Random...

Thoughts for today with some oldies but goodies pictures..
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The thought that March is 2 days away makes my heart sing.  But then I always remember that I'm in Virginia and spring isn't that close.



The time changes in a few weeks.  Our home sits between two hills.  Literally.  The amount of sun we see is limited.  So when the time changes and the sun hangs out a little longer over the hill then I plan on pulling up a blanket and laying on the floor in the sunshine.
 

We are planning a garden.  I have been doing a lot of internet search on medicinal herbs.  Come spring, I will be out pulling up dandilions for tea. I am also planting Chamomile so I can have an unlimited supply of nighttime tea.

Recon is doing wonderfully.  He still picks on Maggie, but he is growing and learning.  He is so smart, too.  I have to say that I knew he would shed.  I didn't think I would have to vacuum my entire house every single day with a swiffer in the evenings.  We have dog hair everywhere.  I think I have it under control, but it still makes me squirm.
 


Darrell is doing well at work.  He has a new position again.  He transferred to the electrical dept.  He will be taking some classes and is considered an apprentice for 2 years.  After that he will be an industrial electrician and that will be very good job security.

With Liberty being 8, I always think that I only have 10 more years left with her.  It makes me sad that she's growing so fast.  In 10 years I will only be 42.  What will I do with myself????

If anyone has any warm weather soon, please send it our way.  I don't ever think I can last another day ofcold.

The Adoption Update

I just wanted to update some of you who are interested on our adoption.  This has been a hard few months emotionally and financially.  I feel like we've waited so long (over 3 years now) since we decided we wanted to adopt.  I felt like we were at a point that we could start a home study.  It seemed like every time we scrounged some money to start we would need something else.  Expensive necessities.  Do you know what it feels like to have to spend that money on an unexpected expense?

**Now, I just want to stop here and say that any money that has been donated through our Chip In is tucked securely away.  It will ONLY be used for our adoption.  And a heartfelt thank you to those who have donated.**

But it just seems like a resounding WAIT from the Lord.  Is it His time?  I don't know.  Why does it seem like the money we try and save has to be used?  Would it be better to use that money or our credit card?  I feel like the Lord would not want us in debt and He allows these things to come about.  So I remember the saying that our timing is not God's timing.  My heart needs to rest and wait until He opens a door.  The scary thing is that His door might not be a door I want to walk through.  Perhaps that is why He is asking us to wait.  Because He needs more time to mold our hearts to His will.  I know that there are options running through my head that I have painfully avoided in the past.  Options like Foster Care.  I have always said I would never do foster care.  Notice that word NEVER.  That's always a pretty good indication that someday it will happen.  Will we do foster care?  I don't know.  If that is the only way God will bring me more children and if it's the only way we can help the orphan, then I guess we will.

Please pray for us.  Our hearts are so open to hurting children that it is confusing as to why we are just sitting here.  We need wisdom and lots of it.

Snow

We waited for snow forever this winter.  Now, if I don't see another snowflake again I will be ok.
Here are just a few pictures of some recent snows. It sure is beautiful but I found out the hard way that if a good snow is predicted I need to prepare for a power outage.  That means clean as much as possible, laundry, dishes and everything else that takes power.  Also find a way to get buckets of water so we can flush.  We do have a generator but to lug that thing out and spend a fortune on gas is a pain.  Not to mention Darrell is so strung out at even the thought of someone stealing it, it is worth it to just sit in the cold. 

Marine Corps Family

Last week we had the pleasure of visiting Parris Island, South Carolina again.  There is something so special about being on base.  I guess because Darrell has told me story after story of his fond times of boot camp.  We enjoy driving around seeking out new recruits so we can sit in our car and laugh and laugh and laugh.  Poor recruits.  It was a quick trip since we were only able to make it for graduation day but still fun.

                                    
 Happy smiles quickly turned to tears.  The sheer emotion pouring out of these two was hard to watch. 

 And just for fun we had to get a follow up shot to the one we got 4 or 5 years ago.  The joke is that we will be back in 10 years for her graduation and get the final picture.  We do have another chance to come back soon but Jacob is refusing soo...

And just for fun, lets take a trip down memory lane...