Heard Today...

The boys have been home 5 weeks and it hasn't taken long for them to catch onto things. This afternoon J says to me - "Oh My Grief! You have so much to do!"

This is an expression I picked up from my girlfriend in high school, many years ago and obviously still use it today!

For His Glory Orphanage

Our lives have forever been touched by the ministry of this orphanage. Take a moment to see the reality of life in Haiti and how lives are being changed. The needs are great. Will you prayerfully cover this ministry and the precious people there?

Thanksgiving Weekend Memories 2009

GRATEFUL HEARTS --FAMILY & FRIENDS --LOTS OF FOOD --LAUGHTER & SMILES -- FOOTBALL --TABLE GAMES --A FULL HOUSE --BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING -- EARLY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS --A FAMILY TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER == MAGIC!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our first Thanksgiving ever all together! For that we are so grateful!

It has been a wild week of preparation and chaos, but rich with family and relationships. My sister and her family came into last weekend to help us prepare for the holiday, and we have done nothing but cook, plan, and grocery shop -- oh, we did slip away to catch a showing of Julie & Julia at the dollar theater (more food thoughts!). But having so much help, made it so fun! The rest of the troops arrived last night, and our house is FULL! But we love it!

So this morning, we wish you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Our hearts are full and today we celebrate that which God has done!

Ezra 3:11
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD : "He is good; his love to Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

The weekend before Thanksgiving we were so blessed by our friends who hosted a shower for the boys! This was their first opportunity at being surrounded by gifts and they were delighted! They couldn't believe it was all for them and loved eating a cake with their picture on it!

They also had the opportunity to take their first scooter ride and to drive a four wheeler while they were at our friends house. They can't wait to go back to this party house! To them it is the house of gifts and cool toys!

Truly though we are so blessed and encouraged by the out-pouring of love we received. So many people have been a part of this journey, and for each of you ... we truly are thankful.

I cannot believe the boys have been home for 2 weeks! Life has been a whirlwind, but we are doing well! They have completed 2 weeks of school and we have a long road ahead of us to bring them up to grade level -- should we choose to, but at the same time there is so much that they do understand -- for that we are so grateful! The more time I spend with them I realize how much they do understand in English, but also how much they don't understand. I just wish it could be easy for them!

I never dreamed that my goals for each day would center on only completing school, spending time with the kids, providing enough for everyone to eat, and clean clothes! I use to be so good at multi-tasking! In one sense it is like starting with a very young child whom you must instruct in boundaries/behaviors -- what acceptable and what is not. Yes, there is much they do know, but not necessarily in this context.

We are still amazed that our family is now a family of 8! We still can't believe it - but last night, as we came home from church, and those precious little voices blended together singing praises to our God, I am in awe. I am grateful, I am changed.