Wright Family USA - Are these kids all yours?

God Appointments!

2012-02-17T10:48:00.001-05:00

Awww....Abigail and Joanna hanging out doodling on the doodle board. Cute! Have I mentioned that I love the fact that our olders enjoy playing with the youngers? Because I DO!!! :)

Ummm......mommy.....I can't see......

Ok sweetie sorry- how's that? he he he....Oh I LOVE the glasses!!!!!!!! And I know he is probably thinking wow- did you know there is a whole other world to explore? :)

Joanna showing him her favorite button to push ;)

Ummmm......mommy.....Joanna's messing with my toy. Sorry sweetie- get used to it. ;) he he he.....

So just a note on some other amazing things Michael is doing- just because we are celebrating EVERYTHING! He has shown great hand to hand transfer, mimicking your actions in play time, and following objects. Again....he has not learned this in the last week, but we are still learning all about him. What he can already do. What we can do to help him improve body strength, coordination, etc.

So I have to stop and tell you some God Appointments that have happened that have totally made me SOOO EXCITED!

1) When my hubby flew out to meet us last week he saw someone he knew from church. Now remember our church if you didn't know is over 5,000 people. This person happens to be on the same flight? ;) They talk for a bit. Jason introduces himself and explains where he is going. This person happens to lead "Raising Incredible Kids" at our church!

As the plane boards.......they both wait. As they call out each section....they are still waiting. They finally compare tickets- yep you guessed it. God sat them in the same row with someone in between. So when they board they ask the person if they want an aisle row, and they talked the whole flight :). Encouraging each other!!! THANK YOU GOD!

Oh and just because God is cool like this. They discovered that we both have daughters named Sarah who are 7..........that BOTH have Birthdays on May 5th! :) Very Cool!

2) So as a part of starting the new foster care/adoption ministry at our church we are becoming life group leaders. One of the steps is getting connected to a community leader (someone who overseas and encourages life group leaders etc.). So Jason had a meeting set up at Applebee's with him yesterday.

Oh, and did I mention he is a doctor? When Jason told him about Michael......he said well I happen to know personally the Pediatric Infectious Disease Doctor at University of South Florida- which is 20 min. up the road. Ummmm......and I can hook you up!!!! It only turns out that she has been doing leading HIV studies for as long as I have been out of college! And she is the leading PID in FL!!!

Now.....going back to when we first found out we were matched with Michael. My prayers became fervent over the fact that I didn't just want any doctors or therapists. I wanted THE BEST for Michael's sake. I wanted to give him the WORLD! His first healing family moved specifically to give him excellent care and I wanted to make sure we were carrying this forward! HE DESERVES IT :) not that I am biased or anything.

Oh and did I mention that they have all the therapists there that can work together? And she can make all the recommendations needed for him? Ummmmm......THIS MAKES US HAPPY PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!! Michael- God has show HIS UNFAILING LOVE for you in BIG WAYS!!!! Can't wait to see what HE is going to do!!!!

3) OK so you know how it is for us mommies who used to do this job or that, and we don't always talk about what it was we used to do well you know because we are full time mommies and we usually talk about that instead? Ummm.....come to find out my good friend Melissa Dupuis......ummm...yeah she used to work with children who needed physical therapy. Hello!!! So she was giving me some activities to start with Michael in the mean time to help that core strength! SOOO EXCITED!!!!!!! :)

GOD APPOINTMENTS ROCK MY WORLD! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Serious prayers answered!!!!!!!!!!

My hubby bought me roses for Valentine's Day, and one for each of the girls. You know we want our girls to remember how special they are so when they grow up they expect that of their future spouses. It isn't about the roses, but about making sure they get the fact that they are loved, respected, and protected in our home and this is what they should look for in a husband.

Thank you baby- I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS COULD EVER SAY!!!!!!!!!!!

So he he he......Joanna you are silly! You never took a paci as a baby. Believe me we tried! And now since all the baby stuff came out again....you think this is a cool fashion statement? You are crazy girl! :) And I am crazy about you!!!! Fortunately....the pacifier go lost? Oh well. ;)

This is a bad picture as far as lighting, but here are my babes waiting on mommy to give them a bath after breakfast. Look at the cute faces!!! And the cute baby chub, smooth baby skin......surrounded by yumminess in this home!

Cleansing your HOUSE

2012-02-15T13:18:00.002-05:00

Look at this cuteness!!!! So adorable. If you ask Abigail how she feels about her new sibling- she says I LOVE HIM! Music to my ears.

I love that my children have no problems welcoming in a new sibling. We have walked this path so many times and sometimes we take it for granted, but our children all know that God has a plan for our family. Sometimes it is hard, the wait isn't just hard for us, but for our kiddos. The stories of why and how which we talk openly about are hard (of course age appropriately). Each time is a new situation. But our kiddos couldn't love Michael any more.....they snuggle with him, pick him up, play with him, sing to him, and they want to do it all, but a mommy and daddy have to be the main care givers too- after all he is my baby :).

Check out how he is sitting at our toddler table- oh man if you only knew how exciting this is!!! I would like to point out that all of his skills have not been happening since he has been here- hello he has only been here a week today! I am sooo excited because to be honest although K (his first healing mommy) told us a lot about him and gave us as many details as she could....we knew we would learn more about him as we saw him. With the descriptions of him when he first came into care...yea....very very very different! He is a new little man. Michael has experienced healing in a wonderful home! We are soo thankful!!!

As we get the privilege of knowing him more we see the new things he will be doing soon. We will celebrate EVERYTHING!

So I wanted to post about this before we went to get our bundle of joy, but well some things happened and it didn't happen. I wanted to do a post because I found it sooo helpful!!!! It is from our church you can find out about our church here :) This is a short snippet of notes from the sermon. Make no mistake this is talking about your house, as well as your HOUSE- YOU.

Do you ever feel like you are sinking in your own skin or in your own home? Feel like it is time to purge, but I am not just talking stored up junk physically- but spiritually!!! Have you ever annointed your home? Prayed over it, prayed over your family members, prayed over your job, prayed over your spouse, laid hands on each other, laid hands on your door frame, asking God to heal, bless, and purge all that is unclean? Well.....if you haven't or you may think this sounds crazy...but I can promise you God wants to claim all you have and own for HIM!

Ask anyone who has gone through the spiritual battleground of adoption. They can tell you that satan tries to attack all you have- including you, your health, your stuff. Not just adoption! Anytime we start saying yes to the Holy Spirit and no to the ways of the world we are confronted by the enemy. This should be our reply! Not just this- this is an outline of something, but really deeply crying out to God begging HIM to have control over us, our home, our stuff, and our entire lives!!

This weekend Pastor Greg is preaching on “How to Cleanse a Leprous House.” Part of his message gives several questions to ask yourself in order to identify your areas of need. Then he gives practical steps to take to clean the house - your life.

How to cleanse a leprous house

1. Purge: personal/practical principles - Cleaning (soul cleaning)

a. Have you compromised anywhere in your choice of friends or activities? (Ephesians 5:11; 1 Cor. 5:9)

b. Do you maintain obedience to parents? (Romans 1:28-32; Proverbs 23:14)

c. Do you participate in any lying, dishonesty or untruthfulness? (Col 3:9)

d. Do you exercise or participate in impure joking or speech? (Eph. 4:31; Psalm 19:14)

e. Do you sample or practice any known disobedience? (1 John 1:9)

f. Have you given astrology or occult practices any place at all? (Acts 19:18-19)

g. What about the pornographic or obscene? (Exodus 20:3)

2. Praise/Pray/Perform: as priests and priestesses- (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9)

a. In the bedrooms recite the blessings of restful sleep (Psalm 3:5, 4:8)

b. In the bathroom declare the promises of health (Exodus 15:26)

c. In the kitchen express the promises of provision and strength (Exodus 23:25)

d. In the living room declare the decision to follow the Lord in unity and mutual submission (Joshua 24:15; Eph. 5:21-6:4)

e. In the entry hall stand and pray the blessings of coming in and going out before the Lord (Deut. 28:6)

3. Covering: Come under God's Covering (1 Cor. 5:7-8)

AMEN!!!! I think if everyone said I want- really want to grow closer to God. I feel so far away. This is a GREAT PLACE TO START! HE WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT!

Ok a few random pics.....this is a package we got in the mail today. Why is it next to the Tampa phone book you ask?

Yeah, because it is thicker than the phone book! What is it??? Ummmm......well if you are a facebook friend you know......there was over 400 pages of fun time reading on our newest babe! Some good reading in there......oye! It saddened my heart to hear about his past before he came to K's family. I knew about it....K told me about it.....and yet reading it.....made it real. And I know that what grieves our hearts - must grieve God's heart even more! So I am depending on God for strength to continue the healing process for Michael.

Oh, and another random pic.....he he he....this is me cutting up some paper towel rolls for baby wipes :). Yep, going through more now with 2 bums to clean up. And it is pretty simple. You cut a roll of paper towel in half- I use an electric knife, but you can use whatever works for you. Oh and the paper towel has to be a good kind like bounty or Brawny- if you coupon you can find good deals! Put it in a container with slits on the top- I just bought a cheap one - used duct tape so the edges weren't sharp, and voila!

You add- 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, 2 tablespoons of baby oil, and a squirt of baby soap if you want. That's it! It is cheap and works really easily. We use this for home only, and carry store bought wipes when we go out or travel. :)

Pray that you will take time today to really study the scriptures above and think about purging your heart, your home, and your activities. It is time to start taking back our homes for GOD! :)

How is it going? A post by Michael

2012-02-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

Well......we have been busy.

Exploring all the new toys! Did you know that with 8 brothers and sisters I HAVE A TON of new toys as well as all my favorites that I still have! This is awesome!

I get to be a "twin" and it is pretty fun. We do a lot together including sit on mommy and daddy's laps together....because we are cute like that!

I got to meet GG, and she is really sweet! I am her 23 great grandchild! She thinks our family rocks- did you know she grew up with 11 brothers and sisters? YEP!

OK so check out this cool skill....never mind the little baby spit up on the floor- that is not important, but the fact that I crawled on my own down this 1/2 step is awesome! Did I mention I have also crawled up it too? Yea....I've got some pretty amazing skills!!!

And well....look at my eyes- you can just see my handsomeness. Is that a word? Anyway, doesn't matter what do I care? :)

Oh and I met "Aunt Jane" (she is really my mommy's aunt, and more like a grandma to me but she is cool). Although I gave her this big yawn!

I have been busy resting....because it takes rest to accomplish such cuteness and skills you know.

Here I am chillin' in the tub......

With my twin sister!

She showed me baths aren't too bad. I am not a huge fan, but I guess it is ok. Joanna loves the bath.

This is seriously the perfect shirt because my mommy used to teach band! Now I am in her band too ;)

My big brother took this pic.....aww....I love my mommy....

Look at us in the stroller that mommy K gave us! Are we cute or what? We had fun on our walk!

OK so mommy set me up against this seat thing......

Look at me go!!! Oh yeah.....I held on for over a minute!!!! ***Do not worry she was right there and would never let me fall!!!!! Camera in one hand hand ready to catch me too!

Watch this.....where am I going?

Oh yeah....I am sooo cute! crawling through the tunnel!

And sister is cheering me on.

I have a great twin! We are sooo adorable together. Not that we have been told that or anything? he he he he he.....only a million times in the past 5 days!

Who is this handsome man with those cute glasses? Oh yeah baby it is me! I am a ladies man :)

And my sibs well- they are GREAT! And that in a nutshell is how it has been going. Mommy and daddy say I am doing great! They are my cheerleaders, my smoochers, my huggers, and I am getting lots of love!!! They say they can see that there are times I miss my first healing family, but they remind me how much they still love me and show me pictures of them. I think I must be extremely special because I sure have a lot of people that LOVE ME A LOT!!!!!! :)

Daddy meets Michael for the first time

2012-02-11T13:41:00.003-05:00

OK so this pic was after we have been home, but I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean this little man was already cute, but with those glasses.....is he just yummy, or is it just me? he he he......awwwww......

So he stayed up late with mommy and we went to the airport Monday night to get daddy. Daddy was with us there about 24 hours. He didn't know for sure if Michael would be with me.....but when he saw that.....

He scooped him up! So little man what do you think of your daddy?

What?

Awwww............I am pretty sure daddy was almost crying. You know sometimes you only see my opinions and writing on this blog, but daddy LOVES his babes just as much as I do! He has been sooo excited to bring home our son. To say YES to him. His side of it may be a little different than mine- he is responsible to provide and protect his family. And yet....my husband constantly amazes me! Because of his deep love and passion for the children who need families. I guess he totally knows my love language :).

And of course he couldn't wait to feed him....oh and tickle him too!!!!

He gave him a bath (yea the bathroom was too small for me to get a great picture- sorry).

He he he.......too cute to resist. Our first flight was pretty empty so we put him between us just for a bit to stare at his cuteness...... I mean who can resist this?

Here we are HOME with all of us together :) And if you look closely....other than Matthew who is trying to look at the camera for mommy.....everyone is staring at Michael. Hard not to!!!!!

***A great bloggy friend took pics for us at the airport. So when we get those I will be posting. We just had our family there and the friend who took the pics. Loved seeing my babes again and seeing how much the loved their new brother!

Ok so many have probably been thinking- how is Joanna doing? Well, I can say I am truly amazed! PRAISE GOD!!!! Other than testing out Michael's empty bottles, reverting to occasionally wanting a taste or two of his baby food- (which if you will remember she hated baby food and gagged on it all the time so we never really gave her much at all when she was little), and wanting to be held when he is being held. She is doing fantastic! Seriously was braced for a storm! This is a girl who does not share mommy and daddy well.....at.....all. It is all prayers and God my friends!!!

And this is a few of the many pictures that will be coming your way!

I don't think he has been able to crawl as much as normal because he is constantly snatched up by his siblings. he he he....

But they all just want him to know how much they all love him!

And they love his toys his mommy K packed for him. So they are playing very well with him. So cute!

Oh and look at this! YES! He will now be matching his family as we go out in our Got Love shirts :).

His favorite drawing toy. So cute!

Joanna you now have a twin- what do you think about this? Ummm...I think he is cute! And I love him :)

SHOUT OUT to- My friends Melissa Dupuis and her wonderful family and the Christy Boyce and her wonderful family for bringing food for our cuties back home while Jason and I were gone! It means sooo much to me that you were willing to do this!!!! THANK YOU!!!

AND OF COURSE A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO- HEIDI DIXSON my cousin for watching our 8 kiddos while we were gone!!! YOU ARE SOOO STINKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY PICTURES and a name....

2012-02-09T20:34:00.001-05:00

Ok everyone :) This is my first few glances of Michael Jason Wright........

He loves his music. Great fit for our family!!!

At first I just stared at him thinking I seriously want to pinch myself!

And when I scooped him up.......It was love!!!

This first night K (his first healing mommy) gave me a run down of his routine and the amazing PROGRESS he has made.

I got to put him in his jammies.

Squeezing on him!!!!

That first night was one that I will remember and cherish FOREVER!!!! It is such a privilege to meet your new child. For some it is hard work because a child can reject you- yep been there several times. Sometimes it is not love at first squeeze. And you know what, that is ok, and perfectly normal too!!! Don't ever feel that you are not normal because you didn't instantly fall in love.

That first night K and I had a long conversation about sooo much. I can't tell you how awesome it is to have a great relationship with first families, first healing families, or relatives. It helps in sooo many ways. Sometimes it just isn't possible, but when it is- I encourage it. It may seem hard, but in reality it really isn't- Promise!

Yep, not going to lie it is a bit awkward in the beginning kind of like that junior high dance. Yea, because you both don't know what to expect. Are they judging me- and that is for both sides? Do they think I will be a good enough parent to their child? Do they think I am a failure since I am asking them to take my child? Am I talking too much? Do I sound stupid? What are they thinking about me? Oh and the list goes on and on!

But once you get past all that.....and you start talking....we have really found that so many times we really love spending time with the family. And that is completely true in this case!!!

So the second day (Sunday) I got to take him to the hotel for the afternoon. I also got to spend some time with a precious friend who traveled a few hours to meet me! Laurel is a mommy to many and a great friend! We have met up a couple of times before when her family has gone on road trips and let me tell you we love their family!!! It meant the world to me that she got to come and meet our newest addition and we just got some time to chat for the afternoon :)

Look at this new skill people - this is HUGE!!!!!! When he came to K and her family's home he couldn't come close to sitting up at all, didn't make any eye contact, stared at his hand a lot, could not crawl, could not do - well pretty much anything. He did not eat baby foods- that is something K has put a lot of effort into. Textures and he - don't get along. And just looking at him makes me say WOW!

And this bear we bought him. He usually isn't into stuffed animals except his giraffe. But we have a tradition of giving bears to our kiddos. He wasn't really into it until I started singing silly songs and making the bear dance. Then he loved it. This picture is one of my favorites so far!!!!

I mean look at that sweet face!!!! How could you resist????

Look who woke up? :)

So his new name. Yes it is new. And that is something that can be hard. Hard because it is a change. Hard because that is not what his birthmother named him. Hard because his last family kept his original name. So why would we go and change it?

Well, we have prayed over each of our children as we were entering the adoption process. We prayed over specific names- you know one boy name and one girl name. That name was said in our hearts. It is the name we prayed protection and healing over them with. It is something we chose.

And well.....I know this is a touchy subject for a lot of you. So hate if you must. That is fine. I totally respect those who keep names!!!!! But when we started having children we really wanted to name them. And we decided to have names from the Bible that meant something to us with their stories and with the meanings of the names. So having 8 other children and then having child number 9 have a name that had nothing to do with scriptures or meaning anything.....would be pretty hard.

When it has come to names our children all know their previous names. We don't keep secrets in our home about their given names before they were adopted. We do not ever shame that name- ever! Just like we wouldn't dream of shaming their first families- ever! We are open about why we named them their names. What the meaning is, the fact that we prayed their names for them.

We also know that to some people our children will always be a different name- that is fine. Our kids are not worried about it. They realize this and we have talked about it. To their first families this is who they are. We also have talked about and read about in Bible stories the fact that when significant things happened in someone's life that is was common to change names. And in some of our children's cases they couldn't wait to change names because they knew what it meant. It meant forever they were a part of our family.

So with that- Michael means who is like God? and Jason means Healer. We couldn't think of a better name. God has done sooo many miracles in this little man's life! He brought him to a place of healing over 6 months ago. He has healed in so many ways. And we know who is our HEALER- GOD! So who could ever heal our son like our God? NO ONE! HE IS OUR SOURCE OF HEALING STRENGTH!

Michael Jason we are so proud of you. We pray healing over your life and know that God is going to do great things in and through you- HE has done sooo much already!

***Oh and yes, this is a gradual name change. He was just starting to recognize his name so we of course are using that name too....with Michael thrown in there. We would never dream of slowing down any progress that he is making. :)

Our Son's Story........

2012-02-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

This is a long post, but there is no other way to tell it than to just post it all........

KNOW there is NO WAY EVER that I would post something about his story without the PERMISSION OF HIS FIRST HEALING FAMILY! EVER! This story came about for you my readers because she asked me to write his story/their story. I cry just thinking about her strength. She has read it......and I am posting it...........

Sometimes it is just hard to even start writing…..you mayhave noticed the lack of details in our adoption that I have given. In my mind and heart I want to protect thosethat are a part of his story. I knowothers of you who feel the same.

My heart screams- Don’t say anything because someone may saysomething nasty…..and I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE THAT AT ALL!!!!!!! So if you can’t feel the emotion in thatstatement you may not want to read this- in fact DON’T!

You see in the adoption community the word “disruption” is anasty word. My son’s first healingfamily has had to make a choice I PRAY NO ONE ELSE DOES. Not that it is nasty, but the circumstancesARE!

If this same family had given birth to him and gone throughthese circumstances…..and made an adoption plan others would call them ahero. GUESS WHAT- THEY ARE! Choosing LIFE, even at the expense of goingthrough the hurt and the pain of giving someone you love a new home with newcircumstances is THE MOST SELFLESS THING I CAN THINK OF!

I have known families that have had to do the same….seenthem walk this hard road…..and the pain of losing a child does not get easy allthe sudden. They know it is best andthey heal from it, but easy- NO! Thatheart ache is real people and if you don’t think so look around for a blog ofsomeone who has been there. You will seeit!

Oh that is right, most can’t even keep their blog going. Why? Because we as humans tear them a part limb from limb. It is like a sick form stoning that you seein the Bible- where one person after another throws big stones at someone andcauses immense pain……and death. I onlyknow of a couple that have been able to continue their blog.

So maybe that is why I feel so strongly about it. So protective. So upset at the thought that anyone woulddare say anything…..nasty.

You see some reasons I know for disruptions are huge. They are not a lack of love as most peopleassume. And well you know what thatmakes when you assume. They are toughreasons. Things some of us just can’timagine. Things we can’t imagine becausewe are not in their shoes! Physicalabuse, sexual abuse, RAD that is so horrible it causes mental abuse that doesnot stop, RAD that tears the rest of thefamily a part and no one survives………….. I think at least most of us would agree that if someone has an abusiveproblem in the family – like the mom or dad that they would seek help. That help may be a separation from thefamily. If that worked – GREAT, but ifnot would any of us recommend the family stay together and be abused over andover. Ummm….NO!

But what about our son’s story? His story is one that is different yetagain. You see his family was on theroute of adopting a sibling group from Africathat included HIV. They were agreed thiswas God’s calling. AMAZING. They started the mountains of paperwork, thehomestudy, etc. They startedfundraising. Sure of this in theirhearts. Then they got a call about acute little guy here in the states that had HIV, and they wondered…..was thistheir son?

The hubby was positive he was theirs after seeing thepicture of him, and the mommy said yes. Once they saw him and held him after the huge awkward moments in thebeginning…….things that they had no idea of became apparent. He did NOT just have HIV. There was neglect……severe neglect. And on top of that as time went on they foundout he had cebral palsey and autism- severe autism and microcephaly, and severeglobal developmental delays, will need long term physical, occupational, andspeech therapy and the HIV load as a newborn damaged his brain, exposure in thewomb to alcohol, cigarettes, and possible drugs, very malnourished while aninfant…..

And after trying to take this all in…….they had to makedecisions. What do you do when you getthat kind of list…..after saying yes. Things you were never prepared for. And before any one of you say well- if that child were born to you….etc. UMMMMM….let me step in and say this familywould NEVER HAVE NEGLECTED HIM!!!! Neverdone drugs, and sure in the world would have never let his HIV get out ofcontrol!!!!! So please don’t say junk –thanks.

They said yes……even though it was hard! Hard doesn’t even begin to begin thedescription. But they plowed away. Decisions did have to be made. They lived in a place where there was not themedical care he needed. So they had tomove. To a different state where therewas a military base nearby great medical facilities for their son. Oh and did I mention this was the second movefor their family in less than a year? Ohand the father went from a non deployable job to a deployable job. Yeah…kind of a big deal. He had been deployed before, but not leavingmommy with a special needs babe that required so much. Oh and along with 3 other young children.

Then the unthinkable happens……..the daddy who loved thislittle guy with all his heart and this same little guy helped him heal in manyways from the horrendous things he had seen in war. Not what we see on tv folks, but the RAWHORRIBLE IMAGES NO PERSON SHOULD EVER SEE!! He went off to work one night…….and the tragedy happened……his helicoptercrashed……….and the world changed for his family.

The. World. Stopped. For. This. Family.

The reality of all they have been through crushes me. The reality of what they are still goingthrough. The decision to say…..thislittle guy needs another healing family to step in….to help him continue toheal. Even when this decision will bringpain……feelings and thoughts of questioning everything about yourself. Listening to others unload their opinions onyou.

That may be why my heart struggles. My heart is in love with our son! My heart also struggles because of the hurtthat not only he has endured, but his first healing family.

Now you may just understand a wee bit of our new son’smiracle that is combined story of hurt, healing, and circumstances that aremuch different to what our preconceived notions tell us about someone. Please pray with us…………

He is with me now :)

2012-02-05T17:02:00.000-05:00

It is killing me too, but I forgot the card reader.....and I can't get the pics off my camera :( SORRY!

Soooo......WOW! I can't put into words the rush of feelings and emotions. It just can't be done. What I can tell you is- WOW! As in God totally blows me away! And I love it. When we got the list of diagnosis we begged God to prepare our hearts for our next child. We did not want to be "disappointed" in any way. So we prayed for wisdom, for HIS guidance. We knew our little man was doing soo many new things because his amazing first healing family had shared that with us. BUT I also just didn't want to get ahead of myself.

Not sure if that makes sense, but it does to me. So....the getting to meet your son for the first time jitters are sooo crazy! Seeing him do things in his home and environment, getting to scoop him up, holding him, feeding him his food and bottle, seeing the love he has been given, seeing him with his favorite toys- all just blew me away!

I know there have been sooo many praying for us! BELIEVE ME when I say- THANK YOU!!!! It has been sooo comforting. I can definitely feel it, and so has his first healing family. Last night was filled with soo much information.....as well as great adoption conversations, and heart ache too. But I totally feel like God has allowed me a glimpse into his life and and although adoption comes out of a painfully hard decision- God is our peace. May not always feel like that, but so GLAD our GOD HEALS!

So today I brought him back to the hotel with me for the afternoon. And let me tell you....smothering him in kisses and cuddles, watching him play with a crinkly wrapper, watching him explore the hotel room, and then it happened- something amazing. As I was cuddling him he looked at me. As in not just a few seconds, but seriously like a whole minute! And that may sound like not a big deal to many of you. But, he has only actually started to look at people. And I got the blessing of that today!!!! Last night he did actually glance at me, but today- today was different. My heart melted.

I totally feel like this was such a HUGE GIFT! I didn't expect it. I am so glad it happened.

So there you have it....right now little man is sleeping away tuckered out from his play time. I am totally staring at him, and will go back to cuddling next to him as soon as I am done typing. Thinking wow! I know this road will not be easy. It will be hard. I also know that God does the most amazing things through the hardest things.

Leaving on a Jet Plane :)

2012-02-03T19:52:00.001-05:00

OK quick post.....because well....I have lots to do, and I am running out of time, but if you are not a facebook friend I wanted to let you know!!!

I AM LEAVING EARLY TOMORROW MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got clearance Thursday- they told us around 6:30 pm we had just gotten back not that long before then from taking Jason's parents to the airport. My parents left early that morning.....and it was sad to have everyone leave.

THEN- we got that call that said you are CLEARED- you can go get your son!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we stayed up until 1:30am booking plane tickets and figuring out details :)

Jason will be joining us next Monday evening and we will all be flying home Wednesday!!!!
We will be coming in around 11am to the Tampa Airport- so if you want more details we have some people who want to meet us at the airport :) email me, and I will let you know!

Also if you are in the area and want to help with meals- that would be AMAZING! Please let me know that too. We are THRILLED and THANKFUL for soooo many who want to help us bring our babe home!

YES- more details to come and I will have a laptop with me to keep you all informed and get you pictures :)

OK Prayer requests:
1) For our son!!!!!!!!!! Transition and healing!!!!!! He also has some doctors apts next Tuesday.
2) For his family that is loving him right now!!!!!
3) For our family- transitions are not usually easy.
4) For my brave cousin Heidi Dixson and her hubby Mark who will be looking after our beautiful babes at home while daddy is gone. In addition to their 2 sweet girls! For my Aunt Jane who will be pitching in as well!!!!!
5) For safe travels :)
6) For my mommy's heart that will be torn between getting to pick up my sweet baby boy and leaving my heart with our other 8 children and my hubby. I have never left Joanna more than 24 hrs. and that was once!
7) For my sweet hubby while he is home by himself. He is more than capable and loves the opportunity of getting to spend time with the kiddos, but I know it isn't easy sometimes.

So that is a lot of prayer requests, but we know you will surround and cover us in prayer!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoa.....Picture overload, and NEWS!!!

2012-02-02T11:04:00.002-05:00

So this post will contain

MANY

MANY PICTURES!!!!! **AND SOME GREAT NEWS AT THE END :)

So If you love to see pictures of our crazy family- this is a great post :)

In all the above pictures we are eating my mom's EPIC chocolate chip cookies!!!! Seriously- not lying!!! I have duplicated her EPIC chocolate crinkles, her sugar cookies, but not these.....YET, but it a goal to do so!!!!!!

This is what our table has looked like several hours of every day for the last 3 weeks, well bar some of us when we were sick that first week :(.

I LOVE that our parents get along sooo well!!!! I know how much of a blessing this is, and I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matthew in the wildfire room at MOSI (the museum of Science and Industry- here in Tampa)

The hurricane winds tube. It gets up to 80 mile per hour winds!!!!!

Yes- folks this is my father in love.....and this picture pretty much captures his REAL personality!

Yep, ditto......he he he

And our kiddos LOVE IT! Why? Well.....you know like father like son. ;)

Looking at displays......

Playing with displays..............

Joanna went to my dad!!!! Hello everyone this is a BIG DEAL!!!! :) Proud of my baby who is seriously in the last few months learning that other family are awesome to get love from too! Hey, the great part- never have to worry about bonding with her :)

Lots of UNO!

Lots of connect 4!

Lots of hugs!

Lots of fun creating. One day Grandpa and Abigail together designed all kinds of fun boots/shoes and handbags!!!! They had a BLAST!!!

SQUEEZE!!!

Kids Sequence game- our kiddos love it!

Awww.....these moments couldn't be bought for millions of dollars!!!!

Here they are designing away :)

Mum and dad on the computer......

Dividing out treats that the grandparents brought over......YUMMY snacks from England!

LOVE :)

Grandma doing the dots game on the magnetic board :)

Jonathan just liked putting in the chips...he he he....

Love seeing them all chatting away.....

Grandma and grandpa from England bout some gifts for the kids for a late Christmas - THEY LOVED THEM!!!!

Is it me or does Abigail just look like she is getting way older all of a sudden? She said to me yesterday....so when I am 14 do I get to drive or what? I said sweetie you are only 12. She said- yeah, but I will be 13 later this year. OH MY!

Can you hear the laughter?

Uh oh....Abigail says.....grandpa???

Sarah is showing off some toy cupcakes and her new princesswear :)

SOOOOO.........THE BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have no idea how this happened, but we received clearance from the other state the SAME DAY they submitted the paperwork for ICPC- last Friday!!!!!!!! You may have heard me SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????
What does this mean? It means we should receive clearance from Florida by Friday of THIS WEEK!!!! And that means TRAVEL- either this weekend, or early next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will probably fly out earlier so I can spend a little extra time there, and Jason will fly out for a couple of days in there too. :) EXCITED doesn't even begin to describe!!!!!!!!!

Of course as with all adoptions.....our excitement has another side, a compassionate side for those who hold him now. On top of all this- there has been some cruel comments made to them. I can't even begin to think of how that feels. PLEASE PRAY for healing. It is sooo hard when others make judgements to you, about you, when you are in a situation no one else knows! It rips my heart out!

************OH AND IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD ON FACEBOOK- ANDREW, JOSHUA, AND SARAH GOT BAPTIZED LAST NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SAYING I AM ONE BLESSED AND EXCITED MOMMY WILL NEVER EVEN COME CLOSE TO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have some pics, but they aren't that great.....what can I say....I was waaayyyyyy to excited for my babes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Making Memories

2012-01-27T19:37:00.000-05:00

My blog has been quiet.....my home a little noisier.....and there have been many cookies eaten!!!!

And for those of you who have to worry about the inlaws or outlaws.....I have no idea what that is like because GOD BLESSED US with parents who LOVE each other and get along so well.....sometimes we have to squeeze into their conversation!!!! :) he he he

BUT the best part- is seeing them totally dote on our children!!!!!!!!

We have NOT DONE ANY HOME SCHOOLING since the grandparents have been here- and I DO NOT CARE!!! Why? Because what could be more important than playing barbies with grandpa? We teach our children that family is the most important! How can we do that with grandparents sooo far away? Well.......when they are here we spend all the time we can with them. If that means no naps or less naps or whatever....then so be it! We will home school through the summer anyway. Might as well take time to smell the roses.

Or smell batman? Whichever works for you- right Joanna?

Or you could kiss Batman......but daddy said no dating Joanna!!! Did Batman ask daddy if he could steal a kiss?? Ummm...I don't think so! he he he he

How do you make a really grumpy girl smile? Let her play with daddy's keyboard for a bit :)

There will be many more pics of all our kiddos enjoying grandparent time!!! And I wouldn't have it any other way! I am sooo thankful for skype, phones, facebook, and emails!!!!!!!!!!! Or in my mom's case snail mail.....almost forget what that is ;)

We have been very busy here playing lots of games all day long!

Oh and Andrew was set on making no bake cookies so he wanted to have them- he made them!

LOVE that all of my babes love to help in the kitchen :) And YES they are yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That and my mom made her famous and yes they are famous- chocolate chip cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep, a few extra desserts never hurt anyone! :)

So if you wonder where I have been- I have been extremely happy spending time with my family :)

**Adoption update- ICPC was started today! So we are getting closer.......will hopefully only be a couple of weeks now....but could be shorter or could be longer (most adoptions are within the 7-10 day limit, but sometimes there are extra tidbits that can slow things down.....and so I will try to wait patiently- I did say try). Please pray with me for the ICPC to go smoothly. For his family he is with- again....this is a very very very hard situation. Not for our son- he is soooo LOVED!!! But for the family. And I am constantly thinking of them and praying for God's Hands to cover them and give them strength. Thank You!!!

Universal with the grandparents

2012-01-23T17:19:00.000-05:00

Oh dear.....did you get a bit wet mum and dad? yeah....the boat ride here gets you SOAKED as in NO DRY PATCHES ON YOU AT ALL!!!! Smile for the camera :)

Posing - are they cute or what?

Joshua wanted to be the driver.

giggles.....

Matthew's turn.

Joanna says- time for sleepy........this wears a girl out!

Matthew wanting to play drums!

He he he....these people came over to us for a picture. Cheese!

Walking in the entrance area of Universal Islands of Adventure.

Some more cute pictures....

They LOVED the bubble blower.

Cute!

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.....

There is a little park area where we sometimes eat our evening snack/dinner. This is the view at Universal Studios.

The kids love running around a bit. You know because walking around all day evidently doesn't wear them out? he he he....endless energy!

And Jason aiming raisins into his parents mouths....too funny! My hubby is a kid at heart. That is why he loves having so many kiddos ;)

Joanna- coming through!

Sooo......adoption update- PRAYING to get the ICPC started at the end of this week. Ummm....the paperwork is a bit more complicated. Don't want to share details, but just pray all the paperwork will be in fact done by the end of the week! This is just such a hard situation and it is dragging out. PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY where he is!!! PLEASE JOIN ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is just constantly on our hearts........

While our little boy was being born.....

2012-01-20T17:01:00.001-05:00

So forgot to show you our English LOOT! This is all the goodies my parents brought over for us :) Yeah, they love us! The big box in the front- tea, loads of biscuits I mean cookies, and candies we can't get here. Well, technically we can, but they are really really expensive! I guess that is the advantage to living near Orlando where 1,000's of Englishers take their vacations. :)

It hit me today.........Our son's birthday is February 27th, 2010. Literally a month before our Joanna was born on March 23rd, 2010. I was remembering.....what was going on in our lives at this time.

Then it came rushing over me like a ton of bricks.......WE WERE IN THE MIDST OF OUR LOSS......LOSING OUR NAOMI CAROLINE. We were in the stage of trying to move on like we would be ok. It was hard work in those days- making ourselves smile, but we tried.

Interestingly I went back and found this post a couple of days before he was born.

And yet just a few days before that......this is what I posted.

Actually......I remember feeling like just getting up in the mornings- was HARD WORK! We had lost our Hannah Grace July25th, 2008 as she went to be with Jesus. And although we know she is perfectly healed of her scoliosis and spina bifida not needing any earthly surgeries........we longed to hold her!!!! She was our daughter!!!!

Then starting in December of 2009....when we got the UGLY LETTER from usc*s stating they wanted more information? Through March......we were in a deep longing, mourning, lost stage. Because Naomi was never going to be coming home. Those months were filled with grief! A depression even.

While all this was happening- God was arranging for the birth, not only of our daughter, Joanna Faith Wright....but now we find out that our next child as well? How can such a crazy time of deep loss, that is sooo unexplainable unless you have lost a child, lead to not 1 but 2 of our children? I was blown away by our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I was praying God led me to realize one really important thing. HE does NOT conform to our ideas of good timing. I know that sounds simple, but it is true. If you would have asked me in those months are you sooo excited about God. Ummm.....I would have said yes, but right now it is hard to just live.

Sometimes it is hard enough just to breathe in life. There are times when we feel like we are suffocating with a kind of death. Some of you may be feeling that way right now. But God works in ways we can not understand! I still don't understand why we had to lose our Hannah Grace or our Naomi Caroline- much less lose them both within 2 years!!! BUT OUR GOD IS SOO AWESOME that HE KNEW. He knew our hearts would be broken and HE HAS RESTORED THEM!!! NOT ONLY HAS HE RESTORED THEM, BUT NOW THEY ARE OVERFLOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does this mean that our hard times are over now - ha ha ha....nope, doubt it. BUT it puts things into perspective a different perspective. One that I am sooo grateful for! During those times when you are drowning in pain.....you never know what God is up to :)!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2012-01-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my father in love!!!!! (his name is Vic). It was his 66th Birthday last Saturday :) So Jason whipped up some fun cupcakes....and yes Vic picked the orange color! :) Tells you a little about his personality doesn't it? YEP!

OH if you haven't read the last post- GO DO IT NOW! :) We are adopting and he is of course the cutest child!!!!! Not that we are biased or anything mind you. So for those who don't know my parents are here in FL- staying with my Aunt Jane, and my Aunt Beckie and Uncle Doug are here also staying at my Aunt's house too. (my hubby's parents are both staying here with us).

So here is Becky talking to my mother in love.....

My mom.....trying to get Joanna to smile....oh yeah......ummmm......did I mention we have all that the stomach bug? Oh well.....WE HAVE!!!! It hit HARD!!!!!! UGLY AND NASTY are the only words to describe this disaster! It hit one or two at a time- only missing Vic, Sarah, and Elizabeth (thankful for them.....but not for the rest of us who have all suffered the terror). So this nasty bug has been hanging out in our home and well - PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am declaring that disaster OVER baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The men......my father in love on the left- Vic, my dad in the middle- David, and Doug on the right - my uncle.

My aunt Jane talking with the girls...... :)

So this not the clearest pic because it was taken through the window- but this dead tree is the only tree the boys have to climb in our yard....he he he.....and well... you know boys will be boys!

My mum and Andrew.....

Grandma playing Chinese Checkers with Abigail.....

Jason and Aunt Jane talking....

Bring on the cupcakes!!!!!

Jonathan asked several times........is it time for the cupcakes yet? FINALLY he got his wish!

Hey, Matthew- what do you think of the cupcakes???

OK I know, I know......you are all wondering- when is your newest son coming home? Hmmmm......well that is a great question! For matters of privacy there are some and maybe a lot of things that I don't want to share with everyone.

BUT, what I can tell you is that there is paperwork to be finished. Then there is the ICPC to complete. An ICPC is the Interstate compact agreement- this is a paperwork process that has to happen when you adopt a child from a different state. The state where they live now has to agree that your paperwork and clearances are in order. Then the state where you live- where the child is moving to has to agree with that too. Sounds silly, but it is protection so that there is not tr*fficking of children. We did this with Joanna as well. It can take anywhere from 1 week-3weeks, but usually around 1 1/2-2 weeks for MOST people.

This is a different kind of adoption for us because it is private. So it is just a matter of dealing with lawyers. So we wait for the paperwork to get started....and will have to make a judgement call about when we fly to meet him....and of course waiting for ICPC to be completed before we can come back.

So that is pretty vague, but we know that there is always waiting in the adoption process, and it makes the meeting that much sweeter. This is what I wrote on my facebook earlier today....and it sums up everything.....

Waiting and praying for our addition to our family. Knowing he is GREAT AND WONDERFUL hands right now. Praying desperately for healing for those hands and for him. God knows!

Joanna has some BIG NEWS TO SHARE!!!!!!!!

2012-01-14T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! As usual I am a cute model. My daddy went out and bought this Monday night to surprise my mommy because we received news about............................

Awww.......look isn't this cute? Oh sorry excuse my ADD....I get it from my mommy you know........

Look grandma and grandpa came on Tuesday and look at what mommy did for their arrival.

She even gave them lots of treats.....

Oh and here they come- grandma and grandpa.....

And here we are waiting very impatiently for them to come- wait what does that sign say?

Oh...........HERE IS THE BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting a new brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is of course cute.....and a month older than me!

Here is grandma and grandpa putting together the new changing table (he he he- mommy was still using the cardboard boxes to change me on since my old changing table broke in the move here).....

Sooooo here we are putting a new one together. Well at least I get to use the new one :)

Of course I will have to share it, but I don't mind.

And did I mention my family is a bit- different?

Yeah, here is proof!

So here is the new changing table......hmmmm...mommy didn't take pictures of his new crib- will be coming in future posts I am sure!

And here is my new BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't he cute?

Well, I mean for a boy anyway.

Don't let the sleeping cuteness fool you- I am planning on some good fun with him. I mean really we will promise to behave ourselves.....as much as any 2 almost 2 year olds can behave :)

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE are soooo EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to meet him and bring him home!!!!! I mean his cheeks are almost as cute as mine :).

So a few things about my new brother........HE IS A MIRACLE in sooo many ways!!! As with any adoption there is GREAT PAIN in his story. Please pray continually as we are for all those involved. The pain is really deep and overwhelming according to what my mommy says. We are praying God's continued HEALING because we know HE is the ONLY ONE WHO HEALS our wounds!

He has a whole list of things that are a part of his history and medical records......he has HIV, he was born here in the States, he was exposed to alcohol and drugs in utero, he has possible mild Cebral Palsey, and possible severe autism. And well to be honest that is only a tiny bit of the list.

BUT- OUR GOD IS GREATER! WE know our brother may never talk, he is already crawling, and now cries, and boy does he have a great giggle!!!!! You see my mommy and daddy tell us that EVERYONE is PRECIOUS and EVERY LIFE IS AMAZING NO MATTER WHAT!!!! And so although a lot of people may be questioning our sanity right now.....we know GOD ordained his life and this adoption. That out of our darkest times God STILL REIGNS!

It is more than a song we sing in church more than something we say in passing- IT IS REAL! And our brother and each and every one of us in our family are miracles and we can't wait to see how GOD WORKS in our lives and brings our brother to us even in these really hard circumstances.

PRAISE GOD for the GREAT THINGS HE IS DOING! Please continue praying!!!!!!

Our Real Life

2012-01-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

You know I read a post recently that made me really stop and think. It was about people who say a lot- Oh I could never do what you are doing. I am NOT IN ANY WAY PICKING ON THEM, but it did come to my attention that sometimes people think they have to "be like me" or that a mother of many "must be perfect". STOP RIGHT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you see the above mess?

Here....let me give you a closer look....feel sick yet?

Ummmm.......folks this is what happens when you do not clean the van out for let's say.....over 10 months!!!

Does this look like perfection to you? HA!!!!!

EWWWWW........I don't even want to know what is lurking under the seats. GOOD thing we own a wet/dry vac that was able to clean up this monster! I think my real point is this.

I am inadequate....
I am NOT PERFECT!
I yell sometimes.......
I don't give my children slack sometimes......
I don't always cook healthy foods......
I sometimes wig out...........
I am not the world's best teacher..............
I say rude things...........
I get on my husband's case sometimes..........
Sometimes I get down right UGLY!

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like you I AM FORGIVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In fact I ask for forgiveness regularly from my children. I do not say that lightly- I take it seriously!
I expect my children to make mistakes..........and sometimes I have to take a few breaths and remember I am imperfect TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to assure any of you out there reading this blog- this is not just about a messy, disgustingly gross van. This is about our general life. I do not want others to think I am perfect. I have grown in my parenting skills with each added child. I have learned ways to cope with having noise all the time. I have learned skills to organize the home. I read books of others with large families. I talk to other large families and read blogs of other large families.

Do you see the THEME HERE? I am a learner!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe God has called us to this wonderful life of giving children a home. I believe with my whole heart that God has grown me in ways I could have never dreamed without the trials I have faced with RADish, ADHD, learning disabilities, rages, losing a child in referral, and having a child in heaven. I believe that the 3 years it took for 3 of our children to be permanently a part of our family made me stretch in ways unimaginable. I believe that everything we have faced has been COMFORTED by the Father's Almighty Hands. I believe that HE HIMSELF was with us in each and every storm.

Are there times I want to crawl into my closet in a fetal position and never come out? YES!
Are there times when I say- God seriously isn't this enough? YES!
Am I striving to be more in tune with God and less in tune with my selfish ways? YES!
And then I see THIS!!!! And I remember that anything I "go through".....is NOTHING compared to getting to spend my time and efforts for the ones I LOVE SOOOOOO DEARLY!

Maybe if we were more real with ourselves we would see that it isn't about a perfect home, but a home where God reigns and resides. Not a perfect home, not a spotless home where all the laundry is done and your children do well on all their lessons for the day. Not a home where the windows are washed weekly along with mopping each floor, but a home where prayers are whispered frequently.

A place where you know you children see that YOU NEED JESUS! Maybe they would see that God is truly your Savior. That it isn't just a Sunday thing.

That it is a lifelong journey...not a perfect journey, but one filled with potholes and big gaping crevices that are only filled with worship and praise for the ONE WHO SAVES US ALL!

Please Please don't think I am perfect, only forgiven and working on it.

****Please continue praying for my special unspoken prayer request. I pray I can share at least part of it soon, but until then........THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you like Joanna's hair do....he he he....She wouldn't sit still for the hair do or the pics- he he he ......gotta love her!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Adoption Day Andrew James Wright (from the 6th)

2012-01-11T13:50:00.001-05:00

So- YEP!!! A lot of you guessed it!

I chopped my hair! And I feel sooo much lighter! I usually grow out my hair, chop it, and send it to Locks of Love.

They give children who because of cancer treatments etc. have lost their hair......new hair! Being a cancer survivor myself I LOVE THIS!!! Although I never lost my hair, but I had plenty of friends who did. Having cancer is hard enough as it is without having to lose something that makes everything feel awkward.

What is this??? YEP, an electrical plant- Tampa Electric Company O? no idea what the O is for?

Anywho...the reason for the visit? The manatees come in when the water gets too cold because of the output of warm water.

HAPPY 9th ADOPTION DAY ANDREW JAMES WRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our cheeky boy!

Who LOVES Star Wars (so he got a Star Wars book),

legos- Star Wars of course,

And a watch that was a lego watch - policeman of course- his dream when he gets older.

Peppermint ice cream cake!!! A recipe from the Duggars first book, with a twist. He wanted peppermint ice cream so we took peppermint ice cream bars- in a layer, cool whip, and another layer of peppermint ice cream bars, more cool whip- and bits of Andes mints and ground up candy canes with of course chocolate topping too! NO calories here :) he he he......ummm....yeah.......

To our young man that we love! You are headstrong like someone I know he he he... me. You are a leader, and someone who is going to make a great police officer if that is where God leads you. You are wonderful at playing with your younger siblings and caring for them. I know you will be a great father! You love reading and legos and oh my how we find legos everywhere, but I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU ANDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that 9 years ago on January 6th we testified in court that we wanted to be your forever family!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!

Andrew was especially excited because we had guests over for his big day!!! We had a couple of my friends boys over for the day so mommy and daddy could move. Thank God they only moved down the road!!!! Because we love them :)

And the camp that Jason and I worked at- the directors have retired a while ago, and moved to Florida!! So they came to visit us!!!!

We loved having company!

Jason and I with Emma!!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is a former camper!!!!! And we share a special bond because she was adopted! LOVE IT!!!!

Our girls wanted in the pictures too :)

Jason, Dave, Sharon, and I!!!!! Love the memories that camp brings up for Jason and I. Even though we are no longer Christian Camp directors, it is a part of our hearts!!!!!! The place we met!!!! GOD has some crazy great stories from camp and how HE works in people's hearts there!!!!!

Love you Dave and Sharon!!! You mean a lot to us!!! Mentors, supporters, and wonderful life lived to serve others!

So along with a great visit on the 6th, we got to meet up with a bloggy friend Kathleen Wright at Universal on Thursday....and bad bloggy form....I forgot the camera. Sorry, I know how could that happen??? But it was a fun day out!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and besides getting busy preparing for Jason's parents to arrive, last night....and my parents this weekend. And my aunt and uncle are coming south too........there has been a lot going on!!!!

*****I have a very special unspoken prayer request that I would like you all to pray about. Just know it involves healing of hurts that are huge and I know our God heals!!! THANKS!!!!

New Year's, Surprises, and fun

2012-01-06T13:31:00.001-05:00

OK so on New Year's Eve I went out on my own and did something I haven't done in a couple of years! OK so take a guess what was it???? Leave your guess in the comments section!!!!

Oh and who can tell me what this is??? He he he.....again leave it in the comment section!!!

For New Year's Eve we went to hang out at my cousin's home! :)

And we played a lot of Twister (a new game we got).

We also got to look at cute faces all night :)

He he he.....you would think she has been shopping with a baby before or something? :)

Caught you! What are you doing??

Joshua found these crazy glasses and they just made me giggle!!!!

Makenna what are you doing? Silly cousins!!

Heidi on a mission :)

Having some New Year's Eve treats!

OK for all my crafty friends- is this not the cutest? I am NOT crafty, but I LOVE this idea!!!

OK watch out the adults are playing Twister now......ok this isn't so bad....

Ok a little challenge is good for you right?

Ummm.....Dawn if you take this picture you are in TROUBLE! (mom always told me that was my middle name) he he he he......couldn't help it.......it's ok we are family right? he he he he he.....Heidi and Jason - LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I had no idea Jason could be a pretzel? CRAZY!

Ummm.....Heidi- there is something in your hair???? EEEKKKKKK

Awww.......my best friend and cousin- Heidi- LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for the answers to the above questions and pictures from today- which is Andrew's Adoption Day :)

Christmas Day fun with the Wright family

2012-01-03T15:06:00.003-05:00

Wow- mommy looks like a ghost :0 he he he.....ok here is our Christmas Day (all the pictures that were not about Elizabeth's Birthday which is also Christmas too).

The kids all wanted a PJ Day- so PJ day it was!

Daddy looking at some silly pictures on the computer.

Joanna is telling him what pictures she likes.....

Some wii was played and battle lines were drawn :)

Abigail helped daddy do all the peeling- potatoes and carrots.

Joanna had some time out. Yes, as hard as it is to believe our little angel can get into trouble too :( but she is still sooooo stinkin' cute!!!!!

Awwww.........MELT MY HEART!!!!!

Table set up for the birthday of OUR KING! Complete with Christmas Crackers- they are tubes that you pull apart and they pop, have a trinket in them, a paper crown, and a joke :) Found ours at Home Goods, but you can sometimes find them other places too, but you have to look. It is an English tradition :)

Look at all those cute kids!!! Merry Christmas!!!! Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!!

The Birthday girl- cheese!

Ummm....mommy is it supposed to fit like this?

Hello, my name is Joshua, and I am serious about my food :).

Abigail.....awwwww------- tooo cute!

Hello, my name is Sarah and I am full of cheeeeeessssseeeee!

Awww....Matthew it's ok (no idea what is going on?)

Andrew- gettin' some home made gravy :) YUMMY!

Hello, my name is Mr. Cute!

Joanna - what are you doing? This Blog is rated G!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh dear....so the truth is out ......sometimes our Joanna likes to pull down her pants, sometimes she sticks her hands in her diaper, sometimes she takes her diaper off. Good thing she is soooo CUTE :)

Christmas Eve....yep a bit behind!

2012-01-02T16:31:00.001-05:00

So for Christmas Eve we went to see GG!!!! She looks pretty good doesn't she?

It was such a joy to see all the grandchildren and great grandchildren that live here gathered around. I mean look at her face below- is that HAPPY or what????

The cousins of course need no encouragement to have fun ;)

Running around the home. Yep- no problems they are too cute and all the people there fawn over them.

Having some conversations.......

Now they are up to something!!!! Yep- GUILTY!!!

Awww.....so much love in this family! We look forward to times to be together.

Gathering around.

Sharing...

Looking at the phone of course....

He he he.....my cousin talking to this lady here- she is always wanting "contraband" he he he- cigarettes or alcohol :) oh dear. We are sooo the wrong people to ask sweetie.

Let's sing Carols!!!!

Lots of fun singing and everyone gathered round to hear it.

Jason went around with Sarah and Elizabeth talking to each of the residents asking them if they had anyone to come visit. Sadly there were those who didn't. Breaks my heart. Glad our girls and hubby were able to give some Christmas cheer and hugs! (while is corralled the other kiddos he he he)

SQUEEZE!

MORE SQUEEZES!

Awww... Jessa is sooo cute and gets lots of extra love!!!! :)

And then we came home to do a Bethlehem meal. Where you do a similar meal to what they would have had in that time period. Fresh veggies and fruits, fish, etc. ALL a shared meal. Washed hands with pitchers of water and bowl, sat on the floor and ate by candlelight.

Here we are enjoying it all! The kids thought it was GREAT! Yes those are towels on the girls heads- as was the custom. Jonathan showing off....as usual.

We had a BLESSED time! And I promise to update more soon!!!! Tried to post yesterday, but Blogger was having issues uploading my pics :( boooo. Soon I will catch up....he he he.....

NO news on the adoption front! Have put our names in for at least 7 cases.....and been turned down.....so we keep waiting........it is soo hard, but we know our babe will come.

Happy 6th Birthday Elizabeth Anne Wright!!! (from Christmas Day)

2011-12-29T16:14:00.001-05:00

How did this happen??? The little girl that was brought to our door at midnight....the night before our camp's big open house.......at 5 1/2 months is ALREADY 6?

If you have not met Elizabeth......you are missing out! She is sooo full of life! She will run up to you and give you a hug!!! :)

She has a voice that is beautiful!!!! And she LOVES to sing!

OK daddy.....why are you playing with Elizabeth's doll?? :)

Elizabeth- there is no one like you! You are an amazing gift from God!

Happy Birthday to our little nut!

Oh dear....what are you doing??

Does it look like she is up to something? or is it me?

As you can clearly see.....Elizabeth was made for our family!!! A little crazy, a little nutty, but very full of love!!!!

Some would say.....oh poor baby she has to have her birthday on Christmas. As you can tell - she wasn't worried!!! She loves it! You always get great food and plenty of it! You can have a pj day and you never have school on your birthday! She loves it!!! :)

Happy 8th Adoption Day Matthew!!!

2011-12-28T10:22:00.002-05:00

(Sorry for being a Blog Slacker.....will try to catch up again...he he he)
Happy 8th Adoption Day Matthew!!!!!! ***His Adoption Day Anniversary is on December 22nd.

To our amazing little man! He is just sooo cute I love to squeeze him :)

When we brought him home from the hospital- he was less than 6 lbs. and a preemie.....we actually stuffed him in a stocking for a picture.

Hmmm..........what is this??? This is called Jason messing with Matthew's head! he he he he :) ****Remember the night before we were up late again baking for the fundraiser!!!!!!!

Happy Adoption Day!!!! To our Captain America!!!!

The smile in this picture says it all! Matthew you are sooo sweet with a hint of crazy humor and we wouldn't have it any other way. From the moment we first held you - you had our hearts and we are sooo very thankful that God decided to Bless our family with YOU!!!!!!! LOVE YOU MATTHEW!!!!!!!!!!

Meet The Need Christmas Party

2011-12-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

OK for you crafters out there......this is a cute idea!!

Here are the kiddos starting their white elephant gift exchange.....

Playing outside- it was gorgeous Sunday afternoon

Put them up Bat Girl this is Darth Vador!

Employees and their families hanging out.....

Waiting for the all crazy gifts to be opened.

Awww....Joanna actually going up to someone- (Jason's boss' wife) this is rare for her. Awww.....

She seriously really took to her. It was so sweet to see.

Kids wanted to know what the boring adults were doing.

Tanya explaining "white elephant" gift exchange rules for those who haven't done it.

Ok everybody's got it and now we start.

Joanna needed to see her face in the picture on the camera :) CHEESE!

Joanna offering her careful help in opening the present.

Showing off the gifts.

Oohhhhh what cheesy gifts...

an office gift set.....- this gift was stolen...

there was fun and laughter....

And Jason's boss opened up his present- what is this....not an American flag.....

Oh Jim that just looks lovely on you. Our kiddos had to help him put it on, awww there you go that looks great on you!

Oh and one cheezey wallet from the 80's is sooo nice!! Great present for her boys.

Soooo...it's been a bit quiet......quiet because we are looking over different situations, praying, putting up quick profiles (but Tracie has our real one done now). Making contacts, praying some more.....staying up until 3am making goodies for our bake sale- fundraiser. Thinking this will be worth every ounce of sweat for our sweet child out there somewhere.

Please continue to pray with us!!!! It is sooo hard putting your heart out there several times and each time wondering is this the one God? And then being told no, or ignored all together, or ........still waiting.........

I know a lot of you know what I am talking about. Appreciate your prayers as we journey to our next child!

We are helping start an adoption ministry!!!!

2011-12-13T19:19:00.002-05:00

Ok first of course there has to be a few pictures right? So this is the same day we put up the tree we did some sidewalk chalk. You don't do sidewalk chalk when you put up your tree??? he he he....advantages to living down south!!! :) No pretty snow, but it is shorts weather and we are still running our AC at times when it gets too humid.

Just want to point out the manger scene in the picture above..... :)

So Matthew is giving me the "tour" of what is whose etc.

Today- we had a meeting. And my friend Melissa was supposed to be there....because well she has been in contact with the church about how can we start and adoption/foster ministry. But, unfortunately her little sweet baby got sick :( BOO!!!! So she couldn't be there, but my hubby surprised me by being able to get off work early (and work from home afterwards) to be there instead!

And our missions coordinator said- sounds GREAT!!!! I think it helps that he was a foster parent for many years himself!!!!! :) You don't think that was an accident do you? Nope- me either! That my friends is the hand of God MOVING!!!! AMEN!

*The above drawing is my hubby's :)

So we went into the meeting. Let's just say- since I heard about this meeting I have been PRAYING!!!! And our household has been under some pretty severe spiritual warfare recently. Let's not forget what we are dealing with. An enemy who hates to see children in loving homes that teach them about Christ!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA - well I am not afraid of the enemy. I have seen him before and what he does AND MY GOD IS BIGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!! And insert sticking out of tongue and blowing here!!!!!

**yes the above is spelled wrong, but I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES LORD, REIGN IN ME!!!!!

So we have clearance and are ready for take off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He gave us the huge green light!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!! So as this unfolds you can be sure I will blog about it. I want to take you along. Who knows maybe God will be asking you to do the same some day? :) I pray so!

This is soooo very very very exciting to us! We have prayed about starting an adoption ministry. We approached our last church- and got a less than enthusiastic response. BUT THIS TIME - we are marching forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can not wait to see what God does!!!!!!!!

So Melissa and I have some praying to do- will you surround us with your prayers? Thank you- always know I can count on you!!!!!!!

**Don't forget if you want to donate here is all the info on the many ways :)
1) Buy some food from our Christmas/New Year's Baking Fundraiser (for local people) email us or donate through paypal and let us know in the comments what you want OR.....
2) Buy a What is Good Tshirt from our side bar- donate and then tell what color/size you want OR,
3) Buy something from Olive Tree Promise- they have Superman was adopted Tshirts, monogrammed baby items, music, necklaces, art, and lots more!!!!!! OR.......
4) Buy something from Scentsy- there are many great smelling things to buy for yourself or as gifts!!! This is a gift to me from Kasey Ellis who wants to help me raise funds for our next special child- THANKS KASEY ELLIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR
5) Simply Donate or PRAY!!! Pray for protection of our child. Pray that they may be in great hands until we are able to meet them. Pray that they will know they are loved. Pray that we will be led by the Holy Spirit to know.......when the next Wright(s) come along!

CHRIST IS IN CHRISTMAS!!!!

2011-12-11T18:30:00.001-05:00

So this is something that God has laid on my heart lately. And while you are reading something you might as well have some cute pics of Joanna right?

By the way she loves this toy! :)

Good thing daddy was there to give her cuddles. No idea why she was upset....

But daddy as always scooped her up and let her know he loved her.

And - All is well with the world again!!! YEAH!!! Great short story right?

There is a lot of talk about let's put Christ back in Christmas? And I AGREE......and yet I feel like we think a LOT MORE OF OURSELVES by making this comment than we should. I know the sentiment behind it. People are saying- Let's greet each other with Merry Christmas- AMEN!!! Let's DO!!!

People are saying......we need to remember WHY we celebrate CHRISTMAS- AMEN again- Let's do this in any way we can!!!!!!!! BUT.........

I think we give ourselves too much credit. CHRIST ALWAYS HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE - CHRISTMAS!!!!! It can't be anything else....

You can't TRULY have Christmas without Christ!!!! It isn't possible- it is the celebration of HIS BIRTH! We celebrate because it is a big deal. Christmas is when God sent the SON he loved sooo very much TO US!!!! That is God's GIFT to us! He scooped us up and said .....yes I know you are crying. You are hurt. The world is messed up, and this won't make sense to you right now, but I am sending you MY ONE AND ONLY SON!!!!!!

Just to prove HOW MUCH POWER I HAVE he will be born to 2 commonly poor people his Earthly mom will be a young teen. His dad a carpenter. OK to make this work I will hook them both up to an angel messenger because otherwise- well yea- this plan is a wee bit hard to swallow!

And then......JESUS IS BORN!!!!! That is CHRISTMAS my friends- there is NOTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!! There just ISN'T! HE IS, HE WAS, AND HE IS TO COME AGAIN......that is the finishing story which we celebrate at Easter!!!

We humans mess it up (he he he....all the time that is) - you know the story. We say well this is the time of year I feel guilty so I give a few toys to those that may not have any. Or how about we serve a day at the soup kitchen. THESE ARE GREAT THINGS- KEEP DOING THEM. BUT my point is this is NOT CHRISTMAS EITHER! They are a few results of what we do in response of Christmas.

So we let our christmas - yes that's right folks I did it on purpose- christmas without a capital C.....why? Because that is what most of us do- crowded malls, overflowing presents under the tree, santa, spending so much money we are in debt the rest of the year or we skip tithing that month because after all this is really important, or spending so much time going to christmas parties we forget to spend time with our own family. I point fingers at me too! A real Christmas is WHO we are. Because of the HOPE, FAITH, and JOY God brought to us through JESUS! It is what WE DO EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!

Not because we deserve it. WE DON'T! But God does it for us anyway. He came so we could see how to live our lives. He came so that we could HAVE CHRISTMAS ALL THE TIME! Every day.....not presents, elves, and the silly movies.

It is the kind thing we did for our sick neighbor- in MAY,
it is the child we support through an organization so they can have food and basic health needs- all year long, it is the time we take to teach Sunday School- all year long,
it is the kindness in our hearts as we Gladly wait in line at the grocery store and the rude person in front of us is caught up in the moment and snaps at you- today,
it is the forgiveness in your heart for the child who just couldn't help themselves for the millionth time......daily.

My friends we can't put Christ back into Christmas because HE NEVER LEFT! HE IS HERE for YOU ALL THE TIME 24/7/365!!!!! He is the baby in the wooden manger who came to grow up in perfection and DIED FOR YOU ON THE TREE! So you could be HIS FOLLOWER!

HE WAS, HE IS, AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!!!! Don't MISS OUT!!!!! Invite HIM into your lives today!

Dear God,
I am so sorry for when I let red and green bows, presents, crowded stores and sales, things I think I can't live without, the shiny lights, or a man wearing read and white take any place in YOUR DAY! I am sorry that year round I tend to go with the flow and NOT SEEK YOU! I pray you will come into my life and take over all that I do. I give my entire household to YOU and YOU ONLY! Thank you for dying on the cross and forgiving my sins. Please ENTER into all parts of my life and help me listen to you. In YOUR HOLY NAME we pray- AMEN!

***A recommendation of a movie if you have Netflix - it is on the instant play...if not it is available to buy as well. Christmas with a capital "C"...pretty much where I got my thoughts from :)

Fundraising.....fun (ny)

2011-12-09T12:50:00.001-05:00

So- Ready, Set.......

GO!!!! Our big baking sale has begun!!!! And with lots of ingredients on our counters, and ovens on, and lots of hard work. I started baking at 8am......with a short afternoon break......kept going......with lots of time to pray for many of my friends, family, and bloggy friends.....

We finally finished at 1:30am :)

And with only 2 tragedies........NO CHOCOLATE WAS HARMED IN THIS EVENT. Don't worry we didn't waste this precious cookie- it was eaten by us! We just couldn't put it in our pretty packages!

Jason made these labels- he loves doing things like this.

LOVE the way they turned out!

We did Chocolate Crinkles.....

This is all the stuff lined up....well most anyway there was some on the table too :)

Christmas cookies.....

Peanut Butter Blossoms (what my mom called them).....

There were funfetti cupcakes as well as chocolate mint- don't these look GREAT!!!

rice crispie bars- that is a stack of bars!

peanut butter brownies with chocolate frosting of course! We didn't have any bread orders or pie orders, but never fear we have some coming up!!! :)

And this......well this is the aftermath!!!!!

Yeah- go ahead be jealous!!! :) I know you are!!!!!!!! Well....it has now been cleaned, cleared, and put away....until next week when we do it all over!!! YEAH for the gifts to bake so we can bring our next child home!!!! TOTALLY WORTH IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

You know a lot of people say things about adoption- like why should I support your adoption. If you don't have enough money you can't afford more children. That is a little crazy to say. Because how many of you have $5,000-25,000 hanging around? So most families have to do fundraisers.

That doesn't mean we haven't raised funds on our own!!! Because believe me we have! That doesn't mean we don't trust God to bring us what we need when we need it. WE DO! We have saved, cut out more extras. We have put in some time on extra projects so we can earn extra income.

We know and appreciate all that others have given to us so we could have money to do this. Our arms are already aching to hold our next child! We can't WAIT (and I am totally serious- remember how bad I am at waiting?)!!!!!!! We know we will have to keep plugging away at our fundraisers, to trust God for what we need.

I am NOT one that says - yeah....I get to ask for money. BUT God has also taught me that reliance on myself is really not a good thing. That we need to rely on HIM and OTHERS! I am thankful for that.

SO that being said if you need some great ideas for Christmas gifts.......

1) Buy some food from our Christmas/New Year's Baking Fundraiser (for local people) email us or donate through paypal and let us know in the comments what you want OR.....
2) Buy a What is Good Tshirt from our side bar- donate and then tell what color/size you want OR,
3) Buy something from Olive Tree Promise- they have Superman was adopted Tshirts, monogrammed baby items, music, necklaces, art, and lots more!!!!!! OR.......
4) Buy something from Scentsy- there are many great smelling things to buy for yourself or as gifts!!! This is a gift to me from Kasey Ellis who wants to help me raise funds for our next special child- THANKS KASEY ELLIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR
5) Simply Donate or PRAY!!! Pray for protection of our child. Pray that they may be in great hands until we are able to meet them. Pray that they will know they are loved. Pray that we will be led by the Holy Spirit to know.......when the next Wright(s) come along!

Thank you all sooo much for putting up with me :) I value you all and the support you have given our family over the years....whether it is a comment, or an email, or facebook. I love that the Body of Christ is online and ready to Bless each other! THANK YOU!

Happy 10th Birthday (yesterday) to Andrew James Wright!

2011-12-06T13:53:00.001-05:00

Here's his present! The only thing he plays with now!!!! My lego boy :)

Opening cards...

He he he....that expression is priceless! He has many different "Andrew Faces" :)

Oh and a Star Wars chapter book! Because the other thing he loves is READING!!!!!!!!

My crazy birthday sings ;)

He wanted a yellow cinnamon cake- and we put cinnamon roll frosting on it!

IT WAS YUMMY!!!! Great choice Andrew!

My baby.......who had colic and was totally cheeky is now 10!!!!!!! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN!!!!

You know every year we go through this "thing" with me and the kids. I tell them they are not allowed to grow and they say, but mommy your mom let you grow up. And well....what do you say to that? But I say it anyway because I really want them to grow up I LOVE IT, but I also miss all the little things they used to do. You know. It is sooo hard. We have a book called Let Me Hold You Longer- makes my cry, but oh so good!!! AND TRUE!!!!

I know I know- you are thinking - Dawn don't stress you have many other littles. This I know. And I love them all in the different stages. And well......hello my name is Dawn and I am addicted to my children!!!! It's a great problem to have!!!! ***Note I am say this after a crazy day with rages and ADD craziness! I just can't help it.

I mean how could I not just blow up with LOVE from this crazy face? Andrew you are a compassionate and sensitive leader! You love reading, legos, and helping your younger siblings. You have mood swings like no other (well except me), and you act just like some one I know....hmmmm.....stubborn and yet just so cute! When people ask - genetics vs. learned behaviors- look no further! This child is proof- learned behavior is HUGE!!! :) he he he he he he LOVE YOU ANDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And here is my handsome man who loves our babes as much as I do!!!!! Couldn't do it without you babe!!!!!

How we decorate and my newest nesting project

2011-12-04T18:11:00.001-05:00

This is our tree........ LOVE the HUGE ornament in the middle :)

No fireplace this year, but bookcases will do the same thing.....

Of course we have 2 of them......guess we'll have to make room for more....for next year!!!!!

lighting it up....

You LIGHT UP MY LIFE BABY!!!

Oh no- they are kissing again :)

Awww....LOVE....

Some more love going on here....

Yes, this girl was born knowing how to pose so cute!!!!

WOW- a bit up close and personal with that camera Matthew. Oh dear now everyone will definitely see that I don't wear make up. Sorry folks!

Play time.....

Dance time....

hey, we love to dance!

Oh dear look at this child. He may seem a bit to himself, but look at how he plays with his little sibs!

He is a GREAT big brother always wanting to play!!! He says he wants LOTS of children when he gets older- he will make a great daddy!

Our manger scene to play with.

And some silly kiddos in santa hats....

Jonathan fake sleeping ;)

sqeeze!

Rock out!

Joanna dancing with her tree limb

Andrew telling everyone what branch "color" is next. Hmmm.......the leader and soo much like someone I know???

Oh Jonathan.....is he cute or what??? Just thinking that in a couple of days - 3 years ago we passed court!!! And the day after Christmas we flew over to get our baby boy (who was 18 mo old at the time). So thankful for our late Christmas present!!!! (***this was before they required 2 trips)

Cheese- do you think she has her picture taken often???

OK for my latest nesting project. I cleaned out the garage! Why? Because eventually I want to completely redo this garage into a huge open play area!!! :) So why not start at least using it for a fun indoor area the kids can run around in to wear off some energy!!!!

I can see it now. Our 2 sets of stackable washer/dryer sets (I can dream right?), cupboards along that wall with tools along the top and toys down where they kids can reach, tiling, possibly getting rid of the garage door and putting in a wall with a bay window? outdoor/indoor toys to play with especially for those rainy days when you can't go outside! :)

Oh and here is our professional peeler!!!

OH YEAH!!! WE LOVE TURKEY so why would we only want it on Thanksgiving? I bought 4!! Hey it was cheap and WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Join me in prayer for a little boy who has a family, but needs a foster family while his family gets the clearances back!!! THANKS &.......

Still thinking and praying for this little guy!!!!! Please join me in prayer and petition for him to find his family!!!!!!! :)

Sewmehon

Male, DOB: April 16, 2008

Also known as Simon, Sewmehon is estimated to be three years old. He has been reported to be a smiley little boy with a sweet personality and was admitted into the orphanage in October 2009. His birth mother has disappeared and his birth father is unknown.

Given the complexity of this little boy’s medical and developmental considerations, he has spent most of his time lying in his crib. He interacts with people and other children living in the orphanage although his movement is extremely limited. He is able to utter sounds and cries but is not able to say meaningful words.

Sewmehon is reported to have global developmental delays, spastic cerebral palsy, and possible encephalomalacia. A CT scan of Sewmehon’s brain revealed a large porencephatic cyst on the left side of his brain from possible encephalomalacia. The doctor has reported that these health issues have most likely been present since Sewmehon’s early infancy and that he would greatly benefit from an evaluation by a neurosurgeon.

Even with his needs our staff have shared that Sewmehon has so much joy in his soul and his eyes. It is believed by the doctor that Sewmehon has potential for improvement given adequate medical care and stimulation. We believe a special family out there is able to meet these needs and help Sewmehon to thrive and have life to the fullest.

***If you feel this is your son or just want to learn more PLEASE contact egranath@allgodschlidren.org or go directly to allgodschildren.org and fill out a free pre application! PLEASE SPREAD the word and help find his family. He needs them!!

Our Daily Bread

2011-12-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

Yummy! I LOVE HOME MADE BREADS and DESSERTS!!!!

As in I could totally eat them all day long!!!! But these past couple of weeks I have been thinking about daily bread in the Lord's Prayer. Give us this day our daily bread. When you think about it in the terms of people used to make bread daily you think about how this refers to those days. You know before preservatives and store bought bread :) (hey, don't think we don't buy bread I am NOT that talented to make bread every day, but I try).

But then it hit me that really we are asking God for our needs FOR THAT DAY! Not for the whole year, not for the whole week, not even for today and tomorrow. Then remembering the Isrealites wandering around in the desert. How God said don't take more than you NEED for today or it will spoil. And I am sure there were people who tried it! Just being honest- I WOULD! But it spoiled. UNLESS it was for the Sabbath- then it wouldn't spoil!!

So where I am going with this is that sometimes it is hard to see what tomorrow is going to bring. It is hard to know about what our needs will look like tomorrow. For us doing adoptions right now- we WANT TO KNOW NOW LORD who our child/ren is, what do they look like, what will they grow up to be. Some of us with RADish children ask ourselves daily- Lord will they every choose to love me back? Will they ever __________? OR if you have other special needs in your child- Will they ever grow up to ________?

I think this is completely natural. God made us to think and dream! AMEN! But we have to know that FOR TODAY HE GIVES US STRENGTH! FOR TODAY HE will help us get through. FOR THIS MOMENT that your child is raging- HE will give you grace to handle it. FOR THIS SECOND when you feel rejected for the millionth time- HE gives you peace. FOR THIS HOUR HE gives you peace to wait for the next step in the adoption process. FOR THIS MORNING HE will allow you to find joy in the small things when it seems your life is soo upside down.

For today we have enough to eat, and some to spare. For this time we have plans and hopes for our children's futures. For now we can choose to be happy about where God has us......and TRUST HIM for the DAILY BREAD for tomorrow- Tomorrow. Trust HIM for that strength when we need it. Trust HIM for the money for the mounting things that need to be fixed or for our next adoption- when we need it.

I pray all of you can find that DAILY BREAD when you need it. I am learning and I have such a looonnggg way to go that I have to rely on HIM - EACH DAY, each hour, each minute, and each second..........

OK something amazing happened- I did a craft with the kids. SHOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously- I don't do crafts!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know why....ummm...I just can't, won't, don't- whatever.

But the kids love it! And well- that smile is worth more than any amount of mess!!!!

Matthew- even when thinking of "snow" pictures he still made an Iron Man :)

This is a White out!

And this is Jonathan and I's snowman :) he he he- yeah!

***Don't forget- if you are local here are some GREAT FOOD GIFTS- pies, cookies, fudge, bars, etc.
****If you aren't local- don't forget to go shopping HERE!!!!! Portions go to our adoption!!! YEAH!!!
******Or buy a What is Good Shirt from our sidebar- just put the size and color in the comment section on paypal or email/facebook us and send a check!
********And don't forget the SCENTSY!!!!!! Talk about some yummy smells!!!! :)

THANK YOU for all of your support and prayers for our next child/ren!!!! WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Thanksgiving with family.

2011-11-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

Here is my handsome hubby with our little babe and her cousin- Jessa who is 6 months younger than Joanna.

So the Geer family has a tradition of painting faces for Thanksgiving and our kids loved joining in!

Awww......they are cute!

Especially those smiles

Look at that looonnnnnggg table! Glad my cousin has redone her home recently and made it all open- AWESOME!!!!

Joanna having a conversation with daddy :)

cheese!

Cute decorations from my cousin's wife- Caroline and Grammy (my aunt Jane).

YEAH!!!! Uncle Jackson is here!!!! Greeted like a celebrity- which HE IS- he was recently on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!!!!! Of course he is bound not to say a WORD about how he did or how much he won, until it has aired. Just got word it will be December 9th 7:30 Eastern time :) YEAH!!!!!

Joanna got some pretty stripes too!

All the cousins outside playing!!!!!

Look at this- soo CUTE!!! With a cupcake inside the ice cream cone!!! ADORABLE!!! I sooo need lessons from Caroline on doing cute things- I am NOT a great crafty homeschooling momma.

Uncle Mark and Jessa!!! She just turned 1 not long ago and we are sooo excited to have this miracle in our family!!!!!

Heidi and Mark endured a few failed adoption attempts before Jessa came into their lives- PRAISE GOD for this gift!!!!!!! That is soooo a proud mommy look!!! And I think Jessa is telling her something. This girl can walk and talk like a pro!

Joanna wanting to know if I want her toy?

Working hard in the kitchen getting everything ready!

Joanna and Ezra looking at the dog- Rose Bud.

Oh never mind- let's run this way....OK says Ezzy....

Yep this table set up for 24 people!!!! Now just so I don't totally confuse you. When I say Aunt Heidi or Caroline- they are actually my cousins, but we decided we liked the idea of sisters instead. So our kids call them aunt and uncle instead!

Joanna let Makenna hold her! YEAH- and other family did too!! That is a big step for her!

Love this picture of Abigail and Daddy together!!!! :)

My cousin Ryan and my aunt Jane!

Ok everyone it's time to eat!

Adults getting sat down too.

You know you have been to theme parks some when your daughter lines up the cousins on the swing and says.....

OK are you ready to have some fun today at Islands of Adventure?

Jessa and Aunty Caroline :)

Caught doing all the dishes- LOVE YOU HEIDI!!!!! THANK YOU ALL SOOO MUCH FOR A FANTASTIC THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE OUR FAMILY!!!

OH and if you have a sweet tooth- you NEED to visit the last post!!! If you are local- feel free to browse for some holiday shopping for food that you DON'T HAVE TO MAKE!!! If not- scroll to the bottom for some other ways to support our adoption!

Pies, Breads, Fudge, Cupcakes, Cookies, Rice Crispie Treats- OH MY!

2011-11-29T17:10:00.001-05:00

WARNING THIS POST WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRY.......

IT MAY CAUSE A DIABETIC SHOCK TO OCCUR......

and....well there is some cuteness mixed in!!!!!!

So what in the world is this all about you ask?

Well- WE ARE DOING A DESSERT FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What better way to bring home our next sweetie/s than to make you some sweeties?

So in this post you will see LOTS of great desserts we have made at the Wright Home like this ice cream cake,

Or this cookie cake......

how about pineapple cake?

Or these yummy chewy nut bars?

Ohh....one of my favorites is meringue- lots of fun shapes to do with these too!

How about some great cupcakes- any color!!!!

Yummy cake (this one is carrot cake)....

OK for all those cute kids who love dirt - this is PERFECT! Dirt Cake!!!!!! YUMMY!!!!

Cutsie cupcakes for pretty princesses??

Awwww....she is a princess.......

No bake cookies, up close of meringues....and my boys helping me make some biscuits too!

Jason rolling out the dough for our apple pies we made for Thanksgiving.

Abigail and Andrew helping make the pretty decorations on top.

Evidently you need sunglasses when helping in the kitchen? :)

OK So what is the deal? We are selling- Apple pie- 10", made with granny smiths, and the crust is made with a shortbread type dough. YUMMY!!! $12

Or try our Coconut Pie- 10", again made with the shortbread type dough and topped with meringue that is delicious! $12

How about Banana Cream Pie- 10", same type shortbread dough - now that is something to eat up in a hurry!!! $12

Cupcakes- sold by the dozen! ANY COLOR FROSTING YOU WANT! If you want other sprinkles or toppings let us know :). Different flavors- chocolate mint, chocolate, funfetti, etc. $8

Sugar cookies- obviously in Christmas shapes assorted 24 cookies!!! YUMMY!!! We can sugar them or frost them whichever you prefer. $6

Fudge- chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate, or caramel- $6 for a 8x8 pan- around a pound. $6

Oopps another apple pie pic to make you drool- oops no pictures of our PECAN PIE- 10" and only $15!!

Banana Bread- a loaf for only $6!

Peanut butter/chocolate kiss cookies- 24 for $6 a great Christmas treat!

Chocolate with peanut butter chips cookies- 24 for only $6

Joanna says take my word for it- the cupcakes are YUMMY!

Fresh Buttermilk Biscuits!!!!! Dozen $5 or with cheese and bacon added $6

You can't tell by this picture, but take my word for it. In the tradition of my mother - these cookies are.... well.....HUGE!!!! Seriously my mom didn't know how to make small cookies!!!! They are called chocolate crinkles and if you haven't had them- they are like brownies that melt in your mouth!!!!! $6 for a dozen.

Another snapshot of some cupcakes- for more ideas.....

And how about rice crispie bars- as you can see these are pretty monstrous!!!!! Dozen for $6 and we can decorate them with some fun Christmas sprinkles as well if you like!!!!

WHEW!!!!! Sound good to you? GREAT!!!!! PUT YOUR ORDER IN TODAY!!!!!!!
Here is how it works- We will be making these wonderful goodies FRESH from our home weekly! Other pictures that caught your eye- email/facebook me and we can work out a great deal for you on any of the above pictures!!!!!!

So on the dates of DECEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (every Friday)- we will be at our home- so you can come pick them up between 6-9 pm (we live in BRANDON, FL)
OR for only $5 we will deliver to you between 6:30-9pm anywhere within Brandon, FL area :)

WE WILL NEED YOUR ORDERS by WEDNESDAY of that week!!!!!! So we can be sure to have all of your goodies ready for you! Or you can get us advanced orders too and just tell us what Friday you want them ready.

You can pay us by giving us a check, cash, or donate with our pay pal button! Send us your order by email, facebook, or when you click the paypal donation button and leave it in the comment section.

THIS IS GREAT FOR Christmas parties, Family Gatherings, Every Day FUN for your office or family, New Year's Parties- OR ANYTIME!!! Of course all the proceeds go to helping us bring our sweet child/ren home- READ MORE HERE!!!! We are planning on bringing home a child/ren between the ages of 0-5 with special needs whether that be emotional or physical or all of the above. We have looked into different special needs such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsey, scoliosis, spina bifida, hydrocephaly, or any other child/ren the Lord calls us to! This is HIS ADOPTION we are simply EXCITED and THRILLED to be on this journey with HIM!!!

SOOOO if you are NOT LOCAL, but want to help us out- Plenty of other ways to help us!!!

PRAYER is NEEDED!!! This is NOT something we are doing on our own strength. This could get really crazy. This may be absolutely NUTS. BUT we are trusting HIM to be in control of our finances, of our home, of our family- especially of our new child/ren!

You can give a donation (by paypal on the left hand side of this page or send a check- email me for our address)! This is a HUGE BLESSING no matter the amount- it is HIS ANYWAY!

You can Buy a What is Good? T-shirt pictured on the left hand side of the blog. Just pay by paypal and write a comment as to what sizes/colors you want. Or email/facebook me your color and size and send me a check- I can get you our address :)

You can Buy Scentsy too!!!! Oh those wonderful smells of Christmas! Give it as a gift or keep some for yourself :) they are wonderful!!!!!

OR You can go to Olive Tree Promise - There are MANY products including Superman was adopted t's in red, pink, and blue, Africa ornaments, monogrammed baby items, music, magazine bead necklaces, artwork, Africa bags, and much more!!!!!

WE THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because we know our Blog readers are a BLESSING!!!!! You have left comments of encouragement, emailed us, facebooked us- and helped us in our times of trial. You have no idea how much of a BLESSING you are!!!!! We appreciate the prayers, your donations so far, you spreading the word. We can't wait to show you the new child/ren God brings to our family- BECAUSE OF YOU!!!!

Happy 9th Birthday Matthew Joseph Wright! & A little boy needs a home!

2011-11-28T17:09:00.001-05:00

To our one and only- Matthew Joseph Wright Happy Happy Birthday Baby!!!!!

He loved his new watch- lego star wars of course :)

And his super hero action figures too! Because you know all boys need super heros!!

And his cards- especially from fun loving grandmas and grandpas.......

OH AND if you haven't been around my blog for a while.....THIS IS THE KICK OFF TO OUR TRIPLETS WEEK!!!! What is triplets week you ask? Well.....there is one week every year between Matthew and Andrew's birthday where all 3 boys are the same age! YEP- our version of triplets. Technically they are all 6months apart. But really very much triplets!!!

Awww......look they are sleeping on the balloons.

Say CHEESE mommy! OK sweetie ;)

Matthew wanted his pic with baby girl :)

Oh and for his cake- Captain America's shield of course!

Notice anything in these pictures that is different????

Happy Birthday sweetie- we love you more than words can say!

To a boy who came into the world 9 years ago (yesterday) tiny- under 6lbs. We met you and instantly LOVED YOU!!! And 2 days later they let us leave the hospital with you......note to self - Abigail came to us at 14 months....Andrew at 8 weeks, but a ity bity newborn felt soo different! It felt like we could break you and we knew then what most parents feel- SCARED OUTSIDE OUR MINDS!

Thank the Lord for His guidance and provision! You have grown into a handsome, comedian, inventor- yes he takes things apart! AND loves to see how things work, and our super hero in the making :) !!!! He was thrilled to help daddy make his cake. Because who doesn't want to be as cool as their dad? And he thanked us over and over for his gifts- why? Not because they were expensive or mind blowing, but because he truly appreciated them. We THANK YOU GOD for bringing Matthew to us!!!

Now....here is some information about a boy who needs a HOME: Please join me in prayer and petition for him to find his family!!!!!!! :)

Sewmehon

Male, DOB: April 16, 2008

Exciting Things are coming........ :)

2011-11-27T11:34:00.001-05:00

Today is our precious son Matthew Joseph Wright's 9th Birthday!!!!!! LOTS OF LOVE!!!! Will be doing a post later about that.........

BUT......because we are already dreaming and planning for our next child/ren to come home we have some really EXCITING THINGS coming.......for local people :) ......think about all those family gatherings in the month of December, think of all those Christmas parties you will be going to or maybe even all the ones you have to do something for - for your kiddos, and all while your own family is begging you for some great sweets too.........

NOW- think how easy it would be to have SOMEONE ELSE make those- pies, cupcakes, cookies, breads, and fudge..........All reasonable priced and ready to either be delivered in the Brandon area or pick up at our place! WAHOO you say? GREAT!!!!! Because in the Wright home there are a few things we take very seriously- GOD, FAMILY, CHURCH, and desserts. :)

LOTS of details to come!!! SOOONNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joanna's Adoption Day!!!!!!

2011-11-23T11:34:00.001-05:00

Hello- this is Joanna Faith Wright here! Telling everyone that yesterday was my adoption day and can I get a witness as to the wonderful miracle of adoption? It's true!!! You see mommy and daddy were looking for their next child....and my birth mommy and daddy had to make a hard decision to allow me to be adopted. And God BROUGHT US TOGETHER! PRAISE GOD!

This is me opening up my presents.....

Look everyone my parents got me a ball......

Oh wait- this ball does cool tricks....

And has a little ball too! Look at me soo smart!!

OK mommy knew I would love this because I play with these in waiting areas all the time!

Now I have one of my own and it is my size to carry it around :)

Oh this is fun... this shape goes here....

Look everyone likes my toys.

Wait a minute wouldn't it just be easier to open it up and put them in - instead? Hello....am I the only one who thinks this is a great idea? :)

Oooooo daddy made me cupcakes with pink and purple swirl frosting!!! MY FAV!

Ok let's test them out.....

Oh yeah, you wish you were eating this now don't you?

I got new pj's that say Sweet Like Candy!!!! Yeah, I am doing a happy dance!!!

Yeah, it's ok to stare- I am made in God's Image!!!!!! :)

To see me last year on my original adoption day when mommy and daddy and all 7 of my sibs went to court to say- YES WE WANT HER FOREVER!!!! Go here :)

To see my story unfold go here, then.... here, then.....here, then here , then......oh yeah here OR you can just go to the first here....and follow the next few posts ;)

I want to encourage all you mommies and daddies out there. You see....my story came from a tragic loss.....of another daughter that mommy and daddy were longing for...matched with....and then loss that no one can explain. No one wants to experience.......but sometimes we do.

BUT GOD!!!! God planned ME!!!! He knew I would need a home with my crazy family......and He gently took their broken hearts that were in millions of pieces.......and put them piece by piece back together (you can't "replace" a child, but you can heal from loss). I know a lot of people experience loss. BUT I ALSO HAVE SEEN THE HANDS OF GOD! And I KNOW that HE CAN HEAL! It may not be what you wanted or thought you needed.....but it is perfect. Go ahead- trust HIM to HEAL YOU TODAY!!

PRAYING ALL OF YOU HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!!!! Our crazy family will get to be with our family- which is new for us :) Moving here - a true blessing!!!!

Putting in Tshirt order today!!

2011-11-22T11:14:00.001-05:00

Sneak Peak at what I will posting about later today....or tomorrow... you know sometimes things go crazy
So what would Joanna, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Matthew, Joshua, Andrew, Abigail, Daddy & Mommy like for Christmas? TO GIVE ANOTHER CHILD A HOME FULL OF LOVE!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP US :)

Buy a What is Good Tshirt!!!! Yeah- those off to the left of this screen!!!! If you place an order today the order is being placed tomorrow! Once they come in I will be getting them out to you ASAP!!! :) They would make GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!!!!

***Just click the donate button and you can either leave a note with the donation saying what color and sizes you want or you can email/facebook me. THANK YOU!!!!

Or you can buy something off of this scentsy site to help us bring our child home GREAT scents to make cents for our adoption costs. To bring home a special needs angel ;)

Or you can buy something off of Olive Tree Promise site- which has- Superman was adopted tshirts!, Africa Christmas ornaments, Bead necklaces, Africa bags, monogrammed burp clothes and head bands, art prints, Superman was adopted bumper sticker, great music, and more to chose from!!!!!! Go check it out!!! The Superman was adopted shirts- come in pink, blue, or red!!!!

Awww.......I mean look at all these gorgeous faces- Matthew doing his electric set, and the other boys joined in on the fun. Elizabeth being very patient as mommy did her hair this morning. Almost done.......

WE APPRECIATE all of your support for our family! Including all of your prayers, your time you spend looking at our crazy blog :), your love of our family, and our next adoption! THANK YOU!!!!!!

AND THE WINNER IS..........

2011-11-21T08:33:00.001-05:00

He he he.....ok so with a new camera that I hve only had a few weeks.....I totally crashed this picture. All you can see is my messy desk with a white bowl...... I can assure you the "strips of paper with names" are in the bowl!!

Here is my lovely assistant. I know - she is GORGEOUS!

Making sure to look at the camera...... what you wanted to know who won the free t-shirt?

Well....I have some other pictures from our day out at Islands of Adventure.....

Elizabeth asked what the thing above her head was. I said it was to suck out your brains. She looked at me and said mommy quite being silly. ;)

Andrew you will get a HUGE belly ache eating all that!!!

Loved all the Christmas decorations!

Awww......Muberry Street!

Stopping to have a snack!

Watch out Joshua those teeth bite :)

Here is Joanna's dance moves.

Awwww......

Look at those faces.

There are sooo many times I look at the faces and think- HOW DID WE GET SOOO BLESSED????

I know you want to know who won the t-shirt, but I have a story of Blessing to share! I know - sorry ;)

We were planning on our trip to the park this Saturday. We bought year long passes for our vacation this year- really the only expense besides driving the hourish away. But the great thing is they let you bring in food!!! Like as much as you want! So we brought leftovers, snacks, and of course drinks for Joanna. We splurged for the whole .80 a drink and got a few throughout the day. Along with plenty of water too!!

But, literally as we were about ready to head out someone choose to bless us with $15 of Adventure Bucks. Which you can spend on anything you want in the park! We thought about it for a bit, and then I said if we used it to offset the crazy cost of a meal here we could stay until the park closes at 8pm. So we chose a cheaper meal (burgers and chicken strips), split the meals, ate some snacks with it, and it only cost around $20 for our whole family!!! Not bad.

It was great fun to walk around at night! The kids loved seeing all the lights of the park, and getting to go on rides in the pitch black. I have to say that sometimes blessings may not seem much to those who give, but to those who receive - IT IS HUGE!!!!!!! It was a FUN BLESSING to get to stay at the park! The kids had sooo much fun!

I am soo VERY VERY VERY THANKFUL for sooo many BLESSINGS in my LIFE and not just because it is Thanksgiving this week. I am just thankful. For all those that have given our family- little gifts, big gifts, paid for a dessert for us at the mall, given us shirts, sent us money for adoptions, prayed for us, visited us or let us stay at their homes, paid for part of a meal out (which is seriously a rare treat), given us coupons, prayed for us some more, and stopped to talk with us to ask questions about our family- what an opportunity to share about adoption, family, value of life, etc. So thankful that God chose us for a life that most don't understand, but that we LOVE SOOO MUCH!!!!

If you would have told me we would have 8 children and still adding- I would have called you CRAZY! But now.....God's changed our hearts, our habits, our lives into something soo different, so wonderful it is just too amazing sometimes to try to put into words. But I try - here on this blog.

OK AND THE WINNER IS..............LORRAINE PATTERSON!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Thank you EVERYONE for helping us get the word out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are soo excited to see what this journey brings to our lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***If you haven't checked out Lorraine's blog- GO! God has done amazing things in her family as well. Miracle after Miracle....and they too are working on bringing home 2 more miracles!!! They have many Blessings of their own and it is sooo wonderful to watch!

ONE LAST CHANCE- FREE TSHIRT!!!!

2011-11-18T19:44:00.001-05:00

So last Sunday we helped look after our friends Jennifer and Kevin Bourne's kiddos :) It was fun!!! You know a lot of people would probably go- OH MY, but around here.....doesn't even phase us at all!!! In fact really all I could think about when they were here is.....hmmm......we could do 12 kids! he he he.....

Ohhh...I just want to SQUEEZE those cheeky cheeks!!! He is just such as soft spoken, cheeky mister. But sooo sweet. He still loves to sit on my lap and let me cuddle him. And I LOVE IT!!! I tell him he has to let me cuddle him FOREVER. We'll see how that works?

And well.....Joanna......what can you say?

Yes, this is her brother's gun....no idea what she is doing, but it is pointing backwards...he he he

What?

Uh oh.....who is this?

Oh mom....you know it is me- your cutie pie.

Yep, here she is....

She loved the little "house" big brother Joshua "built" for her!

And where is the princess Joanna? HERE SHE IS!!! AND SHE WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW- TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MAKE ENTRIES INTO OUR T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO HERE IS THE DEAL- WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR - What is Good? tshirts with Micah 6:8 on the back.
1) Entry one leave me a comment!!! Or if for some reason you can't comment leave me a email :)
2) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your blog
3) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your facebook
4) Buy any item from ANY ONE OF OUR FUNDRAISERS including Olive Tree Promise, What is Good T shirt, or anything from SCENTSY!!!!!!!!

***If you have done any of 2-4 please let me know through a comment or through an email/facebook so I will give you all your entries!!!!!!! Chances will end Friday @ Midnight!

OOOOHHHHHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILDING!!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO BRING HOME OUR NEXT CHILD AND WE ARE SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE PRAYING FOR OUR NEXT CHILD- PROTECTION AND HEALING, THEIR BIRTH FAMILY- HEALING, OUR FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE, AND FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR US!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH!!!!!!!

NOW LET'S GET SHARING!!! THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS ADOPTING A SPECIAL NEEDS ANGEL AND THEY ARE WAITING..... :)

******For those of you who haven't heard or are coming to our blog for the first time- our family is adopting a special needs child age 0-5 domestically sometime soon!!! Our homestudy is being written up in the next weekish....and we will be ready and waiting! We are praying our next child HOME and ask that you join us in that prayer and if you can give to help out- GREAT! Because really it isn't about us....it is about the next child getting a family that will love, spoil, adore, and raise them up for the Lord!

HERE IS THE STORY OF WHAT HAPPENED..... in our decision to adopt.

We do crazy well- TSHIRT GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-11-17T16:12:00.001-05:00

We feel like we are on top of the world.....oh maybe that is my hubby. Too bad ladies he is all MINE well and the Lord's. :) Climbing out of the window to rescue some balls the boys lost where our roof meets the screened in area. Why would we be on top of the world? Because we get to have another child soon!!!! And that could be SOONER than we think!!!!

Look at our baby all growing up and everything? WHAT? That's right our oldest is a beautiful young lady. And well.....she has already told us - mom and dad it is time for another child. We listened to the Lord and HE told us clearly - it is time as well. So even though others think we are crazy........

We do crazy really well.........

I mean - why not be crazy for the Lord.....

For those who don't have a home and a family? For our LORD who created ALL LIFE? Why NOT be crazy?

Living in Florida you see these birds all the time, but not usually in a huge group across the street from you...

OK you want to make Joanna cry by ignoring our pleas to help us get the word out?

Really.....how can you make Joanna cry?

Evidently by making a rice crispie man and getting it any where near her. ????? But we don't want to see this face. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE- Help our family get the word out- FREE TSHIRT is at stake!!!!

SO HERE IS THE DEAL- WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR - What is Good? tshirts with Micah 6:8 on the back.
1) Entry one leave me a comment!!! Or if for some reason you can't comment leave me a email :)
2) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your blog
3) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your facebook
4) Buy any item from ANY ONE OF OUR FUNDRAISERS including Olive Tree Promise, What is Good T shirt, or anything from SCENTSY!!!!!!!!

***If you have done any of 2-4 please let me know through a comment or through an email/facebook so I will give you all your entries!!!!!!! Chances will end Friday. So you have lots of time to help!

OOOOHHHHHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILDING!!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO BRING HOME OUR NEXT CHILD AND WE ARE SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE PRAYING FOR OUR NEXT CHILD- PROTECTION AND HEALING, THEIR BIRTH FAMILY- HEALING, OUR FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE, AND FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR US!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH!!!!!!!

NOW LET'S GET SHARING!!! THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS ADOPTING A SPECIAL NEEDS ANGEL AND THEY ARE WAITING..... :)

******For those of you who haven't heard or are coming to our blog for the first time- our family is adopting a special needs child age 0-5 domestically sometime soon!!! Our homestudy is being written up in the next weekish....and we will be ready and waiting! We are praying our next child HOME and ask that you join us in that prayer and if you can give to help out- GREAT! Because really it isn't about us....it is about the next child getting a family that will love, spoil, adore, and raise them up for the Lord!

***********FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY HAVE SHARED- THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FREE TSHIRT!!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

2011-11-16T14:13:00.001-05:00

COME ONE COME ALL!!!!! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE T-SHIRT!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE WRIGHT FAMILY BLOG BEFORE- SO JOIN IN AND HELP US BRING HOME OUR NEXT SPECIAL CHILD!!!!!!

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP????

OK TAKING OUT THE BIG GUNS- LOOK AT THIS PICTURE AND TELL ME NO- HA!!! YOU CAN'T!!!!!!

SO HERE IS THE DEAL- WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY ONE OF OUR - What is Good? tshirts with Micah 6:8 on the back.
1) Entry one leave me a comment!!! Or if for some reason you can't comment leave me a email :)
2) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your blog
3) Post our giveaway or a link to our giveaway on your facebook
4) Buy any item from ANY ONE OF OUR FUNDRAISERS including Olive Tree Promise, What is Good T shirt, or anything from SCENTSY!!!!!!!!

***If you have done any of 2-4 please let me know through a comment or through an email/facebook so I will give you all your entries!!!!!!! Chances will end Friday. So you have lots of time to help!

OOOOHHHHHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILDING!!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO BRING HOME OUR NEXT CHILD AND WE ARE SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU OUT THERE PRAYING FOR OUR NEXT CHILD- PROTECTION AND HEALING, THEIR BIRTH FAMILY- HEALING, OUR FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE, AND FOR PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR US!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH!!!!!!!

NOW LET'S GET SHARING!!! THE WRIGHT FAMILY IS ADOPTING A SPECIAL NEEDS ANGEL AND THEY ARE WAITING..... :)

******For those of you who haven't heard or are coming to our blog for the first time- our family is adopting a special needs child age 0-5 domestically sometime soon!!! Our homestudy is being written up in the next weekish....and we will be ready and waiting! We are praying our next child HOME and ask that you join us in that prayer and if you can give to help out- GREAT! Because really it isn't about us....it is about the next child getting a family that will love, spoil, adore, and raise them up for the Lord!

Feeding Children Everywhere

2011-11-15T18:38:00.001-05:00

Awww....these two are just adorable and I can't just pass on this picture :)

OK a week ago Saturday we did an event at our church packing 250,000 meals

for those in Haiti.

We did a FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE event before at Jason's workplace.

Yes, that is Andrew's famous face- lucky me huh? But don't you like the smiley face cup?

When we told our kids we were going to be doing this again- THEY CHEERED!!!

Even the youngest can get involved! They color the boxes that are shipped! Which I love because well...who doesn't think that adding some personal coloring and notes of love to the people who are receiving the food aren't wonderful? :)

This is the mayor of Prince Port au Prince who came to share a huge thank you and how important this was for his country....his home....the people he loves.

Later through translation- he shared again some testimony during the church service.

We filled our side parking lot full of tables ready to pack and had several shifts on both Saturday and Sunday.

Joanna- our little person in charge is cracking that whip- saying - what are you taking pictures for mommy- get back to work!

Measuring, scooping, weighing, double checking, sealing the bags full of food, but more importantly full of prayers and love!!!!

Elizabeth.....awww...

Jonathan :)

Look at the family of God working together! LOVE THIS!!!!

1.2 BILLION are starving....not hungry, not haven't eaten a meal today, but STARVING!!!!!!!!!!

There is no hope without- YOU!!!!!!! We ALL have to get involved!!!! Not some, not those of us that are "better off"- EVERYONE! What can you do? There are literally too many organizations to count that do sooo much good throughout our world- pick one and do something!!!!

***Feeding Children Everywhere will do packing events anywhere :) churches, schools, offices, wherever! So if you are interested in finding out more- Go Here :)

Lately we were talking about the fable in our history lessons.....you know the one about the dog who had a bone in his mouth. As he crossed the bridge he looked into the water and thought he saw a dog with a bigger bone. Jealous and worried that there was a dog with something better he jumped in the water.....and lost the bone he had. He returned with nothing.

Sometimes when I think of what I want and what I need- I need to remember this story! Luke 12:15 says...."Then he said to the crowd. Don't be greedy! Owning a lot of things won't make your life safe." This is soo very true! What we own doesn't make us safe, having it all won't make us safe, but giving it all away to our Savior will make us safe. Our precious jewels will not be stolen or ruined, but instead in our crown in heaven.

Do I have too much.......sometimes, when I cling to them. When I get jealous or boastful. When I remember that this is NOT MY HOME then I am putting God first and me last and remembering where my treasure lies. Praise God I am not perfect but my LANDLORD is!!!!! :)

Scentsy for sale, cute hair, no more braces, baby room, and lots more!

2011-11-14T15:54:00.001-05:00

OH MY!! Mommy has gone crazy with a post that has sooo much stuff!!! Kind of like my face!

But it will be great!!!! So here is part of it.....we are now selling something that really will make everything smell better!!!!

SCENTSY CANDLES!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are soo sweet they even would make my stinky diapers smell GREAT :) he he he he...... (link on the side of the page coming soon- when daddy gets to it...he he he)

Now on to some fun hair styles mommy has been trying lately.....

Can you say BEAUTIFUL?

And check out Elizabeth's hair......

Hey, for a first try that is pretty good :)

I love all the beads....and they keep telling me I can't grab them?

Oh and I even sat for a few minutes to let mommy do this to my hair.....

I know I am just naturally cute! :)

And this is Elizabeth's hair after mommy took out the twists against the head. It was adorable little coils :)

What's up everyone!

This picture doesn't do it justice.....

So you'll have to take my word for it- it was cute!!!! Of course she is my older sister so I may be a bit biased?

And mommy got in a crazy mood a couple of weekends ago (yeah she is behind on blogging!) and moved the "toy room" to this closet downstairs.

Along with this unit in the hallway.....

Makes it a bit tight, but hey, it made room in the "toy room" because you just never know when another child will be coming? Hmmm....I am going to talk to mommy about this- what exactly does this mean?

Oh and my toys are in the living room so I can get to them easier :)

TADA!!!!!! This is now my crib. Although mommy keeps talking about this "new addition" to the family. But I can tell you I am still queen of this castle! :)

Oh and 2 days after her 12th birthday- Abigail got her braces off! WOW- talk about GORGEOUS!!!!! Yeah, I can say I follow in my big sister's footsteps :)

There has been a lot going on in our home! All this talk about another baby, braces, toy room swap, scentsy candles, homestudy stuff, oh and mommy has been doing another "job" for Mother Goose to get some extra cash for this "new addition" too. Crazy, but you know our family is crazy!

Are we scared/worried about our next adoption?

2011-11-11T19:16:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the pictures for today's post- they are random and really we are just testing out our new camera a bit. And well when you have such gorgeous kiddos to test your camera on......it is easy to take a lot of pics!!!!

So one question I can feel people asking.....is are you scared, worried, or nervous about your next child?

In all honesty- yes would have to be the answer in that we have NO IDEA what to expect. We have done lots of research on down syndrome, cebral palsey, blindness, deafness, older child adoption, and other medical conditions. We have prayed. We know this is what we are being called to. We have no doubts in our minds or hearts.

But there are sooo many unknowns. Our parameters are 1-2 children, ages 0-5, WIDE OPEN on any medical conditions. Soooo.......yeah......we could be faced with surgeries, therapies, and much more!

So why wouldn't we sign up for that? :) I think on the flip side we are confident! We AGREE! And if you have ever had a spouse be unsure it is sooo much harder, but when you AGREE- doubts dissipate. Even when obstacles seem impossible. Like the fact that our adoption expenses could be anywhere between a few thousand- 20,000+? Yeah quite the range. And we believe that money will not stop GOD!

How will all of this affect our daily lives? Don't know. BUT WE DO KNOW GOD! We know HIM to be full of mercy, grace, and love! We know HIM to be full of HEALING, compassion, and the giver of all good gifts! We know that God will NOT LET US DOWN! HE NEVER FAILS! We know that HE WILL PROVIDE and PROTECT US ALL on our adoption journey and beyond.

We know that our God will continue to give us all the strength and peace we need to do HIS WORK!

Because really .....at the end of the day.....it isn't about us at all! It is about a child and not just any child. This is the son/daughter of THE KING! This is a child that was formed by HIS ALMIGHTY HANDS!

And we aren't just talking about any king- we are talking about THE KING OF KINGS! The ONE WHO CREATED the entire Earth! THE ONE who FORGIVES our sins! THE ONE who died for us all on the cross!!

To quote one of my favorite songs......And if our God is with us, then who could ever stop us...and if our God is for us, then who can stand against? -NO ONE!!

So yes and no- yes because we are humans and we don't know what the future holds, and yet NO because we know whatever our future holds OUR GOD IS GREATER!

Happy 12th Birthday Abigail

2011-11-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

So if you haven't been around here long enough to remember our last birthday/adoption day.....it has been since July!!! Yeah....and now it is time to start the marathon of birthdays and adoption days- all 9 within 2 months! Our tradition is to wake up and right away- open presents in our pjs! Today started off the same with all of us in pjs. And YES Abigail is a daddy's girl :)

Reading through her cards....

Joanna loved the pink balloons!

We had to get a new camera (if you remember a few posts ago we talked about ours mysteriously dying??) and Jason is messing with some of the settings on these next two photos.

Joanna what do you think of Abigail turning 12- she LOVES IT because well let's just say she is a wee bit spoiled by her oldest sister ;)

She got American girl Samantha books, ultimate doodle book- she loves to draw, and will be going shopping with me this weekend to buy some things with money given to her :)

She loves her momma too!!!!! Note how tall she is getting?? Yeah, what???

Awww.....tooo cute!

Now here is her cake which she basically made on her own.....with a smidge help from me. She insisted! She has really started to want to learn a lot more about cooking. Might I add she made an excellent choice! She wanted chicken alfredo for dinner with a peanut butter chocolate cheesecake. Now the recipe we found was more of a cheesecake meets ice cream style - it was AMAZING!!! Oh and the picture doesn't show that you heat up fudge topping and put that on top!!! YUMMY!!!

Happy 12th Birthday to the most beautiful, compassionate, loving young lady.......who I can't imagine our lives without!!! Abigail you totally amaze me and have brought JOY to our lives! We LOVE YOU more than words can say!