Praying for Chapmans

My heart has been so heavy and sad all weekend for the Chapman family who lost their precious daughter, Maria, last week in a tragic accident- (http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/). I can't get their family off my mind & there are no words at a time like this.
Like many of my friends, I grew up listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music. The Chapman's are tremendous advocates for adoption and the fatherless. One of Luke's favorite bedtime stories is an adoption book written by Steven and Mary Beth Chapman (Shaoey and Dot) . They are an amazing family and have used their influence in mighty ways on behalf of the orphan and fatherless. We admire them greatly. Anthony and I also had the opportunity to hear Steven & his daughter Emily share at an adoption conference last year in Colorado. It was a refreshing evening to sit and listen to Steven Curtis Chapman encourage all who were at this adoption summit to "continue on" in their "adoption/orphan care work". He really made us all feel so special (like we were the famous ones) - what an incredible guy. We are heart broken for their family & praying.
Father God, hold this family ever so close as they "continue on" in the days & months ahead. Trusting that you will carry them through this unthinkable time.

Beth Moore's blog and the scripture she shared on LPMs Blog....

The Living Proof Ministries blog will go dark for three days as a representation of silent mourners sitting beside our friends and co-laborers in the Gospel, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman and their children. We pray that this small effort will serve as a reminder to all who visit here to go face down and intercede for this dear and loving family at this terrible time of loss. We have chosen three days as a symbol of resurrection as we plead with God to comfort them, tend deeply to each one of them, and raise them in the months and years to come from this place of unimaginable grief.

Faithful family of God, our deepest thoughts, love, and prayers are with you and will remain with you for many months to come.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'" Revelation 21:1-4

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
-Beth Moore - LPM Blog

Happy Birthday Nona!!

We had a great time celebrating Nona's birthday at our house! We enjoyed dinner and a DELICIOUS bundt cake - http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/ - one of my new favorite places! I would highly recommend this precious cake place for any occasion when you want to splurge a little. Hope you enjoyed your B-DAY Nona.

Day Out With Thomas

Luke went with Nona & Pa to a Day Out With Thomas. He had great fun on his train trip and even enjoyed a pony ride. He also loves his new Thomas cap :)!

Family Visits

This weekend we had family in town. It was wonderful to see them and introduce them to Cade. We enjoyed a delicious spaghetti meal together & there is just nothing quite like Nona's homemade spaghetti & meatballs. We were so glad to see you guys & look forward to another visit. Enjoy these pictures - I think there are some really special ones.



Luke and Cade's Great Grandparents - Nona and Pa
I love this picture!!

Uncle Mike and Luke - always up to trouble :)!

Spaghetti dinner evening

Luke & Pa going to water Nona and Pa's new garden that Great Pa planted while visiting!

Nona & Aunt Marianne loving on Cade

Chrissy & Cade

Mike, Anthony, Pa and Great Pa - handsome group

Cade, On the Move....

I am all over the place these days. Pulling up to any and everything I can get my hands on. I love looking out this window and banging, banging, banging... Mommy and Daddy say I am a strong dude & it is just a matter of time before I am letting go and taking off.

For now, I can get to things faster crawling..... here I go....

And I'm off to find the lamp cords or maybe something else that I shouldn't have... I crawl super fast and mommy finds me all over the place these days. Exploring is so much fun & Luke LOVES chasing after me. He is a great helper & likes to tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing :). He gets especially bossy when I take his big boy toys.

Natasha visits Texas

It is hard to even describe how special Natasha is to our family. Natasha and her husband, Roman, were instrumental in helping us bring Luke home. This week Natasha came to visit Texas and we had the privilege of spending some time with her. We absolutely cherish any amount of time with her & it is truly a joy to hug her neck and say hello. I love that she always gets so excited to see Luke and talk about how much he has changed. She also absolutely loved seeing Luke with his baby brother. We will never forget all that Natasha did for us and the friend that she and Roman became as we spent many weeks with them in St. Pete. We pray that God will abundantly bless them.


Natasha, Luke and friend Rachel - April, 2008

Masha, Natasha & Luke - July, 2006

July, 2006

Luke & Natasha - St. Petersburg, 2005
Luke was not feeling great on this particular day, but Natasha was so gentle with him & had a way of making him smile w/ her Russian coos :).

Natasha capturing every minute of our first meeting with Luke - May, 2005!!

Special Friends

Chuck, Kristi, Cade and Mason came to visit this weekend! And Lucy & E stopped by to visit too :). We were so happy to see these special friends. Luke adored Mr. Chuck and was very sad when they had to leave. Wish our boys could play more often - sure makes me miss seeing you guys on a day to day basis. Our time was brief, but super fun! We love you guys and are so thankful for your friendship & love for our family. You are dear friends to us.



Mason sliding - Is that a puddle of water at the end of the slide?

Uh-oh daddy, I'm all wet!

Sweet dreams Lucy Love!

Handsome, handsome!! Two great guys!

Kristi, Mason and Cade - precious family

Playing puzzles!

Playing trains!

Luke LOVES Mr. Chuck!!