Christmas 2007

So, does it look like he enjoyed Christmas? So many people have asked how our Christmas was. Some asking because it is the talk of the season "How was your Christmas?", what we all ask this time of year, but I know many of you asked for a a more specific reason. This was our first Christmas as a family of FIVE. As I type this, it makes my eyes glisten. What a blessing this Christmas was to us. Many asked "What did you get for Christmas?", my response, "That amazing little boy over there!" That is all I've wanted for so many Christmases. It seems like that has been a desire in my heart forever. I think back to that Christmas five years ago, when we told everyone we were pregnant again. We made ornaments and gave them as gifts, announcing that we would be a family of Five. Some were excited, some thought it was too soon, as Drew was just a year old. God had other plans as well, and I look back over the years we have struggled to get us to where we are, and I Thank GOD!! What a miracle he has worked in our lives. There was a child growing in our hearts, but little did we know, he was half a world away, and not even born yet! Here are some photos of our journey this Christmas. Some were fun, some of the days were a challenge, but here it is...
The Moser Grandkids in their new Christmas Pajamas. This is something I started with my kids when they were little. Since we go to Nate's parents for Christmas Eve, I get them new PJ's and they get to unwrap them at Grandma and Grandpas, some years, we even go to church in them!! This year, Nate's sisters started the tradition as well. How fun, something I'm sure they will remember forever.
Toby opening one of his gifts at Grandmas, with Mommy in the background. There are not many pictures of Toby with mommy, as I'm usually running the camera. I cherish it!
Drew with his big gift this year, an electric guitar. He was so excited and has been playing it a lot. We are hoping he and daddy can take lessons together very soon. I think Toby is eyeing it as well. He likes to "play" it, too.
Taylor finally got her Nintendo DS. She has been asking for one for about 2 years now, so we finally broke down and got her one. She was thrilled. She has been playing it non-stop, so I guess it was something she really wanted. No matter, it was worth it to see this reaction!
This time over the holidays has really been helpful for Nate and Toby's bonding. It has been a slow go for the two of them. I think it has something to do with Nate leaving for vacation so soon after Toby was home with us. But this time together has been wonderful. Toby will now let Nate pick him up if I'm in the room. Up until now, that would send him into a fit, but now he even goes to daddy and says "up". What a blessing and an answer to prayer.

Toby received a new train table for Christmas. He was very excited. I didn't realize we did not get any photos of him with it, however. We will have to get some and I will post them. I think he likes to pretend he is a tornado, and go through and tear everything up more than anything. Luckily, big sister likes to rebuild for him.

On another note, we had our first visit to the Doctor for Toby (other than his initial exam when he came home.) He began running a fever the day after Christmas. He woke up from his nap with a 101 fever. The next morning, when his fever was still running in the high 99's I called the doctor. Because of his kidney problems, we can not risk waiting when he has a fever. We have to take him in right away to ensure there is no Urinary Tract Infection. It was not pleasant to get a urine sample from him, but the nurses did (only to add to his fear/hatred of the doctors office) and it came back okay. It was a relief, but a reminder that our beautiful little boy does have health issues. Most days, other than taking his medication regularly, we forget, We continue to pray he will outgrow this and one day it will not be a worry ever again.

God is Good. Christmas is an amazing time of year. We are reminded of the many gifts God has given us. But most importantly, we are reminded that God has given us the greatest gift ever, salvation, through his Son Jesus Christ, born in a lowly manger, who lived a PERFECT life, only to one day die a horrid, unthinkable death, so that we can have eternal life with him in heaven. What a glorious day that will be.

Fun Weekend

We had a great weekend!

Thursday:
We went to the dentist, and Toby had his first visit. It went okay. Needless to say, they never got any tools in his mouth. He did sit in the chair, which was huge! He freaked out when the assistant put on her mask. Hopefully, next time around he'll do better.

Friday:
Nate and I had a party for church. It was adults only, so my parents took the kids. Before we hit my parents house, we took the kids to see Santa. Toby is so excited about Santa. It's really neat. Taylor announced she wanted a Nintendo DS... AGAIN, and Drew wants a Guitar Hero 3. My sister was in town, Katy, who was staying there as well. She is the one that was with us at the airport when Toby came home. We decided to try our first overnighter!! I think I was more nervous and scared than Toby. My heart ached. I was scared for him, waking up in the night and mommy wasn't there. They said HE did great! He woke up once, but went right back to sleep. I went to get him in the morning and he was excited to see me, but not as much as I was to see him.

Saturday:
We had Christmas at my parents. This was the first time to see Toby opening gifts. Again, I wasn't sure what he would do... but he was a pro! He was ripping paper, throwing gifts and all around having a good time. Taylor and Drew were very happy with the gifts they received as well. it was a nice day! We also had a crazy winter storm, snow... ice... lots of fun for driving home!

Sunday:
Today we had a get together with some friends from church and we had a special guest... Santa and Mrs. Claus. It was awesome. When they walked in, Toby went running up to him. And Taylor and Drew got some gifts they really wanted. All in all, a wonderful time, and a wonderful weekend!

I'll add some pictures in later!

God is Good!

Christmas Program

Taylor and Drew were part of the Christmas program at Church this past weekend. Taylor sang several songs, but also had a solo with the Little Praisers. The video can be seen here! Also, Drew got to play Joseph. He did a wonderful job. He was a little silly, which we expected. What we didn't expect was Mary's little show on stage. I do not know the girl who played Mary, but I'm sure her parents were shaking their heads... Click Here to see Drew's video!

God is Good!

Snow Day!

Okay, so we had a snow day yesterday. NO SCHOOL!! The kids were very happy. While the older kids did go out for a little bit, Toby was napping. So this morning, as we waited for the bus, Toby got his first taste of Snow in Ohio!!! He was so excited and just ran around the house in circles.
He loved getting his hands in it and took a few spills, but just LAUGHED!!
One big smile for mommy before we go inside. He was so cute, when I took off his gloves and we were in the warmth of the house, I think he realized how cold he was. He just looked at his hands and started crying. I wrapped them up in my hands and kissed them and then he was okay. It was really kinda cute! I think he likes the snow! And to think, it's only the first of December, he may be in for ONE FUN WINTER!!

God is Good!

First Visit With Santa

So, I wasn't sure what Toby would think or how he would react to "Santa". We went to the Mall, hoping to get a picture. It's my younger sisters tradition, to take the kids and get a picture with Santa for Grandpa, with her included of course! We waited in line (surprisingly short line!!) and kept talking it up to Toby as we waited! You have to remember, Aunt Katy was at the Airport when Toby arrived, so they have a pretty special bond. She took him from my arms, and they sat down. He took a few glances, then he smiled big for the camera!! I couldn't believe it. I totally expected him to freak out! What a big boy!! He is just growing up in front of our eyes. And each day, it is more amazing to me how God has made him, perfectly a Mills!

God is Good!

Thanksgiving Marathon

Okay, so with our family, Thanksgiving isn't a day, or even a weekend. It's more like a marathon!! It was so awesome to have our first big holiday with Toby home. We've had Labor Day, and Halloween, but Thanksgiving is just different. We have so many family gatherings and it was a wonderful time to see how well he fit in with everyone.

Here are some photos from our crazy Marathon.

Toby and cousin Dawson

Taylor, Drew, Toby and cousin Mason

Dad Tucker, Katy, Carol and Mike
The Mills' house
Nate, Taylor, Jeremy, Toby, Drew, Grandma Ruby, Grandpa Richard,
Amanda, Saddie and Carson

Grandpa Richard helping Toby with his socks
God is Good!

Drew's playing Basketball, Taylor's Play

It was another fun filled weekend at the Mills' house! On Saturday, Drew had his first Upward game of the season. It was so fun to watch him. Boy, he was INTO it!! He got the defense award, and considering he was on defense even when he was supposed to be on offense :), he deserved it! Here's a shot of his defensive moves!!Taylor also had her play "The Secret Garden". She had the lead part of Mary Lenox and she did a wonderful job. I was so proud of her. She knew all her lines, and even helped others that couldn't remember their own. Her expressions were wonderful and she really took on the part. My favorite part was when she got angry and started yelling. I wasn't sure if she was acting or not at that point, that was pretty realistic!! It was hard to take photos with a 2 1/2 year old on your lap, but I tried, here are a few from the play.God is Good!!

Toby's Dedication

What a special day it was. Nate and I have attended many dedication services over the years, and while a joy it is to watch, there has been this emptiness as we were waiting on the Lord to add to our family. Our hearts were filled this Sunday, as we dedicated Toby to the Lord, and committed our lives as parents to raising him in a God honoring home! Please pray that we do that! Pastor Steve Kern was the pastor that performed the Dedication service. Below he is reading the scripture that we chose for Toby:

Proverbs 3:1-6 "My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

This morning, while waiting for the bus, I attempted to rake some leaves, but the kids seemed to enjoy them thrown about more! Here are a few photos of the kiddos playing in the leaves (and yes, that is a Mohawk and a Steelers sweatshirt... not sure what to do with that boy!!)


God is SOOOO Good!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Well, tonight was a big night in our house. Taylor and her daddy went to the Daddy Daughter Dance. It is something they look forward to every year. They went to dinner before the dance, then enjoyed a few hours of quality time at the dance. Taylor got a new dress this year, and daddy even got a new sport coat! Mommy used curlers in Taylor's hair and she wore some special jewelry, a ring her Grandma Debbie bought mommy, and earrings that Daddy bought mommy when we were dating. They sure looked nice!
One of the final songs was Cinderella, by Steven Curtis Chapman. It is one of his new songs, we heard at the concert. It's amazing!! Nate took the CD to the dance and asked them to play it. I guess there were very few dry eyes in the house!

God is Good!

Trick-Or-Treat

What a treat it was! We had our annual Trick-or-Treat get together this evening. Nate's sisters and their families come over, along with the Grandparents, and we go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, then we have dinner and hang out for a while. It's always a lot of fun.

This being Toby's first Trick-or-Treating with us, I wasn't sure what to expect!! He had so much fun. Here's a photo...
We also got some photos of the entire gang... Here is everyone but Drew before we left. Drew was at Basketball practice.

Here is the whole gang after. The last thing they wanted to do was get their photo taken. They wanted to tear into their candy.
All in all it was another fun family night. Everyone is now in bed, and it's my turn! This momma needs rest!!

Edited to add: Well, it's 2 AM and we've been up most of the night. I'm not sure if it was the excitement, if he's scared from some of the costumes, or if it's his cold, but he WILL NOT sleep. He was getting up every hour or so, but for the last hour, we've just been sitting here. Just now, Nate's snoring freaked him out and now he won't even go down the hallway. He's been asking for his shoes, which means he wants to go bye bye... not sure where he thinks we'll go at this hour!

God is Good

Toby's New Friend

This evening, Toby and I went to visit with a family that is staying at the ATI for a year. They are from Korea, and have a daughter, Minji, that is only a few months younger than Toby. While they played, I visited with her mom Youngsoon and her father (I feel terrible, I didn't get his name on paper). It was a wonderful time. Toby enjoyed playing with Minji, and "talking" with them. The man said Toby is certainly speaking Korean, but nothing "clear" or able to be understood.

They were able to read the letter that we received from Toby's foster mother. It was so special to hear some of what she wrote. She talked of how much she loved him, and how difficult it was to say good bye. She told me of his favorite foods, and his medical information. As they read through it, they kept saying "ah" and "oh". It was evident that she spoke of Toby fondly. I need to write her a letter in return, letting her know how much I appreciate the love she gave him, and how amazing he has turned out because of her sacrifice as his Foster Mother.

I'm looking forward to our next playdate!! As we left, Minji wanted to leave with us, and Toby gave everyone kisses and hugs! I think he had fun!

God is Good!

Drew is SIX!!

Time sure does fly! It feels like only yesterday we were living in Minnesota and my belly was as big as a house! Now, six years later, Drew is such a fine young man!

We had his party on his birthday (10/18) at a Pumpkin patch! It was so much fun! We had beautiful weather and he had several of his new friends from his kindergarten class. I think everyone had a wonderful time! Here are some photos!

Drew and mommy went to a Relient K/Swithfoot concert for his birthday

Here is Drew giving his friend Skyler Bunny ears

And Drew playing with his buddy Nathan

The group at Drew's party

Drew opening his presents

Toby and his cousin Dawson at the party!

Toby also had a big week! The kids were off school on Friday, so I took Toby in to get his bloodwork done that the pediatrician had requested to determine immunization levels, etc. Well after an hour and a half and about 7 or 8 pokes, they gave up. I think they got about a half vial of blood! Let's just say it WAS NOT fun for either of us! He did conk out as soon as we got home and took a 2 hour nap! Let's pray they can run all the tests on what little blood they have!

God is good!

Speech Evaluation

Well, Toby had his speech evaluation today and they have decided that he does qualify for some speech therapy. I'm thankful for that. While he is doing well, he still gets very frustrated with me when I don't understand what he wants/needs. It breaks my heart. I am glad that we will be able to work on this.

God is Good!

Family Pictures!!!

We finally had good weather, and got our family photos taken yesterday!! It was a lot of fun.

Here is the link to the website Select Mills file, click on ENTER GALLERY, and our password is "pumpkin".

Enjoy! I'd love to hear which are your favorites! I have no idea how we will ever choose!!

Update on Surgery

Everything went very well!! We are home, about 4 hours post op and Toby is eating.

I know some of you want details, so here they are...

We arrived at Akron Children's at around 11:30 and they got us right in to get him changed and ready. We were in the surgical waiting room with many other families. What an overwhelming experience. We thank God every day for our blessings, but seeing some of these families, makes it really sink in. While we were fretting, worrying and just plain fearful about Toby's "MINOR" surgery, there were families waiting who were dealing with life changing surgeries. I overheard one mom be told, "it went great, only 8 more to go" and another be told "we are sending it of to pathology, I think we got it all" WOW! Circumcision doesn't look so bad anymore.

While we waited, we were visited by many people, all trying to make Toby's visit and experience as smooth as possible. They brought out "the mask" and let him play with it. They let him play with the "silly hats and masks" etc. At about 1:00, people were coming in a steady stream to check on him, until finally the last one asked to take him. He went pretty well, a few tears on his part and they were down the hall.

It was only about 45 minutes later that the doctor came back and said everything went well. And about 20 minutes after that we were able to go back to recovery with him. He was not happy, and they gave him some pain medicine. Mommy held him and we did our best to comfort him. We then went to stage two recovery where they took the IV out, which he was happy about and got him dressed and we left for home shortly thereafter.

He now sits next to me, flashing a smile every now and then, asking for cookies, and just plain old Toby. He is certainly in pain, and we will keep him medicated for the next several hours, but all in all, he is doing very well!

Thank you for the prayers! GOD IS GOOD!!

Surgery Tomorrow... Please pray

Just wanted to take a minute to mention that Toby's surgery is tomorrow. He will be at Akron Children's Hospital. It is an outpatient procedure and the surgery is scheduled for 1:30 PM. We will likely be home early evening if all goes well. I believe the surgery itself only takes about 15 minutes or so.

Please pray for the surgeon, for the hospital staff, for Toby to have peace and comfort. This is going to be traumatic for him. I haven't even taken him for his blood work for our pediatrician because he is so fearful of doctors and needles.

I appreciate your prayers, and I will post how we are doing tomorrow evening.

Thanks all!

God is Good!

An Amazing Evening

What a day! It started off with Satan really working on us, but God ended the day in a wonderful way!

Beginning yesterday, after our trip to the ranch, we were concerned that we were having car problems. There was a large amount of Antifreeze coming out of the van. I had the oil changed a few days before, and we now believe they over filled the Antifreeze. It continued to leak some antifreeze this morning, but Praise God, we believe there are no major problems.

This morning, on the way to church, Toby became sick. I was in charge of breakfast for our ABF, so I had to go, so we turned around, dropped daddy and Toby off at home and headed off for church.

After church, Taylor had a soccer game. We ran home just to check on the boys and allow her to get changed. The boys were doing okay, so Taylor and I headed out for her game. It was 90 degrees here today! What a hot day to be sitting out at a soccer game, let alone playing in one. They girls did wonderful though. They lost 3-0, but the played their hearts out! I was impressed. I know I couldn't have played like that in this heat.

Well, the big event of the weekend was a trip to Akron to see Steven Curtis Chapman in concert. Let me give a little history... It was in April of 2005 that we attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Columbus. He challenged everyone regarding adoption, and of course played his amazing song "When Love Takes You In". (Check out the link to the right of Toby's Journey video, featuring this song!) It was on the way home from that concert that Nate and I agreed, God was calling us to adopt, and we began the process shortly thereafter. We would later find that when we attended that concert, it was only two weeks after Toby's birth. God had it all planned! AMAZING!!

Well, Steven Curtis Chapman has also started the Shaohannah's Hope organization. They assist with grants for adoption expenses. We were blessed beyond words to receive a grant from this organization in the few weeks before Toby came home. Words can never express our gratitude to Steven Curtis Chapman and his family for their courage and generosity in starting this organization and helping so many bring their children home. A grant was awarded at the concert to a family waiting to bring their 6 year old daughter home! Praise God!

Well, we were also blessed to be able to thank Steven Curtis Chapman in person. His wife MaryBeth also stopped in and we were able to say hello to her as well. Here is a group photo... (be kind... remember it was 90 degrees today not good for the hair!)

And while I'm posting, I'll add a few from the concert...
One of Steven Curtis Chapman during the concert...
Here is Taylor with one of her favorite artists, Bethany Dillon

A day at the Ranch

Well, today we took a trip down to Amish Country and went to the Rolling Ridge Ranch. It was SO MUCH FUN! We hadn't been there before. We went with Nate's sister and a few other families from church.

The ranch is designed where you take an hour ride in a covered horse drawn wagon through a ranch where animals are roaming freely. The animals will come right up to the wagon and feed from buckets that we have for them. We saw animals of all shapes and sizes, from all over the world.

Toby gave it two thumbs up! He kept eating the animal food, though. I'm not sure what that was all about, but he seemed to think it was his snack. He wasn't scared at all by the size of the animals. Taylor enjoyed "driving" the horse drawn wagon, and Drew and his cousin Braden got enjoyment from the "animal droppings" along the way! Boys will be boys!!

Here are some photos!

A Fresh Start

Okay, here we go again, with a New Blog. I'm thinking this one will not have as many pop up ads and will be easier to read for those of you that check in.

For those of you that are new, here is the link to our old Blog.

So right now, I'm just setting it up, but I will post more this weekend! We have a FUN weekend ahead of us! I don't want to ruin it for you, cause there will be lots of pictures!!!