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!

the many expressions of two

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

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

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

Why Luau, you may ask...

1. 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!
2. 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
3. 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

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"