Motherhood: An Adventure of the Heart

Colin man turned 7

2012-02-13T09:51:00.004-06:00

So this guy turned 7 last week. I love this picture....it is so Colin. This child's passion is swords, soldiers, guns, and any kind of battle. He plays pirates, cowboys, SWAT, army, and CIA. He is also one of the most tenderhearted little boys I know. He can't stand unfair actions, wants to help all the orphans and those in slavery around the world. He wants to give and give and give. He loves his Jesus and tells me that he wants to be a man of God.

Colin, my prayer for you is to keep all the boldness He has given you, all the loud, all the kindness, and all the compassion...use it for Him. Stick to what you know is right and help others along the way. Keep that smile and laugh forever!!

Christmas thoughts

2011-12-23T13:50:00.004-06:00

As we get closer to the 25th I am busy making sure I have the right food stocked for the right celebration, the gifts wrapped and ready, and planning schedules in my head. We talk about this season as a time for family, friends, and Jesus' birth. But am I really making sure that is what our Christmas is about?

Being a parent means that I get to celebrate this time of year with little people who are super excited about all of it. I set the example of what Christmas is to my children. I wonder how I am doing? Am I showing them that all I care about is the "right" present, the "right" wrapping, and the "right" amount of gifts. Do Josh and I put way to much emphasis on being nice for Santa to come? Or are we making sure that they know the whole reason for Christmas is Jesus. Do they know that His birthday is a the ultimate celebration? This is why we give to our loved ones. Are those gifts we are giving causing debt and stress or are they from the heart and in line with what God has called us to do financially? Are my kids going to know that if we were not celebrating this birthday we would be lost eternally?

All I know is that we are trying. We celebrate Advent and have a big party Christmas Eve for baby Jesus with cake and ice cream. Santa does come to our house Christmas morning because my kids love the story of Saint Nicolas and why he brought gifts. We have learned all about our traditions and where they came from. We have selected gifts for each other that give back and help those who are the least of these.

We are far from getting all this right and I welcome any advice you may have to make sure that my children know what we are celebrating Christmas for. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and know His love for you this 25th.

Our baby turned 3

2011-12-14T21:44:00.003-06:00

So this little guy turned 3 this week. We have had three years of this smiling, bossy, and funny boy. He is loved by his big brothers and loves them just as much.

Cade loves to read, play "get away from dad", loves his teachers, and chips ~n~ cheese. He is smart and loud. He is silly and persistent. Our family would be very empty without him!

God gave us the perfect little guy for our third son.

Ten Years....Ten Whole Years People!!!

2011-12-01T08:35:00.003-06:00

So ten years ago I was a bride today. I got to wear a dress that made me feel like a princess complete with a tiara. I wore earrings my groom gave me and a necklace too. I carried the bible my mom carried on her wedding day. I was so ready to start this life with this man who was crazy about me.

We did it. We said "I DO!" and kissed the best kiss I had ever had. It was our first married kiss and it was perfect. We danced, ate cake, laughed a lot, and kissed even more. And then I'm sure we kissed some more.

There are things that I will always remember from that day:

*Being so nervous all day because I didn't have Josh there beside me

*Seeing him for those few moments alone before the pcitures and ceremony and having all my nerves disappear.

*Our first dance...not wanting it to end.

*Feeling so grateful to all the people who came and celebrated with us.

*Knowing this was it! I was going to be a part of a life with someone forever.

I got our album out and showed the boys. That is a interesting experience! They are so honest. And they loved it. I did too. I loved seeing the anticipation, the smiles, the excitement. I love that we had no clue what our next ten years would look like!

In ten years we have had three kids, are in the process of adding another one, moved five times, got introduced to type 1 diabetes, and grown a lot closer to God. We laughed about the fact that we thought we would be in Paris for our 10 year anniversary. We thought we would probably have two kids by then. We were sure we would be living overseas. God's plan was way better and much less self absorbed.

This guy I married has changed so much and in some ways not at all! The stubborness is still there, but now with a passion for his family. The wise cracking is mixed in with silliness with the boys. The desire to lead has become a desire to lead his family. The intelligence he has always had has been used to explain the big things in life to his sons.

I really like this guy that God picked out for me. Our ten married years (eighteen if you throw in dating!) have been loud, busy, and loving. Bring on the next ten!

We are not the rescuers, we are the rescued

2011-11-28T22:20:00.004-06:00

A message from David Platt who is bringing his daughter home from China:

I am reminded as we go into tomorrow that the initiative for adoption obviously resides with a parent, not with a child. A child does not choose to initiate adoption; instead, a parent chooses to adopt a child. The same is true in spiritual adoption, as well. The Word is clear that in our sin, we were once children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), alienated from God (Colossians 1:21) and totally unable to save ourselves from our sin in order to become His sons. Talk about special needs. Our minds were blinded (Romans 1:21-23), our emotions were disordered (Romans 1:26-27), our bodies were defiled (Romans 1:24-25), our wills were distorted (Romans 3:10-12), and our relationships were broken (James 4:1-4). We were slaves to sin (John 8:34), lovers of darkness (John 3:20), morally evil (Genesis 8:21), and spiritually lost (Luke 19:10). And the good news of the gospel is that God saw our need and initiated our adoption:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:3-10).

Understanding this biblical foundation of spiritual adoption is critical for understanding the proper motivation for physical adoption. We have a tendency in our day to romanticize adoption, envisaging cute children around the world (both domestically and internationally) just waiting to be adopted. Obviously, they are all cute in their own ways, but they are also needy…and many of their needs are great.

As a pastor of a church that is, by God’s grace, captivated by an adoptive culture, I have talked and prayed with countless parents who have fostered and/or adopted children with challenging needs. And the only sustainable motivation for these parents is the glorious reality of the gospel. What do you do when the child you adopted has fetal alcohol syndrome and can’t ever seem to sit still without throwing a tantrum? What happens when that child’s birth mother was addicted to crack cocaine and as a result, he or she has permanent brain damage that affects their behavior for the rest of their life, and in turn their teenage years turn into a living nightmare for you, for them, and for your entire family? What happens when the years that child has spent in an institutional orphanage by themselves causes them to not know how to even begin to receive love, so that every time you try to show love, they resist it? What happens when the child you adopt is dangerous?

Mere altruism will not sustain you in situations like these. Only the gospel will. Because in the gospel, you are reminded on a daily basis that there was a day when you were a child of wrath, filled with evil desires, totally unable to control your sinfulness, and desperately in need of Savior, and God reached down His hand of mercy past the depth of your wickedness in order to adopt you as His own. When there was no initiative to draw you to Him, He initiated a relationship with you. So now, when you see a child with minor or major needs, you reach out to that child, simply because you realize you are that child.

My goal is certainly not to paint a grim picture of adoption, and many children in foster and/or adoption situations are perfectly healthy. But adoption is not easy, and children are indeed needy. It’s important to realize, then, that we adopt not because we are rescuers. No, we adopt because we are the rescued. And in this way, the gospel uniquely portrays, compels, and ultimately sustains adoption.

From a birthmom

2011-11-19T15:06:00.001-06:00

Orphan Sunday...not what I thought it would be.

2011-11-06T17:26:00.004-06:00

Today was Orphan Sunday. A day where churches are asked to bring attention to the almost 150 million orphans around the world. This plight of the orphan is not a distant problem across the ocean. The starving orphans you see on tv are not some other country's problem. Right now in the place you live there is a child with no mother or father. This may be because of death, it may be because of abuse, it may be because they simply do not have the resources to care for their child.

Our Sunday looked a lot different than I thought it was going to be. We were supposed to bring home a little baby boy yesterday. We were planning on meeting our newest member of the Schroeder household.

It didn't happen. Birthmom is trying to decide what she wants to do. This was not our plan. It hurts. I don't understand it. We have no idea what is going to happen with this situation.

We only to prayer and continue to believe what God tells us. He loves, He is faithful, and He only wants good for us. He knows that there is a baby that needs a family. This baby is only an hour away from my home. A home that is filled with a mom and dad who can pray together, cry together, and watch old tv shows together. A mom and dad who are being honest with their kids and talk about being upset but knowing that God has a plan. A home that has three boys who want a new sibling. Boys who are watching a movie together and building legos.

There is no promise that says His way will be easy, we are told that in fact it won't be. I know that we are going to add to our family and He knows how and when. I am sad tonight for us and a baby I have never met. But, I am resting in His promises.

National Adoption Month

2011-11-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

This month is National Adoption Month, so you will be hearing from me a lot! I might make you cry, I might make you uncomfortable, and I hope to make you think. Our family feels so strongly about adoption because God feels so strongly about adoption! This video asks the question "How can God use you?". I want everyone to really ask this question, to ask God. This is where it gets exciting because God never ask us to do the same thing. He commands ALL of us to care for the orphaned and widowed, but how he wants us to do it is so unique.

Orphans need forever families. They need a mom and a dad. They don't need a mom and a dad with new cars, a big home, a Disney vacation every summer, or top of the line toys. They need a mom and a dad who love the Lord. Could you be that mom and dad?

Adoption cost money. There are reasons it cost money and it doesn't matter if you are adopting privately, internationally, through an agency, or through the state. It cost money. Do you have money to give? Can you help bring a child home by giving?

Families who adopt need help! They need help getting paperwork started, they need help if the have other children at home when there is a meeting or mandatory seminar, they need help when they get their child home and need to bond. Can you help? Can you babysit or bring a meal?

Orphans around the world need help. Whatever country you live in, there are orphans. Find a group or ministry to support. Research and find people who are in the midst of educating, feeding, and loving orphans. Find and support groups who are tryying to PREVENT orphans. Groups who are empowering mothers and fathers to become the parent they need to be for their children.

Ask God the question. It is scary, but ask. How can He use you?

Adoption Update

2011-10-11T19:52:00.004-05:00

I came across this picture from the Expecting from Ethiopia blog. I love this. The knowing that their child is out there waiting on them, just like they are waiting.

So....we have something to update and we don't. Make no sense? Welcome to adoption. Our profile is out there right now, in the hands of a birth mom. She has our profile and another family's. She is reading our letters, looking at our pictures, and trying to decide if she wants to pick us. She is due in about two weeks. Yup, we could have a baby in two weeks.

Because I want to respect this woman who is trying to figure out what to do with this life that she is carrying (a life that she feels every night while trying to sleep, a life that will look like her, a life that will carry on her traits) I don't want to say much about her end of the story.

I can tell you our end. We are wondering. Wondering if we will be a family of six sooner rather than later. Wondering what he looks like...yes it's a BOY!!! Wondering if this is it. Wondering if it is not. And we are praying.

We are praying that she KNOWS that there is someone who loves her and is walking with her during all of this struggling. That she knows He loves her baby more than any of us. That she knows He gave up a baby too. His only son, for her.

Pray for us as we wait to add another hand print. Pray for her as she decides what to do with the little hands she is carrying.

Happy Birthday Clayton....

2011-09-15T21:31:00.004-05:00

Clayton you turn nine today. Wow.

You are such an old soul. I love the talks we have about what you want to be when you grow up, your favorite Phineas and Ferb episode, or having to know what our plan is for the day.

I love the brother you are. Always ready to give a hug or read a story to Cade. You make sure Colin feels included.

The way you handle your disease is amazing. You have not let it slow you down one bit. You don't whine, pout, or cry over any of it.

You make us proud Clay~Clay. Your daddy and I are so glad that God picked us to be your parents. You are the baby that made us a momy and a daddy....what a blessing!!

2011-08-25T18:11:00.006-05:00

This post is a little behind but that's ok!! We went back and forth this year over our summer vacation. We had not been on one since I was pregnant with Cade. So the planning took a little time because we wanted someplace fun, not that far away, and would have something for the big boys and out little guy.

So Galveston it was!

Moody Gardens was great because of the activities available and it felt like more than just a hotel. We saw fish, ate out, went on the Elissa, swam, looked for shells, danced, saw airplanes, and just got to be together.

I love summer vacation!

Happy Diagnosis Day!

2011-06-27T22:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Diagnosis Day Clay!!!!

Three years ago today we in the hospital ER wondering what was happening. Today we are living with your disease knowing God has carried us and continues to bless us.

We had a much better day today than three years ago! A movie, Chick-fil-a, and a trip to Target. I am so grateful for days like this. I am so grateful that we have this disease in this day and time. I am so grateful that we are closer to a cure!!

Clay-Clay, we love you and thank God for all the blessings we have because of you!

Great video on What NOT to say to a parent of a type 1 kid

2011-06-22T07:21:00.003-05:00

I had to share this. It was a great little laugh for our family.

We had an experience at a local restaurant right after Clay got diagnosed. This woman proceeded to tell us that a friend of her daughter had found a "cure" in Canada using cinnamon. She told us to look into it an "get Clay cured!"

And we have had people hold up treats, in front of Clay, and say "Oh I guess you can't have these."

And we have had people say, right in front of Clay, "He has the really bad kind."

So just remember if you are unsure of a child's disease, learning difference, or physical issues be upfront about NOT knowing. We have wonderful people who say "I don't know anything about type 1, or what's the difference between type 1 and type 2, or what do I need to know about Clay?" We love these people.

The other people...well see for yourself.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T15:16:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's Day Josh.

A daddy who loves our boys for who they are, for who they are becoming. A daddy who makes sure we are taken care of. A daddy who always puts us ahead of him.

Thank you for leading this family with honesty and kindness. Thanks for praying over us, worrying about us, and most of all loving us.

Thank you for being the man God has called you to be.

Will you say yes?

2011-06-15T08:25:00.001-05:00

Clay got mail!

2011-05-26T21:31:00.006-05:00

Have you have ever wondered "Are there still any NICE people out there?". I mean just plain kind. Well, if you have then let me tell you that there are. I promise by the end of this post your belief that people can and still are nice will be restored.

My oldest child received a package in the mail today. A big brown box with his name on it. I looked at the return address (don't worry, I do have good mom moments....I wasn't just gonna give it to him until I knew it was safe). I knew the sender and let him open it. There were two letters, one to Clay and one to Josh and I. There was also a gift. Clay unwrapped a camo hat. Now this would have been cool enough for him.

But it gets better, way better.

He started reading the letter and learned that this wasn't a hat. It was a "cover". The sender who went to high school with us had also gone to A&M with us. He was in the band and this was his cover. So now we had an Aggie hat. Even cooler for Clay.

But it gets even better.

There were two bars on the cover that were explained to Clay. It stood for the rank of Captain. See, told you it got better. We had loud exclamations of "Cool!" and "Wow!". This child has worn this cap nonstop and even to bed. His brothers think he so cool.

The best part was what was said in the letter. Clay got to hear from someone else that he was brave because he was handling his disease so well. He was told that Clay's Commandos needed a Captain Clay. He was beaming after reading that letter.

His dad and I were crying. We were floored. Do people really do this??? This gift made an eight year old boy stand a little taller, have a hop in his step, and just feel important.

Phillip Hadley you have no idea what a blessing your gift was. You are a blessing to this family and we will never forget this day.

Bonding

2011-05-02T14:29:00.005-05:00

One of the requirements from our adoption agency is a reading list. There are books that we read and write a quick review on. It makes me feel like I'm back in high school English again! There are different topics and discussions in these books, one being bonding.

We who have had children in the past ten years know this term. It is in all the parent magazines and "What to Expect" books. (Did those make you feel guilty? I always did.) Bond between a mother and child. How to have a great one. If you don't bond your kid is screwed up forever. Ways to bond. There are so many different articles and tips.

Here's the thing. We know, thanks to super smart scientists, that babies form their bonds IN the mother's womb. They hear her voice, hear her laugh, hear her music. The constant beating of her heart is the sound that her baby knows. God designed this. He designed it so that when the baby enters this world it's momma is the first thing it smells. When that happens all sorts of good stuff is released in both the baby's brain and the Mommy's.

Our baby will be different. Our baby will hear all these wonderful things and smell it's sweet mother at birth. Then *BAM* no more momma smells. No more of her voice. This baby will be going through a full on grief process. It was hard for me to imagine that something so intense could happen on such a primal level.

So what do we do? How do you heal that hurt? Can you heal that hurt?

We become knowledgeable on bonding. We know that the first weeks home with this baby will be a little different. I will not be nursing this baby, but I will be the primary feeder. So this means lots of skin contact. Lots of snuggling. Doesn't sound so bad to me!!! Another way to help the transition is with a small stuffed animal that sleeps in between Josh and I for a few weeks. We seal it up in a baggie and this gets put next to our baby in the hospital so our smell becomes familiar.

Adoption is so different in some ways. But what I love is that throughout this process God is showing me how big He is and how He has it all under control.

Home Visit: Check

2011-04-26T20:12:00.004-05:00

Today was our home visit. This is the part of our home study where our social worker comes to our home and talks to all of our family. Yep, even the two year old. See why I was nervous?

So we had to get the baby's space ready. Cade and the baby will be sharing a room, which meant Cade got moved to a big boy bed. He is so excited about it and now the crib is for "de baby". I love how the room turned out. Since we don't know what gender we are getting I had to do something that would work for two boys or a boy and a girl. So we went "vintage schoolhouse". Navy, red, and khaki. Letters, Dick and Jane books, and even an old school desk.

Today was spent cleaning and telling the boys "don't touch that" and "keep the toilet clean". So our case worker came and was gone in about thirty minutes. I'm not sure why it is so stressful but it is. Good thing we love our case worker. She is so sweet and very down to earth. Plus she liked my boys. The boys were hyper of course but didn't say anything crazy like "dad makes us sleep outside".

The best part of the day?? I came home from getting pictures of our house printed and found a fun pot of flowers on my porch. The card wasn't signed but it came at the perfect time. I was about to get frazzled but the card made me stop and realize God has this. He has a plan for this journey and I need to let Him take it.

And now my house is clean.

preparing to add another lego brick to the group

2011-04-08T08:52:00.003-05:00

This Monday I received a phone call that brought about a huge change to our week. On Monday our case worker from New Life called. To set up an appointment to start our home study.

If you look at my previous post we came home from our pre-adoption conference with a stack of papers to be filled out, books to read, and classes to be taken. After that was done we were to be placed on the home study list. So Josh and I looked at the paperwork and figured it would take us about 3 months to get it all in, get our book prepared for the birth mothers to view, and get on the list.

Nope. God had a different plan.

His plan is now. We are meeting on Monday to have our first home study interviews. Those letters and pictures needed for our book? They need to be ready for Monday.

MONDAY! (that's how I feel when I say it.)

We are so excited and completely in shock at this development. I have never had to rush to the hospital for my deliveries. But I think that this is sort of what that feels like. It's really happening and we are excited and a little frantic and we can't stop smiling at each other.

We had an emergency photo session last night. Have you ever heard of a thing??? A dear sweet friend from bible study fit us in to her crazy schedule of being a mom with a new baby and little boy and spent an hour with us. I can't wait to see my guys pictures....they looked so handsome!

*DISCLAIMER* If you are a grandparent in our family or can faint easily you may want to skip this part!*

So are you wondering why we went from months out to "hey we need your book in here now to show these moms"? On our initial paperwork we are to specify what sort of child we are open to adopt. This agency mainly deals with infant adoptions, but sometimes there are exceptions. Josh and I felt like keeping the birth order in our family was important to us, so we have listed our age max at a one year old. We don't pick gender with this agency so it's a toss up! We also said we were open to twins (see the need for the disclaimer!). But the main reason they need us now is that we are also open to any ethnicity. There are simply children that will not be easily adopted because of their race. Sad but true....and the topic of another post to come.

Oh how crazy this journey is. If you see us in the next few days don't be surprised if it takes us minute to register your face or carry on a conversation. We have a glazed look in our eyes, smiles on our faces, and go between laughing and thanking God to crying and thanking God.

It is a really good place to be!

Pre Adoption Conference Update!!!

2011-03-12T08:18:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Josh and I headed to Houston to have our Pre Adoption Conference with New Life. Basically this was a meeting to find out their policies, beliefs, etc. A sort of information rich meeting.

It was also the whole adoption process condensed into two hours. The birth mother's journey, our journey, the child's journey in a couple of hours. We sat in the car afterwards just emotionally drained. Knowing that this is a journey of heartache mixed with excitement mixed with loss mixed with joy is like the ultimate emotional roller coaster.

With all of that being said we know that this is where we are supposed to be. The Lord calls ALL of us to care for the orphaned, to love adoption. How can you not since He adopted us?! Every one's role in orphan care is different. This is how Josh and I are being called. We know that because this is where God wants us we will get to see His blessings and He will receive all the glory.

So now what?

Now we start the paperwork process: Physicals, fire inspections, financial statements, books to read, CPR classes, adoption seminars.

And lots of prayer!

Our family is so excited about this!!! We are excited that God has asked us to take this walk. When you let go of the fear, of the uncertainty and fully trust Him, that's when the goosebumps come!

Third Day explains adoption....perfectly!!!

2011-03-10T09:56:00.003-06:00

This is one of the best explanations for adoption I have ever seen. Love this!!

Happy Birthday 6 yr old!!!

2011-02-19T10:04:00.002-06:00

This post is long overdue, but my blog has been acting up. Colin turned 6 on February 8th. Then by the end of the week the two big boys and I were out sick for over a week. So our birthday celebration has been postponed and will be happening soon.

I love this picture of Colin. He had just turned 2 and he was a mess! He followed big brother around and his favorite thing to say was "I do it myself!". He is still cracking us up with the things he says. Our very bold and very loving middle child...where would our family be without him???

Millions of Miles

2011-02-04T11:03:00.003-06:00

Want a chance to win a great getaway? Millions of Miles is hosting a raffle for two great ministries. $10 gets you a chance to either a great ski vacation or a relaxing beach vacation. Even if you don't win ALL of your $10 goes to the ministry.

I seriously don't know which one I would choose....

Today I am thankful for cotton balls

2011-02-01T10:28:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for cottonballs. Why? It means we still have three little boys under our roof. Three little boys who play, yell, eat, and give hugs. Three little boys who are so loved.

As I was tidying up the big boys' room I was hit by the amount of cotton balls in and under Clay's bed. See every night at 2am Josh gets up and checks Clay's blood sugar. The cotton balls get left on clay's finger to stop the bleeding. Seriously it looks like a bag exploded under his bed most days. It occurred to me that there will not always be cotton balls under my bed.

One day this son of mine will head off and the cotton balls will go with him.

One day there will not be pictures taped on a bedroom door.

One day we will actually be done with diapers.

Oh I am so glad the Lord reminded me to slow down this morning and remember the important things.

2011-01-17T14:11:00.003-06:00

I love that my children watch this and don't understand. They don't understand why you couldn't sit next to someone because their skin color was different than theirs. They don't understand why people threw food at a 1st grade girl who was trying to go to school with white kids. They don't understand that they couldn't play with someone at McDonald's because their skin color was different.

I am thankful that this man listened to God and made these injustices known. I think that the reaction of a child is usually the reaction we should all have. When my big boys heard this video Colin grabbed my hand and nestled up against me saying it made him sad. Clay got all indignant and kept saying "oh that is so wrong!".

They are both right.

The Prodigal Son....according to Colin

2011-01-16T11:10:00.004-06:00

If you are a Sunday School teacher, have taught VBS, or even discussed with your own children events or parables of the bible then you have wondered if they "got it". Well here is a glimpse at a five year old's version of The Prodigal Son.

"There was this kid who had all the food he wanted and it was good food. Whatever he asked for he got. But one day he told his dad that he wanted to do things his way. So he took all his food, and lots of money (this is where Clay interjected with "was it money for college?"), and jewels, and oh ya a plate, and a scarf, and jacket, and blankets, and pillows, and stuffed animal. So he spent a little here and there and then he ran out of money and jewels. So he got job but it really wasn't a cool job. He went back to his dad's so he could have good food again."

This is where Josh and I try and fill in the gaps with questions.

Us: "How was his dad when he saw him? Was he happy or angry?
Colin: "He was happy. They had a big party!"
Us: "What about his brother? How did he feel?"
Colin: "What brother? There was no brother in this story."

Well ok then...

Adoption Update

2010-12-16T12:49:00.002-06:00

Some of you may not know but our family has made the decision to obey God's calling for us and pursue adoption. This year has been full of researching domestic and international adoption, agencies, and so many different adoption stories. We know that God commands us to take care of the widow and orphan, to be a father to the fatherless. We know the greatest adoption story is our adoption by our Heavenly Father.

This is such an emotional and self revealing experience. Talk about streching you! The paperwork, the wondering, the worry, the explaining....it can be intense. But wow...knowing this is all God's and knowing that he only wants good for us is such a soft place to come back and rest in.

So we have heard from the angency we have applied to. They are a domestic agency that placed only 13 babies this year. We are on the list for a pre-adoption conference but they are not sure when that will be because the babies just aren't there. We know that this agency puts the birth mothers first (as it should be!) and by ministering and supporting these women many choose to keep their sweet babies.

This means we wait...and trust God. I know our baby is out there and God will put all of this in place in His perfect timing. This also means we keep tackling the financial aspect of adoption. The money part is the equivelant of morning sickness with the first three!!!

WOW

2010-12-14T22:24:00.002-06:00

Something to think about this Season of Giving.

Happy B-Day Cade!

2010-12-11T10:55:00.003-06:00

Our baby is two today! Our funny and very independant baby! He is so much fun and is loved by his big brothers. We keep telling him "Happy Birthday Cade!" and he says "Happy Birthday Mommy!" So much fun...

Nine years ago I said "yes"!

2010-12-01T09:00:00.004-06:00

"...a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

This was part of the scripture that was read at our wedding nine years ago today. I love this verse and it was perfect for us. We knew we wanted God to be at the center of our marriage, even though we weren't really sure what that would look like. It has been a quick nine years...it really feels like we've only been married for about three! I loved that day and I love what our life has become. We are definitely better together than apart!

Fun on the 31st!

2010-11-01T08:35:00.002-05:00

Prayers this week....

2010-10-12T11:40:00.001-05:00

On Friday we leave for San Antonio for our JDRF walk. We are so excited and I know it will be an amazing time for our family. I am asking for anyone and everyone to pray for us.

Pray that we all stay healthy this week. No sick kids or moms and dads. The last thing I want is a kid that can't go or us to be miserable while we are there.

Pray that all of the logistics work out. We have a larger team this year and I want to make all those who helped feel relaxed and taken care of.

Pray for safe travel for all of us. There will be lots of driving for our team and we want it to be as smooth as possible.

Pray that we see God move this weekend. We have already seen Him show up in a big way for the preparations and fundraising.

Thank you all so much!!

Adam's Angels

2010-09-26T12:01:00.008-05:00

This weekend our family got to participate in a walk for children and their families dealing with cancer. This walk is put on by a group called Adam's Angels. This family knows first hand what it is like to be one of those families. A family literally dealing with life and death. This family lost their son. They took the ultimate tragedy and have decided to help other families.

If you have never dealt with a kid in the hospital you may not realize how flat out terrifying it is. Not only are you dealing with medical lingo, trying to keep your child from being scared, relaying messages to friends and family, trying not to yell at God, but a big one is the cost. It cost money...plain and simple. This is where Adam's Angels comes in. The help families with the costs so they can focus on their child, not finances. Here is the website if you want to know more or donate.

http://www.adamsangelsministry.org/

P.S. We are not visible in the above picture. We were in the back. We had the kids and stroller which means we take up a lot of room. Especially since my kids want to hold hands, take water breaks, throw off their shoes...

2010-09-15T22:28:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Clayton!! 8 years ago you made me a mommy!!! I love watching you laugh and hug on your brothers. I love the way you can read people and try and figure out situations. Your facial expressions still crack me up! But most of all I love the way you love God. You have taught me to trust and love Him through any circumstance and praise Him for ALL of it.

I love you my little Star Wars watching, Lego building, gum chewing kid!!

Caution: Controversial opinion ahead

2010-09-14T09:25:00.009-05:00

Now before I start this post please remember that it is MY opinion and I know there will be others with differing points of view.

I saw a commercial the other week that was put out by the Texas Department of Health about breastfeeding. They are trying to promote breastfeeding and all the pluses that come from it. There are so many good things about breastfeeding a baby...God made it that way for a reason. We all also know that there are reasons why women can't nurse. So I am not disputing the fact that nursing is a wonderful thing. All three of my babies were nursed. All three were nursed for different amounts of time for different reasons. We did what worked for us.

What ruffled my feathers about the ad was the comment about reducing your child's risk for diabetes. Now my first thought is that they are talking about type 2 and would they please clarify that on the ad. Now this has become one of my missions as a mom of a kid with type 1 diabetes....to please not lump the two types together. The best way I know to do this is contact the sources of these ads/articles when I see them. So that's what I did. I sent a little email that has sort of become my standard. I explain why I see it as a problem and ask that they consider my point of view for future ads/articles.

Well they wrote me back.

According to the email I received they are INCLUDING type 1 diabetes in their statistics. The lady goes on to inform me that they understand that type 1 is a mixture of genetics, environmental factors, and bad luck. Ok, so what are you considering a "breastfed baby"? And how with all the unknowns about type 1 can you safely say that if a child had been nursed for as long as you considered them to be a "breastfed baby" they would not have developed type 1 diabetes?

BAD LUCK?!

Sorry Clay....we must have forgotten your lucky rabbits foot that day in June. We will make sure to carry it from now on....

So again to remind everyone who is still reading this post....

There is no cure for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder...type 2 is not.

Genetics is a part of the cause....for some people. Autoimmune disorders run in my side of the family. I have one, my mom has one, an aunt had one.

An environmental factor is what is believed to be the trigger that causes the body's white blood cells to attack the insulin producing "beta cells" in the pancreas. An environmental factor can be a virus which is what we believe happened to Clay. This seems to be the leading theory from the medical community right now.

Here is where it starts getting fun though...because you throw out words like "environment factor" and people start grabbing for things. We have heard it was caused by vaccines, by baby bottles, by living in too clean of an environment, by the fact that I had a c-section. And the list goes on.

The thing is for every type 1 child I know that was never nursed I've met one who has never touched a plastic baby bottle. For every child born from a c-section I know a type 1 child born with no drugs...all natural. I can bet you that my house is not a sterile environment. And I vaccinate my children, but I know type 1's who have never had a vaccine.

The fact is they DON'T know. This is why Josh and I are so passionate about fundraising for research. The sooner we find out, the sooner we find a cure.

The problem, for me, with this ad was that it used a "we aren't sure" statistic to promote breastfeeding. I know this is marketing...but that doesn't mean I have to like it. As a parent with a child with this disease you go over everything in your mind. There is so much potential for guilt to set in and this ad looked to me like it was promoting that.

So there may be a day they come out and say we think "such and such" is the factor for type 1 diabetes. It may be a choice I made: like only nursing Clay for about 8 weeks and pumping the rest of the time, or by having the cord wrapped around his neck at birth, or maybe a vaccine triggered it. Whatever the reason I have to hold on to the fact that I love my son and have made choices that I thought were the best for him. God gave him to me because he feels like I'm the best mommy for him...that I DO know for a fact!!

It's Raining!!

2010-09-03T12:16:00.002-05:00

Really...is there anything else to say???? I have not had to water in two days. Now if I could just convince the kids that this is perfect weather to sleep in!

Thoughts on a new school year...

2010-08-24T10:53:00.003-05:00

The big boys started school yesterday and that means back to busy for us. This year we have a second grader and kindergartener. Since we are at the same school the boys knew the routine, where to go, etc. So for the most part it was pretty uneventful.

There were a few subtle changes. Colin seemed to grow up over night. He looks like a big kid now. Clay got a new pack for his diabetes supplies and has become more involved with that. They are getting bigger and more independent which is a good thing. Such fun boys!!!

last day of summer

2010-08-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

School starts Monday!!!!!!

Politics here we come....

2010-08-09T17:04:00.003-05:00

Today we met with our local state representative to discuss how we can partner up and raise awareness for type 1 diabetes. This was Clay's first taste of politics and it went well.

He told me before hand that he was a little nervous. This led to a discussion on doing something that we may be nervous about, scared of, etc. is a hard thing, but it can help so many other children. We talked about if someone feels like changes need to be made or awareness is needed on a subject you can't wait for someone else to do it. God has blessed us with the ability to connect with someone who is in a position to do something positive for this disease.

Our plan is not to be the family who only deals with this in our small circle of family and friends. We want to be the family that people in the community know by the cause we fight for. There is such a potential for this to grow and really make a positive difference for type 1 research.

I'm so excited I feel like playing patriotic music and popping fireworks!!

Amazima_Final

2010-07-22T08:03:00.003-05:00

This is a glimpse of such a great ministry. Check out these websites for more info.

http://147millionorphans.com/pick-me/

http://www.amazima.org/

Variety is the spice of life?

2010-07-21T13:25:00.002-05:00

My big boys get to have their t.v. time while the little one is napping. Since we don't have cable or satellite this means a movie. They take turns each day picking. Colin usually gives us a pretty good mix of movies, but not Clay.

Clay always picks Star Wars.

So I asked him if he might want a little variety....you know mix it up. He said "Mom, I do. I always pick a different number of Star Wars. There are six of them so there are plenty to chose from."

He got me there didn't he? ;)

Dress up anyone?

2010-07-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

have we moved on?

2010-07-12T13:20:00.000-05:00

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/07/12/4654018-six-months-after-haiti-quake-people-have-moved-on-to-the-next-crisis

Very interesting article. Thoughts??

How To Eat Fried Worms

2010-07-07T15:14:00.002-05:00

We just finished watching "How To Eat Fried Worms". Yes you read that right. I think I was in 5th grade when I read the book and a few years ago they made it into a movie. The best way I can sum it up is with the line from the movie "Boys are so weird."

I have seen puke on the floor, puke in the car, puke on my shirt, puke on my hand....you get the idea. I always thought my gag reflex was awesome! I could handle anything!! No this movie proved me wrong...I actually had to look away a few times.

My boys loved it. Surprised??? The ways to eat worm in this movie are exstensive. You can fry them in lard, make them into an omlette, or put hot sauce on them. Colin's favorite was in a blender with spinach and broccoli. Clay's favorite was when the microwaved one. It blew up. You see it blow up. I mean with guts on the microwave window.

See boys ARE weird!!

But this movie has a great lesson on bullying and led to a good discussion. So what's your favorite way to eat a worm???

Happy Diagnosis Day!

2010-06-27T14:01:00.002-05:00

Two years ago today we were in the ER trying to save our oldest son's life. Clay was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and spent the night in ICU. After ICU it was more hospital time so we could become educated on carb counting, insulin to carb ratios, shot giving, blood sugar testing, keto sticks, and how to make a five year old understand.

This picture was from a vacation we took to the hill country two weeks later. We were so afraid to go but our doctor insisted. Dang those doctors!! Didn't she know we had to pack up insulin, needles, cotton balls, and test strips to float on a river? Didn't she know we would be guessing on carb amounts and we may not get it right? Didn't she know we would have to be waking up at 2 am to check his blood sugar? Of course she did....

It was the best thing in the world for us. We learned quickly how to manage this disease. We learned that this was our new normal. We learned that it was all going to be ok and to take it one hour at a time.

God has blessed us through this so much. He has shown us who is really in control. I believe Clay hears God's voice so much more clearly than Josh and I. Clay trust Him and feels like his diabetes is a gift that was given to him.

It is a weird feeling knowing your kid is smarter than you are sometimes....

Too Funny!!

2010-06-24T15:54:00.000-05:00

Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Happy Donut Day!

2010-06-04T08:43:00.004-05:00

Today is National Donut Day and it made think of the original Krispy Kreme in Pensacola. My kids loved that place. The donuts were hot and yummy!! Plus there was a big viewing window to see how they made the donuts.

This sent me down memory lane about our year in Florida. I started looking through old pictures and feeling like that was a lifetime ago. We have added another kid, had Clay's diagnosis, and moved twice since then.

It's funny how now I look back at Pensacola as a season of our life but when we were driving over there with a U-Haul I thought it would possibly be my home forever. I loved our little neighborhood with its hills by the water. I loved the parks and the white sand on the beach. Clay's teacher was so sweet and we met such a cool family that we still miss! The Blue Angels flying over us as we walked out of Target or early on Saturday morning as we ate breakfast. How close our little family grew because we didn't know ANYONE at all!

God used that time to grow us as a family and we loved that season.

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-05-31T22:07:00.005-05:00

This week our friends/neighbors left to go on vacation. So what does a good neighbor do while making sure the house stays standing? Play a prank of course!!

So we decided a little Christmas Cheer was in order.

car conversations

2010-05-17T22:05:00.002-05:00

One thing I love about taking the boys to school is the conversations we have in the morning.

Today for example began with me instructing Colin not to lick his upper lip.

He says "But mom, I like licking my beard!"

Clay chimes in with "Colin you don't have a beard."

"Yes I do Clay!"

"No you don't! You can't even see it!"

"Yes I do....it is just taking really long to grow in!"

At this point I start laughing silently into the steering wheel.

it's happening

2010-05-10T18:56:00.002-05:00

Dear Family and Friends:

The project bug has bit. Let the painting, crafting, and messiness begin! Goodbye boring walls. Bring on the paint!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-07T12:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!! Hope you all have a great weekend and thank God for the women in your life!!

BloodMoney

2010-05-05T20:36:00.005-05:00

This makes my soul cry. There are many who will say "That's so sad. I could never have an abortion." It SHOULD make us sad. There are too many babies being killed. Babies that deserve to live. There are many who would agree with that.

But what are we, as Christians, doing about it? Are we giving these women real options if they decide to give their baby life? Are we actively supporting, praying, adopting these babies? It is not enough to say we think abortion is wrong. We need to ACT like we think abortion is wrong.

I realize that this is a topic many feel strongly about. There are those who will disagree with me. But this is my blog and I think that for too long Christians have felt worried or timid about expressing how we feel about abortion. So let's QUIT being afraid and SUPPORT these women!

Allergic to God?!

2010-04-19T10:18:00.002-05:00

I think my middle child is allergic to God. Josh and I have come to this conclusion after our past Sunday morning experiences with Colin.

It started on Palm Sunday. We sat down in the pew, went over our "correct church behavior" rules, and then went to work. It takes some time to get the correct crayons out, the correct bible to the right kid, and who is drawing on what. This is usually the time I realize I need a bulletin and hunt one down. So then Colin sneezed. And not the quiet kind....I mean the stuff coming out all over his sleeve kind. I am prepared! We get cleaned up and only a few people have noticed!!

Easter I was not prepared. I had my cute little purse and forgot to put in Kleenex. This time I had forgotten all about it until the sermon. Again a loud all over my sleeve sneeze. But not to worry...Clay has his pack with all his medical supplies! I grab a cotton ball and get to work.

Well it happened again this Sunday. Josh finished the song before the sermon and sat down with us. Colin sneezes. But this time I had given him the pack of kleenex!

Josh looked at Colin and said, "Great....he's allergic to God!"

A little Schroeder family humor. Happy Monday!!

2010-04-07T13:21:00.001-05:00

Spring has sprung around here.

Dirt has made its way under all our fingernails and I have three little boys who smell like outside when I nuzzle their heads.

Thank you Lord for your season of new beginnings!

Easter is coming...

2010-03-31T09:02:00.002-05:00

...what are you wearing? This was in my inbox from a store that I like to shop at.

Wow. This hit me like a 2x4. Is this what we think of when we think of Easter?

Growing up the trend was that we all got new clothes for Easter. A new dress for me and my brother got something that always included a tie. Now our service that we attend is a bit more casual but I have certainly thought that my kids need something new for Easter.

But am I making sure that is not what they think Easter means? Are their Dad and I showing them that what we wear that day is the important thing? Or are we showing them that this day is unlike any other we get to experience. Do they know what it means when we say "Christ Has Risen!" or "He Lives!"? Do they know that because this miracle happened they get to spend eternity with their Father who loves more than we can imagine?

So before I think about what we are going to wear for Easter I am going to make sure my kids know what Easter really means.

JDRF Walk

2010-03-25T12:24:00.004-05:00

This year the boy's school held a fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This foundation is amazing not only on the political front but also in the local communities.

The fundraiser was a two part deal and the 10% of the money raised gets donated back the the P.E. program. The first part was an info session with the school during chapel. Clay and his teacher talked about type 1 diabetes and what life is like for Clay and all the other kids who have it. Then the sweet girl from JDRF spoke about the fundraiser which was a walk happening in two weeks. In this time the kids asked for a minimum donation of a dollar from others and turned in their packet on the day of the walk.

Now for those of you who know my oldest you are very aware that when someone looks up the definition of shy you find a picture of Clay. Something has happened to him...he got up and spoke to his classmates, answered their questions, and told them "thank you". Oh God is so good!! The person that Clay is and continues to grow into is so special.

Two weeks passed and we were hearing good news about the response. Well walk day came and we were so surprisingly shocked to find the amount was over $3500 dollars. This from a small school who has just held two fundraisers in the four weeks before this. Oh God is so good! The walk was so special...posters saying "We love you Clay" and facts about diabetes decorated the path.

The teachers and staff went out of their way to help us educate and raise money for something so near to us. My sweet boy felt so loved and special. The best way memory from that day was hearing one of Clay's friends say "Today your special" as he patted Clay on the back.

Oh God is so good!

International Women's Day

2010-03-08T09:33:00.003-06:00

I heard on KSBJ this morning that it was International Women's Day. Now being the History dork I am I headed online to see what I could find out. I found some information on the UN website that gave me a little history on the day.

The first International Women's Day was in 1909. Through the years countries all over the world have held rallies and parades in honor of women. These women of our past fought for equal pay, equal rights to vote, equal education. Things that we can easily take for granted.

These women paved the way for us...not only in the work world but also as examples of what WOMEN can do when they unite. Women are a strong force individually. Put a few together and they can literally change the world.

So today I am saying thank you to those women of the past. They have given us the chance to speak our minds, choose our own career paths, and stand up for others who are being opressed.

Thank you.

I've been Tagged

2010-02-25T16:45:00.003-06:00

So I have been tagged and need to reveal five things about myself....

1) My biggest fear is getting sucked out of an airplane window mid flight. I am a joy to fly with!

2) My favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it at least once a year.

3) I love the radio....LOUD! I like all kinds of music and it all sounds better loud!

4)There is never a bad time to eat mexican food....seriously it makes a great breakfast!

5) My idea of a romantic evening includes a bookstore. Yes I am a nerd!

There are so many people who have been tagged I am unsure of who to mention...so if you feel inclined please repost this with your answers on your blog.

Looking Back

2010-02-20T11:08:00.004-06:00

The past seven days have been emotionally exhausting. That is the the only way I can describe it. We have been on our knees so many times this week they have rug burn.

But through it all God has been faithful.

I was looking through old pictures and found this vacation pic from the summer of 2008. This was taken two weeks after Clay was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. If you look at his little arms you can still see where he had both I.V.'s.

Oh that trip...it was so heart wrenching. The doctor told us NOT to cancel any of our plans and Josh and I were thinking "Oh easy for you to say!". But we went and we found out that the world did go on...just in a different way.

I remember having rug burn then too. But God was faithful. The blessings that came out of that and the ones that are still coming amaze me.

The blessings we have seen this week have amazed me. I know that when we look back at this season of our life we will say "God was faithful!".

Valentine's Day Dinner

2010-02-15T11:01:00.006-06:00

Last night on Valentine's Day we had the honor of do something a little different. Josh and I are part of a wonderful Home Group at church. I feel like this group has a heart for the Lord and has done some amazing things recently. But I also think that we are about to become on fire spiritually! Everyone in this group has a desire to serve!

I mean it...everyone!!!

One of our sweet members heard the Lord telling her that we needed to do something on Valentine's Day. Something not for ourselves. Something for others.

Our group took the news and ran with it! We put on a dinner for the widows and widowers of our church.

These are people who have lost their soul mate. The person they vacationed with. The person they brushed their teeth next to. The person that knew their favorite kind of dessert. The person they had a family with.

On a day that throws togetherness and "love" in our face these people are alone.

Oh how our hearts were moved! The joy that was in that room last night must have made God so happy. I know that we blessed the women and one sweet man who came last night. But we were truely blessed. We served along with our spouses, along with our friends, and got to witness to our children.

Thank you Lord!

P.S. I was the only one with PAPER napkins! I would like to apologize to my Home Ec teacher now. I am so sorry Mrs. Thaler!!!

Darn you Facebook!

2010-02-13T10:48:00.004-06:00

So it has occurred to me that there are no pictures of Josh and I together on my computer. How did I come to this realization? Facebook. Yes I have Facebook to thank for calling my attention to this HUGE problem in our relationship!

I mean if we don't have any pictures together does that mean that secretly we don't like each other?

Does it mean we are headed for Splitsville (wherever that is)?

Will my children and grandchildren wonder, after we are dead and gone, if we had "problems"?

Has having three children pushed us further apart????

Well if we had some paparazzi following us around wanting to know our every move I am sure that we would be headed for divorce court. But last time I checked no one wanted to follow around a lady with snot on her shirt from a baby who has kicked off one shoe and sock AGAIN. A lady who is trying not to get stabbed or shot while her two older boys play Star Wars in the the aisle of the pharmacy.

But back to the picture issue....

There are no pictures of us on this computer because one of us is usually taking the picture. And usually it is me. I love my children and think my husband is super talented in so many areas. But ask any of them to take a picture with me in it and they all fail.

Why? Because they have that boy gene in them. the one that doesn't notice if my hair is looking fat that day or if the circles under my eyes are so dark they make me look like I am ready to go pitch a few innings for a Major League game. The boy gene doesn't notice if mom's lipstick is the wrong color to be wearing with the shirts the boys have on. Ugh...the boy gene!

But maybe I should let go a little of the girl gene and have a few shots taken with my guys. Then the paparazzi won't have anything to write about. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN!!!

2010-02-07T22:19:00.012-06:00

Happy Birthday Colin!! Today you turn 5 and today I wonder where the time has gone.

You are our little social butterfly who loves to sing me songs and follow your big brother around.

I love that God has given you the courage to ALWAYS speak your mind and have such a tender heart towards your friends. You are a smart little boy who amazes me everyday with your questions and ideas. You have always done things your way, when you want to, no matter what. I can not wait to see where it takes you in life.

Happy Birthday sweet boy. I am so glad God picked me to be your mommy!

Reminder

2010-02-04T15:54:00.005-06:00

Today I got a little reminder of how Type 1 Diabetes is a LIFE THREATENING disease.

Casey Johnson of the Johnson and Johnson fame died unexpectedly and the autopsy reports have concluded it was from Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Now for those of you who don't know what that is here is the short answer: Your body doesn't have enough insulin to breakdown sugars for fuel so it breaks down fat instead. The byproduct of that fat is called Ketones. At our house we call them "Purple K's". This came from the nurses illustration to Clay when we were in the hospital. The ketones were labled with big, fat K's that were purple. We have little strips that Clay pees on and tells us if he has Purple K's. These get pulled out whenever we have any kind of virus, fever, or too many high blood sugar readings in a row.

So what happens if you have Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Some of the symptoms are headache, nausea, fruity breath, extreme thirst, shortness of breath, and a coma. Fun huh?

Casey Johnson's story is full of rumors but the popular belief is that she was using drugs and alcohol and not taking care of her Type 1. This is an extreme case of death involving Type 1 but it just fuels my desire to make sure we do the best everyday for Clay. His little body has to work so hard all the time. I am taking what I can from this tragedy and thanking the Lord for letting me have Clay for another day.

New Beginnings

2010-02-02T08:43:00.002-06:00

Today we started a new chapter in the life of the Schroeder Household. Josh started a new job today. We are so excited about this opportunity! For a little over two years Josh has worked at my dad's company which does oil and gas properties. It was a great way to get us back home and help us get settled into our lives here. But we have been on the lookout periodically for something that would get him back to more engineering work. Well the job presented itself and we started praying. God gave us the direction and we moved forward with it.

There will be a few adjustments of course...this is a CHANGE after all. The job is 45 minutes away which means we have a commute now. But the ironic thing is when we lived in Houston his office was six miles away and it took longer to get home! The nice part about his old job was that he was around whenever we needed him or really even just wanted to have him home. So mom will become the official car chauffeur and we will go back to having daddy gone from 7am-6pm.

Even with the fact that he will be gone more this seems like such a God thing. We are excited and feel like this is where God wants to use Josh. I love that feeling!! We are blessed to have a daddy that cares for us and leads this family with a heart for God. We are so proud of him!

Finally!!

2010-01-29T15:24:00.003-06:00

I did it.

I broke down and started a blog.

What took me so long? The honest answer: laziness. I have had the thought of starting a blog for some time but just never made myself sit down and do it. But I have had a bit of down time this week and I made myself get started. Now the downtime was not by choice. The baby has Hand , Foot, and Mouth disease. It sounds so gross and it lookes even worse when I write it! So he has been covered in spots and we are quarantined for 7 days. (You would think my house would be spotless with all this free time). He is on the mend and we have been very blessed with friends who have taken care of us. Mommy has stayed sane believe it or not!