The "Three's"

can't you just see the 'tude' in this pic??


Okay,
Whoever told me that the terrible two's were awful were sooo WRONG!!!!! We hit the three's in March and we entered a state of major attitude, dependency, tantrum throwing, etc. You name it, we have hit it. Looking back it should be the "terrific two's" compared to the three's. Chris and I both are learning as we go with Cade. We are trying to stay consistent, but loving.
Might be time to hit the old James Dobson's book on boys. Anybody remember those?

Cade is growing up so fast and he is learning new things everyday.He has 4 teachers this year and he loves each one of them. Because he does not like change, it has taken him a few weeks to get adjusted to his new school schedule. He loves school and church.
He even sometimes asks to go to church in the mornings instead of school. Too cute!

I swear he is the most popular 3 year old at CPA. He walks the halls and all the girls love on him. He knows it too and soaks it all up.

He tries our patience, but we love him so much. I just have to remember it is just a phase of life and he won't be 3 forever!!!!!

carlee

147 Million....

This post doesn't really sound like something I would ever be posting about, but the Lord has been calling me this week to hit my knees and pray for the helpless, the needy, the orphans of the world. My church is heavily involved in this ministry and I am surrounded by friends and family who are walking through difficult times right now regarding adoptions.
My first experience with this was in China. I was fortunate to go with a friend of mine to get her adopted little girl from China. It was an experience that I will never forget that stole a little part of my heart. As I watched each child's name being called and handed over to their forever families, it was a resemblance to how our Heavenly Father opens His arms an embraces us despite our sins, abnormalties, imperfections, etc. Even having walked through this process with Gwen and experiencing the adoption process first hand, I came back with not a thought about other orphans suffering in various parts of the world, I was just ready to be home. I was happy and ecstatic for her family and loving the fact that Emily would have a home and that she would have a forever mommy and daddy. Home-something that most of us have and many are without. Many.....147 million to be exact!

There are so many thoughts that have been going through my mind in the past months. I won't go into detail, but I feel right now that my job is to just pray. I have been seeking the Lord's face about my part in regards to adoption.
What is my part? I am fervently praying for those in the process of adopting, those waiting to adopt, and those whom the Lord has called to care for the orphans, but is that it?
Is the Lord calling me to a different place in my life, is He preparing me for something greater? I have no clue, but I am completely surrendered to His call for my life.
Please join me in prayer for the orphans of the world and may He call the nations-the Christians to rise up and do something about it!!
If you are interested you can check out this website to help... www.147millionorphans.com

So Not worthy, but HIS
carlee

CRAZY?

This has been one of those weeks that has been crazy and busy all in one. We started school 2 weeks ago and have already been in a locked down, and flu season has already begun. In fact, some of our kids actually have the H1N1 type. On top of that, most of the kids that were or are sick, were girls off my volleyball team. I have been praying that Cade and I both do not get this.
Another part of my crazy week would involve insurance for Cade. Cade had several things done in NYC for 2 years and we had not seen a bill yet for the service rendered. Our first EOB (explanation of benefits) came in the mail this week and thought my heart stopped beating for a few minutes. Cade was able to have surgery in NY through Dr. Waner and Fay who were both approved as in-network, but there seems to have been some problems with the insurance company and the doctors office, so our EOB was for the complete cost for the surgery that took place in January of '08. Wow!!
I am praying that things will get worked out and I know that we serve a faithful God and He will provide, but it made me go to a place of doubt for a few days. Why do we question God's faithfulness when He has been faithful before and will continue to be faithful to the end? We are human...and we are sinful creatures. I know that He again, is exercising my "trust muscles." I must allow Him to work and not carry this heavy load alone!
On better note, for two weeks I have wanted to get the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. A dear friend of mine brought me the book yesterday! I have only read the foreword and Preface and I know it will bring challenges and changes to my life! I am ready to encounter the "love of a relentless God."

Not worthy, but HIS

carlee