Adios 2010!

2010- wow, what a year it's been! A year ago, we were newly-weds hoping to start a family soon. We were enjoying our time as a couple and looking forward to where God's path would lead. I can very truthfully say, we really didn't have a clue what God had in store for us in 2010. It was in the long cold late months of winter that God quietly began revealing to Wes and I that adoption was where God wanted us to start building our family. We were sponsoring children and had always viewed adoption as a realistic possibility in building a family. It was on a date-night to Applebee's that Wes led off the conversation of "what if we adopted?"... After lots of talking, praying, researching and questions- we started this walk of faith to build our family. We could see the incredible ways in which our hearts, finances and lives were being prepped for what lay ahead. God had blessed us with the sale of Kim's house and Wes' wise savings. Realizing the process is long and at times cumbersome, we decided to get started right way.

Thus, the remaining timeline of the year has revolved around the milestones of our adoption. Trips to the police department, physicals, visits to the courthouse, driving to Pierre for state seals, binders full of paperwork, re-doing our home-study wording three times for USCIS, and finally turning everything in for its flight to Ethiopia. Then came the wait...the long quiet wait. There have been days and weeks when it has felt very long. And, we've been keeping very busy in pursuit of staying distracted and occupied during the big wait. We've been to Chicago, painted the outside of our kinda big two-story farmhouse, completed the world's cheapest bathroom renovation, worked hard, played hard, traveled to see friends and family, and learned a lot about the needs of adopted children.

So, here we are...at the close of 2010. We're excited and anxious to see what 2011 brings- we pray its the year of family. Prayerfully, 2011 is the year 'we' become 'three'! Oh, we can't wait!!! : ) Keep us in your prayers and keep talkin' to God about expediting the process of getting Baby Roth home!

God Bless in 2011

Merry Christmas Baby Roth!

It was a very blessed and Merry Christmas as we celebrated as a family on Christmas Eve. I couldn't help but think how very, very good we have it. Under the tree, we found clothes, shoes, and practical things we'll get a lot of use out of. We're so blessed to be able to have new good shoes, good clothes and useful tools. And, Baby Roth was also blessed this year with some sweet gifts from the to-be Grandparents.

I absolutely love the Please, Baby, Please book- super cute!! And, this fun looking toy from Aunt Ashley...

Ohh, and one of the most exciting parts- more shoes!! 2 more pairs bring our tally to 78 pairs :)

Berry Merry Christmas!

We've had a wonderful weekend celebrating the birth of our Saviour with the Berry's in the country! Here's a peak at our fun-filled day of amazing food, good old fashioned sledding, opening presents and lots of time catching up!

On the center sled is the future Grandpa... definitely still a kid a heart : )

The Happy Birthday Baby Jesus Cake...

And, even though Baby Roth isn't here to celebrate with us... doesn't mean he/she was left out! We received a super cute Cherished Teddies coin bank that looks like a baby bootie from David, Tonya and the kids...

And, we received a super special gift from the future Great Grandma and Grandpa... a hand stitched baby blanket. It is super cute, very warm and will be cherished forever! We totally can't wait to wrap our little one in Grandma's handi-work!

I'm sure there will be even more spoiling next year when Baby Roth will likely be with us in person!! Oh, we can't wait : )

Its Christmas-time!

Its really, really beginning to look a lot like Christmas around our house. The advent calendars are starting to look very empty, the shopping is super close to being done and by this afternoon... the house will be smelling like Christmas M&M cookies, peanut butter kiss cookies, seasoned oyster crackers and maybe a few others. The one thing that was missing...our 2010 Christmas ornament. I've looked and looked but nothing seemed right and I wasn't going to spend $17 on a really cute one on etsy. So...an even better solution was to whip out my long forgotten scrapbooking box (yay)! I think its a perfect summary of our year- lots of love and that we can't wait to meet our sweet Ethiopian baby!! We just keep praying and know that God already knows the day in which we'll be matched with Baby Roth. Of course, there's nothing we'd love more for Christmas but know that God has it all under control. Till next time... Merry Christmas and hope you find a few minutes in the coming week to soak up the spirit of the season. To God be the Glory!!

Box of Blessings...

We got another box in the mail...and, it had some shoes in it!! Thanks to Wes' awesome co-worker Adrian, more Ethiopian kids will have good shoes to keep them safe from disease, parasites and all sorts of stuff. Thanks Adrian and family- we really appreciate it! Last weekend I picked up another pair of sandals as well. So, our total is now up to 76 pairs : )

Four

We've made it to month four. 122 days since our paperwork took flight to our child's homeland. Ahh, these last couple weeks...its really starting to feel long and quiet and slow. More and more, the anticipation is building and recently its been very quiet on the boards. But, we're getting there and we've got to keep in mind that God works no matter if we get to see that progress or not. We'll continue to 'just pray' and let God pull all the details together in due time.

This past month has been filled up with a fun trip to the ranch, a wonderful vacation to Colorado and an awesome Girls Weekend Shopping Extravaganza Trip 2010 to Sioux Falls. Which brings us to December! Yikes, its Christmas-time, just 19 days till Jesus' Birthday! The tree is up, the house smells like fresh cut Christmas tree and the porch is a-glow with Christmas cheer too. We're confident that the busyness of Christmas activities will help this next month pass more quickly than usual. We'll just keep praying for Baby Roth and that the process continues to move smoothly. Hopefully, the referral numbers for November will be posted soon. And, hopefully... there have been LOTS of referrals! God Bless everyone and happy, almost Christmas : )

More Shoes!!! : )

Another fun part of our trip to Estes Park... was adding another 6 pairs of shoes to our ever growing collection! Grandma Roth had fun picking these ones out- here's Wes with the new additions to the growing mountain of shoes. So, if you're counting... the last shoe count was a total of 66 pairs so this brings us to 72! We can fit more so, if you see some on the cheap- remember the deal still stands, you buy them and we'll haul them to Ethiopia.

Thanksgiving Fun...

This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving with the Roths in Estes Park. It was a wonderful weekend filled with family, lots of memories and good times were had by all. Can't wait for our little Roth to join in the fun! Here's a look at what he/she has to look forward to...

Decorating turkey cookies with SB...

Then, we made mini-cheesecakes...

And, we played LOTS of Apples to Apples!
(They love their Uncle Wes so much that its impossible to win...

they make sure to pick his everytime!!)


And, we took a drive and short hike into the mountains...

Wes and the soon-to-be Uncle Ryan...

A beautiful day for a hike!
The elk were enjoying the sunshine as well.

And, we even bundled up for the Christmas parade of lights...
it was cold but definitely worth it!!!

And, there in the middle of it all.... we saw a little Christmas miracle. Well, that's if you believe that God can display miracles in Christmas lights parading down the streets of a little mountain town.

There it was- proclaiming peace on earth... a little bit of Africa : )

Ohh, I can't wait to share Christmas parades with Baby Roth!!
And, last but not least... we worked on tie blankets to be donated to the orphanage in Ethiopia. Grandma Roth, Jen and SB helped out. Thanks for your help everyone : )

Thanks(for)Giving

Today is the day in which we say thanks and, hopefully, it isn't the only day in which we say thanks. We have so much to be thankful for and so many little moments of Thanksgiving that have brought us to where we are right now. Looking back at our journey since last Thanksgiving, I can't help but think that God (like always) says it best...

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

We can count so many ways that God has evidenced this verse in our lives these past couple years. Before we even came to the realization that we'd been chosen to adopt and parent a child from afar, He was orchestrating so many facets of our lives in preparation for our (at the time unknown) adoption. He prepared our hearts, our finances, provided supportive family & friends, and so many other 'things'. The support of family and super excited friends is just unreal- there so many just waiting and praying for little Baby Roth that its simply overwhelming sometimes.

This Thanksgiving, we're celebrating with the Roths and we're having a great time. This afternoon, the soon to be Uncle Ryan prayed over our turkey feast. And, we prayed for you our little Baby Roth. We prayed that you're safe and warm and fed and loved today. Even though you're literally 1/2 a world away, you're in our hearts already and you're part of 'us'. And, we prayed that soon we'll meet and know all about you!

We're so grateful that we've been chosen to take this journey with God. But, even more so- we're so grateful that we get to journey through life with God. Although I'm super incredibly grateful for incredible family, wonderful friends, a warm house and a crackling fireplace across the room at the moment- I'm most thankful for my Saviour, my Lord. I'd just like to say 'Thanks-for-Giving" me life in Him and a place in His family. Wow- seriously, we have to concept of the blessedness that God showers down on us!

Last but most definitely not least- thanks to all of you who are praying for us and our Baby Roth. We praise the Lord for all of you!!! But- keep up the good work : ) I'm so thankful and so blessed- To God be the Glory!

Sweetness of Friends

We've had a great weekend, most of which involved helping our sweet friends Jon and Meghan celebrate their marriage. It was a wonderful ceremony filled with God's love, trust in His plan and hope for whatever path He has set before them. We've been so blessed to have them as friends. In fact, I add this to our blog because well...they were our first cheerleaders in our adoption journey. Back in early April, they were the first people we actually said the sentence 'We're considering adopting..." outloud to. They were thrilled, amazed and, they've been some of our biggest fans and prayer warriors ever since. For that, we are incredibly grateful.

"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."

- Proverbs 27: 9

Mission Accomplished!

Good news of the week (on the adoption anyways) is that we've both successfully completed our Because They Waited adoption training. Due to some technical problems of the program freezing in 'buffering mode' it took us longer than we anticipated. However, we're done and we're glad we took part in the training. We even have certificates to prove it : )

Otherwise, nothing too exciting going on regarding our adoption. Just tonight we we talking about how fast this fall/winter is going by. In just a couple weeks it'll be Thanksgiving, we'll hit the 4 month mark and then the busyness of Christmas will hit! In fact...tomorrow I'm starting the Christmas shopping. It should be a fun weekend including the wedding of some very special friends- but more on that later. Happy Friday everyone!

And, remember...keep praying for progress & keep praying for Baby Roth.

Three

Three. [Faith, Hope, Love.] Me.God. Journey (A Dad, A Mom, A Baby) We’ve made it to three months - wouldn’t it be sweet if we’d become a ‘3’ this month? Totally not anticipating it but, come on, I’ve got to admit we’d be just absolutely thrilled! It’s crazy to think how close we’re actually getting to becoming a family of three. Sometimes, I sit and realize how crazy much God can flip life around, turn it inside out and before you realize it, you’re in a crazy fabulous place you never thought possible. Three Novembers ago, Wes & I hadn’t even met. Two years ago, we were about to meet for the first time. One year ago, we were about to celebrate our 6 month anniversary. And, this November… we’re waiting to start the next phase of life. Wonder where we’ll be in three months, hmm- how about three years from now? One thing we do know, God’s got it all planned out. We’ve just got to walk along beside Him!

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

- Jeremiah 29:11

Pass it On...

Yesterday, I came home to find this big box tucked in the corner of the porch....

Wes helped open it up

and, look what was inside....

Lots more shoes!!! And, they are SUPER CUTE! A bunch of little Ethiopian girls will be totally stylin' AND, be protected from disease and infection. We are incredibly grateful to Wes' coworker Summer, who works in Washington, DC for passing on the shoes her little girl has grown out of. Such a generous yet simple way to make a huge difference in the lives of little ones who have so little. Oh, and did I mention how very, very cute they are???

Gotta admit, opening that box made me think....sure would be fun shopping for a little girl.

We'll have to see what the Lord has in store.

And, if you're keeping count...

last update we had 44 pairs of shoes.

I picked up a pair of $70 mens sandals for $7 = 45 pairs

45 + 21 (pairs from that BIG Box) = 66 pairs of shoes

October Numbers

The October numbers came out today : ) The good news is that 14 more little Ethiopian kiddos were matched with families this past month. And, 21 families submitted their paperwork to Ethiopia and are now added to the waiting list. Its great to hear that so many famlies have been called to build their families through adoption.
It'll be fun to watch the progress of other families this month- hope this month is filled with lots of good news for all the Bethany families!!!

What to expect...

Good news is- we're slowly moving up the wait list. We can't wait for the day when we get 'the call' introducing Baby Roth! We've been asked many times, so- what actually happens when you get your referral. Here are some things to keep in mind for THE DAY when we get 'THE CALL'...

First, we will receive from our social worker an email of information regarding our child's age, gender, social/family background, medical information and as much information as possible related to Baby Roth. Plus, we'll get at least one picture if not more! : ) We'll get a picture of a child that needs a home, a child that doesn't have a home...therefore, we need to be mentally prepared that the picture we get to pass along to family and friends very possibly won't be that of a chubby cheeked, smiley faced, all dressed up cute little babe. The other day, I read on a fellow Bethany family's blog that their referral was for a 4 month old baby boy who weighed 8lbs at the time. And, typically, once those small, little, babies get home to a family full of love, good food, clean water and good doctors, they grow super quick.

Second, Ethiopian law prohibits adoptive families from posting pictures of their prospective adoptive children online or to be electronically transmitted until after the child has traveled to America. So...what that means, is that we can't post to our blog or Facebook or anything like that until Baby Roth hits US soil. And, we can't send out a big mass email full of pictures either, stinky deal but, its for the best. We've just got to think that in the big picture.... we're gonna have years and years and years of pictures to share.

Third, just keep on praying for progress! Today at church, Pastor Ron reminded us that when we pray- we're talking to the creator of the universe.

We're talking to the Man..." who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it..." Isaiah 42:5 Baby Roth will join our family because we, the three of us, are all part of the plan- His plan to build our family! Yay, can't wait : )

Training...

Although, kids don't come with a user-manual...adoptive parents definitely go through more 'orientation' than those who become parents through birth. We've been working on finishing some of our training requirements and are finally making good progress. So far, we've attended some face-to-face training through our agency, read some very interesting books and are currently working through the Because They Waited training. So far, its been good. The information is pretty straightforward and they seem to have some very credible points. Of course, nothing is perfect and parenting is by no means a formula. However, its always nice to gain perspective from experts who've walked through similar phases which will be ahead for our family. I've attached an interesting article from the New York Times which demonstrates childhood brain development. Take a look, I think you'll be surprised by what you see : )

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/09/15/health/20080915-brain-development.html

In other news...nothing exciting to report. We're looking forward to hearing the October numbers for Bethany's referrals. And, we're coming up on our 3 month mark!

God Knows...

Yippee!! Its been 75 days since our paperwork took flight to Ethiopia : ) It seems like August was forever ago, most likely due to our super crazy schedule lately. But, a calmer sense of normal is almost here. This fall has been filled with working lots of volleyball concessions, knowledge bowl meets, school work, helping with the election, friends, church, getting a few wisdom teeth taken out, house projects, family visits and lots more! The busyness has been good- its made the time go by relatively 'quickly' yet at the same time it seems like I haven't seen our paperwork in ages. If you're wondering if your prayers for progress are working.... they are!!! Here's a glimpse of a few answered prayers...Last Friday- referral for a 6 week old baby boy, their paperwork was submitted in late May. Monday- referral for a 1 1/2 year old little girl, their paperwork was submitted in late June. Today- referral for a 5 year old girl, their paperwork was submitted October 8th- crazy!!
* Keep in mind, we're requesting an infant which normally takes longer to get a referral. Single children who are older and have special needs are placed much more quickly.
There's no magic formula or secret calculation method for knowing when that phone call might come however...we know, that God knows. Isn't that amazing!!!! I just can't imagine the joyful anticipation that He lives with every moment of every day. He knows which day and who Baby Roth is! We're so grateful and blessed that the process has continually became more efficient and speedy since we began this journey last spring. Again, we just keep praying that things keep moving along smoothly in order to allow more families to be united. And remember, if you see an expectant mom.... or a cute little scrunchy faced baby....say a prayer for Baby Roth.

Shoes, shoes, shoes...

Just a quick update on the shoes... its been amazing to see what started as just a handful of cute shoes turn into a big pile of shoes! As of right now, our count is up to 44. How awesome is that : ) A couple weeks ago the future Grandma Berry came up for the evening enroute to a school meeting. She dropped off a few pairs and got to check out the growing shoe mountain.

Its a Dad Thing...

This afternoon, we had a fun development in our journey to becoming parents...we took that pile of pieces and turned it into a crib! Here's a look at the amazing future dad in action : )

Yay for directions : )

Almost there...

Good Work!! : ) We think it looks amazing!

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Roth- we're sure Baby Roth will love it!

Keep Praying for Progress

During our waiting time, I'm often reminded that God is always at work whether we can see it or not. Which is a wonderful thing! As you may or may not know, our agency- Bethany Christian Services, has discussion board which I am constantly checking. Its a wonderful place to ask questions and to celebrate each other's journey to our children. Ask Wes or anyone super close to me and they'll tell you I'm well-addicted to checking the boards to see if anyone has heard 'good news'. We have a waiting list which is fun to watch people transition between the phases of bringing their child home. Not everyone is on the boards but about 1/2 or so the veteran board addicts predict : ) Recently however, there haven't been many referrals on the boards because nobody who submitted their paperwork in April and May have chosen to participate on the discussion boards. Therefore, its been quiet. There's been this mysterious silence of now knowing if referrals are being made, how many, how are things progressing...

BUT- great news, as of yesterday, the silence just may have been broken. A family who submitted their paperwork on May 21st received a referral for a 6 week old baby boy. Our paperwork is a few months behind theirs but still- we're making progress!!!

So, please- keep praying for progress. Keep praying for our little one who very likely may already be born. Keep praying that God will have us meet in His pre-destined timing, just when everything is ready and set to go. Thanks for praying and trust us, if we get the BIG news....we'll be shouting it for the whole world to know! God Bless everyone : )

Outta the Blue...

Today, just out of the blue, three people asked about you. Another student spoke on adoption. They wanted to know, if we'd heard anything yet. I said, sorry- not yet. There are lots of people just waiting to meet you. There are students who find our family story fascinating. There are colleauges who want to throw you parties, friends who are donating shoes for your home country and a big family praying you home. We can't wait to love on you!! So, maybe today, was some big kind of day, in some sort of way. We'll probably never know what today involved. But, know that lots of prayers were sent your way. So, tonight- my prayer is that you're warm and safe and nourished and healthy and hydrated and well. We're trusting in God that He will provide for you no matter where you are. Whether that be in the safe womb of your birth mom, in a little mud hut, or waiting in the orphanage. No matter what- God's there! He made you and has great plans for you!!

God Bless & Sweet Dreams Baby Roth! : )

Two

Two months. Its been just two months since our dossier (paperwork) flew to our child's homeland of Ethiopia. That was the day, we officially knew we were on the list. Actually, however, its been longer than that. It has been 12 weeks since we turned our paperwork into our local Bethany office. 12 weeks not having any papers, seals, signatures or other requirements to work on. It felt like it took forever to get to one month on the wait list. This past month- getting to 2, has actually went by more quickly. School and work and life is super busy right now. Which to a certain extent is a good thing...makes the waiting go more quickly.

So, its been 2 months...how much longer until you get a referral? This is starting to be a common question. So, here's the short version of our best guess. Referrals for our age range, 0-12 months have been around 6 months recently. Therefore, we are telling people that we may know something in January or February. Realizing, it could be longer however. We try to remind everyone though that this is just guess-imate and nothing else. We are very appreciative that Bethany intentionally matches the children to the family therefore making the child's needs the priority when selecting the family.

Technically, we could get that phone call anyday but- we know and believe that God will send that phone call at just the right time, when He has prepared just the right child for us. I've got to admit though...we're praying hard that that phone call comes much sooner than later!

"Be Still and Know that I am God"

Psalm 46:10

Its a beautiful time of the year right now...the leaves are beautiful, the weather is kind, and its a time of changing gears. Summer was busy and crazy and fun. To say that this fall has been busy would be a major understatement. The responsibilities are many and a lot of times, it seems like the time to accomplish them are few. But, yesterday- I wasted some time. It was a beautiful day out and I took the long way home from Belle and ended up in Spearfish Canyon. It was beautiful and on the way back down the canyon, I was reminded that we need to stop in the middle of the busyness to be still and to reflect. To make the most of where God has placed us in life right now. Waiting can seem long and tedious but, in the end, it brings God's glory. Along the way, He beautifully works things out according to His plan. In the waiting for the leaves to fall, He brings beauty and splendor if we stop to see it.

Its the ending of a season for us. A time for changing gears, asking ourselves what will stay and what will go? I can't wait for next fall, for weekends spent playing in piles of leaves, wagon rides and getting to bring Baby Roth to the Broncs pep rally. Ohh, and...just the other day, I found the cutest little knitted football hat!!! We're so thrilled to know that a new season is ahead : )
P.S. The picture is from my trip to Maine...it was a beautiful morning exactly 4 years ago today. I love how the perfect stillness of the water creates a perfect reflection. If only life was that simple.

Got Shoes?

We do! Well, we've more than we had a couple weeks ago anyways! I've been doing some super bargain hunting these past few weeks which has resulted in some great deals. And, Donna has been cleaning out the clearance racks in Sioux Falls too. Its been fun hunting for these cute little shoes. Here's what the shoe collection looks like right now...Thanks for helping out Donna! And, if you counted... we've got 32 pairs, and counting!!!! : )

Our Family Circle

Last winter was when God began quietly whispering the idea of adopting into both Wes and my hearts. But, really I think our family's journey began a long time ago- over 20 years ago to be 'exact'. I believe, it was 20 years ago this past June that our cousin Katie joined our family. She was born in Guatemala and welcomed to her forever family by my Aunt Donna when she was just a toddler. I don't have many pictures of when Katie was little but here is one of Donna, Ashley, Katie, Grandma & Dad visiting the zoo. Wow- that was a long time ago- look how little they are!!I'll never forget the day we met Katie. The cousin we had prayed and prayed and prayed for. Katie, we loved you long before we met you. We loved you just the same as if you were born into our family the old fashioned way. Finally, the day came- the day we got to meet Katie! I remember Ryon and I staring out his north facing bedroom window waiting to see a speck of a car come over the drive-way horizon. It seemed like it took forever but, finally- there it was! We whipped around, went screaming down the hall yelling 'KATIE's HERE'! I don't really remember stopping for shoes as we flew out the front door, jumping in the yard, shouting with joy. They crossed the railroad tracks and we couldn't contain ourselves anymore- we took off running down the drive way for the car. And, there she was. We were thrilled! In the weeks before Katie came home, I remember Mom and I talking about what we should get her as a shower gift. We wanted something that she could use for a long time, something special. So, a few weeks after first meeting her, we held a 'Welcome Home Shower" for Katie. Growing up, all three of us kids loved our little kid rocking chair. So, we decided that Katie needed one too. Well, this past weekend we had the opportunity to have lunch with Donna & Katie. It was a wonderful time and so great to hear they're doing so well. And, the most special moment of it all- was when Donna mentioned the little rocking chair. They talked had been talking the rocker and decided, it needs to stay in the family....So, we are honored that Baby Roth will get to enjoy Katie's little kid rocker. What a special and meaningful family heirloom to pass along to the next generation. Thank you Katie! And, thank you Donna for leading the way. And, most importantly- Praise the LORD that Katie's a part of our family. We'll take good care of the little rocker!!

Road Trip 2010

Last weekend, we had a great time on Road Trip 2010! We headed East to visit a bunch of family & friends! It was so great to see some of our most favorite people!! : ) The tour included stops in...

Woonsocket.... to visit Naomi and her house full of kids. Between hers and the neighbor kids there were 10 kids, all having a great time. Its exciting to think that Naomi's soon to arrive baby and our little one will likely be close to the same age. How exciting!
Then to Sioux Falls for some Hu Hot with Ryon & Ashley before seeing David Crowder at LifeLight.

The Zoo with Alison, Ben & kids...

Stayed in Yankton with Sara, Josh & kids. Then cheered on Josh as he ran his 1st triathalon.

Had a great lunch with Donna & Katie!!

Then, stopped for icecream with the newlyweds...Amber & Chris Friedel : )

And, we were treated to a famous Dad's Fish Fry (and homemade meatloaf for me) with Grandma and Grandpa too!! P.S. did you notice Mom's new countertops?

Dad's and his kitten... Mountain Lion.

If Baby Roth gets spoiled 1/2 as much as this little kitty, well- we're in trouble!!

He's going to be a really fabulous Grandpa : )

We had a great time and are so grateful for so many people who are supportive and excited for our adoption. We are so blessed! Can't wait for our little one to run and play with the gang at Naomi's, or Sara's or spend the day at the zoo with Alison's cuties too!