"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!

One

We've made it to our 1 month mark of our waiting for a referral. Although, it seems like forever ago that we sent off our dossier- its been a month since it was sent to Ethiopia. Its been 7 weeks since we turned our authenticated dossier into Bethany. Right now, referral times have been holding very steady at around 6 months. A few a little shorter and a few a little longer. However, many have been right at the 6 month mark. So, we'll see if they continue at the same pace. Of course, we're hoping and praying for a speedy process however, we know that it will all work out in God's timing. It will all work out when our child is ready and we're ready and God says... today is the day we're to be introduced to our child. We sooo, can't wait for that day. But, also realize that there is much to be gained by waiting on the Lord. One of these days while we're at work, or driving to Rapid, or working VB concessions or grading papers... our child may be born, or be waking up in the orphanage that first morning. We just keep praying for God's protection, guidance and grace for our child and the birth family. We're doing well. This past weekend we took a wonderful 'Road Trip 2010' to see a bunch of friends east river and a bunch of family along the way too. Lots to share about that... maybe tomorrow : ) I spent 15 hours at school today and need to be ready for another day and back on the road in less than 7 hours so, goodnight!!