We Have A Date!!!!!!!

We received a letter today from our Lawyer with our adoption hearing date, January 21st!!!! We are very excited that there is an official date and Nathan will be ours forever, Praise the Lord! The wait is almost over!

And Here are some updated pictures of our little boy. We frosted some cookies together with Daddy, I think Nathan did 2 and then he realized what they were and he had no more interest in frosting them:)
It snowed the other day and Nathan was very excited, but the first thing he wanted when we got in our backyard was - the ball.

My best birthday present

O.K. so here are the dog shoe/boots that I am in love with, go ahead and laugh, at me & Heidi:). My Mom bought these for me as an early birthday present and they are wonderful! I had been washing Heidi's feet off quite regularly and she was tired of it and so was I, now they are completely clean after walking or running in mud. We went to Blue Marsh yesterday and walked in the trails with much mud and dirt everywhere and she was clean when we got home:) But we should have taken a video of her running down the leaf coated hills full speed and sliding to a stop because she had no claws to help her - it was hilarious. This video was the first time we put them on her, pretty funny how she lifts up her paws while she walks, she tolerates so much the poor thing:)

We Elfed ourselves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Another Tag game

So these were the rules to this tag game: Go to your 5th folder of photos and take the 5th picture and post it.  As Bonnie who tagged me had a dilemma, so did I.  We have so many folders all over the desktop, I am not organized nearly enough to have a "picture folder" so I went to Nathan's folder.  I went to the second out of two sub-folders and here is the 5th picture:)

So this is Nathan and one of our good friend's daughter Anna. Nathan loves food and will take it from anybody even strangers if we would let him:) Anna is feeding Nathan some of her grapes and I'm sure Nathan is saying Mo, Mo (More, More)

Thankfulness

It has been a very full week and I'm so thankful for God's hand in everything. Last Saturday Nathan and I flew to Texas to welcome my little niece Jacqueline into the family.  My parents and grandmother were there also and it was good to share this time with them.  Little Jackie is very precious but Nathan wasn't sure what to make of his new cousin, he kept calling her BabE and did not like it one bit when I was holding her, I had to sneak in some cuddle time while he was napping. My little sis, you are a beautiful mother and you have a beautiful daughter! I look forward to sharing mother moments with you:)

We returned home on Tuesday (I hope to never fly again with a toddler by myself, a 3 1/2 hour flight is a loooonng time:) and were so happy to be with Daddy again, we missed him so much! Nathan was squealing when he saw him at the airport. And then it was Thanksgiving, we had a really good time hanging out all day with Steve's family, it was very yummy and relaxing. I love Thanksgiving, a time to remember all God's goodness He has so richly lavished upon us, so, so much more then we deserve and yet He keeps it coming.  This year we started a new tradition, an idea I have stolen from some friends from church, a Thankfulness tree. We had it on our table and for the month of November we wrote down things we were thankful for and hung them on the tree. Steve and I were both blessed by it, remembering all the good things God has done and has given to us. I look forward to next year when Nathan can take part in it more.  (It's been fun starting new traditions with Nathan, I'm excited for Christmas:)

A Big Boy

Nathan seems to be growing up so fast lately, I can't believe he's going to be two in two months. In the past 7 months that we have had him he has changed and learned so much. Here are a couple new things he's saying on the video clip.  His voice is so dear and when he says apple I just want to kiss those lips:) He has also been using the potty at least two times a day for the past couple weeks - what a big boy!  

             

We met with one of our case workers last week and we are waiting for a paper to sign. Once signed, all our paperwork will be sent to the lawyer who will then finalize everything and get our court date.  The case workers guess to when the court date will be was probably in February -  A little longer then we had hoped but as we have learned in the past God's timing is perfect and we are just so thankful to our Lord that we have Nathan with us during the waiting.

Lullaby's and Goodnights

I might be slow but God is good! It has taken me 7 months but I finally figured out how Nathan likes to be held and rocked and back rubbed before bed. I tried every night before but he was always somewhat restless and would only sit with me for maybe 1 minute, now he just lays on me and I can feel he's relaxed. This is a huge step for me (and him) and I'm so grateful to the Lord that He let me figure it out and that I get to spend this special time with my little boy.  I cherish every second and pray it continues. Thank you Lord!

Tag... I'm it

So I have been "tagged" to write 5 things I love about my husband which is such a joy to do. 

One.   He loves the Lord  This is what drew me to love him when we were dating. He loves his Savior and desires to please Him in all areas of his life.  He reads books and listens to tapes and messages, I love how worship songs bring him to tears. He consistently evaluates areas of his life that he needs to grow in. He prays.

Two.   He loves his family  I love the way he loves me and cares for me. He is always looking for ways to serve me, helping me around the house or taking Nathan for a little bit so I can get some things done. He washes dishes and changes diapers:) He makes an effort to spend time with me after Nathan goes to bed.  He pursued me when we were dating and he still does.  -  I love how he loves Nathan, he loves spending time with him and teaching him things. He loves waking him up on the weekends and has not missed helping to put him to bed at night as long as he's home. He loves being a Daddy and I love watching him in this new role.

Three.   He is a hard worker  He works hard at Deka, factory work that is not the easiest, he strives to please the Lord here. He works at his business, Fotografic, wanting this to be our second income because he wants me to stay at home with Nathan.  He has been such a godly business man as he has built this side business and works many extra hours to provide for us. He works on the house and cars and yard, taking care of repairs and making improvements.

Four.   He is Gentle  He is gentle with me, he is gentle with Nathan, he has a gentle spirit. He is sensitive to me and seeks to draw me out and care for me when I'm upset or struggling with something. He is gentle with Nathan when he is directing/instructing him. He is patient. 

Five.   His Humor  Many people don't know this about Steve other than his family but he can be very silly and I love when he is, it makes me laugh as well as anyone else who is watching. 

I have to add that I love his artistic gifts and I love when we get a chance to be creative together.

I am so grateful to be married to this man, he is my very best friend and I am blessed to be walking with him on this earthly journey!

(Everyone I know who blogs has already been tagged except for Amber -you're "it":)  But I also "tag" Kathy (after you have your baby), Mom, Naty, Mom R, Julia and Kim to write or tell your husband 5 things you love about them:)

Pumpkin Time

We did finally carve a pumpkin this past weekend.  I haven't done this for years and I knew it was messy and was thinking I would just wait until next year, but it was a rainy day Saturday so I changed my mind. Nathan liked the hole in the pumpkin and Heidi thankfully enjoyed eating the seeds that fell on the floor:)

All boy!

Here's some random photos of Nathan, we thought the one on the motorcycle was pretty funny. He looks like a real harley dude, the only thing is he was actually starting to complain/cry because he wanted off:)

            

And here's a video of him pointing to some body parts, again, it's pretty funny, I hope he thinks so when he gets older:)

Mom

So last night I was talking to Steve and said something, can't even remember what I said but it was the way I said it- 

And Steve said "you sounded just like your Mom" and he laughed.

And I smiled and then missed my Mom.

I love you Mom and am glad for the times I remind others and myself of you!

Fall Is Here

We had another foster care outing this weekend at a corn maze and we met Steve's parents and nieces there.  Nathan had a good time, loved being able to run around and explore new things. There was a big hay filled area that the kids (and grown-ups) could jump and tumble in and throw around, it was a favorite with the kids, but how can so much hay end up in a diaper?We went on a tractor ride ( the last picture of the collage with Poppy) and Nathan just stared at the tractor for most of the ride. It was a beautiful evening as you can see by the sunset but pretty chilly, Fall has definitely come upon us.  

I took Nathan and the dog out for our morning stroll yesterday and put some mittens on Nathan, it was quite humorous for the first half of the walk. Nathan wasn't too thrilled about them and was trying to take them off and Heidi loved them and was trying to take them off.  I must have put them back on half a dozen times or more. I have a feeling this will be happening again and again:)

pat the bunny

My Mom bought Nathan this book a while ago and he loves it - I remember loving it as kid too. Since we have been reading this to him he now smells the flowers whenever he sees them including at times, flowers in other books:) He also likes to feel his own "Daddy's scratchy face", and tries to feel my scratchy face too, but thankfully I don't have one:) I love this picture below, however, it is not the manliest photo.

This is too small, but these fit "just right"

Grammy took Nathan to get his feet fitted for shoes.  He has been complaining when we put shoes on him and we were wondering if his feet were wide, come to find out Mommy had him in a size too small plus his feet need a wide shoe. (Poor Nathan-How on earth are you supposed to know what shoe size little toddlers are??)  This shoe store specializes in children's shoes and has shoes for all feet types.  Grammy bought Nathan probably his first pair of shoes that fit him:) Thanks Grammy!!!! And then she took us to lunch.  It was a fun morning and great to chat with my Mother-in-law. I enjoyed our discussion on the book she's reading, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. It got me thinking of how much we need a Savior and what Christ has truly done for me. I hope to read the book soon and I have to confess I think I was speeding a little on my way home-(a respectable sin)

Great Mame

A week with Great Gramma!! My Gramma came last Saturday on the bus from Erie PA, what a Gramma.  She's 83 years old and still adventurous which I'm thankful for.

She was with us a whole week and we were able to share our everyday family life with her.  It brought back memories of when I lived with her for a while in college - good memories.

I loved watching Nathan get to know his Great Mame.  This morning he actually pointed to her chair at the table and asked for Mame, it was a little sad. we miss you Gramma!

And here are some cute shots of Nathan.  The first he is hiding behind a chair in the corner, look closely to where his finger is pointing - the moon!  He loves the moon.

This past Saturday we were so excited to meet my parents a couple hours away so they could take Gramma back home.  It was so good to see them even though it was only for a short time.  Thanks for lunch Dad!

And then this picture had to be in color, we had a beautiful drive home, the mountains were covered in color.  I love Fall!!

A Rose in September

"Consider the Lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:27  

Well, I know this is not a lily, BUT God made it grow in September, I sure didn't. I was sick of my overgrown rose bushes in July and knowing nothing of caring for roses and hearing stories of how hard they are to take care of, I chopped them all down to stumps. ~ This is what grew in September.  Isn't God amazing!

Easy Granola Bars

I wanted to make a granola bar for Steve's lunches in place of a dried fruit/nut mix I make him.  I came across this recipe at the Allrecipe website and it turned out really yummy and much more cost effective as well. You can substitute any dried fruits, nuts, etc. (I used peanuts raisins dried pineapple, choc. chips and whatever else I had and I also put one egg in the mix to help it stick together. Steve loves them. Recipe below:

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter, milted

1 cup flaked coconut

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350, grease a 9X13 pan

In large bowl mix everything together until well blended and press flat into pan.  Bake for 20 min. until lightly browned around the edged. Let cool and cut.

Six Beautiful Months

Nathan had his 6 month routine 

court hearing today, (he was so cute 

I had to take a picture of him).  His 

last court date, 6 months ago, was 

the first time Steve and I met our 

little boy, how time flies! As I am 

writing this I am again in awe of what 

God has done, how he has given us 

our precious son. Thank you Jesus

for Nathan! Thank you for these past 

6 months.

Here we are 6 months ago 

picking him up at the court 

house and taking him home 

for a day visit.

Here are some other pictures of the past couple weeks. We went to the Wernersville fair last week and took Nathan on some rides.  He just watched everything and took it all in.  He wasn't scared of the big dog?, just wondering what that thing was sticking out of his face.

And then we have been giving Nathan some chores to do:)  

After he's done he gets to read with Dada:)

Odds and Ends

Here are some pictures that you should be able to print (Mom). I know, he needs his nose wiped in the first one and his mouth wiped in the second:)  I'll get on that:)

    

And this is a video of his soccer moves with a basketball (the only ball Heidi wont destroy). He's actually pretty good until he falls on top of the ball and then rolls off of it, (I didn't get that on video - yet)

And here is a video of him feeding himself, which yes, I am way behind schedule in training him in this. Part of me wants to hang on to the little bit of baby I have left and part of me wants a clean floor:)  This was actually not planned as there was no bib and not a very good spoon for him to use.  I can't tell if he's left or right handed yet, he's using his left here but also uses his right? Time will tell, I have a hunch he's right though.

Labor Day Weekend

We celebrated our six year anniversary this past Friday night. Grammy watched Nathan so we could have a couple hours together. I am so very blessed to be married to Steve - You are a wonderful husband to me! You work hard to provide for us every day, not only at Deka but also building your business; I am so thankful for how you repair and fix things around the house; You daily try to make it a priority to have time with me and Nathan; You are always looking for ways to serve me and help me around the house; What amazes me most is how you are seeking to grow in areas that you struggle with sin, your humility and love for God and your family are so evident! I am so blessed to be your wife:)

Next - We picked up Nathan and his 

cousin Caroline after dinner on Friday 

and had Caroline for the weekend. We 

had a really good time with her, going to 

the park, reading to her, coloring, making

smores and she loved playing with her 

cousin.  She stayed with us until after 

church on Sunday -

We loved having you Caroline!

After our care group on Sunday which was such a blessing to Steve and I (gentle reminders from the Lord of His desires and ways), we decided to take a walk at this park we found the other day. 

There are some walking paths under some pine tree patches - it's quite beautiful and so peaceful, reminding us of God's greatness and splendor, our Lord's creation!  I think this park is going to be visited by us often:)

And then we had a nice Labor day as well, did some shopping, ventured to take Nathan to lunch at a restaurant (and he didn't do too bad either), and then had a relaxing dinner outside in the back yard, what a beautiful day - What a great weekend, thank you Lord for blessing us in so many ways this weekend, reminding us of your greatness, showering us with your grace, and lovingly pointing us to your truths and your ways. 

This past week

Here are some pictures of this past weekend, we love when Daddy's home on the weekends:) We went to a 1 year birthday party for Nathan's cousin Will, Nathan's the one ripping the decorations down:) And then Steve and I came home and used our fire pit after putting Nathan to bed, how relaxing! We felt like we had a mini get-away.

And here are some pics and videos from yesterday.  This first one is how I clean him up after being outside, he loves it but gives me a hard time when I end it:)

Animals

Here's a couple pictures from this past week, for Great Gramma 

to see while your with Mom & Dad.  We wish we could be with 

you and hope you're having a blast with the kiddo's, give them 

kisses from all of us.

Boy 

does

he 

love

his 

Daddy

And here's a video clip of some animals Nathan can imitate, 

you might want to hold onto your chair, they are pretty scary:)

More Teeth

So I was awakened last night to loud cries and "Mama, Mama!"  Oh, how I loved to hear that, do I sound like a sappy mom?? Steve said I jumped out of bed fast, I think it was the first time he cried in the middle of the night "Mama", it's usually just cries. I hope I never get tired of hearing that:) 

I didn't have my camera handy at the time, sorry mom no pics:)

Stay at home

Well, after this week I have really felt like a "stay at home Mom", probably because I have been without a car for three days:) It has been a long week but a good week, I have really enjoyed play times with Nathan, he is growing so fast. I hope his energy level doesn't keep on growing with him, because mine definitely is not:)

He loves his dog, but we also are trying to teach him to be kind to Heidi as he wants to hit her or run her down with his toys.  We are glad she's a big dog.  

Tinker toys, he loves them and I know they say for ages 3 and up but it's the holes - he focuses on these so well and of course he has to try out his fingers in the holes:) Even though he's in a diaper, doesn't he look older in this last picture?

Lets see.. his new words this week, circle and square, zebra, keys, and bible and I can't think of more right now. Even though the days can be long, I love staying at home with my Nae-Nae, I love being a Mom and am so grateful I get to do both!

Hands

I've been thinking about my hands lately, probably because they have been causing me some aches and pains.  But despite that I have been contemplating how many wonderful things we do with our hands throughout our days.

If I didn't have hands I could not...

Hold my husbands or child's hand

Hold Nathan close

Wipe away his tears 

Rub his back

Pick him up when he's hurt

Tickle him and make him laugh so

Stroke his face

Feed him

Bath him

And many more good things I could not do including serving and caring

(not to mention I love my hands because they remind me of my Mom, right Little Sis)

I am so grateful my God gave me hands, help me to use them for serving and not sin.

Psalm 63:4

"So I will bless You as long as I live;

In Your name I will lift up my hands"

And then for you Mom, some pictures of Nathan from this week:)

Nathan and I had a play date

with friends from church and

he was having a ball running

up and down their hill.

He isn't quite at the stage of 

playing with other kids but he 

does enjoy playing around them.

This is Nathan saying 

    "Help MaMa"

His fingers were stuck 

         in the holes

A "Good" weekend

This weekend God blessed us with lots of family time and some good heavy rain mixed in so I didn't have to water my flowers.  We had an annual foster care picnic that we attended and the Goods were there which we were hoping they would be (Nathan's wonderful former foster family).  They were VERY happy to see us (or I should say Nathan:), their kids followed him around everywhere, and I mean everywhere because he's a kid on the move.  They are such a great christian family, what a blessing it was for Nathan to be with them his first year!

The Goods

Nathan not so much liking cotton candy? but Daddy was happy to eat it for him:)

Bath time -very needed due to walking in mud puddles from a down pour at the picnic. His new favorite position in the tub is laying down.  Isn't he a cutie, he calls himself Nae-Nae now and he has started saying ya-ya back when we say "love you".  Little blessings throughout our days:)