Double Digits

It seems like just yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time. My dear son you are growing up so fast! It is hard to believe today is your 10th birthday. As you celebrate entering into double digits my prayer for you is this. May you always walk in the way of the Lord. May He keep you and guide you along the path of life. We love you forever and always~ Love, Mom and Dad
Happy 10th Birthday
Matthew Mark!

Stars of the Show

The kids had a great time participating in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of the Little Mermaid. They practiced all week and did a great job in the show. Matt even preformed Friday night with a fever dosed with Tylenol. Andrew has the bug too so he was not able to see either show. Mom and Dad rotated Thurs. and Fri. evenings so we could both be there to cheer the kids on. Now for some rest!! Mom is fighting it off too!

Sad News

Many may not know, but back in June when we were notified about the need for a family for our Joy, we were also notified about another little girl who was about to turn 2, who also has a large congenital nevus. We immediately asked if we could adopt both girls and the Center for Chinese Adoption Affairs declined our request. We then began praying that God will move any mountains in the way and allow this little girl, who I will call H,to find her forever family. Until that time we decided to sponsor her as I knew that she was living at a home built by Philip Hayden Foundation a Christian non-profit working in China. I contacted them and she became our sponsored child in September. We all enjoyed packing her a Christmas box complete with warm clothes, a jacket (Thanks Mom!), candy and a doll. The day after mailing off the box we received an email from PHF with wonderful news, she was being adopted. We all rejoiced and praised God. So the foundation sent us other files so we could transfer our sponsorship to another little one in need. We all decided we would sponsor a little girl with a colon problem who we will call P. Her chubby cheeks would make anyone smile. Now for the sad news. We received an email last week notifying us that upon meeting H that the prospective family decided her need was too great and did not want to proceed with the adoption. Our hearts sank! Then, today I received word that our precious little P passed away last week. I REJOICE she is in the arms of Jesus, but my heart grieves her short life. She was surrounded by loving nannies at PHF as she left this world for a far greater one. She is playing on streets of gold with our little Samuel! Thanks to Jesus's saving grace I look forward to holding them both one day!! Little H has two families trying to find her paperwork amongst many adoption agencies. Please pray that one of these families is able to proceed in the process and is able to bring H into their loving arms.

Enjoying the weather

We decided Friday to take a short break and head outside to enjoy the cool weather we have been having. I think it has been around 80 which is cool for us. The kids enjoyed getting out some energy and having a shoot out with Mom. Our annual children's theatre is back on island and both Matthew and Grace have received a part in a rendition of the Little Mermaid (not disney version). They will have practice about 4 hours a day for the next few days and perform in the show Thursday and Friday night. In other news, Andrew saw the peds. orthopedic doctor who was on island and he assured us their is nothing wrong with his bones. We know for sure he is just clumsy!! A relief, as he falls at least 3x or more each day. He did remark that his joints are still very elastic for his age and that by 5 they will tighten up a bit. Joy is no longer anemic, but ironically, Andrew still is. Go figure! We found out we are not eligible for any type of home loan, due to new restrictions post mortgage meltdown, until Mark has a guaranteed job. Thus, renting is in our future. Not what we planned, but God must have something in store for us. Enjoy your Sunday~Love to you all-our family and friends throughout the world!!

Baby Steps

Joy is fascinated with leaves and loves to put
them in piles.

A moment to melt Mom's and Dad's hearts!

This is a rare sight to see as Andrew and Joy have
been wrestling for attention from Mom and Dad.
This is one of many baby steps we have recently taken.
I even caught them playing nicely together yesterday!
Praise God for His continued blessing and care for our family.

Ribbons and Bows

Look my hair is getting long enough to pin it back with a bow. I only keep it in for a few minutes though!