Mandie and Justin's Wedding

Mandie and Justin's wedding was today.  Mandie is my niece and Justin is a former student and they make the perfect couple.  They are VERY young...18 and 19...much too young in my opinion (but then I was much too young when I got married as well!).  In spite of their youth, I'm sure they will do well.  Both love God and are committed.  For that I am grateful...otherwise I would worry! 

I only took a few pictures of the happy couple...I got carried away visiting with former colleague.  I did manage to take a few shots of the girls and we even had family pictures taken, although only a few, due to the HUGE number of mosquito's!

It is hard to believe that 20 years ago we were planning our wedding.  Considering it has been that long...I think we've aged fairly well!  ;)  I just won't compare these photos to our wedding pictures!  Now that would be scary!!!

Malia's Preschool Graduation

Malia's Preschool Graduation was on Thursday.  It was cute and fun, even though Malia was grumpy during the entire "ceremony".  At first I thought she was feeling awkward and self-conscious. Only later did I realize that she was upset that preschool is officially done.  I'm hoping she will enjoy Kindergarten just as much!

Update on Raina

This past week has been crazy!  I have been in town every day except today.  That amounts to a LOT of driving  and "catch up"!  Today is catch up day...baking buns(8 dozen), baking bread (10 loaves), baking butter horns (5 dozen), cleaning the house, laundry, and blogging...the most enjoyable of them all!  If this post does not make a lot of sense it is simply because I am exhausted!  I am taking a bit of a break though, to enjoy a freshly baked bun with peanut butter and syrup with... tea...not my usual hot chocolate...I gained too much weight this past winter. ( I WILL be playing soccer next winter, so that I can eat more yummy food and not gain as much weight! :) 

One of the appointments this past week was for Raina.  Her cast was removed and she was fitted with boots and a bar.  We have an appointment next week for the final fitting for her splint.  The boots and bar must be worn at night and for nap.  The splint will be worn during the day...so hopefully we can finally buy a pair of shoes for Raina.

Raina's last cast was in place for 4 weeks and it looked horrible by the end of the second week.  She picked at the fluffy stuff and the boys took her outside on the dusty deck...ARGG!!

  Raina screamed, terrified,  while the cast was being removed.  Dr. Dzus was very pleased with how well the incision has healed and with the flexibility in Raina's foot.  After leaving Dr. Dzus's office, we headed to another appointment to have Raina fitted with a splint and boots and a bar.  She did not like being fitted for the boots and bar.  Not because it was painful, but rather because she was scared of the man with the big red beard!  LOL!  Yes, it was rather comical...poor girl!  He finally clued in that she was afraid of him and sent his assistant in to take the mould of her foot for the splint.

The first night with the boots and bar were good, with Raina only waking up a few times.  Yesterday's nap and last night...not so good.  Raina was upset when we put her boots on for night and slapped at our hands.  She awoke crying...a very heartbroken cry.  We finally figured out that her sleeper was bugging her.  The sleeper feet were bunched up causing discomfort.  We put socks on her feet and PJ's without the feet, which made a huge difference, although she did still wake up a few times after that.  She should be used to the boots and bar within a few days and hopefully we will all once again be able to have a good nights sleep.

Mother's Day

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide to  forever have your heart go walking around outside your body.  Elizabeth Stone

I LOVE being a mom!  I have never been as busy, stressed, or forgetful as I am now, nor has life ever been as chaotic.  BUT...I have NEVER been soooo content or at peace as I am now, being a full time stay at home mom!  And that makes it all worth it!

Angels

I spent the weekend at a Women's Retreat and had an amazing time!  I am not one to get caught up in all the typical superficial emotional drama of the weekend.  I go to relax, build friendships and draw near to God.  I am also not one to share what I will be sharing today...it is very private.  But I know that all of you will keep it in closest confidence and will pray.
Martin and I have been asked numerous times if we will adopt again or if we are "done".  Our answer is always a resounding "YES!".  However, truth be told, I am not convinced this is God's plan for us...I want to be done...I have enough on my plate!  I still pray that God will show us very clearly if he has more children for us...as I tremble.  This topic was heavy on my mind this weekend.  As I sat at one session a woman from St. Lucia walked past me.  I felt an immediate,strong connection, as though God was trying to tell me something.  I had no idea what it was, but was determined to talk to this woman at some point.  Later that weekend she shared about a child she sponsored from Haiti.  The moment Haiti was mentioned I felt what I describe as the gust of angels wings rushing towards me.  I gasped, lifted my hands to my head and grabbed by hair and said "Oh my!, Oh my!". As tears rolled down my cheeks the gal beside me asked if I was OK.  Of coarse I was!  NOT!  I'm still not convinced that we should adopt again, but know without a doubt that Haiti will be a big part of our future.  I am afraid.  I have many doubts.  Our boys are very "done" with having more siblings and would prefer for life to stay the way it is!
I did not realize how deeply I was being convicted about adoption until I sponsored another child through World Vision.  I turned to a friend and said "There!  Now I have 4 kids, and sponsor 4...Now God can leave me alone!"  Someday I will laugh at this and see my foolishness, but for now it is a real fear!  However, for now, with all the uncertainties, doubts, and fears, I will focus on God and all he has done for me!