Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas

Well, MERRY CHRISTMAS, to my few followers!

Just thinking about how very thankful for the many things that have taken place in our life this year. I'm thankful for meeting Meggie, 1 year ago this week. I'm thankful for the joy that we had while being a part of her life. I'm sad that we no longer have the opportunity to be her parents but I know that God is watching over her. But He is also watching our other daughter, Liga during the holidays. She still doesn't know about the "Friend family" but I pray that God is preparing her heart to accept us and allow us to love her as our own!

We found out over the weekend that we will more than likely not get our travel dates until mid-late January, when our Latvian lawyer is back from vacation. I've told others that I truly believe she deserves this vacation but wish that it wasn't so long in the middle of our adoption. But what will probably happen is she will return and have the letter of invitation, as well as travel dates and we will travel almost immediately. That's my prayer anyway! Joe says to not have any expectations and therefore no disappointments but a momma can pray and hope, can't she?

We are excited about family coming today to spend the holiday with us. On Sat. we will get up and have our traditional Christmas breakfast of Fried Bread, we'll get ready and head over to help serve Christmas Dinner to those in our community. We'll return and have a relaxing afternoon, eat a wonderful Lasagna dinner and open Christmas presents! Joe preaches on Sunday, so I'm excited to hear him! He is such a powerful preacher and I really enjoy hearing him preach God's word!

I pray that you are warm and filled with JOY this Christmas. I know that so many have been hurt, abandoned or feel alone this year but God is with YOU and He is the ultimate healer & comforter!

We love you all and will keep you posted (as always)!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

everything update...

Well, since we are waiting again... here's an update on everything else!

Joe is busy as ever; I think he prefers it that way, really. He's been chopping wood for the fireplace, building a bike path in our woods, calling on new families, teaching, preaching and most importantly being an incredible husband and daddy.

Keegan has been hard at work with Joe. He is becoming such a responsible young man. He works so hard and seems to enjoy the time he spends with his dad. He also likes earning "minutes" for the PS2 that a good friend let us borrow! He sometimes earns an hour and a half in household chores besides work with Joe.

Ethan is doing good. He turned 11 the day after Thanksgiving and was able to have a couple friends over all day Sat. The beat the tar out of each other with the giant boxing gloves (you know the ones you use with an inflatable ring?). They played with Legos & Bionicles and had (fake) sword fights! He too is enjoy the earned "minutes" for the PS2. He made a very responsible decision the other day to trade minutes in for a strike, rather than play time. If they get 3 strikes they no longer get to play with the PS2. Smart move on his part, he already had 2 strikes!

Micah is recovering well from surgery on Nov. 16th. She is still on crutches, which is longer than expected but she is an old pro with them. We go back on Dec. 20th for a 2nd post-op checkup. Hopefully, she'll be able to walk with just the boot.

We had our annual Live-Nativity this past weekend with our church. Takes dozens of people to make it work and it was a huge success! We had over 600 people drive through on Fri & Sat.

And last but not least, I am thankful for another year of life. I had my 37th birthday on Sat and it came & went like most days but yesterday it hit me, I'm in my upper 30's now and will be 40 in only 3 years. UGH! I'm getting things ready around the house for Christmas, traveling and school and also,the church christmas program. We will have our program on the 18th & 19th and I'm kinda ready for it be here.

Adoption news: we are still waiting travel dates. Our amended home study was sent to GA and rec'd on Thursday, Dec 2 and then overnighted to Latvia. Overnight really means 7-10 days but we are praying it gets there sooner. God knows that I'm ready but He also knows when it's best to travel. So... I'll on Him!

Until later...