SEARCHING FOR ROCKS

Loading all the heavy rocks

I might be coming over to the dark side and liking Max just a little

No, he didn't drive the tractor...... yet

Before we all set off to collect rocks for Rachael and John's garden

THE (BEFORE PIC) OF THE LAUNDRY ROOM

Justin's working hard

The (After pics)- all the donations from the ladies at church

Mike was out of town this weekend so Noah and I were travelers between houses. We stayed with Nana and Granny each a night and had a wonderful time, even though I was sick! I have to brag on the College and Career Group a little bit and thank them for the wonderful job they did on a laundry room for some local women who are in recovery for substance abuse. The room was dingy and yucky before and everyone pulled together and did all this in just 2 hours. (not to hard for about 14 of us!) Thank you guys/girls so much. The ladies loved it and the Lord was definately honored.

Sunday afternoon, we all piled on the trailor behind the tractor and went hunting rocks for Rachael and John's English rock garden. It's going to be so pretty and we had a wonderful time!

On Adoption news: We are preparing paperwork for our Dossier which is our paperwork to take overseas. There are 3 steps to this process and we've already hit a bit of a snag with our doctors not having a notary in the office so PLEASE PRAY for everything to come together. Thanks everyone.

Long Time Coming

Noah made me laugh so hard by putting this bucket on his head and runnning into things

My little Airborne Soldier

Playing trains with Dada- a new favorite pastime

(Me and some girls from High School on our 11 year reunion beach trip)

I know, I know.... it's been a while since I've posted. SORRY!! It's been pretty busy. I just got back from a beach trip this past weekend with 4 great friends from highschool. We have all reconnected and get together once a month for breakfast and decided to all go off together. We had a wonderful weekend full of eating, shopping, talking and watching movies! Anyway, Noah is growing like a weed. He says new things everyday and his sense of humor is really coming out. I'm afraid he is mischevious like his Daddy. He loves to sing and is trying to learn one of Mike's Airborne songs and I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy. We are having lots of fun these days!

On another note, I can't wait until the fair!! This cool weather makes me want to eat my way through it! Happy Fall.

Reunions

Noah and his Great Granny

Mr. Phil (an old family friend)

Haaji and the donkey

Virginia and the two donkeys

Yes, another tree picture!

Noah and I got renew lots of family relationships this week. Friday, we took a trip up to see my Grandmother and Great Aunt whom I haven't seen in a about 2 months. He did really well on the 2 hour one way drive and we had a delightful time. Then, Saturday morning we went up to see my Aunt Janie and family at a big annual dove hunt on their farm. No, Noah didn't hunt but had a wonderful time getting to know his cousins. As a public praise, my Aunt's cancer scan came back "better than the previous one 4 months ago" and she has not even had any treatment in those 4 months. She directly contributes it to prayer and so do I so those of you who have been praying for her please don't stop!!

Noah seems to be over his sickness but has passed the sore throat to me and the awful cold to Nana. Sorry Nana! Anyway, the last picture is of Mike pushing Noah in an old tractor that my dad found under someones house. He can't quite reach the pedals so Mike is using a tobacco stick to push him with which brings back memories of how my dad taught us to ride a bike. Ahh memories.....

YEAH! Jimmy came and hung my chandelier

Well, our homestudy went ......... well, let's just say it went. I'm so glad it's over. We've got lots of homework to do and now we must start gathering our paperwork for our Dossier (paperwork to travel overseas). I took Noah and a friend to the park on Friday and he came down with an awful cold Friday night. We've spent a lot of time bundled up inside watching Thomas the Tank Engine. He seems to be a little better today. So, that's about all in our corner. I'm definately learning to trust in the Lord at a totally new level these days!

Being Mama

Noah's newest love...... Choo Choo Trains

Part of our Nature Walk

Me and My baby.... (please excuse the no makeup-we had just gotten up)

Sweet Baby Aubrey.. Noah just loves her

( A swim in the pond)

I love being Mama for my little boy. I love being the one he runs to when he is frightened or just needs a hug. I love him saying "Mama Hold" so I'll pick him up. I know I won't be the center of his universe forever but for now I'm loving every minute of it. I don't ever want to forget that "Children are a gift from God".

Blast from the Past

Since I seem to be lacking in pictures right now, I thought I'd show some pictures from Noah's 3 month album. I can't believe how fast this little boy is growing up.

Our social worker came Friday night and Saturday morning. Our seperate interviews took a total of 5 hours!! Needless to say we were mentally exhausted. The final walkthrough is scheduled for Saturday. After all of the material is mailed to the Ukraine, we will go on their waiting list and the wait for approximately 11-14 months. Hopefully it will not be the same time as Rachael and John's wedding. That would be a mess. Anyway, thank you all for your prayers and keep them coming.

UPDATES

A few short updates....... First, please pray for our dear church friend Ken D. who is suffering from brain cancer. He is going in for surgery (Thurs am) at Duke with the doctor that Kennedy had a few months ago. The part of the tumor that they left in his brain has grown rapidly again so they need to get it out quickly. Please pray for strength for his family during this time. Even through all the pain, Ken has not stopped praising God.
Also, our homestudy that was scheduled for yesterday didn't happen. An hour before she was to come, she had to cancel. A real bummer but she is coming Friday night and again Saturday morning. Hopefully the final walkthrough will be on Monday.

Lastly, check out Mike's blog for one of his updates and a hilarious video of Noah pronouncing our new kitty's name! So long for now.