From the Heart

Toddler's Rockin' out to Foreigner

2010-01-09T15:51:00.001-06:00

We love you Uncle Derek, our very own "Jute Box Hero." We miss you so much.

Change Over

2008-10-23T20:45:00.003-06:00

Here it comes! Since I was up in the middle of the night unable to sleep, I did something I've been meaning to do for a long time.

OUR NEW BLOG IS HERE!

If you have a link to my blog on your site, would you please change my blog address.
It is now tracieloux.wordpress.com

Change Is Good

2008-10-23T12:32:00.002-06:00

I'm working on a new blog that will better serve the needs of communicating with our family and friends. Be on the look out for the big unveiling.

For those of you who don't like change, I'm giving you a bit of fair warning!

God, Friendship, and Adoption

2008-10-23T02:29:00.003-06:00

I met someone today that I have no doubt was brought into my life for an incredible purpose. You know how you meet someone and you feel that something big is about to happen. This was one of those moments! I can't even put it into words but I'm grateful that God brought Jen Keller into my life today.

I stumbled upon her blog through another blog I read, one thing let to another, and we began to correspond via email. When I found out she lived only a few hours a way and would be in KC for a medical appointment for her daughter, I quickly arranged for a coffee meeting!

Jenn and her husband Nick have 7 beautiful children, 6 of whom were adopted as drug exposed infants. Jenn is an advocate and public speaker on behalf of drug endangered children. She is currently working on getting a bill passes to protect the unborn from drug exposure in the womb.

This is one phenomenal woman of God! If you have a heart for adoption, and would like to learn more about drug exposure in newbornq. Or even if the thought scares you, and you'd like more information and education on the issue, please check out Jenn's blog and leave a comment with your email address!

Adoption News

2008-10-22T16:50:00.003-06:00

HOME STUDY IS COMPLETE! I get to pick it up tomorrow.
Appointment Friday with Homeland Security to get our I600A turned in.
Pray for quick approval so we can submit our dossier!

Nick's fundraiser is going well. Schedule now if you want a photo session in time for Christmas gifts!!

Adoption Fundraiser: Photo Shoots

2008-10-20T06:57:00.003-06:00

Our son Nick, in his desire to take part in fund raising for our adoption, is offering photography sessions for individuals and families. If you would like to schedule a session with Nick, he is asking for a minimum donation of $75 to our adoption fund (checks made payable to John and Tracie Loux). You will receive full access to all photos, which will be given to you on CD.

For donations of $100 or more, you will also receive the "Photographer's Favorite"- an 8x10 print of Nick's favorite photo from your session.

For donations exceeding $250 to our adoption fund, you will receive the "Photographer's Favorite", as well as 4x6 prints of all of the photos from your session.

Below are a few examples of some of Nick's recent portrait photography:

Email me at tracieloux@gmail.com to schedule a session with Nick.

Adoption Update

2008-10-19T11:41:00.003-06:00

All of our paperwork has been turned in to our social worker who will hopefully write up our Home Study quickly! YIPPEE!!!!

I now have to correct a bunch of our forms for our Dossier that I found out would be rejected if I don't make a few edits. At least I found out before submitting them (thanks Derek and Renee!).

As soon as I have our home study in hand, we get can apply for our I600A.

At that point our Dossier will be ready to submit to our facilitator for translation, I think!

There are always unexpected hang ups with adoption. The one I have to hurdle this week, is getting our Pennsylvania marriage licenses apostilled IN PENNSYLVANIA and quickly! Apparently it's not enough to have them certified in your state of marriage, the apostille has to be done there too. Pray I can figure this one out and get it done speedily- horray for FedEx!

In the mean time we pray for our son and believe for God's protection and mercy to surround him. Please continue to pray for an additional $20,000 to come in for our remaining adoption expenses! I woke up today in a panic over that today, and had to talk to the Father who knows and cares and has no limitation on the resources available to Him to provide for those He loves.

My Beautiful Nieces

2008-10-17T22:28:00.003-06:00

Teyolla, Telma, and Keyolla
My gorgeous nieces!

I love you girls! I'm so proud of you. You have become beautiful young women who love Jesus, and you make my heart glad!

Friday Night Fun with the Loux's

2008-10-17T20:52:00.004-06:00

Elia, Isabelle, Michaela, and Sophie- Drama Queens for Sure!

Elia, Taylor, Isabelle, and Cousin Sophia- Dress Up Night!!!

Elia Jane- The Beauty Queen

Prom Queen!

LiLi Lou and Uncle Derek (play station night!)

Daddy, you can do it! Beat, Uncle Derek!!!! Come On!!!!

Two Years Ago

2008-10-16T09:38:00.002-06:00

It was just about two years ago, that we decided to start the adoption process and get our home study done. It has been a whirl wind ever since, as God took the small YES in our hearts and began to birth a passion for adoption deep within. Today we have a beautiful little one in our home, one on the way, and I have been blessed to take part in helping 8 precious lives find their forever families since January of this year.

Today I am marveling at the faithfulness of God to stir our hearts to beat a little more like His as we turn our hearts to the ones He loves.

Palin and Special Needs

2008-10-16T08:37:00.001-06:00

Sarah Palin - Pro God, Pro Life

2008-10-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

You Go Girl!

A Solid Investment Opportunity

2008-10-13T16:23:00.003-06:00

With the finances of our nation a disaster that I don't even fully understand, I have a solid investment opportunity for you. Invest in the life of an orphan.

Never have I ever been more convinced that where we have chosen to invest our time and our money is right. I look at Elia's life and the return on our "investment" blows me away. I think about Aiden and all that God is burning in my heart about his little life, and I know that as we pour finances into seeing him rescued there is not a wiser investment for us to be making right now.

People have asked me whether I think there will be a decline in couples willing to adopt given our nation's economy. Sadly for some couples, I'm sure the economy will halt their plans. But what I'm praying is that the body of Christ will rise up and see that the reward of investing in orphans is a solid investment opportunity- one with an incredibly high return- immeasurable in fact.

Not only is the reward one I get to live out and experience daily, as I watch a life that was spared blossom before my very eyes, it is eternal. We are storing up treasure in heaven that cannot be destroyed by the winds and waves, and by the shifting sand of this life.

I pray that you would not be overcome with fear as you look at a failing economy, but that you would be provoked to give, even foolishly in the eyes of the world, and see the incredible hand of the Lord bless you in return.

Mercy for Aiden

2008-10-13T08:13:00.004-06:00

We were singing yesterday about the mercy of the Lord, and instantly I began to pray/sing the words over Aiden's life. I felt the incredible peace wash over me, as I realized that my human, maternal longings are nothing compared to the unsurpassing love and mercy that the Father has for Aiden.

This morning I look to the Word of God for strength to believe that the Father is watching over my son and will protect him and keep him safe.

Psalm 31:16 "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save [Aiden] for thy mercies' sake."

Psalm 40: 11 "Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from [Aiden], O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve [him]."

Psalm 40:17 "But [Aiden] is poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon [him]: thou art [Aiden's] help and [his] deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalm 69:16,17 " Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto [Aiden] according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from [Aiden]; for [he is] in trouble: hear [him] speedily."

Would you join me in praying for the mercy of the Lord to overshadow our son today?

The Punkin' Patch Girls

2008-10-11T21:59:00.001-06:00

Punkin' Patch Day

2008-10-11T18:52:00.005-06:00

Here a few of my favorites from the day!

The Birthday Guy

2008-10-11T18:45:00.001-06:00

Blog Change

2008-10-08T17:39:00.002-06:00

I've decided to discontinue keeping a separate blog for our adoption of Aiden and will instead keep adoption updates along with family updates on this blog.

Thanks for following our journey and for all of your prayers!

If you haven't caught up on our adoption news, you can still visit thelouxfamilyadoption.blogspot.com to catch up!

Happy Birthday John R. Loux: Part 3

2008-10-05T22:17:00.012-06:00

If you haven't tracked with my multiple posts, this is part three, so you'll want to scroll down and read Part 1 and Part 2 as well, so you don't miss any of "The History of John R. Loux"

1998 with Baby Isabelle

John and Derek with Isabelle and Sophia- December 1998

John with the kids- Taylor's 4th birthday (1999)

Summer 2001 (I think)

Summer 2002

March 7, 2007 Our Darling Elia

Daddy and Elia- love at first sight

I love this guy!

Happy Birthday John!!!
From 1989- today, you have been my favorite!
My best friend.
The man who knows me best and loves me well.
Incredible father to our children.
A man after God's own heart.
And my favorite rock star!

Happy Birthday John R. Loux: Part 2

2008-10-05T22:09:00.006-06:00

Our first anniversary- 1991

Nicholas is born- July 8, 1992

At Derek and Renee's wedding- August 1, 1992

John Taylor is born- December 1, 1995

Daddy, Nick and Uncle Derek

Happy Birthday John R. Loux: Part 1

2008-10-05T21:51:00.004-06:00

When we were very young! The dating years (which were very short and sweet by the way, we dated for only 2 1/2 months, got engaged and got married less than 5 months after that).

July 7, 1990 (that was our serious pose)

John's 21st birthday in 1990

Christmas 1990

Hearts are Turning

2008-10-05T19:36:00.005-06:00

Last night John and I were praying for Aiden before bed. I prayed and then John prayed starting his prayer like this, "Father, I ask you to protect my son, keep him safe from harm, surround him with angels...."

The thing that stunned my heart and made me so grateful for the man I married was the "MY SON" part of his prayer. We said "yes" to Aiden as a family, and in our hearts he is ours. My husband echoes Malachi 4:6 in his life as his heart has truly turned toward this child of ours, this precious one that he calls "son."

So we wait on the Lord and trust that He will bring Aiden safely home, our hearts have turned, and we call him "son."

If you haven't been following our adoption blog, check HERE.

Check out Nick's Latest Photo Shoot

2008-10-04T11:04:00.003-06:00

What a fun client he had this time!

CLICK HERE

Keep watching for Nick's adoption fund raiser that will be posted on his blog soon!

Happy Birthday, Zoe!

2008-10-02T08:29:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to Best Friend Zoe!

It was Zoe's adoption that spurred us on to get prepared to welcome Elia into our home just 5 months later. I still get very emotional when I see these two girls play together and I think about the miracle of LIFE!

We Love You, ZoZo!

Kansas City Hunter: Part 1

2008-09-30T21:24:00.001-06:00

Papa, are you so proud of me!

(Sadly I didn't capture yesterday where she got about 15 ft from the deer! Today wasn't quite as close, but still lots of fun. And she is delighted by her backyard wilderness for sure!)

Emma's Incentive Chart

2008-09-30T20:47:00.003-06:00

100 pts.- Emma did ALL of her business outside today!
50 pts.- Emma took the stairs without being carried.
50 pts.- Emma still has not jumped or barked!
25 pts.- Emma behaved well during her grooming session (just a basic bath and trim, we did not spring for the pumpkin spa that was offered for extra- HONESTLY, do people do stuff like that?)

225 pts. in one day! Good Girl!

(side note: Elia got a demerit tonight for removing the poo poo from her wedgie diaper and handing it to daddy!)

You do know I'm kidding, right? Not about the poo poo, about the demerit!

D-O-G spells DOG

2008-09-29T17:49:00.002-06:00

Meet Emma, newest member of the family!
Pray for me!

But honestly isn't she sweet. She's got a great disposition and doesn't bark, lick or jump. Now if we could just teach her where to got potty, we'd be in great shape! She was rescued from a puppy mill, so I don't think she's ever lived in a home. The kids are thrilled. Elia adores her. And I, well.....

Silly Girl

2008-09-29T17:40:00.003-06:00

Not sure why, but Elia managed to hike her skirt up really high the other day and somehow she just knew it was silly!

Double Wonderful

2008-09-28T13:15:00.001-06:00

We are so blessed by the lives of Anna and Mercy already. I can only imagine what we will feel like a few years down the road when we watch in wonder at all that God has in store for these precious little ones. His hand is surely upon them.

We love you sweet girls,
Uncle John and Auntie Tracie

Gotta Wear Shades

2008-09-28T13:10:00.002-06:00

Randy and Kelsey Update

2008-09-26T10:08:00.001-06:00

Kelsey and the girls will be home tomorrow! I'm so excited.
Please read Randy's post HERE.

Dear HUD, Could You Move Any Faster?

2008-09-25T11:33:00.003-06:00

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development owes us $719.39, a refund from our prepaid mortgage insurance from a home we bought in 2001. We refinanced in 2003 and were owed a refund, that they CLAIM they tried to give us. So I find out about this through some internet search group who wants me to pay them $49 to get my money back. I contact HUD directly to get my money because I'm not dumb.

Now they know the date of the mortgage termination, they know the amount of our mortgage, they know how much they owe us, because after all they did TRY to find us to give us our money. BUT I have to get proof that we owned the house they say we owned and that we did indeed refinance when they say we did, and notarize it and mail it with this form they sent me. THEN, they will need 120 to get me my refund!

I shake my head at this. Grateful that we will get our money back, but wishing they could speed it up a bit so we could plop that in our adoption fund.

The Widow

2008-09-25T08:13:00.004-06:00

James 1:27 is about caring for the widow and the orphan. I have been challenged even more to consider where I can begin "caring for the widow," as well as the orphan. My mother in law is caring for her mom who has Alzheimer's. Every day is an act of unconditional love and sacrifice. She is practicing true religion every moment of the day. Mom, thanks for setting a beautiful example for us all. We know it is not always easy, but we know you will be rich because of it.

(this photo is of Elia being held by her Great Grandmother McNally- Elia was just one month old at the time.)

I read a post this week that has stirred me all week and I encourage you to check out this beautiful photo journal of another example of true religion.

Great Photography: An Adoption Fund Raiser

2008-09-23T13:35:00.003-06:00

Here's a way to help one family bring home their little one!
If you're looking for a great Christmas gift for someone, look no further than Steven Bush's photography.

Dreamer in the House

2008-09-23T08:31:00.003-06:00

I've mentioned that my daughter Isabelle is a dreamer. She's 10. God speaks to her in dreams in ways that provoke me and have me longing for dreams of my own. Here's her dream from last night.

"We were all building a brick town with houses in it. Our family was there, the Bohlender's kids were there (Randy and Kelsey were getting the twins), and several other specific individuals and families that we know. I (Isabelle) went up to these guys I didn't know, and asked when Randy and Kelsey's house would be done. He said that the town wouldn't be done when they get back, but their house would be done.

We were building houses out of bricks. The houses were for people who were coming back with children to adopt them. Mom (Tracie) was leaving, and I (Isabelle) said, "Where are you going?"
Mom said, "I have to go get them."
Isabelle said, "I don't want you to go."
But mom said, "But I have to go get them."

At the end of the dream Isabelle saw a little girl. She came up to Isabelle. Isabelle asked her name, but the little girl didn't know her own name and seemed all confused.
Isabelle said, "What do you mean you don't know your name.
The little girl asked, "Is there a Mommy or a Daddy here for me?"

Prayerfully asking God to stir the spirit of adoption even deeper in each of us, and lead and direct us all as we work to say yes to James 1:27.
Blessings,
Tracie

I Love It When I Get To Do This

2008-09-22T16:02:00.003-06:00

I love it when one of my local couples brings a baby home! It's always such an incredible feeling for me to snuggle up with one of the precious bundles that I get to help bring to their forever family! I'm so happy for Steven and Kristi. Shiloh is just a doll, and they are simply glowing!

I cannot wait to watch this little one grow up and be everything that God created for her to be. After all, her days were written in His book before one of them came to be, and this adoption was a special part of that story!

Nick in Action

2008-09-21T19:41:00.001-06:00

This is how we get all the great photos for our blog!

Two of My Favorite Artists

2008-09-21T19:19:00.003-06:00

Baby Pictures

2008-09-21T09:15:00.005-06:00

Nick had the opportunity to visit Steve and Kristi Cooper and their newly adopted daughter, Shiloh with me last week. Steven and Kristi were one of the first couples to start working with me when I started working for Christian Adoption Consultants. Kristi was Nick's biology teacher last year and she requested that he bring his camera along for some photos. Here are a few shots that I really liked. I'm sure he'll post more on his blog soon.

Double Wonderful!

2008-09-19T20:29:00.001-06:00

Check this out!!!

GIVE BIG AND GIVE NOW

2008-09-19T13:52:00.004-06:00

Ok, here's the scoop. The Bohlender's need about $15,000 to pay the adoption bill to bring these precious girls home!

I shameless ask you to read James 1:27 and GIVE BIG! It's true religion folks. These girls are literally unable to be raised by their birth mom. Had the Bohlender's not said yes, they would have been in the custody of children's services today.

I need to tell you that this is a family that said yes without a thought to the cost, knowing God would provide. They didn't give a thought to the social/medical history, or the race (they didn't even know the race of the girls til this morning), or the fact that it was 2 more mouths to feed. They said YES because they told the Lord they would be the rescuers for any child He put before them that needed a family.

It's been wild. It's been hard. This is far from a risk-free adoption folks, but they went obediently with a huge YES in their hearts. Let's get behind them, and make this adoption bill disappear today! I'm believing for it to happen. So put your $25, your $100, your $5000 on the table and say YES along with them!

Give to their paypal account or email me at tracieloux@gmail.com for information on where to send checks.

PRAY

2008-09-18T12:48:00.009-06:00

Pray for our friends the Bohlender's.

They are en route to Florida to adopt twin baby girls who are two days old. Some days you wake up and the Lord has other plans! I'm so honored to call Randy and Kelsey our friends. Please pray that God will surround them, protect them and arm them with strength. And pray for these little girls who were chosen before time began to be part of their family.

Today as we were praying, John had a vision of Kelsey as a WWII fighter pilot with Randy as the "gunner" flying into conflict with determination, lacking any form of self-preservation, willing to pay the price to make the rescue and fight off the enemy. If you know Randy and Kelsey, you know they are forerunners and they are charting the course for many of us as we run with the spirit of adoption burning in our hearts.

PRAY
PRAY
and GIVE!!!!

Let's gather together and really be the CHURCH. Let's put true religion to practice (James 1:27), and help pay the ransom for these two precious girls just as Jesus paid the ultimate price with His very life adopt us into His family and call us His sons and His daughters. (Eph. 1)

There is a paypal link on their blog or you can email me personally at tracieloux@gmail.com if you'd like to mail a check.

What Happened to My Baby?

2008-09-18T12:48:00.003-06:00

Time flies when you're in love. Just look at her! Every day I marvel at the goodness of the Lord. Every day I thank Him for His grace and His mercy in blessing us with this little girl. Every day I stand in awe that He trusted us with this precious life, and I ask Him for strength to love her and raise her well. I feel I am standing before one who will be truly great in the Kingdom of God.

On My Mind

2008-09-16T21:28:00.002-06:00

I think about Aiden all the time. I pray that he is protected from harm. I pray that someone in the orphanage will have a special amount of favor when they look at him, and will give him love and affection. I pray that I will continue to wade through the paperwork and that we will be able to bring our son home by Christmas. I'm asking for a miracle really.

I think about my daughter Elia and marvel at the goodness of God in bringing her into our family. I think about how her life could have been "if..." and I am so grateful that she is sweetly sleeping in her bed right now- loved beyond measure and learning that Jesus loves her.

I think about 4,000 babies a day in the United States alone that are not given a chance to live out the destiny God had ordained for their lives.

I think about the couples who have said yes to adoption. I am grateful for the yes in their hearts, and I ask that God would strengthen them on their journey and give them much revelation about His heart in the midst of it all.

Oh and I encourage you to read THIS POST today.

Family Room Make Over: Part 1

2008-09-13T18:15:00.003-06:00

Painting a ceiling and half the woodwork in a room ALL DAY was a lot of work, and at the end of the day does not look like much progress. We're getting our family room ready to actually be a family room before Aiden arrives! It's way overdue. The good thing about the nasty beige carpeting on the floor is that it makes a great drop cloth.

Hint number 1: I have black paint on my toes and John is showering to get the white paint out of his hair.

The Joys of Velcro Diapers

2008-09-09T17:32:00.002-06:00

I remember diaper pins and cloth diapers, I tried them for a brief time. I remember sticky tabbed diapers, they were great, but they couldn't be repositioned or adjusted without tearing apart.

Velcro (or whatever that is they used now) is awesome!

One problem I'm having lately though is that even an 18 month old can loosen up those velcro tabs. She prefers to be naked apparently. I put her down for a nap yesterday in a diaper and t-shirt (who wants to sleep in jeans), and sometime between awake and asleep she apparently decided to sleep naked. John came to get me to show me the little miss- sound asleep with her naked bottom up in the air. We let her sleep!

Gotta run and re-diaper my baby!

Politics, Art and Chicken

2008-09-08T19:55:00.006-06:00

Today was my day to home school Jackson and Nick. When we found out McCain and Palin would be speaking about 15 minutes from our house we decided to cancel our field trip to the art museum to look at ancient Egyptian relics in order to attend the event.

Doors opened at 8:30AM for a 10:30AM starting time. I dropped Isabelle at school at 8:15 and we (Nick, Taylor, Jackson, Elia, and I) arrived at one of the many parking areas at 8:30. After a 5-10 minute walk to the building where the event was to be held, we continued to walk nearly 10 blocks around the neighborhood following the line to the END. We walked a total of 45 minutes, decided that with the 3,000 only standing room event space, we would not have a chance of getting in. (Our highly uneducated guess was that we passed about 5,000 people in line.) And sadly, Jackson's attempts at shrinking the line every 5 minutes by announcing, "Hey folks, we heard Sarah Palin didn't show up today, it's just McCain," didn't work.

Not wanting to waste a perfectly good field trip day, we headed to the museum after all, only to find out the museum was CLOSED on Mondays!

Not to be outdone, we headed to Hobby Lobby for art supplies for the boys current History assignment, a sculptural expression inspired by the the colors, shapes, lines, and style of Egyptian art and architecture. After Hobby Lobby we headed home after stopping for a "snack" at Chick-fil-a thanks to the stack of free kids meal coupons in Jacksons wallet.

Ode to Jennifer

2008-09-06T16:23:00.003-06:00

I just finished hosting a baby shower for Jennifer James who is having her first born son in a few short weeks! In honor of her, I am posting this lovely photo of me at my baby shower for my first born, Nick! This scanned photo does not fully do justice to this lovely blue and white striped ONE PIECE jumpsuit! Yeah for 1992!

Congratulations Jennifer, you are going to be a fabulous momma!
I just

Reeces Rainbow Made the Top 25

2008-09-02T16:55:00.004-06:00

Now they still need your comments to encourage the votes in the next round of voting.

Click here to make a comment about this incredible organization.

Space Bar Blues

2008-08-30T22:22:00.004-06:00

My thumb no longer works. I think from "over use syndrome" due to repetitive space bar usage. I'm trying to utilize my right thumb now for space bar, but it's hard to re-train my brain.
My thumb literally looks deformed. I have no idea how this has happened to me. Isabelle thinks I need to see the doctor for sure. I bought a wrist/thumb brace but it seems to be making it worse.

Suggestions?

Highlights from the weekend:
1. Dinner with Aaron and Jennifer! She is REALLY going to have a baby folks!
2. Picnic with John's worship team. My children didn't drown in the pool, but they may have drown in the chocolate fountain.
3. Elia peed on the living room carpet tonight, twice before I could grab her and get a diaper on her.
4. Nick did a photo shoot for our good friend Dave Campbell.
5. And we were given a few incredible gifts today (2 used laptops for the kids and .... ooops can't tell you the third one til we photograph it and blog it, but it is a BIG BIG DEAL folks!) God is so good.

Big News and a New Blog

2008-08-29T07:12:00.005-06:00

It's been quite a week here in the Loux home, and I can finally blog about it!
We're adopting again! We are so excited and want to share in our journey with you, but have decided to document our next adoption on a NEW BLOG!!!

We'll continue to keep this blog rolling for family and ministry updates.

Please pray for us, and PLEASE leave comments on the new blog so we know you're reading! I'd love it if everyone would leave a comment on our first post just so we can get an idea of who all if following our story and praying for us!

Family Pics

2008-08-28T15:24:00.005-06:00

Well we realized that we had lots of pictures of Elia- Elia alone, Elia with me, Elia with John, Elia with her brother and sisters, and not very many of John and I with our older kids. I blame this entirely on two things:
1. Elia is cute.
2. Nick is biased as a photographer and she is his favorite. (just kidding!!!)

So we ventured to Westport to take some shots of the rest of us. Elia only had her picture taken once WITH her siblings the whole time! She survived the lack of attention just fine!

Here are a few shots from the day with Nick as the primary photographer, me if Nick was in the shot, and Taylor if Nick and I were both in the shot!

Haven't had a shot like this in a while! Can you believe how tall he is? I even wore 4" heels that day. Yikes!

Double take!

A few of my favorite things!

I love this one!

Sweet stuff in the middle.

Tenderhearted Taylor!

Speaking of tall! (remember I have the 4" heels on!)

Dear Anonymous

2008-08-28T11:37:00.002-06:00

As we live out this missionary life here at IHOP there are occasions when someone will give to us "Anonymously". So here it goes...

Dear Anonymous,
If you are reading this THANK YOU so much. Please don't get me wrong, but part of me always gets a little bent out of shape when some one gives to us in this way- only because we really really want to THANK YOU personally! So to you and all those of you who have EVER given in secret, THANK YOU!

Praying that He who rewards what is done in secret will reward you for your love and faithfulness!

Many Thanks,
The Loux Family

Please Continue to Vote and Spread the Word

2008-08-27T06:50:00.001-06:00

Please pass the blog link below on to others. Though we have almost doubled the Reece's Rainbow's votes in the past few days, so of the other organizations have in the neighborhood of 3000 votes! Please keep spreading the word so that this money can be used to rescue orphans and bring them into loving families!

1.5 MILLION DOLLARS FOR ADOPTIONS!!!

2008-08-25T18:02:00.005-06:00

American Express is giving away a 2.5 million dollar gift to different organizations who are doing charitable work, and who also get enough nominations to qualify to be chosen for this project. (1.5 MIL will be given to the top nomination and an additional 1 MIL will be split between three other worthy organizations). We need 700 more votes to help qualify a very important organization called Reece's Rainbow. They are doing a tremendous job of helping orphaned Down Syndrome children through their adoption agency. This is the agency that where Derek and Renee are adopting Misha. If Reeces Rainbow were to win this gift, this would enable them to adopt out almost all of the waiting DS children with full grants!

You DO NOT have to own an American Express card to vote. Just sign in as a guest and remember to vote for Reece's Rainbow.
It will only take 1 to 2 minutes of your time and your vote could make it possible for an orphan to be placed in a forever family. Thanks so much for considering this wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the life of an orphan.

Please log on to THIS SITE to vote!
God bless you!

12 Hours to Spare

2008-08-22T04:21:00.004-06:00

I think I mentioned that last Friday John and Nick went on a ministry trip and Taylor and I had a project waiting for us. With a whole day on our hands, we decided to tackle our very neglected hallway bathroom.

We emptied it out, spackled the walls with a Tuscan-like texture, sanded and refinished the cabinets, painted the walls, and added a few fun elements to the decor. We started the minute they left the house (around 12:30PM), made a quick trip to Lowe's, headed home to spackle, made another trip for a few forgotten items and dinner, came back to dry spackling and painted, and finally finished the last little bit about 12:30AM.

I'll get you the "after" pictures later today!

Still Life with Fruit Minus the Baby

2008-08-21T12:27:00.001-06:00

School Re-cap

2008-08-21T11:08:00.002-06:00

We've hit the ground running.

Taylor and Isabelle had their fist day at The Daniel Academy yesterday and came home happy! That's a good thing! Today is their first at home day and they are organizing and reading mostly, with not tons of homework after the first day of school. I cannot believe that Taylor is in 7th grade!! That's the biggest leap for me this year. Yikes! He's excited and nervous about the transition, but he is walking the JUNIOR HIGH road with marvelous comrades!

I will be teaching art again at TDA, however this year only 1st-6th grade. I will be teaching 3 classes on Friday afternoons. I'm looking forward to my first day tomorrow!

Nick is into his 2nd home schooling day. He and his friend Jackson on are this journey together and will be having at least one day a week that they work together at our house and one day a week that they work together at Jackson's house. They are also doing some of their prayer room and Bible study time together which is wonderful! Right now Jackson and Nick are here working on their Movies as Literature course! How fun is that! This book is designed as a writing class that is based on watching, evaluating, and critiquing movies. We're also very excited about Nick's history class Exploring World History, which encompasses Biblical studies, history, and English! And we're praying for grace to endure Chemistry and Algebra II.

Nick's home schooling schedule is allowing him to be on a worship team in the JPR (Justice Prayer Room) with one of the FMA (Forerunner Music Academy) teams. He'll spend about 10 hours a week on this which includes 2 sets (2 hours each), team briefings and de-briefings, team rehearsal, and team Bible study.

We're excited to see all that God has in store for each one of our children this year!

School Starts Tomorrow!

2008-08-19T06:43:00.000-06:00

WOW! School starts tomorrow. Isabelle enters 5th grade. Taylor starts 7th grade- which I am still in denial over. Nick will be a Junior. Taylor and Isabelle will be in the Daniel Academy again this year, where they will have three full days of academic instruction, a half a day in the prayer room, and a day and a half of at home study time.

Nick will be fully home schooled this year so that I can carve out large chunks of time for him to focus on the arts (music, drawing, photography, film making, etc.) Nick has also be able to join one of the FMA worship teams that plays in the Justice Prayer Room (JPR) twice a week, has a worship team practice, and a prayer room team. He is very excited about this opportunity.

We did our school supply shopping yesterday on a very low budget and managed to get everything we needed. God is so faithful. My books have been ordered and I'm now just praying that they actually arrive today as promised!

Saturday Morning

2008-08-16T08:02:00.001-06:00

It's just Elia and I hanging out... getting ready to turn on the web cast of The Call.
We've had our pancakes and it's quiet in the house- well almost!

Taylor and I were up late working on a special projects (photos to follow).
John and Nick didn't get in until 3:45AM, so I expect they'll be sleeping all morning.

Isabelle's on her way home!
I can't wait to see her.

Quick Friday Update

2008-08-15T11:10:00.002-06:00

- John and Nick are headed out for Arkansas for a quick ministry trip with Derek. They'll be back late tonight. I'm glad this one's not an overnight trip. And very glad Nick gets to go along to play drums this time.

-I just cleaned out Elia's mouth after she ate cat food.

-Isabelle gets home tomorrow night. Yippeeeee!!! We survived.

-Our friends Amy and Malcolm and their kids will be arriving tomorrow night too.

-Taylor and I (with Elia of course) are charting out our plan for the day. It may involve paint however, we'll see how it goes!

-Oh, and if you're in Kansas City, join us Saturday at FSM for the live webcast of THE CALL DC. If you're out of town, you can catch it LIVE on GodTV

-

The Call DC

2008-08-11T11:11:00.003-06:00

This Saturday is the Call DC, be sure to catch in online at GodTV if you are unable to travel to DC for the solemn assembly.

Yesterday I was at a baby shower for one of the adoptive couples here at IHOP. Their baby is due any day now- a life that was saved because a young woman said YES to LIFE and chose adoption for her child instead of abortion.

And I was thinking, though we long to see Roe v. Wade overturned and we continue to stand believing that it will be as our generation rises up and stands for LIFE, do we realize how many lives have been spared because of our intercession.? We may never know in all honesty how many young women have chosen LIFE as a direct result of prayers offered on their behalf by people who may never meet them. How many women when faced with a pregnancy they were not planning chose LIFE because the Holy Spirit whispered truth into their ear?

I have heard many prayers uttered that go something like this, "Father, would you speak to the heart of young women who are facing a pregnancy that they had not anticipated. Would you speak truth to them about the child inside of them and cause them to choose LIFE! Strengthen them, provide for their needs, and surround them with those who will give them godly counsel."

I encourage you today to continue to pray, to continue to believe and to gather in your homes, in your churches, or in DC to cry out for righteousness over our nation!

Here are two very beautiful examples of answered prayers:

Lost and Found

2008-08-09T13:35:00.002-06:00

Lately Elia's mouth has been much like the lost and found. Random strange objects get plucked out of her mouth almost hourly.

Here's a recent list of objects (let us know if you're missing anything):
1. Modeling clay
2. Cat Food (no comment on how GROSS that is)
3. A Ear Bud (for those of you who don't know, those are the little foamy pads that go on the end of the ear pieces that John wears in the Prayer Room)- Really GROSS!
4. Tin Foil
5. A whole wadded up paper towel (I am not joking!)

And to top it all off............
6. A Tooth (yes, while I was working on the children's room for CEC this week, Nick extracted a tooth from her mouth- and it was not hers mind you. Apparently some child lost their tooth at church one Sunday and Elia found it)
TRIPPLE YUCK YUCK YUCK to that one!

So let us know if you've lost anything lately, Elia might be able to find it for you!

Illustration by Taylor Loux

2008-08-09T13:32:00.003-06:00

Another fine illustrator! Don't you love it?
Visit Taylor's blog!

A Few of Nick's Recent Drawings!

2008-08-08T20:55:00.001-06:00

And proof that our scanner now works! I'll work on those photos now as promised!
Aren't these awesome though!
I'm so proud of this kid.

Busy Day

2008-08-07T06:45:00.001-06:00

We're going to begin filming some of our children's prayer meetings and in order to do that, we needed to give the room a bit of a make-over. That's what I've been working on all week. Today's another full day, but it's coming together and looking much better.

Hi Girls!

2008-08-04T21:17:00.005-06:00

Isabelle and Sophie- these beautiful girls are only about 2 months apart in age.

One thing they are really good at is being silly! They keep us all laughing.

Here's the one and only, beautiful Michaela (KK or Cakes to me).

Belle and Sophie with Maggie Sue (Thanks Shelley!)

You'll have to excuse me while I use my blog to leave love notes to the girls!
I know they're having a blast.
Let me just tell you though how weird it is not to have Isabelle around!

Bellie Boo,
I love you honey! Have fun. We sure do miss you sweetie.
It's not the same without you. LiLi stood by your picture tonight saying your name over and over again. I think she misses you too. Even the boys said they missed you today, how weird is that!!! Just teasing.
We love you so much beautiful girl.
Oh, and Nick fed the cats, so don't worry.
Love,
Momma

Soph,
Take good care of Belle for me, don't let her get too crazy ok?
Make sure she brushes her hair will you? Even if she teases you about how much you brush yours!!!
I love you honey. Have lots of fun!

Love, Auntie Tracie

Cakes,
Please, please, please make sure Belle brushes her teeth!
And don't give her too many bruises from all your crazy wrestling matches, remember she's not your daddy! Ha ha ha!!!
I love you bunches. Have tons of fun!

Love, Auntie Tracie

I Miss My Girl Already

2008-08-03T16:24:00.002-06:00

I've done a very brave thing. I've let Isabelle go with her cousins Sophia and Michaela to spend almost 2 weeks at Nana and Poppy's house (John's folks) in Indianapolis. I miss her already.

Isabelle,
I love you!
I miss you!
Have a great time at Nana and Poppy's though.
Call me a lot, ok?
You're an incredible young lady and life will not be the same without you here.

I love you to the moon and back,
Momma

HORRAY!!!

2008-08-01T21:37:00.002-06:00

My sis in law Renee has started a blog!
Cheer her on and welcome her to blog-land at The Loux Family Blog

My Weekend Goals

2008-08-01T21:24:00.002-06:00

I didn't fall of the face of the earth, I'm just on vacation rebound.

My goals for tomorrow:
1. Fold the mound of laundry that has become a creature the could scare small children in the dark and try to get it all in the appropriate drawers.
2. Run the vacuum and hide all the clutter so that my house has the appearance of clean.
3. Learn how to use my scanner and post some photos that are long over due- maternity photos for Jennifer, wedding pictures for Lisa and everyone else who will get a kick out of them. At 40, I'm way beyond being humiliated by them. (any other requests?)

We're Home

2008-07-29T15:51:00.001-06:00

Safe and sound and glad to be in our home sweet home.
We had a great vacation and now we need a vacation to rest up from vacation!

Laundry awaits.

On Our Way Home

2008-07-27T19:29:00.005-06:00

We spend last night with Amy and Malcolm (my friends and bosses with CAC) in Canton, GA. We got to meet their newly adopted son Max and meet their daughter McKenna! Tonight we're in Marion, IL hanging in the hotel watching a little HGTV.

Here are a few pics of our time in GA with Amy and Malcolm

Isabelle with Max. Oooo, makes us want a baby brother!

Dinner out! What fun.

We love this family!

Isn't Max great?

Isabelle and McKenna!

Evening Beach Time

2008-07-26T06:38:00.004-06:00

One of our beach times was in the evening. We had a nice quiet time on a semi-private beach until a storm came in!

Just Before Vacation

2008-07-22T20:37:00.004-06:00

Just before we left on vacation, Isabelle had her friend Brianne over (Jessi came too). Here are a few pictures of their time painting on the back patio together!

And this photo, makes my heart sing! Thank you, Jessi.

Jessi, another home run photo! Look at this beauty's eyes!

A Birthday Gift

2008-07-22T20:10:00.002-06:00

This is a birthday gift from Derek and Renee. Just in time for the beach, I was blessed with a pedicure before leaving on vacation!

Thanks guys!

The Beach

2008-07-22T16:16:00.002-06:00

Today was our first beach day! Yesterday was consumed with car repairs. We're good to go for $132. Could have been way worse!

Here's our first beach day photos:

If you didn't get to tune in to the Lakeland Revival service last night to hear John play with His friend Dave and his brother Dan, you can go to the God TV archives and find the Lakeland service for Monday night!

Sunday Update

2008-07-20T22:02:00.003-06:00

John and I took the boys to see Batman today!

Problem #1: the A/C in the van started acting up on the way to the movie and the engine temp gauge was way up near high! We dropped it off at a car fix-it place and went on to the movie. They'll look at the van tomorrow. Please pray it's nothing major. We cannot afford something major!

Problem #2: the movie started and 10 minutes later the A/C in the theater went out. I didn't even attempt to talk the boys into coming back later. We sat in a PACKED OUT theater and watched the whole thing. 3/4 of the way through, I went and got our money back, got a free water from the snack bar so I wouldn't pass out, and stood in the walkway and watched the rest. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the movie was so packed and we were so late because of the car issue that we all had to sit in different rows. NO FUN at all!

The movie was great. The previews were horrible.

We came back had a great dinner and are sitting up still at 11:09PM telling stories and reminiscing about when our three oldest were little. I love my kids!

We've Landed

2008-07-20T08:13:00.002-06:00

Well, two long days on the road and we're here! Everyone did exceptionally well on the trip. We stayed overnight in Chattanooga, TN (wish we would have thought to spend a whole day there!)

The kids and John gave me cards throughout the day as we traveled yesterday, and every few hours would go around and say "Things we love about Mommy!" I love them so much.

We arrived around 7:45PM and Dave and Christy fed us dinner and chocolate fondue for dessert! John gave me a terrific gift (photos to come!)

Anyway, we're here safe and sound and getting ready to enjoy the day!

(John will be playing with Dave at the Lakeland Revival Services on Monday night- tune in to GodTV if you get a chance.)

Vacation Here We Come

2008-07-17T09:16:00.002-06:00

We're off, tomorrow morning at 7AM that is!
We're headed for Tampa Bay.

Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Being with my family! (we even like long car rides for the most part!)
2. Celebrating my birthday on the beach.
3. Seeing our good friends Dave and Christy.
4. Heading to Lakeland (John's playing with Dave there for the service Monday night.)
5. Sitting on the beach for 4 days (I really don't care what else we do, though I'm sure we'll find other things to do as well)
6. And mostly, being with my family (Oh, I said that didn't I)
You can be confident that posts will follow this! And if you enjoyed Nick's video posts of our last vacation, you'll want to keep an eye on his blog too!

Off to pack up 6 people for vacation! The laundry is almost done though so the hard part is over. Except I like to clean before we leave, cause I don't like coming home to a dirty house.

Update on My Nephews Sam and Misha

2008-07-15T20:00:00.002-06:00

I wrote in January about my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's adoption plans. Read HERE if you're new to the blog!

Their dossier has arrived overseas, and they are waiting on the release to GO get the boys! They are about $5000 short for airfare and travel expenses. They have to travel to the orphanage once and stay for 2 weeks to get to know the boys, and then they have to return to the states and go back 2 weeks later to travel home with them. We are hoping for late August or early September!

Pray for their entire family, but especially pray for Sam and Misha.
If you would like to give to their adoption fund, please contact me and I will give you information on how to give.

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

"LiLi is Painting Outside!"

2008-07-14T07:08:00.003-06:00

This is the note that was slipped onto my desk while I was on the phone yesterday.

Here's what I found when I went outside later on.

She had an amazing time creating her very first painting!
Two baths and some severe weeping, she is now back to her beautiful pink self.

(photos thanks to Taylor Loux)

Lovely New Elia Pictures

2008-07-12T21:39:00.002-06:00

On Nick's Blog!
I can't remember if I linked to these pics yet.

Just for Silas!

2008-07-12T21:14:00.002-06:00

Hi Silas,
We heard you liked John Deere tractors so we took this picture just for you! We love you buddy!

Love,
Your Kansas City Cousins

P.S) Silas is my brother Joe's son.

July 8, 2008

2008-07-12T15:02:00.004-06:00

We love celebrating birthday and often have multiple celebrations. Here's a little peek into our at home family celebration on Nick's actual birthday!

My nephew Justin and John watching Nick open gifts.
(Not John's t-shirt- it's a Nick Loux original)

Elia helping open gifts.

Nick's gift from us!

My mom, my dad and my sister Tara.
Those of you who prayed for my dad's back surgery in the spring, thank you again! He is doing incredibly well. He still has to wear that lovely back brace, but he is healing remarkable fast.

Nick's saving for a video camera- so these boxes contained money!

Elia helping clean up!

Strawberry Rubarb Birthday Crisp (served warm with ice cream of course!)

Love you Nick!

More on Good Bye's

2008-07-11T07:33:00.002-06:00

After much discussion last night, it was determined that it is harder to say "Good Bye" when you are the ones left standing in the quiet house than when you are the ones driving off in the car.

Taylor came to this conclusion. He concluded that it is much more horrible to be left than to leave. Being left means that your house becomes suddenly more quiet and "feels weird". He decided that at least those driving away have something to do. Drive. And the ones left behind are just left standing there.

I Hate Good Byes

2008-07-10T12:46:00.002-06:00

When I get over being sad that my family just left, I'll post pictures of our time together. For now I'm just sad. It's very difficult having my family 20 hours away.

I am Happy

2008-07-09T11:34:00.001-06:00

My mom and dad spontaneously decided to end their vacation in Michigan with a trip through Kansas City. If you know your geography, Kansas City is NO WHERE NEAR on the way home from Michigan to Pennsylvania. I think they must love us a lot!

They surprised us by bringing my sister, Tara and my nephew Justin with them! (They had also been in Michigan).

We're having a great time! I very happy and blessed.

Happy Birthday, Son

2008-07-08T19:11:00.006-06:00

Happy 16th birthday, Nick. I am so incredibly honored to be your mother. You inspire me with your creativity, encourage me in my walk with the Lord as I watch your faithful pursuit of God, you make me laugh, and you truly bless me as I watch you love your brother and sisters. You are indeed a "double blessing."

My prayer for you this coming year is that you would live a life worthy of the Lord, would please Him in every way, and would bear much fruit. I am so excited about what lies ahead for you this year as you continue this incredible journey!

I love you, Nick.

Mom

Happy Anniversary John

2008-07-07T07:21:00.003-06:00

Today we celebrate 18 years together. I'm so blessed to have been given the privilege of walking through life with this incredible man. His love and tenderness have been a true example to me of the Father's love for me. He is an incredible father to our four children- they are so blessed. He keeps us laughing and helps me not to take myself too seriously. He is my best friend. I love you John.

Last night the boys plopped themselves on our bed to give us foot rubs, and we started reminiscing about our wedding day. Here are a few fun (or frightening) facts:

1. My dress had puffy sleeves with bows on them. I'm sorry, I really am.

2. The bridesmaid dresses also had puffy sleeves and were a light shade of teal.

3. John's brother Derek wrote "Help Me" on the bottoms of John's shoes so that it could be read by all when we knelt for communion.

4. We did not have dancing at our reception, however there was music and a Kazoo was played at one point. I hid in a corner pretending it was not happening. (Our kids were appalled, not as much about the Kazoo, but that we didn't dance together.)

5. John was almost 21 and I was 22 when we got married. We had met 7 months before and got engaged 2 1/2 months after we met.

6. On our 2nd wedding anniversary, I spent the entire day in labor with Nick. I was in labor for 26 hours. He was not born til the following day. Last night he apologized. I feel much better!

I'd scan a wedding picture if I knew how. Sorry, I know you're all desperately disappointed!

OH and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO RANDY AND KELSEY!!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

Nick's Party

2008-07-05T20:07:00.005-06:00

A shot from Nick's "Card Tree".

Happy 16th, Nick.

Cool Whip was used in all sorts of way. I think Nick has a mouthful here.

An incredible bunch of kids!

Feasting!

LiLi hangin' with the big girls!

Polishing off her mashed potatoes- got the idea to have a mashed potato bar w/ toppings using plastic margarita glasses from a recent wedding.

A little Nick Loux trivia.

Nick Loux Quiz Show

Nick provided a little game show music.

Nick had a little competition. Elia may have been a close tie for "The Main Attraction".
I love that Nick's friends are so kind to his siblings. I remember looking around at one point and realizing that a large percentage of his friends are 1st borns or near the top of the birth order in their families. I think that may be a big factor.

The party ended at the play ground down the street.
They are all still young at heart.

Birthday Party Re-Cap with Photos Coming Soon

2008-07-03T13:26:00.003-06:00

On Sunday evening, we celebrated Nick's 16th birthday party a week or so early with his friends. In part due to the fast starting July 1, and in part due to the busy summer schedule these teens have around here with teen camp and so forth.

It was an incredible evening. The weather was perfect. The bugs stayed away until the last half hour! The kids hung out in the back yard which Taylor and Isabelle helped jazz up with some fun summer decorations. We had a buffet that was nearly demolished by 15+ that attended. After dinner, we came inside for a couple of games- a multiple choice quiz on the 16 years of Nicholas Loux and a game show style game with true and false questions on six categories of Nick's life: Art, Music, Drama, Sports, and Pets. (each category had 5 questions rated at different point levels, kind of like Jeopardy but they were T/F). Jackson walked away with the prize!

We had angel food cake with strawberries/cool whip as well as a fruit topped cheese cake that disappeared in less than 5 minutes! There was a little barista action going on in the kitchen with carmel syrup, cool whip and coffee!

Though it was all lots and lots of fun, I was mostly amazed that my son has such a great group of kids to hang out with. Friendships are tricky things when you're 16. As I looked around the room, I was grateful that although these friendships came in different shapes, colors and sizes, that each one had given a gift to Nick in sharing part of their lives with him over the past year or two. I saw some who inspired him in his walk with the Lord, some that were good listeners, some that had common creative giftings, some fellow musicians, some fellow artists, some who's sense of humor alone is a gift, others who's gift was genuine kindness, and many with a mix of the above. Needless to say, as a mom, I was grateful.

More on the birthday boy himself later on. And I promise pictures will be downloaded TONIGHT!

My Life

2008-07-02T20:59:00.003-06:00

1. Conference at IHOP- children's tracks.
2. Busy in the adoption world- VERY BUSY!
3. 16th birthday party for Nick- full update and photos to come!
4. Sick husband.
5. Busy, BUSY 16 month old baby girl who is beginning to throw fits (new photos HERE!)

I'll post more sometime soon. I promise!

"Oh, That's the Add on, right?".... Yes, he said that too!

2008-06-25T09:59:00.004-06:00

Walking out of Sam's club last night, I saw a King Size Bed being loaded into someone's pickup. I said, "We should get one of those." (We finally have a bedroom large enough to house one.)

John said, "What?"
I said, "A king size bed."
He said, "Is that a king size bed?"
I said, "Yes."
He scoped out the scene in front of us and said, looking at the twin size box springs that accompanied it, "Oh are those the add ons?"

I promptly told him those were the box springs that would sit UNDER the beast of a mattress they were loading onto the truck, and he said, "Oh, I thought those attached on to make it bigger."

I laughed.... a lot. I'm glad I get to hang out with this man.
I'm pretty sure he was serious, but somedays I'm not sure. Maybe all this while he's been uttering similarly brilliant statements just to keep me happy and laughing. I don't care either way. Just being with him makes my heart glad.

Did He Really Say That?

2008-06-24T22:16:00.005-06:00

I need to carry around a little notebook in my hip pocket. My husband says some of the darndest things. Those of you that have had the privilege of hanging with him will attest.

Today was full of one liners, a few that just made me tilt my head an think, "Huh?" Sadly, at this hour I can only remember one of them.

John handed Nick a slushy drink that I had made for him early this evening. He didn't want the rest and Nick had just asked me if there was more. John gave him his. Nick made a face and commented that it was watery. John's response was this, "You could make it again. Put it back in the blender and add more ice." We just all stared at him.

(I'll do my best to whip out a notebook and post more regularly on this matter.)

Congratulations Amy and Malcolm

2008-06-21T19:29:00.002-06:00

Amy and Malcolm are the founders of Christian Adoption Consultants. They just celebrated the arrival of their son, Max. They have helped hundreds of couples in their adoption journey and are now adopting their second child!
Congratulations guys! I love you and I'm so excited for you!
McKenna, you're such a beautiful big sister!
To read their full adoption story visit their blog!

One MORE Down

2008-06-20T12:50:00.003-06:00

Our visit went well this morning. Our social worker is great, so it's kind of like a friend coming by just to see how we're doing. Well, except she takes notes.

The Lord provided for 100% of the cost of our home visit yesterday through the giving hearts of a really great couple! Thanks again!

In addition, I got to learn some other valuable adoption stuff from our case worker today. She knows that I'm working as a consultant and is always willing to answer my questions! I had some pretty crazy questions today regarding a situation I'm working on with one of my couples, and she was really able to help me direct them.

I cannot believe how much I've learned about adoption in the past year! It's amazing what God is doing, and I'm so grateful to be doing what I do.

Yet One More Post Placement Visit

2008-06-19T07:04:00.002-06:00

For those of you in the adoption world you'll know what this means. We have STILL not finalized our adoption of Elia. For those of you not familiar with the term Finalization- this does not mean that there is any need to worry that we will loose her. Typically about 6 months after placement, an adoptive family goes to court and gets permanent custody of the child, including getting a new birth certificate with an official name change and so forth.

Our finalization was set for December, and if you recall the judge refused to hear our case because he wanted an additional piece of paperwork from Elia's birth state. We've been waiting since then to get the signature from a judge out of state. In March we found out that judge had been indicted so they were attempting to get the needed signature from a federal appointed judge.

I think we're getting closer, but in the mean time we've had to continue having post-placement visits every two months (at the tune of $250 each it's getting a bit old!).

So tomorrow our social worker comes to our house to do an update. She's really sweet and we love her, but we'd really love for this to be finished.

Would you please pray for a quick release of the paperwork needed to finalize!

Toddler in the House

2008-06-17T17:26:00.003-06:00

Elia is changing so much, she's quite the little lady and is fully mobile. Up and running from morning til night with a couple short naps in there to keep her moving. You've seen her banana bread thieving and her personal art project, here are a few more of her daily activities:

1. Climbing- up and down stairs, onto chairs, onto guitar cases, into boxes, and pretty much on top of anything that she can get a foot up on.

2. Emptying the pantry: favorite items to lug around are boxes of cereal, crackers, syrup, and Lipton ice tea mix.

3. Sneaking off with my cell phone (if you're in my contacts list, don't be surprised if you get a call some day).

4. Playing drums- that's especially fun to do when Isabelle is singing and playing keyboard.

5. Trying on shoes.

6. Dragging my purse around.

7. Wearing clean laundry around her neck.

8. Getting into my jewelry box.

Notice you see nothing there about actually playing with toys! Though she is found of books and loves to push around her grocery cart, most of her favorite things to do don't involve typical toddler toys.

I love this stage, but it sure keeps a momma busy! Fortunately there are usually at least 3 or 4 of us around to keep after her!

Happy Father's Day FROM JOHN

2008-06-16T14:42:00.001-06:00

Go ahead and check out John's blog!
And for a commentary on his post, Check out THIS BLOG!

Us

2008-06-16T08:09:00.004-06:00

It's so nice having a photographer handy these days! Thanks Nick for taking us out. It was so much fun. I think it's been over a year (right Shelley?) since John and I have been photographed together.