Daddy "Date Night" and 7 Months

Today, April 30th, marks 7 months from the day we delivered our sweet boy Chase! And what a Spirit filled 7 months it has been. It is only fitting, on this 7 month marker, that Chelsea is at a National Orphan Conference in Minnesota, where Steven Curtis Chapman led the praise and worship time, and I took Kendyll and Carlie tonight to see Selah in Concert on a Daddy Date night! Both SCC and Selah have ministered to us, through their music and testimony, in amazing ways that is really hard to describe. More on that later.

I have to confess, I have sat down intending to write out a blog entry a number of times over the past 6 months. And each time, I have struggled mightily to transfer what I am thinking into written words. For whatever reason, tonight I am not having any trouble writing, so I am just going to keep going until I get it all down. Chelsea, you truly amaze me with your writing on this blog, and I am so proud of you for sharing so intimately! You remain MY HERO and I am so proud to be your Husband and partner in our life adventure.

So, the home front while Mommy is at a conference, is just not the same. Here are a few highlights from the past few days, that might terrify Chelsea:

• Kendyll has made it school on time the past 2 days, but we were second to last for pickup at carpool today...technically not late....but I still got an earful from my 8 year old about being the last one picked up from her class!
• I was 25 minutes late picking up Kendyll today from her skating party...I am blaming this solely on a 3 year tantrum, as Abby Kate woke up from her nap, not in a good mood, and not wanting to get in the car to pick up Kendyll. (And I turned the wrong way on Audelia Rd). Thanks to the Heflin's for hanging with Kendyll a few extra minutes!
• Dinners the past 3 nights has consisted of: Genghis Grill, Benihana's, and Texas Land & Cattle. They have certainly got their protein, but the "eating out" budget is shot for the month of May already!
• They did get baths on Wednesday night at least.
• Kendyll was one "t" short of spelling "kitchen" right, and getting 100% on her spelling test...so close!! We practiced all her words on the way to school each morning, I promise!
• Abby Kate cracks all of us up, all the time! Here is a quote from AK, that her school teacher Miss Amy passed along to me on Thursday: AK talking to her buddy Ellie: "See Ellie, up there in the sky, my Mommy on the airplane up there with Chase. Hers gonna get two babies in her tummy and get them and bring them home. Two babies, a baby brother and baby sister. Is your baby with Chase, Ellie Bellie?.....Um Amy, Ellie Bellie, you need to get in your seat...Um Amy, my going to grandmas!" CLASSIC Abby Kate! Thanks to Miss Amy for all your help this week, transporting AK to school and back!
• And thanks to Grandma and Pops for watching the girls the past 3 days at different times!

OK, so back to Daddy Date Night for the Selah concert! Nights like this are why I LOVE being a Daddy so much! I was either carrying one of them or had one of them on my lap the entire night and got hours of sweet cuddle time with both of my big girls. Little did they both know, that I needed it, far more than they did! These sweet girls, both melted my heart, as they wiped their Daddy's tears from his eyes, as certain Selah songs were sung. And listening to Kendyll sing along, word for word, with Selah to the great hymn, "It is Well", was also priceless for me and all the people sitting in our section! Such an incredible night for me as a Dad! I was bursting with pride and tears of joy!

Selah's music has a permanent home in our families heart! The night of September 30th, 2009 will certainly be a day we never forget. After getting our heartbreaking news, Chelsea and I sat on our couch in stunned disbelief and must have said, "this isn't happening"...at least 1000 times that night! At some point, we got on the internet and began to read Angie Smith's blog - Bring the Rain....which documents, her and her husbands (lead singer of Selah) story of losing their 4th child, Audrey. We read their entire story from start to finish and have been ministered and encouraged, through their blog, ever since. Selah's music has been played in our house, car, and I-Pod's, on a daily basis. And one of my favorite traditions, with Kendyll, as I drive her to school in the morning, is to belt out our favorite Selah songs. So, tonight was really special for me to be able to take Kendyll and Carlie to see Selah in concert. It was a great night spent with my 2 older girls. And we were honored to meet Todd Smith at the end of the show and tell him about our Chase, and thank him personally, for sharing their story and ultimately ministering to us through Angie's blog and his music!

I could not have asked for a better day to celebrate Chase's 7 month birthday. We need our Mommy back desperately around here, but I am so grateful for the precious time I have had with my girls! Chelsea has been soaking up every ounce of the Summit VI Orphan Care Conference and I know she is excited to share with all of you as well, what she has learned.

To my boy Chase, thank you for drawing me closer to God and giving me a new lens to see the world with. I am so proud to be your Dad and am privileged to be able to share your story, for all of my days, to everyone I meet. Your sisters, Mom, and I miss you dearly and there is not a day that goes by that we do not talk about you and celebrate your life and the impact it is making for God's glory! I pray constantly now for God to "break my heart for what break His", as my favorite Selah song, "Hosannah", says. And even though, the past 7 months have had many moments of great sorrow, tears, and pain, we have felt God's guiding presence through it all and continue to trust in His will for our lives.

"Though the Lord gave you adversity for food

and suffering for drink,

He will still be with you to teach.

You will see your teacher with your own eyes.

Your own ears will hear Him.

Right behind you a voice will say,

"This is the way you should go,"

whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30: 20-21

And...I'm Off!

My bag is packed and Daddy is officially in charge of the three girlies (with lots of Grandma help!!)

I leave today for the Christian Alliance for Orphans' Summit VI in Minneapolis with Sara, Amy, and Donna. I am SO excited to be there and see what God has in store, as we continue to follow this calling He has just dropped into our lives.

And, I have no doubt I'll be surprised again by Him this weekend.

This conference was yet another "God moment" for me, when my best friend and college roommate, Sara, sent me an email to see if I might be interested in attending with her. This email was back on January 27th. That amazes me! So much has happened since then that I didn't even know at the time. In so many ways, this was just another "yes" I said blindly, knowing I should be there, but not even fully knowing why.

Since then, we have begun the road to adopting from Rwanda (although our hearts were already in it by January 27). We have also begun to see God's blessings on what was then just a prayer and a dream...we have fully begun our non-profit for orphans, His Chase.

His timeline on all of this just continues to amaze me. He hasn't let me go and is just increasing my passion for precious orphans with each passing day. And, I know this is only the beginning.

By the way, speaking of His Chase, do you know that we now have $38,616 for Chase's Place in Ghana? The TOTAL cost to build this house is $50,000. We are SO CLOSE!! Thank you for helping make this happen! I could never have imagined we would be this close to our first goal in just two short months. God is so good!! (Now, please be praying hard for the securing of our land in Ghana...that is the next step and has proven to be difficult to say the least.)

Meanwhile, I get to go on a girl trip! To learn more about orphan care! Yippee!

I can not wait to learn and grow and be inspired this weekend, by people like John Piper, Steven Curtis Chapman (he'll be glad to see me too, I'm sure), and other leaders in orphan care ministry and adoption.

You know I'll have all kinds of things to say when I get back. :)

Here's a little video from their website sharing a bit about what this weekend will be like...See you when I return!!

My Creative Children

Does anyone else wonder where your creativity has gone? While I still love to create, to decorate, to party plan, to sew....I somehow have begun feeling rushed through it. I have started seeing my creative times as less important than the "have to do" stuff. Basically, it's easy for life to get too busy for creativity.

I just started reading a book {one of about fourteen I'm currently reading} I borrowed from my sister, called "The Creative Family", by Amanda Blake Soule {see her awesome blog here}. It has definitely inspired me to get back to creating...and to enjoy the process of being creative. It has helped me realize that I really do create and invent in my normal day without even calling it that...and, more than anything, it has made me notice how naturally creative my children are.

As Amanda says in the intro of her book, "A large part of nurturing a spirit of creativity comes from being mindful, slowing down, observing, and looking around you at the beauty and inspiration all around. We are blessed as parents to have the best teachers for this---our children. Stop and watch your children often. Really stop and watch, and you'll see them using such creativity in everything they do...they inherently work and play with creativity, intent, and imagination."

I already knew this about children. But, boy do I forget. I forget to notice how they create each day, and how inventive they are. It's amazing when you really stop and notice!

I also forget to be like them. Since beginning this book, I am trying to be creative in some way every day now, even as I do the "daily things" that we all have to do.

What I love is that my children don't even have to try.

{Even as I type this entry, they are planning a pedicure spa night for each other, making "peace butterflies" from paper, and playing a made-up game that involves walking backwards and bowling with nail polish. What?!}

It actually helps my blood pressure when I realize these are all ways they create and invent. They're really not just trying to be as messy as possible. :)

The last two weekends have been "clean it out" time around here. Every closet, every cabinet, every little stack that I've been neglecting for months on end has been attacked.

So, as we cleaned the garage out, the girls ransacked the place for treasures. Before we even realized it, they began creating "The Beach Bash", as they named it. This was a poolside restaurant made from everything they could find. A blue tarp became the pool. Towels became floats that doubled as tables. A baby gate became a restaurant. A fake plant became their palm tree. They added lawn chairs, decorations, and entertainment (soccer balls and pool noodles).

They made a sign "Open for Lunch" and sidewalk chalked "The Beach Bash" across the driveway. And, of course, all the wait staff and customers were wearing swim suits. :)

Mommy and Daddy got to take a cleaning break to try this new restaurant out. I have to say, The Beach Bash had the best turkey sandwiches around. And, I'm sure it had to do with this assembly line of cute girls.

They played this for hours. And, asked if we could leave it set up always, so the neighbors would visit. :)

I love their creativity. I love that every single day, there is some kind of musical to perform, fashion show to be created, or pretend story to be told or acted out. There is always time for a made up game, a {crazy messy} craft creation, or a made-up piano masterpiece. And, of course, they are usually under some kind of alias name, as they pretend to be in another time or place where the names "Kendyll", "Carlie", or "Abby Kate" just won't cut it.

I love that.

I want to be inspired by it. I know one day long ago, I had more of that in me. What is it about adulthood that dampers that creative spirit?

As we enter the summertime, I have some high hopes for our creative outlets around here. Meanwhile, I'm trying to complete some projects that I've had sitting around forever. With good reason, I've felt uninspired to create the last few months. But, the spirit is returning. :)

And, while I used to think of these things as "things to get done", I am now trying to see them as "creative outlets to enjoy". It has already made a huge difference in how much I enjoy what I am doing.

So, if you need some inspiration, I highly recommend this book!

The Entry I've Been Waiting For!

So...we have big news!

We are expecting.

But, it's different this time.

Instead of morning sickness and prenatal vitamins...

We're experiencing writers' cramp and paper cuts.

Instead of buying diapers and maternity clothes,

We're buying mailing envelopes, fire extinguishers, and TB tests.

Instead of a baby growing in my tummy,

We have a baby growing in our hearts.

I am crying as I write this {yes, this is a constant thing} because I stand completely amazed at how the Lord has worked---once again---His amazing, perfect plan for our family.

In the months to come...in His perfect timing....we will be expanding our family, and enlarging the boundaries of our love.

We're "paper pregnant", and are expecting a baby....from Rwanda.

I have been frantically trying to get ready for this announcement by having our adoption blog all set up, and my first post eloquently written.

But, I just couldn't wait for all of that.

I just wanted you to know, that after years and years of knowing we would adopt "someday", God has boldly shown us that the "time is now".

We would love for each of you to follow our journey to Rwanda, on our adoption blog: http://enlargingourlove.blogspot.com.

There is, of course, SOOOO much more to share. And, believe me, I will. I can hardly keep it in these days.

And, what I love the most is that God's story for our family is just beginning. :)

Back in the Day...

If you don't already know this about me, I was really meant to live in another era. I'm not sure exactly which time period it would be, but it would be some time long ago when the pace was much slower. I am a bit old fashioned and often feel the "tug" of wanting life to be simpler...less-"techy"...and more innocent. I am fascinated with the good old fashioned ways of doing things, and in my dreams, I imagine myself having even half the work ethic that women had in years past. I like to think I would have loved sewing my own clothes, growing my own food, and wearing big long frocks of dresses. :) The one exception to this is that I would absolutely need to have air conditioning. And, maybe a microwave.

So, now that I think about it, maybe I should stay right here in the 21st century, with my cool air and quick meals.

Meanwhile, I do still love learning what other generations did in their daily life.

Last week, we got to travel back in time at Kendyll's long-awaited Pioneer Day! Providence has a "living history" day each year, and in second grade, they study pioneer history. Of course, the nerd in me just loves these days, and I love seeing the children learning and having fun all at the same time!

I got to work with a good friend of mine to head up this year's Pioneer Day...so, of course, our poor husbands got "volunteered" to be the Trail Bosses for the morning, before they started their real jobs for the day. :) They gathered the kids from their classes and took them on a wild goose chase for a runaway buffalo. It was hilarious.

Look at my cute Daniel Boone!

And, here is our little pioneer family. (Thanks to Carrie for lending our matching costumes!)

The whole morning was filled with experiences that the pioneer children would have had back in their day, as well as lots of artifacts from real pioneer families. (The company that brought this in is called Pioneer Living, and the owner has a passion for educating children about history. VERY cool.)

Of course, Kendyll gets really into things like this. And, she was so serious every time I came to take a picture. In fact, at one point, I was calling her name, and she said "Mom! I can NOT take pictures all day!" Quite the pioneer temper!

Here is the "serious girl" spinning wool into cloth...

And panning for gold...

Washing clothes by hand...

...while the boys learned to shave.

Making biscuits (wouldn't she love to have baked with Lil Mama?!)

Singing pioneer songs with her friends...

Posing with her teacher...

Playing croquet and pioneer games...

Meeting a real buffalo...

Making friends with Indians...

Eating pioneer lunch...

And, they ended their day with a square dance! It was so cute to watch them all demonstrate what they had been learning in music....and they were really good!!

Oh, the sweet awkwardness of 2nd grade boys and girls holding hands. :)

It was a fun memory with my big girl, and since she is reading this over my shoulder, I will say that I am so proud to be her pioneer mama. :)

Easter 2010

Well, the only thing I received from the Easter Bunny this year was a stomach virus. So, I'm a little too puny for blogging, but I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from the Easter season. I hope each of you had a wonderful weekend with your families. We sure did!

Multiple egg hunts means many special treasures, lots of happy smiles, and WAY too much candy!!

The Easter Bunny always leaves a trail of bunny peeps to the girls' baskets. Abby Kate woke up earlier than everyone else, and I found her collecting the peeps for herself in the quiet of the early morning. Hilarious.

She then felt bad and recreated the path herself, to share the fun with her still-sleeping sisters.

And, just because I can't pick one, here are a few pictures of my favorite girls in the world looking all cute and springy.

And, I'm going to end with a couple of quotes from others who have summed up how I feel about Easter this year in such better ways than I could myself.

From my sweet sister, Cortni's blog:

It seems fitting that we celebrate Easter this same week (that we celebrate Chase's six month birthday). We celebrate a King who overcame the grave. A God who is bigger than death. A Victory that we can claim as ours. We know, because of this week, and because of what happened on that Sunday morning, that we will have the opportunity to know Baby Chase deeper, and our aching arms will be filled one day. I am so thankful that our story does not end in that hospital room, just as Christ's story didn't end on the cross.

And, from my dear friend, Becky, in an email this week:

When the Lord began to knit Chase together in your womb, He knew the outcome. He knew the heartache...I know He grieved with you and continues to do so...this world is so far from what He intended it to be. Yet in His mercy, Jesus comes in and what was meant to devastate and destroy...builds! He builds on what Satan thought would crumble....He takes the pieces, shores them up and builds a home that will house His children, that will point them to Him. OH Thank you for letting Him use what was meant to destroy to proclaim...So amazing to me that this week you honor your precious boy in the week that the church proclaims the resurrection. Your testimony proclaims, His Chase proclaims...Jesus is alive! Death has lost its power!

On Sunday, Chris Seidman challenged us in his sermon with this question: "Do you really believe to your core that Jesus rose from the dead? And, do you live like it?" My first thought was "Not only do I believe it to my core, I cling to it, now more than ever. Because He rose, I know this world is not my home. I know that there will be a day with no more tears or suffering. I cling to that hope and know that I can live life abundantly because of it. I do believe. And, I'm choosing to live with JOY because I'm so very thankful He died for me.

Happy Easter!

A Happy Half-Birthday

We have a winner!! I'm VERY happy to announce that

Jennifer Cochran

just won the Blessing Others Giveaway,

and is now the owner of a $50 gift certificate to Vintage Pearl!

Jen, I'll email you your gift certificate tonight!

Congratulations.

You are the perfect person to receive this blessing for someone.

A Happy Half-Birthday...

I'm a little late in sharing these pictures of Chase's day. The original dream for March 30th was a big celebration, fundraising, and worship evening for His Chase. We quickly realized we weren't quite ready to pull that off, so plan B was a quiet night with the girls. Since Mark had a business meeting in New Jersey this week, we didn't plan much besides a dinner out and a mini balloon launch together.

But, as the day got closer, I was feeling more like I wanted to be with family. So, at the last moment, we decided to throw an impromptu party at the park for our little guy. (I have the best family ever for jumping right in on the idea and coming to spend their evening with us!)

And, OH, were the girls excited!! Not only to get to celebrate Chase's birthday, but to also get to be with all the cousins they loved so much! Look at this cute group of kids!

We were VERY sad that Daddy was not here with us (and I think he was even sadder than we were!), but our sweet Mark Daddy Daddy sent his girls a balloon bouquet and two dozen tulips, and sent his own balloons to Chase in the middle of a rainstorm in New Jersey. The girls were so excited to get the pictures of Mark's own little celebration...in a total downpour.

Now, that's a dedicated Daddy!

Mark also thought to arrange another balloon celebration through his Uncle Joe, who happens to be an amazingly successful balloon distributor in California. I mean, we've got major balloon "connections"! Cheri got a huge shipment of balloons, including some 3 and 4 foot mylar balloons of the girls' favorite characters: Dora, Ballerina Barbie, and My Little Pony.

Uncle Joe, the balloons were PERFECT. And, I wish you could have seen the girls' excitement over every single one!

Aunt Jodi and Pops got the {awful} job of untangling these poor things from ALL the wind!

Whatever it took to make these smiling-faced kids happy!

The whole evening was so nice. All the kids I love so much just running, laughing, and playing. It made me smile the whole night.

We ate sandwiches, played some more, and eventually braved the VERY windy conditions and did our "birthday balloon launch" for Chase.

I have no idea where AK was for most of these pics, but she was very excited about this day. She told everyone she could ALL DAY that it was Chase's birthday in heaven. She sang to him a few different times too, which just makes my heart melt. :) So, she was very excited to send her balloons up...

...and of course, we had to have cupcakes for the occasion too!

It was such a sweet night, and so good for the girls especially. We partied 'til the sun went down...and we ended with a beautiful sunset.

...Happy Half-Birthday, my baby boy!