ADOPTION UPDATE

What an adventure, this road we're travelin'. Each new development that transpires, and each new level we attain are accompanied with many life lessons for us to study and from them learn. I am awed by the workings of a loving God and in considering in retrospect the journey thus far, I have realized from the very beginning of our relationship with Children & Youth, that God was carving His design for Nevaeh. When God began speaking to us about becoming foster parents, Nevaeh was already on the way. And all of the fostering situations with which we were presented before Nevaeh coming to live with us were not in keeping with one or more of our "guidelines" we had set for ourselves. I had begun questioning whether or not I had misinterpretted God's intentions because "things" were not working out even close to what we had been instructed. Then a certain situation occurred, I believe to test us, a situation that could have rocked our world, and though we felt discouraged, we had no desire to "jump ship." And then Nevaeh---God brought Nevaeh to us, and oh, what a joy she has been. And I have been reminded today, that the same God who was working 7 months before Nevaeh was placed in our care at 2 months of age, this God does not leave loose ends. He doesn't leave us hanging. He cares for His own and what a precious little lamb Nevaeh is.

What a Saviour, what a Friend, WHAT A GOD!!

God has been aware of every minute detail from the start and I know that this latest development does NOT catch Him by surprise. In speaking to a casemanager today, I was made aware that the tribal council seems to be more interested in Nevaeh's birth grandmother. Nevaeh's birth mother and grandmother have written separate letters of intent to the tribal council stating their desires for Nevaeh and new baby to be adopted by us. PLEASE! Do NOT stop praying. Through working together to keep Nevaeh here, God is allowing a unique relationship to form between Nevaeh's birth mother and Nevaeh's forever mother (that's ME!!). It is my prayer and desire that God be able to use our lives to speak to and help Nevaeh's birth mother make some life changing decisions for His sake.

ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!

I have had a lot of questions with regards to the new baby and how we proceed from here and have been advised that if the tribal council gives their consent for the baby to be placed in our home at birth, we are to proceed as planned and yes, we will still name the baby.
It saddens me that an issue like this has to cloud the sunshine of our baby's birth, but I am reminded that it's the clouds that create extraordinary sunsets! And I still can't wait! Our baby is to be born ANY day!! I can't wait to see what Nevaeh will do!

Wee-Worship

"When I'm low in spirit, I cry, 'Lord, lift me up.....'"and He always does!
I know that I posted already today, but I could not rest without sharing this God-moment with you.
I'm not even taking the time to take care of red-eye, I just want you to share.

Tonight, while I was taking a shower, Mark and the boys put a DVD in the player. It was A Gaither Homecoming Country Christmas. I know, I know --Christmas?? But that is so not the point!

After I finished my shower, I sat down with my family to enjoy the awesome music. As David Phelps was singing, "O Holy Night," I noticed that Nevaeh had been drawn in by the power of the holy music. Her attention had been completely captured and my soul was blessed as I watched her respond to the music. She clapped her hands and raised her arms and as we watched, we worshiped with wee-worship. I so wanted to see what God was doing in that exact moment!

As I marveled over what I had witnessed and experienced, God reassured me that He has His eye on the sparrow and Nevaeh near to His heart. He has her best interest in mind.
With that thought to consume me, I can find rest. Sweet rest!

O night, divine--O night, when Christ was born.
PRAISE THE LORD!

Who Is That Baby?

Thought you might enjoy this picture. This is a picture on an old sweatshirt of Mark's. The "baby" is Daryl. Could he pass for Nevaeh's blood brother? Nevaeh just stared and stared at this shirt when Mark wore it. It looks like that baby that talks back to her in the mirror!!

ADOPTION UPDATE

Just how much drama can one little girl be a part of? WOW-WEE!
Just when it seems that we get it all figured out, there's a new twist to navigate, a new height to attain, another hurdle to jump and on and on it goes. Yes, one more time, there has been a new development in Nevaeh and soon to be born baby's case. Most of you know that Nevaeh is Native American/Hispanic. We are unable to say just "where" and "who" she is a part of as this information is considered to be highly sensitive, but Mark did ask and was granted permission to share this with you to ask for your prayers yet another time. Nevaeh's birth grandmother is full blooded Native American Indian. This makes Nevaeh (and new baby) 1/4 Indian. Though the grandmother was adopted out of the tribe when she was only 4 years old, she is a shareholder in the incorporation of the tribe. This means that the tribal council holds custodial rights to Nevaeh and soon to be born baby brother as they are close decendants. Though birth mom has indeed signed off her parental rights to Nevaeh and wants us to adopt her, the tribal council must now relinquish their rights. The concern of the tribal council is for the betterment of the tribe and there has been expressed disgruntlement as to the fact of losing so many of their clansmen. We have been informed that the tribal council is well within their rights to disallow the adoption and can demand custody of Nevaeh and baby. If this should happen, the state and county can do nothing. Even after the tribal council would sign off, we would have to wait 120 days, yes, 4 months, before we can finalize the adoption. This time period is to give them time to "change their minds." The unbelievable part of that scenerio to me is that when a parent signs away their parental rights, they are given 30 days to change their mind. The Indian tribe gets 120 days!
We have also been informed that when the new baby is born, we are no longer first to know that our baby is here. The case manager is required to call the tribal council to tell them baby has arrived and remind them of the intent to place him in our home, will they give their blessing? The council has the right to say "no" and come get baby from the hospital or even from our home when they get around to "getting here." Needless to say, our world has been taken and dumped upside down. Our May adoption is NOT going to happen. The earliest possibility at this point would be late summer, early fall IF the tribal council will sign off right away. The chances of that though, are slim. We have been made aware that the Indian tribes are a law unto themselves and operate on their own timetable. They can drag this out indefinitely. Our caseworkers have done everything that they can at this point. The charge casemanager has given all of the necessary information and forms to the tribal council via phone, e-mail/fax, and has even put a packet together and sent it via US Postal Service. Our case rests now, on their mercy. AND the mercy of our incredible GOD!! He WHO has the power to raise the dead, make the blind to see, heal the lame man and He who has touched my very own body more than once, HE--HE has the power to make man sign a document. God has already worked in incredible ways for Nevaeh's sake and I know He has not forgotten her. Yes! Have no doubts. I do ask "why?" And I struggle with my human emotions. How will I survive if Nevaeh should have to leave us? My God has not let me down one more time and has reassured me again that He is in control. Last evening as we were riding toward town, God reminded me through His Word found in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans that I have for you, saith the Lord, plans of hope and peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
I find my mind turning another direction now and have discovered my question has changed from "What will I do if Nevaeh has to leave us?" to "How could I ever make it without my God?"
And one more time I find it so obvious ever before me, God is so good ALL THE TIME!
As spring appears around me and rebirths the earth with new beginnings, the little green frog has leaped up to catch my attention reminding me that there is absolutely no other way to live than to
Fully Rely On God!

We're Not Monkeyin' Around!

That's right! We're not monkeyin' around here!
He's really and truly off to experience South America!
Daryl is soooo excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the team headed for the Amazon with Touching Lives for Christ! We went and applied for his passport yesterday and were informed that he should receive it within 10 days. I thought it was a little expensive but on the other hand, we were told that his passport will be good for five years AND since he is still only 15, they said the cost was a little less than if he was sixteen or older. I guess they were trying to make us understand that we were getting a great deal. Whatever.
Daryl actually leaves the 1st of June so that he is available for boot camp on the 2nd. He will be gone for a whole month!! I don't know if I can stand it!!
Anyway, for those of you who won't receive his letter and prayer card via postal service, let me share that he will be living on a house boat that will be on the Amazon. They will be stopping at various points and hiking into the jungle to villages and be working doing VBS, construction work, service in worship and anything else that may be of help in an effort to share God's love!
I do believe that it will be a wonderful experience for him, and I would truly covet an interest in your prayers on his behalf, BUT maybe you should also pray for poor old mom left at home to worry her last nerve to a frazzle. Flying international?? Without ME??!!?? I know. I know! I might as well chill out and let my head rest peaceably. God's already going to be up so there's no sense in me staying up just to worry. Might as well get some sleep!

Happy 12th Birthday, Rob!

Happy 12th Birthday, Sweetheart!

We thought you'd be our baby forever, and now that's changing. YOU have changed so much! You have GROWN so much! Yet, there are some things about you that haven't changed and I wanted you to know. You are still so full of love and compassion. Your heart is so BIG! You are still the best brother a kid could ever hope for. You're still the life of the party and you make everyone laugh. You're still so much fun to be around. I feel at peace just hearing your voice. Your songs speak to my soul. Your family loves you more than you can imagine and we can't imagine life without you.

We were blessed beyond measure the day you were born!
February 28. 1997
7 pounds - 1 month early (Thank God!)

Oops! I forgot to rotate the above pic!

Our family would have a HUGE hole in it if you were missing! Glad you fill your spot!

Have the BEST day, Darlin'!
We LOVE you!

Gracias!

Gracias Tia She, for the pretty hat and gloves.
I really like them. Mama told me to wave hola' to you so I am. X O X O

Mobile Munchkin

My munchkin is definitely mobile. She has been taking steps since 9 months, and walking @ 9 1/2 months and she gets braver every day. She looks too little to be walking!
In the picture above, she kinda' got stuck like this and started hollering for help. She showed her annoyance at being made to wait for a photo shoot, but I couldn't help it. She was so cute!

10 Months Old Today!

Nevaeh is 10 months old today!
Where has the time gone?
She has brought all of us sooooo much happiness!

Adoption Update

I am always so amazed when I look at pictures of these two at how much they look alike. When we were out to town just the other day, a sweet little old lady said that she just had to say how much that darling little girl looks just like her daddy! We just smiled at her and agreed! God is an incredible "picker-outer."

It has been quite a journey, this road that leads to Nevaeh. God has been teaching us so many things through this experience. Though we are not always able to share specific variables in this adoption equation, rest assured, God is working. And I have no doubt that He is still a God of miracles. On a recent visit home to my parents, God allowed me some time to take a few extra deep breaths and get some rest. He gave me time to find the quiet inside of me. During Sunday evening service at their church while their pastor was preaching, God quietly let me see that even though He has given us many miracles already in Nevaeh's situation, one of the greatest miracles that He had given me was the reality of living with peace. I was filled with amazement and gratitude. Sometimes it seems that our words are merely that, just words. Or we use our words to convince ourselves while continuing to struggle fruitlessly. The end result - definitely not peace.
God's promises are meant to be a reality to us, not just words. And when I take Him at His Word, I have learned that He will NOT let me down.
Life is at times hard, but in all things God IS good.
Jesus says to us in John 16:33," These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"(NKJV).
Why ever would I want to screw up a plan like that with trying to take over and operate things my way?
God is definitely in control of Nevaeh's situation, and He will make all things beautiful in His time.
We will receive more information pertinent to our case in two weeks that will let us know what direction we have to go. If He so chooses, God has the power to cancel out the problem completely. I can hardly wait to see what He will do!

Happy Valentine's Day

SWEETHEART DAY!
We chose to spend the day for sweethearts all together.
We couldn't think of a better way to spend it!

As for what we did, that was all Mark's idea. The boys weren't too excited about it, but they went all with the plan rather graciously and the pictures that follow are a record of that special time.

Mark wanted to cook a really nice dinner and have us all dress up, decorate the table and use the china and accessories. The dinner was actually candlelight, but my flash illuminated the pictures to the point that you can't really tell except for one picture you will see below for which I turned off the flash. We even had dinner music, of course. You know that's a given with us!!

Nevaeh was so excited that she kept giggling, and giggling, and giggling! This of course, made the rest of us laugh, and laugh, and laugh!

Mark prepared the entire meal and then insisted on serving us.
We had a salad first, then roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, buttered carrots, and rolls, various choices of pickles,sparkling white grape juice (Daryl said that we shouldn't eat a pickle and then take a drink of the grape juice! PUCKER POWER!!) and the dessert was one our boys were sure to eat! They are not big sweets eaters but they like brownies so brownies the chef made!

The two ladies of the house!

Daryl James (Vaeh calls him Da-ya)

Robert Eugene (Vaeh calls him Bubba or Ra-Ra)

Nevaeh Re'

A dinner plate

Daddy dancing with his littlest sweetheart. She adores music.

Whispering sweet things.

Daryl danced with Espie

There's no better place to be on this earth than with those you love the most!

Quick! Call The Doc!

WARNING!
If you are of weak constitution, the following pictures may be rated beyond the level of your viewing. Consider yourself duly notified.

On Friday afternoon, Rob, in his bare feet of course, went running across our finished basement to the school room on the far side. When he reached the doorway of the school room where the large garbage can sits, he collapsed, shrieking in obvious pain. Daryl was trying to think on his feet. What should he do? Who should he call? Dad, of course! Well, Dr. Dad properly diagnosed the ailment as "Foot Impaled With Something That Broke Off And I Can't Get It Out" and off to the ER we went! Rob was unable to even hobble on the heal of his foot as the pain was unbearable.

Rob is waiting for the ER doctor to see what we should do. He was not amused that mom just happened to have the camera in her purse and he predicted that he was going to end up on the blog. Mothers!!

His foot looks like he tried using it for a pin cushion.

Well, this has certainly turned into an unforgettable adventure!! After x-ray, the ER doc said that this was no ordinary splinter. This was a piece of wood. And I can certainly vouch for Robert in that he was being quite scriptural. He was not pointing out or complaining about the sliver in his brother's eye when he had a beam of his own with which to be concerned. It's amazing the illustrations a person can find in every day life to remind us of how we ought to live! Nevertheless, after working on Robert for quite a while, the ER doctor decided that it was imperative to call a surgeon. The surgeon worked and worked and could not remove the wood. When the numbing med was injected it caught the piece of wood and suctioned it farther into the meat of Rob's foot. The surgeon was about ready to take him into surgery when he caught hold of the end. The Dr. worked a little while longer and was finally able to extract the offending article. Rob endured quite a bit of pain in spite of the numbing med and just about passed out, but he took it like a man! Even the part where the surgeon went down to the bone and scraped it!

The nurse laid her finger next to the wood to give perspective to the size of the piece. The surgeon examined the wood piece and guessed that it appeared to be a heavy toothpick. Not a cheapie! In reality, that guess is a definite possibility as our basement is used for church fellowships and Rob "picked up" the piece right beside the garbage can. The surgeon was concerned that both ends of the wood are frayed and he is hoping that he was able to remove all of what was in Rob's foot. Rob is being watched closely as he had started running a low grade temp and his foot was swollen twice its normal size 2 nights after the accident. We had to consult Aunt Erm (an RN) and Uncle David (a Physician's Assistant for an Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon, no less!!) over the weekend for advise and the advise given was right on so says Dr. Woods. Rob thought that it was amusing that Dr. Woods removed the wood from his foot. Silly boy! Rob's foot was stitched closed and he has already been back to visit the surgeon at the office with another appointment scheduled.
All I can say is that I hope whoever used that toothpick before it missed the garbage can and found Rob's foot, was up to date on their rabies shot!!
I want to be sure to include Mark's take on the situation. He is of the belief that the piece of wood that was embedded in Rob's foot was actually a piece of popsicle stick. The boys use them to build things and yes, they cut them in pieces to size. Who knows?