A Busy Birthday Week

Yes ... we have had a BUSY Birthday Week

at the Big D. House.

We actually have 5 birthdays in 6 days

in our immediate family.

Jeremiah ... turned 25 on the 20th.

Sadly, we haven't seen him in nearly a year.

But, several of us were able to chat with him

on his birthday, and wish him a Happy Day!

(Jeremiah is an officer in the Navy, currently 

in Flight School in Pensacola, FL.)

Elijah ... turned 10 on the 23rd.

Gregg & Kayla had the day off on Sunday,

so they came up and surprised him with

an early birthday party.

Papa, Mama, Gregg, Kayla, Josiah, & Elijah

went bowling, and then out to dinner at Red Robin.

Then, we came home to cake & ice cream with

Ben, Hosanna, Sarah, & Rachel.

Mama ... turned 50 on the 24th.  

Oh My!

I spent the morning at our "enrichment school",

where the younger kids had a 3 hour

class on making Authentic Tamales.

I took Hosanna to get a haircut in the afternoon.

Then, Papa gave me flowers and took me out to dinner

in Canada.  I had the BEST steak dinner I've ever had.

Cassie texted me first thing in the morning.

Lindsey SURPRISED me with a phone call from Liberia.  Wow!

Carissa phoned from Minnesota.

And, Jeremiah phoned from Florida.

Sarah & Rachel made me some CUTE birthday cards.

Grandpa spent $12 on Express Mail to get

my birthday card to me on time.  So sweet!

Carissa & Lindsey ... turned 23 on the 25th.

(which actually makes 4 birthdays in 3 days)

Carissa returned from Argentina last spring, 

after 3 years there with YWAM,

and is currently living in Minnesota.

Lindsey is ministering in Liberia, West Africa

for 7 weeks with YWAM.

The day after my birthday, Elijah asked,

"Mom, do you feel 50?"

"No.  Do you feel 10?"

"No."

I guess we are both wanting to stay young.

On Wednesday, we got to go Ice Skating

with our Homeschool Enrichment Program.

The kids had MUCH fun!

(pics coming soon)

On Thursday, I went with Ben to an 

appt. with his ear surgeon.

(time to schedule surgery)

Today, we are babysitting 3 kids (ages 3, 5, 7)

while our friends move.  Papa took the kids

to the beach, while I got ready to go on 

a little overnight trip.

Yes.  Mama is going to an Adoption Conference

in the Seattle Area.  I just found out about it

this week, and the registration was just $35.

Hoping & Praying for some information

that will bring a breakthrough in our

parenting of Rachel.

Also ... this week ... found out about a new

therapist (in our little farming town) that specializes 

in Attachment Issues.  We will be attending

a free workshop with her on Feb. 7th,

and are truly hoping that she is an

Answer To Our Prayers.

(more details coming soon)

Well ... time to head towards Seattle,

hoping to arrive before the traffic gets crazy.

Looking forward to 24 hours with

other adoptive parents who are

walking a similar journey.

And, looking forward to seeing my friend, Lisa,

who will be presenting a workshop or two.

Hoping you all had a GREAT week,

and that you will have a BLESSED weekend!