8 months with Caleb!

8 months ago, this was our first glimpse of Caleb...he looks so unsure

We found out that day how brave our boy is...he joined our family and didn't look back!

 Now on November 23, 2010 Caleb is our newest US citizen!

 He was so proud...he showed his certificate to everyone that walked by!

 Outside the Federal building.. 

 Oh how I love this boy!  What sweet 8 months it has been!

Interracial adoption...Brianna's project

You know when I was in high school, I don't think I thought a lot about the issues that impact our world.  Issues like orphans, adoption, or mission trips.  Honestly, those things weren't even on my radar screen.  I am so thankful now that they are but I am most proud that they are issues that concern Brianna.  Brianna was recently assigned a research paper that makes up the majority of her grade in her compostion class.  She chose to write about interracial adoption and the positive impact that it makes in the lives of the children and their families.  As part of that assignment she has to present a 5 minute speech on her topic.  Out of that 5 minutes, 1 minute of it can be a visual presentation.  Brianna decided to create a video to show to the class at the end of her speech.  I hope lives are touched by her talk and video and who knows...maybe a few seeds will be planted?  Here is the 1 minute video that she created.

The really cool thing about the video is that Brianna knows each family that is included!

Salute to my military men..updated

I posted this tribute a couple of years ago.  I felt it was time to post it again.

Tomorrow we celebrate Veteran's Day. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the 2 military men that have had the greatest impact on my life. First is my grandpa, Doc Wichers. He was in the Navy and served during WWII. Even though he is no longer with us his legacy carries on. He taught me what true love looks like and how to be a helpmate to my spouse. I spent a lot of time at my grandparents house growing up and I witnessed how my grandpa treated my grandma. I witnessed how they truly enjoyed being together and were always playing games and laughing together. I knew one day I wanted a marriage like that. I also saw how my grandpa cared for my grandma when she became frail and her mind and memory were fading. My grandpa was in his 90s and he fought through his health problems so he could care for grandma. Though I miss his gentle manner and his infectious smile; I take great joy in knowing that he and grandma are together in heaven (probably playing cards with the angels!).


My Grandpa and Grandma..




Me and grandpa..this is one of the last pictures I have with him




My next military man is my husband, Gary.  Gary has been serving in the military for 20 years and we have been married for 19 of them. At times it has been a wild ride but all in all the journey has been great. Gary has earned the nickname Mr. Smiley at work. I think that says a lot about his true character. My hubby has been involved in very stressful situations and has had to make many tough decisions but he wouldn't let it rob him of his smile. When the going gets tough and everyone can see that the "boss-man" is still smiling then that influences the rest of them. How can you not smile when you see his dimples (I know your thinking that isn't very tough and macho for a military man but I happen to love his dimples!). I also think you can be a man of valor and strength and yet still be gentle. Military life can be hard especially when it keeps you away from family but I would never ask him to walk away from doing what he loves. Gary definitely loves serving his country in the military! So, to my military man, thank you for serving, thank you for being a great husband and daddy, thank you for taking me along for the ride!



UPDATE:
I have to include my nephew, Joe, this Veteran's Day.  He is currently deployed and fighting for our country.

Be safe, Joe, we love you!

November -Adoption Awareness Month