Wright Family USA - Are these kids all yours?

Making Memories

2012-01-27T19:37:00.000-05:00

My blog has been quiet.....my home a little noisier.....and there have been many cookies eaten!!!!

And for those of you who have to worry about the inlaws or outlaws.....I have no idea what that is like because GOD BLESSED US with parents who LOVE each other and get along so well.....sometimes we have to squeeze into their conversation!!!! :) he he he

BUT the best part- is seeing them totally dote on our children!!!!!!!!

We have NOT DONE ANY HOME SCHOOLING since the grandparents have been here- and I DO NOT CARE!!! Why? Because what could be more important than playing barbies with grandpa? We teach our children that family is the most important! How can we do that with grandparents sooo far away? Well.......when they are here we spend all the time we can with them. If that means no naps or less naps or whatever....then so be it! We will home school through the summer anyway. Might as well take time to smell the roses.

Or smell batman? Whichever works for you- right Joanna?

Or you could kiss Batman......but daddy said no dating Joanna!!! Did Batman ask daddy if he could steal a kiss?? Ummm...I don't think so! he he he he

How do you make a really grumpy girl smile? Let her play with daddy's keyboard for a bit :)

There will be many more pics of all our kiddos enjoying grandparent time!!! And I wouldn't have it any other way! I am sooo thankful for skype, phones, facebook, and emails!!!!!!!!!!! Or in my mom's case snail mail.....almost forget what that is ;)

We have been very busy here playing lots of games all day long!

Oh and Andrew was set on making no bake cookies so he wanted to have them- he made them!

LOVE that all of my babes love to help in the kitchen :) And YES they are yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That and my mom made her famous and yes they are famous- chocolate chip cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep, a few extra desserts never hurt anyone! :)

So if you wonder where I have been- I have been extremely happy spending time with my family :)

**Adoption update- ICPC was started today! So we are getting closer.......will hopefully only be a couple of weeks now....but could be shorter or could be longer (most adoptions are within the 7-10 day limit, but sometimes there are extra tidbits that can slow things down.....and so I will try to wait patiently- I did say try). Please pray with me for the ICPC to go smoothly. For his family he is with- again....this is a very very very hard situation. Not for our son- he is soooo LOVED!!! But for the family. And I am constantly thinking of them and praying for God's Hands to cover them and give them strength. Thank You!!!

Universal with the grandparents

2012-01-23T17:19:00.000-05:00

Oh dear.....did you get a bit wet mum and dad? yeah....the boat ride here gets you SOAKED as in NO DRY PATCHES ON YOU AT ALL!!!! Smile for the camera :)

Posing - are they cute or what?

Joshua wanted to be the driver.

giggles.....

Matthew's turn.

Joanna says- time for sleepy........this wears a girl out!

Matthew wanting to play drums!

He he he....these people came over to us for a picture. Cheese!

Walking in the entrance area of Universal Islands of Adventure.

Some more cute pictures....

They LOVED the bubble blower.

Cute!

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.....

There is a little park area where we sometimes eat our evening snack/dinner. This is the view at Universal Studios.

The kids love running around a bit. You know because walking around all day evidently doesn't wear them out? he he he....endless energy!

And Jason aiming raisins into his parents mouths....too funny! My hubby is a kid at heart. That is why he loves having so many kiddos ;)

Joanna- coming through!

Sooo......adoption update- PRAYING to get the ICPC started at the end of this week. Ummm....the paperwork is a bit more complicated. Don't want to share details, but just pray all the paperwork will be in fact done by the end of the week! This is just such a hard situation and it is dragging out. PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY where he is!!! PLEASE JOIN ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is just constantly on our hearts........

While our little boy was being born.....

2012-01-20T17:01:00.001-05:00

So forgot to show you our English LOOT! This is all the goodies my parents brought over for us :) Yeah, they love us! The big box in the front- tea, loads of biscuits I mean cookies, and candies we can't get here. Well, technically we can, but they are really really expensive! I guess that is the advantage to living near Orlando where 1,000's of Englishers take their vacations. :)

It hit me today.........Our son's birthday is February 27th, 2010. Literally a month before our Joanna was born on March 23rd, 2010. I was remembering.....what was going on in our lives at this time.

Then it came rushing over me like a ton of bricks.......WE WERE IN THE MIDST OF OUR LOSS......LOSING OUR NAOMI CAROLINE. We were in the stage of trying to move on like we would be ok. It was hard work in those days- making ourselves smile, but we tried.

Interestingly I went back and found this post a couple of days before he was born.

And yet just a few days before that......this is what I posted.

Actually......I remember feeling like just getting up in the mornings- was HARD WORK! We had lost our Hannah Grace July25th, 2008 as she went to be with Jesus. And although we know she is perfectly healed of her scoliosis and spina bifida not needing any earthly surgeries........we longed to hold her!!!! She was our daughter!!!!

Then starting in December of 2009....when we got the UGLY LETTER from usc*s stating they wanted more information? Through March......we were in a deep longing, mourning, lost stage. Because Naomi was never going to be coming home. Those months were filled with grief! A depression even.

While all this was happening- God was arranging for the birth, not only of our daughter, Joanna Faith Wright....but now we find out that our next child as well? How can such a crazy time of deep loss, that is sooo unexplainable unless you have lost a child, lead to not 1 but 2 of our children? I was blown away by our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I was praying God led me to realize one really important thing. HE does NOT conform to our ideas of good timing. I know that sounds simple, but it is true. If you would have asked me in those months are you sooo excited about God. Ummm.....I would have said yes, but right now it is hard to just live.

Sometimes it is hard enough just to breathe in life. There are times when we feel like we are suffocating with a kind of death. Some of you may be feeling that way right now. But God works in ways we can not understand! I still don't understand why we had to lose our Hannah Grace or our Naomi Caroline- much less lose them both within 2 years!!! BUT OUR GOD IS SOO AWESOME that HE KNEW. He knew our hearts would be broken and HE HAS RESTORED THEM!!! NOT ONLY HAS HE RESTORED THEM, BUT NOW THEY ARE OVERFLOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does this mean that our hard times are over now - ha ha ha....nope, doubt it. BUT it puts things into perspective a different perspective. One that I am sooo grateful for! During those times when you are drowning in pain.....you never know what God is up to :)!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2012-01-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my father in love!!!!! (his name is Vic). It was his 66th Birthday last Saturday :) So Jason whipped up some fun cupcakes....and yes Vic picked the orange color! :) Tells you a little about his personality doesn't it? YEP!

OH if you haven't read the last post- GO DO IT NOW! :) We are adopting and he is of course the cutest child!!!!! Not that we are biased or anything mind you. So for those who don't know my parents are here in FL- staying with my Aunt Jane, and my Aunt Beckie and Uncle Doug are here also staying at my Aunt's house too. (my hubby's parents are both staying here with us).

So here is Becky talking to my mother in love.....

My mom.....trying to get Joanna to smile....oh yeah......ummmm......did I mention we have all that the stomach bug? Oh well.....WE HAVE!!!! It hit HARD!!!!!! UGLY AND NASTY are the only words to describe this disaster! It hit one or two at a time- only missing Vic, Sarah, and Elizabeth (thankful for them.....but not for the rest of us who have all suffered the terror). So this nasty bug has been hanging out in our home and well - PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am declaring that disaster OVER baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The men......my father in love on the left- Vic, my dad in the middle- David, and Doug on the right - my uncle.

My aunt Jane talking with the girls...... :)

So this not the clearest pic because it was taken through the window- but this dead tree is the only tree the boys have to climb in our yard....he he he.....and well... you know boys will be boys!

My mum and Andrew.....

Grandma playing Chinese Checkers with Abigail.....

Jason and Aunt Jane talking....

Bring on the cupcakes!!!!!

Jonathan asked several times........is it time for the cupcakes yet? FINALLY he got his wish!

Hey, Matthew- what do you think of the cupcakes???

OK I know, I know......you are all wondering- when is your newest son coming home? Hmmmm......well that is a great question! For matters of privacy there are some and maybe a lot of things that I don't want to share with everyone.

BUT, what I can tell you is that there is paperwork to be finished. Then there is the ICPC to complete. An ICPC is the Interstate compact agreement- this is a paperwork process that has to happen when you adopt a child from a different state. The state where they live now has to agree that your paperwork and clearances are in order. Then the state where you live- where the child is moving to has to agree with that too. Sounds silly, but it is protection so that there is not tr*fficking of children. We did this with Joanna as well. It can take anywhere from 1 week-3weeks, but usually around 1 1/2-2 weeks for MOST people.

This is a different kind of adoption for us because it is private. So it is just a matter of dealing with lawyers. So we wait for the paperwork to get started....and will have to make a judgement call about when we fly to meet him....and of course waiting for ICPC to be completed before we can come back.

So that is pretty vague, but we know that there is always waiting in the adoption process, and it makes the meeting that much sweeter. This is what I wrote on my facebook earlier today....and it sums up everything.....

Waiting and praying for our addition to our family. Knowing he is GREAT AND WONDERFUL hands right now. Praying desperately for healing for those hands and for him. God knows!

Joanna has some BIG NEWS TO SHARE!!!!!!!!

2012-01-14T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! As usual I am a cute model. My daddy went out and bought this Monday night to surprise my mommy because we received news about............................

Awww.......look isn't this cute? Oh sorry excuse my ADD....I get it from my mommy you know........

Look grandma and grandpa came on Tuesday and look at what mommy did for their arrival.

She even gave them lots of treats.....

Oh and here they come- grandma and grandpa.....

And here we are waiting very impatiently for them to come- wait what does that sign say?

Oh...........HERE IS THE BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting a new brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is of course cute.....and a month older than me!

Here is grandma and grandpa putting together the new changing table (he he he- mommy was still using the cardboard boxes to change me on since my old changing table broke in the move here).....

Sooooo here we are putting a new one together. Well at least I get to use the new one :)

Of course I will have to share it, but I don't mind.

And did I mention my family is a bit- different?

Yeah, here is proof!

So here is the new changing table......hmmmm...mommy didn't take pictures of his new crib- will be coming in future posts I am sure!

And here is my new BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't he cute?

Well, I mean for a boy anyway.

Don't let the sleeping cuteness fool you- I am planning on some good fun with him. I mean really we will promise to behave ourselves.....as much as any 2 almost 2 year olds can behave :)

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE are soooo EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to meet him and bring him home!!!!! I mean his cheeks are almost as cute as mine :).

So a few things about my new brother........HE IS A MIRACLE in sooo many ways!!! As with any adoption there is GREAT PAIN in his story. Please pray continually as we are for all those involved. The pain is really deep and overwhelming according to what my mommy says. We are praying God's continued HEALING because we know HE is the ONLY ONE WHO HEALS our wounds!

He has a whole list of things that are a part of his history and medical records......he has HIV, he was born here in the States, he was exposed to alcohol and drugs in utero, he has possible mild Cebral Palsey, and possible severe autism. And well to be honest that is only a tiny bit of the list.

BUT- OUR GOD IS GREATER! WE know our brother may never talk, he is already crawling, and now cries, and boy does he have a great giggle!!!!! You see my mommy and daddy tell us that EVERYONE is PRECIOUS and EVERY LIFE IS AMAZING NO MATTER WHAT!!!! And so although a lot of people may be questioning our sanity right now.....we know GOD ordained his life and this adoption. That out of our darkest times God STILL REIGNS!

It is more than a song we sing in church more than something we say in passing- IT IS REAL! And our brother and each and every one of us in our family are miracles and we can't wait to see how GOD WORKS in our lives and brings our brother to us even in these really hard circumstances.

PRAISE GOD for the GREAT THINGS HE IS DOING! Please continue praying!!!!!!

Our Real Life

2012-01-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

You know I read a post recently that made me really stop and think. It was about people who say a lot- Oh I could never do what you are doing. I am NOT IN ANY WAY PICKING ON THEM, but it did come to my attention that sometimes people think they have to "be like me" or that a mother of many "must be perfect". STOP RIGHT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you see the above mess?

Here....let me give you a closer look....feel sick yet?

Ummmm.......folks this is what happens when you do not clean the van out for let's say.....over 10 months!!!

Does this look like perfection to you? HA!!!!!

EWWWWW........I don't even want to know what is lurking under the seats. GOOD thing we own a wet/dry vac that was able to clean up this monster! I think my real point is this.

I am inadequate....
I am NOT PERFECT!
I yell sometimes.......
I don't give my children slack sometimes......
I don't always cook healthy foods......
I sometimes wig out...........
I am not the world's best teacher..............
I say rude things...........
I get on my husband's case sometimes..........
Sometimes I get down right UGLY!

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like you I AM FORGIVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In fact I ask for forgiveness regularly from my children. I do not say that lightly- I take it seriously!
I expect my children to make mistakes..........and sometimes I have to take a few breaths and remember I am imperfect TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to assure any of you out there reading this blog- this is not just about a messy, disgustingly gross van. This is about our general life. I do not want others to think I am perfect. I have grown in my parenting skills with each added child. I have learned ways to cope with having noise all the time. I have learned skills to organize the home. I read books of others with large families. I talk to other large families and read blogs of other large families.

Do you see the THEME HERE? I am a learner!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe God has called us to this wonderful life of giving children a home. I believe with my whole heart that God has grown me in ways I could have never dreamed without the trials I have faced with RADish, ADHD, learning disabilities, rages, losing a child in referral, and having a child in heaven. I believe that the 3 years it took for 3 of our children to be permanently a part of our family made me stretch in ways unimaginable. I believe that everything we have faced has been COMFORTED by the Father's Almighty Hands. I believe that HE HIMSELF was with us in each and every storm.

Are there times I want to crawl into my closet in a fetal position and never come out? YES!
Are there times when I say- God seriously isn't this enough? YES!
Am I striving to be more in tune with God and less in tune with my selfish ways? YES!
And then I see THIS!!!! And I remember that anything I "go through".....is NOTHING compared to getting to spend my time and efforts for the ones I LOVE SOOOOOO DEARLY!

Maybe if we were more real with ourselves we would see that it isn't about a perfect home, but a home where God reigns and resides. Not a perfect home, not a spotless home where all the laundry is done and your children do well on all their lessons for the day. Not a home where the windows are washed weekly along with mopping each floor, but a home where prayers are whispered frequently.

A place where you know you children see that YOU NEED JESUS! Maybe they would see that God is truly your Savior. That it isn't just a Sunday thing.

That it is a lifelong journey...not a perfect journey, but one filled with potholes and big gaping crevices that are only filled with worship and praise for the ONE WHO SAVES US ALL!

Please Please don't think I am perfect, only forgiven and working on it.

****Please continue praying for my special unspoken prayer request. I pray I can share at least part of it soon, but until then........THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you like Joanna's hair do....he he he....She wouldn't sit still for the hair do or the pics- he he he ......gotta love her!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Adoption Day Andrew James Wright (from the 6th)

2012-01-11T13:50:00.001-05:00

So- YEP!!! A lot of you guessed it!

I chopped my hair! And I feel sooo much lighter! I usually grow out my hair, chop it, and send it to Locks of Love.

They give children who because of cancer treatments etc. have lost their hair......new hair! Being a cancer survivor myself I LOVE THIS!!! Although I never lost my hair, but I had plenty of friends who did. Having cancer is hard enough as it is without having to lose something that makes everything feel awkward.

What is this??? YEP, an electrical plant- Tampa Electric Company O? no idea what the O is for?

Anywho...the reason for the visit? The manatees come in when the water gets too cold because of the output of warm water.

HAPPY 9th ADOPTION DAY ANDREW JAMES WRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our cheeky boy!

Who LOVES Star Wars (so he got a Star Wars book),

legos- Star Wars of course,

And a watch that was a lego watch - policeman of course- his dream when he gets older.

Peppermint ice cream cake!!! A recipe from the Duggars first book, with a twist. He wanted peppermint ice cream so we took peppermint ice cream bars- in a layer, cool whip, and another layer of peppermint ice cream bars, more cool whip- and bits of Andes mints and ground up candy canes with of course chocolate topping too! NO calories here :) he he he......ummm....yeah.......

To our young man that we love! You are headstrong like someone I know he he he... me. You are a leader, and someone who is going to make a great police officer if that is where God leads you. You are wonderful at playing with your younger siblings and caring for them. I know you will be a great father! You love reading and legos and oh my how we find legos everywhere, but I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU ANDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that 9 years ago on January 6th we testified in court that we wanted to be your forever family!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!

Andrew was especially excited because we had guests over for his big day!!! We had a couple of my friends boys over for the day so mommy and daddy could move. Thank God they only moved down the road!!!! Because we love them :)

And the camp that Jason and I worked at- the directors have retired a while ago, and moved to Florida!! So they came to visit us!!!!

We loved having company!

Jason and I with Emma!!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is a former camper!!!!! And we share a special bond because she was adopted! LOVE IT!!!!

Our girls wanted in the pictures too :)

Jason, Dave, Sharon, and I!!!!! Love the memories that camp brings up for Jason and I. Even though we are no longer Christian Camp directors, it is a part of our hearts!!!!!! The place we met!!!! GOD has some crazy great stories from camp and how HE works in people's hearts there!!!!!

Love you Dave and Sharon!!! You mean a lot to us!!! Mentors, supporters, and wonderful life lived to serve others!

So along with a great visit on the 6th, we got to meet up with a bloggy friend Kathleen Wright at Universal on Thursday....and bad bloggy form....I forgot the camera. Sorry, I know how could that happen??? But it was a fun day out!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and besides getting busy preparing for Jason's parents to arrive, last night....and my parents this weekend. And my aunt and uncle are coming south too........there has been a lot going on!!!!

*****I have a very special unspoken prayer request that I would like you all to pray about. Just know it involves healing of hurts that are huge and I know our God heals!!! THANKS!!!!

New Year's, Surprises, and fun

2012-01-06T13:31:00.001-05:00

OK so on New Year's Eve I went out on my own and did something I haven't done in a couple of years! OK so take a guess what was it???? Leave your guess in the comments section!!!!

Oh and who can tell me what this is??? He he he.....again leave it in the comment section!!!

For New Year's Eve we went to hang out at my cousin's home! :)

And we played a lot of Twister (a new game we got).

We also got to look at cute faces all night :)

He he he.....you would think she has been shopping with a baby before or something? :)

Caught you! What are you doing??

Joshua found these crazy glasses and they just made me giggle!!!!

Makenna what are you doing? Silly cousins!!

Heidi on a mission :)

Having some New Year's Eve treats!

OK for all my crafty friends- is this not the cutest? I am NOT crafty, but I LOVE this idea!!!

OK watch out the adults are playing Twister now......ok this isn't so bad....

Ok a little challenge is good for you right?

Ummm.....Dawn if you take this picture you are in TROUBLE! (mom always told me that was my middle name) he he he he......couldn't help it.......it's ok we are family right? he he he he he.....Heidi and Jason - LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I had no idea Jason could be a pretzel? CRAZY!

Ummm.....Heidi- there is something in your hair???? EEEKKKKKK

Awww.......my best friend and cousin- Heidi- LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for the answers to the above questions and pictures from today- which is Andrew's Adoption Day :)

Christmas Day fun with the Wright family

2012-01-03T15:06:00.003-05:00

Wow- mommy looks like a ghost :0 he he he.....ok here is our Christmas Day (all the pictures that were not about Elizabeth's Birthday which is also Christmas too).

The kids all wanted a PJ Day- so PJ day it was!

Daddy looking at some silly pictures on the computer.

Joanna is telling him what pictures she likes.....

Some wii was played and battle lines were drawn :)

Abigail helped daddy do all the peeling- potatoes and carrots.

Joanna had some time out. Yes, as hard as it is to believe our little angel can get into trouble too :( but she is still sooooo stinkin' cute!!!!!

Awwww.........MELT MY HEART!!!!!

Table set up for the birthday of OUR KING! Complete with Christmas Crackers- they are tubes that you pull apart and they pop, have a trinket in them, a paper crown, and a joke :) Found ours at Home Goods, but you can sometimes find them other places too, but you have to look. It is an English tradition :)

Look at all those cute kids!!! Merry Christmas!!!! Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!!

The Birthday girl- cheese!

Ummm....mommy is it supposed to fit like this?

Hello, my name is Joshua, and I am serious about my food :).

Abigail.....awwwww------- tooo cute!

Hello, my name is Sarah and I am full of cheeeeeessssseeeee!

Awww....Matthew it's ok (no idea what is going on?)

Andrew- gettin' some home made gravy :) YUMMY!

Hello, my name is Mr. Cute!

Joanna - what are you doing? This Blog is rated G!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh dear....so the truth is out ......sometimes our Joanna likes to pull down her pants, sometimes she sticks her hands in her diaper, sometimes she takes her diaper off. Good thing she is soooo CUTE :)

Christmas Eve....yep a bit behind!

2012-01-02T16:31:00.001-05:00

So for Christmas Eve we went to see GG!!!! She looks pretty good doesn't she?

It was such a joy to see all the grandchildren and great grandchildren that live here gathered around. I mean look at her face below- is that HAPPY or what????

The cousins of course need no encouragement to have fun ;)

Running around the home. Yep- no problems they are too cute and all the people there fawn over them.

Having some conversations.......

Now they are up to something!!!! Yep- GUILTY!!!

Awww.....so much love in this family! We look forward to times to be together.

Gathering around.

Sharing...

Looking at the phone of course....

He he he.....my cousin talking to this lady here- she is always wanting "contraband" he he he- cigarettes or alcohol :) oh dear. We are sooo the wrong people to ask sweetie.

Let's sing Carols!!!!

Lots of fun singing and everyone gathered round to hear it.

Jason went around with Sarah and Elizabeth talking to each of the residents asking them if they had anyone to come visit. Sadly there were those who didn't. Breaks my heart. Glad our girls and hubby were able to give some Christmas cheer and hugs! (while is corralled the other kiddos he he he)

SQUEEZE!

MORE SQUEEZES!

Awww... Jessa is sooo cute and gets lots of extra love!!!! :)

And then we came home to do a Bethlehem meal. Where you do a similar meal to what they would have had in that time period. Fresh veggies and fruits, fish, etc. ALL a shared meal. Washed hands with pitchers of water and bowl, sat on the floor and ate by candlelight.

Here we are enjoying it all! The kids thought it was GREAT! Yes those are towels on the girls heads- as was the custom. Jonathan showing off....as usual.

We had a BLESSED time! And I promise to update more soon!!!! Tried to post yesterday, but Blogger was having issues uploading my pics :( boooo. Soon I will catch up....he he he.....

NO news on the adoption front! Have put our names in for at least 7 cases.....and been turned down.....so we keep waiting........it is soo hard, but we know our babe will come.

Happy 6th Birthday Elizabeth Anne Wright!!! (from Christmas Day)

2011-12-29T16:14:00.001-05:00

How did this happen??? The little girl that was brought to our door at midnight....the night before our camp's big open house.......at 5 1/2 months is ALREADY 6?

If you have not met Elizabeth......you are missing out! She is sooo full of life! She will run up to you and give you a hug!!! :)

She has a voice that is beautiful!!!! And she LOVES to sing!

OK daddy.....why are you playing with Elizabeth's doll?? :)

Elizabeth- there is no one like you! You are an amazing gift from God!

Happy Birthday to our little nut!

Oh dear....what are you doing??

Does it look like she is up to something? or is it me?

As you can clearly see.....Elizabeth was made for our family!!! A little crazy, a little nutty, but very full of love!!!!

Some would say.....oh poor baby she has to have her birthday on Christmas. As you can tell - she wasn't worried!!! She loves it! You always get great food and plenty of it! You can have a pj day and you never have school on your birthday! She loves it!!! :)

Happy 8th Adoption Day Matthew!!!

2011-12-28T10:22:00.002-05:00

(Sorry for being a Blog Slacker.....will try to catch up again...he he he)
Happy 8th Adoption Day Matthew!!!!!! ***His Adoption Day Anniversary is on December 22nd.

To our amazing little man! He is just sooo cute I love to squeeze him :)

When we brought him home from the hospital- he was less than 6 lbs. and a preemie.....we actually stuffed him in a stocking for a picture.

Hmmm..........what is this??? This is called Jason messing with Matthew's head! he he he he :) ****Remember the night before we were up late again baking for the fundraiser!!!!!!!

Happy Adoption Day!!!! To our Captain America!!!!

The smile in this picture says it all! Matthew you are sooo sweet with a hint of crazy humor and we wouldn't have it any other way. From the moment we first held you - you had our hearts and we are sooo very thankful that God decided to Bless our family with YOU!!!!!!! LOVE YOU MATTHEW!!!!!!!!!!

Meet The Need Christmas Party

2011-12-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

OK for you crafters out there......this is a cute idea!!

Here are the kiddos starting their white elephant gift exchange.....

Playing outside- it was gorgeous Sunday afternoon

Put them up Bat Girl this is Darth Vador!

Employees and their families hanging out.....

Waiting for the all crazy gifts to be opened.

Awww....Joanna actually going up to someone- (Jason's boss' wife) this is rare for her. Awww.....

She seriously really took to her. It was so sweet to see.

Kids wanted to know what the boring adults were doing.

Tanya explaining "white elephant" gift exchange rules for those who haven't done it.

Ok everybody's got it and now we start.

Joanna needed to see her face in the picture on the camera :) CHEESE!

Joanna offering her careful help in opening the present.

Showing off the gifts.

Oohhhhh what cheesy gifts...

an office gift set.....- this gift was stolen...

there was fun and laughter....

And Jason's boss opened up his present- what is this....not an American flag.....

Oh Jim that just looks lovely on you. Our kiddos had to help him put it on, awww there you go that looks great on you!

Oh and one cheezey wallet from the 80's is sooo nice!! Great present for her boys.

Soooo...it's been a bit quiet......quiet because we are looking over different situations, praying, putting up quick profiles (but Tracie has our real one done now). Making contacts, praying some more.....staying up until 3am making goodies for our bake sale- fundraiser. Thinking this will be worth every ounce of sweat for our sweet child out there somewhere.

Please continue to pray with us!!!! It is sooo hard putting your heart out there several times and each time wondering is this the one God? And then being told no, or ignored all together, or ........still waiting.........

I know a lot of you know what I am talking about. Appreciate your prayers as we journey to our next child!

We are helping start an adoption ministry!!!!

2011-12-13T19:19:00.002-05:00

Ok first of course there has to be a few pictures right? So this is the same day we put up the tree we did some sidewalk chalk. You don't do sidewalk chalk when you put up your tree??? he he he....advantages to living down south!!! :) No pretty snow, but it is shorts weather and we are still running our AC at times when it gets too humid.

Just want to point out the manger scene in the picture above..... :)

So Matthew is giving me the "tour" of what is whose etc.

Today- we had a meeting. And my friend Melissa was supposed to be there....because well she has been in contact with the church about how can we start and adoption/foster ministry. But, unfortunately her little sweet baby got sick :( BOO!!!! So she couldn't be there, but my hubby surprised me by being able to get off work early (and work from home afterwards) to be there instead!

And our missions coordinator said- sounds GREAT!!!! I think it helps that he was a foster parent for many years himself!!!!! :) You don't think that was an accident do you? Nope- me either! That my friends is the hand of God MOVING!!!! AMEN!

*The above drawing is my hubby's :)

So we went into the meeting. Let's just say- since I heard about this meeting I have been PRAYING!!!! And our household has been under some pretty severe spiritual warfare recently. Let's not forget what we are dealing with. An enemy who hates to see children in loving homes that teach them about Christ!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA - well I am not afraid of the enemy. I have seen him before and what he does AND MY GOD IS BIGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!! And insert sticking out of tongue and blowing here!!!!!

**yes the above is spelled wrong, but I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES LORD, REIGN IN ME!!!!!

So we have clearance and are ready for take off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He gave us the huge green light!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!! So as this unfolds you can be sure I will blog about it. I want to take you along. Who knows maybe God will be asking you to do the same some day? :) I pray so!

This is soooo very very very exciting to us! We have prayed about starting an adoption ministry. We approached our last church- and got a less than enthusiastic response. BUT THIS TIME - we are marching forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can not wait to see what God does!!!!!!!!

So Melissa and I have some praying to do- will you surround us with your prayers? Thank you- always know I can count on you!!!!!!!

**Don't forget if you want to donate here is all the info on the many ways :)
1) Buy some food from our Christmas/New Year's Baking Fundraiser (for local people) email us or donate through paypal and let us know in the comments what you want OR.....
2) Buy a What is Good Tshirt from our side bar- donate and then tell what color/size you want OR,
3) Buy something from Olive Tree Promise- they have Superman was adopted Tshirts, monogrammed baby items, music, necklaces, art, and lots more!!!!!! OR.......
4) Buy something from Scentsy- there are many great smelling things to buy for yourself or as gifts!!! This is a gift to me from Kasey Ellis who wants to help me raise funds for our next special child- THANKS KASEY ELLIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR
5) Simply Donate or PRAY!!! Pray for protection of our child. Pray that they may be in great hands until we are able to meet them. Pray that they will know they are loved. Pray that we will be led by the Holy Spirit to know.......when the next Wright(s) come along!

CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS!!!!

2011-12-11T18:30:00.001-05:00

So this is something that God has laid on my heart lately. And while you are reading something you might as well have some cute pics of Joanna right?

By the way she loves this toy! :)

Good thing daddy was there to give her cuddles. No idea why she was upset....

But daddy as always scooped her up and let her know he loved her.

And - All is well with the world again!!! YEAH!!! Great short story right?

There is a lot of talk about let's put Christ back in Christmas? And I AGREE......and yet I feel like we think a LOT MORE OF OURSELVES by making this comment than we should. I know the sentiment behind it. People are saying- Let's greet each other with Merry Christmas- AMEN!!! Let's DO!!!

People are saying......we need to remember WHY we celebrate CHRISTMAS- AMEN again- Let's do this in any way we can!!!!!!!! BUT.........

I think we give ourselves too much credit. CHRIST ALWAYS HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE - CHRISTMAS!!!!! It can't be anything else....

You can't TRULY have Christmas without Christ!!!! It isn't possible- it is the celebration of HIS BIRTH! We celebrate because it is a big deal. Christmas is when God sent the SON he loved sooo very much TO US!!!! That is God's GIFT to us! He scooped us up and said .....yes I know you are crying. You are hurt. The world is messed up, and this won't make sense to you right now, but I am sending you MY ONE AND ONLY SON!!!!!!

Just to prove HOW MUCH POWER I HAVE he will be born to 2 commonly poor people his Earthly mom will be a young teen. His dad a carpenter. OK to make this work I will hook them both up to an angel messenger because otherwise- well yea- this plan is a wee bit hard to swallow!

And then......JESUS IS BORN!!!!! That is CHRISTMAS my friends- there is NOTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!! There just ISN'T! HE IS, HE WAS, AND HE IS TO COME AGAIN......that is the finishing story which we celebrate at Easter!!!

We humans mess it up (he he he....all the time that is) - you know the story. We say well this is the time of year I feel guilty so I give a few toys to those that may not have any. Or how about we serve a day at the soup kitchen. THESE ARE GREAT THINGS- KEEP DOING THEM. BUT my point is this is NOT CHRISTMAS EITHER! They are a few results of what we do in response of Christmas.

So we let our christmas - yes that's right folks I did it on purpose- christmas without a capital C.....why? Because that is what most of us do- crowded malls, overflowing presents under the tree, santa, spending so much money we are in debt the rest of the year or we skip tithing that month because after all this is really important, or spending so much time going to christmas parties we forget to spend time with our own family. I point fingers at me too! A real Christmas is WHO we are. Because of the HOPE, FAITH, and JOY God brought to us through JESUS! It is what WE DO EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!

Not because we deserve it. WE DON'T! But God does it for us anyway. He came so we could see how to live our lives. He came so that we could HAVE CHRISTMAS ALL THE TIME! Every day.....not presents, elves, and the silly movies.

It is the kind thing we did for our sick neighbor- in MAY,
it is the child we support through an organization so they can have food and basic health needs- all year long, it is the time we take to teach Sunday School- all year long,
it is the kindness in our hearts as we Gladly wait in line at the grocery store and the rude person in front of us is caught up in the moment and snaps at you- today,
it is the forgiveness in your heart for the child who just couldn't help themselves for the millionth time......daily.

My friends we can't put Christ back into Christmas because HE NEVER LEFT! HE IS HERE for YOU ALL THE TIME 24/7/365!!!!! He is the baby in the wooden manger who came to grow up in perfection and DIED FOR YOU ON THE TREE! So you could be HIS FOLLOWER!

HE WAS, HE IS, AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!!!! Don't MISS OUT!!!!! Invite HIM into your lives today!

Dear God,
I am so sorry for when I let red and green bows, presents, crowded stores and sales, things I think I can't live without, the shiny lights, or a man wearing read and white take any place in YOUR DAY! I am sorry that year round I tend to go with the flow and NOT SEEK YOU! I pray you will come into my life and take over all that I do. I give my entire household to YOU and YOU ONLY! Thank you for dying on the cross and forgiving my sins. Please ENTER into all parts of my life and help me listen to you. In YOUR HOLY NAME we pray- AMEN!

***A recommendation of a movie if you have Netflix - it is on the instant play...if not it is available to buy as well. Christmas with a capital "C"...pretty much where I got my thoughts from :)

Fundraising.....fun (ny)

2011-12-09T12:50:00.001-05:00

So- Ready, Set.......

GO!!!! Our big baking sale has begun!!!! And with lots of ingredients on our counters, and ovens on, and lots of hard work. I started baking at 8am......with a short afternoon break......kept going......with lots of time to pray for many of my friends, family, and bloggy friends.....

We finally finished at 1:30am :)

And with only 2 tragedies........NO CHOCOLATE WAS HARMED IN THIS EVENT. Don't worry we didn't waste this precious cookie- it was eaten by us! We just couldn't put it in our pretty packages!

Jason made these labels- he loves doing things like this.

LOVE the way they turned out!

We did Chocolate Crinkles.....

This is all the stuff lined up....well most anyway there was some on the table too :)

Christmas cookies.....

Peanut Butter Blossoms (what my mom called them).....

There were funfetti cupcakes as well as chocolate mint- don't these look GREAT!!!

rice crispie bars- that is a stack of bars!

peanut butter brownies with chocolate frosting of course! We didn't have any bread orders or pie orders, but never fear we have some coming up!!! :)

And this......well this is the aftermath!!!!!

Yeah- go ahead be jealous!!! :) I know you are!!!!!!!! Well....it has now been cleaned, cleared, and put away....until next week when we do it all over!!! YEAH for the gifts to bake so we can bring our next child home!!!! TOTALLY WORTH IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

You know a lot of people say things about adoption- like why should I support your adoption. If you don't have enough money you can't afford more children. That is a little crazy to say. Because how many of you have $5,000-25,000 hanging around? So most families have to do fundraisers.

That doesn't mean we haven't raised funds on our own!!! Because believe me we have! That doesn't mean we don't trust God to bring us what we need when we need it. WE DO! We have saved, cut out more extras. We have put in some time on extra projects so we can earn extra income.

We know and appreciate all that others have given to us so we could have money to do this. Our arms are already aching to hold our next child! We can't WAIT (and I am totally serious- remember how bad I am at waiting?)!!!!!!! We know we will have to keep plugging away at our fundraisers, to trust God for what we need.

I am NOT one that says - yeah....I get to ask for money. BUT God has also taught me that reliance on myself is really not a good thing. That we need to rely on HIM and OTHERS! I am thankful for that.

SO that being said if you need some great ideas for Christmas gifts.......

1) Buy some food from our Christmas/New Year's Baking Fundraiser (for local people) email us or donate through paypal and let us know in the comments what you want OR.....
2) Buy a What is Good Tshirt from our side bar- donate and then tell what color/size you want OR,
3) Buy something from Olive Tree Promise- they have Superman was adopted Tshirts, monogrammed baby items, music, necklaces, art, and lots more!!!!!! OR.......
4) Buy something from Scentsy- there are many great smelling things to buy for yourself or as gifts!!! This is a gift to me from Kasey Ellis who wants to help me raise funds for our next special child- THANKS KASEY ELLIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR
5) Simply Donate or PRAY!!! Pray for protection of our child. Pray that they may be in great hands until we are able to meet them. Pray that they will know they are loved. Pray that we will be led by the Holy Spirit to know.......when the next Wright(s) come along!

Thank you all sooo much for putting up with me :) I value you all and the support you have given our family over the years....whether it is a comment, or an email, or facebook. I love that the Body of Christ is online and ready to Bless each other! THANK YOU!

Happy 10th Birthday (yesterday) to Andrew James Wright!

2011-12-06T13:53:00.001-05:00

Here's his present! The only thing he plays with now!!!! My lego boy :)

Opening cards...

He he he....that expression is priceless! He has many different "Andrew Faces" :)

Oh and a Star Wars chapter book! Because the other thing he loves is READING!!!!!!!!

My crazy birthday sings ;)

He wanted a yellow cinnamon cake- and we put cinnamon roll frosting on it!

IT WAS YUMMY!!!! Great choice Andrew!

My baby.......who had colic and was totally cheeky is now 10!!!!!!! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN!!!!

You know every year we go through this "thing" with me and the kids. I tell them they are not allowed to grow and they say, but mommy your mom let you grow up. And well....what do you say to that? But I say it anyway because I really want them to grow up I LOVE IT, but I also miss all the little things they used to do. You know. It is sooo hard. We have a book called Let Me Hold You Longer- makes my cry, but oh so good!!! AND TRUE!!!!

I know I know- you are thinking - Dawn don't stress you have many other littles. This I know. And I love them all in the different stages. And well......hello my name is Dawn and I am addicted to my children!!!! It's a great problem to have!!!! ***Note I am say this after a crazy day with rages and ADD craziness! I just can't help it.

I mean how could I not just blow up with LOVE from this crazy face? Andrew you are a compassionate and sensitive leader! You love reading, legos, and helping your younger siblings. You have mood swings like no other (well except me), and you act just like some one I know....hmmmm.....stubborn and yet just so cute! When people ask - genetics vs. learned behaviors- look no further! This child is proof- learned behavior is HUGE!!! :) he he he he he he LOVE YOU ANDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And here is my handsome man who loves our babes as much as I do!!!!! Couldn't do it without you babe!!!!!

How we decorate and my newest nesting project

2011-12-04T18:11:00.001-05:00

This is our tree........ LOVE the HUGE ornament in the middle :)

No fireplace this year, but bookcases will do the same thing.....

Of course we have 2 of them......guess we'll have to make room for more....for next year!!!!!

lighting it up....

You LIGHT UP MY LIFE BABY!!!

Oh no- they are kissing again :)

Awww....LOVE....

Some more love going on here....

Yes, this girl was born knowing how to pose so cute!!!!

WOW- a bit up close and personal with that camera Matthew. Oh dear now everyone will definitely see that I don't wear make up. Sorry folks!

Play time.....

Dance time....

hey, we love to dance!

Oh dear look at this child. He may seem a bit to himself, but look at how he plays with his little sibs!

He is a GREAT big brother always wanting to play!!! He says he wants LOTS of children when he gets older- he will make a great daddy!

Our manger scene to play with.

And some silly kiddos in santa hats....

Jonathan fake sleeping ;)

sqeeze!

Rock out!

Joanna dancing with her tree limb

Andrew telling everyone what branch "color" is next. Hmmm.......the leader and soo much like someone I know???

Oh Jonathan.....is he cute or what??? Just thinking that in a couple of days - 3 years ago we passed court!!! And the day after Christmas we flew over to get our baby boy (who was 18 mo old at the time). So thankful for our late Christmas present!!!! (***this was before they required 2 trips)

Cheese- do you think she has her picture taken often???

OK for my latest nesting project. I cleaned out the garage! Why? Because eventually I want to completely redo this garage into a huge open play area!!! :) So why not start at least using it for a fun indoor area the kids can run around in to wear off some energy!!!!

I can see it now. Our 2 sets of stackable washer/dryer sets (I can dream right?), cupboards along that wall with tools along the top and toys down where they kids can reach, tiling, possibly getting rid of the garage door and putting in a wall with a bay window? outdoor/indoor toys to play with especially for those rainy days when you can't go outside! :)

Oh and here is our professional peeler!!!

OH YEAH!!! WE LOVE TURKEY so why would we only want it on Thanksgiving? I bought 4!! Hey it was cheap and WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Join me in prayer for a little boy who has a family, but needs a foster family while his family gets the clearances back!!! THANKS &.......

Still thinking and praying for this little guy!!!!! Please join me in prayer and petition for him to find his family!!!!!!! :)

Sewmehon

Male, DOB: April 16, 2008

Also known as Simon, Sewmehon is estimated to be three years old. He has been reported to be a smiley little boy with a sweet personality and was admitted into the orphanage in October 2009. His birth mother has disappeared and his birth father is unknown.

Given the complexity of this little boy’s medical and developmental considerations, he has spent most of his time lying in his crib. He interacts with people and other children living in the orphanage although his movement is extremely limited. He is able to utter sounds and cries but is not able to say meaningful words.

Sewmehon is reported to have global developmental delays, spastic cerebral palsy, and possible encephalomalacia. A CT scan of Sewmehon’s brain revealed a large porencephatic cyst on the left side of his brain from possible encephalomalacia. The doctor has reported that these health issues have most likely been present since Sewmehon’s early infancy and that he would greatly benefit from an evaluation by a neurosurgeon.

Even with his needs our staff have shared that Sewmehon has so much joy in his soul and his eyes. It is believed by the doctor that Sewmehon has potential for improvement given adequate medical care and stimulation. We believe a special family out there is able to meet these needs and help Sewmehon to thrive and have life to the fullest.

***If you feel this is your son or just want to learn more PLEASE contact egranath@allgodschlidren.org or go directly to allgodschildren.org and fill out a free pre application! PLEASE SPREAD the word and help find his family. He needs them!!

Our Daily Bread

2011-12-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

Yummy! I LOVE HOME MADE BREADS and DESSERTS!!!!

As in I could totally eat them all day long!!!! But these past couple of weeks I have been thinking about daily bread in the Lord's Prayer. Give us this day our daily bread. When you think about it in the terms of people used to make bread daily you think about how this refers to those days. You know before preservatives and store bought bread :) (hey, don't think we don't buy bread I am NOT that talented to make bread every day, but I try).

But then it hit me that really we are asking God for our needs FOR THAT DAY! Not for the whole year, not for the whole week, not even for today and tomorrow. Then remembering the Isrealites wandering around in the desert. How God said don't take more than you NEED for today or it will spoil. And I am sure there were people who tried it! Just being honest- I WOULD! But it spoiled. UNLESS it was for the Sabbath- then it wouldn't spoil!!

So where I am going with this is that sometimes it is hard to see what tomorrow is going to bring. It is hard to know about what our needs will look like tomorrow. For us doing adoptions right now- we WANT TO KNOW NOW LORD who our child/ren is, what do they look like, what will they grow up to be. Some of us with RADish children ask ourselves daily- Lord will they every choose to love me back? Will they ever __________? OR if you have other special needs in your child- Will they ever grow up to ________?

I think this is completely natural. God made us to think and dream! AMEN! But we have to know that FOR TODAY HE GIVES US STRENGTH! FOR TODAY HE will help us get through. FOR THIS MOMENT that your child is raging- HE will give you grace to handle it. FOR THIS SECOND when you feel rejected for the millionth time- HE gives you peace. FOR THIS HOUR HE gives you peace to wait for the next step in the adoption process. FOR THIS MORNING HE will allow you to find joy in the small things when it seems your life is soo upside down.

For today we have enough to eat, and some to spare. For this time we have plans and hopes for our children's futures. For now we can choose to be happy about where God has us......and TRUST HIM for the DAILY BREAD for tomorrow- Tomorrow. Trust HIM for that strength when we need it. Trust HIM for the money for the mounting things that need to be fixed or for our next adoption- when we need it.

I pray all of you can find that DAILY BREAD when you need it. I am learning and I have such a looonnggg way to go that I have to rely on HIM - EACH DAY, each hour, each minute, and each second..........

OK something amazing happened- I did a craft with the kids. SHOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously- I don't do crafts!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know why....ummm...I just can't, won't, don't- whatever.

But the kids love it! And well- that smile is worth more than any amount of mess!!!!

Matthew- even when thinking of "snow" pictures he still made an Iron Man :)

This is a White out!

And this is Jonathan and I's snowman :) he he he- yeah!

***Don't forget- if you are local here are some GREAT FOOD GIFTS- pies, cookies, fudge, bars, etc.
****If you aren't local- don't forget to go shopping HERE!!!!! Portions go to our adoption!!! YEAH!!!
******Or buy a What is Good Shirt from our sidebar- just put the size and color in the comment section on paypal or email/facebook us and send a check!
********And don't forget the SCENTSY!!!!!! Talk about some yummy smells!!!! :)

THANK YOU for all of your support and prayers for our next child/ren!!!! WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Thanksgiving with family.

2011-11-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

Here is my handsome hubby with our little babe and her cousin- Jessa who is 6 months younger than Joanna.

So the Geer family has a tradition of painting faces for Thanksgiving and our kids loved joining in!

Awww......they are cute!

Especially those smiles

Look at that looonnnnnggg table! Glad my cousin has redone her home recently and made it all open- AWESOME!!!!

Joanna having a conversation with daddy :)

cheese!

Cute decorations from my cousin's wife- Caroline and Grammy (my aunt Jane).

YEAH!!!! Uncle Jackson is here!!!! Greeted like a celebrity- which HE IS- he was recently on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!!!!! Of course he is bound not to say a WORD about how he did or how much he won, until it has aired. Just got word it will be December 9th 7:30 Eastern time :) YEAH!!!!!

Joanna got some pretty stripes too!

All the cousins outside playing!!!!!

Look at this- soo CUTE!!! With a cupcake inside the ice cream cone!!! ADORABLE!!! I sooo need lessons from Caroline on doing cute things- I am NOT a great crafty homeschooling momma.

Uncle Mark and Jessa!!! She just turned 1 not long ago and we are sooo excited to have this miracle in our family!!!!!

Heidi and Mark endured a few failed adoption attempts before Jessa came into their lives- PRAISE GOD for this gift!!!!!!! That is soooo a proud mommy look!!! And I think Jessa is telling her something. This girl can walk and talk like a pro!

Joanna wanting to know if I want her toy?

Working hard in the kitchen getting everything ready!

Joanna and Ezra looking at the dog- Rose Bud.

Oh never mind- let's run this way....OK says Ezzy....

Yep this table set up for 24 people!!!! Now just so I don't totally confuse you. When I say Aunt Heidi or Caroline- they are actually my cousins, but we decided we liked the idea of sisters instead. So our kids call them aunt and uncle instead!

Joanna let Makenna hold her! YEAH- and other family did too!! That is a big step for her!

Love this picture of Abigail and Daddy together!!!! :)

My cousin Ryan and my aunt Jane!

Ok everyone it's time to eat!

Adults getting sat down too.

You know you have been to theme parks some when your daughter lines up the cousins on the swing and says.....

OK are you ready to have some fun today at Islands of Adventure?

Jessa and Aunty Caroline :)

Caught doing all the dishes- LOVE YOU HEIDI!!!!! THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH FOR A FANTASTIC THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE OUR FAMILY!!!

OH and if you have a sweet tooth- you NEED to visit the last post!!! If you are local- feel free to browse for some holiday shopping for food that you DON'T HAVE TO MAKE!!! If not- scroll to the bottom for some other ways to support our adoption!

Pies, Breads, Fudge, Cupcakes, Cookies, Rice Crispie Treats- OH MY!

2011-11-29T17:10:00.001-05:00

WARNING THIS POST WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRY.......

IT MAY CAUSE A DIABETIC SHOCK TO OCCUR......

and....well there is some cuteness mixed in!!!!!!

So what in the world is this all about you ask?

Well- WE ARE DOING A DESSERT FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What better way to bring home our next sweetie/s than to make you some sweeties?

So in this post you will see LOTS of great desserts we have made at the Wright Home like this ice cream cake,

Or this cookie cake......

how about pineapple cake?

Or these yummy chewy nut bars?

Ohh....one of my favorites is meringue- lots of fun shapes to do with these too!

How about some great cupcakes- any color!!!!

Yummy cake (this one is carrot cake)....

OK for all those cute kids who love dirt - this is PERFECT! Dirt Cake!!!!!! YUMMY!!!!

Cutsie cupcakes for pretty princesses??

Awwww....she is a princess.......

No bake cookies, up close of meringues....and my boys helping me make some biscuits too!

Jason rolling out the dough for our apple pies we made for Thanksgiving.

Abigail and Andrew helping make the pretty decorations on top.

Evidently you need sunglasses when helping in the kitchen? :)

OK So what is the deal? We are selling- Apple pie- 10", made with granny smiths, and the crust is made with a shortbread type dough. YUMMY!!! $12

Or try our Coconut Pie- 10", again made with the shortbread type dough and topped with meringue that is delicious! $12

How about Banana Cream Pie- 10", same type shortbread dough - now that is something to eat up in a hurry!!! $12

Cupcakes- sold by the dozen! ANY COLOR FROSTING YOU WANT! If you want other sprinkles or toppings let us know :). Different flavors- chocolate mint, chocolate, funfetti, etc. $8

Sugar cookies- obviously in Christmas shapes assorted 24 cookies!!! YUMMY!!! We can sugar them or frost them whichever you prefer. $6

Fudge- chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate, or caramel- $6 for a 8x8 pan- around a pound. $6

Oopps another apple pie pic to make you drool- oops no pictures of our PECAN PIE- 10" and only $15!!

Banana Bread- a loaf for only $6!

Peanut butter/chocolate kiss cookies- 24 for $6 a great Christmas treat!

Chocolate with peanut butter chips cookies- 24 for only $6

Joanna says take my word for it- the cupcakes are YUMMY!

Fresh Buttermilk Biscuits!!!!! Dozen $5 or with cheese and bacon added $6

You can't tell by this picture, but take my word for it. In the tradition of my mother - these cookies are.... well.....HUGE!!!! Seriously my mom didn't know how to make small cookies!!!! They are called chocolate crinkles and if you haven't had them- they are like brownies that melt in your mouth!!!!! $6 for a dozen.

Another snapshot of some cupcakes- for more ideas.....

And how about rice crispie bars- as you can see these are pretty monstrous!!!!! Dozen for $6 and we can decorate them with some fun Christmas sprinkles as well if you like!!!!

WHEW!!!!! Sound good to you? GREAT!!!!! PUT YOUR ORDER IN TODAY!!!!!!!
Here is how it works- We will be making these wonderful goodies FRESH from our home weekly! Other pictures that caught your eye- email/facebook me and we can work out a great deal for you on any of the above pictures!!!!!!

So on the dates of DECEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (every Friday)- we will be at our home- so you can come pick them up between 6-9 pm (we live in BRANDON, FL)
OR for only $5 we will deliver to you between 6:30-9pm anywhere within Brandon, FL area :)

WE WILL NEED YOUR ORDERS by WEDNESDAY of that week!!!!!! So we can be sure to have all of your goodies ready for you! Or you can get us advanced orders too and just tell us what Friday you want them ready.

You can pay us by giving us a check, cash, or donate with our pay pal button! Send us your order by email, facebook, or when you click the paypal donation button and leave it in the comment section.

THIS IS GREAT FOR Christmas parties, Family Gatherings, Every Day FUN for your office or family, New Year's Parties- OR ANYTIME!!! Of course all the proceeds go to helping us bring our sweet child/ren home- READ MORE HERE!!!! We are planning on bringing home a child/ren between the ages of 0-5 with special needs whether that be emotional or physical or all of the above. We have looked into different special needs such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsey, scoliosis, spina bifida, hydrocephaly, or any other child/ren the Lord calls us to! This is HIS ADOPTION we are simply EXCITED and THRILLED to be on this journey with HIM!!!

SOOOO if you are NOT LOCAL, but want to help us out- Plenty of other ways to help us!!!

PRAYER is NEEDED!!! This is NOT something we are doing on our own strength. This could get really crazy. This may be absolutely NUTS. BUT we are trusting HIM to be in control of our finances, of our home, of our family- especially of our new child/ren!

You can give a donation (by paypal on the left hand side of this page or send a check- email me for our address)! This is a HUGE BLESSING no matter the amount- it is HIS ANYWAY!

You can Buy a What is Good? T-shirt pictured on the left hand side of the blog. Just pay by paypal and write a comment as to what sizes/colors you want. Or email/facebook me your color and size and send me a check- I can get you our address :)

You can Buy Scentsy too!!!! Oh those wonderful smells of Christmas! Give it as a gift or keep some for yourself :) they are wonderful!!!!!

OR You can go to Olive Tree Promise - There are MANY products including Superman was adopted t's in red, pink, and blue, Africa ornaments, monogrammed baby items, music, magazine bead necklaces, artwork, Africa bags, and much more!!!!!

WE THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because we know our Blog readers are a BLESSING!!!!! You have left comments of encouragement, emailed us, facebooked us- and helped us in our times of trial. You have no idea how much of a BLESSING you are!!!!! We appreciate the prayers, your donations so far, you spreading the word. We can't wait to show you the new child/ren God brings to our family- BECAUSE OF YOU!!!!

Happy 9th Birthday Matthew Joseph Wright! & A little boy needs a home!

2011-11-28T17:09:00.001-05:00

To our one and only- Matthew Joseph Wright Happy Happy Birthday Baby!!!!!

He loved his new watch- lego star wars of course :)

And his super hero action figures too! Because you know all boys need super heros!!

And his cards- especially from fun loving grandmas and grandpas.......

OH AND if you haven't been around my blog for a while.....THIS IS THE KICK OFF TO OUR TRIPLETS WEEK!!!! What is triplets week you ask? Well.....there is one week every year between Matthew and Andrew's birthday where all 3 boys are the same age! YEP- our version of triplets. Technically they are all 6months apart. But really very much triplets!!!

Awww......look they are sleeping on the balloons.

Say CHEESE mommy! OK sweetie ;)

Matthew wanted his pic with baby girl :)

Oh and for his cake- Captain America's shield of course!

Notice anything in these pictures that is different????

Happy Birthday sweetie- we love you more than words can say!

To a boy who came into the world 9 years ago (yesterday) tiny- under 6lbs. We met you and instantly LOVED YOU!!! And 2 days later they let us leave the hospital with you......note to self - Abigail came to us at 14 months....Andrew at 8 weeks, but a ity bity newborn felt soo different! It felt like we could break you and we knew then what most parents feel- SCARED OUTSIDE OUR MINDS!

Thank the Lord for His guidance and provision! You have grown into a handsome, comedian, inventor- yes he takes things apart! AND loves to see how things work, and our super hero in the making :) !!!! He was thrilled to help daddy make his cake. Because who doesn't want to be as cool as their dad? And he thanked us over and over for his gifts- why? Not because they were expensive or mind blowing, but because he truly appreciated them. We THANK YOU GOD for bringing Matthew to us!!!

Now....here is some information about a boy who needs a HOME: Please join me in prayer and petition for him to find his family!!!!!!! :)

Sewmehon

Male, DOB: April 16, 2008

Exciting Things are coming........ :)

2011-11-27T11:34:00.001-05:00

Today is our precious son Matthew Joseph Wright's 9th Birthday!!!!!! LOTS OF LOVE!!!! Will be doing a post later about that.........

BUT......because we are already dreaming and planning for our next child/ren to come home we have some really EXCITING THINGS coming.......for local people :) ......think about all those family gatherings in the month of December, think of all those Christmas parties you will be going to or maybe even all the ones you have to do something for - for your kiddos, and all while your own family is begging you for some great sweets too.........

NOW- think how easy it would be to have SOMEONE ELSE make those- pies, cupcakes, cookies, breads, and fudge..........All reasonable priced and ready to either be delivered in the Brandon area or pick up at our place! WAHOO you say? GREAT!!!!! Because in the Wright home there are a few things we take very seriously- GOD, FAMILY, CHURCH, and desserts. :)

LOTS of details to come!!! SOOONNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joanna's Adoption Day!!!!!!

2011-11-23T11:34:00.001-05:00

Hello- this is Joanna Faith Wright here! Telling everyone that yesterday was my adoption day and can I get a witness as to the wonderful miracle of adoption? It's true!!! You see mommy and daddy were looking for their next child....and my birth mommy and daddy had to make a hard decision to allow me to be adopted. And God BROUGHT US TOGETHER! PRAISE GOD!

This is me opening up my presents.....

Look everyone my parents got me a ball......

Oh wait- this ball does cool tricks....

And has a little ball too! Look at me soo smart!!

OK mommy knew I would love this because I play with these in waiting areas all the time!

Now I have one of my own and it is my size to carry it around :)

Oh this is fun... this shape goes here....

Look everyone likes my toys.

Wait a minute wouldn't it just be easier to open it up and put them in - instead? Hello....am I the only one who thinks this is a great idea? :)

Oooooo daddy made me cupcakes with pink and purple swirl frosting!!! MY FAV!

Ok let's test them out.....

Oh yeah, you wish you were eating this now don't you?

I got new pj's that say Sweet Like Candy!!!! Yeah, I am doing a happy dance!!!

Yeah, it's ok to stare- I am made in God's Image!!!!!! :)

To see me last year on my original adoption day when mommy and daddy and all 7 of my sibs went to court to say- YES WE WANT HER FOREVER!!!! Go here :)

To see my story unfold go here, then.... here, then.....here, then here , then......oh yeah here OR you can just go to the first here....and follow the next few posts ;)

I want to encourage all you mommies and daddies out there. You see....my story came from a tragic loss.....of another daughter that mommy and daddy were longing for...matched with....and then loss that no one can explain. No one wants to experience.......but sometimes we do.

BUT GOD!!!! God planned ME!!!! He knew I would need a home with my crazy family......and He gently took their broken hearts that were in millions of pieces.......and put them piece by piece back together (you can't "replace" a child, but you can heal from loss). I know a lot of people experience loss. BUT I ALSO HAVE SEEN THE HANDS OF GOD! And I KNOW that HE CAN HEAL! It may not be what you wanted or thought you needed.....but it is perfect. Go ahead- trust HIM to HEAL YOU TODAY!!

PRAYING ALL OF YOU HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!!!! Our crazy family will get to be with our family- which is new for us :) Moving here - a true blessing!!!!

Putting in Tshirt order today!!

2011-11-22T11:14:00.001-05:00

Sneak Peak at what I will posting about later today....or tomorrow... you know sometimes things go crazy
So what would Joanna, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Matthew, Joshua, Andrew, Abigail, Daddy & Mommy like for Christmas? TO GIVE ANOTHER CHILD A HOME FULL OF LOVE!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP US :)

Buy a What is Good Tshirt!!!! Yeah- those off to the left of this screen!!!! If you place an order today the order is being placed tomorrow! Once they come in I will be getting them out to you ASAP!!! :) They would make GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!!!!

***Just click the donate button and you can either leave a note with the donation saying what color and sizes you want or you can email/facebook me. THANK YOU!!!!

Or you can buy something off of this scentsy site to help us bring our child home GREAT scents to make cents for our adoption costs. To bring home a special needs angel ;)

Or you can buy something off of Olive Tree Promise site- which has- Superman was adopted tshirts!, Africa Christmas ornaments, Bead necklaces, Africa bags, monogrammed burp clothes and head bands, art prints, Superman was adopted bumper sticker, great music, and more to chose from!!!!!! Go check it out!!! The Superman was adopted shirts- come in pink, blue, or red!!!!

Awww.......I mean look at all these gorgeous faces- Matthew doing his electric set, and the other boys joined in on the fun. Elizabeth being very patient as mommy did her hair this morning. Almost done.......

WE APPRECIATE all of your support for our family! Including all of your prayers, your time you spend looking at our crazy blog :), your love of our family, and our next adoption! THANK YOU!!!!!!

AND THE WINNER IS..........

2011-11-21T08:33:00.001-05:00

He he he.....ok so with a new camera that I hve only had a few weeks.....I totally crashed this picture. All you can see is my messy desk with a white bowl...... I can assure you the "strips of paper with names" are in the bowl!!

Here is my lovely assistant. I know - she is GORGEOUS!

Making sure to look at the camera...... what you wanted to know who won the free t-shirt?

Well....I have some other pictures from our day out at Islands of Adventure.....

Elizabeth asked what the thing above her head was. I said it was to suck out your brains. She looked at me and said mommy quite being silly. ;)

Andrew you will get a HUGE belly ache eating all that!!!

Loved all the Christmas decorations!

Awww......Muberry Street!

Stopping to have a snack!

Watch out Joshua those teeth bite :)

Here is Joanna's dance moves.

Awwww......

Look at those faces.

There are sooo many times I look at the faces and think- HOW DID WE GET SOOO BLESSED????

I know you want to know who won the t-shirt, but I have a story of Blessing to share! I know - sorry ;)

We were planning on our trip to the park this Saturday. We bought year long passes for our vacation this year- really the only expense besides driving the hourish away. But the great thing is they let you bring in food!!! Like as much as you want! So we brought leftovers, snacks, and of course drinks for Joanna. We splurged for the whole .80 a drink and got a few throughout the day. Along with plenty of water too!!

But, literally as we were about ready to head out someone choose to bless us with $15 of Adventure Bucks. Which you can spend on anything you want in the park! We thought about it for a bit, and then I said if we used it to offset the crazy cost of a meal here we could stay until the park closes at 8pm. So we chose a cheaper meal (burgers and chicken strips), split the meals, ate some snacks with it, and it only cost around $20 for our whole family!!! Not bad.

It was great fun to walk around at night! The kids loved seeing all the lights of the park, and getting to go on rides in the pitch black. I have to say that sometimes blessings may not seem much to those who give, but to those who receive - IT IS HUGE!!!!!!! It was a FUN BLESSING to get to stay at the park! The kids had sooo much fun!

I am soo VERY VERY VERY THANKFUL for sooo many BLESSINGS in my LIFE and not just because it is Thanksgiving this week. I am just thankful. For all those that have given our family- little gifts, big gifts, paid for a dessert for us at the mall, given us shirts, sent us money for adoptions, prayed for us, visited us or let us stay at their homes, paid for part of a meal out (which is seriously a rare treat), given us coupons, prayed for us some more, and stopped to talk with us to ask questions about our family- what an opportunity to share about adoption, family, value of life, etc. So thankful that God chose us for a life that most don't understand, but that we LOVE SOOO MUCH!!!!

If you would have told me we would have 8 children and still adding- I would have called you CRAZY! But now.....God's changed our hearts, our habits, our lives into something soo different, so wonderful it is just too amazing sometimes to try to put into words. But I try - here on this blog.

OK AND THE WINNER IS..............LORRAINE PATTERSON!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Thank you EVERYONE for helping us get the word out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are soo excited to see what this journey brings to our lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***If you haven't checked out Lorraine's blog- GO! God has done amazing things in her family as well. Miracle after Miracle....and they too are working on bringing home 2 more miracles!!! They have many Blessings of their own and it is sooo wonderful to watch!

ONE LAST CHANCE- FREE TSHIRT!!!!

2011-11-18T19:44:00.001-05:00

So last Sunday we helped look after our friends Jennifer and Kevin Bourne's kiddos :) It was fun!!! You know a lot of people would probably go- OH MY, but around here.....doesn't even phase us at all!!! In fact really all I could think about when they were here is.....hmmm......we could do 12 kids! he he he.....

Ohhh...I just want to SQUEEZE those cheeky cheeks!!! He is just such as soft spoken, cheeky mister. But sooo sweet. He still loves to sit on my lap and let me cuddle him. And I LOVE IT!!! I tell him he has to let me cuddle him FOREVER. We'll see how that works?

And well.....Joanna......what can you say?

Yes, this is her brother's gun....no idea what she is doing, but it is pointing backwards...he he he

What?

Uh oh.....who is this?

Oh mom....you know it is me- your cutie pie.

Yep, here she is....

She loved the little "house" big brother Joshua "built" for her!

And where is the princess Joanna? HERE SHE IS!!! AND SHE WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW- TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MAKE ENTRIES INTO OUR T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO HERE IS THE DEAL- WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR - What is Good? tshirts with Micah 6:8 on the back.
1) Entry one leave me a comment!!! Or if for some reason you can't comment leave me a email :)
2) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your blog
3) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your facebook
4) Buy any item from ANY ONE OF OUR FUNDRAISERS including Olive Tree Promise, What is Good T shirt, or anything from SCENTSY!!!!!!!!

***If you have done any of 2-4 please let me know through a comment or through an email/facebook so I will give you all your entries!!!!!!! Chances will end Friday @ Midnight!

OOOOHHHHHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILDING!!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO BRING HOME OUR NEXT CHILD AND WE ARE SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE PRAYING FOR OUR NEXT CHILD- PROTECTION AND HEALING, THEIR BIRTH FAMILY- HEALING, OUR FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE, AND FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR US!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH!!!!!!!

NOW LET'S GET SHARING!!! THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS ADOPTING A SPECIAL NEEDS ANGEL AND THEY ARE WAITING..... :)

******For those of you who haven't heard or are coming to our blog for the first time- our family is adopting a special needs child age 0-5 domestically sometime soon!!! Our homestudy is being written up in the next weekish....and we will be ready and waiting! We are praying our next child HOME and ask that you join us in that prayer and if you can give to help out- GREAT! Because really it isn't about us....it is about the next child getting a family that will love, spoil, adore, and raise them up for the Lord!

HERE IS THE STORY OF WHAT HAPPENED..... in our decision to adopt.

We do crazy well- TSHIRT GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-11-17T16:12:00.001-05:00

We feel like we are on top of the world.....oh maybe that is my hubby. Too bad ladies he is all MINE well and the Lord's. :) Climbing out of the window to rescue some balls the boys lost where our roof meets the screened in area. Why would we be on top of the world? Because we get to have another child soon!!!! And that could be SOONER than we think!!!!

Look at our baby all growing up and everything? WHAT? That's right our oldest is a beautiful young lady. And well.....she has already told us - mom and dad it is time for another child. We listened to the Lord and HE told us clearly - it is time as well. So even though others think we are crazy........

We do crazy really well.........

I mean - why not be crazy for the Lord.....

For those who don't have a home and a family? For our LORD who created ALL LIFE? Why NOT be crazy?

Living in Florida you see these birds all the time, but not usually in a huge group across the street from you...

OK you want to make Joanna cry by ignoring our pleas to help us get the word out?

Really.....how can you make Joanna cry?

Evidently by making a rice crispie man and getting it any where near her. ????? But we don't want to see this face. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE- Help our family get the word out- FREE TSHIRT is at stake!!!!

SO HERE IS THE DEAL- WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR - What is Good? tshirts with Micah 6:8 on the back.
1) Entry one leave me a comment!!! Or if for some reason you can't comment leave me a email :)
2) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your blog
3) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your facebook
4) Buy any item from ANY ONE OF OUR FUNDRAISERS including Olive Tree Promise, What is Good T shirt, or anything from SCENTSY!!!!!!!!

***If you have done any of 2-4 please let me know through a comment or through an email/facebook so I will give you all your entries!!!!!!! Chances will end Friday. So you have lots of time to help!

OOOOHHHHHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILDING!!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO BRING HOME OUR NEXT CHILD AND WE ARE SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE PRAYING FOR OUR NEXT CHILD- PROTECTION AND HEALING, THEIR BIRTH FAMILY- HEALING, OUR FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE, AND FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR US!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH!!!!!!!

NOW LET'S GET SHARING!!! THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS ADOPTING A SPECIAL NEEDS ANGEL AND THEY ARE WAITING..... :)

******For those of you who haven't heard or are coming to our blog for the first time- our family is adopting a special needs child age 0-5 domestically sometime soon!!! Our homestudy is being written up in the next weekish....and we will be ready and waiting! We are praying our next child HOME and ask that you join us in that prayer and if you can give to help out- GREAT! Because really it isn't about us....it is about the next child getting a family that will love, spoil, adore, and raise them up for the Lord!

***********FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY HAVE SHARED- THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FREE TSHIRT!!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

2011-11-16T14:13:00.001-05:00

COME ONE COME ALL!!!!! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE T-SHIRT!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE WRIGHT FAMILY BLOG BEFORE- SO JOIN IN AND HELP US BRING HOME OUR NEXT SPECIAL CHILD!!!!!!

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP????

OK TAKING OUT THE BIG GUNS- LOOK AT THIS PICTURE AND TELL ME NO- HA!!! YOU CAN'T!!!!!!

SO HERE IS THE DEAL- WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR - What is Good? tshirts with Micah 6:8 on the back.
1) Entry one leave me a comment!!! Or if for some reason you can't comment leave me a email :)
2) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your blog
3) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your facebook
4) Buy any item from ANY ONE OF OUR FUNDRAISERS including Olive Tree Promise, What is Good T shirt, or anything from SCENTSY!!!!!!!!

***If you have done any of 2-4 please let me know through a comment or through an email/facebook so I will give you all your entries!!!!!!! Chances will end Friday. So you have lots of time to help!

OOOOHHHHHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILDING!!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO BRING HOME OUR NEXT CHILD AND WE ARE SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE PRAYING FOR OUR NEXT CHILD- PROTECTION AND HEALING, THEIR BIRTH FAMILY- HEALING, OUR FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE, AND FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR US!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH!!!!!!!

NOW LET'S GET SHARING!!! THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS ADOPTING A SPECIAL NEEDS ANGEL AND THEY ARE WAITING..... :)

******For those of you who haven't heard or are coming to our blog for the first time- our family is adopting a special needs child age 0-5 domestically sometime soon!!! Our homestudy is being written up in the next weekish....and we will be ready and waiting! We are praying our next child HOME and ask that you join us in that prayer and if you can give to help out- GREAT! Because really it isn't about us....it is about the next child getting a family that will love, spoil, adore, and raise them up for the Lord!

Feeding Children Everywhere

2011-11-15T18:38:00.001-05:00

Awww....these two are just adorable and I can't just pass on this picture :)

OK a week ago Saturday we did an event at our church packing 250,000 meals

for those in Haiti.

We did a FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE event before at Jason's workplace.

Yes, that is Andrew's famous face- lucky me huh? But don't you like the smiley face cup?

When we told our kids we were going to be doing this again- THEY CHEERED!!!

Even the youngest can get involved! They color the boxes that are shipped! Which I love because well...who doesn't think that adding some personal coloring and notes of love to the people who are receiving the food aren't wonderful? :)

This is the mayor of Prince Port au Prince who came to share a huge thank you and how important this was for his country....his home....the people he loves.

Later through translation- he shared again some testimony during the church service.

We filled our side parking lot full of tables ready to pack and had several shifts on both Saturday and Sunday.

Joanna- our little person in charge is cracking that whip- saying - what are you taking pictures for mommy- get back to work!

Measuring, scooping, weighing, double checking, sealing the bags full of food, but more importantly full of prayers and love!!!!

Elizabeth.....awww...

Jonathan :)

Look at the family of God working together! LOVE THIS!!!!

1.2 BILLION are starving....not hungry, not haven't eaten a meal today, but STARVING!!!!!!!!!!

There is no hope without- YOU!!!!!!! We ALL have to get involved!!!! Not some, not those of us that are "better off"- EVERYONE! What can you do? There are literally too many organizations to count that do sooo much good throughout our world- pick one and do something!!!!

***Feeding Children Everywhere will do packing events anywhere :) churches, schools, offices, wherever! So if you are interested in finding out more- Go Here :)

Lately we were talking about the fable in our history lessons.....you know the one about the dog who had a bone in his mouth. As he crossed the bridge he looked into the water and thought he saw a dog with a bigger bone. Jealous and worried that there was a dog with something better he jumped in the water.....and lost the bone he had. He returned with nothing.

Sometimes when I think of what I want and what I need- I need to remember this story! Luke 12:15 says...."Then he said to the crowd. Don't be greedy! Owning a lot of things won't make your life safe." This is soo very true! What we own doesn't make us safe, having it all won't make us safe, but giving it all away to our Savior will make us safe. Our precious jewels will not be stolen or ruined, but instead in our crown in heaven.

Do I have too much.......sometimes, when I cling to them. When I get jealous or boastful. When I remember that this is NOT MY HOME then I am putting God first and me last and remembering where my treasure lies. Praise God I am not perfect but my LANDLORD is!!!!! :)

Scentsy for sale, cute hair, no more braces, baby room, and lots more!

2011-11-14T15:54:00.001-05:00

OH MY!! Mommy has gone crazy with a post that has sooo much stuff!!! Kind of like my face!

But it will be great!!!! So here is part of it.....we are now selling something that really will make everything smell better!!!!

SCENTSY CANDLES!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are soo sweet they even would make my stinky diapers smell GREAT :) he he he he...... (link on the side of the page coming soon- when daddy gets to it...he he he)

Now on to some fun hair styles mommy has been trying lately.....

Can you say BEAUTIFUL?

And check out Elizabeth's hair......

Hey, for a first try that is pretty good :)

I love all the beads....and they keep telling me I can't grab them?

Oh and I even sat for a few minutes to let mommy do this to my hair.....

I know I am just naturally cute! :)

And this is Elizabeth's hair after mommy took out the twists against the head. It was adorable little coils :)

What's up everyone!

This picture doesn't do it justice.....

So you'll have to take my word for it- it was cute!!!! Of course she is my older sister so I may be a bit biased?

And mommy got in a crazy mood a couple of weekends ago (yeah she is behind on blogging!) and moved the "toy room" to this closet downstairs.

Along with this unit in the hallway.....

Makes it a bit tight, but hey, it made room in the "toy room" because you just never know when another child will be coming? Hmmm....I am going to talk to mommy about this- what exactly does this mean?

Oh and my toys are in the living room so I can get to them easier :)

TADA!!!!!! This is now my crib. Although mommy keeps talking about this "new addition" to the family. But I can tell you I am still queen of this castle! :)

Oh and 2 days after her 12th birthday- Abigail got her braces off! WOW- talk about GORGEOUS!!!!! Yeah, I can say I follow in my big sister's footsteps :)

There has been a lot going on in our home! All this talk about another baby, braces, toy room swap, scentsy candles, homestudy stuff, oh and mommy has been doing another "job" for Mother Goose to get some extra cash for this "new addition" too. Crazy, but you know our family is crazy!

Are we scared/worried about our next adoption?

2011-11-11T19:16:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the pictures for today's post- they are random and really we are just testing out our new camera a bit. And well when you have such gorgeous kiddos to test your camera on......it is easy to take a lot of pics!!!!

So one question I can feel people asking.....is are you scared, worried, or nervous about your next child?

In all honesty- yes would have to be the answer in that we have NO IDEA what to expect. We have done lots of research on down syndrome, cebral palsey, blindness, deafness, older child adoption, and other medical conditions. We have prayed. We know this is what we are being called to. We have no doubts in our minds or hearts.

But there are sooo many unknowns. Our parameters are 1-2 children, ages 0-5, WIDE OPEN on any medical conditions. Soooo.......yeah......we could be faced with surgeries, therapies, and much more!

So why wouldn't we sign up for that? :) I think on the flip side we are confident! We AGREE! And if you have ever had a spouse be unsure it is sooo much harder, but when you AGREE- doubts dissipate. Even when obstacles seem impossible. Like the fact that our adoption expenses could be anywhere between a few thousand- 20,000+? Yeah quite the range. And we believe that money will not stop GOD!

How will all of this affect our daily lives? Don't know. BUT WE DO KNOW GOD! We know HIM to be full of mercy, grace, and love! We know HIM to be full of HEALING, compassion, and the giver of all good gifts! We know that God will NOT LET US DOWN! HE NEVER FAILS! We know that HE WILL PROVIDE and PROTECT US ALL on our adoption journey and beyond.

We know that our God will continue to give us all the strength and peace we need to do HIS WORK!

Because really .....at the end of the day.....it isn't about us at all! It is about a child and not just any child. This is the son/daughter of THE KING! This is a child that was formed by HIS ALMIGHTY HANDS!

And we aren't just talking about any king- we are talking about THE KING OF KINGS! The ONE WHO CREATED the entire Earth! THE ONE who FORGIVES our sins! THE ONE who died for us all on the cross!!

To quote one of my favorite songs......And if our God is with us, then who could ever stop us...and if our God is for us, then who can stand against? -NO ONE!!

So yes and no- yes because we are humans and we don't know what the future holds, and yet NO because we know whatever our future holds OUR GOD IS GREATER!

Happy 12th Birthday Abigail

2011-11-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

So if you haven't been around here long enough to remember our last birthday/adoption day.....it has been since July!!! Yeah....and now it is time to start the marathon of birthdays and adoption days- all 9 within 2 months! Our tradition is to wake up and right away- open presents in our pjs! Today started off the same with all of us in pjs. And YES Abigail is a daddy's girl :)

Reading through her cards....

Joanna loved the pink balloons!

We had to get a new camera (if you remember a few posts ago we talked about ours mysteriously dying??) and Jason is messing with some of the settings on these next two photos.

Joanna what do you think of Abigail turning 12- she LOVES IT because well let's just say she is a wee bit spoiled by her oldest sister ;)

She got American girl Samantha books, ultimate doodle book- she loves to draw, and will be going shopping with me this weekend to buy some things with money given to her :)

She loves her momma too!!!!! Note how tall she is getting?? Yeah, what???

Awww.....tooo cute!

Now here is her cake which she basically made on her own.....with a smidge help from me. She insisted! She has really started to want to learn a lot more about cooking. Might I add she made an excellent choice! She wanted chicken alfredo for dinner with a peanut butter chocolate cheesecake. Now the recipe we found was more of a cheesecake meets ice cream style - it was AMAZING!!! Oh and the picture doesn't show that you heat up fudge topping and put that on top!!! YUMMY!!!

Happy 12th Birthday to the most beautiful, compassionate, loving young lady.......who I can't imagine our lives without!!! Abigail you totally amaze me and have brought JOY to our lives! We LOVE YOU more than words can say!

Abigail means source of JOY and you my love are a true source of JOY!!!!! PRAISE GOD!

Silliness

2011-11-07T13:37:00.000-05:00

Awwww........are these two cute or what?

Yes, I am wearing a poncho- it was freezing cold water :)

Anyone know how to rotate a pic? This is supposed to be side on....oh well......Joshua is just so handsome anyway.

Just tell Sarah how to pose and she does it....he he he

Awwww Elizabeth was thinking.....you know I am not sure what she was thinking.....but I could get scared.....possibly :)

Andrew- NOOOOOO! Do push down!!! Too late.....

The kids are all hungry????

Thanks for eating it all Dagwood! He he he......

Awww....how can you resist such beautiful faces?

Wish YOU WERE ALL HERE!!! Because then our lives would be sooo much more fun!!!!

Playtime!

Awwww.....Joanna needs some daddy love :)

So sometimes our hearts need to be completely broken, so broken we can't sleep, so upset over injustice we cry out to the Lord, and are ready to take action!!!!

And sometimes for our bodies and minds to cope with taking that action we have to rest and be peaceful, or in our families case- Silly!!! WE love to be silly. For those of you that followed Jason and I's latest facebook conversation you can see this to be true. For those that know us personally ....well....I don't even need to say more :)

I ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU- especially when you are struggling to take time out to be silly, let things go a bit (not discipline) not important things, just all those little things. RELAX! You don't have to have a lot of money- you can go to the park with your kids and run around playing with them. Get down on the floor and play whatever they are playing. Play a card or board game with your kids. Watch a family movie together and then quote some silly lines. Play a joke on your kiddos. Make up silly stories and use all of your families names in them. LAUGH as much as possible!!!

I was recently reminded when I was thinking oh dear we are behind in school again.....this is why we just homeschool year round :) and I felt desperate to "catch up" ....instead of reclaiming the time when I was sick. Because it had been TOOO LONG since I played with them. I didn't get to worship with them, pray with them, eat with them, fellowship with them while I was sick (it was that bad!).

I had to LET GO of those guilt feelings of not being on my "school schedule" and spend that NEEDED time just being with them. It can be hard to do. My heart is heavy for all the angels out there today whose birth mothers were convinced they were not worthy to be alive anymore. Sold a lie by satan. My heart is heavy for education and trying to get it all right all the time. My heart is heavy for all those wandering around in life aimlessly- not having direction or knowing their purpose in God. My heart is heavy for those who will eat nothing while I am overeating. My heart is heavy for the single moms that don't get to have a break. My heart is heavy.............

But our heavy hearts.....have to be lightened to know that I can't do it by myself. What? Yeah, new concept for me too. Or one that I have to relearn over and over. I CAN'T......BUT GOD! HE CAN!!!!! My God is sooo big and so amazing that HE CAN help open people's hearts to adoption, feeding the hungry, giving the widow strength, reaching those that are lost.

So go ahead and cut loose.....know that you can be ACTIVELY broken as well as someone who can be full of LIFE, and FUN, and PASSION for those around you too! Hope your week is getting off to a great start!

Dear Orphan

2011-11-04T18:00:00.001-04:00

Dear Orphan,

I saw your picture today and heard about your plight. Your face is so beautiful and sad, and it tugs at my heart.

I hear you don't get enough to eat, and that there isn't always medicine if you get sick. You sleep in a room with many children, but you still feel alone.

You have never had anyone wish you a "Happy Birthday", give you a gift, or even sing you a lullaby goodnight. No one has ever told you about Jesus or that He loves you.

I wish we could adopt you, but....

It is such a long way to travel, it would cost so much money, and it involves so much paperwork.
Our home isn't very big, and we already have children. Adding another child to our family would mean they would have to share a bedroom as well as our love and attention.
What if you have health issues or special needs that are not yet diagnosed?
You might have a hard time adjusting to a family after never knowing one, or have "issues" from years of neglect, malnutrition, mistreatment, or abuse.

I'm sorry, it just feels like too much of a risk and sacrifice. Adoption doesn't really feel like our "calling". Maybe there is another family....

Written by Amy B.
http://justamomofseven.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-wish-i-could.html

Baptisms and a Bed of Nails

2011-11-03T11:26:00.003-04:00

OK first off this is Joanna here (we all know I am your favorite so you don't have to hide it. I know you come to this blog to see ME- a shout out to all my fans out there!).

Just wanting to be very clear on something. There has been a lot of talk about another child coming to our home. I just wanted to make it clear now that I am THE CUTEST! Mommy says she will still love me just as much when this new child comes along!

What is a baby anyway? I guess I will find out when this "next baby arrives", but in the meantime- Love to you all!!

OK Joanna.....mommy's turn at the computer now........
So during our week of vacation we made a trip to MOSI and had a blast!

Joanna giggled and giggled at the ball "floating".

We had all the kids take a turn at trying the wheel chair. We talked about how it feels, that there is some serious skill involved for people who use them, how it would feel if we had to be in a wheelchair all the time, what are our feelings about the fact that we may have a child that has to use a wheelchair. What a GREAT conversation tool to use with any child to get them thinking on what it feels to be different than everyone else. How can we respond with God's Love to people who are different than us.

Of course since we are completely open to a child with special needs we know that this is a reality that may happen, or may not. It was a great tool though to think about all the different aspects.

This was a challenge to get to the other side not letting go of your rope and climbing all over the other people and ropes as you do that.....he he he....a bit of fun!

Yep, opening doors....not so easy is it......

So there is this nail bed......and I am thinking NO WAY??? Then as I read the instructions, etc......and of course the kids cheering me on.....I decided to give it a go!

Here is the deal....you lay down (there is a board under your head) relax - yeah right there are nails under you! (when you lay down they are all beneath the plastic). After you are nice and comfy you reach over and press a button that slowly lowers your body until you are resting on a bed of nails! SERIOUSLY!!! Don't believe me.......take a closer look....

Yeah, thanks Jason for this upclose view of my thigh- UGH!!!!!! Anyway, if you can keep from vomiting......you can see the nails are for real!

So I was thinking to myself this would be dangerous, except you are relaxed (yeah well kind of), and your weight is spread out over all the nails. And in reality you are fine UNLESS you tried to move quickly off the bed of nails! (**Now here if you let go of the button it releases)

So I was thinking that we as Christians feel the attacks of our enemy satan. Satan tells us we aren't good enough, we can't make a difference, we don't know what we are getting in to, what if we fail, what if "there is no real God?", and sooo many more LIES!!!!!

Am I willing to lay down on a bed of nails for Christ? Am I that confident that HE will protect me? Am I ready to really give ALL of me to HIM? Am I willing to risk it ALL?

Last night Jason, myself, and Abigail were all baptized. I was baptized and dedicated as an infant, and confirmed in the church as well. But our church desires for everyone to be baptized in the tank as a person knowingly says- YES LORD I AM ALL YOURS!!!!!!

***Please no theological debates- that would miss the point of this post :)

Let me explain further.....I have been a Christian since I was 5 years of age, and yes I totally knew what I was doing! My faith has been a core part of my being. Of course there have been and continue to be times when I waiver, BUT never a time when God waivers. So we stood in front of the church and said YES! Our desire is more of God, more of what HE wants, and less of what I want. We are WILLING!!!!!

Willing to do HIS calling! Willing to die to ourselves! Willing to trust HIM with all our resources! Willing to lay down on a bed of nails knowing- God has our literal lives in HIS UNFAILING HANDS OF LOVE!

And just like the bed of nails- the only real hurt comes when we don't trust. When we jolt off the bed of nails because we wig out over what is happening. Praying, praying, praying, praying.........God PLEASE LET ME GIVE IT ALL TO YOU! Every bill, every disciplinary action, my heart, my thoughts, my speech, my "stuff", my time, my desires, my husband, my children- ALL YOURS LORD!

***If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior- and want to know more- PLEASE contact me!!! By email or facebook!!! I will Gladly share more about my precious Savior!!!!

On to more crazy with the Wrights......

This is a "hurricane" display where they winds get amazingly high and crazy!!!!!

Jason giving it a try!

And Andrew.....

My boys in the wind tunnel laughing hysterically!

This is one giant light bulb!

He he he.....it is soo funny in person!

These were actually windows that you could see out.....

And there was even one for Joanna.....awwwww......

Elizabeth working on the puzzle.

On a side note.........yesterday happened to be a REALLY HARD DAY! As in suddenly aliens took over my children's bodies and everything went crazy! Thank God for those days- no I am not insane well maybe, but that is beside the point. I thank God for those days because it is a reminder that although it would be easy we are not giving in or giving up! Circumstances my swirl around us. There are times when others think we have "lost it". There will be people who will say....well you wanted a child with special needs. Or you choose this path. Or other things will be spoken.

BUT FOR THE LOVE OF MY JESUS I MUST BE WILLING TO GIVE MY ALL TO FOLLOW HIM NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!

These are some great adoption answers!

2011-10-31T17:48:00.000-04:00

So they had these cameras in the bottom of the dinosaurs at Universal where you can see what dinosaurs saw, etc.

Elizabeth had to hang on with all her weight just to get it to her level :)

Daddy and the boys- FOREVER playing tag you're it! Seriously a never ending game!!!!

Awwww.....family time!!! Nothing better!!!!

Here we are at Hard Rock Cafe. A very rare treat, but fun for our vacation time!

Look at all those hungry kiddos......

Crazy fun!

Love the pink Cadillac!!!!!!

Buddy Holly is one of our families favorites...probably because my parents lived in Clear Lake, Iowa for a long time (the place he last performed), and Jason's mum loves his music as well. In fact we had Buddy Holly songs during our wedding.....oh yeah.....while they were waiting for us to sign the registry :)

The Hard Rock is right outside Universal and is the largest in the world! This place was HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK there are sometimes when I find things that just seriously BLESS the socks off of me!!!!! THIS IS ONE OF THOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are thinking about adoption, in the middle of an adoption, have adopted, are adopted, or none of the above- READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is from an adoptee who herself has also given her child for adoption as well. I guarantee this will be helpful and eye opening!!!

And if you haven't looked at the t-shirts, Christmas ornaments, Africa bags, jewelry, and sooo much more- what are you waiting for? This not only helps you- Christmas shopping, birthdays, for just for fun, it helps our adoption!!! Click on the side bar Olive Tree Promise or just donate and leave us a note about what size shirt you want - the Micah 6:8 shirts. :)

ALL NEW!!!!!!!!! COME CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!

2011-10-30T16:19:00.000-04:00

Awww......what is new? What is mommy talking about?
OHHHHH........CHECK OUT THE SIDE BAR TO THE LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right.......The very first OFFICIAL FUNDRAISER for our next child!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

So be sure to check them both out!!!! The T-shirts are AMAZING!! Navy blue, pink, and gray $25/each includes shipping! All you have to do is press the donate button- give $25/shirt and put in the comment section you color choice and size choice :) Easy! :)

ALSO Olive Tree Promise has bead jewelry, t-shirts- SUPERMAN WAS ADOPTED, Africa bags, Christmas ornaments, monogrammed head band or burp cloth, music, and MORE!!!!! So feel free to go check these items out- AND support our family on our journey to our next child too!!!!!!

So for some of you this will just make you laugh and shake your head........in the last couple of weeks since announcing our HUGE NEW JOURNEY :) We have had the garage door- sometimes work.....most of the time not, our AC gave out for part of a day- seems to be ok now- praying, lots of sickness, a very unexpected high water bill and electric bill - miscalculations from the previous bill made this one much higher, and our camera mysteriously won't turn on.....at all.....as in I am going through picture withdraw :( So for a bit you will have to deal with vacation pictures galore?

Yep......and do you know how we feel about all of this- WE KNOW WE ARE ON GOD'S PATH and the enemy can throw stones or try to make us waiver, but that only makes our resolve STRONGER!!! Jason and I were talking about it and he just turns to me and says- like having to replace an appliance, or AC, or whatever is going to make a family not do an adoption???

That is my man!!! Hot and sooooo AMAZING!!!!!! I LOVE that he doesn't even let anything make him begin to think that maybe we shouldn't do this. Instead we have been working overtime on how else can we save money? How can we cut those bills back? Because really let's face it we all have luxuries that we can do without. I know we do, and I think we live a pretty simple life.

To those that feel called to PRAY FOR OR DONATE TO our next child. I can guarantee 100% that God will BLESS YOU!!! Not because I think I am all powerful, but because this is GOD'S CHILD. Whenever we give out of obedience to Christ - HE WILL ALWAYS COME THROUGH!

And I can tell you that even though some may say our next child "isn't perfect" according to this world.....they will be PERFECT to US and to HIM which is all that matters. THANK YOU- just will NEVER BE ENOUGH!!! But I will promise to post a lot of pictures.......when they arrive and pray that will be a good second. :)

I hate being sick.

2011-10-26T23:02:00.000-04:00

So here are some pics from The Dr. Suess area of Universal. I LOVED IT!!!!

I mean- how would you like to have this in your back yard????

I think if I had lots of money and wanted to spend it frivolously......he he he- yeah......I would build this place in my back yard.

Of course if you build this you would have to have lots children to share it with.....got that covered!

I just found it so much fun.....as we were walking through because we of course have read A LOT of Dr. Seuss books together with the children.

And I love seeing it "in person".

And I loved even more watching my children see it "in person".

Think left and think right, Think low and think high, Oh the Thinks you can think up, if only you try! Bye-Bye!

So can you guess my favorite area of the park?

So Friday night.....after coming home from the parks I was feeling a little icky, but not a big deal. Just thought we were tired. Then Saturday hit and I was down for the count! Sunday I thought surely this couldn't get worse (have you ever noticed you should never think that?). Finally, Monday came and before 8am Jason had gotten all the kids ready and fed and all of us were waiting outside the doors of the local walk in clinic. I seriously felt like death warmed over. It was BAD.

My throat felt like razorblades had been busy. My glands were the size of softballs (and that is only a slight exaggeration), and I couldn't even swallow water- it hurt way tooo much! I hadn't eaten hardly anything - not a good diet plan. And for those of you that know me.....I hadn't had Mt. Dew!!!!!!! That is severe!!!!

But I honestly have a great reason to really hate being sick! Not just the total waste of time, not getting to spend time with my precious babes, or any of that- although it is. No this comes from a deep part in my life. A time when having lots of radiation made me sick - daily. As in puking up what was not there. **I had radiation in the abdominal area**.

Then after radiation was over and my great tan on my stomach in the middle of winter which no one saw except me anyway......my blood counts were low......really low. They warned my mom about the seriousness of becoming too sick could spell out for me. So she did what any mom would do- she protected me. I had to wear a silly looking mask all the time. That was a fashion statement! I wasn't allowed to go out for any little girls sports- not that there really were any at that time anyway.

But for me even years afterward in middle school my inability to fight anything off took it's toll on me. I hated being sick. To me it was just one more reminder that I couldn't do things like everyone else. It was a reminder of doing tons of "make up work" which is code for EVIL! You know trying to do all your work without anyone to explain it to you. Although my mother tried hard!!!!! And she did do A LOT!!!!!!! Trust me!!!!

There was a time I marched in to a teacher's office and declared his grading system unfair because part of the grade was based on attendance. I had been sick 3 of 4 weeks. Told you it was bad at times. I just couldn't get over, you guessed it, strep throat. It got so bad they started doing testing for other things. Being the competitive person about grades (which was my older brother Doug's fault I assure you) I told him what I thought of his policies. I told him that normally I would agree, but that it was null and void when it simply is NOT a person's fault for being sick.

In fact one of my earlier memories of school because I don't have lots of really early memories (part of the blocking out when things happen to you)....was when my teacher gave me a list for spelling and told me to copy it. No problem I did that. When she returned to the room she got all upset at me and said it was the wrong list. I thought- are you serious? I am the student. I am just a kid. And I was gone because of major surgery and radiation!!!!!! I don't think that was a nice response. Just sayin'.

So these past 5 days now....this has been on my mind. Flashbacks of doing homework after puking my guts out at the hospital, teachers not responding well to me, people working against me when I was trying soo hard. Well one thing is for sure! My kids don't have to fear - I am not a homework meanie :) I won't grade them if they are sick! And there is no consequences for trying to just get through the day when you aren't feeling well here!

So are you new to my blog- oh you say you haven't heard my miracle story? Awesome- GO HERE! And see the MIGHTY WORKS that God has done in my life :) I can assure you that although I hate being sick- I PRAISE GOD DAILY for HIS MIRACLES IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vacation Time!!!

2011-10-23T12:52:00.000-04:00

Hello From the Wright Family........this past week was VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any Guesses as to where we are?? he he he.....well if you have been to Florida or visited the website you know that we went to....

Universal Studios/Universal Islands of Adventure. We purchased the cheapest- FL resident yr round tickets and - went here 4 times this last week. Now for those theme park lovers out there - YES it is not hard to spend a lot of money, BUT there are lots of easy ways to NOT spend that much money either (especially when you only live an hourish away)!!!! I think I did a blog post on saving money at theme parks before. Let's just say we do a lot of water from the tap refills, bring picnic lunches, and have a BLAST!!!!

And our kiddos love theme parks.....hmmm.....wonder where they get that from???? Did I ever tell you that Jason and I's second official date was to Six Flags, St Louis???

Awww......sooo cute! These two have been pretending they are twins lately and love to wear matching or closely matching things all the time :)

Waiting in line at the Dr. Seuss area for the carousel....

Abigail.......yes.....I have to take your picture too!

Jonathan looking for a small cubby hole to fit in. Love it when littles do this :)

Daddy & Joanna snuggling up together for the ride!

Love the fun whimsical area. Lots to just look at all around you.

Matthew.....

Jonathan.....

Abigail....who is inching up to be almost as tall as I am- hahem???

My little nut.....

And my two little nuts together.

So we had a great time!!!!! It was funny getting in line waiting to "validate" our online tickets. The lady asked the kids if they had seen- Twister, or Harry Potter, or The Incredible Hulk, or ......... No, no, nope..... I just laughed and said no, but we will have fun any way. We had a BLAST don't worry!!!!

Bonus to living here in Florida - at most parks here you get a FL discount!!! WAHOOO!!!! That is nice!!!
We also went to a state park, hung out at home, ordered out, went out to eat (a privilege for us), went to our lifegroup, and.....oh yeah.....I got extremely sick- yesterday :( YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I am still sick today!!!!!!!!!!!! But I had to get out of bed for at least a bit. I have swollen glands that look like softballs, and nasal congestion that is out of this world. OYE!!!

Other than that- it has been a SUPER WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and did I tell you we got our homestudy packet? OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now to see how fast we can get that done. Of course right now....I am going to go back to BED!!!!!

Life as normal & an incredible story!

2011-10-14T11:14:00.001-04:00

Does this scare you? Yeah, a bit creepy. But well, normal at our home :) Jason has this tea towel that "looks" like English money. Of course that has the queen's face on it. So Jason wrapped it around his face and well....then of course everyone had to do it. I thought I took more pics? Well, you know so you could be even more creeped out.

So normal. We are truly living our life as normal now. Except for on those harder days where we are still adjusting to life that is sooo completely different. With all the transitions, moving (don't even remind me how many times), and "stuff" we still feel it on those days. The days when your kiddos are sick, there are too many errands to run, and Joanna is grumpy (I know hard to believe, but it happens). It is still hard to not have my best friend and hubby around. Even if it is just to remind me that everything will be ok.

And it is hard for him too. Especially lately because work is getting busier and no signs of slow down! They had an employee leave....and they were already looking for another person....so now they are short 2 people.

So it is great for us that as soon as Jason gets home-

We start our week of VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh praise God!!! We need some family time. We need some relax time together! And we have a bunch of fun planned. I would tell you on this blog, but some of my kiddos read mommies blog.....and it is top secret until tomorrow!!!!! So if you are my child and reading this- too bad you will have to wait until tomorrow!!!!

***In other news the homestudy packet hasn't arrived, and I am already getting antsy. he he he he......yeah.

OK the story behind Mark Shultz's song- What It Means to Be Loved.......get some kleenex!!!!!
“What It Means To Be Loved” is a song that basically wrote itself. I just happened to be in the room when God dropped it in my lap. Its genesis was actually from a story that my wife told me about a family that she’d worked with at the hospital.

The mother was expecting a child and was told that tests revealed health issues that meant the baby probably wouldn’t live long after birth. Although the doctors suggested terminating the pregnancy, the mother decided she would love the child as long as she could. I took those emotions and that unselfish commitment and poured them into the “What It Means To Be Loved” lyrics.

The song starts out:
For five months eight days
My wife and I had waited
Getting ready for our baby girl
But when he called the doctor said, “I need to see you”
And “Could you come in soon”
Something died inside of me to sit with him and hear
A test had said our baby may not live to be a year
And turning to my wife he said
What do you wanna do
She said…

It was at this point of the song when I was writing it that these words just came spilling out:

I wanna give her the world
I wanna hold her hand
I wanna be her mom for as long as I can
I wanna live every moment, until that day comes
I wanna show her what it means to be loved…

And I knew as soon as I hit this chorus and tears were running down my face that this is one I’m going to be playing for a long time. It’s the only song that I’ve ever played in concert where it got a standing ovation before the end of the first chorus was over.

To me, what the song says is that we as Christians are called to love. If that means loving a baby that’s going to be here for 7 minutes or 70 years, it doesn’t make any difference, you just wrap your arms around them and pour yourself into them.

I love the last bridge going to this:

Well ever since the day
We got to bring her home
She’s been out to prove the doctors wrong
You should see her now
She’s as pretty as her mom
And there’s a boy at the front door waiting just to take her to her high school prom
And he wants to give her the world
Wants to hold her hand

Inspired by this family’s story, my wife continued to look at the implications for our own family. She said, “Since you’re adopted I think we should adopt kids too.” I said, “Ok that’s fine.” She said, “I think we should adopt kids maybe with special needs.” And I said, “Ok, that seems like a tall order.” She continued, “Maybe someday we adopt kids with special needs that the doctor only knows they’re going to live for a year or two.” I responded, “Honey, why would we do that?” And my wife said, “Because before they go to heaven, I want them to know what a great Christmas is like and I want them to know what a great birthday is like and let them know that they were loved well before they get to heaven and realize that love. I want them to know that they were loved here on earth and celebrate them here.”

That’s the kind of wife I’m married to. These are the kinds of songs that come out of those stories. It’s a special song and I’m grateful for all the people who’ve walked through loving unconditionally. I hope the song means as much to folks as it does to me.

How are we doing this adoption???

2011-10-10T19:15:00.000-04:00

First things first......look at me I am beautiful everyone!

Cousins are fun!!!!

This little cousin- the miracle that was born one year ago Saturday is just soooo cute!!!!!

Sarah had to get in on the lovin'

Hanging out with my aunt Jane and cousins kiddos :)

Can you see the love?

Oh yeah- hey everyone you are making me blush......

Joanna thinks it is funny.

Boys on scooters (yeah they are pink, but they just like the scooters)

Exploring the park.....

Joanna squatting. There is something very cute about a baby squatting down :)

Watch out .....here they come!!!!!!!!

Joanna getting in the sand....oh dear cigarette butts too- don't worry I scooped her up after I took the pic because I noticed them- ewwww......

We had fun last week getting together with family having a picnic and playing at the park! The weather has been perfect- a little cooler than the normal heat.

So I have had a lot of people already ask- how do you plan to do this special needs adoption? That is a great question- so glad you asked!!!! Because I get to share with you an all new program through Christian Adoption Consultants!

Special Needs Adoption Program with CAC

October 5, 2011

by tracieloux

Because we believe that every child deserves a loving family, we have created a program designed specifically for families who desire to make themselves available to adopt children with special needs or who are difficult to place because of their age (children 3 and older or sibling groups).
Many of these situations come up within the foster care system, but we have seen an increase of the number of special needs situations with in the world of adoption agencies and attorneys. It is our desire at Christian Adoption Consultants to be a resource to families whose hearts are drawn to special needs adoption and to be a resource to agencies seeking families for special needs adoption situations.
We define special needs as any medically diagnosed disorder like Down syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, HIV, heart problems requiring surgical intervention, or any number of other syndromes or medical disorders. (We will not be considering drug/alcohol exposure in this category unless it is very severe.)
We are including adoption of children 3 and older in our special needs program because of the likelihood that these children will have emotional and behavioral issues and the frequency of RAD, ADHD or Autism occurring in older child adoptions. Older child adoptions can appear in agency/attorney adoptions when the biological family is no longer able to care for a child that they have attempted to raise. Older child adoptions can also occur when an adoptive family has entered into an adoption (often an international adoption) and has come to the place where they do not feel able to care for and parent the child they have adopted. This is called an adoption disruption.
If you are open to adopting a child with special needs or an older child and you are NOT wanting to pursue healthy newborn situations, this may be be perfect fit for you.
Please email tracie@christianadoptionconsultants.com if you would like more information on our Special Needs Adoption Program.
Blessings,
Tracie Loux
Senior Adoption Consultant
Special Needs Program Director
Christian Adoption Consultants

Of course I have asked permission to copy and paste this. Tracie's response YES PLEASE!!!
Here is the actual link to her page.

Feel free to email Tracie if you have any questions or visit CAC website HERE.

Of course if you are my facebook friend you have also seen many of the situations I have posted about. Some of those are also through Mother Goose Adoptions or Creating Christian Families. Others have been from Tracie, or other people that are asking for help in finding a family for a child. ANY time I can help find a child/ren homes I jump at it!!! I will still be posting those as well- of course don't be surprised if after our homestudy I am the one jumping in to ask to be the placement ;) he he he......

****Praise The Lord!!!! We found someone to do our homestudy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know some of you think- big deal? BUT if you have a larger family and want to do a special needs adoption it isn't always easy. SO WE ARE PRAISING GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Here is a reply we had already received from another agency.....
In a general sense, I would not recommend a large family to adopt a special
needs child since these children require more time and care. Something that
would be hard to do in a large family without sacrificing the needs of the
other children.

Ummm....yeah.....they don't know our family!!!!!! Praise God we got an honest answer before paying them any money!!! I was really up front!!! Because I wanted an honest answer!!! Thank the LORD the social worker doing our homestudy is cheaper anyway :) YEAH!!!! And she loves big families and she homeschools!!! :) OH YEA JACKPOT!!!!

Now to start planning on how to fundraise......fun, fun, fun.....

Big News at the Wright HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-08T20:33:00.000-04:00

So what do these images have in common?

Is this about global warming?

Oh maybe it's about couponing?

Or is it secret code words for a secret club meeting that you are all invited to?

So I have to tell you this really really cool story!!!!

My husband and I were swimming.... last week before the cooler weather of Florida....

something came up in conversation................

it is one of my favorite topics..............

one that to be honest I didn't know if I should bring up.....................

you know one of those.... is my husband going to think I am off the charts???

Well, you may have guessed what all these pictures stand for and what they have in common.............

or you may not have.............

But.....................

he he he he he........

OK I will tell you...................

Ummmm........

OK no more messing with you all........

11- will be the number of people in our family soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paper will be flying as we will soon become officially paper pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have had permanent smiles on our faces since we have agreed and prayed about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES- people will think we are NUTS :)

There will be lots of waiting involved (have I mentioned before I do NOT like waiting???)

Oh, and even though I have lost track of how many times we have already been fingerprinted by it seems every possible source we will be doing it all over again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Details: We are going to be doing a domestic adoption!!!! We want to specifically do a special needs adoption..God has laid down syndrome on our hearts, but we are praying and listening to the Lord for guidance.

So this conversation is one I have brought up a few times since Joanna came to us. BUT really to be honest it was just general as we hadn't moved yet, or we hadn't found a job for Jason yet, or we didn't have the money to buy the house yet...........and we did say we wanted to be here for 6 months before jumping into any really big things.........but I thought I would approach the subject of adoption with Jason anyway. Just because it is my favorite thing to talk about - besides Jesus, but as we all know the 2 topics are intertwined!!!!

Well, after saying the words sooo.....when do you think we should do our next adoption? I also waited to see his face. Go and read the last post to know where I am going with this in detail. I was waiting for his leadership in this important decision and his go ahead if you like. Then I felt compelled to tell him that I had really had a tugging on my heart to do a special needs adoption such as down syndrome.

What happened next was ALL GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason told me that he too had heard God nudging him in this direction. (did you read that!!!) OH YEAH!!!
And specifically towards down syndrome. Are you serious?? YES!!!
AND Jason also asked God to give him reassurance that he had heard God right. In fact he said he said if I am hearing you- would you have Dawn talk to me about it without me prompting her. He had this conversation with God less than 24 hours before I brought the subject up to him. :)

He, he ,he- now God TOTALLY ROCKS and I LOVE IT when HE just does things because- well HELLO HE is GOD!!!

After we talked about it for a bit we prayed about it. And agreed that we would let God show us specifics. Well, the next night who was on the radio talking about her testimony? Carolyn Twietmeyer. Now if you don't know who this is- their family has done a lot to promote the TRUTH about hiv adoptions. AND their latest adoption was a baby with down syndrome!!!! OK GOD WE ARE LISTENING!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HEAR YOU!!!!!!!!

So here we go on another rollercoaster ride! Should be some crazy fun- come join us and see what amazing things God will do!!!!!!! Hope you all have a BLESSED WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Film Review - Courageous

2011-10-07T12:17:00.000-04:00

So what do you do with your time off? I think most of us take some time to just relax and hang out. Which is GREAT!

Some of us enjoy hobbies- running, biking, searching the internet for something you want to know about, reading blogs, listening or creating music, reading, scrapbooking, baking......

All of these things are great!!! But what about our intentional use of time. I am talking about intentionally saying I spend time with my husband/wife, children, with extended family, with the church. In fact just starting with your family is sometimes harder.

So going to the movie Courageous- WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have not seen it- DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It opened in the top 5 this past weekend and was shown on 1/2 the screens of the other movies- that tells you something right there!!! It had tragedy/loss, hard topics we have to discuss with our children, and a call to ALL FATHERS to do something hard even when it seems easier not to. BE COURAGEOUS for God, for their families, for the church, to support others.

Now unless some of you might think that I am stating that only fathers have to do this- that is in NO WAY my point or the film's point. BUT in scripture I truly believe that your husband is the head of the home- spiritually, and in every other way. I didn't always feel that way. I thought - it's no big deal for me to take over leadership- but I have seen and have had a counseling with other godly women and the holy spirit and found it to be a mistake!

You see there is a reason men and women are meant to be different!!! Can we both be doctors- YES, should we get paid the same- YES! BUT that doesn't mean that we won't do things and are just simply created differently. This film is about men taking a stand! And women who rejoice when the husband does so!!!! AMEN!!!! I don't know about you, but when I SLOWLY allowed my husband to fulfill his role as it should be.....it made my life easier! Yep, that is right!!! You see the way I have it figured I have enough to do as it is.....cleaning, cooking, educating, and guiding our children- sounds like enough for me!! My husband's job is to PROTECT and PROVIDE!!! This my sisters in Christ who read this is their JOB! It is the reason they are to be the head of the house!!!!

Let's just say I am not perfect at this, but the film was another reminder to me that I have been BLESSED with a husband who is a wonderful spiritual leader! If you have a husband like this- can I get an AMEN? If you are not blessed with a hubby that leads well.......have you ever truly allowed him to do so. And I mean - stepped OUT OF THE WAY and let him do it ALL!!!!! No leadership from you, just encouragement to allow HIM to lead the way! Because most men have never even seen what a leader is supposed to be like. In our TV shows and movies men are the laughing stock. In our own growing up - who was the leader? I can say easily and quickly it was my dad! Even when he was a truck driver- my mom said very often to us - I don't know yet....let me talk to your dad about that. I also know MANY MANY homes are NOT this way.

The movie was sooo supportive of really spending that intentional time. I hate the word quality time because I think our society has made that a joke. It is code for something you do to let your kids be in control for a few minutes so they will like you. I am talking truly taking time to point out to your husband/wife/children that you LOVE THEM! Pointing out great qualities that they have, their gifts you see that they have - not just playing music well or playing sports well, or doing school well- although these are important. Telling them you see that they have compassion, a caring side, or a talent for leadership, a talent for teaching, or preaching, or giving, or encouraging- ways to edify the Body of Christ. When is the last time you told your family members anything like this? When is the last time you spoke powerful words of BLESSING over your children? Yeah, sometimes I forget that this is what our family NEEDS from us over and over and over again.

When is the last time we got down on our children's eye level and really had a heart to heart chat about God's desires for them. About what they truly enjoy doing, about dating, about s*x, about what is important to you. LIFE IS TOO SHORT! (well really I am sooo looking forward to going HOME to heaven) Don't waste a single minute NOT enjoying and I mean TRULY enjoying your family!!!

You can start with me today!!! Start praying for your husbands to become the leader in your homes. To take the responsibility of leading spiritually. Will your hubby's be perfect- hello!!! NO they won't and neither will you. You will jump in like I do on occasion and cut them off.......but when you do.....won't your hubby be surprised if you apologize and work with him again? Yeah that will show him you mean business!! That will prove you are on his side and not working against him!!!!

The movie Courageous was a movie that I can't wait until it comes out on dvd because honestly there are sooo many things to learn from it....to remember over and over again. I can say this- the movie is very inspiring for Christian Families and for those who are not there yet.

Oh and in case you are wondering........the pics above were just hanging out relaxing at home pics from last weekend (don't know how Elizabeth snuck out on the picture taking??). And our kids discovered that there is indeed metal in the walls along the edges- he he he.....so cute when they make discoveries. Which brings a lot of questions and some great fun things to explore and have fun with!

Oh and I just had to say that last night while I was shopping I got to talk to not one person but 3 about adoption, orphan care, what we can do.....it was AWESOME!!!!! God sure knows my passion about caring for children all over the world!!! :) LOVE SHARING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Story of a Bow.......

2011-10-03T16:29:00.000-04:00

Remember this........from I don't even remember how many posts ago??? It was back when I was writing out Jason and I's Love Story (named Our Love Story part 1, Our Love Story Part 2, Our Love Story Part 3, Our Love Story Part 4, Our Love Story Part 5 The Wedding). So I promised then to tell the story of this bow, although in the other picture the bow was on the stairs- yes I decided to take another picture rather than try to find that picture again :)

So if you read our love story you would know we had ~~a cheap~~ resourceful wedding!!! Using all our resources we saved lots of money that we really didn't have, nor did we want to spend. You see we only really cared about getting married and spending our time together and serving the Lord- NOT what others thought about the refreshments, or entertainment factor.

My Mother In Love made my dress!!!! YES she is my mother in LOVE someone I consider to be my long lost second mother!!!! She volunteered to sew my dress. Of course at the time we thought she had her regular sewing machine....not knowing she had sold it and bought an old fashioned move with your hand sewing machine! Nope, didn't know that, but yet she still said yes- my friends that is LOVE!

Well, soon after I landed in England (and we had 6 weeks until our wedding- YEP 6 weeks!!!) we went shopping for material and a pattern. We looked and found a great material to use, and then found a pattern I liked, but there was something on the pattern I just didn't like- THE BOW! I guess I was thinking- do I really need anything to make that part of my backside stick out any further??? Now come on- seriously- NO!

So we agreed to do the rest of the dress and leave off the bow. BUT every once in a while my mother in love would joke and threaten- well I may just put that BOW on your dress- YIKES! That was a way to get my attention ;)

Well, the only thing that panicked me the whole day of my wedding was the fact that the car that would take me off to the wedding- a nice mini van- pulled up waaayyyy early!!! My heart jumped through my throat thinking I had lost track of time. Thank the Lord this wasn't true and I had plenty of time, but then stressed a bit getting ready. Lo and behold as I got into the van in my beautiful hand made dress......what was there stretched out across the back of the front seats so I could see it clearly? THE BOW with a face nonetheless! It also made it's way to the "head table" as such at our reception where Jason and I were sitting along with some Mt. Dew I might add!!! (yes, when people who flew over asked what I wanted I said please bring Mt. Dew :) that should tell you something about me right there!)

Now you know the crazy fun that runs in our family :) !!!!! LOVE IT!!!

OK so this picture was taken before the second shelf unit was put up this weekend, but you get the idea.....

and turn a bit.....

our third couch......

the french doors that lead into the room from the house.....

And....tada!!!!! The tv units completed- THANKS to Jason!!!!!!!

And well Teddy - our indoor dog wanted to be in on it!

So this weekend we filled in a hole in our yard, plated one of two lemon trees, reorganized our books- remember they were all on the the "kids" book shelves in our homeschool room, started up our refrigerator we brought with us.....and will eventually move the one refrigerator out to the garage :), and got other bits and pieces done too including relaxing in the pool and talking about our vacation at is coming up soon. It may get too "cold" to use the pool soon :( Bummer- it is getting down to the low 60's at night now. So even with the solar heating....it is getting cooler. Oh well, the kids are swimming today- didn't stop them!

Also PLEASE HELP ME ADVOCATE FOR THESE PRECIOUS CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are sooo BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a Great Weekend!

2011-09-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

Just a note to say Have a Great Weekend - from The Wright Family!!!! :)

As you can see Joanna liked the chocolate part of her cookie :) he he he.

JOIN me in praying for Noah- he just had heart surgery and there have been some crazy ups and downs in blood pressure and blood sugars. Today they had to drain the fluid. PLEASE pray for this precious boy to heal completely!!! And for his momma, daddy, and 10 other brothers and sisters too :)

Unexpected Blessing

2011-09-28T22:08:00.000-04:00

Hello, I am cute, and these are my new shoes. Thanks!

Yes, feel free to stare at my cute chub because it is soo yummy my mommy wants to eat it daily. :)

SOOOOO.......Jason phoned on Monday afternoon and said there is someone at the office that is giving away tickets for the Tampa Ray Rays vs. New York Yankees. Would we like to go to the game that night?

OK so you have to know our kiddos go to bed early (youngers at 7pm olders at 8pm)- so I said to the kids you will need to take a nap today, but trust me it is worth it! They whined, begged, ~~pleaded on their knees,~~ but I wouldn't give in and tell them the surprise.........

This was what they thought when the found out......

I think my girl got up and down at least a million times during the game- good thing there was no one behind us!

Oh yeah, baseball is my favorite....

Isn't she sooo beautiful?

My handsome man! Look at his face :)

Sarah gives it two thumbs up!

Oh yeah, it was worth taking a nap! This is cool!

Yeah, couldn't get Joanna to look at the camera...every time there was cheering she looked away. Oh well, she is cute anyway!

The Tampa Bay Rays won!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!! It was a fun game. Haven't been to a professional baseball game since college. :) Used to go on family vacations - because my brothers always wanted to go.

Oh so sweet when you get a blessing just because- Thank God for little surprises!!!!!

OK I know you can't post to tell me, but if you are still having issues posting on my blog will you shoot me an email, or facebook me- Thanks! Trying to figure it out :)