The doctor in the family

Haley spent the night at Nana and Papa's house a couple nights ago and while they were at dinner, Haley said "We have two doctors in our family. My daddy is a good doctor. Whenever I get a cut, he lifts me up and says "Oh, you got a cut. Let's make it better" and he puts a band-aid on it and kisses it." My mom said "Well, I bet your momma is a good doctor too" and she said "No, when I get a cut momma says "Oh, just suck on it." LOL

Last Sunday's sermon was amazing! If you want to get goosebumps and be thrilled, I wouldn't pass it up.
It isn't uploaded on www.gepc.org yet, but it was in Isaiah and how God foretold His people through the prophet, what would happen and how it came to pass and how He promised a savior and it happened (700 years later). And what other god can do that? He doesn't have to foretell, His creation is enough to confirm who He is, but because He loves us and wants to encourage us and strengthen our faith, He does this. And He foretold to me back in June, that I would get the call that Titus was mine. It was totally a "in the Spirit" moment. NOT FROM ME! And He didn't have to, but He knew I would doubt and that this would be a LONG journey. He loves me that much, to calm my mother's heart. So many other amazing things God has revealed through this wait, and I wouldn't give them up for the world. I have prayed for over two years that we would specifically see God's hand throughout this whole journey...and we have! Our director told me that they aren't going to be telling us our court date; they will tell us when we pass and not keep us on this roller coaster ride. I am really glad with that decision. I know we have a date sometime in December and I know Elias is still going to take longer than Titus. The good thing is that Titus' birthmom doesn't have to go to court again. When this is all done, I will look back and stand in amazement at how God brought this all about and how faithful He was and continues to be to us.
Isaiah 9:6
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace, there will be no end."

Thankful Tuesday

I have been wanting to start this and I am going to try. A blog that I follow: www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com does "Thankful Thursdays" and I can't wait till then. I need to remind myself of what I am so thankful for. I am thankful that God has called us to these two boys (who I am just TOTALLY in love with!!!). I am so thankful that God has given me my three beautiful, funny girls who always keep us laughing...unless they've been fighting, then they are usually running laps around our house! I am so thankful we are healthy. I have the funniest husband ever who sings "Fiddler on the Roof" tunes constantly (I got him the CD for Christmas--he's going to LOVE IT!!!) I get to teach my girls how to read and celebrate their accomplishments. That's just a short list too! What are you thankful for?

UGH!

I knew there was a reason I was dreading today. 5 weeks have past, our boy has grown, since our last court date. One would think things would work out eventually after 2 failed court dates and 15 months from time of referral to get the paperwork and needed things done. Guess it takes us a little longer... Words can not describe how discouraged and empty I feel. I don't know exactly what happened, but Titus' mom did show up, so that wasn't it. We supposedly have a court date in December (late). I hear things are moving where Elias is concerned so that is good. At this point, I struggle with "Is this ever going to happen?" "Did God really call us to this?" "Is this what God has for us?" But I know it will and God is faithful, even when people drop the ball. I know God will bring good out of this and I am confident that God will show us His Goodness and Wisdom when all is said and done. But for now, I am just really exhausted of this whole journey. I honestly want to move my family to Africa and take care of our sons until we can bring them home. Unbelievable.

Cruising: Take 2!

We made it! We had a wonderful time with my parents on the cruise they blessed us with! We went to Nassau and to Key West. It was beautiful and the sitting on our balcony watching the ocean was amazing! How majestic and powerful the ocean is! Just points to how BIG and AMAZING our mighty God is! So cool! Here are some pics! Thanks so much Nana and Papa!

CVS Rocks!!!

I love CVS! I have been coupon clipping like crazy and when you combine the coupons with CVS coupons, Extra Care Bucks and $5 off $20 purchase coupons, you get a whole lot for a whole little!!! I am hooked and my kids think I'm crazy :) I learned how to do this with the help of these 3 sites. The third one is for Walgreens. I have got good deals there too, but not as amazing as CVS.
1) www.southernsavers.com
2) www.iheartcvs.com
3) www.iheartwags.com

These sites tell you how to use the system and it does take some time to figure out initially, but once you do, it is relatively easy (and addictive)! There are only coupons you can print and I always get the Sunday paper. In the top picture, I spent $4.19 out of pocket. The next picture I spent $4.55 and that included 2 boxes of cereal, 4/12 packs of Coke Zero and lots of medicine. I wouldn't normally buy the Glade products, but when you make money on them, why not? It is worth the work to get these kind of deals. Happy shopping!!!

Court Date #3

On Friday, October 30th I sat with my Bible open and just cried. I asked God "Are you in this? Are you really going to bring this to pass? Can't you at least give me some news? During this adoption process, I have come to dread Fridays. Fridays mean we won't get any more news for at least a few days. At around 3:30 I was entertaining my "no-news" pity-party, since in Ethiopia, courts had been closed for hours and we had already heard from the director--no news for our case. (Some MAJOR good news though--the little boy with the heart problem DID PASS court!!!!) When Vince got home we went out to eat. We came back home that night and Pam had called and emailed us. The guy in Ethiopia had emailed her at 2:30 am ET time and told her that we had a court date. The reason I didn't put this up on the blog yet, was because we didn't have the exact date. Our date is November 30th! I just felt so loved, because I God answered my needy prayer. I am really hoping that they can get Elias' paper work ready and they can hear both of their cases together. Pray for that. One trip would be so much better than two!!
That following Sunday, our minister preached on Exodus 5:22-6:13. Moses asks "O Lord, why have You brought harm to this people? Why did you ever send me?...You have not delivered Your people at all." The Lord then tells him: I have heard the groanings, I will deliver you, I will redeem you, I will take you for my people and you shall know I am the Lord your God.