Easter

On Easter Sunday this year, we spent a wonderful morning at church being so thankful for our risen Lord!  And as the song says, "...as he stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me... for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ."

After, we had lunch and an egg hunt at Dad and Marla Kay's with family and friends, then headed

out to the Dougherty's place for dinner and another egg hunt!  It was a wonderful day spent with friends and family.  I LOVE Easter!!! 

I think every year more and more, I come to realize what Christ's death on that cross and ressurrection mean for me.  I used to just acknowledge it as God's choice for Christ and a really interesting way to save the world if people choose to believe.  It actually used to be a tad ho-hum.  But now it's different... it's personal.    Christ died for ME.  He took MY sins upon himself so that I could know God.  I know God.  I don't just know about him and his stories.  He is a real and active God, moving in me in ways I can't quite explain.  He has forgiven me.  He continues to forgive me.  I have a hope and a future.  I have no fear in death.  He hears me.  He knows me more than I know myself.  He has given me a life so abundant and free that there's nothing you could do or say to make me want to go back to the old way.  I'm not perfect, but he makes me whole.  I don't know why he has chosen me for this life he has given me, but I am eternally grateful. 

With that being said...  here are some photos from our fantastic Easter.

Grandma Marla Kay made these super duper beautiful dresses for the girls!  Thank You!!

the earth appears

How lovely are the days spent walking and biking again!!

The bikes are now riden every day again, walks are more frequent

and the earth (in these here parts) is waking up from a long sleep.

Our family has always enjoyed evening walks after Jeremy is home... and last week we

took off on our first of the spring.  (and yes, if you noticed the kids aren't wearing their helmets... they hadn't been unearthed yet... but never fear their heads are now safe!)  I'm actually a safety gal at heart and love seatbelts, helmets, and outlet covers.  After all, a seatbelt saved my tail quite literally years ago... but that's another story!  Let me know if you've never heard, it might be fun to scan some photos in and recount my car accident when I was 16 and a new driver on icy roads now that it's spring!

Here's Gavin showing off his new bike he got for Christmas... 

Morgan looking as cute as ever with her John Deere wheels... this is the first time she's actually had

her own bike that fit her and I'm sure those training wheels will be flying off in

no time.  She's begging already, but I think we'll wait for a softer landing when the

grass appears to try that out.

And now I say goodbye to the snowfort, who has melted even more since this picture a week ago...

woo hoo!!!  We won't miss ya, but we'll sure be glad to see you next winter. 

forced bulbs

This year, we decided to try our hand at forcing

tulip and hyacinth bulbs inside!  Jeremy bought me some fun bowls

that match our kitchen and living room area and we stuck a few

bulbs in the dirt to see what happens...

Well, a few weeks later (with the aid of grow lights that are starting our tomatoes and peppers) we have plants!!!  I don't remember what I put in what, so it'll be a surprise as to which ones are

tulips and which hyacinth.  But it's fun to have new growth in the house

when it's still brown and mushy outside. 

Give it a try!  And you really don't need grow lights, but it helped!

A couple days after we planted the bulbs...

and now!  hooray!

a must read...

Okay, if you need a good laugh today or have ever asked anyone when they're scheduling their vasectomy because obviously they have too many kids in your opinion.... then this post is for you!  It is written by the husband of one of my favorite bloggers:

http://www.storinguptreasures.com/2010/04/me-my-vasectomy.html

Okay, going to read it to Jeremy now!

on the road again!

In a little less than a month, I'll be on the road again!  {Leaving my family is not my favorite thing to do... I dread it actually... nor did I imagine a month ago I'd be making two trips out of state this spring... but God is pulling me in directions I couldn't have imagined a year or two ago!}

Orphan care, adoption, foster care, helping others reach out to children.... all things that stir my heart. 

My good buddy Carly and I will be headed down to Minneapolis at the end of April to Summit VI put on by the Christian Alliance for Orphans!  Carly has had a vision of getting an orphan care/adoption/foster care/adoption funding help/education sort of ministry started in our local church for the last couple years. I've mentioned that Jeremy and I would be interested in being involved in this...  She recently pitched the idea of getting this off the ground to a couple of our staff pastors, and threw out the idea of sending she and I to this conference for training, education, and encouragement as a "long shot" and here we are just a mere couple weeks after the mention of it! 

I can hardly contain my excitement. 

I can just picture myself sitting in a comfy auditorium seat singing along with Steven Curtis Chapman, crying as I ache for the orphan, and feeling a great peace as Jeremy and I embark on God's next assignment for us so to speak.  Do you know what I mean?  After attending 4 years worth of Mothers of Preschoolers Conventions, I know what I'm in for.  And I can't wait!  Something just happens when you're away from home, learning from heroes of the adoption world and soaking up encouraging and life-changing words. 

taken from the Summit VI website:
Featured speakers will include national champions of orphan care and adoption, including John Piper, Mary Beth Chapman, Tom Davis, Doug Sauder, Stephanie Fast, Jedd Medefind, and Al Mohler. Compelling voices of the global church will join as well, from Africa and Eastern Europe to the First Lady of Guatemala City, Patricia Arzu. Music will be led by Steven Curtis Chapman and other artists. Meanwhile, more than fifty workshops will deliver practical know-how for effective adoption, foster care and global orphan care ministry.


Even more than ever before, 2010’s Summit VI will be an unparalleled hub for partnership, resources and inspiration. Whether a nonprofit leader, pastor, grassroots advocate or lay ministry entrepreneur, Summit VI is a must for both veterans and newcomers desiring to “care for orphans in their distress.”

Here's what pastor and author John Piper has to say about it:


Invitation to Summit VI from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.


We also are going to be able to squeeze in one full day at the Mall of America!  Yessssssss.

new diaper bag!

Yesterday, I made my first diaper bag! Jeremy said it was my best sewing project yet... yay! The best part was picking out fabric that really suits me,
 the other best part was sewing it up! 

www.amingledyarn.wordpress.com/gallery/tutorial-hip-mama-diaper-bag/

It really is easy... if you can sew a straight line, you can make this! 

After I spied Carly's handmade bag, I knew it was the right one for

me to make for our new baby!

I figured this time, instead of picking a bag to go with a baby boy/girl, I'd go

with a bag that suits me!  Since the baby won't care, I might as well like carrying it. 

This was my first time using snaps and a zipper,

it was MUCH easier than I'd imagined. 

I love it!!  This fabric is in the Amy Butler LOVE line. 

I LOVE Amy Butler fabric! 

The inside has loads of room for newborn diapers, onesies, bottles.. you name it!  Can't wait to take this on the plane to go get our sweet baby... whoever he or she is.  We're praying for you sweet baby... can hardly wait to meet you.  We're praying for your mother too. 

here's your chance...

 to help us bring our baby home!

  What would you say about us to a woman who is looking for a family to adopt her unborn baby??  We could use your help!  We have recently contracted with Everlasting Adoptions to have them locate a birth mom for us... and the cool thing is that she'll choose us herself!  We have been given the opportunity to have our friends and family tell our future birth mom why she should choose us and raise some much need funds at the same time!  They have created a page for us:  www.everlastingreasons.com/jeremyamanda

And all you have to do (if you know us and want to comment!) is write in 400 words or less why we should be chosen!  Each comment is $5 and we receive $4 of each one, payment info is right on the page.  You can comment as many times as you want... This page is linked on our profile online for all to see.  Right now it is sitting there with one comment and that comment needs a few more friends!   

(thank you for commenting, you know who you are!!!!)

If you've been wanting to help us out, but just didn't know how ~ here's your chance!

There's only so much we can say about ourselves without seeming proud or braggy, there's just something about the words of friends and family... and it could make all the difference!  If you can think of a reason why we should be chosen by a woman choosing life and adoption for her baby, would you share it? 

We are forever grateful!

my time in Oregon

I just got back from spending a week in Oregon with my mom after my stepdad John's recent passing.  He had a heart attack last October, and just never quite fully recovered.  He passed in his sleep peacefully on March 9th.  We weren't expecting it to happen so soon, but we're at peace with where he is and that it was his time.  I had a wonderful time with my mom that week, she even surprised me with a pedicure one day!!  Don't our feet look a lot alike???  Our hands do too I was noticing... 

And on my third day there, I had the GREAT pleasure of meeting my new nephew Luke for the first time!  He was 5 weeks old, and is such a little sweetie!  I loved spending time with my big brother Sean, and my sister-in-law Vanessa too.  It was the longest I'd been able to spend with them in a LONG time!

Grammy getting in some Luke snuggles herself...

the beautiful family...

Sean is such a cool dad (Vanessa of course is a super cool mom too...) he has his own sling and proudly carries Luke in it any chance he gets!  His man-sling got quite a few compliments when we were out and about!  You guys are great parents, and I'm so happy to have spent time with you. 

One day, we visited a cute, 150 year old mining town called Jacksonville... loved it. 

There were fun shops in the historic buildings and yummy places to eat. 

Vanessa, Lukey, and I

And one of the highlights about being in Oregon in March is that it's Spring!

Daffodils were sprouting up all over, pansies were in full bloom, and the flowering trees... oh the trees!  This one is called a tulip magnolia, it is spectacular!!!  I wanted to take it home with me.  It was also in the 70's which was a fantastic change for me this time of year!

It was a really good trip for many reasons, especially to see how large my mom's support system is where she lives.  I'm not sure I would have believed her if I hadn't seen it for myself.  And I'm truly thankful for her friends and church family that extended love and support to her and will continue to do so. 

Of course, it was hard to leave my kids and Jeremy with such short notice...  the ticket was bought and I hopped on a jet just a few short hours later!  But it proved to be a good week back home as well...  Jeremy was home 5 of the 7 days I was away, and had a great time staying home with the kids.  He even trooped all the kids into town to Nordstrom to buy a gift for me! Upon getting back home at 2am Sunday morning.. I was greeted by 4 love notes on my pillow, a bottle of perfume, a bouquet of sunflowers, a homemade cake, and a gift card!  Jeremy really went all out and sure surprised me by all the "we missed you" gifts!  Thank you, dear husband...  you make my life so easy and enjoyable. 

Here are the love notes I received from the kids, they are just too precious:

(in cursive)

hi mom,

I mist you.  how are you.  I love mom.

I'll see you in the morning.

love drew

(with a huge smiley face drawing, and a coupon for one free picture drawn by him!)

Welcome Home Mom

i hope you had a great Time

Gavin

(also, a coupon for 1 free breakfast in bed of scrambled eggs and toast!)

WELCOME HOME MOM!

I AM gLaD YOU ARE HERE.

MOM MORGAN

(a coupon for 1 free bubble bath, when you want)

 

new hats for adoption

These are new hats I started making before Christmastime with all proceeds going right to our

adoption fund!  I love making them, and I think they're really adorable on! 

This particular set was made for a set of girl cousins.  One hat is missing, since I already delivered one... but I think Holly, Leah, Reese, and Megan are going to look just perfect in them!

They come in a four sizes:

newborn 0-6 months

6-24 months

2-4 years

4-6 years

larger sizes by special order

I'm selling them for $20 ea. 

Let me know if you'd like to place an order!

They are 100% cotton, and can be made in light pink, dark pink (shown), chocolate brown (shown), red, celery green, white, cream, light yellow, light blue (shown in last picture) or lavender. 

I found some really fun buttons that I'm really happy with. 

My good buddy, Chantel ordered hats for her girls for Christmas and wanted matching ones for their dolls...  that's when I found this pattern, and I'm so glad I did!

cuteness.

my very own whirling dervish

Annika is officially two!

She is in dress-up shoes and dresses every day and makes messes like no other!

Nearly every day, I think she is quietly playing in her room... (which is a welcome change from clinging onto my leg)... but nearly every day, I'm wrong.  I hear a cute little voice yell, "Mooooom!"  I go to investigate and this is what I find..... 

a cutie pie in dress-up attire who has leveled the top of her dresser.  The diaper box and basket full of shoes is tossed to the floor each time.  I'm beginning to wonder if she uses it as her "stage" when I'm not looking. 

This time, I caught her before she leveled the place.  But notice the leotard.  Over her pants.  I LOVE THIS GIRL. 

The other thing I always notice, is that she pulls out the bottom left drawer for her step stool. 

Smart cutie. 

She is very proud of her climbing and leveling abilities, and I happen to think it's pretty cute too!  I don't normally think kid messes are cute, but honestly?  Her playing by herself for a bit and making a little mess in exchange for a little peace, is SO worth it. 

I'm a big NERD-O

So I posted about hoping to win a Happy Apple toy from my childhood on ebay... well, I'm a huge dork because I completely forgot {in the chaos of normal life} that I was going to sneak in at the very end of the bidding this morning before I headed out the door for a big, fun day and win my apple!  I was outbid the other day, and I had no worries... I would pretend I was no long interested and sneak attack when there was minutes left... but I FORGOT!!!!!  Oh what a sad realization tonight.... boo hoo.  But hey, it's just a silly baby toy.  But I do have to mention the worst part... it went for only $5.stinkin' 50, just 50 cents more than I bid.  sad    sad    sad    

I've stalked all the other apples on ebay, and they are going for way too much moola... I'll be patient and then sneak attack again someday... if I REMEMBER! 

oh, I hope, I hope, I hope!

Today I bid on a Fisher Price Happy Apple that I LOVED as a child!  That chiming sound when it rolls around makes me so happy!  I can't wait for our new baby to play with it.  (Well, when we get him/her and when he/she is old enough to play with it!)  I hope I win!  It's at $.99 right now.  Did you have a Happy Apple????  Karla, if you're reading this... I'm so "happy"  I got to play with yours recently.   

2022 Olympian

Morgan informed me this morning that she was going to "do" the Olympics and her best friend Megan was too.  I asked her which sport, and she said skating!  Well, dear girl, we've got some work to do!  Considering she's never ever been on ice skates. 

But she does look awful convincing, doesn't she???

Her legs look like Gumby's! 

Annika, in the background, is starting her training for the 2028 Games...

This is her routine ending pose.

Ha ha, notice our Christmas wreath still on the front door?  I'm not sure why I can't bring myself to take it down! 

could she be any cuter?

this is me.  (and Adia)

this is me babysitting.

this is me babysitting in heaven.

my girls were babysitting in heaven too. 

seeing with new eyes

A little over a year ago, I was sitting down with my kids watching Disney's Tarzan.  At the time, we had been seriously contemplating adoption and were at the start of our researching stage...  I had seen this movie a few times before, but this time I was seeing it with new eyes and I bawled like a baby when the mama gorilla finds the infant Tarzan and claims him as her own. 

As a couple, our hearts have been tugged and opened to loving and claiming a child as our own regardless of what the world may say about how "different" they are from us... we desire only the good favor of our God and King.  And I think this sweet mama gorilla sets an amazing example for us to follow. 

we'll be "out there" soon!

Well, after I wrote that title, I realized that it could mean one of several things... but what I mean today is that our adoption profile will be online in the next 24 hours for all to see!!!!  We were notified this morning that our contract and payment were received in California. (confused?  see the next post) Our profile consists of a paragraph written by yours truly about us, a link to our new and improved adoption info blog, a picture of us, and a link to some other basic info about us on their website.  (Occupations, education, reasons for adopting, hobbies, race of child we're hoping to adopt, and more!)  This will all be out there along with their other "waiting families"!  If you'd like to see us in all of our nervous and excited glory and see the other families waiting, comment that you'd like a link and I'll share it with you outside of blogger! 

We'd like to keep who we're using to advertise and market us as an adoptive couple private for now and not share all of that info for all the world to see!  (Not that readers of my little blog are all the world, but I do know that I don't know some of you.) 

We're one step closer to bringing our baby home!  I keep thinking that our baby may be "out there" somewhere too.  He or she may be nestled safely in his/her mother's womb at this moment... and that is a weird, exciting, and exhilirating feeling.  We are praying for good communication, a safe pregnancy/delivery, and that a woman would be drawn to our family for her child.  There are so many other things I'm praying right now, but they are hard to put into words. 

We have no idea what state we'll be traveling to, if we'll have to travel more than once, if this baby will be a boy or a girl, what race this baby will be, and so much more!!! Some of this will become more clear after we are matched with a birthmom... meaning we will begin communicating and she will choose us.  But this match could happen anywhere in her pregnancy.  She could be just pregnant, somewhere in the middle, or be ready to deliver!  And this... just so you know... drives this lady just a tad insane.  But it thrills me all at the same time too. 

We are choosing to be open to gender, seeing that we have 2 boys and 2 girls.... and open completely to race.  This child holds so many surprises for us right now.  Sometimes I think I'm really ready to have a boy, since we so recently did the girl thing and it's been almost 8 years since we welcomed a baby boy... and other times I'm really ready to welcome another girl.  I truly have NO preference and that feels good! 

moving forward

After much prayer, the seeking of wise counsel, and a few miraculous happenings over the past couple weeks... we've been accepted and have contracted to adopt through an organization that is licensed in California to facilitate adoptions!  This organization is not an adoption agency, but rather an advertising and marketing agency for adoptive parents.  We have been drawn to this type of organization from the start, but it hasn't quite worked out to be involved with one... until now!  So Lord willing, we will still be adopting a newborn here in the United States through the use of an attorney, but now we'll be doing it with a little help.  Women that are expecting and are wanting to place their baby for adoption across the nation will have access to us as a choice for their baby.  We are really excited to move forward in this direction!  We have contacted several families who have adopted thru them and feel really great about walking into this. 

God has been so good to us and we can't wait to see who He brings our way!  But I think we'd better buckle up.... our profile should be up on their website by the end of the week and our first contact with birthmothers could happen soon!  Gulp...

Please keep us in prayer as we navigate this process, and that our hearts would be protected by our God.

the mix up

Some of you have mentioned that you use my blog as a jumping point to scoot around to your favorite blogs via my links.... well, just so ya know, they're all out of order now!  They're now organized by the one that was updated the most recently to save me from scrolling down when I'm doing my own blog hopping! 

Happy hopping!  Also, if you never leave a comment because that silly 'ol word verification bugs you?  Well, it's gone now too.  I love getting comments, even if you are a "blurker" = blog lurker and I don't know you. Stop by and leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.  :)