History Makers

Got to spend some time with the Duewel Family this past week. It was a great time to spend with friends. The kids were super excited! We hated for the time to end, but are ready to get back home. Spending the night in Mena, AR tonight and then on to Louisiana to visit some of my family tomorrow. We had lots of fun and adventure this past week, and when things slow down will post more details and pics! We wish all a happy and safe New Year!

Hangin' with the Duewels'

Above: Breakfast Time

Below: Bedtime

We had the opportunity to meet up with Rena & Nate along with their kiddos and Rena's parents in Branson. We have really enjoyed our time thus far with them. It is a time of refreshing and renewal just to "be". Tomorrow, we are going to Silver Dollar City. It should be exciting! Today, we had fun playing the Wii with the kiddos and even the adults got in on some of the fun. More pics and videos to be downloaded later, but here are some of our beautiful children. Let me just say, we are blessed to call them our friends! We are really having a great time!

I tried to convince Erika to come home with us. Tatiana agreed that she needed a sister just like her! It is so neat to see how much the kids have grown since we seen them last in Mississippi this summer. They are all beautiful children!

This is Diego & Erika! They were caught smashing each others' cheeks. They were so cute!

What is our purpose in this thing called life?

On our trip to Branson, we passed this truck. Ben was able to snap a quick pic. Isn't it true? Isn't it all about Jesus, or well it's supposed to be? It's so easy to get so consumed by the hustle and bustle of the "everyday norm" that we make it more about us. I know I am guilty of that. Lord, in the new year, please help me to become a more disciplined follower. I want to be known as a Christ follower, a woman whose heart was for the Lord's. Help me to open my heart to my adversaries, and trust, and live as one who really believes "it's all about Jesus!"

Message from MaryBeth Chapman

(Four posts in one night... this must be a record for me! This is the last one, I promise! Some of you may have received the email from Orphan Voice about the blog post by MaryBeth. Her blog address is: http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/2008/12/mary-beths-christmas-letter-.html ; Here is an excerpt of part of her post that left me pondering on how Mary felt as she carried the Son of God in her womb? as she mothered the child of God? as she saw her son being chastised and then murdered? Please remember to pray for the Chapman family and all those who are missing a loved one. My sister passed away two years ago, and I would ask of you to pray for her husband, son, and daughter, as well as parents, my mother and father. Thanks, and God bless!)


"As I anticipate Christmas 2008, I have many thoughts flying through my heart and head. The last several days, my mind has not been able to stop thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pregnant and scared, knowing that the baby she was carrying eventually would pay the ultimate price of His life. How would I have lived differently if I knew that my time with Maria was going to be this short? Regretfully, I would have lived much differently. I would have purposely hugged and kissed more. I would have tried to memorize and lock away in my heart certain smells and smiles. I would have colored more and worked less. I would have laughed more and fussed less. Bedtime wouldn’t have become a chore to check off the list of things to get done. Instead it would have been more of an opportunity to listen about the day and offer whatever words were needed. The swimming pool wouldn’t have been too cold to swim in. The flowers in the garden would have all been picked, and definitely more ice cream would have been consumed!

I wonder what it was like for Mary after her son’s death. I know she saw him resurrected and was certain of the fact that she would she him again, but she was still his mom. Mary found favor with God; therefore she was chosen to be Jesus’ mom. But because God favored Mary, she was also chosen to suffer. Not just at the crucifixion, but her whole life. She was chosen to carry a baby in her womb, be persecuted and give birth in a dirty stable. Most of the time at Christmas we end the story there…. in the stable, with Mary, Joseph and Jesus receiving their company. Wise men, shepherds, and angels - you get the picture in your head right? The star, the animals, the Nativity! What about the rest of it? Mary, mothering the Son of God! She was human, she had a baby, and she raised that baby with the heaviness that she was to see him suffer and thus she too would suffer. I think when Mary was hiding things in her heart; it was a lot more than the reality of whom she carried in her womb. I am certain that she was hiding away the memories of first smiles and steps, as well as the first tears and tumbles. Knowing what was to come, did Mary have the opportunity to live differently as a mom to her little boy? I believe she did. I am sure that she watched him differently, taught him differently, and prayed differently. I can only imagine the discussions that she and Joseph would have when their son wasn’t listening, how they probably begged God to let the cup pass from them, but in the end yielding up the prayer we all hesitate to pray when it comes to our children…. Your will be done. UGGHH!!!! I don’t want to. I didn’t want to on May 21st, and I still don’t want to now. Yet somehow we did, and somehow we will continue to. I am reminded more than ever this Christmas, that it doesn’t end at the Nativity in Bethlehem in a cozy manger… it is a journey all the way to the cross on the hill in Golgotha on Good Friday." -MaryBeth Chapman http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/2008/12/mary-beths-christmas-letter-.html

Wyoming Covered!

Do you remember the 50-State Challenge? Yeah, it was an idea that I had that it would be really cool if we could get at least one person from each state across the nation to pray for the Cousineau Crew and focus on healing for Isaac Diego! Ok, I haven't arduously recruited people for prayer lately.

I haven't forgotten, and feel it CAN be done! Saying that, I recently received an email from another online friend that I met going thru the Way of the Master School of Biblical Evangelism, and she has been following along for some time. She is from Wyoming and promises to pray for Sherri and the family! Thanks, Julie G!

Sherri and Joel are an awesome couple! They have a testimony of perserverance and faith. They are strong and obedient. Caleb is a jewel. He is absolutely beautiful. Isaac is a promise! God is showing himself thru their journey of life experiences. Be part of that experience! Commit to pray for them today, and send Sherri a note or comment on her blog at: http://allglorybetogod.blogspot.com/ .

Thanks in advance for your prayers! For remaining states that need coverage, see sidebar. Also, if you don't see your state listed, that doesn't mean we don't need you to pray. Please do! Please post a comment to her blog and let her know that they aren't standing alone!

A Spore! A Spore!

A Vacation!!! This year for Christmas (after Christmas), we have the opportunity to meet up with some friends we've met from CHI, the Duewel Family! They have four adorable children who are about the same ages as ours. The kids are super excited about seeing them. Ben and I are just as excited to get to see their kids, and Rena & Nate are pretty cool, too! :o)

BC (before children), Ben and I talked about renting a cabin and spending Christmas with the family and just doing games instead of spending money on presents and such. Since our adoption and experience in Colombia, we've realized that most often less is more, and because of our desires to focus more on Jesus' birthday, we have decided to try to keep it simple.

This is only the second year that we have celebrated Christmas with the children so we have no set "tradition" in place. But, Ben and I have agreed to only do like 3 presents each and then a gift for the family. We did Hanukkah last year also, but this year with work and the trip, I haven't been so disciplined and kept up with it. Ben went to his mother's on Christmas Eve last year also. So, this year has been different. Who knows what next year may have in store??? Maybe another trip somewhere? (I've never been on a vacation! This is kindof exciting! I wish we would have went on more road trips BC. There is an obvious difference in traveling with the little people! Ha!)

Oh Yeah! So, the post title? "A Spore! A Spore!" The family gift was a Wii! We were playing the bowling game, and Andrew was screaming out, "A Spore! A Spore!" when he got a spare! Tatiana is having some difficulty letting go of the button, and the ball rolls behind her... Ben is so funny as he gets real competitive with the Wii. It is hilarious!

As most trips, it's just started, and it has been quite an adventure. I love my family! Well, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and can't wait to read and hear about your stories! God bless! And Happy Birthday Jesus! Thank you for the most precious gift of all! You gave your life for our salvation... May we never forget that and live each day in the fear and admonition of the Lord! Amen!

Many Thanks To My Friends In The Blogosphere!

Many thanks to those who commented on the previous post. As evidenced by that post and those that responded, we are a community! As always, I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.


When we began this process, I knew that God was faithful, and He already promised us that He would raise up a group of people to surround us and help us be successful... I never imagined it would be people from all across the nation in whom I would look or call on for support and advice, and most importantly, prayer. Only God can network the body together like that! I have met some of you, and have been truly blessed! Others, I have followed your blog(s) and feel like we are family. I am blessed to call you friends. Thanks for sharing your story and being part of ours. God bless you!

To the dear "Anonymous" person who left this message...

"your an idiot. you cant even take care of these kids and your mom helps out more than most would. you should def not adopt anymore kids"

I am just wondering WHO YOU ARE??? What a strong statement to make!

Certainly everyone can have their own opinion. Just for the record, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous, to adopt a child or group of children through an agency, you must go through a series of meetings with a Licensed Social Worker or Counselor, have a thorough psych exam, not to mention countless other criteria that must be met. And, we passed all of that! So, I guess we ARE capable of bringing these children up... and what about you Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous?

I am so very blessed by my mother's help with the children. Again, I say I AM blessed! She is much like our own live in Nanny! There definitely is only ONE Beamie! And we got her! And we're blessed! I can't answer to what "most" moms would do... I am guessing that your mom, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous, doesn't help you out. That is terribly unfortunate! I believe that God has raised a support group around us, my husband and I, to help us raise up these children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I believe that God's word says to take care of the widow and orphan. I believe when we are obedient to God's Word, He will provide means to carry it out. I believe God has entrusted these children to us... to care and love and teach them about Him. Does that mean we will always make the best decision? Probably not. Does that mean they won't make mistakes? Probably not.

Life is a journey. We will all, including YOU, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous, experience bumps in the road, detours along the way... We may even find ourselves in a rut at times. Parenting is an adventure on that journey!

We certainly have our moments! I don't think we are doing such a terrible job at this parenting thing, and I didn't know anyone was passing out stars! At any rate, our children make choices. Choices, we as parents, may not agree with, or choose for them. I did not choose or desire for my child to hit another student. That doesn't mean I am a "bad" parent, or he is a "bad" child. It was just an incident. I simply made a blog entry to solicit ideas on how other parents used creative correction with their child concerning hitting.

Just for you or any other ANONYMOUS Commenter: if you didn't know, those in the adoption community blog. We blog to share our story and encourage one another in whatever phase of adoption we may be journeying thru. Let me repeat that in case you missed it! Not I, nor any of my other bloggin' sisters need your negative thoughts/comments. This is MY blog about MY family, to some we may be a family comprised of idiots, to others I hope we are regarded as a God-fearing, loving, and compassionate family. And that's okay whatever they think! We are accountable to God only, and thankfully His mercies are new every morning! So, can the name-calling, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous, and reveal yourself or go make your own blog. It can be cathartic!

Another Note from the Principal...

This time it was concerning Tatiana! First the call came, and they wouldn't tell my mother what it was concerning, but needed to speak to Mr. or Mrs. Wood. If you've read the previous posts, you can imagine what was going through our minds! Ben talked to Mrs. Tolbert, the Principal. The Principal and the Kindergarten teacher would like to place Tatiana in an advanced reading Kindergarten class!!! Yea, Tatiana!

My mother has been instrumental in helping us and the children be successful. She kept Diego and Tatiana at home while Andrew went to school last year. When Andrew brought exercises home, we would make photocopies, and we would go over them with her also. Mother spent a lot of time last year teaching the ABCs to both Tatiana and Diego. So, Kudos and muchos gracias, Mama!

These are pics of Tatiana this morning. She has to take the permission slip back to school today. Inspired by Claudia and Anji Armstrong's cute pigtails, I tried to put her hair up, leaving some down. I think it's adorable! (I know I'm biased. And I KNOW the ponytails DON'T match! lol)

Not Again!

Yes, it happened again! I think he is just trying to be the "class clown". The cute factor has already worn off. Andrew was climbing on the bathroom sink AGAIN yesterday at school! What are we gonna do with this boy? He was also sliding in the classroom and talking out. Ben is going to start doing surprise visits at the school. Thank God, his job is so flexible! Please pray for us that we get the creative juices flowing and know how to creatively discipline Andrew where he is responsive. Last night, he wrote many, many lines and lost certain privileges.

No Pelegras!

I think that's "no fighting" in Spanish. Andrew has hit someone at school today, and was sent to the Principal's office. We have tried to tell him "Hands are for helping, not for hurting." This is the third time this year he has hit a student. What is going on with him?? Tonight, he wrote many, many lines...he will also go to detention at school when they return from the holidays. Any other suggestions you might would like to share? Tatiana is a jewel in school, and we haven't had any problems. I think we may be surprised, too, when Diego goes to school. He will actually begin speech classes one day a week when the children return to school from the holidays, also. I can't wait! He will love it! He already calls Mr. Brown, "his teacher."

Go, Diego, Go! My Bebe! All that I dreamed about... you are my Diego!

A Party for Jesus!

This Sunday our Cross Training for Children focused on celebrating Jesus' birth! We talked about the greatest gift of all during this season is Jesus! How he came and paid a price with his life so that we might be saved from death and have eternal life with him. We talked about what we might could do for Jesus to honor Him on His birthday... What could we give the King of the Universe who has everything???

We came up with a really cool idea! We had about 15 helium balloons and instead of each student taking home a balloon, we attached a gospel tract to each balloon, and then took the children outside to release their balloon!!! Who knows who will pick up the tracts, but we pray God use that simple and fun act to touch someone's life and make His name famous!

My little Tarzans!!!

Boys! Boys! Boys!

Wow! They are pretty tough, rambunctious creatures, ey? I have two that are! Our poor house is getting all torn up and beaten down by the little Tarzans!

Last week, Diego was playing at the table and fell backward in the chair and hit the wall leaving a 3 inch gash in the sheet rock!

Several months ago, Diego had been swinging on the drape hanging in the living room for it only to come crashing down on him after the curtain rod was pulled out of the wall leaving a huge hole above the facing! That still hasn't got fixed, and hopefully, the dry cleaners haven't sold our curtain!

Today, Andrew is hanging on the bathroom towel rod, and yanks it out of the wall as he tried to swing on it! "I sorry, Mami." "Go get your Papi." "I said I sorry." I begin to laugh. Ben was upset that I was laughing, but I couldn't cry, and I didn't want to be angry (in the back of my mind I could hear that old saying, "kids will be kids" and he didn't mean to do it...and he did say "sorry").

So, tonight, we have patches of white puddy in several places in the house including the kitchen-dining area, the bathroom, and the boys' room! I prayed for children, and God has blessed me with three jewels...and I have vowed to take the good, bad, ugly, and even messy... thank you, God, for these babies... help me to be patient and creative in discipline and finding opportunities to teach them godly character throughout each day!

Fun Pics of Our Girl!

"Book Meme"

Another Game of Tag :-)

The Rules: Pass this on to 5 blogging friends. Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write the 5th sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that.

Book: A 52-Week Bible Journey- Just For Kids! Explore Bible Stories

Pages 57-61 were color pages and cut outs.

Page 61, 5th sentence reads:

"God Shows His Care by Giving Good Rules."

Sentences below that read:

Thank God for His care. Four- to six-year olds love to talk about their families. They love to tell stories about family members, pets, jobs, toys, activities, and friends. Though they may take for granted the fact that someone takes care of them, nevertheless, they are still very attached and dependent on adults in their lives to provide that love and care. The idea that also God takes care of them is one that children easily and joyfully embrace. They love hearing that someone bigger and stronger than anyone they know is on their side, protecting them and providing for them.

On a side note: Don't forget to tell the little people in your life how much you care for them, and how much more God cares about them!

Cheeburger Cheeburger!

Cheeburger Cheeburger is like a cool little 50's Diner! There was a LOT of pink going on so the lighting in these pics is off. They had cool cardboard props of Elvis, The Three Stooges, Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe, and more...

The kid meals were served in these neat car boxes!

Tatiana brought hers home and put her Barbie in it. It fit perfect!

This was hilarious! I asked Andrew & Diego if they wanted to take a picture next to the girl behind us! Andrew turned around to look... He quickly looked back and said, "Ew, no! She's naked!" The life size Marilyn Monroe cut out was attached to the women's restroom, also behind us. Andrew saw it and was sitting next to Papi and said, "Two naked! No looking!" and put his head down. It was so funny! (Marilyn Monroe was not naked, but wearing a swimsuit!) Tatiana agreed to take a picture and hide Betty Boop's undies!

Turkey Day!

Our Thanksgiving Praises to come in the next few posts...

Hope all our friends & family had a great day!

Soccer Fun!

Today, I played a little soccer with the kids while Ben began cooking the turkey. Andrew & Tatiana had me running all over the place. It was actually fun. I think it would be fun to get a group of soccer parents to play a game one day. That's an idea! Hmm....

Minus 4 Inches!

Tatiana and I went to the "Princess" Salon and got our hair cut today! Ms. Angela had other clients, we weren't able to get in with her today, but Ms. Linda cut Tatiana's hair. She loves it! We found the fun hat at the Disney Store for $2.99 - 25%! We love bargains, and Diego loves stickers (see below)! He did it, not me! Such a funny boy!

Random Pictures?

I was tagged by Sherri!

The rules…

Find the 6th folder in your pictures directory and post the 6th photo in it.So here are the instructions:

* Go to your sixth picture folder then pick your sixth picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Post it on your blog.
* Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

Ok, I was scared when I opened the sixth folder that said Mary Kay Face, and I remembered taking self photos of my face with no make-up! However, I forgot I had deleted those photos, and the only ones remaining were of Ben's surprise birthday gift! (Thank you, Jesus!)

This year, we bought Ben an electric guitar! This was something he wanted for Father's Day, but when ordered, it was never processed, so he bought himself a weedeater! What a man! This picture is of Tatiana getting down on her "Air Guitar!"

Ben tells everyone I am a terrible gift giver. The only reason he passes the test, is that I give him lots of hints before any birthday/holidays. He never gives me hints...I have thrown him a pretty cool birthday party once... Anyways, this year, I hid the guitar in Tatiana's closet! He even went in her closet a few times, but never saw it! And how I got Tatiana to keep a secret-- well, that was luck! The kids love birthdays and presents...which reminds me of a funny moment in church this past weekend (unrelated to pic). Ben was in the pulpit before the children had been dismissed, and mentioned something about God's presence, Diego blurted out, "Ewww Presents! Mami got Presents! I like presents!" It was too cute!

Now, I get to tag people! Denise S, Amy A, Julie A, Huertas', and Genece- don't let me down! :o)

The Hagertys' Rock!

This is Carlos (who was also our interpreter whom we have kept in contact with via email since returning home) who is reading the handwritten note by Andrew telling ICBF to please take care of Tatiana's sister until we can come to Colombia and bring her home!

These are the very same women who were present at our meeting minus one, and that funny guy in the middle-- that's Oscar, he was our lawyer, too! Oscar could not believe we were adopting three! I'm sure he is amazed by the Hagertys', too (5 + 3 = 8)!

Muchos gracias, la familia de Hagerty!!!

Not sure if that is the right translation, but MANY THANKS, HAGERTYS!!!!

These are the very same women who were present at our ICBF Meeting! How awesome! I guess I should tell you what these pics are all about! If you read the previous posts, you may understand... The Hagerty Family met their beautiful babies today! Their children live in the same area as our children had lived... Florencia.

I always wondered what ICBF's thoughts were when they received pictures of children in our post placement reports. In our adoption, we were required to make 3 post placement reports and send several photos. I read from another CHI how one mother made scrapbook pages with photos, and they looked really fun (Julie, you rock, too!). So, I got this idea, that I could make ICBF a few pages and put Tatiana's request for a sister on there, too. I know we'll have to go thru the whole process again, but I thought it was just so special that she wants to go back to Colombia for her sister, and I wanted to share it with the ladies who helped care for my children now, and who just might be caring for the ones in the future! So, to see these pics, what a blessing!

How cool, Jan! I didn't even expect this! You are awesome!

So, Jan has posted on her blog, but is having some difficulties posting the pics...she sent me one... I will wait til she gives me the "go ahead" to post it here or on the Yahoo board (CHI families access only).

Please continue to pray for them, the Bond family, and Jim and Betty and any others who may be traveling or are traveling now!

No Worries...

A Promise Delayed, But Worth the Waiting!

Our friends the Hagertys' found out today that they won't actually get to meet their kiddos until Thursday, November 20th. Please continue to pray for them. After speaking with Jan, Barry, and the girls just briefly, it is obvious that God is all over this adoption story! I am sure this is a disappointment to the family as they anticipate meeting their new children (siblings), but I am confident God is in control and there is a reason for the setback, and we have no worries... No worries! We will pray along with the family, and leave it to God, "because He cares for you..." So, Hagerty Family, Remember Andrew & Tatiana's bible verse this past month, 1 Peter 5.7, "Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you!"

The Hagertys' In New Orleans!

The Hagertys' made it to New Orleans! The beginning of a very exciting journey... They are an awesome family with lots of energy even after flying all day! Ben and I were able to meet them at the airport, go to IHOP, eat and pray with them. It is too bad we are challenged geographically... Otherwise, I think these are people we'd hang out with! They are absolutely great! Please continue to pray for the Hagertys'! They will leave for Colombia on Monday. Their children are waiting for them in Florencia', the same area Andrew, Tatiana, and Diego were born! So, watch for blog posts... See their blog address on the side bar.

My favorite picture!

Jan & Me

Blankets! Barbies! And Cars!

I am so excited to be meeting Jan and her family! I wanted to do something special for the kids in Florencia. I got these fleece blankets and had their names monogramed on them. I love the way they came out! I have never had anything personally monogramed, but have always thought it looked so cute! Anyways, I got a few barbies, too... do you know how difficult it is to find Hispanic Barbies? Ha! Ya know, Mattel or whoever makes the Barbie and dolls, need to become more diverse! Would you agree?

I also have done a few scrapbook pages to send to ICBF so that they can show the staff the kids. I hope they get the same SW and psychologist! Florencia is small so it is likely! And I believe the director meets with all the families! Tatiana is going to write a letter tomorrow asking ICBF to take care of her sister until we can come back and get her! Tatiana is so serious when she is talking about her sister!

Have a great weekend!