School Days

We have been cramming in as much school work as we can before Moriah gets here.  We started off slow this fall due to morning sickness and all of the adoption chaos and traveling.  But, we are finally catching up - just in time for a baby break and, God willing, more adoption chaos! 

After changing my mind 100 times last year over which curriculum to use this year we finally settled on Christian Light Education (and Math-U-See).  I am sooooo glad we picked this one.  The girls are becoming more and more independent with their school work every day.  This is great when I need to be teaching a 4 year old to read, keeping two toddlers busy, and soon having a new baby in the house. 

Abby is our crazy worker around here and should finish up her school work for the year in another month or two.  She tries to see how many lessons she can get done in one day and I often have to stop her from sitting down and completing an entire workbook in one sitting. 

Elaina is more interested in practical life skills.  She wants to do all of the laundry, cook all of the meals, and take care of the babies.  I'm not sure how needed I am around here some days.  There is no doubt that her love language is serving.  She is a total math whiz (obviously gets that from her daddy and not me) and LOVES to read.

Brie is starting to sound out words and reading some short sentences now.  Time to pull out the Bob Books again!  She wants to read like her big sisters so she is very motivated.  The kids get their own "big" Bible when they learn to read so she is also looking forward to that.

These two manage to stay busy during school time.  They spend a bit of time at the table with everyone else (coloring, doing puzzles, or playing quietly) and then usually run off to play cars or baby dolls.

Who wants to play a game?

Anyone ready to make some guesses about this baby?  You can go to expectnet.com and enter babyMoriah for the game name to play.  The winner gets bragging rights.  :)

To help you out a little, here are some stats from the other kids:

Laina - 5 lbs 15 oz - 4 days early

Abby - 6 lbs 3 oz - 3 days early

Brie - 7 lbs 5 oz - 6 days early

Ben - 8lbs - 7 days LATE

Josie - 7 lbs 6 oz - 1 day early

Here is what we know so far about Moriah:

Due date is March 31st.

The 20 week ultrasound showed a baby girl, so far we have never had any surprises.

I was measuring big for most of this pregnancy, but right now she is measuring right on for her due date. 

I can't believe that there are only 5 more weeks left until Moriah is due!

Winter Fun

Poor Josie just sits there saying, "I fall."  "I stuck."

To God Be the Glory

A wonderful update on Mila!

Friends

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

I am so thankful for all of the friends that God has surrounded us with.  We can feel God's love through all of the encouragement and prayers that everyone has poured over us during this process.  I am still amazed every day at how God will provide us with even our smallest wishes and He can use those around us to do it.  We got a surprise package in the mail today from some dear friends that are intent on outdoing us!

I have been wanting to get these books forever.  Without ever mentioning it to anyone, here they are!  I can't wait to read them. 

Another Prayer Request

Adoptions have been suspended in some of the regions in Graham's country.  So far the region he is in is still fine and moving forward as expected. 

Please pray that Graham's region will not shut down at all. 

Pray for all of the children and families whose adoptions are being interupted right now.

Here is a short news article about the situation.

Time to Fight!

I was just shocked and outraged after reading this blog post this morning.  We had the privilege of flying to Graham's country with this wonderful couple back in October when we were both on our first trip over to meet our little sweeties.  From the short time we had to spend with them I would say they are truly wonderful, God-honoring people.  They were friendly and outgoing, the kind of people that draw you in and you can't help but love. 

They had their court date today, on Valentines Day.  Their second trip over there has been full of complications and all sorts of obstacles have already been thrown at them.  You can read back on their blog to see all that they have been through just to make this second trip.  Court did not go well for them today.  This terrifies me.  This couple seems like they could talk the judge into anything and if they couldn't make the judge budge on her decision how can Brett and I (quiet as we are) have any hope?  Please pray for Theresa and Gary as they head back home to collect MORE paper work and work on re-doing their homestudy.  Please pray for little Mila as she needs to wait even longer now for her mommy and daddy to come get her. 




Pray for these judges too.  They just cannot wrap their minds around why anyone would want "these" children.  Especially those of us that have biological children of our own.  Pray for God to soften their hearts and for them to release these kids instead of playing games with the parents with all of the extra paper work and delays (that we have become all too familiar with ourselves). 

Going into this process we have heard over and over again that Satan does not want these children free.  This is a battle.  I am so glad to know we are not fighting this alone, we can't do this on our own.  God is the one leading this fight and the outcome for each of these children is up to Him and will bring Him glory in the end.