It's been almost a year since I've written.  Life is busy.  There is much to be said, but tonight I have neither the time nor the inclination.  This is just a short note to say hello.  I handed out two contact cards today to people who are interested in adoption.  Our family continues to be a sweet testament to what the Lord can do when His people are obedient.  If you are one of the people I gave a card to and you happen to stop by here tonight, know that I am thinking of you and looking forward to another time when we can talk about the blessings of adoption.  Shalom.

How Time Flies

Hannah Joy turned 1 yesterday.  She truly is sweet JOY to our family.  I am sorry it has taken me a year to update you.  It's been a busy and wonderful year.  Blogging went to the bottom of the priority list as we are truly living life!

She said, "Mmmmmm," while smiling at Daddy.

Meet Hannah Joy!!!

With great JOY

we welcomed

Hannah Joy

into our family

on

December 17th

She was born at 9:55 am, weighing in at 7 lbs, 10 oz and was 20 inches long.

We are all in love with her!

Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Little Update

I know it has been forever since I have written. Thank you for your prayer over us as we await our baby girl. We are down to 10 days before my due date. Amazing! All has been well in our home. I have been busy getting baby's things organized. We have been so blessed with gifts and hand me down's. I have also been busy with schooling the other children. Usually we take off from Thanksgiving until the New Year and then we jump back in. During that time we do individual study, hitting the library regularly and some fun family activities. This year we have done our regular school routine throughout the holidays so that when baby arrives we can take a break and get into a new routine while everyone adjusts to her and her to them! We are all excited about her arrival. We will be sure to announce when she comes and what her name will be...we still don't know! Oh well, we still have at least 10 days. ;)

It's a Girl!

I know I have been negligent in updating you all. We found out last week that our precious baby is a girl. She weighed in at 8 ounces so she is right on target. It is hard to believe we are halfway through this pregnancy. God be praised for this incredible gift!

I would post another ultrasound picture but they are downstairs and you all will forgive me for not hauling myself down there since well, I am pregnant and all. ;)

The day we found out the baby's gender, Peter and I wanted to be creative in how we told the kids. On the way home we purchased each child a pink heart balloons, strawberry milk and pink frosted donut (okay, we got a dozen of those). The kids loved the surprise and everyone is excited to meet this sweet baby girl. I look forward to when Peter and the children will be able to feel her move. It has been amazing to feel her little feet kicking every once in a while.

Goodnight all!

Crustaceans.

We absolutely love homeschooling. Today, we studied crustaceans and followed up our study with a trip to the local seafood store. We chose the store that had the live lobster tank. Peter bought two lobsters and several pounds of shrimp. We brought them home and cooked them up. The kids loved every step. Peter and the children shared the two lobsters and named the different parts as they "dissected" them. What a fun night we had! On a side note, yesterday was 16 years for Peter and I. The time continues to fly by. We have had head colds for several days, so I guess tonights dinner was part of our celebration. I love you Peter! I love you kids!

Amazed.

It has been nearly 16 years since our journey began. June 1st marks our anniversary, the following October marks our "when we started trying," and now, at 9 weeks...now marks our "stand amazed."

Baby.

Joy.

Life is busy.

Life is busy.

Children running.
Momma teaching.
Daddy working.
All are laughing, loving, learning.

Bills are coming.
House still dirty.
Rain is falling.
Time for a movie.

Wiping noses.
Feeding faces.
You're still hungry?
Time for a cookie.

Sick and tired.
Energy abounds.
Now your head hurts?
Time for some medicine.

It will end soon.
You'll feel better.
Need a snuggle?
Time for some reading.

Tired faces.
Fevered bodies.
Sneezing, coughing.
Time for some sleep now.