Two years ago in December...

I am reminded it was two years ago in December that this journey began, and how fitting we have James home during this special time celebrating the birth of our Savior. It continually reminds me of God's special gift of our son and brother James that God has given our family. Mike and I began praying about whether God was calling us to adopt in December of 2006. Mike was so sure and I don't think there was much doubt in his mind that we were to do this, I on the other hand needed more of God's assurance and confirmation before I stepped forward. I thought about the huge financial cost of this and knew we couldn't come up with this money, but I did know God could and He proved He would in miraculous ways! Maybe it was also was part of my selfish desire to plan my future...I thought I would be working more now that the kids were all in school...How could I start over with a young child, and what would people think. Well God most certainly confirmed this was His plan and showed us in so many ways! Shortly after this time my unknowing sister gave me a CD that Christmas and this is what I read on the inside. "God calls after His children to care for widows and orphans in the book Of James. Perhaps for you this means helping a friend down the street or at your church who has room at their for a child in need but does not have the money to make it happen; or maybe it's the gift of your time in serving orphans in your community or on the other side of the globe. Or could you be on the same journey Marybeth and I were on? I don't know what responding to God's invitation to care for orphans looks like for you, but Marybeth and I are praying that your heart will be open to Him showing you." WOW-Well how could I ignore that...but still I needed more and God continued to give more as we prayed and day by day everything fell into place.

I still can't believe this has all happened when I look at this precious boy. Sometimes when I look into his eyes and just ponder the joy he has brought into our home, it seems like a dream! My heart nearly melted the other day when I received an unsolicited I love you. We love him and he is really loving us! He has attached so well and is really adjusting to things here. The girls don't have too much free time these days because James is so desperate to play with them. Our new game is hide and seek which he loves, and of course cars and trains. I cannot imagine if we had said no to this and missed this incredible opportunity. The joy that a small child can bring into a home. James adds so much laughter to our house. Ali and I were laughing until our sides hurt yesterday! He is such a gift from God and seems like he has been here forever.

Ali mentioned how he will probably always love Christmas songs and it marks his time coming into our family. He tries to sing along it is the cutest thing-jingle bells being his favorite! It really feels like Christmas marks the beginning of this journey, I remember the guarded excitement we held in our hearts in 2006 when we felt we really were on a wild and exciting ride with God. We look to the future with eager anticipation at what God holds in store for our lives and our new son's life. We celebrate this Christmas in so many ways and will be forever grateful for the birth of our savior Jesus and that God's plans for our lives are perfect!

1 Month Ago Yesterday

Decorating the Christmas Tree!
I love the snow.(seenoooo) kind of cold though!

Hanging out with my buddies- I suppose I'll watch Hannah if I can be with you!

What a fun party...a choo choo on a cake and I can eat the frosting off it??

My First trip to the park cool!

It's hard to believe it was a month ago when James came into our family. We have come a long way and we have a ways to go. I read yesterday that you can expect it will take as many years as they were in the orphanage to adjust and attach to your family. I am believing it will be shorter than three years! It has only been a month so when at times I feel a little discouraged, I remember that it will take some time! We are still working on anger/tantrum issues. I read yesterday that the aggression seen may have been a defense against older kids or even mimicking of behavior seen in the orphanage, so I know it will take time to develop new behaviors and ways for James to deal with being told no, or not getting something he wants. One day at a time...

Another party for James...It was so nice to spend some time with family and friends celebrating James. We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity and love of our family and friends. A party surrounded by special people with prayers, blessings, more stuff for James, and even a choo choo on a cake-it continually overwhelms us to feel so loved.

It has been hard to say goodbye to his buddies in the morning, but he has come to realize they come back! He understands they are all at "spool". It is so neat to see his thrill and excitement when they come through the door. I wish I had the video camera when dad came home the first few days. WOW what a greeting he got-James went running toward the door "Oh Baba Baba Baba!"with such excitement! It was the absolute cutest thing!

I may need to get a lock for the pantry and refrigerator...James enjoys pulling stuff out and doing various things with the food (sometimes eating it). Mike reminds me that we had a hook on the pantry in our other house for Caroline when she was climbing the shelves! We decorated the tree and that was fun for James. I think he thought it was odd though-having a tree in the house and putting toys on it. But he joined in after he saw us putting ornaments (toys!) on the tree. Now if I can help him understand the "balls" are not balls but glass ornaments! He really is a boy in many ways...and that is new for me having three girls! I feel like I am always trying to keep him from getting hurt, as he is wild at times! I also forgot about all the spills and such of a toddler. Wow this house is kind of a mess...oh well got to let that go!

This little boy has had us laughing so hard we cry! He is such a riot and was so meant to be in our family. I love how God does that so perfectly. This is why when we filled out the paperwork for our referral we checked off boy or girl, we wanted to put this child in God's hands in every way. We were expecting to receive a girl, but we are so totally blessed by a son and brother! It has been so fun for us to experience a little boy in our house. I always loved the beautiful relationship my mom and brother had. I also cherish the close relationship I share with my brother Joe and know the same will be true for myself and our girls! Thank you God!