normal!

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

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

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...

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

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...

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...

...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!