100th Day of School

Okay, today was the 100th day of school and all the kids had to bring 100 of something. Jory chose to take a 100 piece puzzle to school.

So let me side track a little bit... I'm taking Jacen and Brice (our neighbor boy that rides with us everyday) to the middle school. Then I'm going to take Jory for a doughnut before taking him to his school. So I asked Jory to find my debit card in my purse. I usually just toss my debit card in my purse after using it and can never find it the next time I need it. So I put Jory on this task of locating it. Well he couldn't find it. So I took my wallet out so he could see around better. We eventually passed my purse to Jacen to look, as he can always find it! Well he was taking stuff out and digging around and couldn't find it either. I thought I'd check my wallet by the extremely off chance I put it there... I had. Right where it belongs!

Jacen begins to job of stuffing everything back in my purse when the conversation takes another course. I asked Jory... "Did you get your puzzle in your backpack?" "Yes" was his reply. I look over at him and asked "Did you get your backpack?" No reply... just the guilty look! So my middle punk, knowing it was the 100th day of school, pipes up and say's "That's okay Jory, you can take mom's purse. It has 100 things in it."

How Rude.

Well, now you know why I never answer my cell phone... by the time I find it, it's stopped ringing. I admit, my purse does need cleaned out. It isn't usually this bad, but when you have 3 kids pawning stuff off on you all the time, it's sort of a 'catch all'! Maybe I'll do that today!

Eternally His... JMS

Honeymoons Over!

Ugh! How much do we love our Grandchildren? I don't even have them yet, but I know I love them! Would you consider dumping your debt on them? Most of us dream of leaving behind an inheritance to help our children and their children in times of need... but we don't dream of leaving them already in debt because of us!
Read this and then email your senators! All you have to do is enter your zipcode and your 2 senators will automatically pop up. The letter is prewritten... it is so simple!

The House just passed a bill raising taxes on every citizen by $3,333. But don’t worry, you will never have to pay it.
See what this new bill does with your money.
January 29, 2009
The U.S. House of Representatives just passed The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1). This bill, which eventually will cost one trillion dollars, will increase the amount of taxes owed by every person in America by $3,333.But you don't need to worry because you will never have to pay it. Neither will your children. It will be your grandchildren and their children who will pay this tax. It is utterly immoral to force our great-grandchilden to pay off our debt.
Add this amount to the $35,000 which every individual already owes, and that increases each individual's debt to $38,000.

H.R. 1 is the largest pork barrel spending bill in the history of our country. President Obama has said this bill will create four million new jobs. President Obama is under the impression that we can spend our way out of debt! That's like thinking an alcoholic can drink his way to sobriety!

Examples:
$20 million "for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers." (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "20,000,000 for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers)
$400 million for STD prevention (Pg. 60 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "CDC estimates that a proximately 19 million new STD infections occur annually in the United States ...The Committee has included $400,000,000 for testing and prevention of these conditions.")
$25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "$25,000,000 is for recreation maintenance, especially for rehabilitation of off-road vehicle routes, and $20,000,000 is for trail maintenance and restoration")
$34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ (Pg. 15 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: $34,000,000 for the Department of Commerce renovation and modernization")
$70 million to "Support Supercomputing Activities" for climate research (Pgs. 14-15 of Senate Appropriations Committee Report: $70,000,000 is directed to specifically support supercomputing activities, especially as they relate to climate research)
$150 million for honey bee insurance (Pg. 102 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "The Secretary shall use up to $ 50,000,000 per year, and $150,000,000 in the case of 2009, from the Trust Fund to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary")

Take Action!
Send your two senators an e-mail and ask them to vote against H.R. 1 when the Senate votes.
Help us get one million e-mails to the Senate by forwarding this message to your friends and family.

Eternally His... JMS

Just a Reminder...

I will be in line to buy mine after work!

While FIREPROOF is no longer in theaters, its impact is about to be rekindled. Provident Films has set January 27 for the release of FIREPROOF on DVD! In addition to the No. 1 inspirational film of the year, the Special Collector's Edition (available only at Christian retail stores and websites) includes these bonus features:

» Making of FIREPROOF: TV Special

» Filming a Movie in 30 Days: FIREPROOF Video Blog (exclusive)

» Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers

» Spanish and Portuguese Language Options

» Subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, and Arabic

» Rescued Scenes, FIREGOOFS, and Firehouse Pranks

» Casting Crowns Music Video for "Slow Fade" (exclusive)

» Wayne's Firehouse Commentary (exclusive)

» Fun with Mr. Rudolph (exclusive)

» And much, much more!

Happy Chinese New Year!

The Year of the Ox...

People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.

You can go here to check out your zodiac sign. I am a Rat!

Wonderful Soup

A couple of days ago I made this wonderful Cauliflower Soup! The recipe comes from Pioneer Woman. Her blog is listed on the right of mine under "Favorite Places to Visit" and this is certainly one of my favorites!
I shared a little bit with my mom and my mother-in-law, but other than that, Jory and I (mostly me) have ate the rest! The other boys in our home won't touch it with a 10 foot pole, which is ok for me!!! In fact, Jack gagged when I was cooking the cauliflower. More for me and I have just enough left for lunch tomarrow.
All of her recipes are fabulous and her 'confessions' area is a place you don't want to miss! I also followed along as her husband took their daughters on a mission trip this summer.
Go check her blog out and make some Cauliflower Soup!

A New Day...

Whew! Probably a good thing yesterday was 'Wordless Wednesday'! After much thought, I am not going to post further about the 'stupid comment' that I shared on Tuesday. It's over, done with, time to move on. It is what it is... Obama is now our President and leader of our country. I will support him and pray for him.

This blog is supposed to be following our adoption journey, so back to that! Unfortunately I have no new news to report on the adoption journey! Our Dossier is currently at the Chinese Consulate in Chicago being authenticated. Once our agency gets it back we will be DTC (Date to China) for a 2nd time! Then we'll get a new LID (log in date) and then the wait begins for our LOA (letter of Acceptance). This is technically our official referral of Wen and then I'm safe for sure to share the full photo of her! Oh you're in for it, because she is so incredibly adorable! I can't wait to share! Ironically, we were contacted about adopting her while I was away at World Changers and...

last night my friend from World Changers emailed me a bunch of pictures from our worksite! I've shared a few photo's of the kids I took, but I didn't ever have my camera at the work site! So I'm excited to be able to share those with you! Enjoy!

Last night we went to Jacen's band concert, so I'll try and get those photo's uploaded to share soon! He is just such an incredible kid! He always has a smile on his face.

Eternally His... -JMS

Choose Life...

Stupid Comment of the Day...

This is an actual quote! I left my friend a message on Facebook and someother 'lady' had left this comment. Are you ready? It's really stupid and unbelievable. I did not alter this at all, I copied and pasted from his Facebook. You better sit down.... Here goes...
"being a Christian has nothing to do with who you voted for President." Huh? What the.....????
I'm still stunned... I'm going to chew on this a bit and will probably post more tomorrow.
Eternally His... JMS

Inauguration Day

A Letter from Max Lucado
Dear Friends,
I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The long-lasting benefits of good choices…the fearful consequences of poor ones…complicated social issues and relentless international problems.He needs our prayers. And it’s our privilege to pray for him.
The Bible says: Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (1 Timothy 2:2)

For that reason, I invite you to set aside a few minutes on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, and ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. Join me and urge as many people as possible to speak to God on behalf on our incoming president. Good things happen when people pray.
A few years ago I attended a meeting in the White House. While standing in the State Dining Room, I noticed some words engraved on the fireplace: a message from John Adams to his wife Abigail. “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.” Here’s hoping that same prayer is offered and answered again.
Max Lucado

Note from me... I don't see how God can bless a country who chooses for their leader a person who does not believe in the sanctity of life. We NEED to pray for Obama and our Country.

God help us all. Eternally His.... JMS

Sanctity of Life Sunday...

Our sermon this morning was from Ezekiel 22...

Ezekiel 22:30
So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

Sin makes a gap in the hedge of protection that is about a people at which good things run out from them and evil things pour in upon them, a gap by which God enters to destroy them.

There is a way of standing in the gap, and making up the breach against the judgments of God, by repentance, and prayer, and reformation. Moses stood in the gap when he made intercession for Israel to turn away the wrath of God, Ps. 106:23.

When God is coming forth against a sinful people to destroy them he expects some to intercede for them, and enquires if there be but one that does; so much is it his desire and delight to show mercy. If there be but a man that stands in the gap, as Abraham for Sodom, he will discover him and be well pleased with him.

It bodes ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained, so that not one is found that will either give them a good word or speak a good word for them.

When it is so, what can be expected but utter ruin?

Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them (v. 31), have given it full scope, that it may come upon them in a full stream; yet, whatever God’s wrath inflicts upon a people, it is their own way that is therein recompensed upon their heads, and God deals with them no worse, but even much better, than their iniquity deserves.

As Christians, we should be willing to 'stand in the gap'. Our pastor also gave all the statistics on abortion in America. It's staggering. At one point he shared this question... I know we've all received this email... Question: If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion? If you said yes, congratulations you just killed Beethoven.

Our Pastor urged us to think about the 40+ million babies that have died since legalizing abortion. One of them may have been the one to know the cure for cancer, or aids, or diabetes. One of them may have been the God fearing president that would start revival and turn America back to it's roots. We may be experiencing God's judgement right now.

Anyway, all of this of course got me to thinking about all the birth mom's. How grueling their choice must have been. How easy it would've been just to have an abortion. How hard it must have been to give birth, fall in love then give up their child. We wouldn't be adopting our daughter if her mother had chose abortion. We are so entirely grateful and will never forget her sacrifice or take it for granted. Eternally His... JMS

My Christmas Gift

My lovely husband bought me this picture to grace the wall of our home for my Christmas gift. I think it's entirely fitting for life right now. While waiting for our daughter, our son fixin' to go off to college, finding a church home that feels right, President Elect Obama's inaguration day approaching.... there are many things I have no control over. The best place for me is on my knees.

Eternally His... JMS

Honoring the Full Lincoln Legacy

In a few short days, President Obama will assume our nation's highest office. Amidst all the Inaugural Day festivities, Obama has chosen to pay fitting tribute to America's Great Emancipator.
On January 20, 2009, President Obama will re-trace part of the Lincoln Inaugural route by train, and then take the oath of office using the Lincoln Bible. But will the homage to Lincoln stop there?
We would invite the new President to consider the full Lincoln legacy as he swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence that provided its spirit.
If President Obama would indeed meet the test of Lincoln's principles, then his policies must affirm that unborn children are "stamped in the divine image and likeness". For if God has endowed us with unalienable rights, how can President Obama pursue policies that assume unborn children can "be trodden on"?

Lee Teter

I had told you way back in September that I bought a Lee Teter print to be framed with my birthday money. I realized after reading through my blog, that I never posted the promised finished product... So here it is! This is 'The Reminder'!

The bottom of it say's "There is no sweeter embrace than one with kisses laced...

Frigid!!!!

We have been blessed with pretty mild weather in the last few years... Nothing over 100 and nothing below 0. But today our thermometer read -11! That's cold!
A few years ago, I listened to the CD '23 minutes in Hell' and that really changed my perspective on cold weather. Cold used to make me down right grouchy. I hated being cold. Now I tell myself there are people burning in hell who would give anything for a cool breeze. I no longer complain about cold weather! Bring it on!
Eternally His... JMS

Burning Calories on a Budget!

Here's a cheap way to burn calories!

Houseworkout:
A half hour of vacuuming burns 75-125 calories;
dishwashing burns 77,
window washing 105
and mopping the floors will sweat off 112 calories per half hour.

Makes you want to put on your apron and get cleaning, doesn't it?

Comparisons

I mentioned yesterday that Jia's smile is similar to Jack's. So today, I thought it would be fun to post the smiles of our family to see the similarities! See if you can guess who's is whose!

First we have the crooked grins!

Now here comes the 'smirk'!

Happy Birthday Jia!

Today is Jia's 3rd birthday! January 7th, 2006!

Although she not here to celebrate with us, we couldn't forget her special day!

Dearest Jia, we LOVE you so much already and can't wait to hold you in our arms!

Jory and Jacen wanted their picture with Jia's cake too! They, also, can't wait until their little sister gets here. I don't know who the wait is harder on... us or them.

A Little Bit of Sweetness!

KISSES IN THE WIND

I hold you in my heart

and touch you in my dreams.

You are here each day with me,

at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are...

what's taking us so long.

But remember Jia, I love you so

and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze

and let it touch your skin.

Because tonight, just as always,

I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand

until I can be with you.

I promise you, my darling,

I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family

for real, not just pretend.

But for tonight, just as always,

I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms

and hold you so very tight.

And let the angels bring the kisses

that I send to you each night.

Unknown Author

Today is a very special day! Today our daughter Wen turns 3! Our agency has advised us not to publically post pictures until we are, at least, logged in with CCAA. Many people post them after PA which we received 10/23/08, but we're playing it safe! It should only be a few more weeks!

I can't wait to share!

Until then, in honor of her birthday, it's surely okay to give you a little glimpse!

I fell in love with these little lips! I just can't wait to kiss them!

And this smirk, looks just like her Daddy's. It's so unbelievable, but when he does this downward smile, he looks just like this! It's unimaginable that there's such a resemblance between the two!

Enjoy! That's all for now! Happy Birthday sweet girl! I love you!

Happy 2009!

Jack and the kids and I had plans to get together with our friends, Jeremy and Cindy, but Cindy ended up getting sick. So we took boys to see 'Marley and Me' and out for pizza. We stayed up to wish eachother a Happy New Year then hit the sack.
I look back in awe at all the things God has done for us in 2008 and just can't imagine how wonderful 2009 is going to be!