29 days of thankfulness

Today, I am thankful that even though we've not had power for 2 hours now our house is still warm, the boys are all in bed, and I was able to prepare dinner and feed everyone before we lost power.

Praying it is back on soon. Lots of sirens tonight, which is unusual in our neck of the woods--snow storm 2011 is wreaking havoc.


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

28 days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful I have finished our adoption story. Twenty-two pages, 14 sections, one journey, and it is just beginning.

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

27 Days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for the awesome article Dan Human, Kokomo Tribune staff writer, produced as a follow up of our family's adoption journey. Dan did an awesome job, spoke with Andrea Roberts of Reece's Rainbow and used people first language--all while capturing our story during the craziness of lunch hour in our home. Tim, the photographer captured a great photo of Jared and Jadon too. I am so happy with this follow up. I hope you all enjoy it too. Just click on the picture of the boys and it will link you back to the story.

love,

 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

26 days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for another day. Another chance. Another 24 hours.

I learned last night, my cousin's dad, John Myers, past away November 18th. Yes, I realize that is 8 days after the fact; but they live in Fishers/Westfield area and we don't talk regularly and Uncle John and Sherry were down in Florida--recently retired in the past two months. He was 61. He had 9 children, 22 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and 3 sisters.

I have many memories of Uncle John. Most of them involve my dad, Sherry, Kaycia, Dion, Shane, Aunt Jenny, my mom (gone too), Denise Polk (though I am sure that is not her name now), Patty and Joe Stahl and Crazy Joe (gone too) just to name a few. Those memories are from a day and time in my life that I look back on them now in amazement I lived through them.

God certainly had a watchful eye on me back in those days. 

And, so, today, I am grateful for today.

Rest well, Uncle John (we shared the same middle name...) 

Love,
"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

25 days of Thankfulness

I am thankful that in one month we will be celebrating the birth of my Risen Savior. I am thankful for NO CRAZY BLACK FRIDAY shopping. I am thankful my shopping was all done online in a short amount of time. I am thankful for my family. MY FAMILY. Shawn, Jared, Joseph, Jackson and Jadon. MY FAMILY.

God is so good.


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

24 days of Thankfulness

I am thankful for many things. Big, small, amazing, bland...it does not matter much these days. I am simply thankful.

Today, I am especially thankful for the word I received last night from Serge's Facebook page...the new adoption ministry will be issuing dates and revealing those dates starting TODAY!!!!

I am so thankful for Patti hosting the first Pure Love Giveaway back in February. February is when it all began for me and for Julie. I saw Peter's picture on Patti's blog for the Giveaway...she was raising funds and trying to find his family. God used ME to find that family. Julie's family.

I am so thankful Julie saw my crazy email in the wee hours of the morning that first week in February. I am so thankful Julie woke up her husband, Cam, to tell him she found their son, Peter. I am so thankful Cam agreed. In the next few days my own adoption story began with one boy, the boy who opened our hearts to adoption--yet, he is still in Ukraine and I am thankful our family found our Ukrainian Prince.

I am so thankful Julie has had it on her heart to bring home another child from nearly the very beginning of this journey. I am so thankful Julie and Cam have committed to bring home this second child, Ty, now...not a year from now like they had "planned" but NOW---like God has planned.

I am so thankful for Patti...yep, Patti. You see, Julie is short on funds to ensure they can bring home Ty. Adoption is never cheap and it certainly is NOT inexpensive to ransom TWO orphans. You see, Patti is hosting the SECOND Pure Love Giveaway starting tonight. Watch her blog A Perfect Lily for PURE LOVE GIVEAWAY 2.

This giveaway will be hosted with over $1,000 in donated items. This giveaway will help 2 children. Robyn  and Ty. Julie's Ty. The second child born in her heart.

Please, check out what Patti is doing. Please pray for the children on her heart. 

Please pray for Julie and Cam, Peter and Ty.

I have much to be thankful for today. I give praise with a grateful heart---thank you, Lord, for each way you have worked in our adoption stories. I am humbled to have been an instrument in bringing a family together. Thankful for my testimony.

love,




 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

23 days of Thankfulness

As my dear friend, Julie, gets ready to head to Ukraine for her adoption. I am thankful for our adoption journey and that the first parts of it are over. I am thankful for the fastest adoption in our team's history of adoptions (just 8 days from meeting Jadon til we adopted him!) and for having been home now for 39 days today!! It is amazing. We have much to be THANKFUL for. I am counting my blessings, naming them one by one and I am, indeed, surprised at what the Lord has done.

love,

 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

22 days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for Julie's  (and all families waiting to adopt from Ukraine) family getting GOOD NEWS!!!

From our facilitator---
"Update from Ukraine:
According to the unofficial information that we have received today the new Department for Adoptions will start giving appointments for dates starting December 5th or December 12th. They are negotiating it right now. So those whose dossier were submitted and approved please be ready to travel at short notice. We'll let you know immediately once the invitations are issued. This is all the news we have right now. God bless you, Serge"






It is COMING!!! The boys are coming HOME!!!!!!  Please, do all you can to help this family. Donate--any amount helps, even $1.  Share their FSP page www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorkehm and above all else, PRAY!!!!!!!!


If you need Christmas shopping done, and have someone that loves candles, why not give Scentsy a shot? I am now an Independent Consultant and you can see my Scentsy page by clicking the Scentsy logo on my sidebar to the right. I am hosting an adoption fundraiser for Julie Kehm too. It is under the "My Parties" section listed as Kehm Adoption. Julie will get 100% of my commission from this fundraiser.

Please, share!! Please, donate, if you can. And PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

love,

 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Day 20 and 21... a two'fer:)

Sunday the 20th we Dedicated Jadon at New Beginnings Fellowship Church. We did this with family and friends there to support us.

I am thankful for my sweet cousin, Patty, she and Ben (her son) came and shared with us--she came to represent mom's side of the family. It truly, truly, made my heart smile to see her there. I had no idea she was coming.

I am thankful for my friends Angela and Kelly that came. Kelly took the pictures and video for me. Terry and Nancy A. were there too. Terry is Shawn's best friend and Nancy is his wife. Matter of fact, Nancy's brother, Doyle, married Shawn and I nearly 5 years ago, right in this very spot I am sitting in while I type this up to share.

I am thankful for Amy L ("Sweet P & Amy" in my links) for the outfit, the perfect outfit, Jadon wore yesterday for his Dedication. The shirt has Psalm 36:5 on it, "Your love O Lord reaches to the heavens". Oh, how true it is.

Now for some pics and videos...(today I am thankful for technology to be able to share this with you all).

and our video :) it's just over 5 minutes long

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

19 days of Thankfulness

Xanax, today I am thankful for xanax...that is all.


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

18 days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for a vehicle to run all over the place each day. Man, I drive A LOT!

Each day, my mornings start off with us leaving around 8 a.m. to take Joseph to school, then I drive to pick up my niece and nephew and take them (and Jared) to school, then I drive back into town to take Jackson to school. I then do whatever running/errands I can in an hour and then pick up Joseph from school and, after that, we drive to get Jackson. We drive home and have lunch around 12:30 each day.

Then naps for the kids and I do what I can for an hour and half. Shawn comes home and then it's time for dinner, baths and bed for everyone in the house but me. I get to clean while they sleep, catch up on my blog, place orders for Scentsy, and do coursework for my degree.

Busy much? LOL But thank goodness I have a car that runs...I feel for my sister right now, her car died the day after we got home from Ukraine.

Love,



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

17 days of Thankfulness

I am thankful for the orders coming in to my Scentsy page so that I can donate to Julie in a month. Thank you to those who have purchased some items and are helping to bring home TWO orphans!!!!




"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

16 days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful our insurance will be covering two large pump vats of SimplyThick for Jadon. Moore's Home Health just delivered it to us. While I am thoroughly disgusted by the Dippity-Doo like gel that I must mix in my son's drinks, I am grateful, even THANKFUL there is such a thing.

I am also thankful he is on the mend, his fever is gone, and he is taking the Augmentin better today (hidden in his applesauce).

If you don't know what SimplyThick is....here you go. We don't have individual packets (though we may buy some to have on hand when we travel). You will see the big vat we have ;)

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

15 days of Thankfulness

I am thankful for my husband.




"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

14 Days of Thankfulness

Today I am thankful I will never walk this walk with my son, ever again. These were taken 39 days ago, on the grounds of the orphanage in Kirovograd. Four days later, we walked out of there, FOREVER. 

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

13 Days of Thankfulness

I am thankful today to have TWO families share with me their adoption journey. I want to share them with you. I am thankful for the opportunity to GIVE BACK to these families. Each family supported MY OWN FAMILY's adoption of Jadon. Now I have the opportunity to raise funds for them through Scentsy sales.

Both families are, ever so quietly, moving forward with adoptions. I cannot tell you the children's names, show their pictures BUT I can tell you they both are male and both have Down syndrome.


Please click on my "Independent Scentsy Consultant" link/logo to the right on my sidebar here. Once you are on my Scentsy page, under my picture you will see a link to My Parties just chose one of the adoption fundraisers and shop to your heart is content :)  Both parties will run through the end of December.

Thank you!!! Lets help spread the love and get some great products to make your home smell wonderful! 


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

12th day.........

If you are looking into adoption, if your heart is burdened for the LEAST OF THESE....PLEASE, PLEASE look at this blog.

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

There is an opportunity to give a little boy named Dwayne a FOREVER home. He is 6. Just 6. Dwayne has Down syndrome too.

This is a chance to adopt a child with NO FEES involved. You can ransom him, save him for no fees. His family MUST BE OUT THERE.

Can you bring him home? Will YOU be the one to LOVE HIM? 

if you are his mommy contact Stephanie (at) ndsan.org

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

11 Days of Thankfulness

First, today, I am thankful for Veteran's...like my Grandpa's (God rest their souls), my cousins, my friends and my husband. THANK YOU and HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!

"This nation will remain the land of the free 

only so long as it is the home of the brave."

- Elmer Davis

Secondly, I am thankful for modern medicine. I am thankful I have the opportunity to have insurance to provide all of my boys, especially Jadon today, with proper medical care. Today, Jadon had a barium videofluroscopic study done (swallow study) to see if he was/is aspirating. I requested this because of his constant congestion, his gulping, coughing and gurgling while drinking. He LOVES to drink now that he knows how.

Today, I learned, my son does have difficulties with swallowing. Findings of the study should significant penetration into the airway while swallowing but did not show full-on aspiration (thank God). However, with all the clinical symptoms and having had pneumonia in Ukraine at some point in time, he has clinical symptoms pointing to aspiration even though he did NOT aspirate today during the test.

Recommendation? Thicken all liquids to honey thick consistency. I immediately bought some Thick-It which is a powder form thickening agent and is disgusting, yet my sweet boy is HAPPY just to have his cup and be drinking. I am praying our insurance will cover Simply Thick so we can switch to it instead. Simply Thick is a gel form thickening agent and very expensive. In the meantime, we will use the nasty Thick-It and see what insurance says in the long run.

Can I ask a prayer request to from my readers? I have a dear friend, very close to my heart, who is struggling with a decision pertaining to adoption and what avenue to take. Can you pray for her? Thank you.

Love,



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

10 days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for the wonderful business opportunity set in front of me, I am now officially an Independent Scentsy Consultant! Click on the logo to the right to see what we have to offer and learn how you can join my team!!






 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Question from a Reader......

Christie- As a busy mom, when do make the time to pray? Or do you pray 'unceasingly' as others do? I would love to know. I loved your post today and would love to learn from you.
(Jane reader/mom in Los Angeles)


Jane, thanks for the question and the compliments. I am humbled, truly.
I would love to say I pray "unceasingly" but I cannot say that. I pray when it hits me. I pray where it hits me. I pray when I can. Sometimes that means in the car,  while cooking dinner, during the kids' nap-time, while on the computer, in the shower, before bed---truly, all throughout my day, I pray off and on. Some days, I pray more...and, honestly, there are days, I don't pray near as much I need too. I cannot say I don't pray as much as I should. "Should", to me, implies a chore. I pray because I want to, not because I should do it.

I tend to have a bit of ADD (just ask my husband) I am never doing just ONE thing, ever. My brain runs a hundred miles a minute nearly all the time and I burn the midnight oil like no other person I know. So, needs (for me and others), requests (again for me and others),  and selfish wants come whenever and I try my best to seize the opportunity when it comes. My prayer might be short and sweet, it may be long and intimate. Mine vary and that is ok; but, the more I've done it the more it just "comes" with ease. Prayer for me just earlier this year was still awkward and "strange". My relationship has grown and my prayer comes easier, more naturally now.

Kind of like the "fake it til you make it" deal. Only here the key is "FAITH it, til you make it". It will come.

I am just a mom, a wife, and a Christian. I fail daily. I screw up big time too. Key is to get back up, reset your compass to His and move on.

Thanks, Jane...I hope this answered your question.




 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Question from a Reader......

Christie- As a busy mom, when do make the time to pray? Or do you pray 'unceasingly' as others do? I would love to know. I loved your post today and would love to learn from you.
(Jane reader/mom in Los Angeles)


Jane, thanks for the question and the compliments. I am humbled, truly.
I would love to say I pray "unceasingly" but I cannot say that. I pray when it hits me. I pray where it hits me. I pray when I can. Sometimes that means in the car,  while cooking dinner, during the kids' nap-time, while on the computer, in the shower, before bed---truly, all throughout my day, I pray off and on. Some days, I pray more...and, honestly, there are days, I don't pray near as much I need too. I cannot say I don't pray as much as I should. "Should", to me, implies a chore. I pray because I want to, not because I should do it. I've learned to pray more during this
"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

9 Days of Thankfulness

I am thankful I have to ability to choose who I am friends with and remove the unwantedness too ;)


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

8 Days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for two things forgiveness and the ability to rejoice, even in the face of hurt and sadness; I can rejoice in the blessings God has given our family. Because of Him, I can forgive freely. Sometimes, it takes some time to give that forgiveness. Sometimes, it is easier to hang on to it than to give the situation over to Him and offer up forgiveness in place of the hurt and sadness.

Thankfully, coming to a place where I know I can only pray for whatever the issues at hand are, whether it be with family, being letdown by a friend or a loved one, or my heart aching for the orphans we left behind---I know that praying is all I need to be able to forgive, let go and rejoice.

I can rejoice in my Heavenly Father, who is always there for me. I can rejoice that my heart is full of love for my boys and my husband. I can rejoice in the journey that led us from Alexander to the Ukraine to bring home our son, Jadon; not just a child, we did not do this to save a child. We brought home our son, and believe me, there is a difference. I can rejoice that our transition here at home has been full of supports and love. I can rejoice that Jadon has eased into our family with such simplicity that I stand in AWE of what He has done for our family, even though that meant leaving another family forever changed as well.

I will continue to pray for the situations I know I have no control over and rejoice in knowing they are HIS job to handle and not mine.

It is truly great being here, now, and knowing....that I have been given the hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places and I KNOW that HE is my LORD. My adoption prayer was answered.



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Day 7 of Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to dress more femininely and in a God pleasing manner. There is much to be said for modesty on behalf of a woman.

I regret it took me going to a culture whose women dress very much in a provocative manner. Traveling was quite an eye opener in many levels. But, the one thing, I am grateful for is the call in my heart to be modest in my dressing from now on. I am thankful I will be able to do this slowly but surely. I loved that I was able to dress for church today in a new skirt, that came mid-calf, opaque tights, 1.5 inch heels, a longsleeve shirt and sweater shrug. I looked nice, and felt great.

My Pastor's wife, Donna, even commented that I looked nice today. I explained why I was dressed the way I was--it was a pleasant conversation. I have been lax in wearing what I have to church, our church is laid back, no one cares if I wear jeans (indeed, many people do) but I won't any more. Skirts or slacks. Period. I want my best for Him in all manner of my life and that includes how I dress.

Thank you, God, for that message.



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

6 Days of Thankfulness

Today, as I have definitely not gained an hour of sleep, I am thankful that our two early risers are playing. Playing?

What's the big deal? Why be thankful? You see, one of those early risers is Jadon (Joseph the other, Jackson loves his sleep). Jadon is playing and not sitting in a corner, rocking, and rubbing his head against the nearest piece of furniture sitting at a 90 degree angle from the wall he is rocking against.

Jadon is progressing, beautifully. He is BONDING! He LOVES when his Da-Da comes home and proudly calls out for him (yes, the wee peanut says Da-Da with meaning just like all my others did long before they acknowledged me by name).

Jadon will dance and make sounds with Da-Da, including new vocalizations he will NOT make with me or for me...stinkpot.  Jadon is now willingly, spontaneously crawling over to us and up into our laps. He will engage with the boys spontaneously. He is getting less and less greedy at the table and learning to "chew and WAIT" for that next bite when self-feeding.

He knows what eat means, and comes a scootin' fast as he can with a beautiful 4 point crawl. He can sign more and drink. He will wave bye-bye. It's always late of course, and, yet, it's right on time, just like any other little one just learning to wave!

He LOVES to take baths. LOVES to take baths. I was so worried he would be terrified of the bath. And, even when Joseph dumps water on his head--he doesn't seem too bothered by it. Joseph LOVES to get in the tub with Jadon.

I have to say, most all of the things I read that we could encounter when we got home have not come to fruition. Is he delayed? Yes. Can we get past that? Time will tell. Do I believe he is capable of learning? You betcha! We are, quite frankly, more set in growing bonds and attachments that the therapies are not burning right now. I've contacted a local servicing center, we shall see if they take our insurance. I should know Monday and if so, we will start the process for therapies for Jadon and see what else we can get for Joseph too.

I've had people ask, "How delayed is Jadon"? Truthfully? He is doing many things a 6 month-9 month old would do with ease and not much more than that. BUT, his abilities (or lack there of if you prefer--but I do not) do NOT matter to me. He is my baby boy, my son and he is no longer wasting away in the babyhouse. He is home and BLOSSOMING!!!!!! And that, is precisely, what I am THANKFUL for today.

and remember "Love makes everything grow"

Love, 

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Day 5 of Thankfulness

Yesterday, I learned that I have two sons, both born with Down syndrome AND BOTH born with WHOLE HEARTS!!! I am so happy.

I've never lied, I don't think I am cut out to be a heart mom. I was/am terrified of it. I am in awe of the wee little heroes and their mommies that have walked that mile and come out the other side AMAZINGLY stronger. My dearest online sisters knew my fear for Jadon's heart, especially with his size being so very small.

Here are the facts on heart defects and Down syndrome. "Abnormalities of the cardiovascular system are common in Down syndrome. Approximately half of all infants born with Down syndrome have a heart defect. Many of these defects have serious implications and it is important to understand them and how they may affect the child so that appropriate medical may be provided" (NDSS website).


I know how blessed we are to have not been in the half of children born with defects, but, I also want to acknowledge our blessing does NOT mean those children/families battling defects aren't blessed. They are, there are lessons to be learned through those challenges, lessons God did not have in store for me apparently.
I am ok with that, I am more than grateful for that. I give praise to HIM for that. I don't mind learnin' but I am grateful that is something I may never know about.

My sister, Cathy, is a heart mom---Lily is a warrior. My sister, Penny, is a heart mom---Wyatt is a warrior. My sister, Deanna, is a heart mom---Ragen is a warrior.  My sister, Anna, is a heart mom---Ellie is a warrior. My sister, Julie, is a heart mom---Kai is a warrior and she will be doing it AGAIN when Peter comes home. I am in awe of her!!!

I have many more "sisters" who are heart moms....I bow to you, you have my utmost love and respect! But today, I am thankful I am not a heart mom.






"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Day 4 of Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for a warm home and food in our bellies. Heat to keep us warm and water that is safe to drink.

Love,



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

3 days of Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for MY family; the one God's blessed me with.

My husband---he's a rockstar!

Jared, my first born

Joseph, the first twin and Shawn's firstborn son :)

Jackson, our second twin & he's a rockstar like his Daddy! 

Jadon, our Ukrainian Prince--the one that showed us, truly, 

God's got the Whole World in His Hand

Ya, we've got it good. God is good, y'all...all the time!

Love,


 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

two days of thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for a swift and pleasant judicial process to formally recognize our Ukrainian adoption of Jadon :) We just finished court, picked up the boys and now we are off to Hacienda for a mini celebration!

God is good y'all!


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)