My Big Guys Big Adventure

For some time now Paul has wanted to take Land on a Father and son trip. He looked at several different places trying to find just the right one. Land loves history and exploring new cities, so with that in mind, Paul decided on Boston, Mass. He planned everything and kept it all a secret until about two weeks ago. During dinner one evening he let the cat out of the bag. I wish you could have seen his face! Paul had printed up an itinerary that included a picture and handed it to him. He couldn't believe it. Thursday was finally the big day....... Here they are right before they left for the airport. All ready for their big adventure!

On the plane headed to Boston!!!

Here's Land in Boston beginning his walk on the Freedom Trail.

Dad on the Freedom Trail. Yes, they left 70 degree weather here in the sunny south, to go where the high was 38 degrees!!! Burrrrrrrrrr

It seems that every time I talk to them all they are doing is eating!! Here is Land in front of the Durgin Park restaurant. We were there about 18 years ago(where does the time go) and Paul said it was still just as much fun. He enjoyed the Yankee Pot Roast while Land had ribs and I am sure some Boston Baked Beans! Today they were heading out for some New England Clam Chowder. Yum , I just wish I was there with them to enjoy it, but alas, the little ones and I are at home holding down the fort while my big guys enjoy the sights and sounds of Boston.

We do miss them but we know they are having a GREAT time together.

Please join us in praying for God to lead them safely as they travel.

Exodus 13:21 NIV
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

Until next time.....................

Robin

A Popcorn Party..................

It doesn't take much for my two little ones to turn an ordinary event into a party (I wonder where they get that from!) The other day they wanted popcorn and suddenly it was a party. Look who got invited!!! Here's Emanuiel getting everything ready.................

The guests of honor have arrived!

Emanuiel, Horsey, G-raff and Clara Beth having a little popcorn and a lively discussion about the days events.

Making sure everyone has some.

Enjoying every bite!!! Whatever you are doing , take a hint from these two and turn it into a party!! We love to celebrate the ordinary!!

Until next time...........................

Ex 12:14 -
"This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord--a lasting ordinance.

Celebrate His wonder every day.

Robin

A Picnic To Remember

The weather this past weekend was BEAUTIFUL and we took full advantage of it. To celebrate our two year anniversary of Referral Day we joined the other families that traveled with us to China and had a picnic!! We couldn't have had a more perfect day. We all came after church packing picnic baskets filled with fabulous food. We lined up our tables, piled on the food, ate, talked and laughed while the little ones ran around enjoying the warm sunshine. It was a day that we all will remember. Some of us even joined another group of our friends in a friendly game of Kickball. We are so blessed to live near all of these dear people that we share such a special bond with. One family couldn't make it(they are in China right now) which means that next time we get together, we'll have one more blessing to celebrate. Clara Beth and her daddy deciding what to do next.

Emanuiel getting ready to kick that ball!!

One of MANY wagon rides........Thanks John!!

Thinking about another giant Cheeto.................

and having another giant Cheeto!!

Getting a big hug from a big sister.

Talking, eating and enjoying it all.

Taking a break from some fun.

Wondering when we'll have another great picnic!!

Hoping it is VERY soon. What a great way to spend a day!!!

This week I hope you find green grass and trees and warm sunshine where ever you might be. By the looks of the trees around here spring is a "burstin". It's so refreshing after the cold of winter.

Until next time..............................

You let me rest in the fields of green grass.

You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and You refresh my life.

Psalm 23:2

Robin

A Look Back

Our first peek at Clara Beth then........................... And her sweet face now. Oh how we love that face!!!!!

As the anniversary day of our precious Clara Beth's referral approaches I find myself remembering all of the emotions that I felt during that time. I read back over what I had written shortly after we received her referral. It still bring tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart for those that are still waiting. I have to also admit that it often causes a yearning to bring just one more home to a forever family. One never knows what God may have in store..................No, in case you are wondering we are NOT in the process to adopt again, but we are ALWAYS open to HIS calling.

Here's a little glimpse of what I have been feeling. A look back.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Worth the Wait

Finally there is a reason for me to post on this blog!!!!!!!!!!! Since last Wednesday my family and I have been on cloud nine! The day we received Clara Beth’s picture (after 16 long months) was like everyone always describes………..surreal. It is so true what people say about the wait just disappearing once you see that little face. Suddenly, without a doubt, I knew and saw exactly whom we had been praying and waiting so long for. When referral time rolled around each month I would cruise the blog sites and look at all the precious little faces and wonder what our little one would look like. I joked with my husband through the wait time that when our picture came, Clara Beth would have his hairline. We have those first moments on video as we opened up her envelope and through the joyous tears you can hear me say……..Paul, she does have your hair! She’s definitely her daddy’s girl! I looked at her face and immediately knew that God had chosen her especially for our family. We haven’t come down since!!!I keep a daily prayer journal that was very helpful to me during the long wait. After we received Clara Beth’s information I couldn't’t wait to go back and see what I had written on the day she was born and the day she was found. Her birthday is August 23,2006 and she was found at the entrance of a building on August 24,2006. In my journal on the 23rd I wrote: Tomorrow is our 10-month LID anniversary and still no news, we are still waiting. Then on August 24th, Clara Beth’s finding day, I wrote:Well, we are officially LID 10 months today and still no idea when a referral might come! Who would have ever thought that it would take this long. PTL we are closer than we were. I pray that the CCAA speeds things up and we hear something soon. I just have to keep reminding myself that God’s timing is PERFECT!!!!When I went back and read what I had written on the very day that she was found, once again I was in awe of God’s power. This little angel was meant for us, we just had to wait for her to be born and then for her paper work to be processed. That’s why we had to wait 16 months, because that’s how long it took for it to happen!! Otherwise it would not have been her…………….and I knew as soon as I looked at that little face and those sweet little lips that she was my daughter. So to those of you out there still waiting, I know it is long and often times painful but it is soooooooooooo worth every single second once you get that call and see your child’s face for the first time. God’s timing and His plan for our lives is always PERFECT!! Now hurry up and bring on those TA’s and CA’s so I can get my hands on her and kiss those sweet little cheeks and lips. We just can’t get to her soon enough! Better run now, I’ll keep posting on our progress.Until next time…………………Robin

Well the TA"s and the CA"s came and we brought that sweet angel home and we haven't stopped kissing those cheeks since!!!!

All I can say is..............God is so Good!!!

Until next time.....................

Go hug and kiss your little ones(and your big ones too)!!!

Robin

Dancing With My Guy

It's not often that I get to post about my big guy(he's pretty private) but I did get his permission to share these pictures with you. This is his first year doing Junior Cotillion and last Monday night I was his date at"Dip into Dancing". We had a great time together. We did the Fox Trot, Waltz and Shag. He was quite the gentleman and I was very proud of him. I had heels on and he was still taller than me!! I can't believe how much he has grown since this school year started!!! Practicing our state dance "The Shag"

What a face!!!!

Dancing the night away!!

Thankfully this night took place before my Strep throat had me out of commission!!

On a side note: We are so excited to announce that our friends who traveled to China with us the first time are there right now bringing home their son. You can check their blog out here http://joyofchina.blogspot.com

Until next time....................

I hope you can do some dancing too, grab someone you love and take them for a spin around the room!!!

Psalms 149:3 NIV
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

Robin

Dreaming of Spring............

These flowers from my yard beckon spring to come and quickly!!! Since everything I do now seems to come in pairs....I am home with two sick children. Thankfully Land is well and able to go to school. Warmer, brighter days can't be too far away. Say a prayer for my little ones. Emanuiel is on the mend but Clara Beth has another doctor's appointment on Tuesday. She has had a raging fever since Sunday.

Until next time.......................I am longing for this.............

11 See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. 12 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Song Of Solomon
2:11-12

Robin

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Until next time..........................

Adorn yourself, not with silly hats and pajama tops but with His love!!!!

1 Peter 3:3
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

Robin

Off To Find Some Fun!!!!

Have a Great Weekend and a wonderful Valentine's Day!!!!

Until next time...............
I've said it before and it's definitely worth repeating!!!!

He fills my life with good things.
Psalm 103.5:5

Robin

Two Word Wednesday...................

Sticky Situation




Until Next time...........................



How happy are

those whose way is

blameless.

Psalm 119:1



Robin

Born to Be Wild....................

Get your motor runnin'.................

Head out on the highway.................

Looking for adventure................

And whatever comes our way............

These pictures were too funny not to share. My sister took them at her neighbors house(no we don't own motorcycles here!!!) They look like they are about to take off on them don't they!!!

Until next time, borrowing another line from that famous song..................."Take the world in a love embrace" and have a great weekend!!!!

And embrace this truth...........

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Robin

Crazy, Busy, Need A Rest!!!!

Life around here is full speed. I'm having a hard time keeping up. I haven't disappeared. Just taking a little break!!!!

Until next time.........
This is my resting place forever;
Here I will dwell for I have desired it.
I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Psalm 132:14

Robin

Direction???????????

I'm not sure where these two are headed but it looks pretty serious.

I think Clara Beth may be getting instructions over the phone. What do you think?

Even though there are times when I seem to be "lost" and without a clear purpose or direction I am thankful to know who is leading me. Lord help me to take stock each and every day of the direction You are leading me in.

Until next time......................

The steps of the Godly are directed by the Lord.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Though they stumble, they will not fall,

for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

Robin

Happy Chinese New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess Where We Went......................

We took our seats..........

Had a little popcorn...........

Maybe a LOT of popcorn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Handfuls at a time!!!!!!!!!!

and watched this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both of my little ones were in absolute awe as they watched wide eyed while Elmo and his friends sang and danced away. My heart was full and I too found myself carried away with them. Too often we busy ourselves with “things” so we are unable to enjoy fully the wonder that lies around us. This happens with our walk with God too. My prayer for this year is to recapture those feelings of wonder for our Heavenly Father and not to lose sight of His grandeur in our daily lives.

Until next time………

O give thanks to the Lord of Lords,
for His steadfast love endures forever;
who alone does great wonders,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:3-4

Robin

Tea Anyone.........

We hope you enjoy our tea party.

Until next time..........................

May your cup be filled with good things.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Part of Psalm 23:5

Robin

Little Virtuosos???

Emanuiel came to us not to long after we were home from China pretending to play a violin with two tinker toys. We were amazed at how he did it. We had never talked to him about a violin so we don't know if he saw someone in China play a similar instrument or an actual violin but he knew exactly what to do with it. Surprise......he got one for Christmas and it didn't take long for Clara Beth to catch on too!!! Do I see performers in our future.....we just don't know what kinds of talents and gifts they hold, how exciting it will be to watch them grow and develop them.

Until next time.......... make the most of your talents and gifts what ever they might be!

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Robin