Thanksgiving weekend thankfulness

Grandpa and Ted

Philip and one of his Virginia cousins

I am thankful on this Thanksgiving weekend for the time spent with family over this holiday.

My dad is still home under the tender-loving care of his family, and we were able to spend time with Mom and Dad, my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew on Thanksgiving Day. It was a gentle and sweet time, and we thank God for the opportunity of the day.

Mom and Dad's brothers, sisters, and a few of their nieces and nephews also have come to see him over the last couple of weeks. He is so loved, and what a beautiful thing for them to make time in their busy schedules to visit with Mom and Dad. Some have come from as far away as Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia, and some have come from right here in Indiana!

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Loving being with family

Dad, Doug, Mom, and me celebrating our November birthdays this year

My brother and I also had the privilege of celebrating our birthday with Dad. Dad's birthday is November 10th (coinciding with the Marine birthday - that's always pleased Dad because he served our country as a Marine), my brother's birthday is November 15th, and mine is November 30th. For years we have celebrated our birthdays together. What a gift to be able to do so this year.

My dad needs prayers as his diseases (lung cancer and congestive heart failure) progress. Please pray for God's presence and comfort for Dad and Mom in this difficult time, for sweet time with his family, and that he gets to remain in the comfort of his own home.

We continue to thank God for all of our parents who have given so much love, support, and guidance to us along the way.

Everyone is helping

Dad is home now with hospice services, and everyone is helping him as they can. It is so sweet to see the different ways our family helps. Some people come and sit with Dad, some bring food, some send well wishes and prayers, and some people make things (like Philip)!






(Philip keeps making pictures for his grandpa! Below is his newest creation. He began to draw this morning and stated that he was drawing a church with a cross on top of it. The drawing even has parking lots and sidewalks. Too cute! I am glad he explained what it was because his drawings tend to all look the same! LOL!)

What does an artist do when he has finished a creation?
Go for a wagon ride with some friends
- of course! -

Prayers needed for my dad

My dad is in the hospital again and struggling not only with lung cancer, but also his congestive heart failure is acting up. He is really miserable, and we are praying round the clock.



Certainly God has allowed the highs and lows of emotions right now with the sadness of Dad's struggle and the joy of Eli's coming.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.



We are joyful that God has given us Dad. He is such an example of courage, honesty, love, and a quiet faith. We are joyful that Eli is coming home to us soon. We give thanks for Dad and Eli. Amen.

Provisional Approval in Ch*na now!!

Last Thursday our CIS Provisional Approval and our signed LOA was sent to Ch*na!



Whoo-hoo! One more step out of the way!!!


Our agency says that our TA (Travel Approval) could take 2 - 3 months. Let's pray it comes way before that. We are getting packed and ready to go . . .


Hang on Eli - we are almost there!

Our Dad and Grandpa

We got some devastating news today. My dad has stage 4 lung cancer in his right lung. Oh, how our hearts are hurting for him at this moment.



This man . . .



Is one of the greatest examples of a father we could have . . .



Happens to be a sweet and proud grandpa, too . . .



Is so very brave and courageous in the face of immense struggles . . .



Loves our mom and grandma with all his heart . . .



Is an honest, caring, and strong man . . .



Who loves God . . .



Who happens to be a dad and grandpa we all love so very
much . . .

Philip's new bedroom

When we first talked about adopting Eli, we realized we could not put two little boys in Philip's "tiny" room. We gave Ted (who is still away at college but coming home in December to begin his student teaching) the option of staying in the "bigger" room and "sharing" it with a little brother . . . or moving to the "tiny" room and having it ALL to himself.



He picked the "tiny" room. Who can blame him?? Wouldn't you pick the "tiny" room, too??




Hee, hee! He even asked if we could put a lock on his door for him. Now why would he want that?



Here are a couple of pictures of the newly redone "bigger" room that really isn't so very big!!

Notice the lighthouse bird houses. We put this border up years ago when this room became a den. Then Philip came, and we moved Ted back in here. He was stuck with the border. Now Philip and Eli have it! Oh well, it works - so it stays! The walls are really a tan and not the pink they appear in these pictures.

Sweet little fireman

Philip had great fun dressing up as a fireman and getting lots of treats from family and friends. That is about the only part of Halloween I like. Here are a few pictures from his candy gathering adventures!

First a stop at Gram's house

Then on to Aunt Nancy and Uncle Fred's house

Also a stop at Aunt Jo and Uncle Doug's house

Ending the evening at Grandma and Grandpa's house for cider and doughnuts!



What a sweet evening!

(Missing Aunt Susie and Uncle Dan and wishing they lived closer!)