Waiting. He is coming.

This advent season has been one of waiting. My heart has been in a deep place where prayers have few words and deep feeling. I am so glad that the Holy Spirit can intercede for us during these times. Advent. Celebrating the coming of a baby. This year my heart has been so thankful for that first baby, Jesus, and for what God did at that manger. Love, sacrifice, humanity, hope...

This song has really spoken to me during this time. Andrew Peterson's Labor of Love:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQZmni-oeg4
If you have time, please listen to it.

My heart has been holding on to two babies who were on their way. My cousin's baby was born first.






This is Gabriel Ray. He was well loved. He was born without several vital organs and passed away after 35 minutes of life. His mother, my beautiful cousin Samantha, and his father have been so brave and courageous. They have had to make so many heartwrenching decisions in this whole process. My heart is grieving with them in their loss. I am so thankful they got those precious minutes with him.

The next day my nephew was born.






Xavier Alan is HUGE and healthy, and I hear he is a love. I cannot wait to meet him. I am so thankful he arrived safely and that his Mamma, Missy, is recovering well.

I don't have any answers for the hard questions, living and dying. I am so thankful for Jesus, that he came to stand between us and a Holy God, and that he will make all things new again. He is the resurrection and the Life. I am looking forward to meeting my little precious cousin some day soon, and I am trusting the Comforter of all souls to be with his sorrowing family right now.

Advent. Coming. Already, but Not Yet. Waiting.


This I know. God keeps ALL his promises to us. We can trust him. I will keep looking towards that rising light in this present darkness.

Update

Things have been up and down this week. Gavin had a high fever one day and an achy ear one night, but seems to be holding his own. We got to go to 2 Christmas parties this week.

Today we had an adventuresome day going to see the Nutcracker. This was the boys first experience with ballet. We learned a little bit about the story, musical, music and composer, and reviewed ballet etiquitte. We saw the second act, and when it was over Seth looked at me almost in tears and asked why it was over already. We saw it on a small stage and the costumes bere beautiful, we could see all the faces, and there were a lot of children in the performance. In the prep materials they hinted at a visitor from the North Pole, so Seth was very excited that he had guessed correctly that Santa would make an appearance. Gavin loved the sheep. It thrilles me that they enjoy performances as much as I do, and that we can get inexpensive tickets for school performances to so many amazing things.

Pictures sometime soon. I need Andrew's computer to do some major work on that front and he has been hard atnwork on his masters program. we are so proud of him for working so hard on this goal.

Simple joys!

Like nail polish it is quickly wearing off, but I have really been enjoying my houndstooth nails!

Eye of the Tiger

Thanks to a mix cd from Holly we get to listen to this one song on repeat 20 or more times a day. I love that Seth loves music, and I find it fascinating the direction that interest is taking him.

The boys got their first trim up since June, and just around the ears and neck. Their hair does not grow! School pictures were taken today. Now to pack for the mountains.... At least we have music to listen to and motivate us!

Happenings.

Last week was a marathon of things that needed done. We mostly made it! We ended the week with a birthday party for the boys and then the spent the night with Blake and Emily while Andrew and I spent the night in KS City. We had a great weekend together staying at a bed and breakfast, eating at a Brazilian grill, and watching the Chiefs play the Vikings. (Andrew wouldn't let me bring my knitting into the stadium. :o). I am working on a scarf for Gavin now.)

This week started busy, but ground to a halt when Seth started running a fever. After being uo in the night with him, I am pretty sure he has turned the corner. Yay for spending the day outside and getting things done! We need to get ready for Aunt Stephanie's visit this weekend!!!!

Joyful peaceful moments.

Lately we have had so many moments that are "just right" and I just sit there soaking them in. Everyone in harmony and enjoying life together. Very sweet.

Quote

"I'm getting sweaty like you, Mommy."

I have mixed feelings about this one. :o)

Wisdom Words

In cleaning, sorting, etc. I have relooked at a lot of items in my home more closely than I have for a long time. One of my treasures I rediscovered is a journal of beautiful and wise words I had collected. This morning some of it jumped out at me and seemed particularly relevant in light of our circumstances.

"Do not ask the name of him who asks you for a bed. It is precisely he whose name is a burden to him who most needs sanctuary." - Monseigneur Bienvenu (Les Mis by Victor Hugo)

We are about one month out from completing our homestudy for foster care/adoption. Please pray with us for God's clear direction for our family. We don't know for sure what is next, but we are saying yes to God's direction and blessing on our family.

Children are a blessing from the Lord, and He puts the lonely in families. May our home be a sanctuary and refuge. We are waiting...

Orchard Balloon Festival

We played and picked apples first.















Then we settled in to watch the balloons.





It started out as a big field with a few vehicles and trailors.





They set up a balloon for kids to play inside of with a bunch of balls.


Then they started setting up the balloons for flight.























This one went right overhead! It was AMAZING!














Lots of friends and neighbors came.























They came back and did a "glow" for us.


Behind us the sun was setting. We had a beautiful and fun evening!

Cousin fun (from July)

We had friends over and made Stone Soup.



Aunt Beccy managed to find cordinating swimsuits at the thrift store. aren't they cute? I love that little girls will pose for pictures.





Slip and slide with neighborhood friends.


I love this picture!

Stuff I have been making.

I haven't been finishing a lot of my bigger projects, but I have been busy creating. Here is a sampling of finished projects from the end of summer and the beginning of this fall.

My bag I made for RAGBRAI.


Pocket detail.


Pillowcase made to match my fleece sleeping bag.


Bag to house the tent portion of my cot tent.


Oodles of toy storage bags. Some with clear windows so you can see what is inside of them.









(Side note: I got a smaller chest to store all the "sports" toys in the dining room and am getting rid of the big buffet now that we have all the kitchen stuff back up in the kitchen. I love craigs list!)


Baby swaddling blankets.


Burp clothes.


(Oooops! I should have embroidered it before I sewed the halves together! Thanks to Marlene Dillavou for the fabulous burp clothes she made for me that were my inspiration!)


And last but not least of the finished projects I remembered to take a picture of... My first knitting project!


Now to finish my 4 quilts in various stages of undoneness, pajamas for the boys, winter coat for Seth, clothes for me, gifts for several friends.... OH YEAH! CHRISTMAS IS COMING, TOO!!!!

I don't see a lot of sleep in my future! :o)