What a difference a few months make...

Our backyard...was it ever really that green and sunny?

Adoption - What a Christmas gift!

Snow, snow, snow!

We've had two feet of snow in the past 24 hours. Schools were closed today. Add a big "brother" to the mix and it's just a recipe for fun. The four kids have been outside building snow forts, having snow ball fights, wrestling in the snow and sledding down the incline in our backyard. It's great to watch---from the warmth of the family room window. The best part of it, though, is I didn't have to help put anyone's gloves on. ; )

Warning: Prayer may be hazardous to your health

We have been working on some Scripture memory with the kids lately...Last night Claire shared with us the verse she's been working on...

"Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and suffocation let your requests be made known to God..."

Saying goodbye to dear friends

Last week we said a tearful goodbye to our dear friends, Patrick and Jennifer McConnell. (They sensed the Lord was calling them to move back to Georgia to help with a church plant.)

We met Patrick and Jennifer about 11 years ago when Patrick and Roland were in the same discipleship group. When we met we were living in apartments. We were young, carefree and had no kids. I'm sure neither of us couples could have imagined what the Lord had in store for each of us... Our friendship has seen many changes over the years-not the least of which are the birth/adoption of 13 kids, approximately 8 moves, (I lost count on their end!), job changes, career changes, ministry changes...The list goes on....
But, we are so thankful to the Lord for their faithful friendship over the years. We will miss them greatly!

A week of blessings...

This week we were notified that we have been awarded a $5000 adoption grant!
We also were awarded two matching grants from two different agencies that we applied to. This means that these agencies will match dollar for dollar the donations that they receive in our name.
We are so thankful to the Lord for His provision!

Words of wisdom

I learned a valuable lesson that I thought would be good to pass on...

One should always make sure the garage door is completely open before attempting to back one's van out of the garage. It just is better for the van, the garage door, and the husband!