here we go again...

Got two calls from Orchard's today...not a normal occurrence. The first was to let us know we are on the "short list" for Elijah, Isaiah, and Emmanuel. We aren't sure what that means, but hopefully in the next few weeks we will know if we are able pursue adoption for these three cuties. The second was a call to let us know that our license is finally open! Good news. Excited to see what the Lord has planned for our family!

I miss the twins

Life is much more simple without the twinkies here. I can come and go as I please. When I ask people to do something, they mostly obey and I don't have to do much follow up. I can take a shower without someone knocking on the door to tell me something that is super important. I can find a quiet place to read. I can (hopefully I will) organize a room. But I miss those sweet kids. I know they are wrapped in the arms of a GOOD God.

Last night Erin (7) climbed into our bed at 4:30 am...not very typical for her. I asked her if she was okay and what she was thinking about. She said, "I miss the twins, but I am sure they are having fun with their mom." I started to talk to her about it, then realized she just needed a hug. I snuggled with her and we both slept well the rest of the night. 

I asked her about it in the morning and she didn't remember a thing. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit gave her peace in the night. Sure she needed her mama's hugs, but the fact that she could she could say, "I am sure they are having fun with their mom." What a good God we serve. He will protect my babies. Even though there is heartache and struggle- they are able to hear His voice. 

In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.

Better than

tried Greenfield Village with some of the kiddos today. Josiah had a friend in tow so they were off by themselves. Elli was babysitting. The four of us were getting along okay until both the twins wanted the same seat in the wagon. Fight breaks out. T has major breakdown on the grass, as we watch and wait for his emotions to subside, I say to Emma, "Sorry this is hard." She so sweetly says to me, "not as hard as waiting for him to come to our house." Our easy lives have been turned upside down and this sweet godly girl knows that it is better to have this sweet little gangster in our house than to be able to do whatever we want, whenever we want. I love that little girl.

Lay

the Lord has put a sweet little girl in our lives. A has been with us for almost a month. What a month it has been. In and out of the hospital. Visits to the doctors. Tons of tears. Even more laughs. This sweet girl makes our dinner times so fun. She has a wonderful sense of humor. She has a super mad crush on Scott (he is pretty crazy about her too) She keeps me informed about everything happening in the house. She loves the kids so much and there is lots of giggling in our home. She is a wonderful addition to our family- whether it be for a little bit or forever, we are glad the Lord has given us the opportunity to enjoy and share His love with this little girl.

encouraged

M's grandparents sent us flowers today...it was so encouraging to all of us. We are so happy that he is with loving and kind people.

that's our little Easter garden in the front...not too much grass yet:)

Suffering temporarily robs us of physical and emotional strength. It temporarily robs us of our feeling of closeness to others. It temporarily removes our peace and rest. Suffering temporarily steals our comfort and pleasure. But forever guarantees that all of this is temporary. Eternity tells every child of God that the bulk of our existence will be lived in a place of eternal peace, rest, and joy. - Paul Tripp, Forever

first placement

We had a sweet little baby boy placed with us on Valentines Day until today. It was a great six weeks. We knew from the beginning that he would most likely go stay with his grandparents, but there was a lot of emotion wrapped up in it all anyway. We really love that little guy and are so grateful that God placed in him our home for a bit, but in our hearts forever. Praying that the Lord will bless him tonight in a strange place, but a place where he is loved. So grateful that he is going to be with people that love him.

After we found out that he had to leave, this verse appeared on the white board in Josiah's handwriting.

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God.-- Psalm 43:5

I was surprised to find out that Scott didn't ask him to write it up there. But praise God that Scott has trained Josiah to do that- to use the Word to bless his family during trying times. Such a wonderful encouragement to me today.

Praying that M stays in our hearts and more importantly in our prayers forever.

This has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for us, but we feel such wonderful peace in the will of the Lord. He has taught me to trust Him like I never have before...I will praise Him, my salvation and my God.