Here are pictures of Caleb. We do not seem to have as many of them for some reason.
Ryan (Caleb's best friend) Caleb
They are so adorbale here!!!
Caleb age 6 (soon to be 7)
Friday, February 01, 2008
Photo history Part 1 - Heather
My friend Cheri asked us to share old photos of our children!
What a great idea! I am going to start hear with Heather. for some reason I have the most pictures of her! Probably because even though she was our 2nd child she was our first newborn.
Heather and Arianna!!They were so cute together!!
Heather age 9
Thursday, January 31, 2008
In the Air
The Haiti team is finally on the final phase of getting to Haiti! They should arrive around 9:25 am!
They had a small delay when American had to get a piece of luggage off the plane that belonged to a passenger that didn't show. Does that sound familiar to anyone that has gone before?!
It is becoming quite common! :)
Their first stop after arriving in Haiti is a trip to Barbencourt where they will be showing the Jesus film to the children there! What an exciting start to their trip!!
We had a great day off with the kids! The kids were so good for me and I am so thankful for them!
After today they should be able to post their own blogs at lighthousetrips. Keep checking back as they could post once or several times a day. You will probably be able to read some of their trip at the Livesays blog . Tara and Troy will usually post some of what the team is doing!
I am so excited for them to finally get there and start working for the Lord!!!
Psalm 96
1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.
They had a small delay when American had to get a piece of luggage off the plane that belonged to a passenger that didn't show. Does that sound familiar to anyone that has gone before?!
It is becoming quite common! :)
Their first stop after arriving in Haiti is a trip to Barbencourt where they will be showing the Jesus film to the children there! What an exciting start to their trip!!
We had a great day off with the kids! The kids were so good for me and I am so thankful for them!
After today they should be able to post their own blogs at lighthousetrips. Keep checking back as they could post once or several times a day. You will probably be able to read some of their trip at the Livesays blog . Tara and Troy will usually post some of what the team is doing!
I am so excited for them to finally get there and start working for the Lord!!!
Psalm 96
1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Update
The team is on the ground in Miami and Nate said he cannot believe how warm it is there.
They were heading to their hotel and they were able to check their luggage for tomorrow! Sounds like it all arrived with them too! NOW that is a miracle!!! :)
I am now going to take a much needed rest. Not as much of a rest as Tammy and Diane as they had a very stressful drive! Thank to both of you for driving!! You are both so brave. I think we were up ALL night listening and watching the wind and the snow.
I cannot even tell you the hours that the 3 of us put into computer time and phone time with everything that went on! I am off to a HOT, HOT shower and then dinner with the kids! They have been SUPER good today and I am soooooooo proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again for all the prayers!!! We are also so thankful too becuase my friend Michelle and her Guatemala team is safe home and sound today too!!! Thank you, God!!!
They were heading to their hotel and they were able to check their luggage for tomorrow! Sounds like it all arrived with them too! NOW that is a miracle!!! :)
I am now going to take a much needed rest. Not as much of a rest as Tammy and Diane as they had a very stressful drive! Thank to both of you for driving!! You are both so brave. I think we were up ALL night listening and watching the wind and the snow.
I cannot even tell you the hours that the 3 of us put into computer time and phone time with everything that went on! I am off to a HOT, HOT shower and then dinner with the kids! They have been SUPER good today and I am soooooooo proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again for all the prayers!!! We are also so thankful too becuase my friend Michelle and her Guatemala team is safe home and sound today too!!! Thank you, God!!!
Haiti team and weather!
Well for those living in Michigan the weather this morning has been something else. Ice, blowing winds, blizzard like conditions, lots of snow.
It is also the same day that my husband was to leave for Haiti. He is leading a team of 13.
They were VERY delayed this morning and they ended up missing their plane in Chicago.
However God is so good and Nate called me a few minutes ago with news that a flight was available in 30 minutes to Miami and he was VERY positive that they would make it and still make their flight to Haiti today!!!
Thanks to all those that have been praying!!! It is so appreciated!!!!
I will update more later!!!
New update:
Nate just called me and now they are NOT able to get on that flight. They are heading out right now to rebook their flights but figure unless a miracle occurs that they will be spending the night in Miami.
It is also the same day that my husband was to leave for Haiti. He is leading a team of 13.
They were VERY delayed this morning and they ended up missing their plane in Chicago.
However God is so good and Nate called me a few minutes ago with news that a flight was available in 30 minutes to Miami and he was VERY positive that they would make it and still make their flight to Haiti today!!!
Thanks to all those that have been praying!!! It is so appreciated!!!!
I will update more later!!!
New update:
Nate just called me and now they are NOT able to get on that flight. They are heading out right now to rebook their flights but figure unless a miracle occurs that they will be spending the night in Miami.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Caleb
Most people know Caleb as a very rambunctious little boy!!
that he is! I cannot believe how often I have to get after him to stop running, stop hitting, and stop headbutting people. Ugh! Especially at church. He is all boy.
He also has a very sweet side to him (okay he is a little spoiled and my youngest) Caleb was another child that doctors said we would never have! God is so good to us!!
Last night Caleb wrote me this note!! In case you cannot read it I will translate for you.
Dear, Mom. I love you sista. Caleb! Is that not the sweetest! Okay he wrote me this when he was supposed to be in bed. What can a mom do!!! He also put the special sticker on at the bottom!!
that he is! I cannot believe how often I have to get after him to stop running, stop hitting, and stop headbutting people. Ugh! Especially at church. He is all boy.
He also has a very sweet side to him (okay he is a little spoiled and my youngest) Caleb was another child that doctors said we would never have! God is so good to us!!Last night Caleb wrote me this note!! In case you cannot read it I will translate for you.
Dear, Mom. I love you sista. Caleb! Is that not the sweetest! Okay he wrote me this when he was supposed to be in bed. What can a mom do!!! He also put the special sticker on at the bottom!!
Not a good time for more snow.
Please pray for the Guatemala team that is flying into Detroit tonight and for those that are driving out to pick them up and for their safe trip home.
Also pray for the Haiti team that is supposed to be leaving tomorrow morning early.
I don't mind if we get winter weather but if it could just hold off a day that would be great!!!
This is what came to our email box this morning:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAND RAPIDS MI345 AM EST TUE JAN 29 2008...
SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY....VERY STRONG WINDS AND SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE VERYHAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY. NEAR BLIZZARDCONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE AT TIMES TONIGHT ESPECIALLY NEAR AND WEST OFUS-131. TEMPERATURES WILL PLUMMET DURING THE MID TO LATE EVENINGHOURS AND OVERNIGHT. THE HIGH WINDS COULD RESULT IN SCATTERED POWEROUTAGES TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY. ROADS COULD QUICKLY BECOME ICYTHIS EVENING AS THE MUCH COLDER AIR ADVECTS IN.MIZ037-038-043-291645-MASON-LAKE-OCEANA-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LUDINGTON...BALDWIN...HART345 AM EST TUE JAN 29 2008...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 12 PMEST WEDNESDAY...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAND RAPIDS HAS ISSUED A WINTERSTORM WARNING. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES ARE ANTICIPATEDTONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING AND WILL ALSO BE ACCOMPANIED BYVERY WINDY CONDITIONS. SNOW WILL DEVELOP BETWEEN 8 AND 10 PM WITH PERIODS OF MODERATE TOHEAVY SNOW ANTICIPATED LATE THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH WILL RESULT IN BLOWING AND DRIFTINGSNOW. SNOW WILL GRADUALLY TAPER OFF WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.SNOW AND PLUMMETING TEMPERATURES TONIGHT WILL MAKE ROADS VERYSLIPPERY. BLOWING SNOW WILL RESULT IN NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY ATTIMES. EXPECT VERY HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS TONIGHT THROUGHWEDNESDAY MORNING. SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES ARE ALSO POSSIBLETONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY DUE TO THE HIGH WINDS.A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSOPOSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
Also pray for the Haiti team that is supposed to be leaving tomorrow morning early.
I don't mind if we get winter weather but if it could just hold off a day that would be great!!!
This is what came to our email box this morning:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAND RAPIDS MI345 AM EST TUE JAN 29 2008...
SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY....VERY STRONG WINDS AND SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE VERYHAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY. NEAR BLIZZARDCONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE AT TIMES TONIGHT ESPECIALLY NEAR AND WEST OFUS-131. TEMPERATURES WILL PLUMMET DURING THE MID TO LATE EVENINGHOURS AND OVERNIGHT. THE HIGH WINDS COULD RESULT IN SCATTERED POWEROUTAGES TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY. ROADS COULD QUICKLY BECOME ICYTHIS EVENING AS THE MUCH COLDER AIR ADVECTS IN.MIZ037-038-043-291645-MASON-LAKE-OCEANA-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LUDINGTON...BALDWIN...HART345 AM EST TUE JAN 29 2008...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 12 PMEST WEDNESDAY...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAND RAPIDS HAS ISSUED A WINTERSTORM WARNING. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES ARE ANTICIPATEDTONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING AND WILL ALSO BE ACCOMPANIED BYVERY WINDY CONDITIONS. SNOW WILL DEVELOP BETWEEN 8 AND 10 PM WITH PERIODS OF MODERATE TOHEAVY SNOW ANTICIPATED LATE THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH WILL RESULT IN BLOWING AND DRIFTINGSNOW. SNOW WILL GRADUALLY TAPER OFF WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.SNOW AND PLUMMETING TEMPERATURES TONIGHT WILL MAKE ROADS VERYSLIPPERY. BLOWING SNOW WILL RESULT IN NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY ATTIMES. EXPECT VERY HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS TONIGHT THROUGHWEDNESDAY MORNING. SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES ARE ALSO POSSIBLETONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY DUE TO THE HIGH WINDS.A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSOPOSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Refresh my soul is having a great giveaway!!!
Check out refresh my soul's blog she is having a great giveaway!!!
My First Giveaway!
Yes! A Starbucks gift card in a surprise amount and
..............A copy of my first published book, "Standing on God's Promises-A Devotional for Women."Spread the word. You have this whole week until Friday to enter.
Just leave a comment and tell her what you would do with these prizes if you were selected. On Saturday she will post the winner and get these out to you!
Too cool!!!! Hmm I can already taste that Mocha!! Yum!! LOL
My First Giveaway!
Yes! A Starbucks gift card in a surprise amount and
..............A copy of my first published book, "Standing on God's Promises-A Devotional for Women."Spread the word. You have this whole week until Friday to enter.
Just leave a comment and tell her what you would do with these prizes if you were selected. On Saturday she will post the winner and get these out to you!
Too cool!!!! Hmm I can already taste that Mocha!! Yum!! LOL
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thanks Julie
My friend Julie game me this award today!! Thank you so much!!!! I think you have a loveable blog too!!!
I pass this one to Troy and Tara and to Tammy
Diane tagged me, I am supposed to list 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about me!Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person that tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog.
3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Here we go:
1. I love taking 2 HOT showers a day. It has to be VERY hot.
2. I read all the time. I mean all the time.
3. I hate driving. I do it all the time but I do not really enjoy it.
4. I talk ALOT!! I am not a very good writer but I can talk! :)
5. I totally love Flying. I would it every day if could.
.6. I can be very sarcastic!!
I am not sure who has been tagged yet so if you read this and haven't been tagged then count yourself as tagged.
this was a hard one. I could not think of anything to put down.
1) Link to the person that tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog.
3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Here we go:
1. I love taking 2 HOT showers a day. It has to be VERY hot.
2. I read all the time. I mean all the time.
3. I hate driving. I do it all the time but I do not really enjoy it.
4. I talk ALOT!! I am not a very good writer but I can talk! :)
5. I totally love Flying. I would it every day if could.
.6. I can be very sarcastic!!
I am not sure who has been tagged yet so if you read this and haven't been tagged then count yourself as tagged.
this was a hard one. I could not think of anything to put down.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Three darling boys!!!
These boys are just too cute aren't they!! they were all lookingat a search and find book at church on Sunday! The two boys next
to Caleb belong to my friend Tammy.
Snow day!!
Snow days are great! I do enjoy having my kids home with me. Today though is extra special! LOL Pray for me as I have 9 children here today! Yep you read right! 9 kids!! My friend, Michelle, left for a mission trip to Guatemala this morning so I have her kids today too!! Which I am sooo happy to be able to help her out so she can do these mission trips!! It will help as my kids now have someone to play with. However there is soooooooo much more noise and my own kids are arguing like crazy and I think my head is going to explode!! :) Michelle's kids are great! Mine are driving me insane!! All I can say is "HELP"
What does your handwriting say about you!
I thought this was pretty funny! :)
| What Your Handwriting Says About You |
 You are very extroverted and outgoing. You are loving, friendly, and supportive. However, you are also manipulative and controlling at times. You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others. You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well. You are somewhat traditional, but you are also open to change. You listen to your head and your heart. You are a decent communicator. You eventually get your point across, but sometimes you leave things a bit ambiguous. |
http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourhandwritingsayaboutyouquiz/">What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Awards!!
I was given to wonderful awards today!! Thank you Cheri!!!
I would Love to pass this award on too:Tara
Diane
Kathy Friend
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Storms force flight cancellations at Atlanta airport
My parents were supposed to leave this mornng for Guatemala. They were going on a 7 day mission trip with my Aunt and Uncle and 36 other people from another church.
My parents plane was supposed to leave at 7:00 and I got a call from them a little after 8am this morning that they were home! I knew they were flying to Atlanta first and there wasn't a blizzard here so I was stumped. They said that Atlanta had a snow storm so they closed the airport down. Actually I read reports and it sounds like they have about .4 inches of snow and it was icy.
Now they will try again at 3:00pm. However they will have to stay overnight tonigh in Atlanta and reach Guatemala tomrrow sometime during the day.
Pray that their flight gets to leave. I know how dissapointing it can be and they are looking so forward to this mission trip.
My parents plane was supposed to leave at 7:00 and I got a call from them a little after 8am this morning that they were home! I knew they were flying to Atlanta first and there wasn't a blizzard here so I was stumped. They said that Atlanta had a snow storm so they closed the airport down. Actually I read reports and it sounds like they have about .4 inches of snow and it was icy.
Now they will try again at 3:00pm. However they will have to stay overnight tonigh in Atlanta and reach Guatemala tomrrow sometime during the day.
Pray that their flight gets to leave. I know how dissapointing it can be and they are looking so forward to this mission trip.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Statistics 101
Tuesday night at our Mission Mobilzation meeting I was asked by my good friend Sango to attend his Statistic class as our Local university where he is a professer! I thought why not! Sounds like fun. I talked my friend Diane into going with me!! This first picture says it all!! It was a lot of fun seeing Sango teach! He is a great teacher. However I am still unsure of what was taught! LOL The kids seem to really like him.
this first picture of Diane was really an accident but I thought that it it quite well with our understanding of Statistics going into Sango's class!!!
Sango and myself!!
Sango handed Diane and I a copy of this paper above. I took one look at it thought HUH??!!! Below is two pages of notes that I took. I cannot explain what it says however. There were a few things that actually made perfect sense! Thanks God for those couple of moments because they could only come from you!!! My brain and math do not mix well.
Are you following my notes Okay? Looks pretty simple
this first picture of Diane was really an accident but I thought that it it quite well with our understanding of Statistics going into Sango's class!!!
Sango and myself!!
Sango handed Diane and I a copy of this paper above. I took one look at it thought HUH??!!! Below is two pages of notes that I took. I cannot explain what it says however. There were a few things that actually made perfect sense! Thanks God for those couple of moments because they could only come from you!!! My brain and math do not mix well.
Are you following my notes Okay? Looks pretty simple doesn't it!!!!
Sango with his students
I can now say I went to College!! Thanks Sango for allowing us to come visit your class for a day!!! You are a great teacher and it was fun getting to see what you do outside of church!!! God has given you a great gift!!!
Sango with his students
I can now say I went to College!! Thanks Sango for allowing us to come visit your class for a day!!! You are a great teacher and it was fun getting to see what you do outside of church!!! God has given you a great gift!!!Sunday, January 13, 2008
Weird things
Okay Nate did his first of course and I have to follow his wierd things post. Oh boy.
ThanksTori and Jennifer for tagging me!! LOL
Lets see.....
1. I am NEVER without a book. Whether I am carrying one in my purse, car or bag I always have somthing with me to read. Its a sickness!
2. I LOVE flying! I love everything about it. I like sitting in airports just people watching. I never mind having long layovers.
3. I hate coffee. However, I love the smell. Makes no sense to me. However I do love Cappechino but I do not think of that as real coffee. It has to be from the gas station though. None of that "real" cappechino.
4. I hate coats. I hate wearing them. You will hardly ever see me with a coat on.
5. I spend time mapping out vacations and cruises on expedia tht I will never take! I just love doing the research and dreaming about it. I just love everything about traveling.
6. I have a love for foreign languages and would love to learn one but I had a spanish teacher tell to no take anymore language courses because I have what is called a language block. How so why would I have a total love for languages if I am not able to ever learn one? Weird.....
7. I love making copies at church. I know it sounds boring but for me it so relaxing! Good thing I practically live in the copy room at church!! I know weird...
I am tagging Cheri, Karla and Tammy
ThanksTori and Jennifer for tagging me!! LOL
Lets see.....
1. I am NEVER without a book. Whether I am carrying one in my purse, car or bag I always have somthing with me to read. Its a sickness!
2. I LOVE flying! I love everything about it. I like sitting in airports just people watching. I never mind having long layovers.
3. I hate coffee. However, I love the smell. Makes no sense to me. However I do love Cappechino but I do not think of that as real coffee. It has to be from the gas station though. None of that "real" cappechino.
4. I hate coats. I hate wearing them. You will hardly ever see me with a coat on.
5. I spend time mapping out vacations and cruises on expedia tht I will never take! I just love doing the research and dreaming about it. I just love everything about traveling.
6. I have a love for foreign languages and would love to learn one but I had a spanish teacher tell to no take anymore language courses because I have what is called a language block. How so why would I have a total love for languages if I am not able to ever learn one? Weird.....
7. I love making copies at church. I know it sounds boring but for me it so relaxing! Good thing I practically live in the copy room at church!! I know weird...
I am tagging Cheri, Karla and Tammy
I'm wierd
Okay Tori, This is for you. Somehow even though I have tried to avoid this whole blogosphere thing I have still been tagged. I should know if I comment that makes me free game. So I have to come up with 7 wierd things about myself. That is hard as it is usually others who see the "wierd' aspect of oneselves, but as Tori told me today, everything I do is wierd so this should be easy!
1. I actually do what teenage kids tell me to do. wierd
2. I allow teenage kids to come along on mission trips. wierd
3. I allow teenage kids to take my picture and then use it for blackmail. wierd
4. I laugh when a teenage kid comes up with a joke. Potlucky wierd
5. Sometimes I would rather hang with teenagers than with adults. wierd
6. I parole disobiedient teenagers for good behavior. wierd
7. I stalk blogs to catch up on what is going on in peoples lives, even brainless teenagers who ramble for hours about things that no one can decifer. wierdest
There you go. I guess that was not so hard. By the way, feel free to tag me any time. That was fun! Love ya Tori!!
Nate out
Friday, January 11, 2008
I saw this at Diane's blog http://myjourneyspath.blogspot.com/
| Your Gemstone is Amethyst |
 |
http://www.blogthings.com/whatgemstoneareyouquiz/">What Gemstone Are You?
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Birthday Present
I got some money for my birthday this year and I didn't really know what I wanted to get with it. Ever since I went to Haiti the first time in February I wanted a Haiti shirt. I couldn't find anything I liked while in Haiti and I really, really wanted a sweatshirt, which you cannot find in Haiti! LOL
Diane bought Tori a hooded Haiti sweatshirt for her birthday told me it came from www.cafepress.com and so I thought wow cool! I will go check it out. I decided I really wanted a sweatshirt with my money. The problem is there were not too many Haiti sweatshirts that I actually like except the same one Tori has! So after much deliberation I decided to go ahead and get!! Sorry, Tori! Now we can be twins!! I just LOVE it!!!! It says it has shipped and I can hardly wait!!! Here is a picture below:
Also I am very excited because tomorrow I get to spend time up at Julie's cabin with Michelle, Julie and Cheri!!! Thank you, Julie!!! We get to nothing but just hang out, talk, watch movies and laugh a lot!! I am so looking forward to it!!!!!!
Diane bought Tori a hooded Haiti sweatshirt for her birthday told me it came from www.cafepress.com and so I thought wow cool! I will go check it out. I decided I really wanted a sweatshirt with my money. The problem is there were not too many Haiti sweatshirts that I actually like except the same one Tori has! So after much deliberation I decided to go ahead and get!! Sorry, Tori! Now we can be twins!! I just LOVE it!!!! It says it has shipped and I can hardly wait!!! Here is a picture below:
Also I am very excited because tomorrow I get to spend time up at Julie's cabin with Michelle, Julie and Cheri!!! Thank you, Julie!!! We get to nothing but just hang out, talk, watch movies and laugh a lot!! I am so looking forward to it!!!!!!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
37 Big ones!
Okay can someone tell me how I got to be that age of 37?!! It really baffles me. So far its been a fun weekend. Friday night we got Chinese, Saturday nigh we went to my mom and dad's for dinner. It was very cool. We had Tacos and my mom has a tradition where she always gives the kids the kids dollar bills in the amount of what age they are turning. I always tease my mom because I tell her hey how come we cannot have that done on our birthdays! LOL knowing she would go broke with the rest of us kids. Anyways last night she gave me 4 candles, which I love, and some washclothes, which I need desperately. Well Nikolas starts snickering next to me. this is not unusual however when I went to put the washclothes away one of them opened up a little and $6 fell out. The kids start laughing harder. Yes my mom hid $37 in one's and five's!!! How cool is that!!!! That was so much fun finding all that money!!! I find out that Nikolas told my mom that it would be a great idea so that maybe I would stop teasing her. Ha, who is he fooling!! LOL :) Anyways I thought that was a cute story!!! Its a great memory anyhow!! Today Nate took us to Culvers and of course Nate and the kids had to embaress me by singing out loud. Yes, I turned quite red!! Even redder than normal!!! Hope you all are having a great Sunday! Its a little dreary but I have some quiet time with everyone else napping.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Is it time for the kids to go back to school yet......
The last two weeks have been something! Wow! So much energy coming out of our 5 kids. The problem they are getting so much bigger and so the running sounds are getting a lot louder like a herd of horses ready to trample!! For the most part it has been good. Its really just the last few days that have been tougher and louder. SO much louder. Only a few more days and school starts again! I have to say I am ready and I believe the kids are too!!!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Too busy!!!
I hope to have some pictures to post sometime in the near future.
I was sooooooo hoping that this two week vacation from kids being in school would be a lot less busy. I cannot believe how busy it has been. Just day to day things have kept us hopping!!
I pray you all have a wonderful New Years!!!
If you think of it keep my Niece Sarah and her fiance Adam in your prayers. They are in Hawaii as we speak and are getting married on New Years Eve!!!
I was sooooooo hoping that this two week vacation from kids being in school would be a lot less busy. I cannot believe how busy it has been. Just day to day things have kept us hopping!!
I pray you all have a wonderful New Years!!!
If you think of it keep my Niece Sarah and her fiance Adam in your prayers. They are in Hawaii as we speak and are getting married on New Years Eve!!!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!!!!
Most of you that know me know I am not much into slower paced music. So of course this is My all time favorite version of O Holy night. Transiberian Orchestra
May you all remember this Christmas season that Jesus is ALL we need!!!
Thank you, Lord for sending us this awesome, precious gift!!!! Lord, thank You for Your saving grace and may we NEVER stop telling others about you!!!
Merry Christmas from the Yonkers!!!!!
May you all remember this Christmas season that Jesus is ALL we need!!!
Thank you, Lord for sending us this awesome, precious gift!!!! Lord, thank You for Your saving grace and may we NEVER stop telling others about you!!!
Merry Christmas from the Yonkers!!!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Caleb's reading buddy!
Caleb's teacher has a wonderful blog that we can
follow what the kids are doing each day they are in school. I found thi picture of caleb with his reading buddy. 5th graders come in and help the kids read. Caleb loves it!!! I thought this was a cute picture. His reading buddy had made Caleb a car
follow what the kids are doing each day they are in school. I found thi picture of caleb with his reading buddy. 5th graders come in and help the kids read. Caleb loves it!!! I thought this was a cute picture. His reading buddy had made Caleb a car
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thought I should show you that Hannah and Caleb really do play well together.
He will even play polly pockets with her. What a good brother. He did want me to tell you that he will ONLY play the boys and with the jet skis!! :)
He will even play polly pockets with her. What a good brother. He did want me to tell you that he will ONLY play the boys and with the jet skis!! :)
Turkeys
Nate took these pictures a week ago Saturday.
It is lots of fun to watch the turkeys hanging out!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ten years ago today!!!
December 16Th marks a big day in our house!!! Ten years ago today Judge Bogdonava granted our petition to adopt Vasily Nikoleavitch Nadeleav!! This picture is of our court house!!!
This is a picture of us just after our court hearing. Next to me in the middle is Judge Bogdonova. She s such a sweet woman. on the lower hand corner next to Nate is our translator Andrei (we still keep in touch with him) and then of course our facilitator Alex on the other side of Nate. We were able to have lunch with Mrs. Bogdonova when we traveled back in 2002 to adopt Katie and she was so happy to see us and to hear about Nikolas.
This is Nik's last time in the baby home. He fell asleep on my lap and woke up in our apartment. Its hard to believe how little he was at that time!!!
This is where Nikolas slept. We had no crib for him then. He fit so nice in the suitcase!!!
This is on our way home from Russia!! our first family picture!!
We were gone for 3 weeks and we arrived home on New Years Eve!!
It was so awesome to start the Brand new year in our home with our new son!!!
Here is Nikolas today!! On December 19Th he will turn 11 years old. It brings tears to my eyes how he as grown into such a sweet young man. He has a heart of Gold and would do anything for anybody.
Nothing is perfect but watching him mature into a young man who loves the Lord just makes my heart so happy!!!
Nikolas we were so blessed to day you were placed into our arms and we thank the Lord for you ever day!!!!!
Friday, December 14, 2007
School Christmas program 2007
Last night we went to the kids Christmas program and their school. It was such a fun
Night!!! The kids did such a great job.
In this first picture is Hannah 2nd row back 3 child in. Caleb is about 7th in the row. They looked so cute!!!
Here are the girls with their 3rd grade class
They have an awesome music teacher!!!
This is also Nikolas's last year at his elementery school. He was a little sad but he went out
big!! This is the first time he auditioned and got a special singing part with 4 other kids. They sounded
so good. Nate tried to capture it on video so I hope it sounds as good here as it did last night!!!
Nik is in the red sweather in case you didn't know!! :)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Frederic Meijer gardens
Our bank was kind enough to give our whole family a pass to see the Christmas trees last night at Meijer gardens. They were so beautiful! You will love to know that I forgot my camera. Sad isn't it. Sigh. I just don't know what to do with myself.
I found a few pictures on the internet but they will not show up for me so I have this one lone picture. It was so pretty!! It would be have been expensive if we had to pay for it ourselves but if you ever have the chance to go for free it is really beautiful. It has trees from all the different countries and the kid love finding the trees from Russia and the US. Unfortunately China does not do Christmas trees but they did have little display of things for the Hannah to look at.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
| You Are a Gingerbread House |
 |
http://www.blogthings.com/whatholidayfoodareyouquiz/">What Holiday Food Are You?
Monday, December 03, 2007
Not much new!
I know its been awhile since I posted anything. I just haven't had much of a chance.
We did get a nice email from Sandi Sheldon.
I know you have all prayed for her so I thought I would share it.
Hi Everyone, We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the prayers that are being said for us. Words can not begin to express the gratefulness I feel for your efforts to bring us home. Without your rallying for help it probably would not have happened so soon or at all. The last couple of weeks have been a little overwhelming and I apologize for not doing this sooner. We had Dennis's memorial service on Friday and it was a beautiful service. It was so wonderful to see so many people come and pay their respects to a wonderful man. God bless you all!!
Sandi & Hannah
We did get a nice email from Sandi Sheldon.
I know you have all prayed for her so I thought I would share it.
Hi Everyone, We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the prayers that are being said for us. Words can not begin to express the gratefulness I feel for your efforts to bring us home. Without your rallying for help it probably would not have happened so soon or at all. The last couple of weeks have been a little overwhelming and I apologize for not doing this sooner. We had Dennis's memorial service on Friday and it was a beautiful service. It was so wonderful to see so many people come and pay their respects to a wonderful man. God bless you all!!
Sandi & Hannah
Monday, November 26, 2007
Answers to a few of the Random facts
It has been a strange day today. My kids have the day off from school yet. They haven't been so bad but its just been different having them home on a Monday. Tomorrow will seem so easy with only 2 home!
I also thought I would give those of you who do not know me so well the answers to two of my Random facts.
I was adopted when I was 7 weeks old so I was born as the oldest to my birthmother, who I have had the blessings to meet! I have 1 half sister that is just 1 year younger than me. Mybirthfather also has 4 children all younger than me!
I was raised as a youngest and I have one brother that is 5 years older than me!!
I bet Physciatrists would love to figure that one out!!
I was born with the name. Sandra Lynn McDowell When I was adopted it was changed to Brenda Joy!
I have to laugh someone the other day at biolife (where I donate plasma) said goodbye to me but she called me Sandy. I didn't even realize it at the time. The next time I saw her she apologized to me and then it dawned on me that I was that name at one time in my life!! LOL
I told her that and we got a good laugh out of it!!
I also thought I would give those of you who do not know me so well the answers to two of my Random facts.
I was adopted when I was 7 weeks old so I was born as the oldest to my birthmother, who I have had the blessings to meet! I have 1 half sister that is just 1 year younger than me. Mybirthfather also has 4 children all younger than me!
I was raised as a youngest and I have one brother that is 5 years older than me!!
I bet Physciatrists would love to figure that one out!!
I was born with the name. Sandra Lynn McDowell When I was adopted it was changed to Brenda Joy!
I have to laugh someone the other day at biolife (where I donate plasma) said goodbye to me but she called me Sandy. I didn't even realize it at the time. The next time I saw her she apologized to me and then it dawned on me that I was that name at one time in my life!! LOL
I told her that and we got a good laugh out of it!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
8 random facts
Cheri tagged me to do this meme.
You list 8 random facts and then tag 8 people.
It's an easy one so thought I'd do it!
1. I was born the oldest and was raised the youngest
2. I have been to China, Russia (3 times), Haiti (2 times), Japan, Switzerland, Canada
3. I have 5 children
4. I was born with a different name than I have now. (I do not mean married name)
5. I have been married for 17 years (got married at age 19)
6. I am left handed
7. I love being a missionary
8. I love Chinese food.
-
I'm tagging the following people:
Tara, Kimberly, Kathy, Tory, Anna, Dawn S, Karla, Tiffany
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thankfullness
Okay, I am going to try blogging once. I just felt the nudge......
Have you ever dreamed of having all your debt wiped out at once? Ever wonder what it would be like to live without the burden of having to pay for things long gone? Have you ever stopped and thanked God for wiping out our debt of sin which we could never pay off ourselves. Our God is an awesome God and I am so thankful for Jesus Christ and His payment of my debt. Not only that but He is always there for me, no matter what I am going through, I know He is right there carrying me.
Watch this video and try not to cry, then stop and say a prayer thanking God for His son and what He has done for us. Happy Thanksgiving you all. We love you all and thank God for each and every one of you!!
Have you ever dreamed of having all your debt wiped out at once? Ever wonder what it would be like to live without the burden of having to pay for things long gone? Have you ever stopped and thanked God for wiping out our debt of sin which we could never pay off ourselves. Our God is an awesome God and I am so thankful for Jesus Christ and His payment of my debt. Not only that but He is always there for me, no matter what I am going through, I know He is right there carrying me.
Watch this video and try not to cry, then stop and say a prayer thanking God for His son and what He has done for us. Happy Thanksgiving you all. We love you all and thank God for each and every one of you!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
EAT BEEF!!Happy Thanksgiving!!
We would just like to wish you all a very happy Thankgsiving!
We have been so blessed with our family and all the wonderful
friends that the Lord has given us over the years! You know who
you are and I cannot thank you enough for putting up with me and
my sarcasm!!!
I cannot thank the Lord enough for the blessings he has given us!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Karla tagged me, on her blog, to answer some adoption questions. I will do my best! I will be answering for Russia and China.
What are the first 3 things you bought for your new child?
Nikolas (12 months at the time)
1. Bottles
2. Clothes
3. Formula
Katie (4 at the time)
1. clothes
2. build a bear
Hannah (6 at the time)
1. Clothes
2. Build a bear
Who laid the first big kiss smack dab on the face of your new child?
Nik and Katie
1. Nate and myself.
Hannah
1. Nate, myself and Heather
What was one of the first phrases you learned in your child's native language?
1. Stasvitya (hello) Russian Die roo koo (take my hand) Ya la Te Blu ( I love you)
2. knee how (chinese) Wha ah knee (I love you)
What was your favorite food in country?
Russia
1. Cabbage and Pototoes. I also loved this spread for bread called Viola! Yum
China
1. I LOVED all of it!!
What was your least favorite food?
Russia
1. Borscht
china
1. I don't remember what I didn't like.
What part of the adoption process has been the most sentimental to you apart from meeting your child?
1. BRINGING THEM HOME and them meeting their new siblings!!!!!
I am now tagging anyone else who has adopted to answer these on your blog!!
Brenda
What are the first 3 things you bought for your new child?
Nikolas (12 months at the time)
1. Bottles
2. Clothes
3. Formula
Katie (4 at the time)
1. clothes
2. build a bear
Hannah (6 at the time)
1. Clothes
2. Build a bear
Who laid the first big kiss smack dab on the face of your new child?
Nik and Katie
1. Nate and myself.
Hannah
1. Nate, myself and Heather
What was one of the first phrases you learned in your child's native language?
1. Stasvitya (hello) Russian Die roo koo (take my hand) Ya la Te Blu ( I love you)
2. knee how (chinese) Wha ah knee (I love you)
What was your favorite food in country?
Russia
1. Cabbage and Pototoes. I also loved this spread for bread called Viola! Yum
China
1. I LOVED all of it!!
What was your least favorite food?
Russia
1. Borscht
china
1. I don't remember what I didn't like.
What part of the adoption process has been the most sentimental to you apart from meeting your child?
1. BRINGING THEM HOME and them meeting their new siblings!!!!!
I am now tagging anyone else who has adopted to answer these on your blog!!
Brenda
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
