WE ARE MATCHED!!!

Here it is friends! We have finally been matched! We are matched with a birth mother who has traveled from Texas to Kansas to deliver through an adoption agency called Adoption Connections. It is a small agency, run by a husband and wife couple and they are amazing. She is the social worker and he is the lawyer. They are incredibly affordable, compared to their competition and they take really good care of both babies/birth mothers and adoptive families. We got matched with a baby that is due in the coming weeks and though we don't have all the details yet, we are at a place where we feel at peace and confident that this is the right step.

It's amazing. We got calls all fall and at each one I was full of anxiety. Are we making the right decision? How do you make such a decision? What if we heard wrong? What if? What if? What if??? And yet, at this point in the game I have no anxiety. (Except of course the absurdity of the fact that we will have a newborn in the house sometime within the next 15-30 days!!) I have this sense deep within me that this in the one we have been praying for. That the Lord has taken care of her in a very real and tangible way. That he is taking care of us and preparing us for the things he has coming our way. It's completely surreal and yet vividly clear at the same time. Weird, I know.

People we have talked with who have experienced the same kind of situation have shared how things sometimes pass by in a blur. Details get lost, what was important is no longer, and what used to be worthless is suddenly vastly important. I know I sound like I am rambling, but in an effort to share my heart without giving away too much information that is not for the internet, I am suddenly without words.

We are going to have a baby! It's like I peed on a stick this past week and the doctor told me I was due in 2 weeks. Really??? Are you sure, Lord???? And yet. . . of course this is it. We've been planning and praying for about nine months. Interesting math, huh? Finalization in Kansas is 30-60 days, so for those of you who know our plans for 2010, everything is still on for go.

We are also in need of some funds. The fees, including everything, are $16,000. I know, a lot of money, but I like to say it costed $25,000 to have Benjamin and almost $50,000 for Samuel, so this one's a breeze!! No really, we have a bunch in the bank, some promised from a grant here locally, and remain about $2000 short. That's nothing!! If you are moved and have anything to pass along we would desperately appreciate it. We have a paypal account you can link to from the blog, and that would probably be the most efficient and quickest route for now. We could get a call any day that says she is in labor! Come to the hospital!! Let me know if you have any questions and be praying. We covet your prayers over this little one! Blessings friends.

goodbye and goodnight.

The Right Time and the Right Place

Well friends, it has been some time and though we are not fully there, I feel like we are closer and closer every day to meeting our Bethany. We spent the day yesterday working on a preciously pink room- complete with all the necessities. And this morning I find a post about a most worthy mommy, with a creator-God baby and am again amazed at the truth of the Lord. I have never had a Christmas baby. I've been pregnant twice at Christmastime, but never near delivery. I may not have one this year, but this was such an amazing reminder that the Lord can do amazing things if we are open to His leading. I am no Mary, and my Child is no Christ- but life coming anew is always a reminder of the Life that came for all.

Look here at my friend Candace's Blog - she has words to inspire. Words of truth and light. And words that cause us to remember the Savior. Thanks friend!

The Awakening here at IHOP

Hey friends-



For those following the land of IHOP, I thought I would share this link. It's a CBN report on the revival happening here. There is a move of the spirit that has been happening since mid-November. It is amazing to see people hearts and bodies being healed. The Lord is good and loves his people. Enjoy!

Waiting. . .

Here it is. The packed diaper bag. See the really cute blanket? See the diapers? What about the formula? (I realized yesterday at Costco that we have no other way to feed a baby other than formula and they eat often, so we better be a little bit prepared.)

I know I sound like a broken record sometimes, but waiting is an interesting adventure. I've waiting for all kinds of things in my life, and for some reason it doesn't get any easier. You know, like riding a bike or making pound cake?? The more I do those things, the easier they get. Not waiting.

Not.

One.

Bit.

So, as different news comes and goes we keep praying. We stay content in the plans he has for us, our family, our Bethany, and her birth mother. This week we decided to show our profile (a lovely little booklet of all the wonderful parts of our family) to a birth mother who is due with a little girl in 2 weeks. We've never gotten to this step before and I may be speaking completely out of turn. We are really praying that this is her. We really believe that the Lord knows if it is or not. He is mighty and good, he carries our hearts in the palm of his hand. And as much as He knows my heart to have her here, He also knows all the other hearts involved. He will do what is best. He will give me strength to pray for her. He will sustain this birth mother to make one of the hardest choices she has ever had to make. He will strengthen this little one in the transition from the world inside to the world outside. He will speak truth and life to my boys, as they adjust to the idea of a new sister and learn about taking care of her. AND, he will guide our steps into righteousness- living out the life of Christ at every step of the way.

Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Psalm 139:13-16 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

All of my days have been ordained before me and all of Bethany's days have been set before the God of heaven and earth. He is forming her, fearfully and wonderfully. We will see her at some point, the Lord is good and so we wait. . . .

In honor of my sister and her christmas joy. . . .

You got to see the pic of my sister. They are on her blog (see below, I'm With the Lion). I thought I would show you the Harrigan fam at their best. Or maybe almost. . .



really, aren't we cute??? :)

Quotes of the Day. . . .

We were having the classic cup of sparkling white grape juice after the Thanksgiving Dinner. Big Boy got distracted by a fun game of War (the one with the cards of course). After about ten minutes. . . .

Big Boy: "Mom, do you know where my sprinkling sprite is?"

Enough said.

Goodnight.

Another Monday . . .

So though we can't contain our excitement about heading to NaeNae and PaPa's this week, I thought I would give you a glimpse into our day...



This is what I found when doing laundry and suddenly realizing that Little Boy was lacking in socks. I found this in his shoe basket. Yes ladies and gentlemen, in the shoe basket. Very logical to the young mind.



Another self-portrait. Enough said.

Goodbye.

Fun at the house. . . on a Saturday Afternoon!

Hello friends. I thought this was such a true statement about what we are teaching our kids. We were out yesterday afternoon working in the yard. Most of the time, the Big Boy is working with his Daddy and the Little Boy and I are doing something more 2 year old appropriate. Nonetheless, yesterday afternoon, my sweet boys were outside having a blast- if a bit differently than usual!





Little Boy told me, "Mom, I need to fix my car. But look at my hands."

Mom proceeds to look at hands, noticing they are fairly clean and there is nothing in them.

Mom: "Your hands aren't dirty. You can fix your car, like daddy."

Little Boy: "But Mom look. There aren't any tools in my hands."

Ahhh. . . . of course. :)





While we were all working outside, I found Big Boy inside watching whatever commercial happened to be on TV. I quickly decided that we had to find something else to do. SO, in a stroke of genius (you know me), I gave him some small hand pruning shears. He took to my brown-eyed susans and purple coneflowers like they were the enemy himself.

"Look MOM! I am zooming their heads off! Cool!"

Mom: "Can you stop for a minute to give me a cheese?"

That is what I got.

Goodbye.

New Babies. . .

So, here we are friends. Still without a new little one. The diaper bag is placed at the foot of the bed. I haven't really packed a bag for myself, since I don't know where we will be going. My parents are ready to take the boys if we need to leave in a moment. Our friends in Arkansas have just had a sweet baby boy, another 2 friends found out they were having their third girl (two different families), another friend found out she was having a boy, another friend is getting bigger and bigger every day with her third boy, another friend (or 2) is just beginning to show the marks of growing life. . . . and it goes on and on. New life is flourishing all around me.

I know. The Lord is completely taking care of my little one. I know, He knows where she is. I know, He is bringing her here at exactly the right time. I know, He knows better than I. I even know that she is exactly where she should be right now. I long for my babies to come out of my own uterus this intensely at the end of my pregnancies. It's just hard, you know??? I am ever ready to meet this little one, to hold her in my arms. To feel her, to experience in a tangible way who she is. As I long for this in my nights, I am sitting and watching the "awakening" happening here at IHOP. (that's another post for another time) It's pretty amazing- people who have struggled their life through are seeing Jesus in a way they never have before. They are seeing the Holy Spirit in a powerful, new way. Tangible. What is it about humanity? Eve- touched the apple, David- touched another man's wife, even Thomas had to touch the scars to believe Jesus had risen from the dead. I know that longing for our daughter is not in any way sinful- but I do know this. Sin always starts somewhere- and longing to be in a place that the Lord has not put me never leads anywhere good. Lord, give me peace and contentment. Give me the patience to long and pray for something, while keeping my heart connected to yours and trusting your plans. In my desire for the tangible, give me a new taste of the Holy Spirit. That I may know you in a new way. That it may sustain my heart, my longing, and my patience. That it would be my sustenance. My tangible.

Exercise, really???

Ok, so we all know that I am not nor have I ever been particularly inclined towards exercise. But, thanks to my dear friend Candace, my loving mother, and my sister and sister-in-law- every once in a while I like to do the pilates video. This week I decided it was time. Seeing as the holidays were approaching and I was going to eat even more- we went for it! Emily took this video and we thought is was hilarious! It does make quite a statement about what our children are learning from us. . .

A Momentous Occasion. . .

Friends, I had to document such a moment. And though it was short-lived, when you live in our house for 3 weeks with all 4 children, these moments don't come very often. What fun we are having!

Look at my cute kids. . . .

So, to relieve you of the costume drama this year, I will only pass on the highlights.

2 weeks ago:

Mom: Hey Big Boy, what do you want to dress up like?

Big Boy: I don't know. How about a cucumber?

(mom begins to think about how astoundingly cute her boys would be as Bob and Larry, the tomato and cucumber)

Mom: What about if you guys are a tomato and cucumber? Like in veggie tales? Wouldn't that be great?

Kids: (in unison) yeah!! That would be great fun mama!

see picture below....




Needless to say, despite the $30 spent and the endless discussions and work on said costumes, at the last minute we pulled something out of the box and went to the Fall Festival. You win some, you lose some. And then we go on.

We're going on a bear hunt. . . .

This is one of the funnier moments from the week. It's like reverse hide and seek. One person hides, (that's the bear) and then everyone goes to find that person. Be sure and keep your eye on the baby girl. . .

Here we are. . . . Gratitude.

So here we are, we have made it back to KC, been quarantined for 4 days, made it to a couple days of school and had a great weekend with our friend Lance, from Arkansas. What a week! I sit here and think through it and realize all the many things I am grateful for. (I know, you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition.) i digress. SO, in honor of my friend Candace (because she makes a mean list) here's my top ten from this past week.

10. I am so grateful for the lunch my friend Emily and I got to have a Chipotle this week. Not only is it the best food ever, but we had a really good chat that morning, and are learning to live this life as a Godly mother together. Thank you friend!

9. I got to pray over my son, teach him about the heart of the Father, and watch his body heal. I am so thankful that we are designed to seek Him in our time of need- and that I got to watch my son ask for prayer when He was sick. And then see him restored. Amazing. . . .

8. I am grateful for an amazing husband who reminded me ever so kindly Friday night that my life is not spinning out of control and it is going to slow down. And I will still be here. :)

7. It rained a beautiful fall rain today. Cool. Crisp.

6. My bills are paid for this round and we have food to eat. We stayed dry during the rain today.

5. Big Biy got an amazing hug today from our friend Haven. She's not even two and spread the love during family devotions tonight.

4. Little Boy hasn't gotten sick yet!! (And neither have any of the parents!)

3. We laughed really hard this weekend while watching Nacho Libre with Lance- our friend from Arkansas who visited this weekend. The visit was sweet and the fellowship was great. Thanks for coming friend!

2. When asked what the Lord said to him tonight, Big Boy said, "He said He is coming back." That's awesome. Really.

1. The Lord has given me a testimony- I have been saved. I have been given an opportunity to live eternally. With no pain, fear, or suffering. No sickness or disease. No sin, only love. For my life is only a breath and I am amazed at the days I am given. May He be shown in my waking and in my sleeping.

Goodnight and goodbye.

We made it home. . . only to find we had brought home MN germs.

Yeah! We did make it. I know, I already told you that, but I thought it would be appropriate for the pics I am about to unveil. So, you remember we bought the dresser at IKEA that was way cool? Remember me saying it almost didn't fit in the van? See below.









We also had some fun in the van. First, we watched a few videos.





Then we looked at the windmills. Really people, these things are huge. It makes the trees look like shrubs, and though you can't tell from the pic, they are actually higher than the clouds. It's crazy cool looking, and the boys (well, Big Boy) thought they were really amazing.













We had a great day Sunday, only to wake up with a fever, cough, and aches. Big Boy has been sick three times in the last six weeks! Say a prayer for him and us, as we are all stuck at home with a sick one. It has again reminded me that my longing for the return of Jesus grows every day. I have spent the last two days talking to a momma who had a VERY difficult labor and delivery of her baby boy and another momma with a daughter who has been sick for a long time. I know, for my family it's totally just a virus, but there will be no more sickness when the Father sends his son to return. He will make all things right, there will be no more pain, suffering or sin, and my heart is longing for it.

Goodnight and goodbye.

Bethany College- Day 6

Hello friends! Sorry this is delayed, but we had such a good time last night that we came home and all crashed. Though we didn't sleep all night, it was a little bit better than the night before. SO, on to our day yesterday. We started the morning at a friend-of-a-friend's house for horseback riding. We fed the horses, combed them down, and then rode around the field. Big Boy has ridden a horse before, so he did a wonderful job! Little Boy, had not, and I wasn't sure whether or not he would make it, but with some encouragement and a close daddy- he did it! After that we went to the Minnesota Zoo with some new friends and had a blast! It was great times together.

All that to say, we had a great time! Enjoyed visiting with you all so much this week. I have one more funny post tomorrow about our trip home. It was most definitely an adventure. . . . that whole dresser loaded in the back and all. :)



Goodnight and goodbye.

Bethany College- Day 5

Wow. Ladies and gentlemen- today was a day of fun. I know, you are thinking, "Could it really get any better??" I think it could and it did. Now, let me preface for those of you who think like my husband- we went to a mall today. Not, not, NOT to shop. This was a playing kind of mall. You see, yesterday we had a rough morning here at the college. We got bored, watched too much TV, spent too much time on the computer, and then became generally moody for the rest of the day. I woke up this morning again, already in a sour mood. Plans changed with John needing to leave earlier than I had expected, and Little Boy waking up MUCH earlier than expected. It was snowing again outside, and I know it was fun on the first day, but not so much anymore. I could see the misery starting again- so drastic action had to be taken if we were going to actually enjoy each other. SO, to the mall we went! This is no ordinary mall- it sits on 30 acres and has the largest indoor theme park in the middle of it anywhere in the US. It is in fact, the largest mall in the US. At least that's what I think I was told. Anyway, it's called the Mall of America and I took the boys by myself this morning. First stop once inside was the local Starbucks- thanks to my friend Emily for the heads up on the Pumpkin Latte. WOW! I digress. . . .We stayed until almost 2, we were having so much fun! If you look at the pics below you can see the highlights. We rode the train ride, the "car" ride, and a mini-roller coaster. Everyone had loads of fun. We then walked around for a bit, found a Rainforest Cafe (another really fun place) and ate lunch. Our last big hit was the Lego Store. It's really big with lots of cool lego sets that you can't find other places. Big Boy was the photojournalist at Rainforest Cafe for us, and I took most of the rest. Notice all the crazy things made out of legos. . .

Then we left the mall and went to pick up daddy. He had finished lunch with a friend and wanted to join the party! We went to Trader Joe's for the first time. It was pretty cool and I was really working to remember the kind of salsa that my sister got that was so good. I tried, sis. Don't know if I got it right or not, but was definitely thinking of you around 2:30!



THEN (as if the day wasn't fun enough) we went to IKEA!!!! It was such an interesting place and we went into the wrong side first (the one where you pick up the furniture you want to buy, because it's all still in the boxes and we couldn't figure out what anything looked like). Anyway, on that side we saw the "bents and dents" section. My Christmas present came early this year and I got a new $300 dresser for $111!! Can you believe that?? It is totally cool and though the back window of the van will remain open for the next three days, it is totally worth it. I'll have to take a pic and show you tomorrow. It's really quite hilarious. We had a moment of panic when the back door wouldn't even shut and we had already paid for it. Ahhhh.... it shut....barely. :)



LAST but definitely NOT LEAST, we went to a wonderful chili dinner for us. It was a great time to visit with some new friends (hello MN blog readers! love to you all) and connect more with this community. Our kids had a blast, we ate some good chili, and we got to share about what the Lord has been doing in our midst. He is good- and often times he is doing some of the same things in different ones, very far apart. He is sovereign, patient, and kind. Loving fully his children. We are blessed to know ones that love him wholly.

Goodnight and goodbye!

Bethany College- Day 4

Okay, so there isn't much to say today, except look at this amazing fun!!! We watched entirely too much PBSkids this morning, so when afternoon fun with daddy came, it was desperately needed, and we went to the Transportation Museum!!! It may not seem very exciting, but let me assure you-- to little boys who love all things that move, an upclose look at a real engine, caboose, and dining car from the 1920's were really cool. I guess Daddy and Mommy liked it too. Nonetheless, it was a hit of an afternoon, so enjoy the pics!

On a different note, we were walking out of the museum after spending close to two hours and it struck me. . . . what would we do if there was a little girl in our family?? The thought was unfortunately new. I don't know if she would like trains or not. I don't know if what she would like is something the other two would like or not. What to do on a family vacation?? I remember conversations from my family as a kid, trying to make such a decision, but I don't remember how it was decided and how everyone felt about said decision. Wow, still can't wait to bring her home. Still, really excited about having a new addition to our family. Still really ready.

Goodbye and goodnight.

Bethany College- Day 3

Okay, so here we are continuing through our week of fun. Today was no different. I should point out first that the silverware slide is still the highlight of all meals. We actually ate out tonight and were concerned about missing the slide. Anyway, we hung out around the room for a bit this morning, played with cars, and Big Boy has been working on his photography skills. Here's one for your enjoyment. . .


This afternoon we went to an apple orchard and had a great, though terribly cold, time. We picked, played, ate, and played some more. We even got to ride a tractor!

To end out the day we made it to McDonalds drive thru (for Big Boy) and Panera for the rest of us. What a wonderful way to end a cold, but really fun afternoon- hot soup in a bread bowl with a really good cup of decaf. Yum. I am also really blessed with a Little Boy who loves tomato soup. He had it for lunch and dinner!




On another note all together I read this book today during naptime (part of it) about the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It was very interesting and it struck me with a basic question. "If the parable was only about the younger son returning and the heart of the Father when he does, why does Jesus include that last part about the older brother?" It is truly a powerful warning to those who like me, have lived so much of our lives in the church. I have known of the Father and his heart for me for a long time. I long to stay fresh, to remember well the things he has saved me from. And yet, in the parable- not only am I an oldest child, but I am also one who has been under the Father's love for many years. The "obedient" one. The older son doesn't come in. I want desperately to be in on the party and yet the older son doesn't go in. He is consumed with selfish anger at his Father's willing forgiveness and the loss that it ultimately may cause to his own inheritance. (A younger son once reinstated can get a second inheritance when the Father dies.) It is ultimately selfish. Displaying the true and fallen sinful heart- at the core only concerned about keeping it's own needs met. As I am sitting here in this wonderful and interesting place, I am struck by my own heart. I am reminded of my own shortcomings and I am amazed that the Lord still invites me in. Thank you, again and again, I say. Thank you.

Bethany College- Day 2

Well, it has most definitely been an eventful day. We woke up to snow this morning! Yes, I know, I was surprised too. Even though I had done my homework, looked on weather.com before packing, I knew there was a chance for snow, but was still surprised. You know, down south when there is an early chance, it usually means we'll get a flake or two. It snowed here from before we got up, through lunchtime. No real accumulation, as I figure the ground is still warm, but what a fun addition to our trip. We just needed waterproof gloves to go with our snowball fights!



This one is my favorite, as you can clearly see how we love to walk. Despite the fact that our shoes might get wet, we don't have our snow boots or pants, and we don't really like the other pair of shoes that mom brought-- we still choose to walk directly in the snow. Really, is there any other option???


This morning as we were cleaning up for breakfast we found the second most exciting part of the trip thus far. Second only because it happened second, not because it is second best. You see, we are eating in a college cafeteria. And as most of you know, when you are finished with the food on your tray you take it to an area and follow any number of directions to help with the cleaning process. This my friends is what we found. . . .



I made it a bit bigger so you can get the full effect. It will forever be termed, the slide for the silverware. Need I say more??

Goodnight and sweet dreams.

The Family Trip to Bethany College. . . . Bloomington, MN- Day 1

Alright friends, we loaded up this morning after having a wonderful weekend with the Lee family (at least three of them) and have now arrived in Minnesota. Bethany College of Missions is a small college that we became connected with last year, and they invited the Daddy up to teach a class. They offered to put the family up for the week, so we considered it a vacation! On that note, and because we are all sleeping in the same room and therefore have to be really quiet after 8pm, I thought I would give all three of my loyal readers the highlights from each day.

Here we are leaving the house. . . . (the random new friend in the back is Angie, she needed a ride from KC back to Bethany.)


Then I was driving, since my husband was preparing to teach all week, and I thought I would document the interesting things I saw while utterly bored. (no, it wasn't all that unsafe)


Then a signpost. . . oh wait, Des Moines is just barely halfway there. :(


Then some cornfields. . . and a rather unhappy Little Boy face.



A staticky stop. . .


Some fun playing in the room. . . wrestling as much as mommies are made to. (I missed the really good pic of them taking out their daddy!)



And finally, bedtime reading with daddy. It took a bit, but amazingly enough, the boys were both asleep by 8:35! This is going to be a fun week!!!



p.s. Sometime I'll have to tell you about the funny conversation that Big Boy and I had sitting in Subway tonight. It was in reference to Bethany College and his sister Bethany not being here. For a quick moment, he thought we were coming to get her. :(

Are women born this way?

I saw this on a friend's blog today and thought it was hilarious. It is how things work in our house...

So, here's a post to my dear friend Candace!! We had an awesome weekend in Hot Springs, despite difficulties, it was well worth it. We had an early birthday party for Candace, sang Happy Birthday, had a strawberry cake, and laughed a lot! It is such an amazing gift to be partnered with such a woman of the Lord. She encourages my heart in so many ways, often times just listening to my ramblings. My heart has been blessed by this woman.

Quotes of the Day

Okay, so I have tried like three times now to process through my emotions and post something really amazing about my mom and how I feel about her, but I can't seem to get through it. SO, instead, if you want to read something really cool about her go to my sister's blog. She's got it all.

What do I have for you, you might ask??

Big Boy: "You know what mommy, I want to move."

Mommy: "Like where to?"

Big Boy: "A new house, so we can go to outer space."

Mommy (and Daddy as he has joined in now): "Really?"

Big Boy: "Yeah, we need to move to a house that is closer to a rocket ship so we can go into outer space."

And so it continued for close to 10 minutes. . . . he had really thought this one through.

Mommy: "Little Boy, tomorrow is another day at school! Are you excited?"
(p.s. he did really well last week!)

Little Boy: "No, I don't want to go."

Mommy: "Why not?"

Little Boy: "I like you."

Can it melt your heart any more than that???
(In my head I was thinking, I'll NEVER again make you do ANYTHING you don't want to do, not ever again!!!)

Fellowship. . . . part ???

After a 5 month hiatus (is that a word??) to a foreign land, our friends the Millers have returned! It is truly and interesting story, our meeting, but I will say they have become dear friends. We got to know them last fall, then at the beginning of November, they moved to North Carolina. In January, they spent almost three weeks in our house for a visit, left for another part of the world, and have come back for a three month visit to KC. Yeah! Our favorite evening activity would be to gather in the late afternoon, cook dinner together, and eat. We would put the kids to bed and stay up talking together late into the evening! It has been such a blessing to have them back. On a separate note all together, you know how much you love someone, if you offer to let them stay in your flat in a foreign country for three months! (hopefully when we go next summer)




It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord can connect people together. I find my heart connected to people all around the world, and yet it is a connection that is sometimes as strong or stronger than the ones I have right here. How is it the Lord does that? How is it that our sisters in Christ are so close to our hearts, no matter the distance? I suppose this is just a general shout-out to my dear friends everywhere, especially far away. Helloooooo to East Asia, to Shreveport, to Wilmore, to Fayetteville, to Conway, and to everywhere else! I love you all and know that the Lord has mighty purposes in our lives, in joining our hearts, and in forever connecting us in such a tangible, real way. May the Lord speak to you all, may He make His face to shine upon you, and may you see His heart at work in all the things around you.

Fun with Aunt Erin!

Okay, so last weekend Erin came up for a visit. I have two very important things to say about it all. . . .

1. My children love their aunt. She treats them the best, spoils them at every opportunity, and loves them fully. They had a blast together and she even slept on the trundle bed one night! Big Boy and Little Boy were thrilled.

2. I am so honored to have such a good sister. We have started a bible study together over the miles and she said so appropriately, "Maybe the best thing about this study is that we get to know each other better." You know, somehow switching from just sisters, to friends who also happen to be sisters. It's been really fun and the Lord is doing mighty things in us as well.

Oh yeah, and #3-- you should totally go look at her blog and see some really cute pics of us all at a Royals baseball game!

The Fish. . .

Okay friends, this is really quite funny. We have Thursday Night Dinners at our house, where we get the joy of feeding and praying with 10-15 mostly single, mid-twenties students from around the IHOP base. It's a great night, and I have expanded my creative cooking skills, learning to cook for a crowd, things that still taste really good! (some weeks I am better than others. . . but that's okay!) Anyway, this past week I sent out an e-mail on Monday claiming that we would have grilled fish for dinner Thursday night. I had all kinds of excited comments and such, and as it would go the fish that I had assumed was in my freezer had been mostly eaten. Thursday morning after a brief stint in the prayer room, I headed to the nearby grocery store to grab some more fish. It was a quick and slightly distracted trip, as I had sweet Little Boy with me and he was hungry and nearing a two-year old breakdown. All that said, I did look at the package, read the recipes on the back, and there was NO mention of this- or anything to do with this. Here's what came out of the package. . . . at 4:30 in the afternoon, after it was all thawed in my kitchen sink. hmph.



Fortunately, the kind and very pregnant, Katrina, came to my rescue and ran to get some more fish- this time without heads, skin, and fins!