“For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows present

grace and future glory.”

Psalm 84:11

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Impression Time Part Trois

The best way to eat mashed potatoes...With 2 utensils



Our trip to Charlotte yesterday went very well. Poor little Gracie Shu knew the second we stepped into the Doctor's office what was going to happen. There's something about that silent cry with the tears streaming down the cheeks that kills your heart. Then there's the "hear-it down-the-hall" crying as the doctor is making the new impression. So hard.

God placed His fingerprints in many places too. We met a gentleman at a rest area who has a granddaughter adopted from China. Talk about a proud Grandpa! While waiting at the office we met another adorable little Asian sweetie with her Mama. They just returned from China in September, and were there to have the same procedure as Gracie. Her lip & palate are both affected as well.
Oh, and on the way home we encountered THIS - Good timing eh?

Please join us in praying that this impression will be acceptable to the doctor who will be making the device for Gracie. We would love to have her first surgery done before Christmas!

Wouldn't you know she would fall asleep 5 minutes before her appointment?!!


That odd looking mold is the reason I've had a coffee from the Gaffney Starbucks
3 different times in 3 months!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Is the Third Time REALLY THE Charm?!!

Pure Joy!


The discovery of the dress up box!


UGH! We are heading back to Charlotte next Tuesday for Gracie to be fitted for her palate appliance...for the third time! We thought we would surely have had her first procedure behind us before Thanksgiving, but that will not be the case. The doctor who makes these devices wants a more detailed mold made of her palate because for an older child, it needs to fit perfectly, and I can appreciate that. We're getting this routine down pretty good by now...No food for 3 hrs before our appointment, One terrible minute of the actual fitting, and then a quick lunch before heading home! The nurse was so apologetic, but I told her I understand. We're just one more step closer in the process! I'm grateful that God's hand is so evidently in all of this. We have to trust His timing!
Happy weekend!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Our Fall Getaway

We had an amazing, relaxing time with Brian's family over the weekend. The kids were in heaven being able to spend time with cousins & experience freedom to roam on over 200 acres! God's creative beauty was everywhere. Gracie did so well travelling as well as meeting new faces.
We are so grateful for our time away!
Coming back to reality was tough!






Our humble lodge



We could get used to this!




Playing with Grammie



Gracie w/ her cousin Kaylee




Our sweet nephew Ian



Aunt Heather and little Jameson





Miss Field and Stream w/ her 21" bass!



Cousins




The view from our porch
(Can you tell the little princess just woke up?!)



Uncle John and hunter Quinn



Annie Oakley Erin



Ali looking way too grown up!



Catchin' up




Quinn polishing up on his
support-my parents-in-their old-age
skills


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Great Pumpkin

For those of you who may be growing weary of our "Beaver Cleaver-esque" family fall traditions, you may want to move right along. Last night was pumpkin carving night, and Gracie had the time of her life. At the beginning all she could say was "Eeeew!", but as she watched her sisters and brother, before long she was scooping out pumpkin guts like a pro. I love this time of the year!
Tomorrow we head to Virgina to spend time with Brian's family. More Cleaver family photos to come, don't worry. (For those of you born after 1975, and who may be unfamiliar with the Cleavers, you can get up-to-speed HERE....You can thank me later)



Oh, that Erin...





Gotta love Charlie Brown & the Great Pumpkin


Uh, can one become ill from consuming raw pumpkin?


There she glows


Our hard work appreciated

Reading the Pumpkin Patch Parable

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ye Olde Apple Orchard

Ready for fun








Quinn found a ladybug





Do you think he knows what annual American
holiday is coming up in November? Hmm...

Friday, October 23, 2009

Pass the smelling salts, please...

Yep, that's our first born
holding up her newest prized possession...
She got her driver's permit today.
Whaaaaaa!
I guess the true miracle of it all
is that her mother is only 29.
They're handing out those permits earlier and earlier...







Oh, and I think we might need to
invest in some new toys around here...
Gracie enjoys hanging out in the laundry basket.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Happy Cows

Saturday the kids and I trekked out to the Happy Cow Creamery to freeze and make some memories! Just another one of those yearly outings where we would say "Maybe next year we'll have Gracie."... Thank You Jesus for bringing her home!



Do you think those are Happy Cows standing in 6" of Mud?!





"Is this supposed to be fun?"