Estes Family Moments

Update on Vensly.......

2012-03-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

Alot of you have been asking "how much longer", "why does it take so long", "seems like you have been waiting forever", and many more questions! Believe me, I feel like I have been waiting forever!!! I really don't know how much longer and I really don't know why it takes so long! I wish I knew all these things!!! I do know that I miss him SO much my heart hurts! I am ready to get him here, get him adjusted and just do all the little things that a three year old boy needs his mommy and daddy to do! He doesn't care about any toys he may get, or his bed, or vacations, or happy meals! All he needs is US! To love him, hold him, hug him, give him kisses and pray with him!
As far as the process, we really are at the end! We are with a great agency that works as hard as they possibly can to get them home. They can only do so much though! We are in MOI....minister of interior....which approves him for a passport, then the passport is issued and then Visa from the US so he can come home. His birth parents have to be interviewed before that can happen though. I pray they can find them and that gets done ASAP!
We just need everyone to pray us OUT OF MOI!!!!! Then we are in the home stretch!
Thank you to all my friends and family that have prayed for us....it's so appreciated!

Helping!

2012-03-08T12:54:00.002-06:00

I am adding another "chip-in" for anyone that would like to contribute towards another basket that I will make to have auctioned off at the Brent Gambrell Ministries annual dinner and auction!
Marc and I worked a few hours on Saturday applying for donations and it is so neat to see them being approved! You guys can't imagine how your money is used to help the people of Haiti. If you could just spend ONE day there it would change your life!

Any amount will help....$5, $10,.....it all adds up! (If you are an adoptive parent please use the chip-in labeled for that so I can keep it all seperate!)

THANK YOU!!!!!

Brent Gambrell Ministries Adoptive Families Basket.....

2012-03-05T20:18:00.002-06:00

I am so excited that so many of you guys have said you would like to chip-in on the basket for the auction! The proceeds from our basket and the other auction items will be used to help BGM continue their efforts in Haiti.
If you haven't checked out their website PLEASE do.....and if you haven't ever been on a missions trip they are a great ministry to go with! It will change your life!
If you want to "chip in" just click below and you can do that!!! It's VERY appreciated!!!!

Defining Moments.....by: Marc Estes

2012-02-13T20:27:00.015-06:00

Guest post by: Marc Estes (aka...my hubby!)

Defining moments in your life…
Over the past 10 years, I have been asked so many times why I would want to be in law enforcement when I have another profession outside of law enforcement. Some have said to me “Why risk it?” or “You don’t want those kids to be without a daddy do you?” or “It is selfish to put your wife in a position where she could be a widow”. Those are all valid questions and I have even asked myself those very same questions in the past.

Below is my attempt to try to explain why I have chosen to serve...

The past 10 years has been a platform for growth for me and my family. But, it has only been in the last few years that I have been able to begin to understand what the true plan for my life was all about. I began to realize it after the 9/11 attacks when the President called all Americans to serve. I knew the military was out of the question for me but I still felt an overwhelming urge to serve in some capacity.

My brother was an officer with the local police department and I began to “ride along” with a few of his partners on Friday and Saturday nights. I was lucky to have this experience as the officers I rode with performed their job with the utmost integrity. I distinctly remember one of them telling me “you cannot let the power of this job go to your head. Treat people they way you want to be treated even in ugly situations. Be tough when you need to be tough but you don’t have to be tough all the time”. They showed me the good, the bad and the ugly of serving the streets. It was how they handled themselves in high stress situations that really got to me and I began to realize that law enforcement was how I needed to serve my community.

Becoming an officer is not an easy task, especially for someone that had a family and worked a full time job. The state requirements to become an officer meant enrolling in a police academy, attending class Monday through Friday from 6pm to 10:30pm, for 38 weeks. It was a huge commitment but it was something I knew I had to do. I enrolled in an academy and 38 weeks later and a tough state exam, I was a licensed peace officer. I have taken the opportunity extremely seriously. I wanted to be the best officer on the street, train often, and build upon what those officers taught me while on those “ride a long” nights.

In January 2006, Lesley and I had planned a trip to New York City as it was a place we had never been. During our time in NYC, we wanted to visit Ground Zero. As we arrived in the area, I noticed that the entire Ground Zero site was fenced off with a tall fence. The fence had a thick, dense netting strapped to it. The netting obstructed our view into the site. We tried to peek through the cracks of the fence but still could not see much. As we walked and rounded a corner, I noticed a gate in the fence. A sign on the fence said “Police Officer’s Memorial”. As we walked over to the gate, we noticed a guard on duty. I asked the guard to come to the gate. She explained that it was an area setup to honor officers that had given their lives while trying to save others. During the conversation, I stated that I was an officer from Texas. Upon hearing this, she asked to see my credentials, and then proceeded to invite me and Lesley into the area.

The area overlooked the middle of Ground Zero. There were still piles of rubble, broken sections of steel, concrete that was ripped apart. I could see the subway tracks down below. It was sensory overload to say the least. As I stood on this platform, I could feel a heavy weight on my shoulders. Only a few people have been where I was standing and in an instant I knew that serving others through law enforcement was my calling. I stood there, in awe of what had happen that day. Hundreds of officers rushed into a building to save people they didn’t even know. They disregarded their own safety for someone else and I will never forget that day as long as I live.

Before leaving the area, I left my first badge. I was proud of that badge, what it stood for and what it took to earn the right to wear it but I was even more proud to leave it at this memorial. If those that died that September morning could give their life for a greater cause than themselves, the least I could do was leave something dear to me. The picture above serves as a reminder to me why I chose to serve. It was a defining moment in my life to say the least. One, I will never forget.

In 2010, I had the opportunity to visit the country of Haiti after a devastating earthquake. Haiti was a third world country even before the earthquake. What I witnessed was nothing more than survival of the fittest. The more time I spent in the country, the more I noticed the people grateful for just being alive. Grateful for what little they had, grateful just to be able to eat once a day. I watched a lot of them serve others when they were in desperate need themselves.

I stood in awe of their attitude. They praised God for getting them through each day. I wondered how I would react given the same situation. It became very evident to me that America’s prosperity has given us a false sense of security. Would I be able to survive in such a catastrophe? If I survived, would I have an attitude of praise? Could I serve others if I were the one in desperate need?

I went to Haiti thinking I was going to help someone else, only to discover I was the one that needed the help! I have seen that my perspective on life has drastically changed over the past 10 years. My life is not supposed to be about me, it is supposed to be about others. It took a long time for that concept to become clear to me because we have been subjected to a culture that screams nothing but “ME”. Every advertisement I've seen, every commercial I've watched has a message of “You need this and you need it now”. The concept and purpose of serving others is completely foreign to what living in America has taught me. Don’t get me wrong, I love this country. I just believe we have the cart before the horse and we don’t even realize it. We don't even get what our purpose on this earth really is about.

How would it be today if Jesus had given up due to fear of what was going to happen to him for serving others? Would this country still be "free" if soldiers hadn't fought for us? How many more would have died that Tuesday morning September 11, 2001 had those officers and fireman not rushed into burning buildings? How many more deaths would there have been if the brave guys on flight 93 had not decided to stand up and fight? They all knew the risk…yet each one chose to fight for people they didn't even know.

My answer to the questions I've been asked is that I am just willing to be a pawn in a much bigger plan. This doesn't make me any better than anyone else. It's just the way I choose to live my life.

Marriage Monday- Love Worth Fighting For.....

2012-02-13T13:24:00.002-06:00

Saturday night Marc and I along with some really good friends went to a marriage event with Kirk Cameron, from the sitcom Growing Pains and the movie Fireproof. He was great! He talked about so many things....most I had heard before and already know but some things were new to us. He talked a lot to husbands because of course that is what he knows the best. One thing he did say that really hit me was honoring your wife....or in my case my husband! I wondered that night if I do honor my husband? I mean the way God would want me to?
He talked about honoring your spouse at all times....with your friends, with your family, at work, everywhere. He said an example would be if you guys are at work and the other guys are talking about women in a way that they really shouldn't be then when you sit there and listen or laugh you are DIS-honoring your wife. NOW....let me say....I have been around women talking about other men and I didn't leave the conversation so in turn I dishonored my hubby! It's not just men! My husband and I were talking about it yesterday and I told him I bet if we did what Kirk said and said to them "I am leaving this conversation as this is dishonorable to my wife/husband". It would take just ONE TIME......it would be so shocking to the other parties that I bet you wouldn't have to do it again anytime soon! I say shocking because we as humans don't do those kind of things but if we truely believe the Bible and what He has to say about marriage then we would do more of those shocking things! I don't know about you but I want a Biblical marriage more than anything in the world. My family will be better off for it too!
At the end of the speaking there was a prayer time and lots of couples went up for Kirk to pray with them or over them and I wondered how many couples were where we were five years ago at Weekend to Remember, which is another great marriage conference. We were days away from divorce when that conference changed our life!
Warren Barfield sings the theme song for Fireproof and it's called Love Worth Fighting For....my love and marriage is worth fighting for....what about yours?
As Warren says...I ask that God send his angels to gaurd the door so that no one leaves our marriage! He also talks about a time he almost left and would have changed his family tree....I immediately thought about Emily and Vensly and thanked God for gaurding our door many times so that we were able to add to our tree! Thank you God for that!
I continue to pray that everyday........

You really should google "Love Worth Fighting For" with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield to find out if and when they will be in your area and you and your husband need to go!!!!! It's worth the few hours you will spend.

Homeschool Update......

2012-02-08T16:52:00.002-06:00

The boys are doing good with their school....of course I could use a break every now and then but I wouldn't trade this time with them for anything!
Jesse is on unit 7 and 8 of 10 units so he is in the home stretch. A little ahead of schedule so we will add lots of review if he finishes early! Noah finished up with unit 5 this week of every subject so he is half way done!!!! They would really like to be finished by the time Vensly gets home. That would be nice. We are praying he will be home by March or April!

Which leads me to a decision we have made. I have a feeling that Vensly is going to have some major adjustments once he is home so I just don't think I will be able to meet his needs and the needs of Noah and Jesse with homeschooling so we decided to put them both at BCA. Noah had already decided that he wanted to go back.....he misses his friends and teachers! Jesse is fine either way!!

I may have to start my photography business up again as it's not going to be cheap to have THREE in private school!!!! WOW!!!!

The Campaign and a V update!

2012-02-06T11:51:00.005-06:00

As my little boy Jesse says...."it's really wierd to be driving through the neighborhood and see Daddy's name everywhere!" I agree but I couldn't be more proud of him!
I am proud that he is a man of integrity and will continue to be whether he is elected or not!
We are new to all of this political stuff and frankly, I am not real good at it! I am not very thick skinned. Not that anything has happened....just sometimes hear say can be hurtful or bothersome!
I know that if any voter sat down with Marc for five minutes he would have their vote and friendship! I have never known him to set a goal and not accomplish it and go above and beyond!
I know that if he wins this election that he will be the best Constable that Precint 6 has ever had!
If you live in Cove, Beach City, or Baytown 146 please check the map and see if you live in his area and read all about him and most importantly VOTE!!!!! You can click on the "vote" icon to the side and it will take you to his facebook page....go like it!
Click here for his website!

UPDATE on Vensly.....
I still haven't written about my trip to much. It was a difficult one at times and I am not sure if I will share it or not! I am praying a LOT for my boy and we just really need him to come home soon!
We entered into MOI with a few other families on Monday the 16th of January and those families are all out but for some reason we are not! I am praying we are this week. THEN we just need a passport and visa and he will be home!!!!!!
SO, if you feel led to pray for him here are his needs.....

Peace in his heart.....(this is a big one!)
Happiness......(he is not always the happiest little boy! :( )
Health.....(he was acutally pretty healthy but I want him to stay that way!)
Passport....
Visa......

Signed Texan Footbal BID NOW! Help Haiti!!!

2012-02-02T09:13:00.004-06:00

TEAM SIGNED 2011 HOUSTON TEXANS NFL FOOTBALL up for grabs! Highest bidder wins! Auction ends Saturday Feb 4th at 10pm. There is a reserve price on the ball. This is also being posted on facebook but if you want to bid either email me at mestes1@gmail.com or leave a comment here.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BRENT GAMBRELL MINISTRIES!!!

Noah's Big Day.......

2012-01-30T12:36:00.003-06:00

Yesterday my sweet Noah made a public display of his faith in God! He was so excited and so were we! He had so many friends and stand up in his honor. I always knew my boy was special and would grow up to love God and I pray that yesterday was a start to his daily walk!!!
Mom and Dad couldn't be more proud of you Noah!

Small Groups.....

2012-01-25T11:49:00.004-06:00

A while back I told you guys that Marc finally gave in to our small group pastor and decided to lead a small group. They try to limit the groups to 20 and as of today we have 26! Wow......how exciting!

I have been trying to catch up on past sermons from our church that we have missed and the one I listened to on Saturday was on other things that were great but also the importance of small groups.

I still remember our first time going to small group. We were both nervous to walk into a house where we didn't know anyone. NO ONE! The couple we did know weren't able to make it that night. We had a great meeting that night and that was the start of life long friendships! One couple has moved but are still our best friends and another couple is still in small group with us and are some of our best friends. We then became part of another group that at one point was almost all adoptive families. That was really neat and we still love every one of them and it was hard to leave but we fell like this is what God wants us to do!

My point to all of this is that if you just have to take that leap and I promise you that you won't regret it. And as Tommy says, if they are weird you just find another group next semester!! LOL!

Believe me and I say this from experience....the leaders are not perfect, in fact, we are about as human and it gets. We let life get in the way and don't read our Bible like we should, we have our share of life issues and have HAD some serious marital problems that we worked through and came out stronger and better because of it and mainly because of our involvement with our small group!

If you live in our area and are interested in finding a group for you so to Secondbaytown.org and find one! Even if it says full and you think you want to be in that group email the leader and ask!

Flashback photo....our first small group Christmas party! The kids amaze me! Joseph..the one in the back with longer hair is about to go into the air force and Taylor, Nicholas and Thomas are all about to be Juniors in High school! Time flies but I have loved doing life with these people since 2007!

Home from Haiti.......and a giveaway!

2012-01-19T08:58:00.003-06:00

Here it is Friday and I feel like I am just now getting readjusted to life at home! Boy, is it hard to leave that little boy behind. I miss him so much but was so ready to get home to my hubby and kids. There was just something "off" about being in Haiti without Marc!
I will try to write soon about my thoughts and prayer times I had while there. This was a great trip with lots of life long friends made but also a very difficult trip as Vensly wasn't the easiest baby to deal with. He loved me and enjoyed being with me but the truth is he was off his schedule and the only place he's ever known and was suddenly with a white women claiming to be his mom. Very unnatural situation! Needless to say, I didn't get to spend much time at all in the creche and with the other children so I didn't get many pictures this time. So sorry to my adoptive mom friends!
BUT...I did get lots of hugs, laughs and kisses while there! I am counting down the days until he gets home and I really don't think it will be long! We are in MOI and that means passports and visa are soon!

Another note, I was contacted by an online scrap booking company that want me to do a giveaway on my blog to help promote their company so as soon as I receive my package and the one to giveaway I will announce it! SO keep checking back soon!!!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2012-01-17T16:38:00.005-06:00

Today is my husband's birthday so today's post is all about him! Marc is 37 today and we have been married almost 18 years so I can say I have been married to him HALF of his life! WOW! I am so proud of him and everything he is today......
A great husband.
A great provider.
A great father.
A great friend.
A follower of Christ.
A servant.
A lover of Haiti.
A hard worker.
A comedian.
A great teacher.
A great leader.
A protector.
The list really and truely could go on and on.......let me just say that I am so blessed to that of all the girls in the world God chose me to be his wife! Happy Birthday baby!

Here is a little section of his new website for his run for Constable.......

MEET MARC.....

A lifelong resident of Baytown, Marc Estes and his family are proud to call Baytown and Chambers County home. Married 18 years this August, Marc and his wife Lesley, have 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. Of the 5 children, 2 boys are adopted from South Korea and 1 boy from Haiti. They often say, “We have 3 adopted children but we just cannot remember which 3 they are”!

Marc has been fortunate to lead an industrial equipment and engineering company on the Houston ship channel for the past 12 years. Under his leadership, the company has experienced growth of over five hundred percent and continues to expand its presence along the entire Texas Gulf Coast. Marc is the first to pass any accolades along to others as you can often hear him state, “I might have had the vision and was the one to set the goal, but it takes a team to make it happen”.

After the attacks of 9/11, Marc had an overwhelming desire to serve his community. He enrolled in the University of Houston police academy attending night classes Monday through Friday for eight months, graduating as Honor Graduate, the most prestigious award given to an academy graduate. He takes his journey in law enforcement seriously and considers it “his calling” to serve his community in this way.

Over the past several years Marc has had several accomplishments in law enforcement. He was promoted to Sergeant and leads a team of officers. He also obtained a fire investigators license and currently holds an arson investigators license.

In July 2010, Marc and his son went to Haiti with a mission team after the country suffered a devastating earthquake. His life was so impacted by that experience and the gratitude of the Haitian people that he now serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Brent Gambrell Ministries, a ministry located in Nashville, TN. Marc has since made numerous trips into Haiti and will continue to serve in the country for many years to come.

It was on that first trip where Marc fell in love with a little boy, Vensly, who had been given up by his parents. Their home had been destroyed; there were no jobs, and no possible means of providing for him. Marc inquired about the little boy and surprisingly learned that he had not been matched with an adoptive family yet. Marc called his wife from a satellite phone and told her about the little boy. Vensly, now almost 3, should be coming home anytime. Marc, Lesley and their children anxiously await his arrival.

Update on Vensly.......

2012-01-06T14:01:00.002-06:00

This week we received our COMPLETED adoption decree, which means he is OURS, his adoption is complete in Haiti! He just needs approval from the Minister of Interior to get a passport, then the passport has to be printed, and then he needs a visa from the good ol' USA so he can enter the US! Wow....we have come a long way!!!! Our boy is SO CLOSE to being home with us where he belongs! I am praying he is home long before his third birthday which is May 10th!

What would you do?

2012-01-05T08:25:00.002-06:00

I mentioned in my last post that we visited another church last Sunday evening and during that visit I noticed a fairly young man sitting in the back of the church. He looked very tired.....his skin was VERY weathered from the sun and his hands were very beat up....like he has worked very hard with them. He was a nice looking man but I am certain was probably homeless or close to being homeless. He sat alone for about 20 minutes as people were coming in for the service and during that time I noticed he just stared straight ahead and had really BIG tears in his eyes. I prayed for him right then...but from my seat and didn't dare let him know I was "staring". I was worried about him and felt very sorry for him. BUT...I am embarassed to say....it stopped right there. After the 20 minutes or maybe even less passed I noticed a man get up from his seat by his wife and go over to the gentleman.....he talked to him for a minute or so and then just sat next to him the rest of the service. Later I noticed another man standing up next to him with his hand on the man's shoulder as if he was praying over him but also just letting him know that he was not alone. WOW....that is what a church should do! That is what we should all do!
Marc even asked me if I thought that would happen at our church and I thought to myself "I hope so"...but I am not sure as our church is big, and crowded and I am afraid that people like that are getting lost in our congregation.
I know as a women I probably couldn't have comforted him like a man but how many women are at our church hurting and wanting someone to reach out to them or just simply pray for them?
I really want to be that person....that person that leaves the comfort of sitting with my husband in church to find that person hurting that may need my prayers or just my hand on their shoulder that morning or evening!
What would you have done? Are you one of those people?

New Year's Resolutions!

2012-01-04T17:00:00.002-06:00

I really didn't officially make to many resolutions but I do feel like I have a clean slate to start doing the usual....loose weight, eat better, cook more, read my Bible daily, and all the other things we need to be doing!

Sunday evening we visited my inlaws church and while I can't remember word for word everything the guest preacher preached one thing did stick out and I did claim it to be one of my new year's resolutions.

I am going to quit telling Marc or anyone for that matter...."You never" or "You always"....I have said this before but this time I am going to STICK with it even if I literally have to bite my tonque!

On another note....Noah, our budding photographer, took this picture of his dad and I and I think it turned out pretty good!

Happy New Year! 2012

2012-01-01T23:17:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that it is 2012 but I am so excited because I know that this is the year my boy will be coming home from Haiti!
I am praying that it is before his 3rd birthday in May!

Hubby and I had a great time last night in Galveston....we didn't get to do much because the fog was really bad but we spent time together just us two so that was a nice change! Of course all we talked about were the kids which made us miss them and wish they were with us!

Today we enjoyed a nice late lunch of cabbage, black eyed peas, rib eyes, ham, mac and cheese and cornbread that my mother in law made!

Also, I let Noah borrow my canon Rebel and showed him how to use it and now I think we may have another photographer in the family! He has taken a ton of pictures! Some of them are really good!

I did make some new years resolutions but I am not going to put them here in case I don't keep them but I sure am going to try!

Happy New Years to all my blog readers........I hope it's a great year and God Bless!

Happy Gotcha Day Jesse and a Sweet Noah story.....

2011-12-30T20:30:00.004-06:00

Six years ago tonight I was sitting in a hotel in Los Angeles in a big comfy bed in a beautiful hotel room on Beverly Blvd staring at a sweet baby boy that was sleeping soundly after a long flight home from Korea! That day we met our third son, Jesse Min! Happy 6th Gotcha Day Baby!!!! We love you like crazy!

AND.......

Last night we decided it was time for us to read Noah some of his adoption paperwork about his birthparents. He was excited to hear about them and even though he smiled the whole time there were a few times his eyes teared up. He is the sweetest, most sensitive little boy and I love that about him! Actually, his paperwork described his birthmother as being sensitive and somewhat reserved, which is how Noah is. He was excited that she has an oval face like him! He was also happy to hear that his birthfather was dark complected like Noah and of a "healthy build"....just like my boy! He really liked the fact that his birthmother loves to cook! They share a passion for good food!
The whole time he is listening to Marc read he repeatedly tell me "I love you Mom" as to reassure me! Bless his heart! I love that boy so much!

New Beginning.....

2011-12-19T15:45:00.002-06:00

About four years ago our friends talked us into moving to this neighborhood to start a new chapter in our lives and during that time found a small group that I never thought would could be replaced. It was special...it was made up of couples that we did life together. We watched movies, went to dinner, had swim parties, girl's nights, prayed together, cried together, laughed together and genuinely loved each other! Of course life changes, people change, and eventually we disolved. Marc and I have life long friends out of that group that are more like family today!
We have since been in another small group for about two years and we have loved everyone that has come and gone in that group too. Some have stayed and others have come and then left. New people are being added all the time and that is great....that is what small group is all about. I have made so many good girlfriends from that group and feel so blessed to have been a part of it!
The last couple of months we have talked about and prayed about leading our own small group but just weren't sure if that is what we were supposed to do. We would talk about it then not mention it for a while. Then Jerry, our small group minister, at church called Marc and asked him to lead and after thinking and praying about it he said YES! So, we are officially small group leaders!
I pray that we can be a blessing to the people that sign up to be in our group. I pray that we live by example and that everything we do glorifies Him so that we can be the best leaders we can be!

Our first study will be 40 days in the Word....I am excited to start that study!!!
Will you please pray for us too! :)

A Christmas Tour of our Home......

2011-12-16T14:39:00.010-06:00

Welcome to our home this Christmas!

A Visit to "Santa's Lap"

2011-12-15T22:06:00.005-06:00

This little girl was so excited to see Santa and sit on his lap! She LOVES him! I didn't think she would get off his lap or leave the area. She told him she wanted a doll! I love the first picture!

Look at Santa's face....no telling what Jesse is saying!

At first Noah said he wasn't going to sit on his lap at all (which is why he's in a baseball shirt)....he said he was to old to do that but after seeing him he said he's pretty sure that he was the REAL Santa so he thought he better go ahead and tell him what he wants!

Merry Christmas 2011.....

2011-12-14T22:26:00.006-06:00

This is our Christmas card to you.....
I hope and pray that each and every one of you that read my blog have the Merriest of all Christmas' and a blessed New Year!
God Bless!

One girl.....4 brothers!

2011-12-13T09:59:00.009-06:00

"She's So Graceful"

2011-12-12T16:02:00.002-06:00

That is something that no one will ever be able to say about me! In the last four years of so I have managed to fall a few times including when we were at a car dealership and ended up in the ER. Fast forward to last weekend and I feel down about four of my mom's stair and my whole bottom part of my leg is black and blue. NOW...Saturday Marc and I had the best day shopping and eating at LaMadeline and we were walking out of the mall to head to Toy's R Us and next thing I know I am superman'ing it to the ground! OUCH! I could barely walk to the truck! Well yesterday I finally went to urgent care just to have it checked out and what do you know? I broke my ankle! UGH! Only me! And at Christmas! But on the bright side it could be worse.....at least it's just a small break and nothing more serious!

I have had bloggers block lately so maybe all this time I will be spending on the couch will help me think of something to share with you guys!

It's December 1st!!!!

2011-11-30T22:07:00.004-06:00

So tonight "Marley" our Elf on the Shelf came out and will make his first trip back to the north pole tonight!
I also finished our RACK advent basket with all the cards! I am so excited to do this and so are the boys!

Noah's Future?

2011-11-29T08:09:00.002-06:00

After writing yesterday's post it reminded me of a day about 5 years ago when we visited Marc's parents church. They go to a wonderful church and have wonderful pastors. Callie is one of them and she helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. She has prayed for our family numerous times! This was during the time that Marc and I were having some serious marital issues and were not in church at all. Not sure if you remember me telling you all that Noah is the one that one day said "Since we don't go to church I am going to start going with Mamaw and Papaw!" WOW....he was 5!

This was a summary of that morning! I know this is long but please read it all....pretty neat!
This is also the church that Leeland comes from. They are a Christian band that has risen to the top and are very successful!

(written from Mamaw's memory....)
‘Noah to Papaw – “Papaw, I miss God”
Papaw to Noah - “Noah, do you want to pray with Ms. Callie?”
Noah then tells Papaw he wants to pray with Ms. Callie and after getting permission from Marc & Lesley, he takes him to Callie and tells her Noah’s remark about missing God.
The following is part of a prayer and prophetic word she has for Noah. Callie first anoints Noah with oil (a symbol of the Holy Spirit) and prays over him and for him for a few moments, then begins to prophesy the following: ‘Noah, what you are feeling is the call of God on your life. It’s the voice of God that you hear. You are a mighty man of God. You will preach, you will prophesy and move in the five fold ministry of God. You will go to all the nations of the earth and preach. It is no mistake that you are here; you have been called to America. You are a ‘goodly’ child – like Moses.’ A further word of explanation was given by Callie to the congregation:These little children are open to the voice of God. The Bible says that in the last days he will pour out His spirit on all mankind.
Leeland puts down his guitar and comes from the stage to pray for Noah. He prays for God’s wisdom and Spirit to rest on Noah, for God to use him to reach young people in this nation.

I thank my sweet boy so much for getting us back into church! He is so special....I knew that from the minute I laid eyes on him!

A Special Night......

2011-11-28T09:21:00.003-06:00

Last night was so unexpected but so special! For the last couple of weeks Noah has been asking me if he can get baptized at our church and asking lots of questions about what it means and a lot about heaven. So last night he asked again and Marc called him downstairs to sit with us and talk....just the three of us! Marc ask him what he thought it meant to be saved and he asked Noah if he wanted to say a prayer with him and Noah said yes so Marc said the sweetest prayer and Noah repeated after him. I have told you all before how sensitive Noah is to certain things and this was one of them....I know that he was old enough to understand and really know what he was doing because the tears were streaming from his eyes....and his Daddy's! That could be one of the sweetest moments of my life! I love that boy...and that Dad of his!!!! :)

This is Noah the day we dedicated him with Pastor Roddy at the Methodist church.....

Noah singing my favorite song....this is about two years ago!

November 24th.....THANKSGIVING DAY!

2011-11-26T18:21:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful to have been able to spend it with a bunch of my family. We went to Fredericksburg where my Dad, step mom, aunt and uncle live and had our dinner at my aunt and uncles beautiful barn! My grandparents were there, my aunt I haven't seen in years, my step sisters and their families that I haven't seen in years, my cousins and their kiddos, and some new friends that were made that day! I am so thankful to have been able to spend it with all these wonderful people! That was a day I will never forget! My kiddos had a blast "working" on the farm all day!

I will post pictures of our weekend later......

I hope you guys all had a blessed Thanksgiving!

November 23rd.....thankful for.....

2011-11-23T22:00:00.002-06:00

Being in this hotel room with all my kiddos and hubby in beautiful Fredericksburg watching TV together!
Nothing better! Thank you God for this night!

November 22nd.....Thankful for......

2011-11-22T21:16:00.002-06:00

RACK....(Random Acts of Christmas Kindness)

That is what my boys, Emily and I (and maybe Daddy too!) will be doing this Christmas! We will start December 1st.

I am so thankful for all we have and want give back even if it's through a small RACK!

November 21st.....Thankful for.......

2011-11-22T09:58:00.002-06:00

My washer and dryer....even though I sometimes hate it! I learned to appreciate them after going to Haiti and watching them do laundry outside with dirty water in the heat. I have always battled to laundry monster and lost....I always have WAY to much laundry that needs to be put up or folded. I am so thankful that I have a beautiful red washer and dryer that is inside in the air conditioned. If they can do tons of laundry everyday for all the children at the Creche then I can surely do our laundry and keep it caught up!

November 20th.....Thankful for.....

2011-11-20T09:40:00.003-06:00

The Bernards.....

Dr. Bernard and his beautiful wife Claudette own the Creche...the orphanage where Vensly is staying until he comes home to us! Marc and I have gotten to spend time with these two precious people and I am thankful that they will be part of our lives and Vensly's forever! They will always be his grandparents in Haiti....I want him to always know where he was from and the two people that worked so hard to take good care of him and his friends! I am thankful that in the summer he takes time out of his crazy busy schedule and SWIMS with the kids....that just makes their day!!!

Dr. Bernard works so hard for all the children in the creche and truely loves them and wants the best for them!
I am thankful that of all orphanages for Vensly to end up in he ended up there!

I am thankful that I am going to get to see Poppy and Mrs.Claudette again SOON!!!!

This is me and Dr. B with V and our HUGE dossier....that is everything they need to proceed with the adoption! Everything you ever wanted to know about us and some you may not want to know is in there! WOW!!

November 19th.....Thankful for......

2011-11-19T11:33:00.004-06:00

Outings with my family!
I am thankful that in a few hours we are heading to Galveston to Moody Gardens to tour the Rainforest Pyramids and then see the Festival of Lights!

I am thankful for making memories this holiday season!

This was us in 2004 at the Festival of Lights! Wow....time is flying by!!!

November 18th.....Thankful for......

2011-11-18T12:17:00.002-06:00

A few things.....

I am thankful for God's hand on me and my life. I feel like lately He is really showing me some things that I need to do and some changes I need to make!

I am thankful for good talks between Marc, Taylor and myself! I am thankful that the praying we do for our son is paying off. I am thankful that he likes us enough to really talk to us! :)

Getting to go to dinner with The Browns tonight! I feel like we never get to see them anymore so I am thankful for a break in our schedules to spend time laughing and catching up! I am thankful for their friendship!

I am thankful for the cooler weather today and that I can have my back door open and hear the waterfall in the pool and the sounds of nature!

November 17th.....Thankful for.....

2011-11-17T11:34:00.003-06:00

Homeschooling!

I am so thankful that I chose to homeschool my boys this year! We are having so much fun and while they are learning....so am I! I am thankful that I am able to do this and that God gives me the strength and patience I need....almost everyday!! :)

I wish I would have stuck with it with Taylor but I didn't. I am thankful that he is in small private Christian school and thankful that he is so smart!

I hope we can continue for a really LONG time!

Also, I am pretty sure Jesse wouldn't be able to wear surgical gloves in Math if he were in school! :)

November 16th.....Thankful for! (AND A RANT!)

2011-11-16T11:23:00.005-06:00

After going to the dentist this morning and having to listen to the dental assistant talk...or I guess I should say "run her mouth!"....I am so thankful to everyone that has a heart for adoption and even those they may not but don't make STUPID comments!

(sorry...this may be more of a vent than a thankful post!)

So, I am laying in the chair with my mouth wide open while the dentist is working on my teeth and she said "Now that you can't really talk I am going to ask you some questions!" She first said...."I think it's good that you adopted but I couldn't do it....see when I get a dog it has to be a pretty one!" She then asked me "how much is it to buy a kid....do you get a loan? do you save up? What do you do?" She said..."If I saved up that much money I would rather take a trip to Hawaii or somewhere like that!" She then proceeded to tell me that "most adopted kids have lots of problems!"
All of this was said while I couldn't talk.....my heart was beating 90 to nothing! I was so offended and so angry that someone is that stupid to not only think that way but voice it to a mother of three adopted children that are ALL beautiful.

I was able to say that we can birth some ugly babies to and she then said "but they are yours so you don't think they are ugly"!!! WHAT??? Last time I checked ALL my children are MINE!!!

I am really thinking about writing a letter or something. I love the dentist but I don't care to ever talk to or see her again!

SO, I guess I should also say I am thankful that my whole face was numb and I wasn't able to speak at all!!!

Ugh......

November 15th......Thankful for.....

2011-11-15T22:07:00.004-06:00

Friends that are like family! Some friends just come in your life for a season and some become more like family! I am thankful that no matter where they live or we live we are still as close as when we were neighbors! I am thankful for the many laughs we have had together. I am thankful for the best vacation EVER that we had with them and thankful for the future memories I know we will share!

We need an updated picture....our kids all look like babies! (Kim and I once told someone that asked about our kids that we had 6 between the two of us but only two pregnancies....figure that out! That was before Emily and Vensly! WOW!!)

The Estes and Coker family!!!

November 14th.....Thankful for.....

2011-11-14T22:20:00.003-06:00

God little surprises and his big ones! I love when His will is so different than I think it will be. I am thankful for his answer to prayers but also for his unanswered prayers. Thank you God for always leading me.......
I have REALLY been praying about something later and while I have to remember it's all in His timing I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!

I just had to share this old picture tonight....this is Noah on his dedication day! What an angel!

November 13th....Thankful for.....

2011-11-13T22:33:00.001-06:00

My church! I am so thankful to be part of an amazing church and that I have the freedom to worship there each Sunday! I am thankful to have two amazing pastors that know exactly what I need each Sunday! I am thankful for my church family!

November 12th.....Thankful for.....

2011-11-12T20:04:00.003-06:00

I am SO thankful that my hubby made it home safely from his week long hunting trip to Colorado! I missed him so much! I am thankful that he had such a good time with the guys!
I am thankful for lazy days like today....I am thankful for just sitting on the couch with hubby and my kids watching our shows we like and movies!
I am thankful for my little mother/daughter shopping trip to Hobby Lobby today and thankful for a little girl that thinks everything is "Cute Mommy!"

I am thankful for this date night.....I love this picture!

November 11th.....thankful for.....

2011-11-11T21:57:00.002-06:00

My friends! God has given me the best friends ever! I am so thankful for each and every one of them! They all know who they are!
I am thankful for girl's nights....girl's trips....weekday lunch dates.....shopping trips....Bible studies.....date nights with our hubbies together.....play dates with our kids and many more things that we do together.
Thank you God for all of my friends!

November 10th....thankful for.....

2011-11-11T21:42:00.002-06:00

My brother! I am so thankful God gave me my baby brother. I am thankful for the man he is today. I am thankful that he is a great husband and an amazing dad! I am thankful that he has always been there for my boys and for me. I am thankful for the memories we have as children together and the memories we have as adults! I am thankful God chose us to be brother and sister!

November 9th....Thankful for.....

2011-11-09T22:08:00.002-06:00

My sweet boy in Haiti waiting to come home....Vensly!
I am so thankful that God chose me to be his mother.....I am thankful that his birth mother did the best she could for him the first year of his life. I am thankful she gave him to Dr. Bernard to find him a better home. I am thankful he was in that room having his well baby check up that July day that his Daddy saw him for the first time! I am thankful for the two times I have gotten to spend the week with him and can't wait to be with him ALL the time!

November 8th....Thankful for......

2011-11-08T12:12:00.004-06:00

My sweet, unexpected, miracle baby girl EMILY!
I can still remember the day I found out I was pregnant and the mixed feelings I had and the shock in my husband's voice as I told him but fast forward to today....I CAN'T IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT HER!
I am so thankful for God's unexpected gift and for her sweet face everyday! I am thankful for her belly laughs and her big wet sloppy kisses. I am thankful for the smell of baby soap and footed jammies! I am thankful for her love for her big brothers and the way she screams when her Daddy walks in the door! I am thankful for her telling anyone that talks or looks at me "My mommy!" I am thankful for when I tell her "I love you" she says "love to momma!"

I am so thankful God gave me my little girl!

November 7th....Thankful for......

2011-11-07T12:08:00.003-06:00

My husband's job that allows me to stay home with my kids. I am thankful that he has always worked so hard that I have never had to work. I started staying home when I was about 4 months pregnant with Taylor. I am so thankful that we made this decision so long ago and stuck with it. I am so thankful that I don't miss anything in my kid's lives. I am thankful to get to be with them everyday!

November 6th.....Thankful for......

2011-11-06T13:00:00.003-06:00

I am so thankful for my funny, crazy, wild, smart, messy JESSE! I am thankful for a lady clear across the world that chose a better life for him and made sure they found his brother so he could be with him. I am thankful God chose me to be his mother in that life!
I am thankful for the many funny things he says and does that keep us laughing and sometimes embarassed! I am thankful for the way he loves on Emily and protects her from anything he thinks she needs protecting from. I am thankful that he is all boy and loves his trucks and sticks and rocks and everything else that goes along with boys. I am thankful for the times that we cuddle up on the couch and watch movies. I am thankful for the memories of his holding my hair and wiping my head when I was sick with Emily.
I am thankful that he loves for me to carry him and tuck him into bed and that he loves to hug and kiss on me! I am so thankful for this child and the miracle that brought him to me!

November 5th....Thankful for.....

2011-11-06T12:51:00.003-06:00

My sweet Noah! I am so thankful God chose me to be his mother. I am so thankful for the lady across the world that gave birth to this precious baby boy and chose a better life for him. I am thankful that he is so sweet and caring. I am thankful that he, at the young age of 9, loves the Lord with all his heart and has for a long time. I am thankful for that day about 4 years ago when he asked to go to church with Mamaw and Papaw since we didn't go! I am so thankful for his sensitive spirit and his love for others. I am so thankful for his hugs and his "I love you" that he says no less than 30 times a day!
I am so thankful that he has some of the best dance moves I have ever seen....they make me laugh so much! I am thankful that he is a snuggler. I am thankful that he is so patient with Jesse and Emily and that he loves his family so much!
I am so thankful for you my Sweet NOAH!!!!!

November 4th.....Thankful for.....

2011-11-05T21:32:00.004-05:00

My Children! I am going to do each one on their own day! Today is Taylor!

I am so thankful that God gave me this boy and His timing was perfect! He was and continues to be one of the biggest blessings in my life! You can read about him HERE!
I am so thankful for the man he is becoming. I am thankful for how smart he is and what a good boy he is. He makes wise decisions and really has never gotten into any trouble!
I am thankful for all the help he gives me with his younger brothers and his sister. I am thankful that he tells me he loves me all the time and that he still loves to hug on me. I am thankful for his sense of humor and his laughter! I am thankful that he looked just like me for a long time but now looks just like his dad! I am thankful God chose me to be his mother!

November 3rd.....Thankful for.......

2011-11-03T08:13:00.003-05:00

My hubby!

I don't even know where to start! I am SO thankful that God sent me this man to be my husband. I love him more than anything in this world!
I am thankful for what a hard worker he is and how he takes such great care of me and our kids. I am thankful for how he has grown into being the spiritual leader in our home and how he loves God. I am thankful for how smart he is and how he can do anything he puts his mind to. I am thankful for his determination and his work ethic. I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments!

I am thankful for the way he loves our boys! I am thankful for how he is such a softie for our little girl! I am SO thankful that he had a heart for adoption many years ago and shared it with me. I am thankful he was in Haiti that July and found our son!

I am thankful he has such a heart for Haiti and the people.
Most of all I am thankful that God chose me to be his wife!

(I am also thankful that he so purdy to look at! LOL!)

November 2nd- Thankful for......

2011-11-02T12:13:00.006-05:00

My parents and my in-laws!

Let me start by saying that even though my parents got divorced when I was a little girl I am so thankful that they married in the first place! I am thankful for that short time together as a family. I am thankful for them giving me the best little brother ever! (all 6ft 4inches of him today!)

I am thankful to my mom for always taking care of my brother and I and for being the best mother she could on her own. She is the most honest, funny, loving, big hearted person I know. She is my best friend and a I cherish everyday I have with her. She has tought me what it means to be an independent woman and strength. I am thankful that she took us to church and taught me to love God.

I am thankful to my dad for always building my self esteem. He taught me modesty and security. I am thankful that he was always there for me when I needed him. He cleaned up many messes I created and some I actually didn't create! I am thankful for the MANY laughs we have shared in life and all the jingles and jokes. I am thankful that he taught me to never go to bed mad and never leave anyone you love without telling them. I am thankful that he taught me to be affectionate!

My mom and step dad!

I am thankful to my step dad for coming into our lives at the perfect time! I am thankful for all the many things he taught me....like turning off lights to save energy which in turn saves money! He taught me LOTS of money saving tips...sometimes the hard way!!LOL! He taught me to always smile because no matter what he is ALWAYS smiling! I am thankful that he loves my mother more than anything in this world. I am thankful that he takes such good care of her. I am thankful for him giving Marc his very first job that led to his career today!

My dad and step mom!

I am thankful for my step mom and for the way she has taken such good care of my dad during his fight with Cancer. I am thankful that he has her and she has him. She has taught me so much about decorating my home and making it a nice place for my family. She also taught me that you don't have to spend a lot of money to decorate nice....sometimes none at all! I am thankful for her creativity!

I am also thankful for my inlaws. I am thankful for them giving me their son. I am thankful for their example of a Christian marriage and for their NUMBEROUS prayers for us. I am thankful that my father in law is there when ever I need him for whatever reason and for fixing things without asking. I am thankful to my mother in law for her faith in God and for her countless hours or praying and teaching me about God. I am so thankful that they welcomed me into their family with open arms and love me like I am their daughter!

My mother and father in law!

Thank you God for all these people in my life.......You are an AWESOME GOD!

November 1st- Thankful for......

2011-11-01T19:31:00.003-05:00

Today, on this first day of November, Thanksgiving month....I am thankful for my relationship with God. I am thankful that he loves me NO MATTER what. I am thankful that he forgives me for my human ways all the time! I am thankful for the blessings that he gives me in my life but more than that I am thankful for the trials that he gives me in life because those strengthen my faith and trust in Him. He thinks I am beautiful even when I look ugly! He doesn't care if I have great clothes or plain clothes. He loves me skinny or he loves me when I am not so skinny! He loves me when I am grouchy and loves me when I am nice! He loves me when I am being a great person AND when I am not being such a great person.....nothing can EVER change His love for me.
He teaches me new things all the time and I love that.....I am thankful for Him and that he is ALWAYS with me! I am thankful that he died for me and my sins! I am thankful that he planned out my life the day he created me!

What are you thankful for today?

Am I becoming a prude?

2011-11-01T14:00:00.002-05:00

I have watched General Hospital for YEARS.....I mean like 20 years or something close and lately I am just over it! I have no desire to watch that stupid stuff anymore. I can't even believe that I have wasted an hour of my life each day for that long watching something that did nothing for me life!
I also am finding that other shows that I used to enjoy I don't anymore....so besides the shows like Gold Rush, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, stuff like that I am basically done with TV. Some shows that come on in the evening would have been rated R when I was kid and we have to many young kids running around here to watch that stuff anyway! Am I a prude? Maybe so. Oh well! (off my soap box now....)

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-31T21:48:00.008-05:00

I finally got to take the kids to the pumpkin patch this weekend....well two of them anyway. Noah said he was to old for the pumpkin patch this year! :(
So, I dressed up the little ones and off we went....(Daddy had a meeting)

I love this first picture even though the quality didn't turn out great! Of all the pumpkins in this patch they picked three TINY pumpkins!!! :)

I wonder what he is telling her and what she is thinking?

I love these two kids together....he loves his baby sister and likes to "take care" of her and she LOVES him! When she gets in the car from school HE is the first person she wants to see!

This is Jesse holding her ears from the noise of the four wheeler pulling the train!

Emily gets scared very easy when we are outside....she doesn't like car noises or anything loud. They had a little train ride going around and she was so afraid that she wanted Jesse to hold her and he did! He is very protective of her and is so sweet to make her feel safe! I wish I would have gotten a picture but soon after this they feel over and he fell right on top of her! She had dirt and grass all over her!

Are they beautiful or what?
(remember you can click on the pictures to make them bigger!)

Very Excited! I was featured.....

2011-10-29T21:12:00.003-05:00

I wrote a while back about my mom and I getting to go to Rachel Ashwell's B&B for a luncheon and tour. Well that day I saw this precious lady walk in and we instantly locked eyes and smiled. She had the most familiar face....like I have known her before or met her somewhere but for the life of me I couldn't remember. She then came up to me and said the same thing....we still can't place each other but I know if we lived closer we would be friends! I later googled her name and her blog came up and it was a blog I visit quiet often! She is so TALENTED! One day I would love to hire her to decorate my whole house!!!!!!

So PLEASE go check out her blog....and see my table featured! (I know some of you are sick of that table! LOL)
Thank you Holly for giving me a shout out!

Click here------> HOLLY MATHIS INTERIORS

Sweetest words......

2011-10-28T09:26:00.004-05:00

Let me start by saying this boy has to be the sweetest most sensitive boy ever! I love him so much and so glad God chose me to be his mother!

The last couple of days we have started watching the TV show "19 and Counting" and on one episode some of the older kids were leaving for a mission trip for 90 days and Noah said "that would be fun" and I said "could you really be gone for 90 days" and he looked at me and said "Wait....no....I can't end my day without seeing you!" Those could be the sweetest words anyone has ever said to me!
I can't end my day without seeing him either!

I'm back!

2011-10-26T20:38:00.002-05:00

I have been so busy lately with homeschooling and my trip to NYC and really just a bad case of bloggers block that I haven't taken the time to update my blog!
I will try to do better this week....I promise!

Update of Vensly- We got the long awaited dispensation and it was published and printed in their paper to make it official! Now we are in what is called "Parquet". We should be in that about 7 weeks...maybe shorter....maybe longer. I am praying shorter!
After that we enter MOI and then passports and visas! YAY! I am hoping to have that sweet boy home by Christmas but it probably will be more like the first of the year!

Homeschooling is going good! I have my days of wondering if we are doing enough and if they are getting everything they need for that grade but overall we are doing good!

I haven't updated on Emily in a while and plan to do that this week as there are some things she does and says that I don't want to forget.

I have said it a hundred times here that I have been sad that Taylor is growing up and becoming a young man and lately it has hit me even worse. He is just moving into normal stages of his life and that is a great thing but a huge part of me wants my little boy back! That said, I am so proud of him and the decisions that he makes and I pray over him all the time that he continues do make wise, Christ-like decisions.
He went to homecoming last weekend and looked so handsome and his girlfriend looked like a doll....she is precious! (Emily and I are no longer the two main girls in his life!)

Another thing I have been busy doing is trying to get clothes together and coordinated for 6 of us for our family pictures we have coming up soon! I have Jesse, Marc and Emily's together....now for the rest of us! It's hard!!!
(I am hoping we will do our family pictures to only have to turn around and do it again when V comes home!)

Lastly, I went to NYC this weekend with three of my closest friends and we had the best time! I will blog about this soon too!!!!!

My boys....(well two of them!)

2011-10-13T14:34:00.002-05:00

Before and After.....

2011-10-12T09:55:00.005-05:00

I am linking up with Altar'd Furniture today to show off my table!

This is my $75 table that I bought on Craigslist and the chairs from my mom....this is before I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk paint......(minus the leaf)

This is the finished product! Just need the perfect rug under the table to complete it.

News from Haiti.....

2011-10-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

We finally got our dispensation and it was printed and published in the newspaper in Haiti so it's official....the president approved us to bring our boy home! Now we are on to some last steps to get him here. I am just praying that these steps move quickly!!! I would love him to be here by Christmas!

I miss him so much....I was thinking of trying to go see him but I think now I will try to wait it out a bit more so that the next trip to Haiti is the one to bring him home!

New Blog....for homeschooling FIXED LINK

2011-10-04T19:06:00.003-05:00

ESTES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

That is what the boys named our school.......

Check it out by clicking above!!!!

Listening......

2011-10-03T21:00:00.003-05:00

Every week at church for a really long time I have been feeling like the Lord wants me to do a nightly devotional with Taylor. Now I know for some of you that sounds weird so let me back up and tell you about this book. We have a book that a young youth intern gave us last year to start doing and we did it here and there but nothing routinely. I have REALLY felt convicted about this so last night I decided we are going to START and not stop!

We just completed night 2. These devotions have such powerful messages in them. Some are hard to read without wanting to cry or just be in shock. If you are interested it is called....

The One Year Devotions for Students by: Rick Christian
(365 daily devotions on issues that students face today)

We end each devotion with me praying for him and for his week at school and for his life in general. That is one thing I have so enjoyed even if it's only been twice as I haven't said Taylor's prayers with him in a long time!

Mama Paint....Mama Paint!

2011-10-02T14:01:00.008-05:00

Let me just say that I am SO in LOVE with Annie Sloan paint and literally want to paint everything! Actually Emily took one of our friends around the house one evening and said "Mama paint....Mama paint"....she pointed out everything I had painted! So cute.
I am linking up to DIY Showoff blog......

(Let me add that I have painted all of this and my island and STILL have paint left over. I bought two quarts of paint....one chateaux gray and country gray!)

This is my mantel....if you have seen previous pictures you will remember that it was once black and "distressed" but you will also remember that I am now out with the black and in the with lighter colors! I haven't decided if I am going to put a dark wax on it yet or not. I tried to distress it and it just didn't look good. I love the color though.

This is my table and chairs totally finished...waxing, distressing and all! It was a job but I love it. These pics were taken with my Iphone so excuse the poor quality and lighting.

This is a chest of drawers that my mom bought for about $30 in an auction. It sits in a small hallway type part of my house right after my entry but before you get into my living room! I love how it turned out! It was just solid brown before.

God is Everywhere....especially The Prairie!

2011-10-01T13:03:00.008-05:00

There is so much I want to blog about from my trip to meet Rachel Ashwell and tour her new B&B but my "God Moment" of the day were the ladies from Dwell With Dignity. Before I tell you about my moment let me tell you what this is! (Please click on the word to take you to the site!)
This is Lisa and Kim and they are the founders of DWD.....

WHAT IS DWELL WITH DIGNITY?
Dwell with Dignity is a non-profit group of Interior Designers and volunteers dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. We provide and install home interiors for families that include furnishings and art, bedding and kitchen supplies, and food in the pantry.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
Our mission is to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design. One household at a time.

WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?
If we can change a person’s surroundings, we can change their outlook on life. Exposing children (especially) to a nurturing home environment, that includes good design and art, can inspire a standard of living that will carry-over to future generations. Exposing parents to this same environment will allow them to see the positive impact it has on their family; inspiring them to maintain a standard of living they can be proud of and thrive in.

Now let me start by saying I am not an interior designer but I love to decorate my house and I would LOVE to be a part of Dwell with Dignity. I love helping others feel good and making others happy with my God given talents or creativity! I always think about what I am going to do with my time once Emily is and Vensly are in school, if I don't homeschool them, and that day as I sat there listening to them speak about their dream they made come true and their passion for what they do I felt God was telling me I could do this....that I could be a part of this. I even thought about my photography and how really already I do it mostly for my friends and people that I know couldn't afford to pay for family pictures. That day really made me think about my creativity and my talents and that I should be using them doing His work!
I so admired those ladies that day and the things they said about why they do what they do. It brought tears to my eyes!!
I am not sure what I am supposed to do with my life once my kids aren't a "full time" job but I do know it will be all about giving back through my creativity!

Thank you Lisa and Kim for helping me hear that day! You two are amazing!

30 days!!!!!

2011-09-21T12:22:00.002-05:00

And I am NYC bound with three of my best girl friends!!! I can't wait! There are so many things that we want to do. I have been twice but there are still lots left to see...especially the girly things! I love my hubby and my kiddos but this momma needs a break and I think the big apple is the best place for that!

These were from my last trip with my hubby, my mom and step dad and my brother and SIL.....

Me, My Momma, 33 new blogger friends and Rachel Ashwell......

2011-09-14T16:39:00.009-05:00

The Prairie B & B....

Isn't that the neatest place you have ever seen? WELL.....

My momma and I are so excited that we are one of 35 bloggers that get to have lunch with Rachel Ashwell at her new bed and breakfast in Round Top, TX. Click here to see it....it is SO NEAT! We are beyond excited!

A portion of the proceeds from the luncheon go towards a great cause....DWELLING WITH DIGNITY. Please go and read all about what they do! They were also featured on the Nate Berkus Show!

Lunch is being catered by Royers! Our family loves Royers....the pies are to die for! The pictures below are a family dinner we had there last Christmas!

Thank you so much to Kelly from The Hidden List for putting this all together! I am so excited to meet Kelley and the other very talented bloggers that will be there. Stay tuned for pictures and a post on our very special day!

Also, if you are in Round Top you really need to stop by my Momma's shop....EMILY & Co. She has been working really hard to get it ready...to hard actually as she ended up in the ER with a bad back!
She has done some amazing transformations with her Annie Sloan Paint!!!!

And as another fellow blogger said "WHAT ARE WE GOING TO WEAR????"

Changing a Prayer......

2011-09-11T20:59:00.003-05:00

Everyday my husband goes to his "real job"....the one he gets paid to do. He leaves the house at the same time each morning and gets home at the same time each evening. His job is stressful at times but he is great at what he does and we are very blessed that he has it. I never worry about him or his safety while he's there.

Then there is his "other" job. The one where he works about once or twice a week and almost always that is at night. The one where he wears a starched uniform......a bullet proof vest...and a belt that weighs about 15lbs and contains a gun and some other stuff he may need. This is also the job that he does for FREE...he does NOT get paid. This is the job that when he leaves I pray over him EVERY SINGLE TIME he leaves and prays he comes home! Lately, I have worried more and even told him not to long ago that I do not like him doing this anymore....even though I know he loves it. I know it means a lot to him to have earned that badge and he takes it very serious. He graduated top of his class at the academy and won every award there was for his class.
I even voiced to my close friend last week that I was praying that God would take the desire to do this job away from him and that he would quit. I have prayed that a few times lately!

Then today....our preacher started the service with a "thank you" to our armed forces and then to anyone that is a "first responder" and it dawned on me..."That is what Marc is!" He stood up, along with a bunch of others, and I found myself being very proud. I also suddenly felt very convicted about my prayer lately. God reminded me at that time who Marc really is....he is a helper....he is quick on his feet....he is calm in a storm....and he is very smart! He is someone that you would want protecting you or responding to you in a tragedy like 911. The Lord reminded me that if there weren't people like Marc then what would our world be like. I know that I would want him or someone like him protecting me in a time of crisis! So, right then I changed my prayer from my selfish want to just prayer of protection and a prayer of thankfulness for making Marc the way he is.

Tea with PawPaw!

2011-09-08T22:15:00.004-05:00

When my dad (Pawpaw kitties, as my kids have always called him)comes over it is pure play time! He does whatever they ask him to play and usually puts his own unique spin on it! My kids are crazy about him, even though they don't see him all the time, they pick up right where they left off. Even Emily runs to him like she has missed him so much and just couldn't wait for him to get there! She immediately gets out her toys.

This time first she had to show him her new shoes and have him put them on for her.....

Then they played dolls....Pawpaw would spank the baby and then she would spank it too....then she would LAUGH!!!

And here they are having tea! It was the cutest thing ever!
You can tell in the last picture that she was cracking him up....you never know what is going to come out of her mouth...or his for that matter!!! LOL!

Update on Vensly......

2011-09-07T14:25:00.004-05:00

A few of you have been asking about an update on V and sadly there really isn't anything new to share. We are still waiting and praying for the president's signature saying it is ok for us to adopt him even though we have four children already! I PRAY and beg God for this to happen soon! I miss him so much it hurts sometimes.....every morning I see his empty bed upstairs just waiting for him to jump on it and sleep in it...it makes me sad. The good thing is that he is happy where he is and is very well taken care of! That makes me feel good!

Be sure and check out our friends' blog about the amazing things they have in store for the children and people of Haiti!!!

MY LIFE SPEAKS!!!!! ( <------click there )

I love ANNIE.......and my new table!

2011-09-06T21:18:00.010-05:00

Updated pictures here.....

CLICK HERE-----> New post

I am in love with this paint....it is the easiest paint EVER! No prep....no sanding....most of the time you just need one coat....I could go on an on! IF you have ever wanted to paint something you have and were just scared about all the prep then Annie Sloan Chalk paint and wax is for you!
(this is not my picture)

This is my table before we fell in love with Annie Sloan paint.....

I painted the table country gray, which is really an oatmeal color and the chairs are chateaux gray, which is a sage green! I LOVE IT! It has really brightened up my breakfast area! (this picture is before waxing and distressing)

This is a finished chair.....after waxing, distressing, waxing again and buffing!

So today....about an hour before I had to go get Taylor I decided to paint my island and I LOVE the way it turned out! I think we are going to add pulls to the cabinet doors and drawers to dress it up. It's missing something.....
Who knows I may just get brave enough to paint them all!

I am linking up at my favorite blog...SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

First Day of Pre-school and our Field Trip!

2011-08-25T12:22:00.006-05:00

This is my girl all dressed up in her school shirt for her very first day at Wee School! She loved getting her lunch put together and her "PAK PAK", which when we put it on her she fell backwards! She was a little apprehensive about it once we walked in but other than pouting a little I think she did great! I missed her when she was gone but I know she is in great hands and will have a great time!

And while Emily was at her first day of pre-school the boys and I did our school at the library. It was so nice and quiet there and the boys were so excited to get their very own library cards! We got quiet a bit accomplished while we were there. We are definitely going to do that more often!

We also went to Home Depot to get seeds and small pots for them to plant and watch and document the growth of their seeds. Jesse picked bluebonnets and Noah picked some kind of vine! They painted their pots with chalk paint and let me just say....they are messy painters!!!!!! (they also got haircuts afterward....talk about shaggy!)

Adventures in Homeschooling.....Day 1

2011-08-18T19:01:00.006-05:00

Ok...don't worry I won't blog about our day everyday but I do want to remember today....our very first day!

This about describes it.....

Ok...it wasn't like that the whole time with Jesse but I won't lie....he did do that a lot! He had times he really got into the work and lessons and times when he said he was just exhausted! (Not sure how when he was sleeping by 8:30 last night and has slept late all summer long...but hey...I am not six....I am sure it is exhausting! )

My favorite part of Jesse's day was when we were doing Bible and I asked him "Why should we read our Bible?" and he said "Because it's God's Holy word!" Wow...isn't he right?? That made today's struggles worth it!
I do have to say that boy is smart!

Now to my sweet Noah's day....he is a piece of cake! He did not gripe one time! Let me tell you...his curriculum is not easy either.

I am learning new things right along with him. It was so sweet to hear him read our Bible scriptures to us in his sweet little voice. When I asked him why we read the Bible he said "because it's the truth and we need to hear the truth!" What a smart boy!

I am still very excited to continue to homeschool them but I know it's not going to be easy but with prayer and patience I know I can do this and be successful at it!

My Yardsale Find........

2011-08-17T20:52:00.006-05:00

I am linking up with my favorite blog! Savvy Southern Style I wish I could have her over for dinner and she could give me pointers in every room in my house! She is so talented!!!!

I painted a table that my mom bought at an auction for about $40 and put it outside under our covered area and I have been searching for four chairs to go with it. I have been looking at Goodwill, craigslist and online yardsales for WEEKS and haven't had any luck....until TODAY! I did my morning check of baytownyardsales.com and these two chairs came up for $5 each! I was SO HAPPY....I snatched them up and got to painting this afternoon! now to just find two more......

This is the before picture.......

Here they are after and put with the table! YES....I love bright colors!!!!

Thank you....we start tomorrow!

2011-08-17T09:48:00.003-05:00

When I first announced that I was homeschooling I was SO worried what people were going to say....or not say! I was afraid people were going to think I had lost my mind and that I was not doing right by my kids. I must say that I was SO wrong! I have received MANY kind messages and emails supporting me and telling me they would pray for us! I am ashamed that I was worried at all....I have to say I have the best friends and family in the world and I thank God for you guys everyday!

We start tomorrow.....stay tuned then for an update on our first day!

Happy 17th Anniversary to us!!!!

2011-08-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

Well today we celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary! Our little boys are with my mom and Taylor has been at a friends all weekend so we have only had Emily! I forgot how EASY it is with one child.....but I also realized that I LOVE my crazy, wild boys and the noise that comes with them ALL together!
We went to an indoor gun range today with some good friends....it was the first time I have ever shot a gun in my life...with the exception of a BB gun! If you know my husband then you will find that odd that I have never shot a gun....he has like a million guns! It actually was really fun and I can't wait to go back....I did better with the bigger ones....I want to hit the target EVERY TIME! Practice!!!!

We didn't exchange gifts this year but did something that I liked even better. We had to write 17 things we love about each other, 17 of our best memories together and 17 things we are excited for in our future. It was so neat to remember things that the other one had forgotten and to read the things he loves about me that I never knew!

One of my favorite things he said to me was that he is excited for our kid's futures and having them over for dinner with their own families!
I can't wait to see our BIG FAMILY picture....what a colorful portrait that will be!

17 years ago if you would have told me my family would look like it does now I would have said you are crazy but I am SO GLAD it does!

Happy 17 years baby....only 33 more until our 50th wedding anniversary party!!!!

2007 Sportster XL1200......

2011-08-10T22:45:00.003-05:00

You can click on the pictures to make them bigger and see more detail......
(this post is for a craigslist listing....)

God Moments......

2011-08-09T10:56:00.013-05:00

It all started here in Haiti in the creche with this TINY baby boy named Vensly.....little did they know in this picture that they were about to be brothers!

These were taken last year shortly after Marc met and fell in love with Vensly! This was the time that I would stalk every teams facebook page for new pictures of my new son. What's neat is somehow the team member that falls in love with your particular child seems to find you one way or the other! This precious lady found me and told me she taught V how to play peek-a-boo. These pictures show him doing it. I think he was about 18 months old here!

These were given to me in December last year and were taken by a young man that didn't know at the time what a gift he would be giving us.....
We were all packed and literally two hours away from leaving for the airport when a good friend came to our door to inform us our trip to meet our son for the very first time (my first time) was CANCELLED! I was devastated!
BUT...a team did get to go shortly after and this young man feel for V and took tons of pictures and a video of him laughing so hard...what a gift that was for us. God is so good!!!!

Through Haiti and this adoption God has brought these special people into our lives...even though we don't see them all the time and we live in different states I know they are there to pray for us or with us about anything! They are now our family! We are so blessed to be part of the BGM family and I love these guys and their families!!! (there are lots I don't have pictures of!)
These pictures were taken on our January trip to Haiti that we took with just Brent, Mike and Missy......best trip EVER!
This is Dr. Bernard and Mrs. Claudette....they will always be Vensly's grandparents in Haiti. They are amazing people!
This is Leslie and she now lives in Haiti full time....I had an instant connection with her! She is doing amazing things!

And this was a really neat "God moment" during our March trip to see Vensly.....
You can read about it here..... CLICK HERE
This is us with the beautiful Hillary from Lady A.....

With many more pictures and stories like this in between......my church family...I mean literally some of my closest friends that I feel are my family went to Haiti and spent time with V when they could......I also found out that week that my boy is 26lbs...he has almost caught up with his baby sister! :) He has gained over 10lbs in a year. Praise God......
Here are some of people that not only loved on him in Haiti for a week but will also love on him once he gets home for good!

The first picture is Kazen and his daughter Brooke, who is one of Noah's good friends and they are with their newest son and brother Betson! I can't wait for he and Vensly to both be home and have play dates!!! (They may even move into our neighborhood....yay!!)

I can't wait for the biggest God moment......our travel call! PRAY IT IS SOON!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sweet Emily Grace!

2011-08-08T11:38:00.014-05:00

At just about this time two years ago I gave birth to our baby girl! After three beautiful boys God surprised us with a miracle baby...A GIRL!!! She was and still is the most beautiful baby girl in the world. It's so fun to hear her learning to talk more and more and it's amazing to watch her turn into a little girl! I love this little girl so much......
Happy Birthday sweet Emily Grace......

On the day she arrived!!!

Going home........
Birth announcement......

This is Emily on her first birthday! (all photos taken by Sabrina Bowen Photography)

Here is my girl today at the ripe ol' age of 2!!!!!!

Making progress.....

2011-08-06T23:27:00.002-05:00

I bought this bookcase at Goodwill yesterday for $12.99 and it's perfect for upstairs to hold all of our school stuff! I will eventually paint it and maybe even put a back on it but for now it's progress and I think it looks great!
I bought all the boys curriculum today....we are doing Alpha Omega Lifepacs and Noah actually already knocked out a few pages of math! Next few days I will spend getting their desk areas finished....
12 days until we start school....I can't believe I will have a sophmore, a fourth grader and a first grader!

Big Changes.......

2011-08-04T23:58:00.003-05:00

I think I have said on here a few times that I would love to home school my kids....not Taylor as he only has three years left and I want him to finish at the only school he has ever known. I am actually excited about that but sure not rushing it as he could possibly be leaving home and going to college! (Really can't think about that right now!)

That brings me to my "big news"..... I have decided to home school Noah and Jesse this year. (Ok people that know me....are you up off the floor yet?) I have had it on my mind a LOT this past school year but knew I had tried before with Taylor and wasn't successful at it. That was about five years ago. I have prayed about this a lot...and I MEAN A LOT! Can I say that He has clearly told me that yes I should do it? No, I can't say that but I do believe that He is not going to fault me for trying. I can say that I am excited and that really I am a different person than I was then!
Am I worried about "socialization"? NO! My boys have tons of friends here in the neighborhood and the ones they spend the night with or do things with do not go to school with them anyway. They are neighborhood friends and church friends. We aren't moving anytime soon and for sure aren't leaving our church!
I know for a fact that some of you reading this think I have lost my ever livin' mind and you know what? Maybe I have but that is MY mind to loose and our choice to make. I hope that everyone that reads this post and really loves us will pray for us that we are successful and that it is a great experience!
One of my biggest worries when we finally came to the decision to do this was what people were going to think and my husband was worried that he would have to "explain" ourselves to everyone around us why we are choosing to do this. And we probably will feel like we have to at times but I hope people understand that this has nothing to do with their previous schools or the public school they would attend if they went....it's just a personal choice that we have made for our boys!

I have their curriculum all picked out and am so excited to go a buy it tomorrow and start planning out our year!
I am also going to spend next week getting one bedroom ready for Noah's work space and another area in the gameroom ready for Jesse's workspace. I am also going to continue to PRAY....pray that we have an awesome school year!
(now pick your jaw up off the floor!)

Answered Prayers.......

2011-07-31T21:48:00.004-05:00

For the past month I have had a specific prayer that I have prayed about on and off....really I have worried about it more than actually praying about it or trusting God that it will all work out. Last Sunday while we were in church the music was amazing, as always, and I just REALLY prayed hard about this certain thing and literally gave it all to God....I asked him for specific things. Fast forward to Monday evening and I find out that EVERYTHING I asked of Him was answered! I think when I truely give it to God and totally trust that he will take care of us, like he always does, then He works it out!
I love these God moments.....I hope you are praying about your "worries" too!

Just adding a favorite photo from this weekend! Today is my granny's 91st Birthday and this is her with my brother, my dad, Emily, my nephew Eli and I. We had a great day celebrating with her! More pictures of our weekend in Freds later!

Noah Goes to Camp......

2011-07-26T21:40:00.011-05:00

My sweet Noah left for camp on Sunday afternoon and was beyond excited! He was going with his friend Everett and could not wait to get there. This was his and Everett's first time to go to camp. You know me....it had to be documented in pictures!

Here is my Noah with his suitcase full of clothes, sheets, towels, toiletries, glow sticks, orange hairspray and of course his BIBLE!

The sun was shining right in our eyes but I had to get one of me and my boy!

Marc thinks I go a little over board with the pictures sometimes...can't you tell by the look on his face!

Here is Noah and Everett on the bus ready to go!!!! These two boys are the sweetest kids....I know God has big plans for both of them. They are both so kind hearted and sweet! I am glad they are friends!!

Monday morning I received a text very early with this picture.....and when I saw it I thought to myself that either he just woke up or had been crying. Well....he was homesick and had been crying. Poor little thing....his eyes were so swollen he looked like he didn't have any!

I was able to call him and TRY to cheer him up....and was able to talk with his counselor, who I must add, is a God send to Noah and to us. He has gone out of his way to make Noah feel better and this morning I got this.....

Hey Mom..."I am having a blast!"

That smile is his genuine "I am having a good time" smile! While I miss that little guy like crazy I am so thankful he is having a great time and I hope that God moves in his life in a mighty way!

Here he is with his nachos tonight all decked out in his ORANGE team color!!!

Sweet Cora and Emily.......

2011-07-21T19:43:00.003-05:00

We had a swim day last week with my friend Christy and her kiddos and while we were outside giving the big kids their lunch I came back in to some cute little baby laughs and this is what I found! They were taking their yogurt and putting it on their hands and clapping so they can see it splatter everywhere! It was so cute that I let them do it!
I just love Cora and I love to hear her say...."Em-Lay"....she is such a little doll!
I hope they always remain good friends!!!

"Pinning" Emily's 2nd Birthday Party......

2011-07-21T13:27:00.005-05:00

I have decided to just have a small family party this year for Emily's birthday. Just us and her grandparents! Emily LOVES strawberries so that is the theme we are going with this year!
I have decided to have a brunch....I am going to make pancakes with strawberry topping and a few other "strawberry things"!

If you haven't caught the "pinterest" bug....you need to now! It's amazing and addictive! Here are a few things I "pinned" for her party........

Main course.....

I love how this table is set up......I am going to add turquoise to it!

I am going to buy the cupcakes at Sam's and add the strawberries myself!

I actually just bought this dress from a girl on facebook.....goes perfect!

I love these turquiose containers the strawberries are in!

My friend Karen makes these and they are so good and so pretty!!!

Strawberry Lemonade.....

More Decorating....and a small update!

2011-07-19T21:56:00.011-05:00

We recieved most of the paperwork we need to file our I-600 and for Vensly's visa so that is a huge praise! We did find out though that we have not gotten the dispensation we need from the president of Haiti. It's just his signature saying we can still adopt Vensly even though we have four children at home. It's really scary to me that we have gotten this far really quickly but could possibly be turned down. I know that God has brought us this far and I have to remember He will carry us through to the end and we will have our son home where he belongs!

Until then....I have been getting rid of more DARK and bringing in the LIGHT! I repainted an old table I have had for a long time and it looks great. I don't have a before picture but here it is after......

Still not sure if I am going to distress it or not.....

I also bought these things at goodwill....I think total I paid for all three things was about $5!

This is what it all looks like after.....

This is that ugly yellow bottle with the flower on it......

And lastly, my momma finished my chair covers for my dining room chairs and I LOVE THEM! It makes my dining room look a little more femine! Here they are with all of them on!

I still have lots of summer pictures to share with you guys too! I need to get them edited....I have some really cute pictures of my girl and my boys! Stay tuned......

Update on Our Family.......

2011-07-17T16:10:00.002-05:00

A lot of people have been asking me what is taking so long with Vensly and I really wish that I had an answer myself but I don't! To some of you guys the process seems like it's been a really long time and actually we have known about Vensly for one year exactly this weekend! That is not when we started the "adoption" of him though....we started collecting documents and the things needed to have a completed dossier.

This brings me to another question....what is a dossier?
Dossier: When used in the context of adoption, this term refers to a set of appropriately authenticated and translated legal documents which are used in international adoption cases to process the adoption of a child in its own country by the adoptive parents, or for the adoptive parents to obtain the legal custody or guardianship of the child in the foreign court, so the child can be brought by the adoptive parents to the United States for adoption.

Our dossier didn't arrive in Haiti until we went on our first trip in January. Luckily, Vensly was still available for adoption and we were officially given his referral at that time. Then is February our dossier went into IBESR....that is usually the longest step to the Haitian adoption process but we seemed to fly through that process. Going into this adoption we knew we would have to have a dispensation from the president since we have four children already and we thought we were given that before exiting IBESR but lately have found out that we may not have gotten that yet after all. I pray that we have but we are still not sure......
Haiti is just a waiting game....it's really hard to get any real answers and YES there are times that I question myself and whether we really were supposed to start this process but then God QUICKLY reminds me of my two trips there and how God had his hand on every single detail and He reminds me that YES we were supposed to start this process to bring OUR SON HOME!!!!
So, as of now I am still praying and holding on to the possibility that he may be home by September.
He HAS to be home by the first of the year because we are planning a Disney cruise for spring break and he HAS TO GO!!!!

Checkin' it off........

2011-07-09T14:29:00.011-05:00

With Emily being so sick I have been in the house a LOT and will be until she is completely well so I am checkin' things off my to do list of DIY things.....

The Coffee Filter Wreath- I have wanted to do this for so long! There are tutorials all over the blog world. I made one for my mom and used hot glue.....the one I made for myself I used straight pins. You can leave the plastic wrap on the wreath or take it off....I left it on.
You can use white filters or brown....I got mine at WalMart and they had both colors. They are only like $1 a pack. I didn't even us a whole pack for one wreath.

Straight pins are easier than a glue gun but don't buy this kind of pins....they kill your fingers trying to push them through the filter! Buy the ones with the little balls on the end.

You fold the filter like this and then just glue it to the wreath.....very easy and then just keep adding around until its as full as you want it. Don't put any on the back so the wreath will lay flat!

This is the finished product! I hung it on the door but not sure how well it will hold up with rainy weather...if we ever have any! Not the asian eyes behind the glass.....

My crazy boy had to get in on the picture......

I bought a candle holder at Goodwill for .59...and I had another candle holder that I have had for a long time....so I painted both and antiqued them. The birds are from hobby lobby and were on sale for $2 each!

Since this picture one bird has already "died"....thank to Emily! LOL....

I started the photo wall going up my stairs and finally printed off our picture with some of our "family rules" on it. I am thinking that I may actually change the frames to lighter colored ones. Maybe I will paint those and see how they turn out! I was have to add it to my "to do list!"

I painted my back door on the outside black and added the "Welcome" vinyl to it. I love how it turned out!

And I finally added the vinyl wording to my laundry door!

Wow! What a week! and Noah is 9!!!

2011-07-08T10:37:00.004-05:00

First of all I would like to say Happy 9th Birthday to my sweet Noah! I can't believe you are already 9. Seems like yesterday that we were waiting for you to come home. You are such a sweet, sensitive, good boy and I am so blessed that God chose me to be your mom! I love you so very much!

Here is my sweet boy on his first birthday.....

Here is my handsome son today!

We are hoping to celebrate his birthday tomorrow by taking him to lunch at a place of his choice and to eat ice cream! We didn't get to go yesterday because Emily has been very sick since Saturday evening and I spent the day back at the doctor with her. Back up to last week....
We spent the night at Lost Pines, a resort hotel, and Emily played and swam to two days straight! She had the best time....especially in the spray park part. Then on Thursday we headed to Alabama to Marc's parents house and again Emily played hard for two days and on Saturday night developed a really bad diaper rash and then on Sunday morning woke up with fever. She was burning up! That was followed by diarrhea and later vomiting....and the diaper rash got worse! MUCH WORSE! It looked like someone had burned her with an iron! So painful!!! Monday we headed home....7 hours and 13 diapers later we were home. Tuesday morning I get her in first thing but have to see another doctor because mine wasn't in. She "sorta" examined her....told me she was slightly dehydrated....gave me a nausea medicine and sent me home. All this time fever was never really breaking....it was averaging 103. Wednesday she did better....she even was good enough for her brother to babysit her while Marc and I went to dinner with friends. She slept pretty good but that morning the fever was high again and diarrhea started back again. Something just told me I should take her back in before the weekend so Thursday afternoon we go back in....they weigh her...which by the way she hasn't eaten hardly anything since Saturday evening....the they take her temperature and it was a whoppin' 107!!!! I liked to died and the nurse couldn't believe her eyes so she redid it and still 107!!! So that started the swabbing her throat, pricking her finger, trying to bag her to get a urine sample and when that didn't work they catheterized her, took two viles of blood, got a stool sample and gave her a shot of antibiotic just in case they have missed something! Poor girl was tortured! In the meantime the doctor throws out there that she could possibly have a connective tissue disease! WHAT???

When they would come in she would scream, cry and then blow them sugars and say "Go bye bye!!!!!" She wanted out of there!!!!!!! After finding nothing...they sent us home. Still feeling uneasy with her temp of 103 we decided to take her to Texas Children's ER this morning at 4 and again after double checking everything and ruling out Kawasaki disease they have decided that it is just a nasty virus! We are still waiting for the test results of the CTD and the urine culture but they are pretty confident that it just has to run it's course! They did say she could have gotten it from the spray park from last week. I know she drank a LOT of that pool water!!!
I will tell you that yesterday and this morning I was so scared...I haven't been that scared for one of my children since Noah was her age and had his seizure. I does make me realize that on minute your child can be normal, happy and playing and the next second sick as can be!!! She is still very grouch and feverish and they say she could be for another few days and I am praying she is well SOON but I am also praising God for the healing he has done so far in her little body! So many people were praying for her and we have felt it. I was even walking out of the doctor yesterday into an empty parking lot wanting to just cry and I hear a voice call my name and it was Pawpaw (my step dad)....Emily was very happy to see him and then we all look up and our friend Tommy had walked up! He came to check on us and make sure I wasn't by myself. I can't tell you how much better they made me feel and I thanked God for such a wonderful family and friends!!!!

20 Year Ago......

2011-06-27T21:06:00.009-05:00

I graduated from Ross S. Sterling Class of 91' and this weekend we celebrated by getting together and catch up! I didn't get pictures of everyone I would have liked too but it was so nice to see everyone!

This is me and Kim...Kimberly....Kimmy....and my bestest friend in the whole world! I would say we are more like sisters than friends. She knows everything single thing about me and is there no matter what or when I need her! People even think we are sisters most of the time! I love her so much and thank God for choosing me to be her best friend! We became friends in the 5th grade when she came up to me and said "Will you be my best friend....everyone else has one but me?" I said SURE!!! The rest is history......

This is me and Brendy! She is another BFF...I don't see her as much as I would like to but when we do we pick up like we never missed a day! The thing I love about her is that we laugh like crazy all the time!!!!! I have so many great memories with her and am so thankful for that! I love this girl!!!!

This is me with Crystal and Lianna. Crystal and I have been friends forever...our moms even went to school together and are still friends. We don't see each other as much as I would like but when we do we always have a great time!
Lianna and I went to school together from kinder to 12th grade to but I never really got to know her until we were grown and we connected through our blogs. It's funny how you can "know" someone forever but not really connect until you are grown. She is an amazing lady and we have a lot of the same interests and values! Check out her blog on my blog roll....Be Thou A Knight and Growing our Own Garden to follow her as her and her husband prepare to become parents for the first time!

We went to High school in Baytown but we all grew up in Highlands! So this is the "Highlands Crew"....that was my favorite part of the reunion. There are so many that I didn't get a picture with but I am hoping to see them all again soon!

This is me, Sean and Crystal! Sean was and still is the nicest guy! I can remember wanting to go to prom with Sean so bad. I went with a Sean....but just not him! (I can say that now that we are both very happily married! He has a beautiful wife and little girl!)

We have gone to school together from Kinder to Senior year! I was so happy to see everyone again!!!

This is me, Amy and Dory! Amy is one of my first friends EVER! She lived down the road from me and we played together non stop growing up! She reminded me of our matching pink bicycles that we used to pretend were corvettes! When I look at her I see her beautiful momma that passed away way to early. What a huge part of my childhood her and her family were!
Dory is in the green and we were in Junior high youth together at the Methodist church. We attended lots of church dances and made lots of memories together. Haven't they grown up to be such beautiful ladies???

This is Diane and Stephanie....I haven't seen these ladies since we graduated and was so happy to see them. They are gorgeous!!!

This is Kelli with Crystal, Sean and I. We have been friends for a very long time also and am so thankful that God brought her back into my life within the last few years. She is an amazing person and we never lack for conversation!

I am already looking forward to the next one! So glad I went!

More prayers for my Vensly!!

2011-06-20T23:13:00.007-05:00

Even one of the most beautiful baby boys in the world can have snot down his nose! And boy does my baby boy have it....ALL THE TIME! Actually, most of the children do in the Creche. That is just what happens when you have that many kids together all the time in such close quarters. I do worry though as the last two times we have been around him I feel like he keeps a fever and horrible croupy cough. If you pray will you please pray for my boy....I am so afraid he could have walking pneumonia. Maybe not but he just doesn't feel good....I do know that! I can tell in his pictures and Marc said when he was there a month ago he was so warm and just didn't feel well. Please also pray that his paperwork gets where it needs to FAST so we can get him home and get him WELL but most of all so he can have his forever family ALL THE TIME!!!!

I am sure it wasn't easy and I am certain it might have taken a few tickles but she did finally get a smile out of him and hopefully a laugh!
Thank you Sarah for taking the time to love on my boy and make his happy even if it was for only a short time!

She did it.....wasn't easy but I love it!

2011-06-16T21:45:00.006-05:00

Remember I told you in my last post that I wanted to make chair covers and that my mom was coming and we were going to try to get them done! WELL...we did get ONE made!!!! We had kids everywhere, a dog, multiple mess ups or spills or you name it....but hey as of tonight......I had one finished!!! She also managed to get the other seven cut out and she is taking those home with her to finish on her machine. Sunday I should have them all!!
We made them out of ONE painters drop cloth that costs $19.95....that is seven chair covers for $20! Can't beat it!!!

This is why it took two days to do one chair cover! Everytime we would turn around it was either Emily or Jesse on the table in to everything.....

Most of the time it was Emily!!

I love how it turned out and I can't wait for the other seven to be done so I can see what they all look like together! It makes our dining room have that feminine touch but still rustic with the dead animals....I mean deer heads on the wall!

Thank you Momma....I know it wasn't easy with the work environment you had!!

Stay tuned Monday for pictures of them all....and for pictures of the sheers we made for my dining room windows! We were busy....actually mom did all the sewing! Thank you momma!!!!!

What have I been doing? Making progress........

2011-06-15T10:08:00.005-05:00

Finally making progress on the gameroom/boy's room! I will post more pictures once it's totally done! Working on V's side tonight!!

Today Me and my momma are going to try to make these!

I am so excited....we are making them out of drop cloths! Will post pictures IF we are successful!

Blessings!

2011-06-06T11:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I was making lunch and the boys were playing and Marc was outside powerwashing and Emily was at the window saying over and over in her sweet voice "Hi Daddy....Hi Daddy....Hi Daddy"!! She must have said it a hundred times. I stopped and just listened to the sounds of my family and thanked God for what I have. I have said it before and will say it again....I don't know what I did to deserve this life I have but I hope I continue to deserve it and to please God with my role in this family!
Lately, I have had to stop myself from being sad about Taylor being 15! That is just unbelievable to me. I really did blink my eyes and he was that old. It seems like yesterday that he was a baby! Three years and he could possibly be moving out to go to college. That will be here so quickly! I can't even think about that day.....
I look at Noah and Jesse and I just can't believe that God chose me to be their mother....and brought them to me all the way from Korea! It's amazing how God knows our lives before we do and how he puts his own unique touches on our family! I hope their birthmother knows in her heart that they are happy and healthy and that we love them so much!!
I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant with Emily and Marc's reaction of pure disbelief and how I was terrified to be 36 and having a baby! But fast forward to now....I can't imagine our lives without this little girl in it. She is adorable! I love watching her with her Daddy and I love watching her with her brothers....she will wrestle them one minute and tell them very sternly NO and the next give them a big ol' kiss on the lips! And the sound of her saying "Hi Daddy, Hi Daddy"....just makes my heart happy!
I also remember the night that Marc was in Haiti for the first time and he sent me a picture of a TINY baby boy just because! I knew better though....I had a strong feeling that day that the baby in that picture was already our son. I can't wait to get him home and see him fit in with our circus of a family!

That brings me to my hubby! I really do think I love this man more every day! I am so proud of the man he has become the last couple of years but the truth is he has always been that man. He has always taken such good care of me and our kids....how ever many we had at that time! :) He has always loved God and has always been the spiritual leader of our house. He may have gone through a rough period but I know for a fact that was God's way of growing him into the father and the man he is today! I am so blessed to be his wife! And he ain't all that bad to look at either!!
I love our life we have together and I love the story God chose for us and I am so excited to see what else He has for us!
I know you guys that read my blog have probably read all this before but for some reason today I thought I would write it all out again so that I can look back and read and remember that this weekend I was feeling exceptionally happy and blessed to be me!

I add this picture because this is us on picture day.....usually the boys are mad because I am anal about their hair and clothes and they hate to wear "polos". Taylor likes to act crazy for the camera or not smile....jesse can't stay still....Noah is usually hot and Emily wants down to play with the dog and Magic will do everything BUT sit for the picture!!! It's wild, crazy, but that is us!!!!

My Backyard Paradise...complete with a garden!

2011-06-02T15:10:00.021-05:00

I am linking up with the DIY project parade!

So it's not really paradise YET....but we are working on it!!!
This is what it looked like a year ago....we have done a lot of work on our backyard but still have a lot of stuff left we want to do! But for now I wanted to share with you what we have been doing for the last year!

I think it is all coming together good but there are few things I would like to do. I need to add a fireplace screen...not that you have to have it I just think they look good. They are expensive though! I did see one at goodwill today and if it's still there when I go next time I MAY get it. It was just plain black wrought iron.

This is the before picture of the outdoor kitchen. My step dad and hubby built it all by themselves in about one day! Those two can build anything!

This is the after picture.....we still need to either build doors or have them made! For now we just use burlap!

I have some hooks I want to put on the posts so that we can hang wet towels from them....

I want to paint my door another color....I was thinking black but as I said I am kind of tired of black. I would love to do it some wild color but convincing Marc is another story! (He really is good about letting me decorate the way I want to though....)
I also want to add an outdoor curtain or something over that window...it just looks bare!

I needed to add some color and I have always loved these chairs so today I just bit the bullet and bought them!
Notice the black shelf thing....yes that is my DIY....Goodwill project from a month or so ago but I already was tired of it in my entry so outside it went and now it holds towels!

I would like to put an outdoor awning over this window to "dress it up"....it just looks bear to me! I would love to find a DIY one but haven't been able to find one yet!

I have been planting lots of flowers and making pots to go around the pool....I still need to do about four more! The first two are actually house plants so let's hope they last outside in this heat.

I paid $3.99 for this red basket at Goodwill and the candle holder was one I bought at GW too and had used at Emily's party on the candy buffet. The greenary I have had FOREVER and didn't know what to do with it or where to put it but I think it looks good there! The "runner" are two place mats I used in the fall on my kitchen table.

This is another goodwill find and another project I have been doing....I paid $9.99 for this picture......

And I turned it into a chalkboard and hung it over the boy's new garden. I will probably do another one that will with stand weather so it won't ruin but for now I think it looks so cute!

The middle pot is a tomato plant and the two little ones on each side are strawberries. We haven't gotten anything from either of these YET!

These are their topsy turvy's they bought last year and we finally got around to doing them a few weeks ago and they have already doubled in size!

They love going out each morning and watering their tomatoes and strawberries and seeing if there are any new blooms on them. They have each gotten one ripe cherry tomato from their plants. We may keep adding to it and who knows...we may have a full garden one day!

I am "Blacked Out"!!!!!

2011-06-01T21:44:00.005-05:00

It's amazing how much MORE I can get done just by cutting out my computer time! (I am embarassed to say that!) I have been painting, planting flowers and doing some DIY projects that I have wanted to do for a long time.

This is the only picture I have of my black staircase so it will have to do as the before picture. Lately, I feel like everything in my house is black or brown and I am so tired of black. I am ready to brighten things up around here. So this is where I started......

This is now! I think it turned out so good! It's not perfect and I still have some touching up to do but overall I like it. Hubby came home from a fishing trip tonight and he loved it too! :)
I used a really dark brown for the hand rail and big posts and an off white for the smaller spindles. I used a glaze to antique it by wiping it with a rag until it looked like I wanted it too! This project took about three nights of working on it for about three hours. Not to bad.

Stay tuned as I get rid of more black in this house........

Jesse Min is 6 Years old!!! LOTS of PICTURES!

2011-05-30T15:12:00.015-05:00

Six years ago on May 16th (US time) and May 17th (Korea time) a special lady gave birth to my precious little boy Jesse Min (Min Ho)! He was one of the best surprises ever and I thank God for him everyday! He keeps us and others laughing constantly and has the sweetest personality ever! Everybody knows Jesse! One thing that always makes me laugh is when I go to wash his clothes and find everything from cars to acorns to money! I even went to put his clothes up in his top drawer the other night only to find money and 8, yes I said 8, things of AX deodorant! Most are his older brothers but I am wondering if some could be Taylor's friends and Jesse steals them out of their bags!!!!! LOL!!! Never a dull moment with that boy!
I am blessed to be called his mommy!!!

This year he chose an outdoor movie party! We kept it small, which is SO much easier on my then a huge party. We invited about 7 little boys and here is that night in LOTS of pictures!!!
Enjoy!!!

This party had hot dogs and popcorn but it also had a lot of sugar! MOVIE CANDY, SMORES and SODA!!! The kids loved it!!!

The pickles were a huge hit! The kids loved them!!!

I put my camera on action and it was so funny to see the pictures of the boys while jumping off the dive rock!

The the movie started! Some watched and a few decided to watch from the pool!

Happy 6th Birthday sweet boy....I hope you have a great year!! I love you!!!

Update on Court in Haiti......

2011-05-26T10:14:00.003-05:00

Marc made it to Houston safe and sound this morning after a full day in Haiti yesterday with Vensly! He said it went great and that the judge was a very nice lady and just asked lots of questions about our family and our kids at home. She also asked why we wanted to adopt and would we love Vensly like our biological children. OF COURSE!!! How could you not love that little boy!!! He said it was really easy and she laughed and told him that she thought she would be seeing him again...WHAT??? As much as I would love to adopt them all you have to stop somewhere!!! :) She told Marc we would have our own basketball team!

Marc said they returned to Dr. Bernards office to give Vensly back to the nanny and he handed Vensly to her and told him bye and then went to the back to tell Dr. B bye and when he came back out Vensly spotted him and held his hands up to him and when Marc told him he had to leave but he would be back Vensly got upset and started crying! I can only imagine how hard that was for Marc and for Vensly! PRAYING that will be the last time he will be left behind.
The next step takes a couple of weeks they said and then they start applying for visas and passports! I PRAY that all goes quick so he can get home!!!!!

Going to Court......

2011-05-25T10:27:00.005-05:00

Marc arrived in Haiti yesterday afternoon for a very important court date. This is just one step closer to getting our boy home! Praise God!
He spent some time yesterday evening playing with Vensly....I know that was special...Vensly had Daddy all to himself!

Marc, Dr. Bernard and Vensly are headed to court this morning. I had no idea that V would go with them or I would have packed a bag for him! Marc said they had him all dressed up and smelling good. One of the nannies went with them since Marc will be dropped off at the airport after court!
Here are my two guys all dressed up and headed to see the judge!

The bumpy car rides in Haiti seem to put V to sleep every time! I know Marc is eating that up....he loves for any of our kids to sleep on him. Sweet boy! It won't be long and you can sleep on us all the time!!

We are praying that this is the LAST time either of us will have to leave Haiti without taking Vensly home with us! Won't you pray that too?

Taking a Break......

2011-05-23T10:22:00.003-05:00

I wanted to let you guys know that I am taking a break from blogging and facebook for a while. I still check facebook on my phone every now and then when I am sitting in car lines or whatever but I am trying not to do it at home...especially when my kids and husband are home! I just have felt like I am on the computer to much and have been neglecting important things because of it. I don't want my kids to grow up and remember me as being on the computer all the time!
I hope you won't stop being a blog follower of mine as I am still going to update when I have something to share or good to talk about.
I feel like God has been telling me for a while that I need to spend more time in His word and learning about Him so that is what I am going to do....that and enjoy my children this summer!

Pray for Marc as he leaves for Haiti tomorrow for court and continue to pray for Vensly's adoption process....that it is fast and he is home by the end of summer!!!!

Talk to yall soon!!!!

Happy Birthday Taylor and ME!!!!

2011-05-15T09:49:00.006-05:00

Fifteen years ago today I brought home one of the best birthday presents you could have ever asked for....my first baby boy! Taylor was born on May 14Th, 1996 at 6:30pm after being in labor for 17 hours! I took him home the next day on MY 23rd birthday. It was one of the best days of my life and scariest as we were SO young and now had a baby that WE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF!
While we aren't and haven't always been the perfect parents I think so far he's turned out to be a great young man. He has NEVER been in any kind of trouble at school and he makes good grades. He is somewhat of a homebody which I don't mind at all....I know where he is at all times. He chooses his friends wisely and makes good choices. I am so proud of him and pray that he grows up to be a man of God and has a happy life! Since his Dad and I were so young we tease Taylor and tell him that he was our guinea pig! Poor boy! Honestly, we did a pretty good job and will continue to do the best we can to grow him into the man God wants him to be! I love you so much Taylor.....I often feel sad to think you could be leaving home in three short years. Happy Birthday Sweet boy and thank you for always making my birthday special too!

Sweet Voice of Canez...Open the Eyes of my Heart.....

2011-05-11T18:57:00.000-05:00

Please take the time to watch this video! It is a must see! If you are interested in "adopting" a family here then go to Secondbaytown.org and go to the "give" tab and it will tell you how to do it. It's only $30/month or $360 will pay you up for a whole year! You can't even imagine what that money does for a family in Canez....it not only gives them food but medical care too! The are people that have absolutely nothing but don't ask for anything except prayer for each other. I love the beginning of the video with the sweet singing of that little girl and where Brent his holding hands with that young boy....they love Brent and look forward to seeing him each month. PLEASE help him to continue to do this each month for these people!
Feel free to email me with any questions.... mestes1@gmail.com

Listen hard for the story of the children's red hair and it's meaning and how that is changing. That is amazing! God is good!

Also, you can see Hillary from Lady A on her first trip to Haiti and hear a little snippet of how it changed her life!

If you can't give financially then I know you can pray for these people and children! That is free!

The Best Birthday Present!

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today, in Haiti my boy celebrates his 2nd birthday! I pray he knows that in our heart we are celebrating with him! Happy Birthday sweet boy....mommy, daddy, Emily and your brothers all love you very much!
He is to little to understand but we just received the best birthday present we could ask for on his 2nd birthday....we are out of IBESR! For those of you that don't know that is HUGE....that is usually the longest wait for a Haitian adoption! God is so good....he knew the perfect present for Vensly. We are told to come to Haiti right away to see a judge! OMG...this is really happening...we really are going to MAYBE have our boy home by this summer!

Tomorrow I am going to let Noah and Jesse make V a birthday cake as it is our family night already so we will just say a little prayer for him and thank God for him and celebrate his two years on this earth!
Poor baby has been through more in two years then I have in my 37 years. He was born to a very poor mother and was very sick...then experienced a major earthquake and eventually given up! I just pray that his little heart knows that we can't wait for him to get here and we love him so much!

Happy Birthday Vensly....mommy and daddy will be seeing you in the next couple of weeks!
Please pray the judge finds favor with us and that the rest of the process is quick!

Soon enough you will get to play with YOUR ball that Hillary gave you and have all the cheerios you want and color all day long if you want! SOON baby boy SOON!!!