adoption update

I've been a bit quiet lately about our adoption. Truth be told - there is not much to talk about. At this time, we are just in the great big waiting period. And unless God decides to move mountains (which I totally believe He can) it is going to be a very long wait. Probably more like 3-4 years. This news has been an adjustment for me. A new timeline for our family. A new feeling of helplessness. New worries and frustrations.

But when I get overwhelmed I just have to keep coming back to truth. We know that God has called us to adopt. We know that he has called us to Ethiopia. We know that he has a daughter picked out for us and that she will arrive in our home at precisely the time He has determined. And in that, I will rest.

In the meantime, we pray. A lot. And we live frugally so we can build back up our savings account for the next round of adoption expenses. And we enjoy our current family and all the blessings He has given us.

sewing gifts

Audrey loves to make personalized gifts for her friends' birthdays. Her favorite lately is to pick out fabric that goes with their bedding and make a monogrammed throw pillow. Her latest creation was for her sweet friend McKenna.

mud fun

I have no problem with my kids getting muddy while playing outside. Have at it!

But I also have no problem teaching them to clean the mud off their own shoes when the fun is over!

wonderful weekend

We had a very fun weekend. The sun was shining, so how could it not be??!!

Saturday morning we got up and went down to visit my brother and his family. We played at a nearby park and enjoyed a delicious lunch. Then we headed up to my aunt's house where my grandmother was staying and visited with them. My aunt has an enormous backyard and a very energetic dog, which my kids thoroughly enjoyed. Then my uncle took Patrick and the kids for a ride in his classic car. They loved it!

Sunday was also nice. In addition to getting ready for the week ahead, we played games, watched a family movie (Alone in the Wilderness), and BBQ'd dinner.

Thankful for a great weekend full of family, rest, and preparation. Couldn't ask for more.

p.s. - Jee Young, Audrey has worn the scarf you made her nonstop! She loves it. Thank you so much.

snip, snip

 

 

I got my hair cut last night. Seven inches! It's been a long time since I've done anything drastic and it was needed. I heard a variety of responses from my family.

Patrick - "I like it. No really, I do" (and by this morning, he really does)
Audrey - "I love it Mommy!"
Liam - "Nice hair Mom. I think it makes you look younger." (nice job bud)
Ethan - "Um, no. Put it back."

Before:

After:

chickenpox

Brimstone Malone and the Halfpint Hillbillies performed live tonight at our homeschool co-op talent show. They did their original song, Chickenpox. Watch out - we're getting closer to taking this show on the road!

Patrick - mandolin and vocals
Audrey - harmonica and vocals
Liam - vocals
Ethan - vocals