Season of Change

I love the fall season. The changes that come - the leaves turn color, the air becomes crisp, the days get shorter, new classes start, new episodes come on TV, I usually move furniture or change something in the house, and I really feel like Christmas is coming soon! Usually, I love these changes and look forward to them.

This year is a bit different for me - for us. Jim and I have been discussing this idea for a few years now. We haven't been terribly unhappy or disappointed really - just feeling a need for a change. A change that we have never made accept when moving from one town to another. We have had restless hearts and sought the Lord for His guidance. We have longed for a ministry that we both could jump into with our whole hearts. We have longed for deeper walks with God and deeper friendships. We just didn't think God would lead us away from our current circumstances to find these things.

But He has - so we will follow. We are seeking out a new church in which to fellowship and hopefully minister in some way. It has been one of the most difficult changes in my life. I have dug my heels in and fought it all the way and yet I have a strong sense that we are doing the right thing. It's extremely uncomfortable -but right. I will cherish the years at Court Street but look forward to what God is doing. Daniel came home to us at Court Street and I will never forget the love of the body of Christ that we experienced!

Pray for us. Pray for perspective - it is not all about us, but God. Pray He'll guide us to just the right place. Pray for us to grow through this and hold tight to Jesus.

Daniel's First Birthday

One year ago today...

I was with friends in Duvall, WA having a wonderful visit. It was bittersweet in that Marae was recuperating from surgery, I was mourning the loss of my father, and we were reeling from the most recent set backs in our adoption process. All in all, it was a fabulous time with old friends who have been dear to us for over 20 years now. We ate together, laughed alot and the girls even got a little shopping in! While in an antique store, we spotted the sweetest baby book with beautiful illustrations. I picked it up - and again - hoped that one day, I would need one just like it. We also spied an adorable hand-knit baby outfit that possessed that timeless quality, being specially made by loving hands for a hoped-for baby. I thought, if I ever get a baby of my own, I would love to dress him in something from the past, so to remember that babies are special today, yesterday, and always.

While we were sleeping, little did I know, in Newport, Oregon, the most special person was coming into this world and would be joining our family!


The story of how God brought Daniel to us is a miracle. Not to sound cliche, but ALL babies are mircles - each and every one. Labor can be long but the reward is immeasurable.

It's been a year so we had to CELEBRATE!!!!

We had a farm theme for his party and lots of fun games -

"Pin the Tail on the Donkey" - "Egg Toss" - and a fun ruuning relay game of my own invention called "Pen the Pig!"

The party was a group production with many thanks and MUCH credit going to Jim (of course) along with my Mom, my sister Sue and her two "babies," Amber and Joey. 33 adults and 26 kids later, Jim asked, "We're not having a party like this for Daniel every year, are we?"

Daniel has been and will continue to be the greatet joy in our lives. Jim and I feel so blessed to have him. He shows his gratitude for a GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY! It was a good day.

By the way, my friend Marae sent me that baby book and hand-knit outfit within a few days of bringing Daniel home. Who would have known the hoped-for-treasures were found the very day that Daniel was born.