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.