A Testimony of God's Providence

Kayla's First Field Trip

2011-10-18T16:47:00.006-04:00

2007

2011

Falling Leaves and Falling Bibby's

2011-10-18T16:26:00.002-04:00

Just like leaves falling off the trees,
so are the minutes from the day,
the days from the months,
and the months from the years.
Eric brought to my attention last night,
"You know Luke will be 8 in January and then 9 the next year. Half of his life with us will be over.... He'll be 18 and out the door."
It's hard to imagine and harder for my heart to comprehend.
And yet... today I looked through pictures from 2009.
How small they looked! My babies! Just two years ago they were all babies!!
Time stands still on the days when my TO DO list is longer than I am tall.
Time flies when I look at pictures from last year and see round faces
that have now been replaced with jutting chins.
So just like the trees who are losing their leaves,
Spring will bring new buds and new beginnings,
and so it is the same with my little Bibby buds!
New adventures are ahead!

1 Peter 4:8- Prince Charming and Cinderella

2011-08-20T13:02:00.004-04:00

Once upon a time, Cinderella met and married Prince Charming (P.C.) and they lived happily ever after....
Until one day....
Cinderella was tired of royal balls and did not not want to attend anymore.
The balls had become "less" in every way and it made poor Cinderella sad.
"I'm not going it's a waste of time,"
she declared stomping her glass slipper.

On her to-do list for the day:
Wash/Dry/Fold/Put away Clothes---Laundry
Strip/Wash/Make the Beds---5 total
(Their castle wasn't very big).
Dust/Vacuum/Sweep---Cleaning
(Their castle seemed HUGE).

"I just don't have time,"
she further pleaded her case,
"ARG! What am I supposed to wear?!"

Cinderella stomped though the castle as she got ready for the ball.
She found wicked joy using her glass slippers to make as much "I'm angry noise" as possible.

She raised her voice to the little mice when they scurried around her feet,
"Sorry I can't play, your P.C. is making me get ready to go to the ball."

Cinderella had had enough.
"Tell me one good reason I should go!"
she yelled, her head in the royal closet.
"Because I said so,"
came the (irritatingly so) calm response from the kitchen.
And with that any hope of a fairy godmother disappeared.

Cinderella got ready and when she was finished, P.C. greeted her in the kitchen with a heaping plate of breakfast, lovingly prepared.
Eggs over easy, butter toast and bacon.
He gave her the once over and smiled,
"Wow, you look nice."

It was at that moment she didn't feel so much like a Princess
but a big, orange pumpkin instead.

1 Peter 4:8 NKJV

New King James Version

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

It takes a Prince's love to see a Princess when she is acting like a Pumpkin....
What are you today? Princess or pumpkin?

A little trip to the Zoo

2011-08-04T20:54:00.003-04:00

Today was the D.A.Y !
We took off and went to the Zoo!
We walked and laughed and enjoyed each other.
Today was a day that I will forever hold on to. Time marches on, the kids will grow and go their own way, but today will forever be captured by these snapshots. I am constantly torn between the household duties, my teaching duties and my motherly duties, this is a DAY that I needed to remind me of the JOY that I find in my calling as a mother.

This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Jump It with Grandma!

2011-08-04T20:46:00.000-04:00

Bubble Fun

2011-08-04T20:38:00.002-04:00

I saw this great idea on another blog and just kinda passed by it.
Then the other day the kids were stir crazy and I decided to pull it from the back of my brain.

What you need:
Wash cloth
Water bottle
Rubber band
Bubble solution or homemade bubble solution

Cut the bottom of the water bottle. I cut the wash cloth into 4 sections and then used a rubber band to hold it on the bottom of the top half of the water bottle. Then just pour the bubble solution into a bowl, dip and slowly blow.

The kids LOVED it! ...Even Mommy had some fun.

Notice Krista's bubble feet! HA!

4-2= 2

2011-07-28T13:36:00.003-04:00

He finally did it!
After years of begging and pleading
my ever-so-cautious,
not-so-little boy,
rode his bike without training wheels.
Eric and I have been working with him for the past two summers.
We took the training wheels off and put them back on.
We took the training wheels off and put them back on.
So at the start of summer, we didn't even bother taking them off.
Yesterday, we went outside and HE decided he wanted to take them off.
I loosened the nuts and let him complete the job.
It took 4 times up and down the driveway,
and the 5th time he was FLYING!

Way to go PILL!

Summer Mantel

2011-07-28T13:25:00.002-04:00

You may remember my Patriot Decor post.
I flipped the sign and painted the back yellow. Then I had Luke paint the Lemonade. I walked through the house and grabbed two of my Ball jars, filled one with change and the other with sugar. I found my mom's measuring spoons and tucked them into the sugar jar. YAY! I pulled one of my favorite cookbooks that has the best summer recipes in it. The little white pitcher was a garage sale find and the hydrangea was a gift from Mom B. last year.
I hesitated scissors in hand before I cut 3 of only 5 of my blooms, but flowers are meant to be enjoyed, whether inside or outside.
I think I'll be on the hunt for some lemon decor for next year!
LOVE IT!

A Summer Project

2011-07-28T13:11:00.002-04:00

We were given this beautiful piano, hoping to clean out the house and find a place for it.
Nope.
Poor Piano sat in the garage for over a year, but thankfully got some attention from the kids playing with it.
Maybe I can set it.
Nope.
Called the piano company and was told it was too old to tune and our only option was to restore it.
$$$$$.... uh... Nope.
Who knew 1923 was a piano death number?
So I brought an idea to Eric late one night, as he was enjoying a choice beverage and watching his favorite program (yeah, I'm not above bribery).
He got to work one weekend....

New family media center;
made from the bottom front of the piano
and the front string cover board.
The BIBBY letters and hooks I found at
Hobby Lobby for 1/2 off! SCORE!

How it's being used now...
Swimsuit and towel rack

Drum roll please.....
Next on Mr. Bibb's list---- a bench!
But I'll have to wait until the Pastor's office is finished at church.
Mr. Handyman has been hired out.

Covfamikoi 2011

2011-07-28T12:48:00.002-04:00

What a blessing the conference was. The kids had such a great time playing with all the other kids and they LOVED their classes and teachers. It was so much fun being next door to Grandma and Grandpa! I can't wait for next year!
It is amazing the means the Lord uses to open our hearts, change our minds and direct our paths.

Kiss and tell...

2011-07-26T20:34:00.002-04:00

Since the Hub is away, the wife will play...
Eric left Monday for St. Louis and will be back late Wednesday night. This morning I was lying in bed thinking about our life together. I have to admit I stragatically placed a perfect wedding photo, (given to us by my dearest friend Tabi), on the wall next to the bed. I love waking up to US.
ANYWAY...
Saturday night I came into the kitchen to see my six foot, burly, bearded husband standing at the stove.
Upon closer inspection I saw a pan of bacon grease and white gravy in the pan on another burner.
He swung around with two plates full of heart shaped biscuts!
Again, my six foot, burly, bearded, shirt-less husband...
It was more than I could handle.
I chuckled and HAD to watch as he served all four kids at the table, MUCH to their delight!
I couldn't stop chuckling, and was caught.
Wrapped in a big bear hug my chuckles turned to full out laughter!
He finally let go and I chuckled my way to the cups. As I filled their cups I surprised myself---
T.E.A.R.S.
Good grief! I am SUCH a girl!
So today I wanted to remember publish this memory.
I want my kids to know how much their Daddy loves them and what a blessing he is,
because I've decided I am a girl who kisses and tells!

Busy Summer Days

2011-07-12T14:29:00.000-04:00

Yeah, they keep me busy...

WEEEEE!

2011-07-11T14:33:00.000-04:00

Eric had a bike before Luke was born and we sold it after Kayla was born. It was a sad day in the Bibby home, but at the time we wanted to move and it was just one of pieces that needed to fall into place.
So here we are five years later- bigger and better!
Honda VTX 1300

Eric finally took the kids for a ride down to the end of the road and they were thrilled!
After 5 years, we did find that our old jackets and helmets shrunk while in storage in the attic. Who knew???!!! HA!
We ordered new matching jackets and helmets and have really enjoyed being back on the bike again. Not to mention it sure saves on gas.

Fireworks

2011-06-26T22:45:00.000-04:00

We had such a great time at our church's firework show!

Visiting the Guiney's

2011-06-26T22:43:00.001-04:00

We headed out to the Guiney's to see their new calves and chase the chickens.

TACOS!

2011-06-26T22:42:00.000-04:00

We love Daddy's tacos!

Pandamania! VBS 2011

2011-06-26T22:39:00.000-04:00

God is wild about us!

Library Day

2011-06-10T08:06:00.003-04:00

Storytime

Kayla gets her own library Card!

Patriotic Decor

2011-06-10T07:50:00.003-04:00

I was so excited to see this blog post at Poppies at Play,
I thought it would be fun to try it.
I gathered the troops and some scraps from Eric's workshop.

The sign in the middle reads, "The want, will, and hopes of the people."

I've got a couple more signs in the works, but will post later since they will be gifts.

Undies Mondays Fun

2011-06-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

June Camping Trip

2011-06-05T14:36:00.007-04:00

Tippecanoe River State Park
Cabin 9

Campfire popcorn

The Bibby Girls

Family Time with God

Kait up high

Krista up high

Fun with Daddy in the loft

Two Peas in a pod with George

Rainy evening Smores

Let the water balloon fight begin!

We love camping!

The Amazing Race- Bibby Style

2011-06-05T14:08:00.003-04:00

Hello and welcome to the new reality show...
The Amazing Race
A show in which a single contestant strives to arrive first at the "pit stops" every half hour on the hour to "purge" something from the "North or South" region.
The contestant had to arrive at the "pit stop" before time expired or a significant disadvantage was to occur.
The contestant traveled to and within only two "countries."
This episode the contestant raced from the hard, cold, watery Continent known as the Bibby Bathroom to the soft, warm, comfortable Continent known as the Bibby Bedroom.
The clues provided from one "pit stop" to the other was:
A McCHICKEN SANDWICH.
Our one and only contestant who raced:
Mommy aka Jean Bibby.

A note to viewers:
The show was cancelled after one episode lasting from Thursday 3:30am to 7:30 pm. Newspaper speculated a scandalous case of food poisoning.

Wrapping up May

2011-05-28T10:26:00.002-04:00

Girls just want to have fun...

Luke Spring Program

Luke stepped up fast pitch this year.

Our First March of Dimes

Camping Trip

2011-04-06T20:03:00.000-04:00

Two years in the making.....

one giggle at a time....
All leading up to this:
THE FIRST BIBBY & HINTON CAMPING TRIP

Happy 5th Birthday, Kayla!

2011-04-03T19:57:00.000-04:00

One Whole Hand-
You are my first and favorite K.A.Y.L.A.
You are my me.

Crazy Socks Day Shirts

2011-03-03T19:55:00.000-05:00

Snow FUN

2011-02-27T19:52:00.000-05:00

Thousands of Seconds

2011-02-22T14:46:00.007-05:00

I have no picture to go with this post. Though, if I had been thinking, I would have snapped a million to preserve such a sweet memory. So with no picture I am setting aside the dishes to "capture" it now.

Saturday was rough. I had a workday at school from 9:30am to 2:00pm. I arrived home to sleeping children, Eric and Uncle Bobby (Eric's brother we had over the night before). I ate, then set to work cleaning the house- (not on my top ten list after spending so long cleaning at preschool all morning). Grandma and Grandpa came to get Bobby and left. Eric started dinner and I was left with four tired, hungry kids. Their schedules were off and dinner wouldn't be ready for a while.
Oh dear.
I reached for the remote. I struck me hard in the face - that THAT was my first response to the TIME I had on my hands.
Time. Time. Time.
Extra time is like a unicorn- it just doesn't exist.
Yet,
here was thousands of seconds just waiting to be used.
I started to read to the kids and from there the evening grew.
I introduced them to my friend, "Chubby." And replayed happy childhood memories in the back of my head.
We played Mommy Hospital for what seemed like hours as the minutes passed. I was the front desk and the Mommy Hospital paged Doctor Kayla, Doctor Krista, Nurse Kait and Patient Luke from "bed" to "bed." The doctors buzzed around with orders for medications and treatments. The nurse was paged to assist the doctors in their surgeries. Luke played a patient who could not stop throwing up. It was a sight to see! There were also other patients: Curious George broke his toes, Cabbage Patch needed her hair straighten with an iron, Strawberry Shortcake had a big bugger, and the others I will save for my own personal memories.

I played with my kids from a big lazy boy chair, in physical pain, heating pad on my back- but filled with joy! I realized how little I remembered about P.L.A.Y.I.N.G. It has been so long since I really played. We grow up too fast for our own good.

I was reading a friend's blog today and will forever cherish these words of wisdom:

A quote from Miss Edie, age 92:

"Play with your kids all the time.
Cause soon you'll be old like me and wishing you could still get down and play with children."

The laundry didn't get done and it sits in huge pile.

Family Night- Make Your Own Pizza

2011-02-18T19:53:00.000-05:00

Joyful Medicine

2011-01-23T09:47:00.005-05:00

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

With four sick kids over the past two weeks I have been stressed to almost my breaking point.
I have been amazed at how my Lord has not only, sustained me through this week, but also how He has renewed my heart. I have found joy in serving my husband and ministering to my children.
There are weeks when I let circumstances of unimportance dictate my mood. I have been short with my husband and probably should have had my backside kicked a couple of times. I have been irritated by the endless needs of my children. I have been unfaithful and closed-hearted to my Father's words of wisdom.
I have just been unhappy with the load upon my shoulders, unwilling to bear it.
I came across the verse in Proverbs 17:22, bowed my head and cried until I felt better. I went into in kitchen, put on my favorite apron and did the dishes.
Everything has purpose. Every task, every word, every thought. I found that when I changed my thoughts, it changed my heart. When I changed my heart, it changed my thoughts. When I stopped trying to do it myself and let the Lord speak, HE changed my actions.
I have been longing for encouragement from my husband. Trying so hard to make him give it to me, that I lost sight of what he DOES for me rather than what he SAYS to me.
When I was finally able to joyfully serve him (though not without some faltering), rather than manipulating him- he freely shared his thoughts with me. One little comment was enough to make me blush three shades yesterday!

With so much sickness, I am thankful for the medicine that comes from my Father for my soul. And dreaming of warm summer days doesn't hurt either! :-)

How can I love my children better?

2011-01-20T14:06:00.004-05:00

How can I love my children better?

1. Love their Daddy

2. Honor their Daddy

3. Obey their Daddy

4. Respect their Daddy

5. Forgive their Daddy

E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y.
In my thoughts so they become my words,
and in my actions to be seen most of all by four pairs of little eyes.

(Pictures from our first family camping trip back in Sept 2010)

Bowling with the Guiney's

2011-01-11T14:48:00.003-05:00

For Luke's birthday, we went bowling with the Guiney's.
Krista and Paige were a little too busy to be in the picture.
We had a great time!
Seven kids, four adults, two lanes and TOTAL CHAOS!
We were in our own Bibby/Guiney world!

This is my friend, Jennifer!
Can I just say, I think she's pretty great!
Who else would I call when our husbands are out shoveling snow, building fences, digging water lines, chopping wood or hunting?
Who knew 7 years ago what started out as a work acquaintance would turn into a wonderful friend!
Poor girl, she's just as crazy as I am!

Am I content?

2011-01-11T13:59:00.002-05:00

Am I content? I ask myself.
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Prov 14:30, ESV

I am reminded of my Creator seasonally here in Indiana.

To watch Him bring life from a dead ground in Spring time,
is like renewal of the soul when we give and re-give ourselves to His purposes.

The summer sun brings warmth to our tired bodies,
wearied by the year long tasks of school and coldness of the past winter.

His wonderment is on display for the world during the changing of leaves in the Fall.
The perfection in blending of the colors as only He could do- what a gift to share with us!

Today, I'm amazed at His holiness,
not only remind by the pure white snow that covers all that is brown and barren,
but also by the ability to create so many things at once.
For each snowflake that falls is a tiny handcrafted piece-
just as the stars in the sky and the hairs on my head-
quite overwhelming to ponder.

I love Indiana.

Yet, am I content?
I would answer yes until I thumb through "friendly" blogs of the beach
or see a country music video of a willow tree in the warm sunset.

Am I content?
Yes.
I will dream of my treasured Indiana summer and
still enjoy the beauty of the snow falling outside for the time being.

Happy New Year, 2011!

2011-01-01T09:23:00.002-05:00

The living room is already a mess with coloring books, colors, markers, pillow pets, blankets and little Bibby's.

The kitchen smells of Eric's famous french toast and sausage.
The sun is attempting to peek through the clouds.
This is how we are to begin 2011.

Now resolutions this year,
just a prayer of thanksgiving for so many blessings too easily forgotten.
Happy New Year,
may you be reminded
of all His grace and continuous mercy that surrounds us daily.

Kait's Days

2010-12-30T14:43:00.002-05:00

Not only did we celebrate Kait's Fourth Birthday...

Dec. 15, 2010

We celebrated her First Gotcha Day!
Dec. 23, 2010

Happy Days, Bunch!

Four Gifts

2010-12-30T12:52:00.001-05:00

What wonderful gifts I found under the tree this year.
They drive me crazy, bring me to my knees, and are never EVER boring.

Return to Sender?

2010-12-30T12:41:00.002-05:00

Dearest Blog,
You have been pushed aside neglected and left alone for months. Buried under laundry, 4 children and their seemingly endless needs, our catch all of a house, a to do list to long to write down, school and well.... just life.

I miss my time to sit and think. Life has become so busy that it's easy to lose myself in the all the chaos with my only goal to make it through the day. :-)
It's extremely difficult to focus right now with Christmas tubs out ready to be packed and put away.

Life is busy.

Yours again,
Jean

Whew!

2010-08-12T07:59:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm not sure if I still have any followers out there. It seems the wave of life has swept me away. Eric says "It's all about time management" and let me just say HA!

I've been promoted to Lead Teacher this year at preschool. ALL Bibby kids will be attending school this year... drum roll please..... KRISTA IS NOW POTTY TRAINED! We're still working on the the night time, though. Luke will be full time first grader: Kayla will be 3 days a week K4: Kaitlyn with be 3 day a week K3: and Krista will be 2 days a week early K3. I will be teaching 3 days a week K4 and assistant coaching the Junior Varsity Volleyball Team after school. I tried to step down from the volleyball, but Eric just won't let me. So I'll cut back to games and 1 practice a week. Luke and Kayla will also start soccer in September. Our Saturday mornings will be consumed with cheering, water bottles, balls, shin guards and family fun together!

Is your head spinning?

Eric and I had our weekly calendar sync meeting last night and planned a date night for Friday night. So much needed time alone just the two of us is just what the doctor ordered.

Sunday Smiles and a little Frown

2010-08-12T07:57:00.000-04:00

Future Freezer Fillers

2010-08-12T07:55:00.000-04:00

Bridging the Generational Gap

2010-07-25T07:51:00.002-04:00

Adoption Celebration

2010-07-25T07:50:00.000-04:00

Somewhere along the way

2010-06-26T20:58:00.000-04:00

The Marlins played and the Bibby's first Tball season
Daddy coached and Mommy swooned.
Brother finished up the season with a home run hit over 3rd base, and
three perfect throws from 3rd to 1st!

Gotcha Day

2010-06-25T15:45:00.001-04:00

Psalm 100

A Psalm for giving thanks.

¹Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

³Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

⁵ For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,

⁵ For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.

Kait got her first Vera Bradley from Grandma and Grandpa.
Her suitcase for her overnights and purse.
Now she's officially a Bibby granddaughter!

Farmer Bibby?

2010-06-19T21:25:00.000-04:00

Got COW?
We do!

The discussion went a little something like this:
Eric: We getting cows.
Me: Ummm, nope.
Eric: What if I keep them at Derrick's?
Me: MOO!

So these are our cows.
The boys built the fence.
We took the kiddos out to see them.
Even at their young age they already weigh 500 lbs.

We all pulled on our muck boots and headed out to pasture.

Eric and I put the gate on.

Mr. Derrick got the little tractor out and everyone went for a ride.

Even Mommy... HA!

June Days

2010-06-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

June Days went by...

Wednesdays are library days.

Daddy went away for a week for work.
We missed him.

Nana came for a visit.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for Father's Day lunch.

We went to the park with Nana and Aunt Jeanna.

We had two court dates, two baptism dates and two adoption party dates.
We canceled two court dates and thus the others followed.
We prayed and waited to make Kaitlyn officially a Bibby.

SUM SUM SUMMERTIME

2010-06-02T14:21:00.002-04:00

First Fruit

2010-06-02T14:19:00.001-04:00

Our first Strawberries.
We started with about 8-10 plants from a neighbor up the street who had weeded out her patch.

Smile 2010

2010-06-02T13:53:00.003-04:00

The first day of school you were so shy and I was in tears about ready to cry.
You held my hand and together we opened the door for Kindergarten.
I watched you struggle to read and teared again, as you succeeded and over-achieved.
I listened to your excitement at the new things you learned, like when you counted your money.
I listened to your sadness when someone wouldn't be your friend and I prayed for healing and your heart to mend.
I remember when you got your colored changed and praised you when you were green.
I thanked the Lord when you cried because a little boy had been left behind at pick up,
your soft heart, clearly seen.
When I asked you to choose your favorite award,
you chose Bible Verse Memory "because it's reading what God said and it's about God. I love God."
How you have grown and changed from Preschool to Kindergarten!

I love you because you are you...
and now YOU are moving to First Grade.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-05-21T13:53:00.003-04:00

The Lord has a greater plan for our family.
We have had to reschedule our court date to finalize the adoption
due to some of Kaitlyn's medical records.
Our attorney, Rebecca, was so very kind and apologized for things beyond her control.
We are hoping for another date sometime in June.
The paperwork just has to work its way through the channels.

Eric and I are okay with this.
I think that if I were waiting to hold my daughter I would not be okay,
but because I can tuck her in at night, I am okay.

"Bibby Fair" Day

2010-05-19T08:32:00.004-04:00

Every year at school they have a fundraiser at the end of the year and have an Eagle Fair.
It works just like the county fair- buy tickets, don't have enough tickets, kids cry and Mommy feels like crap.
So with Eric gone working on the cow fence at the Guiney's,
I was NOT about to brave the Eagle Fair alone.
I broke the news to Luke that we were not going to the Eagle Fair, which was met with tears and much disappointment.
As my son's world came to an end, I came up with this:

Ring Toss

Buddy Race

Kait and her ribbons

Arts and Crafts

The Bibby Fair ended with a treasure hunt.
They had to follow clues from place to place...

"Your prize is found where you lay your head after the sun goes down."

Mother's Day Luncheon

2010-05-12T14:19:00.003-04:00

Jeanne and I pulled together a Mother's Day Luncheon for our church.
It was our first project together and what fun!

Southern Sun Tea

Invitations

Avacado, Egg & Bacon Salad Sandwiches on Ciabetta Bread
Stuffed Tomato Bites
Deviled Eggs
Grapes and Strawberries
Rosemery and Garlic Crackers

Lemon Lime Aid with Ice Ring
Sweet Tea
Cheesecake Bites for Dessert
Jars for glasses

Fresh Limes
Small Pails filled with chocolates

Dollar Store Decorations
Handmade Flower Ball
Tissue Paper Flowers
Small Green Paper Lanterns

Getting my baby fix with Diane's newest addition.
Jean, Diane, Jeanna

Wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, cousins, teachers and friends

All about Little Miss

2010-05-12T14:14:00.002-04:00

Kayla's Preschool Spring Program was a milestone for me just as Luke's was.
She cracked me up by yawning during her least favorite songs and belting out her favorites hand motions and all.
So grown up with her hair all done and pink polka dot dress.
Lovely little stink pot!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T08:25:00.000-04:00

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28

This was my gift from Eric and the kids this year.
Eric picked up the canvas and painted the puzzle pieces.
I can't imagine what his evening must have been like trying to get all eight of their hands just right..... what a man!

Just saying

2010-04-23T13:59:00.003-04:00

I am completely
head over heels
smitten
with my
best friend
HUNKA HUNKA
BURNING LOVE
husband
Perfectly picked and placed in his arms
He gives me a kick when I'm being a mule
I take out a fan the fumes when he passes gas
True love

just saying....

Sunday Morning

2010-04-23T13:34:00.002-04:00

Great Grandma made the girls some dresses.
It was so much fun for the girls to look through all of them and oooh and aaahh.
Not to mention each one holds a tag and a little love "Made by Great Grannie".

Easter 2010

2010-04-23T13:19:00.004-04:00

¹Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
²You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

³Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
⁴Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.

Kayla's Night Out

2010-04-23T13:14:00.002-04:00

Kayla's Special Grandma/Grandpa Overnight

Sisters

2010-04-23T13:12:00.001-04:00

There are times when I wonder if they're going to EVER get along,
and then God graciously allows me to see moments like this:

The Bibby's Snapshots

2010-04-19T12:31:00.001-04:00

Just a quick update

2010-04-07T06:12:00.002-04:00

So sorry for any of those of you still left out there...
We are having a Rummage Sale this weekend at our church to raise money for our adoption and the adoption fund at church. So as you can imagine my past couple of weeks has been busy to say the least.

Eric and Luke start tball this weekend. Eric has decided to coach since they were short on coaches this year. He already got Luke a new glove, bat and ball. I am very much looking forward to seeing both my boys in action.

We've got Dr appointments and final paperwork in the process for Kait's court date on May 24th. In addition we've started planning a little party and also her baptism for that weekend. With Great Grandma and Grandpa coming from Michigan it's given us a great excuse to just plan everything.

We celebrated Kayla's birthday this past weekend (another blog post to follow soon) and Krista is well.... Krista. :-) What can I say about Krista? She's her Daddy all rolled into the cutest 2 year old little girl who I'm glad to call mine.

So that's the kids..... oh and I almost forgot.............
We have another addition to our family as of last night.
My sister-in-law, Jeanna, has moved in with us for the next year or so. Without too many details: she has come here under a biblical separation from my brother (who I haven't seen in almost 6 years). She has a loving, caring, sweet heart and we're more than happy to welcome her into our home. I think she's going to be a big help for me with the kiddos this summer.
Please pray for Jeanna as she seeks the Lord's will for her life and marriage. Please also pray for a job for her. I'm turning in her resume today at the Infant Care, another part of the school where I work, and we're praying the Lord will allow her to work there.

So that's about it. Just a boring update.

Happy 4th Birthday, Kayla!

2010-04-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

Day Thee
Grandma and Grandpa's

Kayla,
You are 4. I feel like I look into a mirror most days.
You are just as much of a mule as I am.
I love that you wake up happy, with a scratchy "Good morning, Mommy."
I laugh at the fact that you mimic my tone-deaf style of singing, but still ROCK it out with me nonetheless.
I love the way the sun makes your eyes sparkle and especially when you're being a ham.
I have learned much about myself from you and am so blessed to call you daughter.

Happy 4th Birthday, Kayla!

2010-04-03T12:59:00.000-04:00

Day Two
Dying eggs with the Guiney's

Happy 4th Birthday, Kayla!

2010-04-03T12:56:00.001-04:00

Day One
Family Day at the Park

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-03-29T12:49:00.001-04:00

1 John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.

We have a court date.... May 24, 2010

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-03-28T21:46:00.002-04:00

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us... Eph 3:20

As of Monday, we fired our old attorney, Cynthia Garwood, and Eric hired a new attorney Rebecca Rouch.

We have since been filling out paperwork and answering emails nonstop.

We have a court date tomorrow morning, for custody, to take care of medical issues AND AND AND AND we are filing for adoption TOMORROW!

It is just a matter of weeks to set an appointment for Kaitlyn to be checked out by our family doctor, fill out some more paperwork and wait for our court date.

Please continue to pray for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandma and the Park

2010-03-28T21:35:00.003-04:00

Super fun Spring day with Grandma!

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-03-15T20:31:00.003-04:00

Today we saw a little light...
We spoke with our judge's assistant and was told that we could move forward with our adoption plans in Indiana. Birth mother missed her deadline, but is still able to get a court date by law. We will not know if we have to appear until that time comes. On the bright side of things, we can move forward here in Indiana and Kait will not be placed back with her birth mother.

Now for the dim....
We have made several attempts to contact our Indiana attorney. Eric has spoken with her assistant, but unfortunately, this is where the road has ended. Eric did express our concerns with her assistant: "If she's that busy, let us know and we'll find someone else."

Moving forward...
Eric is much more cautious and refuses to celebrate any little victory- always my ROCK. He keeps me grounded and reminds me to be thankful without letting my guard down. Wise man.

So now, I ask that you pray for steadfastness as we remain on this course, excited to see it through and legally complete our family.

Count it all joy... James 1:2

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-03-12T21:17:00.002-05:00

I wish I had some news to report.
In fact, it's the reason I haven't updated in awhile.

The March 8th deadline has come and gone and still we sit waiting for confirmation on whether or not Kait's birth mother filed the necessary paperwork to obtain a court date.

It is our prayer that she has not, but as of right now we trust in the Lord, try to keep ourselves under control (not an easy task) and wait.

Life goes on and we are thankful at least to have Kait with us, but knowing that she could be taken from us lingers in back of our minds like the elephant in the room.

Family Fun Nite

2010-02-26T20:46:00.000-05:00

Much Needed Distraction

2010-02-25T20:20:00.001-05:00

This is the second best guy, who flew in a gal,
to surprise his girl for her 30th birthday...

This is the girl who didn't notice the gal,
took her a while to realize she wasn't just talking to the gal on the phone,
but that gal was standing just feet from the girl.

This is girl who loves the gal and the gal who loves the girl.
A friendship over 20 years on the making.

This is the girl and this is the gal, who cried and hugged and cried some more.

This is the girl and this is the gal, who couldn't believe what a weekend it would be.

This is the guy who loved this girl so much, to give her
her gal.

This is the party that the guy planned for the girl.

This is a friend, the girl and the gal
who got dressed up to embarrass the sister of the girl
at the local hangout.

Oh what fun they had!

These are many years of fun between the girl and the gal.

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-02-13T23:10:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your prayers.

We are in limbo-
...waiting to hear back from our current attorney- she was supposed to contact us last Friday, following our meeting with her on Monday. Here we sit still waiting.

...waiting to hear about the legalities from Tx concerning the request to revoke the termination of parental rights.

...waiting...

Eric describes it as, "feeling like you have to throw up, everyday."

...waiting...

Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD;
He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.

...waiting...
... and remembering that life does not stand still.

Late Night Reflections

2010-02-13T22:38:00.003-05:00

So tonight no pictures just thoughts...
Here I sit, as my husband and children are all tucked into bed, reflecting on my weekend, thinking about the week ahead.

We had a wonderfully simple evening out this weekend with some great friends, Derrick and Jennifer. It was fun to get all "girly" and feel the butterflies as I got ready for our date. Eric and I really ENJOYED one another. It made me think about what life will be like as the years go on and the kids outgrow our home. I am honestly looking forward to growing old with my best friend.

My Tx Mom is coming in next week and the list of "want to get done" is endless it seems. An extra pair of hands during the day is quite a treat! But there is much to be done before her arrival: school work, house work, guest room work and everyday work.

Mostly, my thoughts are consumed with my Eric, who is exhausted and already snoring. :-)
Though he doesn't tell me everyday, he SHOWS me everyday how much he loves me and our family. Today he spent hours cutting, loading, unloading, chopping and bringing in wood.
Hours in the miserable cold and snow all out of love and unselfishness.

It's all too easy to fall into the world's trap of unrealistic expectations; especially with tomorrow being Valentine's Day.
Do I expect to wake up to trail of rose petals leading to the kitchen, where another 2 dozen will be set on the table, a small box with diamonds tucked inside and my husband at the stove cooking breakfast? HA!
Instead, I will be awaken by a screeching alarm, my husband will roll over and pass gas, then lovingly slide one arm under my head while slightly lifting the covers with his other arm to release the stench and ending with a very small perfectly formed version of the best/worst of myself asking for milk at my bedside.
BUT as I open my eyes, I will see our home and everything about it says 'I love you' from Eric; and everything about Eric, says 'I love you' from my Heavenly Father.

Super Bowl Super Spread

2010-02-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

So this year we celebrated our actual anniversary at home.
The girls and I had been under the weather and this was the first day I was feeling more like myself.
Eric cooked for me and we donned out Colts jerseys to cheer on the home team.
BBQ Ribs with homemade bbq sauce
Hot Chicken Legs with ranch dip
Homemade Pico de Gallo
Homemade Guacamole
and Strawberry Limeades.

YUM!

Not just a pretty face....
He can dance too!
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Twelve Years

2010-02-07T13:00:00.001-05:00

Twelve years ago today, the Lord perfectly began our marriage on a warm Texas February day.

Twelve years....
Some memories say 'how long ago'.

Our First Date July 1998

Twelve Years...
Some memories seem like only yesterday.

One of our engagement pictures December 1998

Twelve years, four kids, one dog...
seems just right to me.

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-02-03T13:13:00.002-05:00

Our meeting with our Indiana attorney was disappointing to say the least.

We are praying,
and Eric is trying to decide if we should continue with her or hire a new attorney.
This is a very heavy burden.
If we decide to hire a new attorney,
we lose the money already invested in this attorney;
we also must then attain another attorney, thus paying out another large sum.

Please pray for wisdom.

Moments

2010-02-01T07:58:00.005-05:00

"Love the moment.
Flowers grow out of dark moments.
Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole.
Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed."

our usual Sunday evening before bed moment watching Planet Extreme

a moment of snuggling with Daddy and reaching out to hold a sister's hand

a moment of window art (in between a lot of moments of potty training)

a moment for crafts

a moment to open a package from Aunt Debbie

a moment to play with rice

a moment for Mommy to use wasted space

a moment before church to show off new jumpers from Great Grandma VDT

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-01-30T13:07:00.003-05:00

Since my last post,
I have received many emails,
much love and support from those of you who read our blog.
Thank. you.

We have been in contact with our Texas attorney.
There are several steps that have to be executed before we will know anything definite. We have to wait for legalities to be put into place before we will have a potential court date.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!

We received a copy of the motion that was submitted.
It was heart wrenching to read in black and white.
It difficult to describe the power a piece of paper can hold over you.
It made me physically ill.

Psalm 37:39-40
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Please continue in prayer for our family.

Kaitlyn's Way

2010-01-25T21:31:00.003-05:00

We received a call this evening from our Texas Attorney that Kaitlyn's birth mother submitted a petition to revoke the termination of rights.
I am praying.
I will use this opportunity to continue to renew my faith, my strength and motherly love.
I will pray for His will to be done
and in hopeful prayer that He will grant the desire of my heart,
allowing me to keep His child continuing to entrust her care unto me.

Snow Fun

2010-01-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

Let's go outside today!

Lay down,
let's try something new

Move those arms,
up and down,
swing those legs,
one more time now!

Whew!
Krista, keep your gloves on, snow IS cold and will make your hand hurt.
Luke, I'm sorry your gloves have snow in them, yes, I know your sleeves are too short.
Kaitlyn, don't throw snow in Kayla's face, I know it's funny.
Kayla, it's okay, it'll melt, just throw it back.
Mommy's growing weary, it's got to have been at least two hours.
Back inside to warm up around the fire.

20 minutes to bundle up
30 minutes of play time
10 minutes to get everyone inside

Well that takes care of a 1/10 of the day!

Life with four

2010-01-11T08:06:00.006-05:00

Life seems to be flying by!
Minutes seem to turn to seconds rather than hours.
The days don't drag by.... we drag-race it seems instead.
Kaitlyn fits right in. She's 100% Bibby. Poor girl.
The kids fight and play like brothers and sisters.
Eric and I give thanks daily for naptime and bedtime,
when our sanity seems to return-- if only for a little while.
Laundry is always piled up- both clean and dirty.
The house is clean, but never picked up.
There are never enough peaceful minutes,
but thankfully the minutes of arguing pass just as swiftly.
Bad habits are picked up much quicker than the good habits.
Eric and I joke "Team Bibby back in action,"
but in all seriousness we've both stepped up our in our roles.
In his thoughtfulness to help in the daily chores,
I'm re-training myself to be more of a servant wife. I have great strides to make in removing my self-centeredness.
I am a very blessed wife, married to my best friend.
I love being a "bunch" and seeing our dining room table filled with children with Eric and I at both ends.
One thing remains constant.... laughter.
Four children, four personalities, four blessings, four times the crazy-
there is always SOMEONE doing SOMETHING!

ALL THE BIBBY GIRLS

Facebook and Desensitization

2010-01-08T12:44:00.005-05:00

Okay so living in the "Land of Crazy" I've been out of touch with any news, except the weather. I got on Facebook today to see everyone posting colors. I didn't get it until I saw a post from a friend, Tracy that explained it was to raise awareness for breast cancer and everyone was to post what bra they were wearing.

I have to say today, that I am seeing the world around me with new eyes....

I decided to ask myself the question:
When is enough, ENOUGH?!

It seems the line of modesty, moderation, and appropriateness has been erased and re-drawn too many times to even see a line anymore.

When did it become okay...
for women to advertise undies and bras in ONLY their undies and bras?
to advertise for condoms?
to have shows on TV of people laying in bed appearing naked together after having SEX?
to sell Pinesol with a sex appeal of a naked man mopping the floor? (Could we not have accomplished the same idea with a tight tshirt?)
to tell everyone what color of bra you are wearing?

For me, to advertise to everyone what bra you are wearing means that every man who is a friend will also read that and picture your face and get a little smirk out of what bra you are wearing. As a wife, I am cringing thinking about my husband, who is a Facebook member, reading what color bra someone else has on.

It's one thing to share this information with close girlfriends, it's another to share it with the world. Would you walk around your local grocery store in a see-through shirt for everyone to see your bra?

Am I making a big deal out of nothing....
No, I don't think so. I think we make light of too many things and this is just the straw that broke this camel's back.

I don't want my son to think that it's okay for every girl to tell him her bra color- or that's it's even okay to ask for that matter! I don't want my girls to think it's okay to tell everyone what kind of bra they are wearing.

My son turned 6 yesterday, and as I look around at advertising and Facebook and see what is deemed OKAY now.... what will it be like when he is 16?
I almost just got sick.

It raised awareness alright, but not for breast cancer...

desensitization
WHEN IS ENOUGH - ENOUGH?

First Family Photos

2010-01-08T09:36:00.001-05:00

The Bibby Bunch

A Bunch of Bibby's

Happy 6th Birthday, Luke!

2010-01-07T01:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Luke.
Our one and only son turns a hand and adds a finger. It hardly seems like six years is enough time to have passed for you to be as old as you are. This year brought many new adventures into boyhood, kindergarten, soccer and basketball.
You are my little man,
strong and eager to learn,
well behaved when the situation demands it,
crazy and loud all the time,
soft hearted towards others,
a beautiful prayer,
thoughtful and kind when someone is sad,
I treasure the private moments when I see no one else is around when you are playing with your sisters or helping me around the house.
I see your heart growing in the Lord.
Everyday does not go well and you are still learning many of life's lessons, just like the rest of us.
I am thankful to be your Mom and love you, Stinky!

First Snow Day with Daddy!

2009-12-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

Hot Cocoa.
Sorry Mr. Cocoa, Kayla was your only fan.

Christmas Programs

2009-12-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Luke Jonathan Bibby

K5 Mrs. McQueen
Serious Bell-Ringer

Kayla Marie Bibby
K3 Mrs. Hinton's Class
Miss Cutie Pie

Texas Visit- The DeLaney's

2009-12-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

Texas Visit- Joe, Heather and Elliot

2009-12-27T21:39:00.003-05:00

See More Photos Here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebibbys/sets/72157623047584280

Texas Visit - Nana and Pappaw's House

2009-12-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-24T10:30:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 55:12

"For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands"

We left court at 2:30 pm on December 23, 2009 with Kaitlyn in Eric's arms.
It was an eventful day with mole hills that seemed like mountains at the time.
The Lord held our hands and led us through and now we will be leaving for Indiana with another little girl. I guess God agreed with Eric when he said he wanted four.
We can a family of five and will leave as a family of six:

Merry Christmas from a BUNCH of Bibby's:
Eric, Jean, Luke, Kayla, Kaitlyn and Krista

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

We got out of the car and got Kaitlyn's present from Uncle Joe and Aunt Heather to take inside.
We started walking to the door.
I stopped.
Eric: "What are you doing?"
I had to inhale and exhale for just a second before we entered.
"Just a second."
A million thoughts were flying through my head all at once.
I didn't need a second I needed an ambulance!
I thought I was going to cry and throw up all at the same time.
This was NOTHING like labor.... In labor there is too much pain to think.
We walked through the door and took our shoes off.
I checked my shoe to see if my heart was in one of them.
We rounded the corner....

... And she ran...

... she ran into my arms ...
... then into Daddy's ...
... she ran...

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-21T22:40:00.004-05:00

We are heading to see Kaitlyn tomorrow for the first time.
Please pray for my excited heart!
Praise the Lord, we are scheduled to be in court on
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm!

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-20T15:53:00.003-05:00

It has been a hard couple of days.
As I post this we're on the road headed to Nana and Pappaw's house!

On Friday as I was packing for our trip we got a call that as of that day, we didn't have a case. Because Kaitlyn's birth mother had not signed the voluntary papers, we had no standing in court.
My heart sank to the bottom of my feet at that very moment. I sat there in tears as I listen to our other options, none of them good. Option 1 was to get CPS involved and have Kaitlyn removed and placed in foster care. There was only a 40% chance that she would be placed with us, though less likely than likely. Option 2 was to have Aunt Debbie petition for adoption and then have to do this all over again. Option 3 was to get Kaitlyn's birth mother to sign the papers.

We voted for Option 3, but went ahead and filed the petition for Option 2.

That afternoon I called Kaitlyn's birth mother and we had about a 20 minute conversation. She said she would sit down with us and had some stipulations: like not changing her name and visitation, etc.

The car ride down was less than easy-going for Eric and I.

Yesterday morning I got a call from Kaitlyn's birth mother telling me she had just signed the papers without her stipulations.

ALL HONOR AND GLORY BE TO THE LORD!

We haven't heard from our attorney, since it's the weekend, but are hoping to be able to keep our court date on the 23rd. Please pray that we will be able to take her home with us.

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-16T14:47:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Kaitlyn's third birthday and what a gift the Lord gave!

Our court date for termination of rights and placement is
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm.

Whether she returns with us or not,
it is enough to hope
and to know that I will be able to see her and hold her.

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-15T13:00:00.001-05:00

Colossians 1:9-14
And so, from the day we heard about you, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Happy Birthday,
Kaitlyn Jo Bibby!

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I am finally at peace. I have been wresting with the Lord these past days
and in doing so I found great joy and renewed strength.

Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
It all to easy to get wrapped up in myself and my emotions. I forget just how much my Father loves me. It was too easy to forget the initial blessing of another daughter; For Him to love me as much to graciously give me another little girl.

Matthew 6:28-30 Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Everything that has happened up until this point has had a perfect place in the plan of my Father. Whether good or seemingly ugly. And just because she is not with me, doesn't mean she is unloved or unwanted where she is now.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The most comical thing I discovered- and literally laughed out load- was my inability to see that I ASKED HIM FOR THIS!
These were my requests:

-Eric and Jean for wisdom, as we learn to discipline, train and instruct all of our children in Righteousness.

For patience and unfailing faithfulness though the adoption process and further on into our parenting and marriage.

-Kaitlyn’s birth mother and her need

for a new heart and life transformation through Christ.

-The extended family involved, that this will be used to draw their hearts to the Lord.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
So today I am no long anxious for tomorrow, but trusting in His ways and looking forward to one more day when we WILL be able to bring Kaitlyn home- in His perfect timing It is true that my days are full with my other three little blessings who are also anxiously awaiting their sister.

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-09T21:28:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.

Kaitlyn's birth mother opted not to sign the voluntary termination of rights papers today.
I cried, snapped at Eric when he called, cried some more, walked into the kitchen stared out the window, cried some more, turned on the water to wash my hands and stood there staring at the running water.... trying to remember a verse to help my heart.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.

I haven't decided how to feel just yet. Having faith is the easy part, exercising faith is the work that tests our heart. It's just another reminder that this is out of my hands; even though my hands did the cleaning for our Home Study;
I was NOT the one to orchestrate it.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.

Eric asked me this evening, "Are you still willing to do whatever it takes?"
Kaitlyn is already a part of our family,
already loved,
already cherished,
already a part of me...

WHATEVER IT TAKES.

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-08T21:00:00.003-05:00

Matthew 14:29-31

So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him,

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I felt myself sinking into the sea just as Peter did.... It seems a fine line for me to discern when to exercise Faith and when to act on a mother's instinct. It was in my frustration that I felt the wind rise and fear take hold of my heart.

How was I going to tell OUR Kaitlyn that she could not come with us???
Then I remembered just as Peter did, that my Father is still there, waiting for me to cry out.
More importantly, this is not OUR Kaitlyn, but HIS Kaitlyn and HIS plan for perfect... mine is flawed.

I have re-focused my eyes back upon Him and am praying for Aunt Debbie as she travels to see Kaitlyn's birth mother tomorrow morning. I am praying that the visit will go well and she will sign the Termination of Rights papers as she has previously agreed to do.
Please join our family in prayer.

A wave hello....

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

“If the dove had come to the ark with an olive leaf in its beak at noon, then it would have been much easier for Noah. He would not have had to wait so long. But one learns more by waiting than by immediately receiving an answer. Waiting casts our cares on the Lord. God’s time is always the best time. The Lord never comes too early. And God’s wonders become greater when expectant sinners have been tried in their expectations."

"God sent the dove at dusk. That was probably when Noah was beginning to lose hope. It would, however, be a most blessed evening for Noah, for that olive leaf was given when, humanly speaking, it could no longer be expected. The olive leaf was a miracle beyond Noah’s greatest hope. Noah was on the verge of closing he window; when the dove came. For the Lord never comes too early; neither does He come too late. God did not let the night fall before He answered Noah’s plea."

Kaitlyn's Way

2009-12-05T20:41:00.003-05:00

We signed off on our Home Study papers on Thursday night... God is so good!
I've been working on getting the girls' room ready for Kaitlyn. We leave in two weeks and I've been so busy with other things that I put off finishing the details until this week.

I've been moving furniture around for 3 days trying to find a good arrangement. We finally found a combination that worked. Moving the beds was the least fun thing on the list.
The above is Kaitlyn's bed. The "headboard" is my favorite thing in the room. I couldn't sleep a couple of nights ago and laid awake at 3:30 am trying to figure out Kaitlyn's headboard.
Then around 4:13 am the idea came... I decided to use the crib quilt that both Kayla and Krista used. Eric brought home an expensive curtain rod from Wal Mart and I hung it tonight.
Now everything's ready... the closet has been cleaned and reorganized, the room has been cleaned and details completed, and she now has her own fuzzy blanket.
A little less than two weeks...