Weekend recap and We have a GRADUATE!!

Snoozing while eating

Our daughter (in blue) hanging out with a best friend at the graduation party.

We need to separate these 2 for pictures....he's making his move...

...and got her!!

Hubby's parents and our girl at party

Crazy wind hair. Watching the big kids play games.



Mimi and our graduate

Yes, our girl is wearing a beautiful dress with a tulle skirt for the sack race.

Some of the little girls

My newest nephew, Jobe.

Our oldest, her boyfriend and best friend.

The boy and the four wheeler.

Tube free for a couple of hours. Had to share this one- look at her antlers!

And tube free with big sister.

Just keeping it real. Me at my best....this is how I look most days. Tired! And no, we don't make her hair stick up like that- it does it on it's own.

This boy loves to read! So sweet with his big sister. The same one he attacks during pictures.

In Him,

E

HE IS RISEN!!!!!

"Life without God....."

Billy Graham is now in his 90's with Parkinson's disease. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina , invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said , 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.'
So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger.

When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there. He looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.

"The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'

Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'

Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.''

Having said that, Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age.
I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is?

This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing . I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am. I also know where I'm going."

May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door. "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."

Amen & Peace, My Friends

The Greatest Man in History

Who Is Jesus? The Greatest Man in History

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today!

He's leaving me...

.....or at least that's what I thought he'd say when I brought up Spencer. Not really. Our relationship is solid, but I did think that he'd admit me into some psychiatric hospital for even mentioning his name!:)

Spencer. God, why do I see things like this!?!?! And more importantly, why do I feel the way I do about it?!?! Spencer. He's 17. Yes, a far cry from our 8 week old treasure but we do have an 18 year old, too.

Spencer has no Mom and Dad. No permanent place to call home. I asked Dawn what she thought would happen to him when he turned 18. I knew the answer but so wanted her to tell me something completely different. Something wonderful and beautiful, but she didn't. "He'll go to an institution" was the answer she gave. I knew it.

Sadness, anger and fear swept over me. Spencer. A treasure just like our youngest two. Waiting for a family for many reasons. He's "old". He's a male. And he has Down Syndrome.
But you know what? He is human and he longs for the same things each of us long for. Acceptance. Love. A family. And specifically a family "with a Dad". Spencer's words.

I can't imagine my Charlie where Spencer is today. Alone. With noone.

Please, join me in praying for this tough guy. One of the pictures I saw of him shows him flexing his muscles. He's showing the world that he's a fighter and a strong one at that. Join me in fighting for him and praying for his family to find him.

Spencer is already 17 and living in the foster care system here in the US. He doesn't have much time left.
In Him,
E

My dream car...

And I'm serious. My dream just may come true!

In Him,

E

My Reader...

Daily I find him in the middle of his pile....reading and reading and reading. For 15, 20, 30 minutes he does this, "talking" the entire time. He is so smart!!

In Him, E

For all those who have been harrassing me....

Kiddos in our house sleep in comfort- I wish I were surrounded by all that satin and chenille!:)

Here she is in all of her 7 pound 12 ounce glory!! She will be 8 weeks this coming Tuesday. Yep, slowly but surely she is gaining. Tiny baby steps is how she does it.

After working hard at pushing herself up and holding up that heavy head.

I took this picture to show you how teeny our treasure really is. My hands are not large by any means. She is such a teeny peanut!

So, there you have it. We hope to have another mini photoshoot tomorrow afternoon with all 5, and I'll share those when they are finally finished! Hope you all have a blessed weekend! In Him,

E

The World's Best Big Sisters!!

These girls totally ROCK!!

In Him,

E

My Big Boy

My oh my how this little guy has changed in the past few months!! I know that part of his "bigness" comes from the fact that he has a sister that is less than 1/3 his size, but he really is growing up. And as much as I want him to stay little and snuggle with me every morning, I am so incredibly proud of his new found independence!!

**WARNING** I usually don't write "bragging " posts, but this post is an exception. He has been working so hard and deserves to be bragged on!

About 2 months ago Charlie started walking (and for those of you counting the months, he was 17 months!!). Not walking as in 20-30 feet but walking a good 10-15 steps. I am 100% confident that it has much to do with his amazing PT, Ms. Linda, and her years of working with these kiddos. I also know that Charlie's success was aided by Ms. Linda's suggestion and force that he use the walker and master turning. Think- core muscle strengthening. Linda is NDT Certified and a genius as far as I am concerned.:)

For about 4-6 weeks now he's been on a mission and noone can stop him. He is walking EVERYWHERE (close the potties and all doors!!). The next goal? Mastering kicking a ball- he's so incredibly close to doing it 100% of the time. Oh, and hands down by his side.

Charlie also go this first big boy haircut that his sisters love fixing "cool". Yep, look at that cool dude!

I love you, handsome boy!! But slow your growing down just a bit. Mommy's not ready to lose her snuggle partner.:)

In Him,

E

Doesn't he deserve a family?

I LOVE THIS BOY!!

If God's plan for our family was to be on the next plane to Uganda, you can bet that's exactly where I'd be!! But right now, I feel like we need to focus on Celia's health and getting her to a place of stability with her heart, weight and feeding.

My prayer over and over and over is "Does sweet Jonathan not deserve a family, God?". I cry out to Him about this precious one. Just look at this treasure! Oh my GOODNESS! I love him! And how my heart swelled and broke all in the same instant when I saw him playing with this toy. Guess who sent it to him?!?! Yep, our family! And evidently it's his favorite.:) But, I wished he were here playing with it instead.

Let's face it, though. The odds are stacked against him. #1- He lives in Africa. #2- He has Down Syndrome. #3- Something is going on with his digestive system and he NEEDS medical attention soon. #4- Jonathan is HIV positive. A big deal? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! HIV is NOT what it used to be. Feel free to mosey on over to Project Hopeful to learn how incredibly easy it is to care for and live with HIV. NOT A BIG DEAL! And guess what? This is what God intended for Jonathan. He KNEW this would be a part of his life. And guess what else? He already knows who his family is and is just waiting for them to step forward. Could it be you? Please, if you are interested in learning more about Jonathan, email me nogreatergiftmom@yahoo.com. I long for this boy to be home. Amazed by HIS grace, E

On Celia's Wish List....

Again, I'm not a buyer of new things but when I saw these at Brianna Beans Boutique.....well, let's just say it was love! And until tomorrow (April 2nd) they are 50% off making them $10 pair.

She has the teeny tiniest feet, and I just know they will look absolutely perfect with some new slippers wrapped around them.

Now just to decide which pattern is her favorite.:)

In Him,

E

My Obsession

I know I promised an update about a certain little squishy one, but my brain is turning to mush between-

1. Cardiology visits
2. Lasix, Captopril, Reglan, Zantac
3. Reflux
4. ATTEMPTING to order Neomed feeding tubes and dealing with the "customer service" rep who keeps telling me she'll call me back after she talks to her supervisor.. We are now on day 2 and a certain treasure needs a new tube in 3 days.
5. Social Security Administration- need I say more?!!!
6. Medical Insurance customer service representatives- need I say more?!!
7. Bending and bending and bending a certain little boy's glasses after he took a tumble several days ago.
8. Pediatrician visits and nurses who just aren't very chipper!
9. Legal paperwork
10. Homestudy update paperwork.....and obtaining pet vaccinations, septic tank approvals, medicals for entire family x7, 911 call reports, fingerprints....you get the picture.
11. Obtaining proper documentation for home health providers.
12. Picking up prescribed formula for little bit.
13. Obsessing about every. single. ounce. that a certain precious girl digests.
14. Homeschooling.
15. Guitar lessons.
16. Visiting SS office.
17. Applying for transfer of Medicaid for our newest treasure.
18. Scrubbing and scrubbing reflux yuck out of beautiful newborn clothes.
19. Trying to decide how often Charlie still needs PT. Did I mention he is walking like a mad man?!!
20. Filling out and scheduling therapy evals for little bit.
21. Working on putting coins in the piggy bank (with Charlie! and he is GOOD!).
22. Covering pinecones with peanut butter and birdseed with my middle.
23. Contacting (and harassing!!) every doctor and therapist Charlie has for "statements of need" to prove he has special needs. Really?! Is that necessary?
24. Visiting post office. Or at least thinking that I need to every single day. Anyone want to be my courier?
25. Laundry.
26. Searching for nose pieces for a little boy's glasses. Where in the world do they go?!?!
27. Planning and scheduling a visit to a cosmetology school with our 18 year old. And gathering all needed paperwork to go with us. So crazy that our youngest and oldest are 18 years apart!
28. PT, OT, Speech
29. Recycling and taking trash
30. Cleaning my garage
31. Going to the playground and enjoying leaving my phone, dishes, vacuum and laundry at home because more important that #1-30 are 6 people whom God has blessed me with!!


Oh, and did I mention that a super cute little boy's favorite place is NOT strapped down in a stroller or car seat?! So, visiting place to place to place is not his idea of fun. Nor is it mine.

Please- I AM NOT COMPLAINING!! Don't leave me nasty comments about how selfish I am or "why do you have 5 children if you are going to gripe about it!". I LOVE my family and EACH ONE OF MY CHILDREN! But, a girl's gotta have something to take her mind off the madness, don't you think? I'm not a buyer of new things, but when I discovered this I was ecstatic! So now, once a day I check my amazon account to find out where it is. And guess what? It will be here tomorrow!!!! Sad, I know. If only it would come with a free bag of peanut butter M&Ms (right, Dawn?!:)!!

I think I might just name her. Or should it be a him? Now, if only he/she would clean my floors without any assistance!:)

In Him,

E

Desperation...

You know you are a mom when, out of desperation, you begin tearing off paper from the exam table to make hats. Sorry, Dr., we may owe you a roll of paper. Notice how giggly he was though, right?
This was to appease a certain little boy during Celia's 3 HOUR cardiology visit today. And boy, did he think it was the greatest thing ever! Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes.:)

I'll write a Celia update later today. Things are good but not so good. We are head over heals in love. Please, pray for our precious angel.
In Him,
E

Where I have been...

Praising HIM for the blessings in this life!

Sweet Celia

Our newest blessing

GOD IS SO GOOD!!

Celia is now 3 weeks old and joined our famly when she was discharged from the hospital 11 days ago. Sorry we had to keep the secret so long.:) We are so blessed by her!

It makes me laugh how so often we have our lives planned out and God intervenes. Thank goodness! Our plan was to begin the process of adding to our family near the end of the year. Over a month ago we were contacted about a specific situation that began preparing us and softening our hearts. And then out of the blue came our sweet Celia! This was not something we had on the agenda this month, and now......we cannot image our lives without her! Once again, tangible proof in my life that His plan is perfect!

Oh, and YES- she is rockin' that little something extra!!

In Him,

E

URGENT PRAYERS!!

Precious Ana was moved to the ICU around 1am this morning. Her heart rate was dropping into the 30s. MAY GOD HEAL THIS PRECIOUS ANGEL!! She's a fighter and I know God has mighty plans for this treasured one. Please, join me in praying for total healing for sweet Ana.

I'll update as I get more information.

In Him,

E

Mini Photoshoot

She was afraid of what might happen next- look at his face!

Look of love, admiration....or a stare down.

He's still staring.:)

We didn't realize it was so cool out Friday in the late afternoon. Our goal was to get a few good shots but that goal was quickly forgotten with the wind whipping around.

The shed is now my favorite color red!! As is our front door....finally!! Thank you, babe- I love them both!

In Him,

E

Love Notes

I love suprises like these. This one was from our oldest daughter "just cause" this past Friday night. She also left one for her Daddy. Notes like these are regular sightings around our house. I wrote more about our love notes here. I encourage you to participate. You might just change someone's day!

In Him,

E

Happy Heart Day!

National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day,

that is!!

**CAUTION graphic pictures below**

Remember this-

Because of the phenomenal team of doctors who knew just what to do in order to fix our little one's thumper 9 months ago, we are blessed to be able to enjoy this tiny package of goodness every single day.

Praising God for guiding the team last May 21st. We know without a doubt that He gave us the best cardiologist and cardiology team around. Love to each of you on this "Happy Heart Day"!!

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day, too.:)

In Him,

E

Dear Staci,

I think it's safe to say that OT is working. Maybe we should lay off the pop beads for a while. Charlie has the pulling apart down pat.

Love,

E

*Note to self- markers need to find a new home high upon the shelf.:) It is very scary.....

This is the face he gives us when we ask him "Is it scary?!" He has

the funniest little personality.

Waiting til it's warm...

That's what he told my husband this morning. His exact words, "It's bad when you have to wait for a warm day to bathe." My heart broke when I heard these words. Paul lives around the corner from us. Literally.


Late last summer we were headed home from church when my husband spotted them. Hot and sticky weighted down with groceries. I was talking and not paying attention but knew exactly what was happening when he began to turn the car around. Another person walking. My husband does this fairly often but only when he feels the Lord nudging. So, we pulled up beside them. Hubby got out and asked if we could drive them home. He was greeted with brief hesitation before agreeing. The kids were silent as Paul talked. He told us a bit about his life and how he used to work in the landscape industry. Of course, when the economy tanked so did construction and everything related to it. Since then, Paul has been unable to find work. "Everyone says I'm too old" were his words to us. He is in his 50s.


Paul often walks to businesses close by to apply for jobs because he has no car to travel long distances. He also has no phone so interested potential employers have no way to get in touch with him.


When we drove up to him home that day, my girls' eyes were opened. Paul and his wife lived in a very small, run down trailer. Dark and dirty and in a bad neighborhood. But they were both very upbeat and told us to have a blessed day as they got out. We drove away in silence. Humbled to have met such a wonderful couple.


Hubby has seen him and picked him up several times since that hot summer day. Each time Paul reveals a little more about himself. And then this morning...


It was cold outside. In the 30s, I'm sure. Dragging a propane tank behind him, Paul was making the trek home. Hubby saw him and pulled over. Paul's face lit up with he heard his name. They loaded the tank into the back and were turning in the direction of Paul's house when he told my husband they lost that house. The house they are now living in wasn't far. Pulling down the drive my husband's heart sank. Paul's new house is falling apart. There is no electricity. They cook on a small propane grill. There's no heat and it's cold. As in it's suppose to snow tonight cold. And they "....wait for a warm day to bathe."

My husband invited Paul and his wife to dinner tonight. We're seeking God's clear direction for our relationship with Paul and how we can help his situation.

What does God call us to do? How can this be the reality right around the corner- in my small little corner of the world?! Praying for God's clear direction.
In Him,
E

She cracks me up!!

I know I've said before that our middle daughter is probably the funniest person I know. Seriously, she makes me laugh all day! Just a few of her random thoughts-

"Mom, what would you do if someone with no arms tried to steal your bracelet?" Seriously!?!


"I think Tina Turner and Michael Jackson should have traded voices. That would have been a
much better fit."


Okay, now it's no secret around our house that skinny jeans make me crazy. No judgements here if you wear them, but they make me crazy- Probably as crazy as my pegged pants and bird's nest hairdo made my parents. But our middle loves music, plays the guitar and likes hanging out with musicians. Musicians around here where skinny jeans. So....hubby was kidding (or maybe not:) with her the other night about skinny jeans and boys. Today she said to me, "Okay. So, Dad says I can't bring a guy who wears skinny jeans home. That means I can't date someone until I move out of the house. But, I'm not moving out until I get married. I think I have a problem! If I can't bring a guy with skinny jeans home or date him, then how am I going to get married?!" I told her she is welcome to live here forever, and she just rolled her eyes.



In Him,

E

Happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA!!!

This is what it looks like when my sister's family and mine get together to celebrate my Dad's 65th (YIKES!) birthday! Only it wasn't the same without the last cousin, sweet Ms Stella Rose, there.

My girls and Charlie in the back, and my sister's 3 boys in the front. Good, good times.

In Him,

E