I will praise you Lord, while I'm waiting

The birthday parties, basketball games, and family and church doings have busied my mind lately. That can be a blessing when you are waiting on something to come to pass! We are re-focused on our fundraising efforts, and are awaiting the USCIS approval we need to send our dossier to Peru. We are selling shirts, and will be having a chicken dinner sale and garage sale soon. We are also supposed to hear back from Show Hope this month about whether we will receive a grant from them or not. Each day we pray for God to provide for all of the adoption expenses. Thus far, all deadlines have been met- some just in the knick of time.

I have been really focused, myself, on just enjoying each day I have with my sons and husband. I have been striving to connect with each of them, each day, in a way that is personal to them. I have heard it asked, and wondered myself, how people manage to really give each child enough attention in a large family. I think the answer is clear, but not an easy task at times. I believe if a mom takes the time to truly relate to each her children each day- then that necessary connection stays alive within them. Like, taking the time to create something with Josiah. That is what he loves and enjoys. Taking the time to chase Isaac all over the house, and tickle him. Taking the time to lay down with them in bed at night and make up another story that includes characters they can relate to. (Posiah, Bysaac, and Ja-maus show up in a lot of my stories) Taking the time to dance with Amaus all over the kitchen...all of those little things keep a family connected. A mom can stay at home with her kids, and be consumed with chores and the to-do list, which I have done so many times, and miss out on the most important aspect of it all. A family can even go on vacation together, and different members be driven by their own personal agendas, and never even really connect! I am understanding more and more (and have ions to go!) that connecting in day in day out tasks is something a parent must be deliberate about. It won't just happen most of the time...at least not when there are 5 loads of laundry to be done- along with numerous other chores.

Enjoying our "spring" day in winter, last week!

Josiah is really LOVING basketball! He has had 2 games so far!

I am enjoying my family, and we are praising God as we wait on the next step in our adoption!