though. We had a wonderful time in Texas. Two days of travel is always worth the time to be with our family and friends. The children and I returned home safely this afternoon. And though, I would love to write more, I must got sign a TON of paperwork for our LOA so that I can get my babies home!!!! So, goodnight, and thank you all for sharing our journey with us!

It's Here

2011-08-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to blog any here at the lake, but I found a way to share our awesome news!!!!

We have received our LOA!!!!!

PRAISING THE LORD.

We are one step closer to our children!!!

Dear Steve-day 1

2011-08-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi...we are already missing you. We saw dozens of trains today. The children lost count!

Caresse’s picnic lunch worked wonderfully. We ate at a hot little road side place in Texas, but it felt special to have our little picnic together. We loved it...except a few of us really needed a bathroom, and even the bushes weren’t to big.

Boy, is it hot and dry here...there was a very little storm that we drove through, and it was mostly dust!

Kiana enjoyed a little nap. Kalyn was awesome...she read over 7 hours to me today to help me stay awake for the long drive. I got so tired that I kept chewing gum to stay awake...I am thinking I had 8 pieces of gum today...more than I have in a whole year...but hey, it got us to Texas.

It’s hard to tell here, but this is a large dust devil...I counted over 12 HUGE ones in just an hours period.
The children have done well, but are glad to be here. It is feeling like a “vacation” now, thought it can’t be a true vacation without you. I am so tired tonight, but we enjoyed a game a dominoes, after an awesome supper and wonderful dessert. The baby is needing me to lay down with him, so good night and we will talk to you soon. We love you and miss you.

Unicef is NOT All it's cracked up to be!

2011-08-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just saw this at ASIA’s blog and thought it was worth sharing....

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/red-thread-adoptive-family-forum/2011/aug/3/united-states-unicef-war-international-adoptions/

Please take a look at this article if you haven't seen it already. It explains why Unicef is not all that it claims to be. Unicef is a major lobby against international adoption. They put culture ahead of emotional, mental and physical health of children. If you're following ASIA's blog, you know that orphans are much better off in families and that if left in their own countries, would not get the healthcare and love that they so need.

To Wait

2011-08-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

"To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him,

delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him."

-Matthew Henry

I’m a little sad...I was hoping to receive our LOA from China by now.

The children and I leave to spend a week and a half in Texas with my family. A week at the lake sounds just perfect...unless it’s 110 degrees, then even a lake get pretty hot. Still, I am feeling the need for a vacation. We will miss Steve being with us!!! He had his eye surgery Wednesday and all went great.

I’ll be praying that we get that LOA soon! However, my desire is “toward Him”, and for His will and His timing.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take

courage; wait for the LORD!" -Psalm 27:14

Let’s Play A Game

2011-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

We’ll call it “What does this picture say to you”.

Rules - Be creative.

- Be nice.

Have fun and I’ll share the most creative and my favorites later.

If There’s One Thing I love..

2011-08-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

...it’s things that are good for my family, natural, and inexpensive.

You do not want to miss this give away. This e-book explains how to make your own skin care products.

Here are the recipes included in this 20 page ebook:

Foot Protector Bar
Full Body Conditioner (a light, whipped lotion, meant for thirsty summer skin)
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant Bar
Tan Enhancer (offering some sun protection while allowing you to carefully build a tan)

This ebook is put out by Renee Harris of MadeOn Skin Care products. I have tried the bar lotion and lip balm and loved them. I like the idea of making my own products for my family; I know what is in them, it doesn’t cost as much as the cheapest products at the stores, and it’s good for my family. So to enter this give away, visit Keeper Of The Home to find out more.