2007 Year In Review...What Happened this year? God is Good!

January - There really wasn't much that happened this month. Aspen wasn't feeling well. He started feeling bad New Year's Day I think. Other than that...Jan was pretty much uneventful.

February - Really not much to write about either. Wow...this past winter was really boring.

March - The city council voted to ok the building for First Trust. Yeah! We will be moving to Wheaton in 2008.

Also in March... I found out some really exciting news...most of our church doesn't know this yet either...but it's just too cool not to share. Pastor Rob Bugh lost his wife to a rare melonoma in August 2006...she was only 51 when she lost her battle...I still question why? But God's plan is perfect!...Just a year before that...Dr. Rhonda Williams's husband Dr. Williams lost his battle to thyroid cancer...Both the Bughs and the Williams were very close friends...(so anyone know where I'm going on this?) Anyway, soon after New Years they started dating...and you guessed it...they will be engaged sometime in the next few months. From the very beginning I thought these two would be perfect for each other...they both lost spouses they loved very much...but God said "it's not good for man to be alone"...especially if he can't cook... :) A letter that was written to Ryan Bugh before Carol passed away and was read after she died...mentioned that Rhonda would be the right person for Rob if he were to marry again. This is definitely a match made in Heaven. It's just like a Danielle Steel Movie. :)

April - CBS Evening News Interview. It was a fun morning with the CBS News Crew. They showed up right around 8:30. We had coffee cake and coffee for when they arrived (got up early to make it). They spent about 3 hours with us talking about the adoption. It was supposed to air the following Tuesday...but because of other news that day...it never showed. Booh.

May - God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it. A quote from an unknown. We celebrated Mom's Birthday with close friends at the Olive Garden. Was a real surprise for her. It was really a fun time. Maybe showers bring May Flowers...we planted this month also...our first 90 degree day in May. We had a nice visit with our golfer friend Blaine. We met at Chilis for lunch and then he came back to our house for a few hours. It was raining that day so it was a perfect time to hang out. What a wonderful surprise it was to see him. :)

June - A lot of things happened this month...Things broke...fire dept came because the washer wasn't fixed right. Had to replace our furnace...should have done the air conditioner then too...waited until the following month to break. Also replaced our garage door opener...and then the garage door too. Spent a lot of weekends at the pool this month. Great Pool weather.

July - Just more pool time. Not much happened this month.

August - My home study update. Also renewed our finger prints...with no fee to pay. YEAH! A wet August...Lots of rain...tornado touched down close to home taking down a lot of trees. We all here at work had to go to the stair wells just to be on the safe side.

September - This just wasn't our month...

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=35404@wbbm.dayport.com

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_249195638.html
The above news article is what happened to Ma & Da around 5:00p in the afternoon (9-6-07). They had gone to the book store near home and when they left somehow Daddy must have accelerated first backwards hitting a car and then went forward into the retention pond which was over a hill. They are doing ok, a little shaken though. The car is totaled. Daddy stayed over night at the hospital for check up on his heart. He feels fine...We cancelled our trip to Phoenix. This article shows the whole video of the car being pulled out of the water and Daddy being put on a stretcher. Mom got of out the water through the back seat since the front seat was half submerged. They said it's under investigation at this time. This actually made the top news stories both at 6:00 and also at 10:00. Also the Daily Herald called to get more details about what happened. Not a good way to make the news.

We couldn't have been more disappointed that we didn't get to go to Scottsdale/Grand Canyon. We lost a lot of money because we canceled the last minute. But life goes on...Because of what happened...we have decided to start with the second adoption now instead of waiting. Where the money will come from...WHO KNOWS??? But there are just things that can't wait and this is one of them. We are both getting older and waiting until China happens is just way too long. We want to be moms before we get too old.
Celebrated our 46th Birthday. Finally made it out of REVIEW with the CCAA. YIPPEE!! We've made it over the hurdles...now all we have to do is wait for a referral... Maybe by the end of 2008 we will know a lot more.

October - Outing to Long Grove. What a great time it was to spend outside...it was really hot. We shopped till we dropped though. Not your normal October day. Also, Marka took the gang to Door Country while I stayed home with the furry kids. We were able to accomplish a lot during those three days. Everyone had a great time...when they arrived home a roast beef dinner was waiting. The dogs all had issues with some type of sickness. We made many visits to the vet this month. Everyone is felling better now. Let's keep it that way.

November - Not much to write about...Started to get ready for the holidays...Entertaining, decorating at home...busy, busy, busy. Found out that Vietnam and the US need to sign an agreement in March...so all the paper work that was completed for Vietnam is on hold right now. The agency we chose told us to hold off until then...but because we don't know what's going to happen...we have decided to switch countries and also switching agencies and going with Krygyzstan. Only a handful of agencies handle this country. This is another country that allows singles...one of the very few left. Even though this will require two trips...we are really getting excited about this. Krygyzstan is a beautiful country and it will be great to visit there and see the country that my neice and Marka's daughter will be from. Now all we need to do is get all the paper work complete...Home study was completed...but just needed some changes for the new country. Not sure what else is needed to complete dossier.

December - What a crazy month it's been. Just so much to do. We did more entertaining this month...along with going to other homes for dinner. It was fun getting together with friends from work. The shopping was never ending...finishing up the day before Christmas. Application was sent to Nightlight regarding Kyrgyzstan. Should be delivered on the 2nd of Jan. Sure took a long time to get there...sent by ground on the 21st. We just might have a little one next year this time. Only God really knows. :) Maybe 2008 be a great year for all! It's about time! :)

Happy New Year Everyone!

Changes in 2008

Main Entry: 1Change Pronunciation: \ˈchānj\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): changed; chang·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked
Date: 13th century
transitive verb 1 a: to make different in some particular : alter b: to make radically different : transform to give a different position, course, or direction to2 a: to replace with another b: to make a shift from one to another : switch

*********************************************************

What is it about change that is hard to accept? Even though it's a good thing...it's seems hard to adjust. Creatures of habit I guess.

Starting in 2008, there will be a few changes...One being our Church move. We should be moving sometime around mid-summer. This will be a lot further drive for us...only has been 5 minutes for the past 46 years (that's a change I don't like). After the move it will be at least 15-20 minutes. This has been in the making for many years now and is finally going to happen. It will be strange to be in a new building after 46 years, basically not even in Wheaton. But everything will be nice and new. More room for classes, more room to move around after church lets out. The main sanctuary will fit around 2000. (http://www.wheatonbible.org/)

Also in 2008 we will turn in our SUV and will try to survive with one car for a while. I think we will be able to swing it for a short while...especially since it's the summer. We plan on saving some money with only having one car. Less gas, less insurance and only one car payment. Because of two adoptions happening at the same time...it's really killing us financially. But there are some things that just can't wait...and our little girls are anxious to come home. "WHEN is the Big Question? If and when this happens there will be BIG, BIG changes for all of us. (wish I didn't have to keep saying "IF"). I guess everything is a BIG "IF" until it happens with International Adoptions.

Also happening will be the big move to our new building for FTP. We will be minutes from home then. That will be a good thing when our kiddos come along.

At this time I'm not sure what other changes will take place...A little girl from Kyrgyzstan for Christmas would be super! And maybe a referral from China. Keep tuned and find out.

One more change in 2008 right now will be I will be.... transfering into another dept. here at First Trust. I have been in Capital Markets (Municipal bond trading) since Oct 2006...and was told this would only be for three months. Hummm...it's now 15 months later. Well the software program is finally up and running so I have been asked to help in their Legal Counsel. Yeah! It's amazing how many areas I've worked in since joining this company in 2004. I think I've counted 7. Anyway, it will be a good way to start the new year. I've been sort of wondering where I'd be after this job came to an end. God does answer prayer. Back in the summer I think they had advertised for the position and I was thinking that would be a good place for me after leaving Capital Markets. I guess someone was thinking the same since they never hired any one.

So see what I mean...many changes in 2008. So what else will 2008 bring?...your guess is as good as mine right now. Happy New Year!

Where is Kyrgyzstan?

• Area: 198,999 sq km (76,834 sq mi) --Slightly smaller than South Dakota
• Population: 5,284,149
• Capital: Bishkek 589,000
• President: Kurmanbek Bakiyev
• Religio: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
• Life Expectancy: 67.84 years
• GDP per capita: $1,600

Bishkek (Russian and Kyrgyz: Бишкек) is the capital and the largest city of Kyrgyzstan (population of approximately 900,000 (2005)).
Somewhat confusingly, Bishkek is also the administrative center of Chuy Province which surrounds the city, even though the city itself is not part of the province but rather a province-level unit of Kyrgyzstan.
Founded in 1878 as the Russian fortress of Pishpek (Пишпек), between 1926 and 1991 it was known as Frunze (Фрунзе), after the Bolshevik military leader Mikhail Frunze. The name is thought to derive from a Kyrgyz word for a churn used to make fermented mare's milk (kumis), the Kyrgyz national drink.
Bishkek, at 42°52′29″N, 74°36′44″E, is situated at about 800 m altitude just off the northern fringe of the Ala-Too range, an extension of the Tien Shan mountain range, which rises up to 4,800 m and provides a spectacular backdrop to the city. North of the city, a fertile and gently undulating steppe extends far north into neighboring Kazakhstan. The Chui river drains most of the area. Bishkek is connected to the Turkestan-Siberia Railway by a spur.
Bishkek is a city of wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings combined with numerous Soviet-style apartment blocks surrounding interior courtyards and, especially outside the city center, thousands of smaller privately built houses. It is laid out on a grid pattern, with most streets flanked on both sides by narrow irrigation channels that water the innumerable trees which provide shade in the hot summers.

The Day After Christmas

It's funny when Christmas is over...IT'S OVER! They've already taken the tree down here at work. Too Funny.

Well, it was another nice Christmas. Every year I tell myself that this won't be as good a Christmas as last year...but every year it's always fun. I think it's the shopping that stresses me out...not knowing what to get. We had a great time with everyone. The furry kids had a great time too. They started opening presents before we did. They just couldn't wait any longer. They were so cute! We also went to visit Aunt Gen-Gen at Windsor Park...she was pretty good. She was so glad we came and little Aspen rode with her in her wheel chair down the hall. She just loved having Aspen on her lap. He's such a good little boy to with older people. It's really hard to believe another Christmas is here and gone.

Two Christmases without my little China girl. Next year though in 2008 would be so great to have a little one to celebrate Christmas with. Who knows....Kyrgyzstan could happen sometime next year. We could be home with a little one by Christmas. It will be really strange to have someone else to tend to. But a dream come true. We should know a lot more starting the beginning of the year. The Application was mailed last week and it's on its way to the Fullerton office. Not sure if the Home Study has been sent yet to them or not. Will find that out next week. Where the money will come from is a good question....but it will happen...A good reason to trust God and know that he will supply our needs. We think that we have come up with the name for our little Miss Kyrgyzstan... We have decided to go with Chelsey Lin...It's sort of a different name and seems to go well with our last name. We also like Chianne...so we'll see. It might not be decided until the referral arrives.

The Christmas Story - Part 2 Luke 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Real Christmas Story; Luke 1:5-58 - Part 1

5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
9According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
16And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

The story of three trees...

Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: " I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. " I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world! The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.
Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain. The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said.
The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. " I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals. The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. " This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.

"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world"

Busy Week

It's been a busy week so far. Actually this whole month has been crazy. It's funny that we know Christmas is coming the same time every year and we're never ready. Hummm. Where does December go to...Not that we're rushing this month away...but it sure does fly. Between the shopping...holiday parties, get-togethers with friends and family...it's just nuts! Monday we took Mom & Dad out shopping to Yorktown. It was nice they could all go out...we then went to Olive Garden for dinner.

Yesterday we had Ben, Helen Joy and Abel join us all for dinner at 703. Don't we look good with a little one.

Tonight we are going to Chalet's house for dinner... (see picture above. Chalet's is the blonde. Linda was also there along with Tina and the two of us. It was so much fun with "the girls". Dinner was great and Chalet's house is so cute.

Our dinner on Thursday evening turned out good. Everything came together great! Nothing like getting things done last minute...I think we do better. A lot more energy. Everything goes into overdrive. Hee hee. After they left we went to Target and Kohls for more shopping. Yawn. Made it home around 10:00. Then we had to clean up, feed the dogs...finally made it to bed around midnight. Life will slow down after next week. Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas Picture

Here is a picture of our kids...They did pretty good posing for the camera...even though this was one of 27 we took. This was the best picture.

First Trust Annual Christmas Party - Drury Lane

It was the 16th annual FT Portfolios Christmas Party. Always a fun time. So many people that we haven't seen...along with familes...new babies...kids that grow up...I think even though I haven't worked here that long (3 years)...I've been to just about all of the ones since Martha started here...13 years ago. Might not have gone to the first one...but have attended all the others. There were about 1,050 total there...there is a buffet that consists of salads, cheese and crackers, pasta, veggies, fried chicken, something else I don't know, and roast beef...rolls, etc. Desserts consists of Christmas cookies, Chocolate Mouse...and Ice Cream Sundaes. There's a short presentation for new people that joined...gave away 10 travel vouchers...$1500 each. And then a very cute video presention of next years' move to Liberty Place in Wheaton. YEAH! Official move will be I think 2009 Jan. Then they gave all adults a IPod Video Nano. Another adult toy to figure out. Hee hee. Last year was the North Face Jackets see above and two years ago was the IPod Nano...and it took us two years to finally get it up and running. Thanks First Trust. Great Job.

Mary's Boy Child

http://ingeb.org/spiritua/maryslit.mid

Long time ago in Bethlehem

So the holy Bible say

Mary's Boy child, Jesus Christ

Was Born on Christmas day

Hark now hear the Angels sing

A king was born to day

And Man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas day

While shepherds watched their flock by night

They see a bright new shining star

They hear a choir sing a song

The music seemed to come from afar

Hark now hear the Angels sing

A king was born to day

And Man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas day

Now Joseph and his wife, Mary,

Came to Bethlehem that night,

they found no place to bear her child,

Not a single room was in sight.
And then they found a little nook

In a stable all forlornAnd in a manger cold and dark

Mary's little boy was born

Refrain
Hark now hear the Angels sing

A king was born to day

And Man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas day.

Referrals again... December 9-14, 2005

Well today we had referrals come though... They have completed the log in dates of December 9 thru the 14, 2005. There are still 3 more log in days left in December I think. Hurry up...I'm tired of 2005. I want to see something happen after 05 is complete. Lady Bugs represent good luck for China. One time long ago there were a lot of lady bugs and at that time tons of referrals came out...from then on lady bugs were "good luck" on the adoption front.

No Water - Frozen Pipes

Well today we woke up to no water. At first we thought the toilet had broke...but then there was no water in the bowl...so we tried the facet and nothing. We had this happen before when the temps were below zero. Today the temps were around 4-6 degrees. Burrr. Since we hadn't listen to the news and weather...didn't realize it was going down that low. So from now on we will turn the water on a trickle when temps fall below 20 degrees...just to be on the safe side.

First Real Snow of the season...No Water

For those in the midwest, last night was our first real snow fall. It started around 6p.m. and finally stopped this morning...with some lake effect this morning. It does help to have a little snow around...It really does feel like December now. Everything just looks so more festive with the snow. Driving in it is another story. We had about 4 or so inches from this storm. Right now it's sunny and skies are clear. But more snow is predicted for Thursday evening.

"WAIT"

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried; Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . . And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait? I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign, Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe, We need but to ask, and we shall receive. And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate, As my Master replied again, "Wait." So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut, And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . . and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens and darken the sun. I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be. You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me. You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint. You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.You'd not know the joy of resting in MeWhen darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of loveWhen the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,The faith that I give when you walk without sight.The depth that's beyond getting just what you askFrom an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will seeThat the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.And though oft My answers seem terribly late,My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
by Russell Kelfer

Our New Church - Construction Pictures

These are updated construction pictures of our new church (Wheaton Bible Church). Completion is supposed to be done July 2008. This is a lot further for us to go now since our other church was just down the street practically...this will add about 15-20 minute now to our drive. Should be interesting when the girls arrive.

This has been in the making for many years....and has finally happened. It's hard to imagine that we won't be at our church next year for Christmas. This will be our last time at this church to celebrate Christmas. Who knows also what other new things will be...It's time for a little girl next Christmas. That would be the neatest thing ever.

Also, Pastor Bugh will be married in two more weeks. He is marrying Dr. Rhonda Williams. We are all just so happy for them. Rob lost his wife in 2006 due to cancer and Rhonda lost her husband to cancer in 2005. Both families were very close and did just about everything together. Back in January they started going out together and got engaged in August. This is truly a match made in heaven. With so many people praying... how could they have not gotten together. God sure works in mysterious ways. Both Carol Bugh and Dr. Tom Williams were wonderful spouses. They are truly missed for sure. I really never got to know either that well. Rhonda will make a wonderful wife for Rob. Rhonda is a pediatrician so I plan on taking my SuAnna to visit her.