Cleaning the Throne for the Kingdom!

Well, tonight was Service Project night for my high school small group. We have been meeting since the beginning of school, and this is my first year with this group of girls. They are mostly Freshman and Sophomores, and several of them are homeschooled, which is a new twist for me. Most of these girls I have known for many years, had them in Sunday morning childcare, or taught them in Vacation Bible School! I love doing small group. I learn so much from these girls, while trying to help guide them through a rough time in life... HIGH SCHOOL! I remember those days so well.. and notice I didn't say fondly!

Anyway, as Nate is sitting on the couch next to me studying for school, and I think forward to what God has in store for us in way of Ministry, I look forward to working with High School girls. This is my 3rd year leading a small group, and I learn so much each year.

I posted a while back about the Fall Party at our church for our Grand Opening of the new Student Center. Nate's band played, and Jeremy Kingsley spoke. His topic was about being last. One of his illustrations was about how nasty public bathrooms can be, and about a time when he went in and cleaned a public bathroom. No one knew he did it, but it was a way he could serve those around him, those that would enter that bathroom after him. It really stuck with me. So when it was time for us to do a service project, this was the first thing that came to mind.

At first, my girls were like... No Way! Then they went on to talk about how they would NOT clean the men's bathroom. But the more we talked about it, I think they got a little excited about the opportunity. So tonight, we met at the church, and then headed out one of the Gas Stations in town.

Our first stop, we went in and asked if we could clean the bathrooms and I think the lady asked about 3 times, "Really?" "You want to do what?". She was so surprised. But we got to work, and also cleaned at another Gas station. The girls worked so hard, and realized it wasn't as bad as they thought it was. Here are some photos.

So, did the girls walk away from this understanding all that they did? I'm not sure, but I am proud of them for stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a task that most think is "below them". And they did it with such great attitudes! I'm so excited to see what God has in store for this group this year!

God is Good!

Toby's Field Trip

Nate got to take Toby on his first field trip this week. They went to Ramsyer's Pumpkin patch. Toby had a lot of fun, but it was pretty cold. Here are a few photos!

God is Good!

Nate and Drew made the trip down on Friday to visit!

Jer, Christina and "Teddy Graham" as Taylor calls him!

Introducing Graham Carson Mills! He arrived at 8:39 this morning... that's right, only a few hours after they left for the hospital! It's a good thing I love Christina so much, otherwise, as a fellow mother I would hate her! This is the only glimpse I've had of him, but he's handsome! 7 pounds 13 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. We are hoping to head down tomorrow evening to see them.

God is Good!

Our Nephew is coming!!!!

Please pray for Nate's brother Jeremy and his wife Christina. I just got word that they are on their way to the Hospital!! Her due date was October 31 so they are right on schedule! Her contractions are 3-5 minutes apart, so they headed to the hospital at around 5:30! Please pray for health for everyone and for wisdom for the doctors! Hope to have more update this evening!

God is Good!

Toby

Poor guy was sick the past few days. Yesterday, his fever was high, 102.5 and I think even higher at times. It went down each time we gave him Tylenol, but would spike back up 4-6 hours later. Then, this morning he didn't have a temperature and I thought we were good to go. That is, until I was heading out the door for work. Toby started fussing, and then his breakfast returned to the table. It was a long morning of that. I changed outfits twice and had to change Toby three times if that gives you any idea. I'm not sure why 3 year olds can't hit a bucket...

Fortunately, he is feeling much better tonight. He ate dinner like he hadn't eaten in weeks, and has kept it down. He got his bath and is now in bed. I think we've passed through the worst of it.

On another note... I think we had a breakthrough this week with Toby as well. A breakthrough I didn't see coming. I have never questioned our attachment. Things have always gone very well, and I believe that Toby attached very quickly to our family. I have not ever questioned that. But what happened this past weekend was still so very special. The words for mom and dad in Korean are Umma and Appa (various english spellings). We usually use those terms to talk about his foster family in Korea, since that is likely what he called them. Well, we were laying in our bed, Toby, Nate and I and Toby turned to me with this serious look and said "Umma?" He has never really called me that, ever. It just hit me really hard. Like he had put the connection together, and that I wasn't just this lady named "Mommy" that he has called me for nearly 15 months, but that I was really his "Umma". Then he turned to Nate and said "Appa?"

I may be reading too much into it, but for me, it just felt like Toby had made a connection at a level much deeper than he had before. Like he had confirmed to himself that he was home. He has called me Umma several times since then. And it just melts my heart each time!

God is Good!

Nate's Blog

Hey all you faithful readers! Just wanted to let you know that Nate has started a blog. I'm sure that as he nears the final year of school, and the anticipation of what God has in store for him, and us as a family, this will be a great outlet for him to share what God is doing in his life.

Check it out!

www.natehasa.blogspot.com

God is Good

Surprise!!

Well, last week, I got a text message from my mom... it said something like "PJ and Jess had their baby.. 3AM at home 7lbs 7 oz." I knew my cousin PJ and his wife were expecting their second child, and they had been on my mind lately, as I knew their due date had to be coming up. So I got the message, and it said they had the baby "at home"? HMM, what does that mean. Was it planned to be at home. That is pretty common these days. So I text back "was that how they planned it?" and she replied "NO"!! Everyone is doing great! PJ delivered their son Saul and from these photos it looks like they made it to the hospital a little later. I have not heard the entire story, but thought I would share in their excitement by sharing these precious photos!

PJ and his new son!

Grandma "Aunt Debbie" and her precious new grandson.

Big Brother Enten and his new baby brother.

I didn't get any photos of the new mommy! But I'm sure she is glowing!

God is Good!

Drew is SEVEN!!!

WOW... where in the world has the time gone. It seems like yesterday, I was sitting in our TINY 2 bedroom apartment in Good Thunder, Minnesota watching as my belly looked like something from an alien movie. Now, seven years later, I prepare to go to a soccer double header.. one that I knew would be in my sons future even back then! He was one active little boy! The memories are precious, but the joy that I have each day with him in my life is indescribable!

Last night, his best buddy and cousin Braden came over and we went to Chuck E Cheese and Dairy Queen. It was a very fun night. Here are some photos.

Sitting down to eat our pizza

The boys, enjoying themselves

Drew and Braden pretty much played basketball all night long

This is what you get when you tell a 3 year old it's time to leave Chuck E Cheese

This was Drew opening his gifts this morning, he got a new Steeler's sweatshirt, tattoos, some books, some baseball cards and a Star Wars belt!

God is Good!

Day of Remembrance

Today is the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It is a day set aside to reflect on and remember our children. I'm sure that everyone has dealt with, or knows someone who has dealt with infant loss or stillbirth. You can check out this website for more details.


I miss my babies. And I think of them often. But I do often think of this picture. Kaleb's life was so important. I wish he were with us, but I think of this image, and know that while a day would have come for us to adopt, Toby would not be in our lives if things had been any different. How can I question that? Kaleb is happy, loved, peaceful and worshiping God in a way I can only imagine. And we have Toby to fill our home with a joy that is beyond words. There is a connection. As much as I don't like to think that Toby would or wouldn't be here... how would things be different... what would Kaleb be like.. I have to think about it and know that God's plan is perfect! In Isaiah, the Lord says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" declares the Lord "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.", so I just trust in Him!

So today, think of those that you may know who have walked down this dark road of infant loss or stillbirth and pray for them. I'm sure they could use it!

God is Good!

Random Weekend Photos!

Taylor and her violin...

Toby at the Wilderness Center with Aunt Katy

The kids around the tree before it gets axed...
Toby on the stump after the execution...

Drew's soccer team "defending the goal" (or is it the family jewels?)

Drew Scoring a Goal!

Nate playing at the Fall Party for Student Ministries at Grace

Judgment Come!

Drew playing basketball with some strange man.. oh wait.. that's my dad!

God is Good!

Halloween Humor

Or is it? You can't convince me that we are NOT in a financial crisis... no matter how low the GOVERNMENT lets gas prices go!!


But through it all... you CAN convince me, or I already know... GOD IS GOOD!! Thanks Mel for the e-mail!

PS: If you free tonight... head out to Grace for Nate's Show and an amazing Student Ministry Party with special speaker Jeremy Kingsley... see following post for details!

Judgment Come Show

Nate's band, Judgment Come, has a FREE show THIS SATURDAY, October 11th!! They will be performing as part of the Grand Opening of the new Student Ministry Center at Wooster Grace Brethren Church. His band is supposed to kick off the event at 6:45...

There will be a few bands... Nate's band, and a high school band, as well as a speaker, Jeremy Kingsly

While this is a youth event, ALL ARE INVITED!! Honest, there will be lots of adults there as well. And this is a FALL PARTY, so there will be plenty to do, food to eat and fun to be had.


One very important part of the evening for Nate and his band is this... they are trying to raise money for the Hands and Feet Project.

This is an organization started by Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline. It is an orphanage in Haiti that supports orphans, in the hopes to educate them, provide adequate care, and help them to be a part of the Haitian society, which at this time is one of the poorest countries in the world. They were recently DEVASTATED by Hurricane Gustav. Check out this link for photos and details about what they are dealing with. Literally 3-5 feet of mountain rock was washed onto their facility by the flooding. This is a wonderful, God-honoring organization and we would love for you to come out and support them with us. There will be wristbands for sale, a few touching videos played, and an opportunity to make a donation to the organization.

Hope you can all plan on coming!!

Drew's Baptism

Well, I cried... I guess I should have known I would. I kept telling myself I could get through his testimony without crying.. Yeah Right!! It was nice though. When you have prayed about something for so long, then he accepts Jesus, it's HUGE!! Then, when your child makes this major step in their faith journey, you just can't express the joy! So... here is a photo of Nate and Drew while Pastor Nick was praying over Drew following his baptism. It was dark, so the rest are blurry! Bummer! I do have video, but don't have the strength to upload and convert it tonight. I promise I will get it done in the next few days, so check back!


God is Good

Pray for Gracie's Family

Gracie lost her battle. What a courageous little girl. Please be praying for her family. There are more details on the website, but here is a note from her parents...

The last few hours have been a whirlwind!! But, please do not be shocked and saddened--we are rejoicing. Gracie has been given the victory! We were fighting to keep her here and she fought with us each minute of each day without looking back....back when the Lord Jesus called her name, she obeyed and everlasting peace and comfort began for her--to never end!!

Here is the website link

God is Good!