What I loved....

about this Sunday!  First it was raining...I know, I know why did I like that?  Well, because it felt great to have a refresher to our dry ground and it reminded me that fall is just around the corner...big HOORAAYYYY there.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fall.  Next the message at church was AMAZING...thank you Heavenly Father for sending your message through Pastor Kim.  AND...it just so happened to be "Surf's Up Weekend" at our church.  It is tradition to have a LARGE baptism service on one of the last weekends in August at our church.  Usually, we have it outside, but...due to the rain we had it inside.  WOW!!!  I was so blessed....at least 15 maybe even 20 people were baptized.  Most of them students....one, my good friend Candace....what a lesson in obedience she shared...I'm proud of you Can!  About four male students who had started a bible study got baptized, two middle school girls who are good friends, together were baptized.  A Mom of two boys who overcame her shyness, just being obedient to God's leading.  A local high school sports hero gave his testimony of how Fellowship of Christian Athletes had lead him to be baptized and finally, a young man who was shipping out to Iraq today.  WOW!  His Dad had the opportunity to help with the baptism and it was the most emotional, touching time of all...in fact, I'm tearing up now typing this.  We gave this soldier who is fighting for our freedom a well deserved standing ovation!  The heavens were definitely rejoicing......After church we went to my Mom's for a roast beef dinner....MMMMM!!!  And bonus, we got to spend time with Cheri our good friend.  We closed up the day with Catalyst at our church.  This is a time of worship and communion.  Aaron plays in the worship band that leads and I was sure blessed last night.  I love to worship, but...I am so blessed by others worshipping.  I watched a Dad wrap his arms around his son and bless him with prayer!  I turned around and saw not one, but two beautiful HIS Kids from Ghana worshipping our Lord and Jesus with such passion. These kids are probably not even ten years old yet.  They put some adults to shame!  Right down the row from me was yet another beautiful little girl from Ghana pouring her heart out in song!  This is what I loved about Sunday!  

More Adoption Update --

So...because Aaron and I were feeling a little "left out of the loop".  We had sent all of our paperwork into the agency, but...hadn't heard much except for the fact that they had received all our information..I sent an e-mail to Margaret.  I asked what our next step was and how long will we need to be in Texas???  This is how she responded.  Please pray for favor with the Texas Government...we are jumping through the last hoops....  

The first thing, we are still in the process of obtaining your final
clearances through Texas. Because of the Adam Walsh Federal Act that went into effect this year, those who adopt across state lines, in addition to
the FBI prints you had done, must be cleared through the State of Texas. Red tape is always fun, and we are waiting to hear from Texas on your
clearances. Cindy, Administrative Assistant, has been putting in calls for your clearances and several other families. We have yet to hear, but we are pushing things as best we can. The State, during all of this, changed horses
in mid-stream and thus, we got caught doing things one way and they decided
to do them another. That is what we are working on. 

As for the time you will be in Texas, that is anyone's guess. It depends on how fast Texas an Washington process the interstate compact packets and so
forth. I usually tell families it could be anywhere from two weeks to ? Usually it isn't longer than 3 weeks, but I never make a promise when dealing with large governing bodies. We do our best to get you out of here as fast we can so you can get home-not because we are tired of you:)

Adoption Update --

Well..I received an e-mail from Margaret at the agency today.  The copies of our photo album and birthmother letters arrived.  Margaret has been on vacation.  So...now we wait and pray and pray some more.  I can't believe we have come to this point.......I told Aaron tonight this is such a lesson in faith and trusting God.....will the baby be a boy or girl?  When will it be born?  What will we bring?  When will we leave?  WOW!!  And the list of unknowns goes on and on and on....being a planner I have had to surrender all of this to our Heavenly Father.  I'm trusting HE knows what is best for us!!  We welcome all of your prayers and thoughts.

xoxoxooxoxxo

Sweet Baby Bliss....

Does this even need words?  So sweet are these two gifts from our Amazing Heavenly Father....Honor is in the red chair, Justice all cuddly in the baby blue.

What in the world??

Ok...so this is really strange for the last 1 1/2 hours I have heard this random guitar strumming.  Not my husband mind you.  I thought it was coming from the apartments behind us.  I'm still hearing this guitar music so I venture outside and it's coming from our upstairs neighbors.  They are noisy enough as it is...and now this?  OH MY!  I wish Aaron was home to hear this!  Honey...you are welcome to jam as loud as you want!  And....you're better than whoever is upstairs...and I don't think it's Guitar Hero!

My Favorite Things

So...I thought it would be fun to show you my favorite things in my house.  So...let's begin:

My husband's guitar, Tigger...Aaron made this...isn't he talented?  I sure think so....I love having his guitars and music in my house.  This one now has a place on the wall in our office! FUN!

Next on the list, our couch!  It's so cozy and I love that it's denim.  It's starting to look like a faded pair of worn in jeans.  Not sure if that's the look we're going for, but...we sure like it.  But watch out...it's one that will suck you right in.

This Americana quilt that was handmade by my boss, Mary.  She gave it to Aaron and I as a wedding gift.  We love to snuggle up in that on a cold Northwest night!

When you walk in our front door you'll see this sofa table.  I love that I can put all my friends and family on here.....and when friends come they get to see this first off!

This plate says it all!  We make this a motto in our home!  Praise our Lord and Savior!  LOUDLY!  With instruments and voices and hands raised.....He has done so many great things we need to remember this daily!

Yummy Yankee Candles.....ahhh......my love of candles!  The current scent "Mango Peach Salsa"...it's wonderful.  And I have this funny thing about my candles...all the scents have to blend well together.  So...I usually just burn all of the same kind.  Yes...I even burn them on summer evenings...it's cool enough in our house.

Books on my bookshelf....oh, whoopss......OUR bookshelf.  Actually, I can not tell a lie, I have taken over this bookshelf that Aaron made.  Thanks honey!  We are so in need of more bookshelf space, but...we don't have room to put a bigger one!  Yes, I love to read....thanks for that Grandma Rose.  But, more than reading, I love sharing my books with others.  "April's lending library"

Ahhhhh....sweet cherry red Kitchen-Aid mixer!  This was the best wedding present we got!  At least I think so....I can not tell you how many times I've used this in the 4 1/2 years I had it!  You all need one!!

Last, but...certainly not least on this list is my husband, Aaron!  I don't have a picture of just him, but...please know he is my most favorite thing in my house!!  I love you honey!!  More than anything on this list!!  Now, what are the favorite things in your house?  Share them with me!!

Blessings accepted here!

You may have noticed our "donate" button on the right side of our blog.  The cost of our adoption is stretching us in more ways than one, but...financially is the biggest way yet.  As Aaron said we just don't feel right about asking for money.  But...God knows what our need is and if you feel led we would so appreciate your blessing and your prayers.......We have stepped out in faith because we know without a shadow of a doubt that this is what God has called us to do.  Thank you in advance.......xoxoxoxoxo 

What's for dinner tonight?

YUMMMMMMMYYYY!!  This is what was for dinner tonight!  

Tortilla Soup

1/2 cup each diced vegetables: yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper and tomato

1/2 cup roasted green chile, cut into small dice (optional)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying

4 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cups shredded chicken

3 tablespoons cornstarch

Chopped cilantro leaves, as needed

1 tablespoon lime juice

corn tortilla chips

***just a note on the chicken*** we had chicken tacos a few days before and used the left over chicken from that.  Here's how I make that....very easy and delicious!!  I take four frozen chicken breasts and put them in my crock pot.  Add one can mild green chile enchilada sauce and sprinkle in some taco seasoning.  Cook on low for about 8 hours.  You could freeze it if you like for casseroles and this yummy soup!  It's definitely a favorite in our house.

Saute veggies and chile briefly in about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for 3 to 4 minutes.  When veggies are limp, add the broth, garlic and cumin, bring to boil.  Reduce heat, add chicken and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes

To finish the soup, you've got to make some slurry.  This will add just a little body to the soup.  With the cornstarch in a cup-sized container, mix as little cold water as possible to form a thing paste.  Bring the soup back up to a boil; stir with 1 hand and pour the slurry in slowly with the other.  Continue to cook on high heat for a minute, then reduce to low.  The will look cloudy at first but will clear up and thicken slightly.  Remove from heat...add cilantro and lime juice.  

Garnish with fresh avocado slice, sour cream and tortilla chips.  YUM-O!!!

Northwest Washington Fair

Me & my so yummy KING corn dog...oh how I love these things....it's all Joel & Amy's fault!!!

Kaleb really like my corn dog too...in fact, he kept taking bites from me and his Mommy!!

Do you see my enthusiasm?  That is for the goats if you can even believe it!  I've come a long way from being chased by one!  

This year I went to the fair with Joel, Amy & Kaleb.  Aaron isn't too keen on the fair, but...I do really enjoy it.  I love seeing people I wouldn't normally see and eating food that is so yummy, but...so bad for me.  I didn't do too bad this year...my King corn dog and an ice cream cone.  Kaleb did so well and liked looking at all things "truck" and he was more interested in the fans in the animal barns than in the animals...that's a boy for ya!  I think he's going to be a gearhead!  Cars and guitars for him...Aaron can give him some car lessons and his Daddy will take care of the guitar part!  

Good Deal!

Oh the joy of new crayons!!  I remember how I loved getting new crayons at the beginning of the school year.  Yes, I'm a crayon snob...they have to be Crayola or I just don't like them.  So...when my Mom and I were at Target yesterday and I spotted this AMAZING sale I couldn't resist.  For each box of 24 Crayola crayons I paid 22 cents!!  Can you believe that??  They were full price 94 cents.  OH...the large washable ones were $2.99.  I just really wanted to bless the kids at our church.  They crayons are so yucky...especially in the toddler room which I work in every other month.  The large washable ones are for that room!  I can't wait to try them out next month!  I challenge you to think of a small way you can bless your church....and the kids in it!  This didn't cost me much, but...they may help to bring a little lost soul to Jesus!  

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

After a yummy breakfast at Homestead Mom and I went to see this movie today!!  AND...it did not disappoint.  We had seen the first one and liked this one just as much....I have read all the books and so did know what was going to happen.  I was glad they left a few parts of the book out. I don't want to spoil it, but...if you liked the first one...go see this one too.  Sorry Jess, we really wanted you there, but...you were busy with the the two new boys in your life!  There's always next time!!!  

Special Delivery

Join me in congratulating my friend Jess (she did all the work), her husband and their kids Jake & Savannah!  Jess gave birth to twin boys today!  She ROCKS!  And I don't say this lightly!  She delivered the boys naturally...that means without an epidural!  Here are the stats:

Honor Lloyd 6lbs 6oz and Justice Elliott 6lbs 12oz....both are about 20" long. 

Aaron and I went to see them tonight...they are so cute and cuddly!  Honor has lots more hair and it's kinda red.  Justice's is kinda blond!  Actually, we think Justice looks like Savannah and Honor looks like Jake! We are so thankful God provided these two sweet boys to their family....and we can't wait to see them grow up to be amazing Men of God...just like their Daddy!!  

Why not choose us?

Here we are!  At home on our couch in our cozy living room.  This is the picture we used on our birthmother letter....thank goodness we have a small tripod.  We had to take this one with a timer. 

HMMMMM????

So....just wondering...if it's illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving a car in the great state I live in...what about a tractor???  Seriously, on my way home from work I saw a man driving a tractor 20 mph while talking on his cell phone....CRAZY!

New LOOK!!

Yes...you've come to the right blog...it just got a facelift.  Thanks to this website.  It was so easy and I love it now!!  I feel pretty proud of myself as well. I think I should.  Well....my marathon posting catch-up has come to an end.  I need to shower and get ready so I can go to my friend Amy's tonight so we can work on above pictured quilt...well, it's not just fabric squares now.  It's way better.  I'll take a picture, I promise.  Yes...these are the colors in our nursery...it has a little way to go as you can see....it's a work in progress.... 

Adoption Update --

Wow...I can't believe and I can finally say this.....we're done!!!  Well...almost, our photo album will be finished at the printing place on Monday and then we can send that off with our birthmother letter.  We are getting anxious and excited all in one.  With this of course, I'm feeling a lot of different emotions.  WOW!  I can't believe soon I'll be becoming a Mother.  This is something I've been waiting and praying for FOREVER!!!  I've decided our God felt like we needed to learn lots of patience!  In every aspect of our lives.  We have been learning faith so much through all of this.  Faith that God will provide for our family, that while I'm on Maternity leave, we'll be able to make ends meet.  Unfortunately, I learned last week that I am not eligible for short-term disability.  WHY?  Well, because I will not be "birthing" this baby and staying in the hospital, therefore I will not technically be disabled.  HMMMM.....just ponder that one.  I have been.  I was initially not very happy about this.  And niether was Aaron.  But...we've decided we're going to rise above this.  And most importantly TRUST.  Just this past week I was told that some employees had heard about my situation....the dear people I work with will be donating some of their paid time off to me!!  I am humbled and so grateful!  I would like to thank each and everyone of them and give them a hug and lots of cuddles with our baby!  Through this journey Aaron and I have learned so much.  That God has called us to adoption yes, that He knows what's very best for us, that patience is so important & that friends and family are so important to us.  We have felt your prayers and kind words.  We have been so blessed by them.  And by your generosity....money towards our adoption, the gifts of a crib & changing table (even when you now have twins on the way!!), a cradle swing, clothes, a baby bjorn, a papasan chair/bouncy seat, toys galore, a high chair....and so much, much more!!  If you were not told we apologize...we love you all and so appreciate each and everyone of you!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Please continue to pray for us.  Aaron and I have started saying...."this will be the last time" and fill in the blank...we go camping by ourselves, have a 4th of July without our baby, celebrate Mother's and Father's day without our baby....and the list goes on and on......we're speaking in faith.  Crazy you might say??  NOPE.....our God has promised this to us and it will happen!!! Ok...before I start crying I should stop.  This has been a journey of such emotion and for that I'm so grateful, sometimes that hurts, but....it can also be so cleansing.