Where to begin? 

Back in October I followed a link from a friends facebook page. 

I called JUST to ask some questions. 

Husband and I talked and prayed. 

God confirmed our decision in some big ways!

WE

HAVE

PA(pre-approval) from China

God is Cool Like That

We had a very busy day scheduled for today.  We had four appointments before noon.  This morning Jacob woke up at 3:30a.m.  I had to fast to get blood work done, so a mama without breakfast & coffee is not a happy mama.  Needless to say the morning did not get off to a great start.  We were at the hospital by 8:15 for my blood work(just routine).   Finished up, got some papers notarized, and had 30 minutes before our next appointment.  I should add I was dragging eight kids along with me on this adventure.  Knowing how I get when I am hungery I decided to stop by and get a donut and coffee to tide me over before lunch.  After pulling in I realized I had used the $20.00 I thought I had in my purse.  No coffee and donut for me.  On to the doctor's office for my physical, yes with all eight kids. 

We got on the elevator and a lady steps on with us.  She said that she had seen us getting out of the car in the parking lot.  She said she was driving through the parking lot when she saw us and wanted to come in and tell us how blessed we were.  She had no appointment in this building but she rode with us up the elevator and met all the kids.  She asked if she could give me $20.00 to get the kids a special treat today.  After she got back on the elevator my daughter Grace said, "you must have prayed for $20.00".  I told her I did not verbally pray for $20.00 but God knows our hearts desires and sometimes blesses us by giving us are desires.  So after the doctor's appointment we ALL got donuts before heading to our next appointment!

What a wonderful blessing and opportunity to talk with my kids about God's goodness!

Steven Curtis Chapman and the Maas Family

Last night we had the opportunity to volunteer with Show Hope at The Songs and Stories Tour in our home town.  We received a big surprise when I mentioned that our son was on the PR material for Show Hope.  Here he is standing in front of the banner with his picture.

 
The next thing I know we are standing on stage with Steven Curtis Chapman and he is introducing us to the audience.  How cool is that!  Here is a little video clip that my mom, who just happened to be attending the concert, took while we were on stage. Sorry the video is turned sideways.  I love at the end you can hear my dad say, "those are my grandkids".  He is a proud Poppy!




Afterwards we spent a few minutes talking with Steven Curtis Chapman and took a quick picture.  Our family has truly been blessed by this ministry and it was quite an honor to participate in the evening.  Oh, and yes in the video we announce that we are adopting again!!

If you are not in a position to adopt right now but you have a heart for orphans please consider a sponsorship through Show Hope.  You can make a difference in an orphan's life.

What do Football and Orphans have in common?

If you are having a Super Bowl Party please consider taking time during half-time and participate in Tony's challenge.
Tony's Halftime Video Kit is available at:
www.adoptionjourney.org/dungyhalftime  

TV watch party organizers will find 3 things in the kit (free):

• Downloadable versions of the 3 minute video message from Tony & Lauren Dungy
• Instructions on how to burn the video to DVD or stream it to TV set boxes
• Conversation guide with suggestions on presenting the message with friends & family gathered that day

Great Faith or just a Really Careless Decision?

Sometimes I wonder if some of the decisions I make are based on “Great Faith” or do I just make careless decisions.  For example, if a person decided to take a mission trip overseas but knew they did not have the money.  They went ahead and registered, made their plane reservation, and started packing.  Is that “Great Faith” or just crazy? 

Let’s take adoption for example, since that is near and dear to my heart.  There is a family is in the process of adopting one child.  During the process they hear about a precious child with a medical condition that desperately needs a family.  They don’t have the extra money needed for the adoption and they really don’t have a lot of extra space at home.  You have medical bills, therapy, and medical equipment.  Despite all of that they decide to go through with the adoption, knowing the resources will be there when they need them.  Great Faith?  Or just a crazy careless decision that may turn out good or maybe not?

Is there a fine line between having “Great Faith” and just making decisions without considering the consequences?  We are making some big decisions for our family right now and I keep wondering, are we having “Great Faith” or are we just making careless decisions?

I would love to hear your thoughts, any scriptures, stories or sermons you could share with me. 

(Picture taken by Nina Mullins Photography)

I love this child so much, sometimes I honestly feel like my heart will burst.  You will rarely see me without him.  If we are in public and he can’t find me, you will find a panicked look on his face and the screaming soon begins.  None of my other children have had significant “attachment” issues when they are dropped off for Sunday School or taken to a friends for a play date.   Any time I tried to leave Jacob with someone he screamed most of the time I was gone.   He is better about staying with his daddy and my parents.  WOOHOO!!   Many friends and family have said, “you really need to have time alone”.  Therapists have said, “you really need to get Jacob involved in some programs so he can become more independent”. 

It really got me thinking about Jacob’s dependence on me.  Jacob is a smart little boy.  He understands most of what you say.  He is very aware of his surroundings.  Sadly, Jacob is unable to verbalize his needs.  Imagine this.  You are a 4 year old child.  You are unable to do anything for yourself.  You are stuck in a chair and cannot move anything except your head and you have some movement in your arms.  You understand EVERYTHING that is going on around you.  You can not feed yourself.  You can’t even tell anyone when you are hungry.  You can not yell when you are choking.  You can not tell anyone when your diaper needs changed.  You can’t tell anyone when something scares you.  You can’t ask anyone to play with you. 

HOWEVER, there is ONE person in the whole world who understands your language.  This person can tell when you are hungry.  This person can tell when you are about to choke and need assistance.  This person knows when something is around that will scare you.  Remember you are four years old, you are stuck in a chair, and you cannot speak.  How would you feel if you needed something and that ONE person was not around?  SCARED?  FRUSTRATED?  PANICKED? 

So until my son has a voice I am very content to be by his side when he needs me.  I am his mom and that’s what a mom does. 

We are very excited that Jacob received an ipad and we are currently working on setting up a communication program for him.  We have tried other communication devices but they were too complicated and too big to carry around when we leave the house.  I can’t wait to see my son independent and confident.  It will probably be one of the highlights of my life. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I have so many things running around in my head that I want to share with you.  Plus lots of things happening around here to share.

BUT!!!

for some reason every time I sit down to write nothing comes out.  Maybe God is asking me to wait?  Maybe I am just so scatterbrained right now I can't put my thoughts together?  Whatever the case I guess I am taking a short break to sort it all out.

Hope to be back soon!!!