Thank You God for...

A Godly husband who never fails to lead.

Two healthy, happy sons, who continue to teach me daily.

Blessing me with the ability to carry and give birth to one child.

Teaching me how heart ache and patience turns into abundance through adoption.

Leading us from the comforts of our surroundings on a relationship-strengthening journey where You have become the root of our thoughts and desires.

Teaching me that everyday sacrifice of my own wants and desires is spiritual food for my soul.

Blessing me with gainful employment during the worst economic times I have witnessed, then blessing me again by wonderful supervisors, coworkers, and work that I love.

A church that has become a loving, nurturing, supportive family almost instantly, and for deeper relationships that are in the works.

For an earthly family that has loved us enough to let us spread our wings and follow the plan God has for our lives.

Grandparents that love unconditionally always.

Parents that still take time to teach and support us through the love of our children and for bridging the gap in relationships that need mending.

Siblings that are free spirits and some who still need nurtured.

For a sister who bravely serves in the United States Navy and is learning to understand that sacrifice while teaching us the same.

For aunts, uncles, and cousins that we are blessed to spend time with during the holidays.

As if all of this were not enough, he gave me more…

Most of all, I am thankful for a God that loves me even though I sin, even though He can hear my thoughts, even though I am completely unworthy…He sent His son, Jesus to die on the cross so that I might live life abundantly, in His name, and then dance on the streets of Heaven with Him one day.

Update

I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blog...but seriously...I just can't seem to find the time. So....

Chase and Peyton - made the switch to a new daycare about a month ago and so far things are going great. I had been taking them to a daycare center (which we loved) that charged by the hour (which we did not love); they are now in an in home daycare with a super nice family. Miss Donna is just a few years older than me and has an amazing calming effect on the boys (which they need desperately...they can be quite wild at times)! They just love her and even ask to go to her house...last night Chase cried when it was time to go home!

They are both speaking in compelte sentences now and are carry on some pretty lengthy conversations with each other - which in on honesty is completely hysterical most of the time! They are both pretending and playing imaginary games...and have even started taking on the personas of characters from movies! This is such a fun time...

Peyton has switched to a toddler bed and is staying in bed all night...and is constantly telling us that he is a big boy...he is clearly not...we keep reminding him that he cannot be a big boy until he goes to the potty! (yeah...he doesn't care).

Matt - is still working away his days in Ag Lending...and enjoys playing increasely more rough with the boys everyday...he has also taken on the role of primary chef in the Raber household...he gets home from work about a 1/2 before the boys and I do....any way...he's doing an excellent job and we are thankful he's willing to do it.

Me - my work is going well and I truly enjoy what I am doing...albeit, it is stressful at times-I feel like I was made for this position. I am also forseeing some additional college in my future - yikes! I do quite a bit of legal correspondence and since I had no formal training in that area, I may be taking some paralegal courses...

Church - Our church family is wonderful! We have made several friends that are truly becoming our family. It's just amazing to see God's work! We are all studying God's Word and doing our best to apply it to our lives - and His blessings are overflowing!

That's all for now...I have some things to take care of on this lunch break...hopefully I'll have some pictures soon. (I know...promises, promises...)

Love,

Proud U.S. Navy Sister

Yesterday I drove up to Great Lakes, IL (North Chicago) and saw my sister Erin on her graduation day from boot camp. It was incredible to see her and spend time with her and my family...hearing her contagious giggle made the 2 months of not talking to her disappear. We loved listening to her tell stories about her friends and her experiences! I do have a couple of pictures but I won't be posting them for a bit...just wanted to let you all know that she graduated (did very well, I might ad).

Erin will be leaving for Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL on Wednesday, September 9th and will be having some additional training (about 3 weeks) before she heads to her duty station. She will be stationed in Norfolk, VA aboard the USS Nassau. Go Navy!

Please Write to Erin

Please write or send a card to my sister Erin at Navy Recruit Training Camp...send her some positive energy! I'm sure she would appreciate it!

SR WILLIAMS, ERIN, D.
SHIP 14 DIV 310
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
3410 SAILOR DRIVE
GREAT LAKES, IL 60088-3510

(Must be all caps)

Even if you don't know her, please take the time to send her some encouragement and thanks for dedicating the next 8 years of her life to help keep the USA safe!

Thanks so much and God bless!

Fun at the Zoo

Yesterday we took advantage of the extremely unseasonable temperatures and headed to a small zoo with the boys. This was our first trip without a stroller - it was AWESOME! The boys did very well listening and following directions and we all enjoyed ourselves so much...they were even having a birthday party for an elephant so everyone got a piece of birthday cake. Here are several pictures from our fun afternoon at the Niabi Zoo, 72 degrees on July 18!

Riding the train...
Giggles all around...

the carousel...

wheeeeee

Chase & Peyton had a role reversal-Peyton was brave & Chase was not...no, we did not know the man in the picture...he was just sharing his goat food with Peyton.

Yee haw....

I'm a cowboy...

We took their picture on this rhino last year too...
last year's rhino pic...my how they've grown!

My little monkeys...love them SO much!

She's Off to Boot Camp

Erin is off to boot camp this weekend. Please be praying for her as she begins her career in the United States Navy.

Congrats to the Littles!

I'm super excited for my blog buddy (and former school mate) Cassie and her husband PJ who have just received notice from their adoption agency that they have been chosen by a birth mother who is expecting a baby girl!! Please pray for this family as they continue down their adoption journey!

First Week of Work

Well folks, my first week of work went very well, I think. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to earn extra income for my family while doing something I enjoy.



The company I work for is called Professional Swine Management (PSM http://www.psmswine.com/) and is a sister company to Carthage Vet Service (CVS http://www.hogvet.com/). The child in me can't help but chuckle at my work email address ____@hogvet.com. Between the two companies we are responsible for the management of about 30 farms (permits, construction, staffing, accounting, board meetings for shareholders, etc...) and these farms contain a total of approximately 800,000 hogs. There are 11 Vet's on staff, several project managers, farm managers, etc...currently there are 65 office support staff members to make all of this happen...it's the craziest thing...but super exciting, I think.



Of course this week and the weeks to come will be spent doing a lot of training but I'm okay with that because I love to learn. I've met most of the Veterinarians by now, most of the managers...but these folks are on the road a LOT...that's why I'm needed to assistant them (there is an Office Manager, an Executive Assistant, and then me). The Swine industry is totally new to me...but I find it completely fascinating (that need to learn that I have). I work with some super nice folks in the office.

The boys are doing well with the adjustment to being in daycare full time...but of course are very tired and Chase woke up sick this AM (he gets bronchitis so easily)...The staff at the daycare tell us that the kids are well behaved, have nice table manners, are great at sharing and taking turns and are starting to choose their buddies already. Peyton told us last night that he likes to play with Aidan, so I must make a note to meet him! I must also announce that Chase has his first girlfriend...her name is Tanaea and she is 15 years old (part time summer help)...they said that when she is around that suddenly he is capable of doing nothing for himself-not even walking...LOL, 3 years old and he's already acting like a grown man! He told me yesterday..."Mommy, Chase love Tanaea." He told me he likes to give her hugs and kisses!

Monday during the lunch hour, Matt called to see how my day was going and when I got home from work...he and the kids had a special surprise for me...he had picked out 2 beautiful matching picture frames for my new desk and even had them gift wrapped! He had the boys greet me at the door and they yelled "saprise, mommy!" I just love my family!

Wendesday evening we went out to eat with our new pastor, his wife, and one of their children...we really enjoyed getting to know them a bit and asking some questions about the church. Then on Thursday evening our couples Bible study began...we are going through the Fireproof your Marriage study...so far it is awesome!!

We ended the week with a dinner at the local Mexican restaurant (Mommy & Chase's fav) for a delicious meal...we're not going to do much this weekend except clean and laundry because we are all super tired from our daily schedule.

Hope you are all doing well...post a comment or email me at laura.raber@mchsi.com to let me know what's new with you!

Momma's Going Back to Work...

On May 27th, I had my first interview with PSM (Professional Swine Management, LLC) in Carthage, IL. I was very optimistic and fortunately received a call back for a second interview which took place this Tuesday. The ladies that interviewed me told me that it was between me and one other candidate and I should hear something by the end of this week regarding the position. I received a call one hour ago from the HR Manager offering me the position of Administrative Assistant and I am so excited to be going back to work in a job that fits me to a tee starting this coming Monday. I get to wear blue jeans and polos-which is my clothing of choice! I can even wear tennis shoes if I choose!

The boys have already been going to daycare 2 mornings a week so they are familiar with their teachers and the other children. I'm going to take them there all day tomorrow so I can hopefully get a bunch of stuff done here at the house.

I'm so excited that I'm about to burst and thanking God for his wonderful blessings!

Our Sunday Morning

Our Sunday morning started off with pancakes and bacon followed by baths and getting ready to church. This was our second Sunday at our new church...and it felt so familiar-one of the ladies even joked about us not being "new" anymore. Dana and her husband Rick invited us to go out for lunch to Dairy Queen with them and 4 other couples...we had fun and it was great to get to socialize with some adults as well. We are so amazed at the openness and friendliness of this congregation. They basically don't know us at all and were like...hey, why don't you join us for lunch?! So awesome. Chase stayed with us in "big" church and played with his toys while Peyton went to his class...he learned that God made the World and even brought home some crafts. He was having so much fun with the kids in his class, he didn't even know I was standing in front of him until I said Peyton! Then he yelled hi, mommy...then turned and waved great big to the rest of the class and said "bye, guys!" So cute!!

Anyway, for those of you who haven't followed my drama on facebook the last few days...on Thursday our laptop overheated, Friday I took it the PC Doctors, whereupon they prounounced it DOA...so last night we went to Walmart and purchased a new laptop, got it home and started to set it up...yeah, it wouldn't boot! So after some phone calls we decided to return it to Walmart for another "new" one...this one works great but I can't get the wireless router to work properly yet...I WILL get it though! Other than that...this baby is FAST! I love it!!

Most likely the rest of the day will be spent relaxing and reading a bit and then tomorrow...laundry...ugh! Tuesday is my second job interview with PSM in Carthage...please keep praying...I really need this job and just know it would be a good fit for all parties involved!

Have a great week!!

9 Hours Later...

This is Chase 9 hours after his surgery with basically no nap...

Surgery Is Over...

Chase's surgery went very well this morning. He was so brave and such a good little boy (as usual). Everything went according to plan and he did not have to have tubes put in. He is relaxing on the couch with Daddy, eating popsicles and watching Popeye. I decided to leave Peyton at daycare all day to keep some excitement out of the house...I'm sure Peyton will be happy to see all of us but hopefully they will have worn him out!

That's all for now...thanks for all of the prayers and please continue to pray for his recovery!
God bless,

Chase's Surgery

We've been concerned with Chase's speech for awhile...so I took him to have his hearing checked and he completely failed his hearing test and found out he needed his tonsils and adenoids out and most likely tubes put in his ears as well. He had clear fluid behind his eardrums and his tonsils and adenoids were so swollen that they were essentially crushing his ear tubes. So, after his recovery he will hopefully be a new little boy after surgery and we can stop yelling at each other...

We are getting ready to drop Peyton off at the daycare and go to the hospital for a baseline speech evaluation in the therapy department...that way we can see just how beneficial this surgery was for him.

On a very happy note...we worked on primary colors yesterday and he was able to tell me what each of the 9 primary colors were by name and then choose them as well! I was so very proud...he's struggled so much in learning his colors but now I think his hearing was playing a big roll in that! So excited to see him thrive after this surgery!!

Please keep us in your prayers!

Prayer Requests Please

First of all, I wanted to let you all know that we have FINALLY found a church to call home!! We're so excited...it's called Crossview Fellowship and it's non-demoninational (like the last 2 we went to). Uplifting worship, great sermon series' (Fireproof your marriage starts in a couple of weeks-we're stoked), a come as you are vibe, and the friendliest group of people I have EVER been around in a church!!

If you would please be in prayer for Chase and his surgical staff this Wednesday...he'll be having his tonsils & adenoids removed and possibly getting tubes in his ears as well. We still don't know what time his procedure will be...they'll call tomorrow to let us know because they go by age (since he's 3...he may be 3rd or 4th in line...bless his heart he's going to be so hungry & thirsty!). Please pray for a speedy and relatively pain free recovery (I've heard it can be very rough!). Also, Peyton will be at daycare all day on Wednesday, which will be a first...thank goodness I won't have to worry about him though and Matt and I can focus on Chase & what he needs.

I had a job interview last week and I'm very interested in it. I think the interview went well...I liked them & the work they described sounded interesting as well. Please pray that God's will be done in this situation. If it is what is right for our family that I will get the job...if not, then that's okay too.

Also...please be in prayer for my sister Erin as she prepares to head off to boot camp and begin her 8 years in the Navy. She is heading off for boot camp around July 12th and will be in Chicago for 8 weeks. Her graduation is set for September 11th.

Our Backyard Haven

You can take the Raber's out of the country...but not the country out of the Raber's! Ha ha! We decided we wanted to enjoy some fresh vegetables this summer so we just planted a little garden in the back! We have 5 Better Boy tomato plants, 2 Cherry tomato plants, 2 sweet green peppers, 2 sweet red peppers, one hill of cucumbers, one hill of zuccini squash, and some merigolds to help with the bug population.
About a month ago, we decided to make a small landscape mound in the backyard as our focal point of view from the covered porch & patio (those are still a work in progress-pictures to come later)...we found an amazing green house out in the country (about twice the size that Wichman's used to be) and bought a variety of flowering plants (Matt's favorite were the African Daisy...we bought the yellow and orange-so beautiful! I think next year we'll build it up higher and add some boston fern!

A few weeks ago, we were all out on the front porch enjoying the first signs of spring and the warm air...when out of the blue, Rascal took off running after a little girl down the street...SO, Rascal no longer gets to go on the front porch and he cannot escape the backyard...we closed in the carports to keep him (and the boys) in the yard. Matt still thinks it looks out of place because we did every other board...but our carport is attached to the alley, the alley is not lit, and there are random people walking/driving through our alley at all times of the day...I thought we needed to be able to see through the fence and I was NOT going to have chain link! I personally think the fence looks great...maybe it will grow on him! Oh and kudos to Matt on the design one section is removeable like a cattle gate so you can still drive a car through to the house if need be!

We also had a tiny little row between the house and sidewalk that we planted flowers in...I hate having to put stuff in straight rows but there wasn't much of an option...I just love the flowers though!!

Yesterday I posted about our roses...here's a pic of the ones I cut yesterday...I won't post a picture of the actual bushes...because it's on the side of the house that we never see so we haven't worked on it yet and it's completely overrun with weeds (yeah...we're trying to blend in with the neighbors-Ha ha!).

This is a close up of the African Daisies...aren't they gorgeous?? We just love them!

Today in Iowa

Daddy reading to Peyton before he left for work this morning...

see the resemblance??

This morning we cut some flowers from our rose bushes to put in a vase and enjoy inside...they are so beautiful-I just love them. So...I thought the girls at the bank should have one too (the ones I went out with a few weeks ago)...Andrea, Amanda, and Betsy.

After our visit at the bank we headed to Walmart to buy a birthday gift for our friend Lily...he birthday party is tomorrow in Macomb...this will be the first birthday party our boys have gone too so I'm pretty excited for them to experience that. It will be great to see Myra & Travis too...haven't seen them for about one month.

The Walmart trip went pretty well with both boys behaving-I even received compliments on their behavior from strangers! We payed, went to the van, loaded our bags and just as I was getting ready to put Peyton in his seat I noticed he was missing a shoe...SOOOOO back inside to search for shoe! Luckily we found it and I talked to Peyton about not taking shoes off.

Word to the wise...NEVER mention cheeseburgers until you have them in your hands...I told the boys that I would stop and buy them cheeseburgers on the way home but it was noon and you couldn't get into a drive thru line much less find a parking space...they whined a bit but I told them I had chicken nuggets at home and that calmed them down!

Oh...I had a job interview yesterday and I think it went very well. Please be praying for me and our family in regards to this job. I think I would really enjoy the work and we've been told that it is an excellent company to work for...and they have great benefits as well. I liked the ladies that interviewed me (I think they like me as well)...they are going to do callbacks at the end of next week for second interviews-hopefully I'll get a call!

Indiana Vacation

My sister's Erin (Ern) & Alison (Al)...aren't they pretty???

The last few days have been bunches of fun and very exhausting! We traveled to Indiana to visit our family and friends. My sister Erin graduated on Friday evening so we had fun celebrating that as well. The first day we were there we went to Bloomington and met up with my dad at Cascade park...it was so much fun! I also got my hair cut & colored while I was home. I took so many pictures...which I posted to my facebook account...the following links we'll take you to my photo albums.

Cascade Park

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024485&id=1116325979&l=330097332b

Family Fun

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024483&id=1116325979&l=8feb7ab1bb

Bathing Boys

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024481&id=1116325979&l=d75b5bf7e0

Erin's Graduation

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024432&id=1116325979&l=07b6e5333a

3 Hour Diet Update

I have officially been on the 3 Hour Diet by Jorge Cruise for 1 week and I have some very exciting news to report! I have lost 4 pounds and 2 inches around my waist!!!!! I was so suprised to read that measuring tape! I new I felt thinner but was completely shocked with such quick results. I'm not going to lie, there were several times during the week that I was quite hungry but my body is adapting nicely and I don't get near as hungry...usually about 30 minutes before it's time to eat I start thinking about it. But, I'm so encouraged by these results and already have SO much energy - I played soccer in the backyard with the boys twice this week and it was so fun!

We are preparing for our trip back to good old Indiana (May 16-25)...tomorrow I've got to clean all the floors, Thursday I've got to have Rascal to the vet for his grooming by 7:30 AM, the boys to school & daycare by 9:00, then do laundry all day. Friday AM I have to go shopping to stock up on things we'll need while in Odon and get the packing done. We hope to leave by 7:30 or so Saturday AM to head south-that would put us at my Gramma's by 3:30 or 4:00 IN time...that might be pushing it since we'll have to stop more frequently for Rascal & Chase's potty breaks!

Anyway...that's all for now!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was very enjoyable in our household and I hope yours was as well! The morning was spent making phone calls to Indiana to chat to the moms in our lives and of course the boys had to talk to their grandma's and say "happy mommy's day!"

We finished our fence (just had two boards to put up), weeded the flower beds, watered plants (by the way, I have 2 tomato plants with blooms!), and while the boys napped, painted the kitchen cabinets and installed a couple of shelves, and finished the day off by daddy grilling chicken for him and the boys and a filet for me (Matt doesn't like steak). After dinner we watched momma's all time favorite movie - Tombstone - one of the greatest movies ever made!

I'll finish by saying that I love the mothers in my life so much...my mom, gramma, momma-in-law Dianne, and Anita. I'm so blessed to have these great women in my life!

Do You Love Pizza?

Okay folks, if you love pizza then you have to try this! This is a very low fat, low calorie recipe from the 3-Hour Diet Cookbook. I'm not sure on exact nutrition facts but all of his meals are approximately 400 calories-of course if you add meat, you add calories.

1 Whole Grain or Whole Wheat Tortilla (I use La Tortilla Factory)
Olive Oil Spray - I sprayed the front & back lightly
Bake on the oven rack at 400 until slightly crisp

Place crisped tortilla on a foil covered cookie sheet
Spread with pizza sauce (I make my own, but premade is fine), top lightly with finely shredded mozzarella, then veggies of your choice (you may add some diced cooked chicken or fish if you like but be sure to limit it to 1 ounce), sprinkle with pizza or iltalian seasoning to taste.

Bake at 400 for approximately 5-7 minutes, checking often. Pair with a small side salad with Italian dressing and fruit of your choice.

Something New

Okay...so you may be wondering why I haven't posted much about my weight loss progress over the last several weeks...

I have been in a serious rut and at a stand still and Weight Watchers was really becoming laborious for me...I started to get really depressed so I decided to back off for awhile and just maintain my current weight while I thought and prayed about the next move to make regarding this huge challenge.

Well, my BFF told me about this diet that she does...it's called the 3-Hour Diet by Jorge Cruise! You can buy the book on Amazon.com if you would like. He also has a cookbook that goes along with it and an optional website where you can become a member for a fee.

So I've read most of the book and officially started on this plan yesterday and am happy to report a loss of 2 pounds already. If you follow the plan according to his specs you should lose up to 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks then 2 pounds a week thereafter.

The plan is similar to WW in that it is a lifestyle that you must adapt to and make it yours for life in order to maintain...I'm just not sure that WW is for me so we'll see how this goes. Sometimes something new is necessary.

I'm excited and believing this can happen.

No Longer a Caged Monkey

Just a quick note to let you all know that we no longer have a caged monkey named Peyton...when I went into the boys room this morning to get them...they were BOTH on the floor playing with toys and Peyton proudly announced...Mommy, Peyton out of bed! Believe me, we thought this day was going to happen much, much sooner! I called Daddy to tell him of Peyton's accomplishment and we decided for now that we're just going to let the side down that way he can get out without having to jump and sometime in the next couple of weeks we'll transition the crib into the toddler bed (it's a convertible bed).

I thought about using a straight jacket and bed tethers to keep him in the baby bed...but then I decided it would be best to just let the little guys grow up! LOL!

NDHS Prom 2009

My sister Erin's Senior Prom was this weekend and she celebrated in style. I haven't spoken to her yet but thanks to facebook linking me up with some of her friends I've gotten to see some fantastic pictures...and I wanted to share!

First let me do some explaining...Erin and her BFF, Sharayah, and good friend Robert decided to go to prom together-Robert's had fun with the whole "me and my dates" thing...anyway, Robert is an artist and created a collection of paintings he calls "The Hot Mess Collection." They decided they would go to prom as "The Hot Mess." This by the way...is totally punk rock and I LOVE IT!

So, here are some pictures and I'll start with a couple of Robert's paintings so you get the idea!

Erin's Hot Mess

Ray Ray's hot mess.
The Hot Mess Shoes & Candy Bouquets!
Definitely Hot, huh? (She's the blond-in case you didn't know)

Lovin' those smiles!

This is a perfect example of the girls I love! One of my favorite qualities of Erin is her uniqueness and her ability to see & interpret art and music in her daily life! She's gonna be herself no matter what! ...well, at least...after boot camp's over!

Change of Plans

It's a good thing I like change...because I have yet another change of plans...due to circumstances beyond my control, I have decided not to go to work for Family Video after all. Basically they promised me one thing at my interview and then called today and changed the terms drastically-so, that's going to be a big fat NO!

I did however answer an add in the paper the other day for a mom wanting childcare for her baby. I called and spoke with her for about 1/2 an hour and we had plans to meet each other and for me to meet baby Kya...well, Mr. Chaser changed those plans...he has a low grade fever today and Kya is only 10 weeks old so we decided to postpone our meeting until Monday afternoon. I'm hoping it goes well and we all like each other...She won't need babysitting until August (she's a teacher) and it will only be 4 days a week (cause Thursday is Grandma's day).

Matt wanted to go turkey hunting today but it's raining...so he had a change of plans! I wanted to go the a local greenhouse 0pen house today...and we didn't make it to that, because Daddy promised the boys a trip to the park....so yeah, today is all about changing plans.

I do have some Easter pics of the boys finding eggs in the yard...just haven't had time to upload yet!

Exciting News!

-We wanted to let you all know that the foster/adopt thing is on hold...God said it's not time yet! He did however lead me to a blessed daycare that is literally one block from our home...and give me a career all in the same day!!!!

"I" discovered the daycare, went and checked it out, fell in love with the facility and staff, they had openings for a 2 & 3 year old, went to a job interview later in the day, interviewed for 2 hours feeling at ease and confident, and landed a job which has the potential to be an awesome career, all in the same day!!! If that isn't *Divine* I don't know what is!!!! God is so great and we're very excited about the opportunities this career can bring to our family! Last night before I feel asleep, Matt reached over to me and said "I'm so excited for you, you are going to do great!" Thank you Jesus for the most amazing, loving husband!

We will have to relocate in about 6 months as part of my position...no idea where (I assume this is why God said no fostering yet!)...oh and I didn't tell you where I'm going to be working, duh! Family Video, Store Manager in training for 4-6 months, then I will get my own store...there is a possibility of advancing to District Manager-with about 4-5 stores in less than a year of having my own store! It's so perfect for me...I'm a bit of a movie fanatic and I love, love, love, meeting new people! It'll be a job where I'll enjoy my product but can still apply those 4 (I mean 13) years of college knowledge!!

Please pray for us because this is going to be a HUGE adjustment period for our family as the boys will be going to daycare and Daddy's role will get larger (pick up from daycare, fixing supper, baths, and bedtime)...I'll be working very erratic hours for the first 6 months while training...I'll most likely be working a split schedule (open then close) the entire time.

We're so excited to see what God has in store for us! So, I have about 1 week or so to get this house in ship-shape order, get the boys physicals, dentist for mommy, Chase to the eye Dr. in Peoria, and the boys adjusted to going to daycare before I "storm" the workforce once again!

Sorry to my blog readers that blogging is going to take the back burner and posts will be far and few between...however...I will most likely be facebooking via cell phone during lunch/breaks!! LOL If you don't have a facebook account (http://www.facebook.com/) you should definitely get one...cause "everybody's doing it!" Ha ha!!

Talk Radio, A Job Possibility, & the Library

I've been listening to some talk radio on the internet...Aunt Linda (from Ohio) told me about it...they've got some great topics and she referred me to this one because they were talking about "thriving as an adoptive family (which is actually the title of a new book)." I can't wait to go through some of their archives because last year that had several shows on orphans, fostering, adopting, etc...

Anyway, I listened to the first one today and there was a scripture reference that really struck me profoundly!

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

There is so much meaning in that one sentence. God wants us to be selfless, to take care of those who would otherwise have no help and by doing that, we will be focused less on ourselves and more on others...and I believe that if we do those things to the best of our abilities that it will keep us focused on what is important and we can "keep out" the pollution (for me, material things)! Just wanted to share.

Please be in prayer for our family as we attempt to follow God's urging toward fostering children. Our first meeting is April 13th and we're getting fingerprinted this week.

Also, I ran across a job add for a Children's & Parent's Service Coordinator through a community support provider here in Keokuk. The job is a supervisory position for those working with mentally & developmentally challenged children and parents. I was immediately drawn to this. I have applied and am being as prayerfully responsible as possible...if this is a right fit for all, God will make a way!

The boys and I went to preschool story hour at the library this morning...they read 3 books, watched a short video, and had crafts before some playtime. Here's a couple of pictures...

Playing with the trains

Playing with Legos! Chase loves to build!