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!!!

Another Kind of Miracle

I've had these thoughts rambling for many days, and only hope and pray that I can convey in words what has filled my heart. And, I promise if you can stick with the story long enough, you'll enjoy the video that follows. Somehow, God has used the words of a Barbie song to affirm his love for me.

I determined from the beginning of this blog that I would be transparent. I wanted the world to know that God is good, He is the helper of the fatherless, adoption is His idea, but everyday is not easy. I have prayed from the moment we committed to adopting a little girl with spina bifida that God would manifest His glory in and through our family.

Learning that Ellie would have to use a catheter up to 5 times a day came as a big blow to me. I look back at that day now, and the days to follow, and I can say those days were some of my lowest ever. There have been few times in my almost 45 years when I have sunk as low. I was devastated. In some ways, I was numb. I wouldn't talk about it. I tried not to think about it. I was disappointed. Though I knew of the possibility, I really thought we would have other options to consider.

But, today, I can truly say, "God's grace is sufficient." I am amazed at the peace I have now. I am amazed that I am pretty good at inserting a catheter now--me, Robbie, 4th grade school teacher, NOT-the nurse--me. I can do it. That is Jesus.

I am amazed at Ellie's attitude towards the change. Ellie. Stubborn. Strong-Willed. Determined. Independent. She goes to the potty most of the time, willingly, to do what needs to be done. She is proud of her pee pee that goes into the potty now, rather than her pull-up. She is proud of her panties when they are dry. That is Jesus.

But, then I think...Why am I amazed? I can hear Jesus saying, "Oh ye of little faith?" He has promised never to leave me or forsake me. He has not forsaken me and He has not forsaken Ellie. I have learned that, before learnign to use catheters, many adults with spina bifida have a shortened life span due to kidney failure. I was speechless again when I considered this thought...had Ellie remained in China, she would likely never received the diagnostics that would determine cathing was necessary to protect her kidney. God brought her home to us to give her LIFE!

And, while I am not super spiritual, and I, in my flesh, find it impossible to live a life that shouts, "In everything give thanks," I can thank him for the storm that began 2 weeks ago. I'm not ready to thank him that my Ellie has to use a catheter 4 or 5 times a day. I would still pray for a miracle that her body would be healed. But, I'm beginning to wonder.

Perhaps, he has performed a greater miracle.

Ellie's medical condition has not changed. But, God has changed me.

In my total inadequacy, he equipped me to do what I needed to do. Truly, I am NOT nurse material. I don't like blood. I don't like guts. I don't like CSI. I don't watch much of the Discovery Channel. I leave the room if Stan is watching Operation.
But, in the beginning, I would walk into that bathroom and say, "Jesus, hold my hand." In only a few days, I was not freaking out about the idea any more. In a week, I was pretty good at it. In a couple of weeks, it already feels "almost" routine. His strength has truly been PERFECT in my weakness.

And Ellie...Ellie has this promise. God is faithful. He will not allow her to be tempted beyond what she can bear, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. He has already provided for her a way to stand against the temptation...the temptation to give up, to temptation to give in. He created her...fearfully and wonderfully. He gave her every ounce of tenacity that sometimes drives her mother insane, and more often her daddy. But, that same tenacity given to her by Him will allow her life to bear witness to God's promises. He will use his perfect creation in her to bring Himself glory.

And, I, get to go along for the ride.

Won't you join us?

(Scroll to the bottom and pause the sound of the play list player.)

Prayer Closet

I am getting ready for bed, with a stop at the prayer closet, but hoping the LORD will direct a few precious prayer warriors to our blog tonight before they go to be as well.

Please pray for our friends, Brad and Terry. They brought their son Asher home from Haiti today. They had to take him directly to the hospital. You can read more about their family here.

And, please pray for Katie. Her testimony is amazing, but the enemy is attacking. Please help pray the God would intervene on behalf of her family, which includes 13 precious daughters in Ugana.

Pray BIG Prayers for Zoe

This is Zoe. We met her last week at the Ronald McDonald House when Ellie was going to Nemours for her urological testing. As I found myself discouraged over Ellie's news, I also felt a surge of guilt. Ellie can face tomorrow with bright hopes. Zoe's future is uncertain.

Zoe has a rare from of cancer, Ewing's Sarcoma. I implore you to pray for her and pray diligently. She faces much more aggressive treatment, but continues to smile and encourage others. Her tenacious spirit makes me think of Ellie.

Please click here and visit her blog. Leave her a message, and tell her Ellie's mom sent you to her blog. I'd love for her to hear from more people all over the country, praying fervently for her.

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to be touched by the strength and courage of Zoe!

Guess What!!! and Guess What!!!

Ellie's meds have kept her dry for the last 24 hours, so tonight she's wearing panti*s for the first time!!! (Complete with Poise pads just in case.) She is a little proud. Can you tell?

Guess what else?
Have you tried guessing yet?

Tonight, when it was time to use the catheter for the last time, Ellie asked, "When can I try to do it myself?" So, I told her she could try, and then I would finish up if it didn't work.

Well my four-year-old inserted her own catheter and proudly proclaimed she was pee-peeing on the potty!

What a difference a day can make in my spirits.
Thank you for all of your prayers!

We Did It!

Our first attempt was successful. That was only a minimal amount of drama. I didn't miss, so no extra poking.

And, I made the mistake of sitting Ellie on my legs in the floor to cath her. Yeah, I know, silly me! So, I've got to find another pair of pants to wear to the ball game tonight. ;)

A More Detailed Update

Hello My Friends,
I wanted to let you know that we received news I did not
want to hear yesterday. I must admit discouragement today. I
know that God's grace is sufficient and we will make it, but
for today, I am weary.

Urology:
It seems that Ellie's bladder is working too hard when it empties.
While she does void without assistance, this extra pressure
puts too much pressure on her one and only kidney. The good
news is that there is no kidney damage at this time. The
difficult for mama to swallow news is this:

Ellie will start taking medication to relax her bladder.
THis will allow her bladder to fill, but she will no longer
be able to urinate; therefore, we must start using a
straight cath up to 5 times a day. While this is common in children and adults with spina bifida, and I knew it might happen some day, I suppose I was not prepared for this news yesterday. I really thought there may be and trial and error period with the medication and timed voiding. I was surprised, I guess, that we would go immediately to cahting.

Stan and I had to learn
to do that yesterday. It was NOT< NOT< NOT fun. I had to
"practice" a medical procedure with my 4 year old child as our
dummy. I learned that she does have much more sensation that
we first realized, so she was in pain as Stan and I poked
and prodded while learning how to insert a catheter. Now, we
come home to do this, without a nurse to guide the way. AND, I
have to instruct a school staff member to do this as well,
because she will need to cath at least once a day while she
is in school.

Yes, the news could be worse. Yes, she will learn to do it
herself one day. Yes, one day it will just be second nature,
like putting on socks, or just going to the bathroom...but
for now I am down.

I know that God's grace is sufficient. I know that I can do all things because Christ gives me strength. I know that Ellie was fearfully and wonderfully made. I know this news is about Ellie, not about me.I know that God entrusted her to us!! I know that God placed me in the family of God so that we could support one another. Thank you for the prayers you've already prayed. Please keep them coming!