Enough Time

I recently read this quote from Elisabeth Elliot's book Discipline: The Glad Surrender:


There is always enough time to do the will of God. For that we can never say, 'I don't have time.' When we find ourselves frantic and frustrated, harried and harassed and 'hassled,' it is a sign that we are running on our own schedule, not God's.


It's so easy to say to God that He has given me too much; that His calling on my life is too much of a burden. Yet, when we really examine our lives, we see that it is our additional plans that overwhelm us. Too often we're trying to fit God's will in with our will and that doesn't work. His will is to replace our will. And when that's done properly, there is so much freedom, so much joy regardless of our circumstances. Some days I get it and it's a good day.  Some days I don't and if I take the time to reflect I see where I got in the way. I know that I'll never get it right every single day, but I do know that when I seek His will, when I purpose to fulfill it, no matter how difficult it may seem, my days are always better. And with that knowledge I ask Him every day to fulfill His will through me and to please not let me get in the way!!  

Slow Motion and Switching It Up

Why is it that everything in the adoption process seems to be in slow motion?  It just appears to be moving at a snail's pace.  I know that our timeline is normal and that we have not hit any major snags (yet) that has prolonged our process, yet it seems to be taking SO LONG!  We have yet to be matched, which is a good thing because then this process would appear to be even more painfully slow.  Our home study is in the review process... our review, the home study agency's manager's review, and then our placement agency's review... my hope to have it sent to the USCIS (Immigration) by mid-February is looking dim.  Now I'm hoping for late-February.  USCIS approval is taking, I think, around 60 days.  Well, if that's true then I can still get the dossier in by mid-May.  That would be great!  Baby steps!!

The biggest change going on here is in our homeschooling.  We're switching it up!  Last school year (2010/11) we used My Father's World.  Loved it!  But I wanted to try putting together my own curriculum.  I wanted less structure and freedom to choose subjects or change mid-year.  Well, the kids found my subject content boring and I really did miss the daily lesson plans.  As a recovering Type A, the lack of structure was not beneficial for my well being.  I should have known!  : ) Now that we year-round school, we decided to switch back to MFW starting March 1st and not wait any longer.  I'm really looking forward to going back to MFW and the kids are too!  We're also trying out a new math program for the older 2 that we're hopeful will interest them more than what they are currently using.  Just another reason why I love homeschooling!

Homeschool Days

Some days look like this.

Will trying to take his spelling test with Dan on his back.

Will's so good and understanding about it all.

Still smiling and he aced his test!

Dan's New Do

I really should have taken a before picture.  His hair was getting REALLY long.  He was getting major bedhead in the morning and knots in the back.  

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out considering I was the one cutting his hair.

Have you ever tried cutting a 2 year old's hair?  It is not easy!  I had to bribe him with a ring pop, for which he would get AFTER the haircut and as long as he stayed still until I was done.

He complied with some help from his siblings. It certainly was a family affair!  Of course, I then had to get some pictures outside of this handsome young man... and some of my other good-looking children too. : )

Staying the Course

I read this post a couple weeks ago and my heart raced a bit because I do believe that when we step out in faith we are under attack.  When we follow God and not the world, both the world and Satan tries their hardest to change our minds, tell us we're wrong, and bring about trouble.  We've only been at it 1 month and so far my husband's truck needed $900 in work, our 3 year old water heater broke and now this morning my husband called to say that the truck overheated on the way to work and needs a new water pump.  (His truck is only 5 years old!)  My heart begins to race again... we don't have the money for all these problems AND the adoption. We still don't have hot water as we wait for a replacement part (going on day 3 now!).  However, we are steadfast.  Jim and I discussed this before we started the adoption process.  We knew that we would hear negative comments, be judged and endure problems that others may just chalk up to "coincidences."  Our commitment is strong.  We are resolved.  These times only draw us closer to God and that's a good thing.  We would appreciate your prayers, though.  As many who have adopted before and have faith in the Lord will tell you, this is not an easy road and the attacks are real.... but we will stay the course with God's help.      

Adoption Tax Credit Expiring

For 2011, the IRS was giving a tax credit dollar-for-dollar of up to approx. $13,000.  For 2012, it is no longer a fully refundable tax credit, but only a "write-off" up to approx. $12,000 and for 2013... nothing.  This is unacceptable given that the average adoption costs $25 - 35k.

I signed this petition.  I also contacted my US Senators and Representative.  I urge you to do the same.  It can change the course of a child's life since this credit can make all the difference in a family's decision to adopt.

Merry Christmas

Waiting to open presents!

Got the Bible she wanted!

Attacking his present!