Blessed Beyond Belief - 5 Kids and Counting...

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

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!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

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!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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!

Monday, November 8, 2010

November -Adoption Awareness Month

Saturday, October 30, 2010

7 months!

Seven months ago our boy came home. I have treasured our time with Caleb but I will always miss all the firsts that happened before he came home. His first tooth...first word...first time sitting up...first time walking...first birthday...I think you get the idea. However, we were given a gift from Caleb's foster family that I will treasure forever. His foster family sent pictures...I mean a lot of pictures of our boy. Pictures from his first birthday, pictures of him as a baby, pictures of his time with them. What a gift to have these pictures to have a glimpse of his life before coming home...to see that he was loved and well taken care of. Here are some of my favorite pictures of our boy before.

Caleb and his foster dad

Caleb and his foster mom

I will be forever grateful for the love and care they gave Caleb before he came home but I am most thankful that he now calls me mommy!

Happy 7 months at home Caleb!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for:

~My nephew Joe...he just shipped out for a year long deployment. Please pray for him as he protects our freedom. I am so proud of him and can't wait until I see him again and can give him a great big hug!

Here is Joe and Claire when they met for the first time!

Here is the same young man ready to fight for his country.

This picture was taken today as he said goodbye to his siblings.

I got this picture off of Joe's facebook page..this says a lot about the young man that he is..

Heavenly Father,

Watch over Joe and his unit. Keep them safe from all dangers. Go before them and help their missions to be successful. Give them courage and Your peace. Wrap Your loving arms around Joe and let him feel Your presence in all that he does. Dear Lord, please bring him home safe to us. In Your Son's precious name, Amen

This will be going up at our house for Joe.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for:

~Claire's adjustment to kindergarten. You know as a mom, I worry. I know crazy but I wondered would the kids in her class accept her. Would they see her for the fun-loving, goofy girl that we all love or would they see her as different? Would they see her as the girl that does sign language and not want to be her friend? Well, I am thankful for her adjustment and for her new friends.

~I am thankful for the scene I witnessed at the fall festival at school. We walked up to the school and there were a lot of kids already there playing games. Suddenly, I hear several little girls yell "Claire!" and they run up and wrap their arms around her. Then one of the little girls goes on to tell me that she has a sign language book so she can learn to talk to Claire. Boy, did this do this mom's heart good to witness this scene. Thank you, Lord, for letting me see this window into my precious girl's day at school!

Claire and her class on a recent field trip

~Pumpkin patches! I love going to the pumpkin patch in the fall. I love the crisp air and enjoying the outdoors. The patch that we went to has rides, goats, and pig races just to name a few things!

Claire is on the swing going backward