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I'm not sure how to say this but the funniest thing happened to me just after the kids went to school this morning. you see, they had been home sick for over a week and somehow they started getting in my thoughts. Anyone with kids might know what I'm talking about. They are so cute and fun ALL THE TIME and after spending so much time with them, I forgot how to think without one of them interrupting what I was doing. Anyway, after they were out the door and well on their way to school, I felt a little lost. Jim went fishing. I still had our grandson. My good intentions were to sort out our walk-in closet to find some music work books packed away in one of the boxes we stuck in there when our son and his wife moved in last August, and now that I am homeschooling Caleb, I need them. All that to say, I ended up starting with the dishes. HAHA. That was when it hit me, I was caught off guard from the sound of myself whispering as I worked my way through clearing out the dishes in the sink...I don't even know what I said now, it just was so weird hearing myself...I'm pretty sure I was detoxing my mind from overload of which I had to coach myself along. It didn't last long and I realized I don't have to speak out loud to hear my thoughts anymore. Hee hee.

We've come a long way baby!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

How did my life ever get so complicated? LOL There was a time when I would pack my kids up and take them everywhere with me, no problem. Even when Hannah was born, I would still take her shopping with me even though it was difficult sometimes with all of her medical baggage, but we packed her up and took her with us, even with a feeding bag! I thought life would carry on once we brought Lera home, but she quickly taught me, I will run to whoever I want when we are out! Needles to say, that scares me and I don't want to lose her in a crowd. So last night when it was time to go to Alice's chorus festival, she stayed home. I had to choose who was going with me and since I took her to Alice's Christmas play last month, it was Hannah's turn to go last night. Hannah has some fears about being in public places if the noise gets too loud or the lights go on and off, so I knew that might be a problem, but it wasn't. She enjoyed herself just fine, only asking to go to the bathroom before the program got started. Sometimes she will use that as an excuse if she is afraid. But once the show got started, she was fine and enjoyed herself and I did too!

I was happy Hannah stayed in her seat last night and think since Lera was so good at the Christmas play last month that maybe one day soon, they will both get to go places with me again. For now while their dad is working nights, I will play it safe a little longer and just enjoy the time out with each of them alone. We are making progress and progress is making me brave once more.

Thank you LORD for making me stronger and making me brave getting out of the house more. I know it is with only one girl at a time, but there was a time when I wouldn't go at all because I didn't want to leave either one of them. Thank you for letting me see both Alice in the Christmas play and chorus festival and for providing wonderful babysitters through our older children. I would not have been able to go if not for them and miss the special things my other kids do. Praise God!!!

The chorus...

Alice and her chorus teacher, Mrs. Quinzi. Alice is in the front row. Do you see her wearing a red shirt and black boots?

Walking to the parking lot after it was over....look who didn't want to walk in the rain. :)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

Luke 2:11

I know I'm a little late sharing, but I'm also just on time! Even though we celebrated Christmas 2 weeks ago, today it is Christmas in Ukraine! Pretty cool God led to adopt our little girl from the other side of the world. Every time I think about it, I can't help but think of the shepherds and wise men following the star to find baby Jesus. The reason we have our little girl today is because God came to us at Christmastime and let us know she was born. (You will have to read my book to understand - Chasing a Dream Where the Sunflowers Grow). In obedience, God led us to where she was and we adopted her just because we believed she was a promise from God and meant to be in our family! We still have our Christmas tree and decorations out. I'm not ready to put them away just yet...today we will remember the Christmas story once more, in a different light...Thank you Lord for the country where Lera was born!
This Christmas, on Christmas Eve, Jim took the little guys out to give Amanda and I a head start on wrapping presents (James had to work). While they were at the Bass Pro Shop visiting Santa, having lunch at McDonald's, and playing in the park, we worked like elves! It's our Christmas tradition for everyone to open one special present on Christmas Eve...new pajamas! The coolest thing ever was when the Sprout channel shut down early for the night and seeing all the characters fast asleep in their beds (so cute!). It made an impression on the kids to go to bed so Santa could come (except Hannah, she was too excited and got to climb in bed with her big brother Micah)! Cookies were set out for Santa before bedtime. Christmas morning began with everyone singing, Happy Birthday to Jesus! What a joy! Alice kept saying this is the best Christmas ever! It was a GREAT Christmas...Jim made omelets for breakfast and we visited Jim's parents for dinner.  Thank You LORD!

*Christian*

*Presents*

*Lera*

*Alice*

*Hannah*

*Rachel~Caleb~Micah*

*Caleb~Micah~James~Christian*

*Timmy~Rachel~Caleb*

*Timmy~Rachel*

*Christian~Amanda~Lera*

Michelle and Matt showed up later Christmas morning and are pictured here with James.

Happy New Year!

God is blessing my socks off already and I feel pretty good going into this new year. Listening to this song on the radio this morning on the way to the grocery store had me thinking about it. And having come full circle, our family is making some choices based off of past experience for the new year to suit our growing needs. Without going into details, this time last year, right before Christmas, our family was being attacked and one of our children was scattered from the flock! BUT, this mama was not about to let go of her baby! One thing I know for sure is, I LOVE my kids and aint nobody taking them away...

Starting this year we will have 2 children that will not be going to the public high school. For personal reasons and convictions, I am happy to say, they will both be home schooled!

Enough of that...ironically, this was our fourth Christmas celebrating with Lera. She is a living doll. Anybody who knows her or has met her, has surely felt her in their arms (and heart). She loves to be held and still doesn't know she is too big to be picked up by strangers or family members who enter our front door. So be prepared, if you come calling, Lera is bound to jump in your arms! :)

I really love this ministry that introduced us to orphans...where would we be without them or Lera? ♥

I will make a Christmas post just as soon as I get all the pictures off my husbands cell phone transferred to mine . For now let me leave you with this picture. It is my heart and the reason why we adopted Lera. This is a picture of Teresa Fillmon with His Kids Too! looking after orphans with the donations they received to deliver clothing to 90 Children in November. Christmas is not until January 7 in Ukraine, so please be praying for Santa  (Rich Fillmon) who will be making his rounds very soon!

I heard this song several times on the radio today by Toby Mac. I hope the words minister to you like they do me. It's easy to run ahead of God and try and do things without him, but the joy in staying in his arms feels so much better, which is what I am trying to do...I'm sure God knows I love orphans and I will pack my bags just as soon as he says go back to Ukraine...many prayers and love to orphans from here until I am right there once more!