Our Big Project....Chapter One.

It's unusual for us to go very long without some type of home improvement project in the works. Remember the apartment/pool house project above the detached garage?  Well, I think Colt and Amber have about decided not to move into it when they get married because they've concluded that they'd rather live in town closer to their jobs and have a bigger place.  I'm sure that feels a little more independent to them too. :)  So, we've decided to just start on this project and roll with it.  We'll decide as we go along just how far we'll take it for now.  Knowing us, it will be hard to find a stopping point because one thing leads to another.

Here's how far Jason, Daddy and Colt have accomplished:

The covered porch is going to be wonderful for taking it easy....watching the kids in the pool and hopefully have dinner out there too (until the mosquitos run us off).  I can envision us out there watching the sun go down!

We would like to go as far as to get the bathroom done (to use for the pool area), framing, electricity, plumbing, heating & air, floors, and rustic walls done.  Probably one of the most expensive parts will be the kitchen and its appliances, so we'll just have to see about that.  Our friends, Kim and Chuck (who were in China with us adopting their little girl, Shiloh) are coming for a visit on Labor Day.  We would love to have it ready for their visit!  They would be our first guests!  That would be so much fun!  It's definitely a goal that we can strive to meet!  We're really excited about their visit!

I'm also really excited about having another space to decorate!  It actually reminds me of a little lake house cabin.  As a matter of fact, I told Jason that it needs an inviting name to compliment its character!  You know like the "The Cabin Loft" or something......My dad gave me the idea of "The Crow's Nest".  Anymore ideas?

Since I've been away so long, I just wanted to share our progress with you!  Thanks so much for sticking with me and for your visits!  

Hope you had a great weekend and a Blessed Easter!  

  

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  Matthew 28:6

The Orphan's Song

Joy wrote this song.  I wanted to share it and by the suggestion of a friend, to share it with the adoption community on a couple of forums as well.  She truly has a heart for the orphan (as do I).  I hope you enjoy it!  

Here are the words:


 The Orphan's Song


(1st verse)

Hello, my name is orphan;


my name is unadopted;


my name is child of God.






Hello, my name is unloved;


my name is cared for...


not nourished.






I fear turning fourteen;


Unavailable to be loved;


I live in an orphanage;


nannies pass me by,too many kids cry.






(Chorus)


Just a little special need,


but there's nothing to be done


until you come.


So why don't you come?






(2nd verse)



I saw you get your little guy;


you were huggin' him;


and I was just standing by.






And my friend was picked today;


they took her away;


and I was left standin' by.






Someday, it will be my turn.


They will come for me;


and I will go home.






(Chorus)



Just a little special need;


but there's nothing to be done


until you come.


So why don't you come?


Come?






(Bridge)


Orphan,


unadopted,


unloved,


child of God.






(Chorus)


Just a little special need;


but there's nothing to be done


until you come.


So why don't you come?


Come?


Come?






When will you come?

A Month of Celebrating.....

As promised a long time ago, I'm finally back with some pictures of our month long celebrating!  :)

We started off February with Joy's birthday...her 12th!   She had her party at the gymnastics center.  (I don't think I've mentioned it, but she's not taking dance this year, but gymnastics instead, as well as guitar).  It was absolutely the easiest party we have ever had for her.  I brought cupcakes, drinks and a tablecloth and just showed up!  The kids had free run of the entire place and had a wonderful time!  Not everyone that she invited could make it, so we only had a handful, but the ones that came really enjoyed themselves!  Here's a few pics from her party:

That's cupcakes in the shape of the #12 (in aqua blue...her favorite color)....

Then next up was Luke's (3rd) birthday party.  (Well my dad's was in between Joy's and Luke's).  We just had a small family party here at home for him and it proved to be the right decision.  He was so totally into his Thomas the Tank Engine table and trains, that I could hardly get a picture of him looking at the camera!  He loved his Thomas cake too!  Just having all the attention on him with the balloons and singing happy birthday made him beam!  Here's a few pics from his party:  

Pop and Luke playing with the new Thomas table and trains...

He was totally into this train table and set!

Caught this very excited expression on camera!

Then just a week after Luke's party, was Colt's 22nd birthday.  We spent most of that weekend at The Great Homeschool Convention (which was fantastic) but we were able to go as a family to a Tim Hawkins concert and then we celebrated with a birthday dinner at Hibachi Grill with family.  It was our first time to eat there (recommended by Colt) and it was wonderful!  I still can't believe my oldest baby is 22 though! 

Colt's dessert of choice was buttermilk pie

Blowing a kiss bye to Aunt Jo & Uncle Wayne

Mama & Daddy

And between all of that, our homeschool support group held its annual geography fair.  I bet you can't guess what country we did?  :)  Of course, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to share China!  I wish we could visit every country we've done in the geography fair because it sure makes the country's culture come alive when you experience it!  Joy & Luke both dressed in their Inner Mongolian native costumes.  Joy, of course, did most of the presentation , but Luke did come up and say "Ni Hao" (hello).   Here are some pics from the geography fair:

Other countries that were presented besides China were Russia, Brazil, Italy, France, Israel, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Madagascar, and Ireland.  And they were all wonderful!  It is definitely an event that we look forward to every year!  We're already brainstorming on next year's!

Oh, and last weekend, we went to Alabama and celebrated my Grandma's 93rd birthday....yes, 93!  :)  I think she still looks beautiful! 

Luke was a little overwhelmed when we walked into the church for the party with all the relatives coming to see him (for alot of them, it was the first time).  It's times like this that we see insecurities arise again in him.  He stuck to me like glue, hanging on to my shirt.  Overall though, he did great!  

I love the look he's giving baby Grayson (that I'm holding).... 

As you can see, he warmed up to everyone after awhile and even let go of me for a few minutes!  :)

Joy, cousin Laci, and Luke

 Now, I'm hoping that life slows down just a bit for us now because frankly.......I'm tired!  :)  I'm also ready for warm sunny weather so we can spend some time outside.  

Thanks for hanging with me and for coming back for visits (even though I've been absent).  I appreciate each everyone of you and your time spent here!    

Blessings to you!  Have a great weekend!  :)
~ Tammy ~

Happy 22nd Birthday, Colt!

Although, today is not actually Colt's birthday, I wanted a special post dedicated to his 22nd birthday, which was this past Friday, March 4th.  Since it seems as someone has pushed the fast forward button on my life lately, today is the first breather I've gotten to make it to my blog to honor his birthday.

It really doesn't seem possible that he could be 22!  Where did all those years go?  Why did that clever little guy have to go and grow up so quickly?  He's the guy that we cut our teeth on in parenting experience.  We've learned alot along the way. And we're far from perfect!  The one thing I've desired for all my children is that they come to know Him at an early age and that they desire to serve and live for Him with their talents and time.  And he did, and he does.  (Thank you Lord).

We are honored and proud to be Colt's parents.  When he was first placed in my arms, on August 24th, 1989, by the escort at the airport, my life changed forever, for the good.  Being a mom (and wife) is the highest calling and I take that calling very seriously.  The hardest part, at this point, is stepping back and letting him become the man, and not the boy.  Finding that place isn't and hasn't always been easy.  I've learned to turn that part over to God and trust his guidance and protection and plan for Colt's life.  It really is hard to cut those apron strings, isn't it?  Especially so, since I've been home with him everyday of his life, as a homeschooling family from birth to graduation!  And I've never regretted it for a moment.  It's only by God's grace, that I have been able to do what I have and to trust God and also to step back and let Colt be Colt, the young man.

He was full of personality from the first moment we met him - August 24, 1989!

We did go celebrate this past Friday night at a Tim Hawkins concert and out to a late dinner at Ihop.  (If you've never seen Tim Hawkins, the comedian, you've got to see him!  Look him up on youtube.)  As a homeschooling family, we could so identify with his humor!  And everyone knows laughter is medicine to the bones!  :)  Since Thursday through Saturday was also filled with workshops at the Great Homeschool Convention, and Amber was out of town, we waited until Sunday to celebrate with the rest of the family at the Hibachi Grill (which was excellent by the way).  It looks like I'll be back to share highlights from all three kids' birthdays....maybe all in one post!  :)

But today I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Colt!  We love you more than you'll ever realize (until you have children of your own) and we're so glad God chose you to be our son!  You have always been a blessing to us!  I know God is still writing your story and I can't wait to read the rest of it!

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths."

Love you!
Mom (& Dad, Joy & Luke)

Exciting News!

I have very exciting news to share!  I have to tell you.....I've been dying to share it for the past week but was sworn to secrecy until all family members could be informed first.  But now I have the okay...so here goes!

After over 4 years of dating, Colt and Amber are engaged!  They met 4 years and 5 months ago (I believe) when they were both scheduled to perform at "Meet You at the Flagpole" at one of the local high schools (they both sang and Colt played the guitar).  Music still plays a very important role in both of their lives and is a common bond between them. 

Colt is always acting goofy and Amber always cooperates for photos!  :)

We're very excited!  I can't believe my oldest "baby" is engaged to be married!  He also has a birthday coming up this Friday...he'll be 22!  And she'll be 22 in August (she and I share a birthday month). :)

They haven't gotten far enough in their plans to set a date, but when I know I'll be sure to share. 

  
And remember back in the fall I mentioned this long term project?

Well I'm very happy to say that they have taken us up on our offer to fix it up for them as a first apartment.  I think they are very wise to do this.  They'll only have to take care of the utilities and can then save and put their money into purchasing their first home instead of paying rent.  Plus, since you know how we love to remodel and decorate, this will be fun and hopefully everyone will be involved.  We have a plan laid out for the space already.  And it will begin soon....because it will take awhile since as usual, we're do-it-yourself(ers).  :) 

I'll keep you posted on the wedding plans, as well as their "suite" renovation!  :)  Thank you for letting me share our excitement!  And congratulations to Colt and Amber!  We love you both!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Today I'm so very grateful that we are spending THIS birthday with our Luke. 

Happy 3rd Birthday Luke!

 I remember so well how it felt last year knowing he was having his 2nd birthday without us and watching it from afar.  We were very thankful, however, to see his foster family making his day special!  They (and the orphanage) made sure we received pictures from the special day.  We could tell from the pictures how well loved he was, and just how doting the foster parents (and foster sister) were with Luke.  At that time, I wasn't really comfortable sharing their picture, but I think it's time and I really wanted you to see the faces of this sweet family!  My heart swells with gratitude to them!

And now that we have him home, we definitely know that he was loved.  He has been able to love us with his whole heart and tells us he loves each one of us daily....many times!   It's also very obvious that his foster family spent time with him, and teaching him because he's very smart and catches on to anything and everything very quickly.

Our Little Emperor  :)

So this year, I am finding myself grieving for the foster family, because our gain, was their loss.  And I know they will be thinking of him and missing him today.  We definitely plan to make sure they get pictures of him this birthday.  I want them to see what a wonderful job they've done and how much he's loved and adored here, and just how well adjusted our little guy is.

I adore that face!

Today I rejoice and thank the Lord for blessing us with this precious little boy that was so worth the wait and I ask Him to bless the family that loved him first in a mighty way.

He's very serious with his play (or work as he calls it)!

To celebrate, Jason took the day off, and Joy has the day off from school, and we are spending the day with Luke and having a small family party for him here at home tonight.  We don't feel he's really ready for more than that right now.  More than that would be just too much and I think making his day special with family (and low key) will be the right decision for him this year.  I have a feeling next year, he'll be ready for a bigger party.  But for now, we're keeping it simple.

He still loves his footy pjs....it's hard to keep him in regular clothes because the boy loves his pjs!

As promised with Joy's pics, I will be back and share Luke's birthday photos as well. 

Happy Birthday, Luke!  We love you so very much.....to the moon and back!

~ Mama, Daddy, Joy & Colt ~