Sadness, Roses and Four Wonderful Guys

So, we got some very discouraging adoption news recently & it hit me so very hard. John & I prayed together, held each other, prayed some more, re-grouped...and then he came home from work that same day with these beautiful flowers. He was also feeling very down about the news but he thought of me. Yeah, my husband is a keeper!

Then the boys also used the flowers to love on me....so cute!

Awesome boys - they made their sad Mama smile!

They are reminding me more & more of their Dad! Love it!

So ,we have experienced a set-back but I think that's all it is and we continue on towards doing another adoption. We are currently working on our housing situation. We love our home but we need more bedrooms again! (Last time we adopted we built on to our house.) So, we are trying to work out the logistics of that. I'm trying to be patient! Ugh!  

I just want to get it done & move on....towards our beautiful kiddos....whoever they may be.

My Beautiful Boys

Luke, 8

Mark, 10

Nathan, 7

They are more than I ever even thought to ask God for!

 I m sometimes tired and slightly NUTS...but feel very thankful & blessed!





Mercy

OK, here are the cool verses I was referring to in my last post.

"God told Moses, 'I'm in charge of mercy. I'm in charge of compassion.' Compassion doesn't originate in our bleeding hearts or moral sweat, but in God's mercy."  

 From Romans 9,

The Message (a paraphrase I love)





Sudan, Disappointment & Hope Returning

Life has been a busy hodge-podge of events lately. John went to Sudan with his job. The boys & I fared well while he was away (even though we all miss him A LOT) & he got to spend time in a country full of beautiful people & desperate suffering. I'm so thankful for all the good work his employer is involved in there to help reduce the suffering with hospitals, clinics, schools, churches and food aid. The people of Sudan need help!

We were so glad to get John home but soon after  his return, received some horribly disappointing news re. an opportunity we had thought might allow us to jump start a new adoption. We were really hoping & excited & when it fell through I felt so devastated, like I had been hit by a wall of sorrow, like it was hard to breathe. There are so many needy children that need help NOW & it is very hard to have to wait & feel I am doing so little. Argh! Frustrating!

I took my pain to God & was finally comforted by His words in the Bible saying that any compassion we as humans feel, actually originates in Him.

Compassion was His idea first!

Maybe that seems too obvious but it was such a comfort to me. So, I am feeling more peace knowing that God loves the precious children I am so concerned about far, far more than I ever could. Does that make sense? It does for me. It still makes me crazy sometimes, but it helps a lot. I'll look up the verses later & post them to share.

I'm still busy sewing felt toys for the Etsy Shop & I think my total earnings so far (for the adoption fund) are past $300. Not too bad since I just opened it up Feb 14.

I celebrate every sale. :)

The Cutest Biker Boys Ever

The boys LOVE riding bikes!

Their energy seems endless - amazing...



More Felties!

I'm excited about these new creations because I designed them. I've been working on doing my own designs for quite awhile & am getting better at it, I think. (I hope!) I've been enjoying the creative process anyway & I am comforted that the proceeds will help give a precious child in need a family that adores them.

Owl, Kitten, Guinea Pig

Each little critter has it's own pocket.

More elephants too
(designed by "Bustle & Sew")

Romeo Busted

Have I been in the cat litter box again? 

 What?!  

Why do you always assume I've been up to no good?

Eight months & 90lb of very cute mischief



Me & Two of My Knights in Training

Luke is 8 with a kind, sensitive heart and is a fabulous soccer player.

Mark just turned 10 and has a strong personality with a sensitive side. He loves the outdoors - hiking, camping, canoeing - all of it!

Yeah, I am blessed. Thankful. Sometimes often tired! Love my boys! Hoping to adopt again!



The Rules of Hiking

Every one of our family hikes must include several "super-human-like-acts", like

s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g this far,

...a really cool sword/stick fight,

...and lifting heavy logs!

What the big brother does, the little brother must always also attempt.

Large leaning trees must be pushed down.

Sticks must be thrown.

And, best of all.....

...flowers must always be offered to Mommy.

(Yeah, I LOVE it!)

Ummmm....wow!

Quote by Kiel Tweitmeyer

I don't know about you, but this is an important & convicting thing for me to think about!