Keepin' It Real....

May has been a long month. I guess I did skip right over our 22 months and we are a week out from 23 months.  Today was the first referral in over a month and it was also the first referral for a family that was behind us on the list. (It was a boy referral and the  family had waited 22 months.)  I sure am hoping that there aren't too many referrals behind us....cause that is kind of a poopy feeling.  (Hence the title "Keepin' It Real").  So we remain at #10.

Here is some good news:  the process after referral seems to be moving along quicker.  Of course this can be one of the major variables.  The normal process is birth parent interview, then usually court date would be scheduled 4 weeks after (if everything was in place and the birth parent interview went well).......but I know of 3 families who had a birth parent interview and then were needing to be in Ethiopia within 5-10 days!!!!  {That is NOT much notice, people!}  But that is also so exciting because if we "hypothetically" get a referral at the beginning of June and have our birth parent interview 4-5 weeks later, that means if things move as quickly as they have been we could be in Africa at the end of July!!  THIS IS OUR PRAYER!  Please continue to pray on Chloe's behalf.

We have A LOT going on with our family. Baseball, baseball rain outs, rescheduled baseball and throw in some dance recitals, bible bowl trips, church camp, prepping for VBS (oh yeah, I am interim elementary children't minister for the summer!), swim lessons coming up, etc. So the business of summer will surely be a good distraction and keep me focused instead of a blubbering mess for whatever stage I'm in.  I now have a 5th grader, 2nd grader, and a Kindergartner.  Say WHAT???!!!

                    

We had a wonderful 3rd Annual Love 2 Run 4 Love on Mother's Day weekend.   Due to some amazing sponsors (especially jacobyco---who donated the tshirts), we made about $4200.  Three different families will benefit from this and 5 different orphans (The Kramel's, The Douglas', and us).  My friend, Dianna Kramel celebrated her first official Mother's Day (although in her heart she's been a mama for a long time).   God provided a gorgeous day with wonderful weather and amazing friends and supporters.  So grateful to each and everyone of you! 

 



I have been reminded in May to take nothing for granted, to hug your loved ones often, to say "I love you!" when telling your kiddos good bye, and that we must continue to pray.  I've attended 3 funerals in May (well one is this weekend--but he went to Jesus in May).  One was after a long battle of illness, one was a shock even in the midst of a continued storm (thinking things were turning around for the better) and one was so tragic there was no way you could even imagine it coming, ranging from a 77 year old to a 2 year old.  {Sidenote:  I was blessed to see the 2 year old's celebration of life memorial service via a live stream---which was just so moving.  Blessed by this family's testimony and faithfulness in the midst of brokenness and I haven't even met them in 'real' life. If possible, please watch this small segment where the pastor shares some thoughts on adoption, both literally and our adoption into Christ's family.  It is worth the watch!}  The entire service is long as you might expect so you can just skip to 1:19:20 or so and find it. His entire message starts around 1:10:10.  Click HERE to watch.

Ethiopian princess.

 

My jr high and high school BFF, Christy got to meet up at Nick's wedding.  :)





My best friend and I on a much needed R&R in downtown
 New Haven, MO on the river.  I highly recommend it!
Thanks Missy for loving on our kiddos!

But I have also had a few praises this month after praying for years for some of them.  We were able to witness 2 weddings (one renewal).  Chris got to be a groomsmen for a dear, dear friend who now works with some of our closest, bestest friends (a bit jealous, but trying to get over it and yes I know 'bestest' is not a word).  The three funerals were all people who loved Christ and are with the angels in heaven.  One family is on their way to Ghana right now to meet their 3 children and stand in court to say "yes" to being their forever family after 1 1/2 years of waiting.  Already mentioned my friend Dianna, who the day after Mother's Day learned about the day she would meet her son and has already been to Ethiopia and back, passed court and is waiting to go back to get her sweet son {seriously, people the lashes on this boy are breathtaking!}, one of my best friends that I have been praying for the last 5-6 years recieved a good prognosis on her reoccuring brain tumor.  It is so good for the heart when you see prayers answered, even after such long waits.  It reminds me of 1 Peter 4: 12-13 from the Message: "Friends, when life gets really difficult don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job---instead be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced.  This is a spiritual refining process with glory just around the corner."  It is good to see God's answers.  It is good to see growth during the refining process (even though we don't like it) and I KNOW that God is on the job.  He always has been.  I'm just waiting to turn the corner!

March Madness according to the Strickland's

March was a busy month in our household......

Chris' bracket is falling apart and I'm  not holding out for a big win there---

(other than that  there is nothing about basketball in this post (sorry))

 

March 17th---Eden Dawn turned 10 years old!!! Can you even believe it?

She got her big girl Bible and some yummy Los Cabos on her bday

 as well as a 9 other crazy girls at our house for a sleepover (on the 15th).

   I'm on the Board of Directors for Hannah's Refuge---a non-profit long term safe house for women and children.  We held our first trivia night and it was a huge success....but with a late night (Eden helped sell bake goods) here and the night before---I began to be sleep deprived.  :)  For more information on Hannah's Refuge go HERE.

 

March 24th  Palm Sunday, Winter Storm Virgil came by and dropped the biggest snow fall in years to the STL (10+ inches)---so it was a snow day for us. Sunday church was cancelled and then no school on Monday.  (Welcome Spring???)  We opted for mini-snow people rather than one big snowman. 

March 26th--Chris and I celebrated 14 years of marriage.  I love the man more every year.  He is so good for me and to me (and our growing family)

 

Speaking of growing family.....March 28th there was a referral (Big Woohoo right here!) which made our new number #15.  Even more exciting than that, were hints that we might be higher up the list for a toddler than we thought.  Bottom line:  Any day, week, or month is still an option to see her face.  (Others have made it to month 26 and we will be 21 months waiting in 1 week!)

 

March 31st---He IS Risen!!!  Celebrated Resurrection Sunday at FCC.  I love my family and our church family.  Do pray that Eden will fit this dress made by my friend Cynthia Frame because we have a matching outfit for Chloe. :/ (Insert Wes King's song:  "We Thought You'd Be Here By Now")

My kids make me smile!!!

I'm No Marathon Runner......or Am I?

Being that this is a family blog....I gave Chris permission to post posts if he so desired...he finally did so. (I love him & am proud to be his wife by the way!!!)

A marathon runner? No, not me. Running 26.2 miles (in a row) seems quite daunting. Although I have a few friends who have done this numerous times and enjoy it immensely, I’m not sure I will ever be up for the challenge of a run like a marathon…or am I actually running in about 4 of them as we speak?
I have struggled with being at healthy weight for years.(Insert "Fatter Than I Want To Be" by Shack) About 15 years ago, I was at a weight I wish I was at now. It has taken me 15 years to get to the unhealthy point I am right now. I have made some strides toward getting healthier in the last few years but sometimes it seems as if I’m going two steps forward and one step back. It is progress none the less, but not as fast as I would wish. Why should I be discouraged when the solution doesn’t happen over night? It took me 15 years to get here so it might take me some time to turn it around. It isn’t a sprint, it is a marathon run. I’m in it for the long haul, the long run.
I have been married to my wife for almost 12 years. She is beautiful, amazing, and my best friend. We currently have 3 kids, true blue blessings from God. I love my family. But there are times when Amber and I just aren’t connecting, the kids are running us a little ragged, and family life seems a bit crazy. We also just recently jumped in head first into the world of international adoption. Something we have prayed about for literally years. We are excited but know there are many hurdles to clear before we have a beautiful baby girl from Ethiopia in our arms. (Insert the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children” here) Even with all the excitement, it sometimes seems overwhelming; the time, the money, the unknown. I have to remember, I’m in it for the long haul, the long run. It is not a sprint in time like a few bad days, weeks, months or even a few tough years. I want to glorify God in my marriage, be the best husband I can be, show Jesus to my kids and help bring them to a saving relationship with Him. My family life is a marathon run.
Being a part of ministry is a blessing. Being able to help people come to Jesus, care for people, and help lead them in worship is great! There are times when, believe it or not, discouragement sets in. Church attendance was down one week, offering seemed a bit low, no one showed up for the event we planned, and someone is calling to let me know my choice of songs wasn’t quite their cup of tea. The church is in it for the long haul, not the short sprint from week to week. I want to be a part of what God is doing in the life of those who are in my community. None of us is perfect; we are all growing and learning, and running a marathon in ministry.
The most important race I am in is a race to eternity. New life in Christ is a race. I have to set my life and my mind on the things that are eternal and stay focused. I can get tripped up with all kinds of worldly distractions, my own sin issues, feeling discouraged or tired, but I keep running. (Insert 33miles song, “Today” here) Paul said in Hebrews 12:1-3 “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (The Message) I got a feeling that if I am running THIS race focused, and on target, the other races will come along nicely.
A marathon runner? Hmmm….maybe I am. Maybe we would all do well to remember that life is a journey not a destination (insert NewFire song, “Journey” here). Let’s start and keep running!
(Sorry for all the song references, my life sometimes seems best played out in a musical)

Back in the saddle again......(finally)

Yesterday was a bad day. Yesterday I accomplished nothing. I have been sick for two days w/ yucky tummy stuff. Before this I have been sick w/ an ear infection, sinus infection, and so much fluid behind my ear that I can hardly hear in my right ear. The sinus infection symptoms began about Aug. 8th. So honestly I feel like I haven't accomplished much in the last month b/w my illnesses & my kids (all 3 have had the same big D word) My husband is so great though...yesterday after I apologized for doing absolutely nothing, he asked me "Did you have to deal w/ a bunch of clean-up/dirty diapers?" I said "Yeah" and he lovingly said, "Then you've done something and I wouldn't have wanted to do that, and your sick." I felt so relieved to hear him say that. I feel so guilty at times when I don't have the energy to get all I want accomplished, or even meet some of my goals. For instance, I haven't wanted to run for this entire month as well, with the clogged ear & the heat. Last time I ran was beginning of July and then before then it had been a couple of months.

Then to add to the yuckiness, we had our fuel pump go out on Chris' car yesterday as well. So after feeling pretty discouraged, stressed, depressed, etc. for several weeks, today was a refreshing change. Today I was productive. Even in the midst of figuring out car issues, friends (church community) reached out and loaned us their vehicle for a bit. Such a blessing!

Other things I accomplished today:
*I was able to enjoy encouraging conversation w/ two friends in depth.
*I read several books w/ Tobe while holding him (haven't got to read w/ him for a while).
*I decluttered 2 cabinets & 1 closet!!!
*I shined my sink. :)
*I treated my kids to half-price slushies at Sonic during happy hour.
*I had to drop off hubby at work/pick up daughter from school/pick up hubby from work due to the fact we have one car until tomorrow.
*I ran 2 miles after having about a 2 month hiatus!(hence the 'Back in the saddle'---I pray I can be consitent w/ my training for a 10K in the fall.)
*Enjoyed dinner at the dinner table w/ my family.
*Prayed w/ my children.

*I even updated facebook off and on throughout the day and currently am posting to my blog. :) And all of this before 10 pm. I am still going to be in bed at a decent hour (Side Note: First day of my temporary job cleaning the post office starts bright and early at 5:30 am. I am never up that early!) So I would say overall, I really enjoyed today. I usually might accomplish maybe two of the above bullets and more often than not they are facebook and talking to friends. It feels good to be productive. I absolutely LOVE this motto of the Flylady (I read the Flight Plan's daily, but don't always follow them) but this motto is so encourging to me:

You are not behind! I don't want you to try to catch up; I just want you to jump in where we are. O.K.?--Flylady www.flylady.net

Oh and the most encouraging Word is God's: Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

So Spongebob isn't ALL bad......

So I don't necessarily want to start a debate about the evils or values that come from Spongebob Squarepants. But I do want to share a lovely story that warmed my heart all day and Spongebob is somewhat involved. There is a song that Spongebob & Patrick sing together on a particular episode---the lyrics are "Best Friends For--ev-----er" (Can you hear my best Spongebob voice?) Well, on Friday I took the kids to Tot Time at the City Pool. It is super cheap swimming in our town, and usually pretty crowded. It has a lazy river and a small water slide. Last time we went Eden met up with a classmate and was attached at the hip with her the entire time. Well this time it was less crowded and neither Eden or Eli had a playmate that they knew at the pool. The entire way to the pool they were singing Spongebob's song and excitedly sharing what they were going to do together at the pool as "Best Friends Forever". And this time....they did it. It was SO fun to watch the two of them play together. They come up to me together, hand in hand, laughing and Eden even said, "We are having the best time." Side note: I asked Eli if they were doing the river, slide, river, slide? And he quickly responded, "No mom, we are doing river, river, slide, slide." lol.
The kids usually get along pretty well. And of course they have played together before, but as their interests have gone different directions due to being boy/girl, and Eden already being in elementary school I wasn't so sure how many days like this I would get to see. It was such a joy to watch them thoroughly enjoy hanging out together. If I ever figure out how to get pics from my phone to my computer, I'll post one. :)

uh, I'm still alive.....part 2 (Proud Wife)

SO.....again it has been an embarrassingly long time since writing. So I am catching up a few months. Since I talked about how proud I am of Eden accepting Christ, I will now tell you how proud I am to be called Chris' wife.

First off, in April, Chris & I ran our first marathon relay. Chris started the relay and ran 6 miles, our friends Andrew & Missy each ran 7 miles, and I ran the final leg of 6 miles. It totaled a full-marathon. It is the first time we had ran that distance. Chris ran the entire way. I was actually jealous of the progress he has made. It is a definate love/hate thing. I love that he is beginning to love running. I love that he is motivated to change his lifestyle. I love that he is committed and determined to see changes, even if they are slow changes. I hate that soon he will be beating my time. :) I hate that he wants to run a half-marathon, because of my competitive spirit, I think I have to follow. :) Chris due to his exercise and a few changes in our eating habits (there is still MAJOR room for improvement) has already lost a total of 44 pounds!!! I am so proud of him. Even though I am discouraged about my own lack of weight loss, I am so very proud of Chris and his hard work.

So speaking of his hard work, Chris & I celebrated being here in Washington, MO at FCC for 5 years on June 1st. It is the longest ministry we have been a part of. The house we have been in for 4 years is the longest stay at any house since Chris & I have been married (11 years). It seems like it has flown by. It doesn't seem like 5 years because we enjoy it so much. We appreciate our church's leadership and staff. We love the town of Washington. We love our friends & the ministries we are involved in. We love the school district. We love that we are near the city & the Cardinals. I am so proud of my husband's work ethic and integrity that allows security for our family. I am so proud that Chris does not give reasons for being terminated or "let go". That sounds harsh, but I am truly grateful because of his humble spirit, spiritual gifts & natural talent,listening ear and how hard he works. I know he is taking care of me & our beautiful children. I am proud to be called Chris Strickland's wife.

I got a glimpse.....

I got a glimpse on Tuesday about what life will be like when everyone gets to be school age and how quiet my house can really be. Eli started preschool and Eden headed into the first grade this past Tuesday. First off, let me say my kids were cute and so ready for school to start. Thank you Grandma Thompson for some back-to- school clothes and supplies. Eden loved her teacher, classmates, etc. Eli goes in the afternoon from 11:45-2:45. He loved it and only cried when I had to pick him up and he was upset he could not ride a bus home. To be honest the special needs students serviced by the school are the only Pre-K kids that can ride a bus. That is hard to explain to a 4 year old....I attempted and all Eli could say was that he was special too. :) So anyways, I'm regressing.....On Day 1, I actually made it home and Tobe had his nap for 2 1/2 hours of the 3 hours. Oh JOY! I cleaned and enjoyed it, because no one was interrupting me. Now I just need to make sure that I do not overcommit myself every day and miss out on my 3 hours---because the first week I only was able to have that quiet time one day out of the four. Week 1 down, lots more to go. I do look forward to a few lunches with Chris and the church staff w/ only 1 kid to worry about, a few playdates w/ less stress, and just some one on one time with Tobe. But I surely did enjoy those 2 hours!

Time Continues to Fly

So I kind of bypassed Tobe's 1st bday. It was on the 8th of February. We had a small party for him on the 7th and then had a Baby Dedication on his actual birthday at church. It was funny, because at Eden's baby dedication she was only 3 weeks old. Eli was 7 months on his dedication. And I finally fit Tobe in at 1 year, when hopefully it would still be considered a "baby" dedication. Anyways time flies.

Tobe still is my baby. He mumbles two words "mama" and "dada". Although he can wave, give kisses, and say gentle and more with his hands, we don't get much out of the guy. He is cruising and crawling, but I don't think he is anywhere near walking. Although I probably forget how fast they go from one stage to another. Anyways, I said that is OK, he doesn't have to walk until he is 3 since he is my last baby. Either I truly have babied him and Eli at the time, or there is such a HUGE difference between boys and girls. Now Eden walked at about 9/10 months and Eli walked the week of his first bday. But we were just thinking (and I guess comparing) what Eden was doing when she turned one: she was already sleeping in a toddler bed, she would dance to Dragon Tales on the TV, she would sit and listen/read a book, she was talking in paragraphs, and running! It is such a vast difference. Now Eli is VERY verbal as well, although it just came all of a sudden like at the end of 2--beginning of 3. I was worried for a while, only because I only had Eden to compare him too. (I know, I know, You are not suppose to compare). And now Tobe is on the same track. I only hope he doesn't decide to walk when I am out of the country and on my cruise (in 10 days!!Yeah!). Anyways each phase has it's own blessings and curses. I am enjoying Darius Rucker's new song "It won't be like this for long" and really trying to soak it in. I just cried in the car, on a long road trip listening to that song, looking back at Eden sleeping and thinking I'm not sure I will be able to let her go. It seems so far away and yet time continues to fly.

The Luckiest Girl in the World

So today during our MOPS meeting, we had a husband panel to share some secrets of marriage and get some guys perspective on some items that can often cause tension in a marriage. Well overall it went great. All of the husbands were great and very vulnerable to speaking to a whole room of ladies...however, my hubby was on the panel as well and anyways........I totally take Chris for granted. I am so lucky to be his wife. He is not your stereotypical man (OK---he does still leave his socks and clothes in the middle of the floor), he is quite the opposite. One of the more lighthearted questions was: "What is the one housekeeping task that you have not admitted to your wife that you would actually not mind doing if she could not?" Chris really could not answer this question. Why? Because there is not a housekeeping task he hasn't done. OK, he is not great at cleaning the bathroom and he HATES doing laundry, but he daily cleans dishes, cooks, sweeps, mops, vacuums, still takes out the trash, grills, mows the lawn, etc. In other words, he does the "normal" guy things and a lot of what would be normally the "woman's" thing. He also feeds our kids, changes as many diapers as I do, and puts gas in my car. It kind of makes you wonder what I do, doesn't it? I feel like I am always doing stuff or trying to force naps during the day that by evening it wears me out. Chris is a wonderful partner, I couldn't ask for more. So if your man is anything like mine, please don't take him for granted. I have already done it enough for all of us.