Praise the LORD!!!!!

My soul is overflowing with joy and overwhelmed with the goodness and mercy of our Great Savior. He has answered a 4-year prayer in a way that only HE could.

I've asked you to pray for this little man!


His mama is special to me. She was a youth in the Sunday School class when I was the teacher. I prayed her through her rebellion years. I rejoiced when she came back to Jesus. I rejoiced with her when she learned she was pregnant, following fertility problems. I rejoiced when she found out she was expecting twins.

And, next Tuesday, he will receive the kidney we've been praying for. Riley will finally for the first time learn to enjoy food at birthday parties. With his kidney failure, he has a feeding tube, and he rarely eats anything. He has no appetite. He sat at Ellie's birthday party, just months ago, not interested in cake and ice cream.


And, he will soon be able to take baths with his sister.

He has been driving with his mom, and other friends and family to JAX 3 times each week to receive dialysis. The shunt for his dialysis has made it impossible for him to take tub baths and even go swimming. He spends 4 hours on the road and nearly 4 hours in dialysis. He will soon be able to stay home and just be a kid!!!!!

But you have to listen to Paul Harvey, I mean ME, tell you the rest of the story.

When I shared with my children about Riley's upcoming kidney transplant and told them WHO was donating a kidney....I get teary eyed just typing it now. You see we've been praying since before Riley was born four years ago. We knew he had special needs before he was born, and we've know for years now that his only hope for a "normal" life was a kidney transplant.

We've prayed and prayed.

And, his live donor is my dear friend JOLI! I am amazed at the tapestry God is creating when he weaves our lives together. Those in the Chinese adoption community call is a red thread. I call it God-ordained paths. I told the girls, "Can you believe it? The kidney we've been praying for has been in and out of our house all of these years." Joli, who might not even have known Theresa and Riley, had she not been my friend, who God gave sweet peace and direction about testing for the possibility of a match, followed HIS path.

Joli and I first met when we were waiting on our first adoptions. She was with me the day before we left for China to adopt Josie-Tatum, when she was still waiting for Elisabeth.


And, she was waiting for us at the airport when we flew home, taking pictures I wouldn't have had she not taken them.


Before Riley and Regan were even born, she was with Josie-Tatum at her first visit to the zoo.



We rejoiced when our daughters met for the first time!


And, we've celebrated Chinese New Year together now for 7 years in row!


This dear friend who has grown more special to me over the years is now giving LIFE to the child of another friend.

How honored I am to know her, and to know the JESUS who works in her, and to know that He has allowed me to witness this miracle He has provided! How weak my faith can be, but how strengthened it is when we see His work in the lives of the faithful. Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. Please join me in prayer and thanksgiving!!!

I Am Blessed--lots of photos!

As I wait on the LORD to hear answers to my three petitions, what better time to stop and praise Him.

All of you adoptive moms out there know how drawn we are to a homecoming at an airport. This weekend, Josie-Tatum and I were blessed to join my friend Joli and her three (soon to be four) children on a trip to JAX, where the newest addition to our adoption community came home from China. We welcomed home Ava Laurence, but my batteries died before she stepped off the plane.



I don't think we'd been home from China more than 4 weeks with Josie-Tatum at the age of 15 months when someone said, "I think she's going to be a gymnast." JT has lived up to our expectations, wowing many in the gym since she was 4 years old. Unlike her baby sister, she shies away from public attention. This was the first time in three years, I have been able to convince her to join her friends in a exhibition at our local Fall Fest in our hometown.

When we arrived at the park, I was with Josie-Tatum, encouraging her, while Whitney and Joli were keeping an eye out for Ellie. As the dads were setting up the mats, I looked on the "stage," and there was Ellie joining in the cake walk. I watched her walk around the circle, with Whitney by her side, emotions brewing, and the music stopped. When the number 3 was called, guess who was on number 3? And, the crowd cheered for Ellie. The cake, home made by a precious lady in our community was a blessing, but the joy that came from seeing others in our community glow when Ellie won was priceless!


I am a weepy mommy when I am considering all the LORD has done for me. So, while I watched Josie-Tatum finally face her fears and perform in public, I found myself choking back tears, even watching some of the other girls from the gym when they perfectly completed a stunt I know has been difficult for them at practice this week.




Following Josie-Tatum's exhibition, we enjoyed amusements at the festival. After hopping off the giant blow up slide, Ellie spotted ponies. She often talks about horses and ponies, but I don't think she's ever been on one. When doing a lot of walking in public, Ellie still uses her crutches....Well, she took off....before she had both crutches. She left with only one, and I'm now thinking she only needs one. Can you sense the motion in this photo, see her hair swinging to one side?






Josie-Tatum then surprised me with her desire to climb the rock wall, the same child who was afraid to turn cartwheels in front of an audience wants to climb, I don't know, 20 feet or higher into the air. OH MY!!




And, of course, we had to ride the train. (Did I mention that Regan joined us? Please continue to pray for her twin brother's kidney transplant!)



And, we ended the weekend with a birthday party for my Aunt Shug and my mama. (BTW, Aunt Shug has a "real" name. My Grandpa Tatum gave a nick name to his baby girl, Shug, short for sugar.) It was yet another blessing to spend time with my extended family on Saturday evening.

My Aunt Nancy called her sisters guardian angels, and gave them accessories to match their description. Here are my mom and her angel sister, who is named after our favorite all natural sweetener!


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So, do you think I look like my mom?

It's been a beautiful weekend, really beautiful.

Brandon came home on Thursday. Oh, how sweet to hear the laughter of the boys together for several days. His other visits have been so fast and furious that we had little time together.

While I hope you enjoy these photos, I'm having trouble containing my excitement for the next post you'll see. Check back in a few days. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

While driving home on Thursday, Ellie said, "I know Brandon is going to tickle me." He obliged, of course, but I didn't have the camera ready. When Josie-Tatum came home from gymnastics, I had it ready.....





The boys went fishing today. (I stayed home and cleaned house. Yay! I had nowhere to go.)

Here is Caleb, the same Caleb who was once suspended from school because he had a knife in his truck. Well, no wonder, he's been into knives as long as I can remember, encouraged by his father and uncles long before his mommy was comfortable with his owning a knife. He wanted to be sure you knew the little knife is for little fish, and the big knife is for big fish. Who'd have thought?




Brandon, sporting his...Crocodile Hunter boots, while wearing shorts.



I'm sorry....well, not really, but I couldn't resist. This is how the boys looked when they left for fishing this morning. They were both wearing their oldest kahki, ripped in the back, showing their boxers, shorts. GQ material???


I thought Whitney was coming home tomorrow for church, and we'd get a family photo....but she just called. She has to work the lunch shift tomorrow. Praise the LORD, she makes time for several Bible studies throughout the week, so she is always in fellowship with other believers.

Note from Ellie:
E: Mom, when I grow up, my house won't be far.
Mom: Good.
E: So, you can come see me.
Mom: Well, that's wonderful, I want to be able to go see you.
E: I'm going to live across the street. Those people have to move.
(Note: Please tell the neighbors they might have about 15-18 years left in their home. Ellie does not take NO for an answer.)

Miraculous Progress--Just Look At Her Now

He made the lame walk, and the dumb talk, and He opened blinded eyes to see. I wonder what life would be like we let Jesus live through you and me.......

It has recently occurred to me that Ellie has made some miraculous progress in the last several months. Those of us who see her everyday may tend to forget just how far she has come. Those you of you who saw her walk for the first time across the room would probably love to see what she's doing now. Here is the video I posted on her birthday. At the age of 4, she walked across the room for the first time. What a blessed day!!!



Just weeks later, she was able to give up the brace and walk on her on.


And, with only 8 months of walking practice, just look at her now! To God be the glory. I continue to pray that His glory will be manifest through our family, that she will walk in His grace, knowing it is sufficient, that she will always know she is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Enjoy!

Three Requests

We have a lot going on right now, as do so many of you. Stan will likely need surgery soon. Ellie has a possible UTI, but with all of that......

I would love to know our bloggy friends were lifting up up in prayer:

1--a financial need
2--a possible job change/responsibility
3---a DREAM come true

To God be the Glory!~

You Could be the One

Linny said it best this week. I urge you to take a look at her blog. Click here.

But, I want to echo her sentiments. I would adopt again and again if the LORD blessed us with the means. Why? Because, I get to be the mama. There is no greater joy than watching my children enjoy life! There is no greater joy than being obedient to the Father, and He is the Father of the Fatherless. But, let me say again, "I get to be the mama!"

And, what a beautiful day! What a day to count my blessings. Today our girls had the privilege of attending a Princess birthday party. We began by making it special at home first. While I played the role of hairdress...(Oh, wait a minute, I do that every morning.), okay I was playing the role of boutique stylist, our friend Erica was the make up artist and nail technician.



Erica's sister Mary joined the fun as an audience member.


The party was held at Make a Friend Express, where all of the guests created and dressed their own stuffed animal. The girls had such fun choosing their animal, looking for just the right fashions, giving them an airbath, dressing them, and choosing their name.







And, Josie-Tatum named her bear Shandukani. Wow! That gave us another opportunity to share what the LORD is doing in South Africa, as guests at the party wondered where she came up with that name. And, daily, as we play with Shandukani the Bear, we can pray for Shandukani, the orphan, the CHILD of the KING.


And, while we were at the party, the grandmother of the birthday girl said, "I followed your blog while you were in Africa." And, I'm thinking, Praise the LORD! That's what I want---not people following me---but people following the work of the LORD, seeing his abundant provision for Josie-Tatum and me, and learning what HE wants to do for orphans.

So, if you've ever, even just once thought, "I'd like to adopt." You could the one. You could be the Mama! Please call me or send an email. I'd love to guide you in this path that has brought me such joy.

And, if you've ever, just once, or a million times, thought, "I would like to help orphans." Please do the same.

God is great. His Spirit is mighty. That prompting you feel may just be HIM. He wants you to experience the joy of serving Him. He wants you to join Him, as the Helper of the Fatherless. Will you answer His call?

Family, Friends, and Fellowship

We started our weekend at a birthday party for two special children, Riley and Regan. They are part of our church family. Riley is a miracle child, whose life is a blessing beyond many others. During his many hospital vists, Regan has spent much time with my parents. Ellie calls Regan her best friend. Regan calls my parents, "My Bennetts." We missed their birthday party two years ago...do you know why????

We were in China, of course.

(Please be much in prayer for Riley. He will soon undergo a kidney transplant. A live donor has been identified, another dear sister in the LORD, dear friend of mine. While he waits, continue in prayer for Riley and his mother, as they travel to Jacksonville, FL three times a week for dialysis.)

While at the party, as more guests arrived, I realized how truly blessed I am. Nearly every person at the party was part of our church family, and, or course, part of the body of Christ. The fellowship was so sweet. All of the parents were looking out for all of the children. Ellie had her friends to run around the lawn with. Josie-Tatum had her friends to "priss" with.

Every person there has at some time prayed for Ellie, prayed for us. Every person there has prayed for Riley. We enjoyed time with friends, who are truly family, we enjoyed the food, we enjoyed the fellowship.

And, I couldn't help but think about the first part of the book of Acts. I think it no coincidence that the Bible records the early church continuing in the apostles's doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers. And, they continued breaking bread from house to house.

I was recharged after the birthday party. My spirits were lifted, my heart was peaceful. Thank you, Jesus, for my church family. (Enjoy these photos.)







After the birthday party, we enjoyed our Fall Festival at church. There as crafting, games, face painting, jumping, food, and just plain fun.



And, there's nothing more special to me than living next door to my parents and going to church with them. Grandpa even joined in the fun at the Fall Festival, really into the spirit, getting his face painted, too. I love my daddy!!!!



Ellie and the C-Pap
I so hope the c-pap will help my dear Stan. He was diagnosed with SEVERE sleep apneia. He just received his c-Pap machine on Friday. I hope he finds his lost energy soon.
And, since Ellie has been rather woebegone over her differences, we took time to talk about Daddy's new machine. Just like the machine will help Daddy breathe better and feel better, the catheters help Ellie.
So, Ellie wanted to try on the "mask."
BTW, Daddy did NOT want to try out the catheter....

Happy Gotcha Day, Sweet Ellie!

We celebrated with Chinese food, and an evening of home movies, watching our videos from China, nearly 2 hours...

Thank you, Jesus, for two years with our special girl.

More to come tomorrow.

Busy Blessings and Snaggle Times Two

We had a busy weekend, but such a blessed one.

All of my children were home. I hardly saw the big kids, but I enjoyed the little bit of time I had with them.

We went to the homecoming game Friday night. On Saturday morning, the girls and I went to a friend's birhtday party. Brandon was an offical at a recreation soccer tournament.

After lunch, the little girls and I attended a wedding. Whitney chaperoned a high school band competition. The boys spent the day fishing with high school friends.

Saturday for supper, Stan, the little girls, and I visited the Stretch family. We are so blessed to have them here in our little home town. Our children have such a good time playing together. And, I love chatting with my friend Joli.

Snaggle Times Two

How cool is this:
Joli and I were waiting moms together. Josie-Tatum was the first child adopted from China in our hometown. Elisabeth was the second. Their adoptions were four months apart. And, now, they both are missing their front teeth at the same time!


And tomorrow, it's off the Tampa for Ellie to get new AFO's. Then, we're going window shopping at Downtown Disney.

Prayers and Dollies

Ellie was praying tonight, while holding a doll and began,
"Thank you that I was a good girl with my dolly."

She continued
"Please help Brandon with my dolly.
Please help Grandma with my dolly.
Please help Whitney with my dolly
Please help Mama with my dolly
Please help Daddy with my dolly
Please help Caleb with my dolly...."
ad nauseum

Until I finally said "Amen."

And Ellie said, "Amen......with my dolly."

Snaggle Tooth, Hermit Crabs, and Wishes

I almost waited too late to take this photo. Yes, Josie-Tatum has lost both of her two front teeth. She lost one on a Friday night, and the next on a Saturday. One more reason for the wish girl to wish she were her sister.....see the last part of this post.

Hermit Crabs


We have house guests this weekend. Their names are Junie B. and Jim. They're hermit crabs, and I have no idea if one is truly female while the other is male. How could you tell??? Josie-Tatum was thrilled to be chosen to "babysit" the class hermit crabs for the weekend. It might surprise you, well, no it won't, that Ellie has done her share of pouting over the fact that she did not get to bring home hermit crabs. Finally, though, both of the girls have had enough time watching the hermit crabs do whatever it is that hermit crabs do, and they're arguing less, while simply enjoying our house guests.

Wishes


Ellie broke my heart months ago, when she said, "I wish I was Josie." As we talked, she shared how she wished she could use to potty and wear panties like Josie-Tatum does. Our conversation that day centered around God's love for her, and his plans for her, all of her special abilities.

She has begun to say, "I wish I was Josie," more often.

"I wish I was Josie. Josie-Tatum doesn't have to use a catheter."

"I wish I was Josie. Josie-Tatum doesn't have to wear braces."

"I wish I was Josie. She knows her numbers better than I do." Well, yeah, Josie-Tatum is 6-years-old. You will know numbers better when you are 6.

But a recent conversation gave me a chuckle.

Ellie said, "I wish I was Josie," and, once again, I felt the lump in my throat. When asked why this time, she said, "Josie-Tatum doesn't get many spankings." I really did laugh...out loud. I said, "Ellie, Josie-Tatum doesn't get many spankings because she obeys her mama more than you do." (Yes, we do spank out our house, for open disobedience, but we use many other forms of discipline as well.)

But, here's the good part of this story. Ellie's behavior has been better. Several times, I've asked her to do something, she starts to disobey, checks herself, and then says, "Yes, ma'am. That's obeying, right Mama?"

Wow!!! Why did it take me two years to get you to understand that part of the behavior management plan?

So, tonight, pray for our strong-willed Ellie, pray for her parents to guide her to monitor her behavior, while remaining the vivacious Ellie we all love. And, especially pray that we can continue to teach her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made!!!