Unexpected Gifts

It has been quite some time since I have even looked at this blog or even considered writing a post.  We had an incredible summer filled with great memories.  Here are a few highlights:

 Eli got his first bike.  I am thankful we live in a neighborhood 

where our kids can ride and play safely.  

The following are pictures of our trip to the beach...

The newest member of our family, Ella

Multnomah Falls

 Selah is in 1st grade, and also enjoys piano lessons and Bible quizzing.

Eli is almost 4 years old and is enjoying his swimming lessons and preschool time at home.

For the longest time now the focus of this blog has pretty much been about our efforts to adopt from Ethiopia.  I have no new updates, except the waiting period keeps being drawn out.  We are looking at a waiting period of about 3 to 3.5 years.  We've already been waiting almost a year, since our dossier was turned in back in December 2012.  The reason for this long wait is that they want to make sure each adoption is done legally and ethically.  Many people have turned the lives and well being of orphans into a money making scheme, often times kidnapping children or convincing birth parents to relinquish their child under false pretenses.  So, we wait, hoping the door will stay open so children who really do need a forever mom and dad can find their way to their new family.  There are so many uncertainties with the world of adoption.  It takes a lot of faith and prayer.
We don't always know the details of our future.  We think we have it all figured out, and then BAM!  God says I have another plan for you.  One you have been waiting for a long time to see unfold.  Well let me tell you that back in June we found out the biggest shock we've experienced together.  After enduring tests and fertility treatments, after being told by doctors that I could not have any more children, after feeling broken and grieving over that loss, after embarking on our adoption journey and feeling a renewed sense of excitement and joy (and still do), we find out that a new little blessing is growing and developing and getting ready to be loved by her family.  I am currently at 20 weeks, and our second daughter will arrive sometime in late February or early March.  We are all extremely excited and thrilled with this unexpected blessing!  I am thankful for all those weeks of throwing up, my overactive gag reflex and sense of smell.  I am thankful for the headaches, exhaustion, and the crazy emotions.  I am thankful I get to experience this miracle of life again.  

Committed to our faraway child

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Famous words from the German philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749- 1832).

Announcement

I have set up my new shop on Etsy.  It is called Casting Sunbeams. I will post the meaning behind the name at a later date. When you search my store you will find pretty hair clips for girls, little wallets to help keep you organized, and eventually I will post the skirts I have made.  As time progresses I will have other items listed to be able to give to the girls and mamas in your life.
The profits I receive from selling my handmade items will go towards our adoption costs.