More Birthday

We met Auntie Erma and Uncle David at Honey Creek Inn for breakfast and Auntie Erm brought more birthday fun. What could be in this bag?

A princess tea set!

.......And Tinkerbell too!
Thank you, Auntie Erm and Uncle David!

Treasured Traditions!

A long time treasured tradition in my (Laura) family is that every grandchild of Meema's gets a teddy bear cake for their very first birthday. Of course, now that the grandchildren have extended into the greats.......we have to go get the bear. Meema can't just bring them any old place anymore. But, we were in the right place at the right time, and Nevaeh was able to receive her traditional first birthday teddy bear cake made just for her by Meema!

Nevaeh shows us how old she is.

Mammy and Bubba held Nevaeh's hands while we sang "Happy Birthday" so she wouldn't light her finger on fire.

She had to pull her hand away from Mammy to make sure that Mammy knew she was now 1!

Trying to decide what to eat first - Will she dive in or dabble?

That eye ball is delicious!

Oh, yes it is, Bubba!

Happy to be loved! And this was as messy as she got.
I guess then, that means she didn't dive in, she dabbled.

Samantha Selebrates!

Samantha is our case manager. We love her dearly. Nevaeh does too! This is a very typical interaction between Samantha and Nevaeh. Sam kicks off her shoes and down on the floor she goes. And for a few minutes, she and Nevaeh go to a little world all their own. It's special.

Nevaeh just opened her birthday gift from Samantha. It's a Dora Sing-A-Long DVD.

Then Samantha and Nevaeh shared tea together.
Two for tea and tea for two!

Baby Blessing's Birthday!

Nevaeh Re'
1 Year Old

Happy Birthday, Baby! You have truly been our gift from Heaven!
We can't imagine life without you.

We LOVE you so much!
Mama, Dad, Daryl and Bubba

Reminder That God Sees the Whole Picture!

A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on September 11, 2003, TWO YEARS after the tragedies of 9/11/2001. His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

"A few weeks before Sept.11, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the aiport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. We were very upset. We drove home. Soon, I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for. I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'Take good care of my grandchild.' Those were the last words I ever heard my father say. He died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy over the safety of my wife began to turn into anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and son when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been buried under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'There is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father WILL be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves.

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live."

May we be reminded that God is ALWAYS in control. We may never know this side of heaven the reason behind things, but God is ALWAYS in control. And remember that from Jake's side of this, God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD. HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.

Happy Easter!

The Royal Family

Mark & Laura Fultz

Daryl, Robert & Nevaeh

Daddy & Nevaeh Re'

The King and his Princess

Prince Daryl

Prince Robert

Daryl and Rob with their cousin Kyle

They are very handsome men in Easter attire! Wow!

Tiny Toes, Tears and Twinkling Stars

Baby boy was born on April 3. Since birth mother insisted that she could keep him, "they" had to let her try. A meeting was held today and this was when we were informed. "They" did not call and announce the birth because of birth mother's decision although I think that it would have been courteous in the least, to do so anyway since we were on "standby."
Amazing, just how sad I find myself. Amazing just how much my heart hurts. I have never seen this little man and yet somehow, his tiny toes tripped across my heart and left big puddles of tears where my eyes keep leaking.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star - How I wonder where you are.
In a place I cannot see. I pray God love and care for thee.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star - How I wonder where you are.

************************************************

Sometimes we have to let life shake us up-side-down,
So that we can learn how to live right-side-up.
TDJ

Happy 38th Birthday, Babe!

Happy Birthday to my Best Guy!

I know this makes for a rotten birthday, but Mark had to have surgery on his left knee again.
Doc said that he blew it this time and so yesterday, Doctor Patch fixed him up. Hopefully for good this time. And the day was made so much easier "thanks" to a couple special guys who were a great comfort and big help. "Thank you, Butch and Steve, until you're better paid!
We appreciate your care so much!"

Of course, it ain't all bad! A certain little lady bug crawled in with dad!

How can you not smile at that?!

This is what bored invalids do!

Sorry about the bummer of a circumstance but we tried to make up for it with the laptop!!
We love you!

Baby?

"Has the baby been born yet?" Some have been telling me that they are checking the blog every day for an announcement. Maybe you are one of these. So --- this post is just for you! NO! He is not here yet. At the last doctor's visit, the doctor believed he had reason to change the due date and so instead of April 1, the due date is now April 10. (Mark's birthday is April 8!) There have also been some changes from the birth mother's end and we don't know yet how this will play out or what it will mean for us. Birth mom has stated that she has changed her mind and that she wants to keep the baby. "They" don't think that she will be able and there are many variables within this equation that have caused "them" to keep us on "standby." At this news, my heart hurt! I cried silently from inside. I prayed constantly. I have prepared for this baby. I have put much time, money, energy, love and care into those preparations. And in my desparate praying, I discovered that my prayers were all about me. I was praying with a selfish heart. I spent, I love, I care -- I, I, I. What about the baby? What about what's best for him? And so I stand corrected and thank God for the reminder that this isn't about me. I am asking you to help me pray for the best regarding this innocent little child. And if God chooses to grant us guardianship of another treasure, I will be humbly grateful for another opportunity to share God's love in this way. So help me God.

A Child Shall Lead Them

Let me introduce you to my nephew, Zack, though if you view my blog often, you already know this. Zack is my hero!! Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Heroes are those you look up to, respect and admire, as well as take example from. I dearly love this little man and find myself challenged by his faith in our incredible God. We have had so many friends share their love and care regarding our situation with Nevaeh and her unborn baby brother, but Zack has been consistently faithful to pray that God would keep Nevaeh with Aunt Laura and Uncle Mark. If Mom or Dad would "forget," Zack was quick to remind. Nevaeh is never far from his thoughts. Out of the blue, Zack approached his mom and declared, "Mom, I don't have to pray for Nevaeh to stay at Aunt Laura and Uncle Mark's any more. God has it all worked out!" Wow! What do you say? Sherri didn't want to say the wrong thing and dent his incredible faith, so she accepted his declaration and payed specific attention to his prayers that night. He didn't mention Nevaeh at all. So she called me the next morning to give me a "heads up!" She said, "Just letting you know that it's all taken care of. Zack says that God has it all worked out!" So there you have it!
I will keep praying about Nevaeh and the baby for the reason that I have learned in a new way since Nevaeh's arrival blessed our home. I will keep praying because when I pray, it changes ME. It keeps my heart tender to God. It keeps my attitudes what they should be, and it keeps my heart surrendered to the will of a loving Heavenly Father. I will keep praying and when I do, I'll thank God for the gift of a little man willing to do his part and then trust God to do His!

First Flight

Mark was away preaching a revival in south-central Pennsylvania and a certain little girl became miserable from Daddy's absence. Each night that he was gone, Nevaeh's agitation intensified. She began refusing her bottle at night and she would wake numerous times throughout the night crying for her dad dad. She'd stand under the phone and point and whimper. Well, one more time for us, Randy, a member of our church family, saved the day ---er, maybe I should say, he saved the weekend!! The weather played games with us for a few hours, but finally cleared so that we could fly to an airport just minutes from where Mark was staying. I wondered if the noise of the small plane would frighten Nevaeh, but she truly enjoyed the flight. She watched the ground scenes change with fascination, and recognized the change of sound in the engine when we began descent. She had almost fallen asleep, but when the pitch altered, she sat up with a jerk and started looking out the window again. Sure enough, the trees were ginormous again! When the plane taxied to a stop and I pointed out Daddy, she stared and stared as if trying to figure out if he was simply a figment of her imagination or if he was indeed real. We went to church with Daddy that night and spent all of Sunday with him too! Daddy ended up spending most of his free time Saturday night, holding the little princess and I was able to get the BEST night of sleep that I had experienced in -- well, at least a week!!

Randy, the aero-dragonslayer, rescuing our damsel in distress!

When viewing the photos of our adventure, I was duly impressed by this photo above. I noticed that Sir Aiplane Pilot pulled Nevaeh's coat down from the front so that it wasn't bunched up around her mouth. Now how many men do you know who would think to do that without being told?

Nevaeh was not intimidated by the giant bird in the least. She touched and patted the wheel.

YEAH! We found Daddy. He was lost for a whole week!

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!