Our Story...

Meet #3

2011-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Name: Unknown

Sex: Boy
Age: 21 weeks in utero

It's real folks--It's been confirmed! I'm not just gaining weight at a high speed, but a beautiful baby boy is growing inside. Seeing the baby for the first time in an ultrasound makes everything feel real! Oh my goodness! God's design and process of baby creating leaves me in awe! Genius!

MK wanted a sister, Felix a brother. Sorry MK!

Each ultrasound picture we brought home shows a perfectly designed child. His Creator knows every part of him. My kids are SO different in abilities, personality, and physical traits. I look forward to find what this baby will bring.

My mom said this picture looked like Roger. Okay. That may be pushing it a little. We better wait until birth to start claiming traits as our own!

So now the planning begins.

Today's humor!

2011-11-07T11:36:00.001-08:00

Starting Nov. 1, Christmas has been everywhere...commercials, Walmart, radio, etc. It has both kids thinking they are deprived that we don't have the tree up and that it's coming soon!
Here's one of MK's conversations today...
MK: We're going to Grandma's tonight for a Tangled party!
Me: We are? What are we celebrating?
MK: Christmas! We're going to have Tangled and sing Jesus Loves Me!

MK has been having separation anxiety lately at church, to the point she doesn't want to go. Yesterday as we were on our way she was complaining...
MK: I don't want to go to church and sing "Dear God in a Manger"!

Language Acquisition

2011-10-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Felix is doing so well learning English! Saying that, there's been some rather funny moments when he tries out new words or phrases. And the majority of the time, MK doesn't know any better so she joins in. Here's a few examples I heard today...
1)They come downstairs in costumes carrying a bucket and simultaneously say... "Tricka Trees!"
2) A serious game of good guys (MK and Felix) vs. bad guy (Roger) was going on. Roger was in one room and I hear Felix whisper to MK..."Come on sister, tic toc!" And off they "tic toc" (tip toe) to the other room.

Today's laughter!

2011-10-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write this down before I forgot...
MK words to me:
"Swiper (the stealing fox off of Dora) went to church today and died! He went to play and died"
Felix: "Swiper doesn't go to church. You only go to church to pray."

Deep conversations with Felix:
Felix wanted to show me his play horse and how one of his men was milking it.
I explained to him that we don't milk horses and boy horses don't have milk.
He denied any truth in my statement to show me what he thought was one large udder under the horse.
Hmmm.

Fun Weekend for All

2011-10-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were able to get away for an overnight stay in Stillwater. We checked into our hotel room and Roger and the kids swam in the pool for a bit before we needed to head out. I had pictures scheduled that evening at Theta Park, so we got there a little early and let the kids play. They had a great time. The weather was perfect. The marching band was practicing on library lawn. It all set up for a great evening.

With Felix around, MK has become more active. This has been great for her strength building.

We played a little football.

Felix is no Blackmon, but he sure tried!

Mary Katherine thought this even looked a little painful! He needs a little work with his hands.

Down, Set, Hut

I'm ready!

An aggressive tackle by dad.

He may think he's a little better than he actually is...

MK giving her hand signs...whatever this one means.

Let's try out the running game.

Time out to watch the band.

While I was taking pictures, Roger took the kids touring around campus. They loved going into all the buildings, riding the elevator of the "glass" building, and their favorite was the library where they perused the periodicals.

We ended the evening with Canadian bacon/pineapple pizza at Hideaway--a favorite of mine and Rogers.

(By the way...kids meals at Hideaway are only $1.79 and kids drinks are $.69!)

Saturday morning we woke up, did a little shopping, and then headed to the tailgate.

There was some monkey climbing with the cousins.

Cousins.

An unexpected surprise...

2011-10-02T15:52:00.001-07:00

Guess it's time to go public.

Give everyone another reason to think we're crazy.

If it gives us any credit, it was unexpected.

Probably not, because we all know what makes a baby.

And it shouldn't be rocket science.

BUT, it happened and we're thankful.

12 weeks along.

Bonding.

2011-10-02T15:46:00.001-07:00

Please don't judge the thumb sucking or the diaper!

We're taking things one step at a time.

And while you are not judging, pay no attention to the ashy skin.

Give a tired mom a break!

Hair cut anyone?

2011-10-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

He takes his new profession pretty seriously.

"Hmm...you talking to me? Please wait until I finish this job."
These are wonderful shots of Roger that I know he'll enjoy on the WWW. :)
We've lost two more teeth.
Guess we'll have a Jack-O-Lantern for Hallween.
Superman Jack-O- Lantern, that is.

School Rocks!

2011-10-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Felix has a great smile, don't you think?!

I hope he doesn't replace it one day with the "forced camera smile".

I've seen that alot.

Unfortunately, MK has that smile right now.

Okay...back to the matter at hand

Felix' first day of school in Laverne, OK, USA!

He's READY! MK is not going to school, she just needed her backpack as well.

It's that time of year...

2011-10-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

That's right all, it's fair time!

I did not have the gusto to do anything about it,

BUT, thankfully, my mom did!

Thank you mom!

You...I mean they (ha,ha)...did a great job!

The Teal kids were the most represented in Harper County.

MK's craft projects... Felix' craft projects...
They had multiple food, flower, and garden entries as well.

I think I counted close to 30 ribbons.

Mom, I think Grandma Essie would have been proud!

And the kids' piggy banks are alot heavier.

It's a slow fade...

2011-10-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

It's a slow fade folks, but it appears I'm turning Tiger!

My kids sing the fight song, they wear the clothes,

We bought a family sports pass!

I'm afraid there's no turning back.

From a Bison to a Tiger,

It's a tough change, but I'll do it for my kids. ;)

They love eachother!

They REALLY do.

(The times before now that I said this, it may have been a little bit wishful thinking.)Felix' class lead Friday assembly for the grade school on Homecoming week! He was in charge of telling the joke. I'm not sure that anyone understood, but we all gave him the courtesy laugh!
He did a great job with "5 Little Monkeys Jumping in the Bed".

He was excited enough to rehearse it for me a few times that morning before going.

He looks like the happiest kid there, if you ask me.

Birthday Celebrations

2011-10-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

We had a small family party to celebrate MK's three years of living! She's our little firecracker who has made her presence known since day one. We can't imagine life without her! She's full of expression! She's a mommy, princess, dancer, singer, entertainer...

MK's life has been rocked the past few months and I can say today that she's finally returning back to the child we knew before the changes. Going from the oldest, only, top dog to the youngest, sharing sister can be hard on a two year old (and the rest of the family).

The next day we took off for OKC for a little more celebrating. (Blog post to follow...)

The weekend continues...

2011-10-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

So, Thursday was the birthday party at home and Friday we load up to OKC. We had adventures waiting for us! Meet Timothy and Paul! They are Felix' friends from his same orphanage in Uganda. Felix was happy to see his old friends who he had not seen for 6 months. We shared our first Chuck E Cheese experience with them.

Next stop Saturday morning was the OKC Zoo. Felix loves animals and had been begging to go to the zoo for months. Besides the incredible heat, it was a good time!Final stop, before departure was an eye exam from my college bud Jennifer. Great news there for all (even me, who supposedly has a "lazy" eye)! :)

Miss Teeny

2011-08-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

Since MK turned three, we now go to WW for her OT twice a week. She had been a little jealous of Felix going to school, so I told her that this was her school. One of her teacher's names is Tina. Last week I heard this conversation between Felix and MK...
Felix: I go to school.
MK: I go to school too!
Felix: What's you teacher's name?
MK: Teeny
Felix: (cracks up laughing) Teeny!
MK: (yells angrily at Felix) Don't laugh at me!

Sedah

2011-08-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

As I was editing pictures the other day, MK looks at the picture of a girl around her age (who she does not know) and tells me that she is her best friend. I look at her questioning and in all seriousness she tells me that her name is Sedah (pronounced Say-dah). Since then I've heard her using the name several times. I guess we have a new friend.

MK...What are you doing?

2011-08-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Roger has been tucking Felix in at night while I enjoy listening to it over the monitor. A few weeks ago this was the prayers...

Felix: Thank you for mommy
Thank you for daddy
Thank you for Jesus

MK: Thank you for mommy
Thank you for daddy
Thank you for pictures

As I listened to tonights bedtime prayers I heard them both give their list of thankfulness and then Roger interrupts loudly...

Roger: MK...What are you doing?
MK: I'm licking you!
Roger: I know. Let's not do that.
(Roger came down to tell me that she was licking his arm all the way up like a cat.)

The more we get together, together, together...

2011-08-12T06:04:00.001-07:00

Did you sing that song in pre-K? I'm getting myself geared up for school starting next week remembering songs. We also did alot of "Where is thumbkin..." My favorite was "Going on a Bear Hunt". School starts next Wednesday!

We had a fun visit from my aunt and some of her grandchildren (my cousin's children) last week. Here the boys were riding motorcycles. Boden said they were model 1,000 and 3,000 bikes.

We are also getting ready for football season! Go Pokes (And Dallas Cowboys, I guess)!

Aargh!
Three books at one time! That takes some talent!

A full week of cousins...

2011-08-09T19:03:00.001-07:00

As mentioned in the past post, both of my sisters, and their children were visiting this past week. We did alot of playing, alot of reading, and (as always) alot of good eating!

This HOT summer has consisted of water and mud time for the kids.
I believe this was pudding with garnishes...anyone hungry?
We have run and jumped in the pool too many times to count.

MK tries to keep up! It's been good excercise for her. Bless her heart!

Lately, they've been into acting out Cinderella and cleaning/scrubbing everything.

Occassionally, we forced some hugs.

Hauling dirt was fun for the boys.

I was also able to take some family pictures for my sister. You can view some of my favorites on the photography blog. I think her children really became attached to me by the end of the week and I'm certain I'm the favorite of the bunch! ;)

First time meetings with all of the cousins!

2011-08-03T20:24:00.001-07:00

This week we've enjoyed spending time with all of our cousins on my side of the family! This is the first time we have met baby Sam and Felix was able to meet my sister, Holly, and her children!

Please watch!!

2011-08-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Dragon Vs. Spiderman---Who wins?

2011-08-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Felix' first request while in Uganda was Spiderman underpants. ---check.

Soon after he found out he'd be going to school, he requested a Spiderman backpack---check.

He's talked about riding a bike since Uganda as well. So, of course, when I asked him what kind...a Spiderman bike.

Last week, I received an email from a merchant with bikes half off. I checked for Spiderman, with no fortune. It appeared there was an overstock on dragon bikes. I was faced the decision of great deal or Spiderman.

Dragons are cool, aren't they?

Passing the Days

2011-08-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

If we are outside, we are in the water! Inside time is spent in many creative forms....

Dreaming of a rainy, cool day...!Trying out some new fashions with baby head bands...

Sibling bonding...

Wishing we were swimming...
Lots of book reading...

And occassionally a nap! (but he wasn't tired that day)

Our favorite neighbors!

2011-08-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

We LOVE our neighbors! BUT we don't love that they are leaving us in a week! These three kids are seriously the sweetest kids and MK and Felix are going to miss them so much!

Felix and Claire were going to be in the same class this year. :(
MK and Claire are only two weeks apart in age! They've been friends for life!

MK has been sweet on Cole since she was a baby.

Just remember the Red River Valley...

2011-07-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

(photo from the top of mountain)

" Come and sit by my side, if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu

Just remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true"

For ALL of you veteran readers out there of this blog, you may remember our family reunion trip to Red River two years ago. This past January, we were approached with the option again. We weren't sure how it would work out with the adoption timeline, but...

COOLER weather+fun time with family = sign us up!

We started the trip Wednesday with my mom, Aunt Ginger, Ray, sister Kizzy, her three boys, myself, and two kids. The hubbies had to stay home to work. (I guess people assume Roger used up his vacation time with our 5 weeks in Uganda.) We were toting 5 children, ages 5 and under. Okay...maybe not the best formula for relaxation!

While there we enjoyed time visiting with more family from my mother's side and had lots of adventure.

Day 1 took us up the ski lift to the top of the mountain.
The adult sponsors of the week.

Sisters.

And so (h)umble!

(inside joke!)

All kidding aside, I'm very thankful for both of them!

Making sure the children stay hydrated!
(And keeping them somewhat still for some photos.)

Me and the kids! (makes me chuckle to say kids--plural)

Kizzy and her trio!

This is what I call real life photography folks!

The three "big" boys
(I know F's knees are looking a little "ashy". Give me some time, I'm learning as I go.)

Bear hug, anyone?

Aunt Ginger provided some reading and relaxation techniques for the children before naptime!

Day 2's adventure involved a ride on the surrey! Who am I kidding, this is no ride, it's HARD work, especially with the hills of the Red River Valley! (And some people seem to be better at pedaling than others--another inside joke)

We packed in alot of playground time! The cousins had a great time playing together.
Look at this face, isn't it adorable!

And this one too!

Can you believe Felix is going to preK next year? I have a school aged child! Am I ready for this?
These horses survived many miles of riding! The boys loved saving Cinderella MK from the bad guys on them!

Go Kart riding was a hit!

Day 3, we went tubing down the mountain.
So much fun for the kids, so much excercise for the adults! Hmm...this seems to be a recurring theme!

Of course, we could not miss the "shoot 'em up" Saturday afternoon. Once again, I was amazed that they continue to draw such a crowd for this show.

I will have to wait until I get pictures from Kizzy for group shots of the kids and their guns, ice cream eating, and other fun times had at Red River 2011!

Also, I must throw in that the adults were able to play some games during nap times. I'm not going to go into details, but we'll just say I won far more times than I lost!

A Fabulous Fourth!

2011-07-11T05:25:00.001-07:00

Family of Four!

2011-07-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine, with almost three years of having Mary Katherine, we've built up quite a few photographs adorning our walls. So now we are in need of "dethroning" MK a little and adding in little Felix.

Here's our first attempt at new family pictures..

They like each other (sometimes)!

2011-07-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Transitions

2011-06-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

It is so good to be in our home, to be back with Mary Katherine, and have large fountain drinks with ice! Okay so maybe the last one wasn't quite as important, but still it's the little things that sometimes you take for granted! Mary Katherine was so sweet the morning after we got home, showering us with hugs and kisses. I've caught her a few times rubbing Felix' head and kissing his forehead. The newness of having a brother has begun to wear off and I've had to referee several arguments, but I guess that comes anytime that you go from the only child to two children. The days' agendas are fairly simple as we continue to learn more about Felix, teach him life with a family, and try to keep cool. The day after we returned, we were welcomed with 115 degree temperature. Felix' response to that was "The sun is getting me!". Ouch. Welcome to Oklahoma summers!

first swim

2011-06-29T12:35:00.001-07:00

Wahoo! Swimming is fun! It took a while to convince Felix to get his shorts wet, but there's no stopping him now! I think it's time for some swimming lessons but probably first a good lifejacket!

Official

2011-06-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Introducing Felix Ssentongo Teal

Born 05.15.2006
Ours 06.20.2011

Father's day Tribute

2011-06-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hello from Uganda! We are 5 weeks in, and I haven't posted yet. Our time has been good here. I've got so many pictures and stories to share. We're trying to get as much Uganda as we can so that we can teach Felix as he grows up about his country and heritage!

Today is Father's Day! I didn't think about the possibility of being gone for father's day, so I was caught off guard without anything to offer for the dads in my life.

Dad--If you are reading this, I appreciate, so much, everything. You always provided for me anything I needed--and beyond. You worked very hard (and continue to) to give us a good life. Your relationship with Christ is visible and real. You have compassion for those without! I've witnessed it many times! You have an adventurous spirit that you've passed on to me. You have supported me in my many adventures. Thank you for being supportive in this adoption and for being a great Papa to my babies!

To Roger-- We've spent the last 744 hours together! Wow! And to top it off, slept in a full size, short bed under a misquito net! (Maybe we should call it a canopy bed. :)) I have had the privilege of watching you get to know our son. You don't stand by and watch--you bathe, feed, clothe, play and more. Thank goodness your patience exceeds my own!! You display affection to your children in a way I have not known. You are a wonderful dad to both of our children. I know it breaks your heart to be away from MK. Happy Father's day for the first time as a dad to two!

The last few weeks, I've seen so many children without a father in their lives. My heart breaks for these children as fathers provide so much that a mother can not!

Beautiful song by @Esterlyn inspired by adoption. Read the lyrics…

He heals the broken hearted
He binds their wounds
He is love
He finds those forgotten
Those who’ve been abused
He is love
He knows your name

A Father to the fatherless
A healer of the brokenness
You make beauty from the ashes
A helper to the helpless
A fighter for the hopeless
You Love those who are alone
He comforts the lonely
He hears their cry

He is love
He holds the children
Throughout the night
He is love
He knows your name
Give us your heart Lord help us love the unseen
Give us your eyes Lord help us love those in need

Esther from luke caldwell on Vimeo.

The following blog, is where I found this song. It's a great read!
http://www.pilgriminprogress.com/

God is in the details!

2011-05-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

I have so much to share and so little time! Our flight leaves Wednesday. MK leaves Tuesday, yes tomorrow! :( Our alloted 4-50 lb.bags are bulging with so many items! I think I CRAMMED over 200 clothing items to bring to the orphanage and village children. Then there's 200 pair of sunglasses, 150 matchbox cars, 150 notebooks and crayons packs, suckers, balloons, jump ropes and more filling another suitcase. And, of course, I didn't leave out clothes and items for our boy! There's probably 10+ lists floating around my house right now and I'm not sure if one of them is completely marked out! BUT we're getting so close! The excitement and anticipation is almost too much! (But I'll bear it!)

On another note, yesterday I found out that our friend Godfrey's daughter has a heart condition that needs to be treated in the US. Godfrey is responsible for so much in helping us with our adoption. He will be our driver and so much more while abroad. He devotes his life to helping the children in Uganda. While being a driver is his job, he works with AWAKA and 60 Feet Ministries. He gives an unbelievable amount of time, energy, and resources to others! AWAKA is helping raise funds to help Godfrey bring his daughter to a cardiologist in the US. If you can, please follow this link to find out the details on how you can give in this need. Although we haven't met Godfrey yet, we already count he and his family as friends! I'm thankful for the opportunity to give back in a small way for what he's done for my family in bringing home our son!

And last on this entry's agenda... I HAVE to tell this story to reflect God's greatness and how He continues to work on the details of our adoption! I have often prayed that F would have a friend here in OK to share in his culture and heritage. Last week, I received an email from a family that lives in OKC and two months ago adopted two little boys from the SAME orphanage as F! Not only that, but they were great friends! The family had so many great things to say about F. I am so happy that he will be able to have friends from his country so close to us!

Full of Life!

2011-05-13T10:05:00.001-07:00

And never short on expression!

Today she found a sucker in a drawer and had it in her mouth before I could say anything. I told her she was a little skunk. Her reply,

"I'm not a dunk (skunk), I'm Princess Sleeping Beauty!!"

Disclaimer: All wardrobe choices designed by the one AND ONLY MK!

before and after...

2011-05-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Roger always comments on how he can't believe how bald he is getting when he looks at pictures. So I told him I could maybe help him out a little using photoshop. I was having a hard time finding a large patch of his hair to clone and paste on top of his head, so I went with the closest thing I could find in the picture...Montana's hair. Not quite the look he was desiring! ha!

"Professional" Photosession Provides Comic Relief!

2011-05-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

With our last week of preparations, I've been trying to be as thorough as possible with ANYTHING we may need to have with us. Yesterday I decided that we needed to make a few extra passport photos to bring along with us. So we venture to Walgreens at Woodward to pay the highly overpriced $20 for 4-1" pictures. Tammy, their photography specialist, prepared the set and motioned me to come forward. I sit in the chair, give my best smile, and she snaps a few shots. Tammy takes a few moments to look at the picture and then tells me that I can't smile for passport pictures because the "passport people" are very picky about that. What??? I have been the owner of two smiling passports now with no known problems. So I'm looking at the camera, not sure the face to give. Somewhat confused, I'm taken back to senior pictures. You know the ones where you look at the camera somewhat mysteriously and it supposed to look good... Okay, back to Walgreens....So she's got her little point and shoot camera in hand and I am certain she takes at least 20 seconds pushing several buttons, zooming in and out, looking at the screen... In the mean time, it's getting even more and more awkward for me trying to know what face to give. At this point, I've probably tried out several different facial options. Come on Tammy, this is a passport photo. You're shooting with a point and shoot. Take the picture!

Roger goes in for his pictures, she looks at the picture, and then informs us... "You know, passport pictures never are the best pictures...." Ouch!

We wait in the store for close to 30 minutes and I ask her if she thinks they will be done soon, or if we should maybe go eat and come back. She tells me that for some reason the background turned out a little gray because she felt rushed during the pictures. Rushed??? Really? She was going to need a little more time to do a little "whiting out".

A few minutes she hands over the picture...

Yes, folks, I do have my booking shot if ever needed!

Thank you Walgreens and Tammy for taking your job so seriously! We need more folks like you!

It's here!!!

2011-05-04T03:54:00.001-07:00

That's right! You're reading it correctly! We'll be boarding a plane this month! We've received a court date of May 23rd!!! We're rejoicing in God's provision, love, and miracles! And the list for preparation begins...

Mary Katherine- 3 months from 3

2011-04-19T11:04:00.001-07:00

Since I am not sure how life will be in three months, I decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to get some pictures now! Here's my baby girl at 33 months! How long can we keep her age in months? It just makes it sound like she's not growing up so fast!

We need clothes!!

2011-04-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

When we travel to Uganda, we will bring as many things over that we can leave. The response I received back from our friend in Uganda is that they need clothes. So, I'm rallying the troops and we're going to bring as many clothes as I can pack! We will bring some to the orphanage that has cared for our sweet boy for the past four years. And the other clothes we will give to the children in the Kamengo-ffunvu village. Here's the details: boys and girls clothes sizes birth to 6 years If you'd like to be a part of this, you can send the clothes. Contact me and maybe I can figure out a way to get them from you! Have I told you all lately, how full of joy my life is doing this kind of stuff? I think this is what I was made for! ;)

Update!

2011-03-30T19:58:00.001-07:00

All of the paperwork has been delivered to our lawyer in Uganda and will be filed in court in the next day or two! Within two weeks we should have a court date!!! I'm just a little bit pumped!!! Every day I see his face and I've determined he is the cutest little boy on the continent of Africa! Can't wait to meet the personality that goes with the face!

Mwamba Children's Choir

2011-03-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Mwamba Children's Choir is made of Ugandan orphans and children from extreme poverty. I love watching the way they worship! I had the opportunity to see another Ugandan group perform in a church in Katy while visiting my sister. They are filled with so much joy and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances they have experienced!

Our Fun and Crazy Week

2011-03-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a week we've had! In the midst of me gathering and notarizing tons of paperwork, we spent lots of time with three of MK's cousins!

What started out as a simple painting project, became body art! This was really exciting (if you were one of the kids!) I love the middle picture because it shows just how much fun painting your entire body can be! They are such proud artists!

I needed to go to Enid to send off a package to Uganda, so we brought along the two oldest boys and visited Leonardo's, a children's museum. On the top left photo, you will see the cast of Star Wars--l to r, Darth Small, Princess Leah, and Luke (yes I am certain I've misspelled some.)

If you are interested in the plot of all 6 (yes all 6) Star Wars movies, you can get a detailed synopsis from Ev. I got it all in 4 hours, as well as finalized plans on what we will be next year for Halloween. I don't think we'll be introducing little "F" to Star Wars extremely soon. There's only so much Star Wars talk I can take!

And no trip to Grandma and Papa's would be complete without visiting the farm. We were able to get in horse rides, bone collecting (a grown tradition), tractor riding, and 4 wheeling! This is just a small sampling of the near 125 pictures I took. Thanks Uncle Blake for the horserides!

FedEx shows our paperwork is in Uganda. The lawyer informed me Friday that we should have a court date within two weeks!!! So we are BUSY getting ready for our little one! I can NOT wait to get my hands on him! Mary Katherine can't wait either. Today she was whining to me saying that she "needs" F to come home! I agreed and joined in with the whining

the overdue post

2011-03-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you friends for all the encouraging words! It is so good to know that many of you have been praying for this little boy and our family. I am thankful beyond words for the friendships that I share with you!

The day we've been waiting on for almost a year is finally here! Yes! We have a referral. A precious 4 year old boy will soon be our little boy!

I'm not sure where to begin because the last month has been well... it's been a long and somewhat hard month. When we started the adoption process last May, (Yes, almost a year ago--sometimes it seems much longer than that!) I imagined babies. Through the last several months, I began to know in my heart we would be bringing home a young child (or children). A month ago, we came across someone advocating for a two year old boy, looking for someone paperwork ready in Uganda. You should have seen this precious boy's face. I don't think I'll forget it. Beautiful child! The sweet boy couldn't be ours, but it opened up a new avenue for us and helped us form new relationships. Two weeks ago, we were contacted by these people about another child that needed a family. With no hesitation, I knew he was ours. We are adopting privately rather than through the agency and will be able to serve in some capacity with a ministry during our time in Uganda. Because we had all of our paperwork ready, the process has been able to move fairly quickly. We've been approved by the home to have precious "F" and our paperwork has been reviewed and was sent off today. Our next step is to wait for our paperwork to arrive (guaranteed by April 1st) and be filed for a court date. We pray that this will happen within a one to two month period.

While this post so far has been somewhat non-emotional, you should know I'm an emotional basketcase and have been for the past month. My heart is so full of love for this child already! I can not wait to get to him, to love on him, and learn everything about him! We have so much to catch up on! Combined with all of these emotions, I have a to-do list that is forever long going through my mind!

Thanks for your cares, comments, and prayers! We will continue to need them!!

For those wondering, it does look like we'll only be adopting one child this time. But we'll be back... God has a plan and I pray that we get to do it again! I thank God every day that he has given me this desire and has allowed us to be a part of it!

" Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world, when He could do something about it...but I am afraid He might ask me the same question." Anonymous

Delivery!

2011-03-23T05:57:00.001-07:00

This oh so cute, little guy...

will be receiving this package soon!

Why?

Because he's our son!

More details to come later, because we're about to be on our way to Enid to send off very important paperwork (and the package).

Betwixt the two of them, they licked the platter clean!

2011-03-03T18:04:00.001-08:00

We finished our supper. Received word from Roger that he would be in later tonight. So, we decided it would be a great night for baking some brownies! Mary Katherine LOVES to bake with mom!

The kitchen island is the perfect level for the camera.

Isn't it funny how she's holding the spoon! We need to work on this!

Two spoons = Twice the batter

Bonus points if you know where my title came from!

Best. Gift. Imaginable.

2011-02-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is March 1st! What happened to February? I'm just now getting used to writing the date as 2011. In a little over two months I turn the big 30! It will take a while to get used to that! I've mentioned a few times in passing to Roger that it's a pretty big deal and maybe he should make it that way. I know what I want. I want to take a trip with him somewhere far away...

More specifically here!

What an incredible way to spend my birthday! I'm praying, I'm praying hard!! No, we don't have referrals, but there's some things happening. And as He always seems to work, in ways not my own! I can't share now, but you bet I will!

Pray with us!

One Smart Cookie

2011-02-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

The battle is not new! You know, the battle of getting your child to eat the healthy foods. It doesn't take too long after I've served Mary Katherine's meal that she starts to request other things. Those things typically known as desserts. So, I've found myself saying "if you eat "this", you can have "that" afterwards". Not too long after this, I start seeing rather small bites of extra food mixed in with my plate. I guess it didn't take her too long to figure out mom doesn't have a problem cleaning her plate. Hmmm...

Happy Birthday Wyatt and Everett!

2011-02-09T19:09:00.001-08:00

Yes, we did travel to Tulsa during the blizzard of 2011! And we survived to tell about it!

Wyatt: "MK you really should try this snow!"

MK: "Didn't your mom tell you to say no to yellow snow silly boy?"

Ev: "Hey guys, does this mustache make me look older?"

Dragging my feet...

2011-01-27T12:18:00.001-08:00

I've been draggin' my feet, but this week I WILL start two things...

1)vaccinations-for obvious reasons, no one looks forward to vaccinations. Ouch, these are going to hurt not only physically, but the pocketbook as well!

2)reading recommended books. Initially, we had several required readings and articles, but there's several books that I need to read as well. It's not that I don't enjoy learning or that I don't see the necessity of this. I want to be prepared as much as I can. It's just the fear of what some of these books will contain. Scary! You've heard the adage...what you don't know, doesn't hurt you.

So here's to a week of sore arms, tired eyes, and heavy hearts... but it's all for a purpose for which I could NOT be more overjoyed! Bring it on, if it gets me closer to them!

The best kind of music...

2011-01-27T08:34:00.001-08:00

...is the music sung by your child!

As I was getting dressed in the bathroom this morning, I heard Mary Katherine singing. I peaked around the corner to see her holding a song book open and acting as if she's reading it.

The song was more of a medley. It started with a few rounds of Jesus Loves Me, followed by Jeremy Camp's Give Me Jesus, and the grand finale was Happy Birthday Jesus.

Her voice to those words brought tears to my eyes.

Miss Creativity

2011-01-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

I love to watch MK's mind at work. Her actions often surprise me on things she's picked up. She is always finding everyday household items and making them into other things. Her favorite activities as of late would be... (in no particular order)

kitchen

music--singing and dancing

princess

doctor

babies

The other day I found her kitty here and asked MK what happened. She replied..."Kitty is taking a bath".

I guess a garlic salt bath. They can be therapuetic.

A few minutes later she saddles up her horse to go to the grocery store. But ,of course, brings along her now clean kitty. You always want your "children" to be presentable when you go to the store. The pompom was the hay for the horse. You always have to be prepared when you leave the house.

Laverne is small town, but don't worry we're not still riding horses to get here and there. Mary Katherine is quite the pioneer.

Picasso

2011-01-27T07:50:00.001-08:00

When Roger is busy at the farm, I am often left with two choices....be patient for tasks to be completed or do it myself. Most of you who know me, knows it's the latter that wins out most of the time.

Mary Katherine had a Christmas gift that was waiting to be put together. She decided to help by reading the instructions first...

The end product, as you see, was her easel. It's still waiting on some reconstruction, but for now Picasso has been able to work.

Right now she's mainly working on abstract art. She knows that's where the money is.

He sets the lonely in families...

2011-01-08T11:49:00.001-08:00

Psalm 68:5-6

Father of the fatherless and protector of the widows is God in his holy habitation. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

As I've been discouraged and frustrated with the waiting, I've tried to focus on two truths from these passages this week.

Verse 5 tells me that God's love for the orphans (including my children) is far greater than my own.
Verse 6 is a hard one for my natural tendencies. It says that it is HE that sets the lonely in families. It's his business not mine. He is the redeemer and I am not. In His perfect timing, he will set the lonely in families. I will trust in these truths as I struggle in the waiting.

Running the race...

2011-01-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

Changing perspectives...

2011-01-06T17:28:00.001-08:00

I'm a sucker for close-ups! I generally try to shoot one right at the child's level and then one directly above her. I'm always amazed how different a person can look from shooting directly above. It typically gets big, beautiful eyes and rich color.

Big smiles seem to always be the mother's favorite picture. (Well those and the ones where the mom looks skinny. ;))

But sometimes the serious face gets my vote. After all, don't we all know that two year olds show extremes of both emotions!

And black and whites, sometimes they are so much better than color!

Mary Katherine--29 months @ the park

40 years and counting...

2010-12-29T14:49:00.001-08:00

My parents celebrate 40 years of marriage on January 2nd. While we had the whole family here for Christmas, we wanted to take one evening to celebrate. It's hard work being married for that long! (and of course very rewarding I'm sure...) It makes Roger and my 5 years seem like nothing!

Here we are recreating the cake cutting...

Notice the beautiful bride's dress adorning the door in the background. We begged my sister to wear it, but unfortunately her pride won over honoring my parents. :)

We were thankful to have so many family members and friends drive from out of town to help in the event!

The crowd's attention is on our Not So Newlywed game show host Jason. (You can see his reflection in the window.)

I love some of the old pictures we found of the two lovebirds before children! My sister in law made a video with old pictures, but I can't figure out how to get it to load. Unfortunate for you, because there were some dandys---just imagine short shorts, double knit suits, black thick framed glasses, and 40+year old party pix!

Time with Cousins...

2010-12-29T14:37:00.001-08:00

Mary Katherine loves spending time with her cousins and will be so sad when she wakes up on next week and realizes that Grandma and Papa's house no longer is filled with cousins for playing!

These two may be my favorite ones! I love the different expressions on each face!

Missing Papa Wayne in this picture!

THE Reason for the Season

2010-12-29T13:51:00.001-08:00

Beginning last year, my mother started planning for a new Christmas tradition in the Sizelove house.

Last July, she made copies of the Christmas play and gave them to us to start working on songs and lines. (I'm not sure that anyone made it home with our scripts.)

October marked the purchasing of patterns and fabric for the costumes.

Nothing was going to stop this woman on a mission...

a broken arm couldn't stop her on the sewing machine...

rolling her vehicle...nope, just shook the shattered glass off the fabric and kept on sewing!

so without further delay, let me introduce this year's cast...

I was an angel as well...but unfortunately was not able to get myself on camera.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T05:13:00.001-08:00

A must read...

2010-12-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

If you don't already read this blog, I'd recommend stopping by and checking out the past week! Kristi is in Ethiopia right now meeting the birth mom of her daughter along with many other incredible things!

What are God's thoughts on Tradition?

2010-12-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

This time of year, traditions are big! As a somewhat new mother, I know I've given a lot of thought about what traditions I want to begin in our small family. As a child, I loved what traditions we had. What is it that makes us all love tradition? I think it's the familiarity of it, the idea that we can recreate good memories year after year that is so appealing to our human nature. It's comfortable!

Let's think beyond holiday traditions and just the general idea of tradition. More specifically, tradition in church. Lately, I've found myself frustrated with tradition. Some of our churches are so bound by hundreds of years of tradition that it overrules Biblical truth. In some cases, I know it doesn't necessarily contradict the Bible, but seems to distract from the message. To sum it up, tradition is not saving people! So, where's the balance? If it's not adding to God's kingdom, bringing in the lost, taking care of the poor, discipling...where does it belong? I'm so tired of doing things just because that's the way it's always done. What's the value in tradition? When we think about it, aren't traditions more about gratification for self rather than to Him? Someone help me because right now I've experienced so much by the extreme that I'm not seeing it!

Someone please give me a good counter argument, because I'm not so sure I'm ready to give up all my tradition. ;)

no better view

2010-12-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

As I was editing the other night, I look up from my computer and see this. What a beautiful picture of my sweet husband reading to his daughter!

Thank you to those who have been praying for MK! We were able to visit awhile on Tuesday with MK's neurologist. Every test so far has come back normal! At this point, she rules out anything with the nerves or dealing with the spinal cord. She wants to do a muscle biopsy to determine if it's a muscle disease. If it was normal, then she would rule out anything muscular and would diagnose it as cerebral palsy. To a parent this sounds alarming, but I have peace about either direction. What she has seems mild and it would not be a condition that would worsen. She's doing great physically and showing constant improvement and strengthening. Most people wouldn't even notice anything! As far as treatment, she will continue to wear her foot braces and regular physical therapy to help with her strengthening and coordination.

Was it worth it?

2010-12-12T04:30:00.001-08:00

Let me just say that mom had to WORK for this picture. We started off the morning with MK refusing to wear the outfit. She never once has cared about what she wears. I get an occasional complain when I struggle to get a tight neck hole over her large head. But for whatever reason, when she saw this top in my hand she started screaming. In order to get it on, I tried reasonable discussion, distraction, bribery and finally used force (as in pinning her to the ground while she was pulling it as hard as possible in the opposite direction). It was not pretty!

After about a half an hour on helping her get back to reality (Reality being that mom had bought the outfit specifically for an occasion like this and she WAS going to wear it!), we were ready to make the trip to see Santa. She was elated to eat her first "candy caney"!

As you can see she didn't really take to Santa, so I once again made the Santa shot while a friend snapped the picture. And you can't even really see the adorable outfit!

So in the end I ask myself, was it really worth it? I'm praying that this is not already the beginning of clothing battles! Two strong wills don't make an easy agreement!

A year go, we had no idea...

2010-12-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

I have so many things I need to be doing right now like getting ready for church, but I have so much on my mind that I want to share before it's replaced with lesser important things like pictures, packing, presents... My mind is going in several different directions, so I pray that you're able to understand as I try to put it in words.

Lately I've been reminded of how we really have no idea of what God's plans are for us and how our lives will be played out. Not only no idea, but that the ultimate control is not in our hands. So I take you back around a year. At this time, I had just started taking pictures for others. The idea of a business was very small. Didn't really charge...etc. I was pregnant, then I miscarried...

So now that I've set that up, let's go to last year's Christmas. We were at my aunt and uncle's house and I noticed a cousin of a cousin (yes, you read that right) with a nice camera, so I start talking with her about photography. In our conversation, she gives me a website of one of her good friends that was a photographer.When I got home that night, I checked out her site. She was a talented photographer, enjoyed her website. That piece of paper with the website got put in a stack of papers (yes, unfortunately I have a few of those these days.) A couple months later, I came across the paper and decided to look at her website again. Her website now took me to her personal blog. She no longer did photography as a business but was in the middle of her adoption process. I began reading her blog on and off. She would still give photography tips and had great parenting ideas. What I didn't realize at the time was that God was teaching and opening my heart at the time through her writings. My own photography business was picking up a little, but wasn't very fruitful. I remember making a valentines ad for the paper and didn't get anything back from it. (Just an example, of where it was.)

Now we come to beginning of May, when Roger and I make the decision to adopt. Our thinking was that we had no savings or ideas of funding, but we'd get a loan and pay it off little by little. In the craziness of getting all of the paperwork for the adoption, God also blessed my photography business. And I'm talking tremendously. The months of May through now are a blur when it comes to the photography business. Somewhere in the middle, we realize that God is using this as the main financing for our adoption. We had no idea!

I link up to several adoption blogs, including Andrea's (Babe of My Heart). God has used these incredible women I know to raise awareness, encourage, and teach others. He uses these things, that seems so small, as part of His plan. Now, some of my family and a few friends read these. My sister shared with us a few months ago that their family was now beginning the process of adoption. A year ago, she had no idea!

A year ago, I had no idea what this year had in store. I can definitely say that NONE of this was in my new year's resolutions! I had no idea that God was using a cousin of a cousin giving me a photography website to mold our hearts to His. I had no idea that I would be wishing for a day of no photography! I had no idea that my miscarriage would be used in the transformation of my desires. (I'm still not quite sure what I believe about this...because I don't think he caused the miscarriage, but used the miscarriage.)

I think I know some of the things 2011 will have in store....but maybe I don't. Will there be blessings? I'm certain. Heartache? I'd like to hope not, but probably. But I know I can rest in the peace of knowing there is a sovereign God who works all things to His glory!

There you have it...the thoughts impressed in my mind now. There's several other disconnected blurps I'd like to add. But not sure how to tie it all in! Maybe someday I'll be a good writer and be able to be used through it as many other's writings have been used to help me along the way...

normal!

2010-11-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

We received great news yesterday that Mary Katherine's tests were "normal"! We'll go back to the neurologist December 7 to find out what the next steps will be. We're praying that she no longer has concern and dismisses us from her care!

Prayer Request

2010-11-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm posting this to my fellow readers in request for prayer. Mary Katherine has some tests and a doctor appointment in OKC Monday and Tuesday and mom is having quite a bit of anxiety over it all! The tests are called Nerve Conduction Velocity Test (NCV) and an EMG. We wake her up at 4:00am tomorrow and she is to be sleep deprived for the tests starting at 1:00. After some research, I've found that these can be very painful for the patient. It involves needles into her muscles and other electric shocks to test her peripheral nerves. I do NOT want to experience this tomorrow, but understand that it is the next step in a possible diagnosis or clearing out other possibilities. Tuesday we see a pediatric orthopedic specialist. I predict that she will be hesitant towards any doctor after Monday's testing. Please keep this in your prayers! Thank you!

Pumpkins, Ponies, and Peter Pan

2010-11-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

Mary Katherine and I spent almost a week in Tulsa with the Webb family. Mom was taking pictures and MK was getting some great time with cousins! She's becoming the age where she really enjoys seeing them and playing with them (and all of their toys).

While there we visited a pumpkin patch.

"Welcome to our log cabin!"

Pumpkins make great seats when you are in need of a break!

I was able to convince my mom to come for the trip. I really had to pull her arm to get her to spend time with her grandkids.

A long (two minute) ride on a pony was a must.

And, of course, posing with the many picture places.

This was my first trip to "the pumpkin patch" as well. I was a bit surprised that it was simply a stand set up in the middle of town. Pretty simple set-up. I'm thinking we need one of these in Laverne--easy money maker!

We had a little dress rehearsal/picture shoot Friday for the Peter Pan cast.
Featuring:
Peter Pan: Ev
Captain Hook: Wy
Tinkerbelle: MK
Crocodile: Levi

Some were a little more excited about their role then the others. I think Levi really wanted the part of Peter Pan.
Sunday, the kids went around the block trick-or-treating. Of course, they all loved getting candy!

Mary Katherine happily accepted a ride back on the wagon!

Dad came over on Sunday to see us on Sunday for a little Trick-or-Treat fun!

Thanks to the Webb crew for hosting us! We enjoyed our time with you!

Oklahoma State, We Harold Your Fame...

2010-10-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

We were able to spend the weekend in one of my favorite places on earth--Stillwater! Since I was a young lad, we've been able to go for OSU's homecoming. It's such a fun tradition with many great memories and I love being able to pass some of them on to MK.

We began our weekend with a few attempted family photos. I'm sharing this one, as it will obviously not make the Christmas card. Why does it seem that in all photos recently I'm making crazy, big mouth faces at MK?

This picture cracks me up for a few good reasons--Roger's comical face and MK looking in the other direction (probably at her favorite OSU marching band). I'm also (very non-chalantly) checking my vest and necklace making sure they're in the right place when the effort is all in vein because I'm so far crouched over that you can't even see my vest or necklace.

In front of the AGR house dec. (This ended up only 1 of I believe 4 that we saw because of the rain.)

I guess MK hasn't had much experience on dad's shoulders although it looks very comfortable for Roger.
Group shot checking out the Sigma Nu house dec.

We finished off the evening with a night out at Palomino's restaurant. I was reminded that eating with 4 children all 4 and under is very eventful!

The next morning, we made it to the 9:30 am parade and had plenty of waiting time for the action to come our way.
In the meantime, Ev and Wy entertained us...
"Oh wait guys...stop fooling around...here comes the OSU marching band!"
Here's MK clapping, marching, and singing along to "Ride,Ride, Ride..."

If you're looking for a straight hair part on this girl, forget it. Never had it, probably never will. But I love the pigtails and how they perfectly curl up!

Then we finished off our morning with a tailgate celebrating this guy's first birthday!

Happy Birthday Little YaYa! (or Doy as MK likes to call him.)

Roger practiced up on his throwing arm while we were there.

Unfortunately, we had to call it a weekend before the ballgame, because I had to get back for a wedding. BUT we had a great time and will look forward to next year's adventures!

Thanksgiving to God

2010-10-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

One of the daily routines for MK and I is a trip to the post office. For some, this is a chore, but something I actually look forward to. There's a few articles I can always count on...Monday-- there's Roger's ag journal, Thursday-- the local newspaper to catch up on all of Laverne's exciting news...and well that about sums up the expected (other than bills). And then some days you get the unexpected. This past week has had the unexpected

I spent this morning in tears in response to the genorosity of friends and family. I don't know how to thank you all for your sacrificial gifts. I know that it comes at a sacrifice and because of that it's hard to accept. These gifts are not only bringing us closer to our financial requirements of adoption but they continue to challenge me and encourage me in my faith. Thank you!

I came across this passage last week.

2 Corinthians 9:11-18
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their apporval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the genorosity of your contribution for them and for all others. While they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

You may have noticed not only the financial means increasing, but some changes in our timeline. Early last week we received our approval for the USCIS for adoption. Our paperwork was sent to the orphanage in Uganda and we are now officially on the waitlist. The time frame at this point is 3-4 months to receive our referrals. All of this of course varies with each person. It's a little longer than what we originally thought, but we trust that this will work out in God's timing.

Ride,Ride,Ride,Ride...

2010-09-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

I LOVE it that my child loves and identifies Pete, OSU, Bullet, and can sing the fight song!

So, it brought great pleasure to me to be able to bring MK to her first (well...actually second, but she was too young to remember the first) Oklahoma State football game. She did really well for the first half. After that, it was bedtime and she had about all she needed for one setting. It really is a lot for a child to take in!

Her favorite parts were the "big T" (jumbotron), Pete, "Here's Bullet...", and the band playing the fight song!

When all else fails...

2010-09-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

...search the trash cans!

Mary Katherine has decided to be a great help lately by throwing EVERYTHING in the trash! Last week, I had been missing one of MK's foot braces for over a day. You know how it goes. You start by retracing your steps and everything you've done since the last time you saw them. I'd done this about three times, realizing the importance of finding this specially fitted brace. Then in the middle of the night, it occurred to me that it had to be in the trash. I send Roger out to the dumpster that next morning. (I have a sensitive gag reflex, so I couldn't go...or at least that was my excuse.) About 20 minutes later, he returns with a slimy brace, wetwipes, and a few other miscellaneous items. I guess she decided to empty her entire diaper bag in the trash.

I'm starting to believe that maybe all of those recent times that I thought I'd misplaced items, they probably made their way to the trash can.

Other than spending her day throwing items in the trash, she's also found a great way to cool off!

No, I don't encourage this water activity. I found her here the other day and had to "capture the memory"! She found it quite fun! Who needs a pool when you have a toilet?!

Life is busy for us all and it looks to be a crazy fall! I have pictures most evenings now through November. Roger has been busy at the farm with many late nights. Thankfully, my mom has been a lifesaver when it comes to childcare. Last weekend we had a women's retreat. We were blessed with an incredible speaker, Jen Hatmaker. This is my second time to listen to her and will jump at any other opportunity. She's so easy to listen to, has a passion for the Lord, and a burden for the lost. This weekend is lining up to be a dandy! Friday evening we're celebrating with friends their finalized adoption. Hooray for great friends! And Saturday we are very excited to be going to Stillwater to watch our first OSU football game this season!

the many expressions of two

2010-09-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Roger has been farming late hours quite a bit lately, so I've been looking for fun things for us to do in the evenings. Last minute, I thought I might attemp MK's 2 year pics by myself. Not really the best idea. Two year olds can be about the hardest age to photograph!

My mom made this outfit. I had envisioned she'd wear it at her birthday party. It lasted about 2 minutes until she jumped in the pool with it on.

I told you my child is very expressive!

One of her favorite songs right now is "Our God is Greater" by Chris Tomlin. She's singing it in the picture above.

She has the best smiles...

...and drool does seem to be a constant adornment on her chin these days!

She loves to roll around in the grass--definitely not afraid to get dirty!

I really like the picture above. I just imagine her laying in the grass thinking or dreaming about something... Dream big baby girl!

Did I already mention her beautiful smile (and drool)?

Surprise...I'm 2!

I think I'll go for another round of pictures when I can recuit help!

transitions

2010-09-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

There are so many transitions to make when raising babies to toddlers to little girls! Each one comes with a cringe as it usually means giving up some stability for a little bit. We're in the process of transitioning from the crib to the toddler bed. Mary Katherine had started jumping (or should I say flipping) out of her crib in the middle of the night when she decided she was finished sleeping. This scared me a little because her fall was not near as graceful as on the way up and over. We're on day two and I must admit so far it's not as bad as I imagined. There's quite a bit of more playing before she falls asleep, but very little tears. I can handle this!

Next transition...potty training. We'll wait a while on that one!

Celebrating Two

2010-08-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with friends and family celebrating MK's official turning of two years!

Why Luau, you may ask...

This will be one of the last years that I get to decide on my own. I'm sure I'm doomed to many years of princess parties!
Luau paraphenalia is really easy to find this time of year and are all on end of summer clearance. i.e.--water gun and beach ball favors for 75 cents
I wanted to do outdoor and water, so Luau makes it the natural choice!

For the menu. I kept it fairly simple. I wanted to give it a Hawaiian flavor, so we went with...

Pulled pork sandwiches on Hawaiian bread buns
fresh fruit kabobs on flower skewers
Hawaiian cheese dip (courtesy of Kraft recipes)
chips

And for the most important part...the cake...

my mom's 3 layer carrot cake--yummo!!

cupcakes for the kids

I guess swimsuit wedgies is something we women have to struggle with from the beginning! It didn't seem to bother MK!

Update on MRI: We got a letter over the weekend saying that everything was normal! This is great news, as we know now that it is not neurological. Thank you for your many prayers!

Coming soon...Mary Katherine's 2 year pics! The outfits are made, the girl turned two, but the pictures are still not taken--hopefully soon!

beyond thrilled

2010-08-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

I was ecstatic to receive this email from my social worker today...

"Hey Charity! I just wanted to let you know that I received your home study and supporting documents today from Rachel. I’m FedExing everything to CIS today! Your file looks great! Thank you so much for working so hard to get me all of the documents I need.
Also, today I am emailing the orphanage your home study and Lifeline application/statement of faith so they can open a file for your family. Once we receive your CIS approval, your file will be completed and you will be on the official waiting list to be matched with a child!
Let me know thoughts/questions!
Every blessing--Claire"

a new level of professionalism

2010-08-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

If you have time, please go over to my new photography website. It's been a PROCESS and still has some tweaking and adding! My understanding about the world wide web and coding over the past 3 days far exceeds anything I knew beforehand! I had been wanting to change over my site for a while now, but made myself wait until the zenfolio expired. My zenfolio account expires in September so I have about a month to get out all the kinks. For now, it's nighty-night for me. It's 11:00...far beyond my normal bedtime! When I start blogging at this hour it usually results in emotional writing and tears or using silly words like "nighty-night"! :)

the intellect

2010-08-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

intellect: (n) a person possessing a great capacity for thought and knowledge

we're building a picture portfolio for MK's future college application

Ready for Football Season

2010-08-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

I ordered this cheerleading suit last winter when it was half off. I got it out for the first time last week and let MK try it on. She loves it! She found it yesterday and demanded that I put it on over her clothes. She ran around the house singing "Ride,Ride,Ride,.."

We're ready for it all...football season, cooler weather, and soups. :) Yum!

Trust me...my child is not as old as she looks in this picture! She's still a baby!

Also, we go in Tuesday morning for MK's MRI at St. Francis in Tulsa. Please pray that the procedure goes smoothly and that anything that needs detection will be found. I asked MK the other day if she was ready to go to the doctor and she started crying. It will be a long day!

Flower Child

2010-08-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

I bought these two hair pieces as options with my photography.

(I went ahead and ordered them in sizes to fit MK's large head.)

our common bond of impatience

2010-08-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

Roger and I are so different in most areas. However, we both have a very difficult time waiting to give gifts. Our first Christmas together I think we exchanged our gifts the first week of December. On most occassions, once we buy something we give it to the person the same day. We're proud of ourselves if we can make ourselves wait until the following day.

So, with MK's second birthday quickly approaching I ordered her a kitchen set. I ordered it early not knowing how long it would take to arrive and also that day amazon was offering it at a great price. It arrived 2 days later. I looked at the big box for probably about 4 hours before I mentioned to Roger that maybe we should just go ahead and put it together. He decided he'd wait until we put her down for the night. I decided he should probably go ahead and start now because it would take awhile. We both convinced ourselves that it would be okay to give MK her present 2 weeks early because she'll have plenty of other gifts to open on the big day. It's been so hot that we've been stuck inside and needing something new to consume our days. (At least that's what we told ourselves.)

Side Note: Roger' personality is generally really patient. Unfortunately, I must admit that I'm not.

Dad got plenty of help with the assembly.

Got to love this look! I think I've captured it a time or two before.

humbled

2010-08-03T12:46:00.001-07:00

I sit at the computer right now humbled by God's people and their generosity. Today I opened the mail to find another donation to go towards our adoption. The donations have been coming in. I'm speechless--so thankful!

I was working on adoption paperwork yesterday and realized that in 3 months we COULD have our referral!! (Meaning we'd know who our children are!!) 3 months!!! As Roger and I were talking last night it occurred to me how thankful I was that we were in this journey. Thank you Father for putting this on our hearts and allowing us to be parents once again!

Psalms 146:5-9
"Happy is he...whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth...Who executes justiced for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry...The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down."

The "two's" are upon us!

2010-07-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went with another family to OKC for the weekend. The 6 of us loaded into our van. At this point, picture me in the back seat envisioning a fun weekend with many great memories, laughter filling the van, etc...

45 minutes into the trip Roger surprises us with a LONG "necessary" parts stop by John Deere right in the middle of naps. So after a great 20 minute nap, the kids were up for the full day ahead. (strike 1)

We checked into our hotel in bricktown. I was to take MK up to the room with the bags, while Roger parked the van. MK at this time decides to begin an elevator phobia. After screaming all the way up to our room, I unloaded our bags in our room and continued to take my still very volatile child back downstairs to meet Roger and the rest of the crew. Mary Katherine at this point refuses to ride in the stroller for the walk to Zio's. Upon entering Zios, MK decides to scream, snot, slobber, and cry many tears for 20 minutes strait until Roger decides to carry her back to the hotel room. I order Roger's meal to go. I get back to the hotel room to discover MK surprisingly just fine now.

Let's now skip over to the next day...

I just knew MK would love the zoo! Animals have always been a favorite to talk about, read about, and sing about.

I was wrong!

It ended up a morning of MK eating too many treats and parents with worn out arms and bodies. It was hot and more work for mom and dad than enjoyment for MK.

Here we are at the beginning of the day!

Checking out some wild dogs I believe.

I just knew she'd love the mister. She LOVES all things related to water!

She did not love it!

I believe the "2's" are quickly approaching!
BUT we did get to get out of town with the 3 of us, which does not happen very often. And we enjoyed the company of our friends.

This pic below is from a different "zoo" trip we took with my mom to Dodge City. It's MUCH more on the smaller scale, but I think MK enjoyed it more than the Tulsa or OKC zoo.

A step in the right direction!

2010-07-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

I received an email today from our social worker with our home study draft! This is great news! As soon as this is finalized, we can now go on to get our approval from the USCIS (US immigration services). With the approval from immigration services, we can put together all of our gathered paperwork and complete our dossier. This is the packet that will go to Uganda! We've still got a ways to go, but this step makes me HAPPY!!!

New adventures!

2010-07-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I photograph my first wedding (and possibly my last)! Talk about scary! The last week my nights have consisted of tossing and turning, thinking about what lens to use, lighting, and so many other concerns I have. I agreed to this, because it really is the best way to raise money quickly for the adoption. I'm praying (many times a day) I get some good pictures for this bride and groom! Notice I put this on my personal blog rather than the photography blog. Can't let the client know how much I'm sweating this! :)

So, last night we had a "mock" wedding. Meet the bride and groom...

I imagine you've seen them a time or two on this blog. We staged it in a similar direction and same time. MK was happy to oblige if it meant staying up later! She made a pretty excited bride!

The next new adventure really isn't new, but the second year around. The garden...

I picked all of this in one day and the garden really is not that big! The yucky looking brown things just need to be pulled off. It's just the bloom. I might be a little proud of my produce. In all honesty, it's really easy (or I've just gotten lucky the last two years)! The part that gets old is picking it every day and then finding a way to store or freeze all of it. I get a little lazy with it sometimes. There's been an occasion (or more) that the produce will either get extremely too large because I didn't pick it. OR it will eventually mold in my refrigerator because I didn't cook it or process it. Lately, I"ve been snapping the green beans and then taking them to mom to blanche and bag. Yes. I take advantage of her many times.

And the final adventure...

Just call me Fancy Feet! It know it will surprise most of you, but dancing does NOT come naturally for me (or anyone else in my family come to think of it, unless you count the times mom showed us a few of her "special" moves). BUT I've found my calling...CLOGGING! (ha,ha) There's a friend that is teaching a group of us for free, so I couldn't resist. It's a good workout, that's fun! I've heard when you get older, it's good to learn new hobbies/skills so I guess this is mine for the year. You know, I will be turning 30 next year. We've been clogging now for a couple of months. Next time you see me, perhaps I can do a little routine for you. I'm seeing my own Branson show in the horizon...

Glory Baby

2010-07-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Monday would have been the due date for baby #2. Some of the girls I knew that were pregnant around the same time as me have had their babies and I think about what our baby would be like today. In fact, I go to take pictures of one tomorrow.

Shortly after I miscarried I heard this song. I couldn't find the song to load it onto the blog, but here are the lyrics. I know so many people have lost children, parents, family, and friends before it seemed time. But what comfort we have knowing they are with Jesus and they "just have heaven before we do". You should try to find it online and listen. It's a beautiful song!

Watermark - Glory baby Lyrics:
"Glory Baby, You slipped away
As fast as we could say baby, baby
You were growing, what happened Dear,
You disappeared on us baby, baby

Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe
Until we're home with you Until we're home with you

CHORUS
We miss you everyday, miss you in every way
But we know there's a day when we will hold you, we will hold you
And you'll kiss our tears away, when we're home to stay
*We can't wait for the day when we will see you, we will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you, until mom and dad can hold you*
You'll just have heaven before we do
You'll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little baby, it's hard to understand it
Cause we are hurting, we are hurting
But there is healing, and we know we're stronger people
Through the growing, and in knowing

All things work together for our good
And God works his purposes
Just like he said he would, just like he said he would

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I can't imagine Heaven's lullabies
And what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing
Heaven is your home
And it's all you'll ever know, all you'll ever know

CHORUS"

Our turn.

2010-07-06T16:06:00.001-07:00

Since I usually am the one with the camera, it's not very often that we get pictures of our family all together. I asked my sister to take some pictures this past weekend and I LOVE them! They capture MK and some of her many expressions.

I see this face often! It's the "something big and exciting is getting ready to happen" look. In this case she was on the verge of being thrown in the air. I think this was at 1...2... (click)

Happiness is...

being thrown in the air again and again and ...!

I will treasure these pictures forever! Thanks Kiz for giving us the opportunity to be on this side of the camera!

Learning as I go

2010-06-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love outdoor flowers and each year I try my hand a different things. This year I extended my bed all the way around my house. I bought a few annuals, but since we're trying to save money I limited myself. Instead, I bought alot of zinnea seeds. Seeds are cheap and I love zinneas! There's something old fashion and vintage looking about them. I bought about 6 different kinds of seeds and planted them in early May. The hard thing about seeds is that they require patience--something that I lack much of the time. But I have to say the wait was well worth it! Much to my surprise they all came up and look gorgeous (in my opinion). They're all blooming just in time for 4th of July.

Go poooool!

2010-06-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Mary Katherine has learned that the pool (doesn't matter the kind...kiddie, big, water park) is a great place to spend the hot summer afternoons. I don't mind it at all myself, but it's not quite as relaxing as I remember it once being. Last week we went to the water park in Woodward. I brought my point and shoot which hadn't been used for over a year. After a fresh set of batteries it was ready to be put back in action.

On another note, I found out today MK's MRI is not scheduled until September 3. So I guess we will just wait and pray until then.

beautiful adoption story

2010-06-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Evyn's Gotcha Day + Adoption story from emily Vogeltanz on Vimeo.

This is definitely worth watching!

Medical updates and more...

2010-06-21T10:31:00.001-07:00

The blood work, completed after MK's neurology appt., that has came back is normal! The only abnormality was her iron. It was low, so we're on iron supplements. This test was run because I was concerned that she may be anemic. This had nothing to do with the neurological concerns. We're waiting to be scheduled for our MRI and will see if any abnormal results come back from it.

feeding the baby a little tea with a fork

"I've fed my baby, mom! Now what can I do?"

"If you don't come up with something fast, I'm going to go to close my eyes and fake cry!"

"Good idea, mom, I love to draw!"

"But what's better than drawing on paper is drawing on the wall!"

This artistry work came after she had already shredded a sewing pattern I had out and took off running with my 44 oz. full ddp.

Little stinker!

Waiting...

2010-06-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Most would probably consider us at the beginning of our adoption wait. But after the mounds of paperwork, training, and reading we've done, I feel like we've been in the waiting process for a while. There are evenings where I look at Roger and I ask him what in the world have we got ourselves into. But it doesn't take long before all of the "burden" of paperwork goes away and I flood with emotions of our children waiting for us in Uganda. God has given us both a heart for these children!

This video is from a family who is just days from getting their son in Ethiopia. It's powerful!

Father's Day

2010-06-18T09:30:00.001-07:00

It started 22 months ago...

Love at first sight!

In the almost two years, they've made lots of memories. Here's just a few...

I'm not going to go into detail of how incredible of a father Roger is to MK. My reasoning is that you ladies would go home whining to your husbands of what they aren't doing and well...that's just not what Roger would want. You know Roger...he's not much for public attention.

(okay..maybe I'm being lazy right now and not in the writing mood)

banana anyone?

2010-06-15T18:29:00.001-07:00

I was cutting out a pattern while Mary Katherine was finishing up her supper this evening. This is how I found her. I guess she decided to wear her banana rather that eat it!

Our weekend (both the planned and unplanned)

2010-06-14T06:17:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in the last post, we had a very busy weekend. What I didn't realize while writing that post was the unplanned events that would make it even crazier. Mary Katherine traveled well to OKC and did well at her doctor's appointment with the neurologist. The neurologist does have concern with MK. We had blood work done after the appointment and will be scheduled to go back to Children's for a MRI on her brain and spine. Until the test are run, she couldn't say much as far as possible diagnosis. This was unexpected for me, as it seems like she's improved so much lately with her walking. I thought this visit as more precautionary, but am thankful to have early diagnosis if there is something we need to know. Please pray for healing and for peace as it will be long month as we find results of tests and run others.

After the doctor's visit, we drove on to Tulsa to spend a couple days there for me to take pictures and MK and my mom to visit my sister and her family. MK had a great time with her cousins playing in the pool, playing with toys, and lots of good eating. I don't think she even noticed me being gone half of the time.

On Saturday, we had the van loaded and ready to go, had MK in her carseat, and then I couldn't find the keys. An hour and a half later we still could not find the keys. We had 4 adults that had searched the house, car, and everything else and still no keys. I found out the from the dealership that they could make a key, but would have to program it to the car. Thus, meaning the van would have to be towed to the dealership. All the while, I had 7 families planning on me being in Ringwood that afternoon for pictures. It was becoming obvious this was not going to happen. So here is where my wonderful sister and brother in law step in, let me take their vehicle to Ringwood while they take care of the whole car issue--towing, ordering keys, picking it up, etc. and then met me half way with my child and mother that evening so we could go back home. After making it home, Kizzy texts me to tell me Jason was now on the side of the road with a blow out, non-functioning jack, and waiting for AAA to tow his car. (Yes, the second car towing of the day!) WHAT A DAY! It may be a while before they invite us back to their house! And then I may have mandatory check in of keys upon arrival.

MK has a new look she's been trying out in several context. I've captured a few of them, but not quite the one I'm looking for. She gave it alot on Thursday while we were at the doctor. It was pretty funny when she kept giving it to the lady that took her blood. The picture in the swimsuit below is about my best picture I've got of her with the look.

Very busy times ahead...

2010-06-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

We've got a crazy few days ahead! We're headed to OKC early this morning for MK's neurology appointment. With Mary Katherine's physical delays, the doctor wants to make sure there isn't any neurological reason for this. Please pray that this appointment goes well! She didn't go to sleep until 9 last night and decided to wake up at 5, so it should be a great time in the car and at the doctor. She's decided that she really dislikes all doctor offices and anyone who works there. We've been too many times in the past few months! The last appt with the ENT was eventful as she screamed at him and kicked him. After the appointment this morning, we are then going east to Tulsa. My sister helped me line up 5 families to photograph Thursday and Friday. Thankfully, my mom has agreed to accompany us in our trip! MK will have a great time playing with her cousins (okay...she's probably more excited about their toys)! She does get excited to say their names and talk about them. On our way home on Saturday we are stopping around Enid at my aunt's house. There, she has arranged several families for family pictures. I am so thankful for the business and means to raise money for our adoption! I hope I haven't overdone it in one weekend. I must go as I have about an hour before we need to get on the road. Thanks for the prayers! You'll be hearing back from us soon!

Dip In the Water

2010-05-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today marked our first "purposeful" time in the water this summer. We plan for many more!

A Hint of Color

2010-05-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Mary Katherine loves playing in my make-up when I'm getting dressed. Come to think about it, she's enjoyed doing this since she was around 6 months. Early on, it was more about exploring what was in the bag. She would take each item out, examine it, put it in her mouth, then go on to the next item. Now, she likes to rub it on her face. Luckily, she doesn't know how to unscrew or open the items. The other day, however, she did get open my eye shadow. When I looked at her face, this is what I found...

I know. It's not much this time. Just a little color on the chin. I foresee a BIG mess one day. (But it will make for some great pictures!)

Expressive?

2010-05-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

Expressive? Is my daughter expressive?

YES. SHE. IS.

(see pictures below for confirmation)

My daughter's reaction after I took away the dog's water bowl from her.

Child abuse, you'd think!

Recent Happenings

2010-05-18T10:42:00.001-07:00

No matter how hard I try, it seems that everytime we go outside this is how we end up looking--mud from head to toe! This girl LOVES water, dirt, and MUD! Last night as I was watering the garden, MK was in the middle rolling around in the mud. It honestly reminded me of a pig's wallering. She still continues to find dirt and mud as edible greatness! She licks all water she finds off the ground!

What am I going to do about this girl?

There's a good chance my neighbors think we're a little bit crazy!

It's with great excitement and THANKFULNESS that we can share with the world MK's new joy in walking! She's (supposed to be) wearing splits that the physical therapist made for her with supportive tennis shoes that will help her keep her feet from rolling in. It should be a fun summer of high tops for MK! Do you think it would be too much if I did a little be-dazzling and cut out the toe of the high top to make it a "tennis sandle"?

We actually have been pretty good about wearing the splits when we're walking around, but this morning we were getting out of the car from an errand and didn't make it back inside before we found water!

goodbye sleepless nights?

2010-05-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we said hello to ear tubes and (hopefully) goodbye to those nasty ear infections that have seemed to plague us now for several months! Along with this, mom's hoping for better nights and less antibiotic treatment. Stuffing medicine down this girl is NOT easy! As usual, we had to travel a little (as we do for anything we do). We went down the night before and stayed with my Aunt and Uncle. Their house was about 30 minutes from the hospital. It's such a beautiful, peaceful place as well.

We started the evening with some time on the trampoline.

Following this, we played outside for a while.

We even attempted a family photo using the self timer.

The next morning we woke up at 5:30 to make it to the surgery center by 6:30. The operation went quickly and very smoothly.

After an hour in recovery, we paid a nice large sum and walked out the door with a new woman.

Incredible blog, incredible woman!

2010-05-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

Since making the decision to adopt in Uganda, I've found several blogs and other amazing things that people are doing there. You have to check out this blog! http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ This incredible 21 year old moved to Uganda when she was 18. You really, REALLY have to read her blog!