Merry Christmas!

Christmas Babies!

Espie("Espresso") birthed two adorable pups early Christmas morning. Daryl decided to name the puppies Mocha and Cappuccino. He's already calling them Cap & Mo. Mocha has a little more brown and a white dot on the back of the neck. Cappuccino sports a wide white collar and little white socks. Espie is being a wonderful mother to her babies. This is her very first litter. Nevaeh is more interested in Espie than the puppies right now. Daryl said that the puppies were his favorite gift although the flight simulator and add-on heli program complete with an Extreme 3D Pro joystick run a close second!

Baby So Sweet

Nevaeh at birth

I know the photo is a little blurry, but I am told that this was a cell phone picture that was taken of Nevaeh right after she was born and swaddled. The picture was taken by Nevaeh's maternal grandmother and sent in a picture text message to Nevaeh's paternal grandmother. This was the only photo that Amy had of Nevaeh. Amy is Nevaeh's biological paternal grandmother. When Amy found out that I was putting a baby book together for Nevaeh, she brought this picture to a visit and gave it to me. I thought it was a very kind jesture. Amy also brought pictures of Nevaeh's birth father so that I could put a couple of them in Nevaeh's baby book as well.

Wow! So much has happened in so little time, but God has been with us in an incredible way. So many specifics get lost in the system, creating holes in a story that leave it confusing and unclear. In the past couple of weeks, Mark and I have been able to spend time with Amy (Nevaeh's paternal grandmother) and Amy's husband, John. We let John and Amy tell us their side of "the story." It gave us a better picture of the situation. We have been pleasantly interacting and getting along well. While we as yet still have no definite direction, we are believing that God intends for ALL of us to be a part of Nevaeh's life. God apparently wants John and Amy a part of our lives and the Fultzes a part of John and Amy's life. Nevaeh calls her grandmother "Nana" and John, "Poppa.".

Please pray for Nevaeh. She doesn't understand what is happening and just has to do what she is told to do and go where she is made to go.

Her favorite song right now is "Away In A Manger." She likes to have one of us sing it and let off the last word of each phrase so that she can put it in. She loves the Christmas decorations and likes riding in the car to see the "pitty ites!" She is a precious little angel and I know that God has something special intended for her life.

*chuckle* As I write, she is singing, "Where is my hairbrush?"

If you were here she would wish you, "Mooey Kippuss!"

URGENT

My awesome kids!

Rob (12), Daryl (16), Nevaeh Re' (19 mos.)

Nevaeh's adoption journey has been wrought with diverse twists and turns and presently we find ourselves in yet another twist----or was that a turn. We have an interest in your prayers regarding an urgent twist. Please, please keep this in your prayers. We would be ever grateful!

God bless you for caring!

Nevaeh sits in this seat to watch Veggie Tales.

Her favorite is "Love Your Neighbor."

In a season of wonder, I wonder. But about other things. Why this? Why that? And I wonder why some things in life can't be easy. It seems as if EVERYTHING is so hard to get through. And one more time, I find myself considering some very profound thoughts. It is the pain and sorrow that we endure that makes the happy times the treasures that they are. God's GREATEST desire for us is not that we be happy but rather that we be like Him and God is LOVE. And the greater our pain, the greater our capacity to love for it is only then that we realize true compassion.

It seems that every time I turn around, the dimensions to Nevaeh's case are ever changing. Hope! Hope lost. Hope anew. Hope lost. HOPE one more time. And........waiting?? Last night was indeed the first of many visits to come according to the court order. God was truly with us and before the evening was through, my dear husband was having prayer with all of us involved! There were things about the evening that were negatives, yet there were positives as well and there are still many unknowns. Now is NOT the time to relax your prayers. PLEASE! God is definitely doing something though we haven't totally figured out what. In the meantime, regardless of a possible new facet yet again, we must continue with the visitation as court ordered. We are exhausted. We are trying to continue with the already tiring schedule of the Christmas season pertaining to our church and the plan eats at the very least 8 hours of time every week from our precious family time. May God hold us all together and grant Mark and I the wisdom to know how to handle the next several months.

Tia shared a song with me last night knowing how that music speaks to me. I fear I will have to replace her CD for wearing out that particular song but it does speak to me and yes, I'll share it with you.

"THROUGH"

When I saw what lay before me - "Lord," I cried, "What will you do?"

I thought He would just remove it - But He gently led me through

Without fire, there's no refining - Without pain, no relief

Without flood, there's no rescue - Without testing, no belief

Through the fire, through the flood - Through the water, through the blood

Through the dry and barren places

Through life's dense and maddening mazes

Through the pain, and through the glory - 'Through' will always tell the story

Of a God who's power and mercy - Will not fail to take us through.

Bill & Gloria Gaither & Michael Sykes

Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me on.

Tears Are A Language God Understands.

Little Miss in her brother's shirt.

Ever feel like covering your head and sleeping for a very long time? That's where I've been. Not literally, but emotionally. I apologize for not posting sooner, however I could not. I've been praying and processing and the Lord has been helping me to get things in perspective. There are specifics that I know you would like to know that I just cannot share in this manner as Nevaeh's case has been moved to a high profile case and is very sensitive, but I can share that the judge has not made a final call. Suffice it to say that the adoption has been postponed and at this point, we do not know what way the judge will rule. I've cried so many tears that I am amazed to find that I still have more, yet something triggers a thought and I find them running down my cheeks again. I know God interprets those tears when there are simply no words to be spoken. We have been begging God for strength and the wisdom to know how to proceed. We were able to receive some type of reassurance today and we ask that you continue to pray. This is a very serious need and we feel that Nevaeh's life as all she has known is at stake. She stood in the agency office and recited her version of John 3:16. It was understood by everyone and I marveled at how she never hesitated which was not typical for her. She often hesitates to perform before those with whom she is not totally comfortable. She is now 19 Months old yet there is so much more that we want to teach her. The night of the court date we crawled in the van to go home after that special Rebecca made us supper, and Nevaeh went nuts! She was shrieking at her daddy to turn on her current favorite song. She began singing it in a very loud and boisterous voice.

"Roll away - Roll away - Doubts and fears and sadness - All roll away - Roll away - Everytime I call His name - When I'm sad - And all alone - And nothing can move this impossible stone - I just talk to Jesus and my burdens roll away. In this life there are struggles - We all have our share of trials and troubles - MmmHmm - And heartaches along the way - But there is joy and there is comfort in serving a God who's always triumphant - When I talk to Jesus all my burdens roll away. - Jesus knows my condition - He's always aware of the need before I ever mention - Oh yeah - The problems when I pray - But when I speak - He will listen - He longs to hear the cry of His children - When I talk to Jesus all my burdens roll away!"

You can't imagine what that did for us. It has been a rough couple of days but we are doing much better. My family is coming for Thanksgiving! In fact, some of them are here already. My little sister said that while everyone else has been asked via emails and word-of-mouth messages to pray for Judge Cunningham, she believes that is my family's job to be here for us. So as Aaron and Hur lifted and held the arms of Moses in the middle of a raging battle, they have come to raise up and hold the arms of Mark, Laura, Daryl & Robert. I have an awesome family. I know I've said it before but love is truly powerful. And I am so blessed to be a recipient of that kind of love.

As I struggled with the pain from the huge hand that was squeezing and wringing out my heart, this song came to me. I'll share it in it's entirety just in case you're struggling with something yourself and need to remember who you are and why you are.

I have made my choice forever: I will walk with Christ my Lord. Naught from Him my soul can sever While I'm trusting in His word. I the lonely way have taken, Rough and toilsome though it be; And although despised, forsaken, Jesus, I'll go thro' with Thee.

Tho' the garden lies before me, And the scornful judgement hall, Tho' the gloom of deepest midnight Settles round me like a pall, Darkness can affright me never; From Thy presence shadows flee. And if Thou wilt guide me ever, Jesus, I'll go thro' with Thee.

Tho' the earth may rock and tremble, Tho' the sun may hide its face, Tho' my foes be strong and ruthless, Still I dare to trust Thy grace. Tho' the cross my path o'er-shadow, Thou didst bear it once for me; And whate'er the pain or peril, Jesus, I'll go thro' with Thee.

When the conflict here is ended, And the weary journey done; When the last grim foe is conquered, And the final vict'ry won; When the pearly gates swing open, And an entrance full and free Shall be granted to the victors, Jesus, I'll go thro' with Thee.

God bless you all! Please know that our family, extended family, and church family, appreciates your prayers concerning our need. Nevaeh is an established member of our family, church and community and the decision of the judge weighs heavy on many. As we learn more, we will try to continue to update you.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Praying Parisioners

These prayer charts were given to us today. They're beautiful and represent the love of our awesome church family. We are overwhelmed with such a display of caring. These are the charts of the prayer circle that was organized in our behalf concerning Nevaeh's situation. If I were to have a guess, I'd say this was the idea of one special Rebecca. Our church family is praying around the clock this weekend through Monday as the status conference has turned into a hearing involving paternal grandparents. They have never seen Nevaeh and we are the only family that she knows. We were set for adoption December 14, but we have to go down this side trail for now. We have an interest in your prayers as well. We know that God cares about the things that are important to us.
As I sat in the agency office today talking with the case managers, one spoke up and said, "Y'know, everything is going to be alright. From the very beginning you've had your faith, and God gave you what you asked for even though we told you it just doesn't work that way. Everything is going to work our just fine."
I told them about the prayer circle and they told me to stop before I made them all cry.
May they have no doubt that God is in control when this is over and the dust is settled!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

WOW! It looks as if the devil intends to fight this to the bloody end. We're scratching and clawing and trying to hang on with everything we've got! We received a call today requesting our presence in court on Monday. Nevaeh's bio grandparents will be present at a status conference and they want to adopt her. We are floored by this and our insides are in turmoil. We NEED you to pray for this case. Pray for the judge. Please pray that the judge will be wise. Since we will be present, we have a voice. Mark and I both will be asked to express ourselves. Please pray for us in this. Pray for our family. Please pray for our boys!!! They desperately are in need of your prayer.

And please know that Mark and I would greatly appreciate your prayers in our behalf in every way.

Our emotions are on an unbelievable ride. God help us!!!

This conference is scheduled for this coming Monday morning. We will do our best to share what we can as soon as we can.

Josh and Nevaeh

Nevaeh has picked Josh from the very beginning and loves him more each passing day.

BY THE WAY: GOD IS STILL ALWAYS GOOD AND NO MATTER WHAT, WE WILL STILL LOVE HIM!

Note added November 20, Friday AM.

We have been informed just this AM that our church family has organized a prayer circle and will be praying around the clock every hour on the hour for the weekend through Monday.

We are overwhelmed and realize that this little girl is their "family" as well as ours.

LOVE is a powerful thing.

Adoption Latest!

Today was another meeting of the minds concerning Nevaeh's permanency. The adoption charge case manager, the adoption counselor, and our personal caseworker was present as well as Laura, Mark and Nevaeh! We have been told that the judge has ordered a status conference. The purpose of this conference is to make sure that "all our ducks are in a row." If everything is in order, we may proceed with the December 14th date. If anything is out of line, the adoption will have to be moved to January. So all of you

"PRAY-ers", I would call on your graciousness yet another time, and ask you all to remember Nevaeh's adoption in your prayers. We are asking God to go before the caseworkers involved, the lawyer, and the judge and care for anything that may need tending, and be with us for the planned huge weekend of Nevaeh's adoption.

Having much family present for the adoption, made much sense to plan a dedication service in that same weekend and the plans are all falling into place. Our conference president, has been so kind to rearrange his personal schedule to be present. We are very appreciative of that effort. Nevaeh's brothers are going to sing to her as well as our adopted twin nieces. Perhaps I can post some video clips of that on the blog to share with you.

And if you have a spare second in your prayer time, I would be so grateful if you would whisper a thought in my behalf. The closer the date becomes, the more jittery my insides. I fear that I'm going to be a nervous wreck! I can't begin to tell you how I feel emotionally. You'd never understand unless you've been there yourself anyway. I've never felt anything like it.

You will, however, understand excitement, and our entire family, church family included, is excited about this incredible milestone that is taking place in our lives.

GOD IS SO GOOD!

Merry Christmas, Big Guy!

This is Chief.

He is the answer to Robert's long time prayer. Y'know, I'm sitting here thinking about how God is interested in the lives of all my children and He means to make sure that my guys know that He cares about each of them personally. The Lord worked out details to make it possible for us to give Robert this horse for a Christmas present and since we want to have him moved before the snow flies, we decided to let him have "it" early. He is so in love with Chief already.

Some kids wake up one day and want to be a fireman. In another day or so, they decide that a policeman would be more exciting. As they grow older they branch out into more exotic sounding careers like that of a marine biologist and so on........you get the picture. Well, for as long as I can remember, Rob has wanted to have his own ranch where he can rescue abused horses and then use a therapy program to rehabilitate troubled youth. Who knows but that he may just get his desire after all.

Here is Robert meeting his new and fast best friend!

Walking Chief through the pasture.


Getting used to each other.

Close up and personal. Robert is having trouble believing that this is for real.

He said that if he is dreaming, please don't wake him up.

Our Lean Mean Huntin' Machine Does It Again!

Four point buck

This is Daryl's first success with a bow. He was hunting alone and did it all by himself. He ran home to get Dad to come and help drag it out as well as use the benefit of the four wheel drive to drive back into the field. He was so winded and pumped when he "busted" in the door, we had to make him stop and say nothing at all for a few minutes just so we could understand him.

The first of the season for our freezer.

Huntin' buds! Dad was proud of the boyo!!!

Good job, baby.

Tea for Two-Two for Tea!

Our very first tea party but not the last.

Teaching Nevaeh the art of "having a spot of tea" held an incredibly new meaning for me compared to that of my dreams. And I find myself one more time in the time appropriate season for "Counting Your Blessings" discovering anew that I must surely be God's favorite child! (It's okay for you to think that you are His favorite, too.) Here I am - little ole' me - living in my own little piece of God's world trying to make a difference, when God pours out His love in an extra special way yet again.
My God is so incredibly great and I find that He delights in making a statement. He LOVES to hear us say, "WOW! Good job, God!
It's like He gains great satisfaction in putting the frost on our pumpkin, the cherry on our sundae, and the icing on our cake! I am convinced that my God takes great pleasure in acting out the details that make something special, extra special!


God has chosen to make our special extra special by caring for details that would take too much time and space to share in this manner but I would like to tell you that our long awaited news is finally factual and we want to share it with you.
December 14, 2009
.....is the day when Nevaeh will, in the eyes of the law of the land, become a Fultz!
We are all so overwhelmed and happy beyond what words can tell.
And we are abundantly grateful to our gracious God for His abundant blessing in the gift of our daughter. She is definitely the cherry on our sundae and the zip to our zap. We can't imagine our lives lived without her in it. Thank God that we don't have to!
Tea anyone?!

Annie Oakley!

You're lookin' at the best shot in the west - western PA, that is!!

Below: Pausing to reload.

Oil Strike!

For those of you who do not know, Mark is a certified butcher and managed a cutting room several years ago. He has maintained his skill by cutting deer for himself and others. Again, when it became knowledge among our church family after moving here, Mark again began cutting for others in this location. He has been doing this by hand which obviously was more difficult with limitaions. Mark has wanted to obtain a band saw for a long time, but didn't feel that he could justify the cost.

Now you ask, "What does that have to do with an oil strike?" as I referred to in my post title. Well just before school began, Mark was contacted by the bus garage where he is employed as a public school bus driver, and asked if he would be willing to take some extra work. The Drake Well Museum in Titusville, was hosting an anniversary celebration weekend called "Oil 150" and was in need of shuttle bus drivers. *Titusville is where the oil industry began 150 years ago.* Mark agreed and was able to drive quite a few hours. That pay check arrived just in time for Mark to bid on this saw over e-bay. He won the bid and was able to pick up the saw within decent drive time. Yes! He got the saw at a great price. He is so thankful for this gift from a God who cares about our desires and he is looking forward to deer season for a new reason this year.
Making sure the saw is clean and ready for use.

Mark got to pass a trial run on his new saw (which also has a grinder attachment for making burger) when asked to butcher a hog for a church family member.
You can see the concentration on the man in action.
Guess I'll have to get him a white apron now!

What A Prize!

In the latest edition of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Journal, one of our church family, Michael Bickel, was featured, as pictured below with his prize winning 8 point buck. Look at the spread on that monster!!

22 1/2 inches!

Congratulations, Mike

SIXTEEN!

Daryl, You're living in a world that most times moves too fast, and growing up isn't always easy...

but you're doing just fine. Perhaps it's because you understand the need for caring about others, for being thoughtful and kind, for bringing happiness to yourself as well as to those around you.

The world is in need of more wonderful teens like you.....You're someone very special, blessed by God with many unique gifts -- you are loved more than words could ever say.

You're a treasure of exceeding value. You've always been the BEST big brother and you still are!

Our family would be so incomplete without you!

HAPPY SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY, DARLIN'!