i did it --made my 50 mile challenge!

This morning, I got up early to ride my bike and put in my last 2.3 miles, and the route I have actually put in 2.4. I'm not trying to go beyond and above, so I am totally satisfied with stopping right here. However, I do think I will do this again next month, but will not procrastinate to finish.

I have also thought of a spiritual challenge of the sorts. I would like to have prayer contacts in each of the fifty states to cover my friend and her family in prayer. I think it would be so totally cool if we could have them covered by people who know and don't know them, and you know people I don't so I am so sure we could get this done within a month. By soliciting prayer from people all over the nation we will raise awareness of this particular situation, but also see the Hand of God move on behalf of this family.

I have contacts in Alaska (Genece!) and just remembered one in Hawaii (Brian!); there are several states that the Yahoo girls represent, but those in the blogosphere, please be checking in to see when I need your post. Or post here and let me know if you are in and what state you represent. It is okay if we have more than one person representing a state, as the more prayer, the better!

Before I reveal this family, I need to get the "go" from the Mami. It is an adoptive family. (Maybe we can do this each month, and highlight a different family each month??)

Please email me your feedback. Thanks and if "You're in" let me know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Signing off for a while...on the way to Louisiana; kids are packed, but I'm not!!Yai, ay, eyeya......

Going to Grand-Papi's!

Ok, well, I only have a few miles left of the 50-mile challenge! Will I finish tonight? With 5.3 miles left? Or in the morning, before we hit the road to Grand-Papi's?

We are going to Louisiana. It is a 5.5-6 hour drive without kids, with kids---maybe 7! Please pray for travelling mercies and bathroom stops. I'm going solo with the ninos and bathroom breaks are going to be challenges with all three in one stall! Should be a hoot!

One exciting thing: we get to meet up with Kaleb and Ainsley! Chuck is going to let me take them to my Dad's to spend the weekend with us! I am so excited. It has been such a long time since I've seen them! I hope Ainsley remembers who I am, and she is not distressed when I pick her up. Oh, how I wished we lived closer. Well, I am sure I will have mucho photos to share when I get back!

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!

The Incense of Prayers

I would like to thank all of my Yahoo sisters and those who have sent emails with encouraging words, scriptures, and prayers on behalf of Kay. God is powerful, and He is the Great Physician...miracles still happen! In Jesus' Name!

I am sorry to state that Kay passed away last night at approximately 11:35 p. after the family decided to discontinue the life support. I am not certain what the motive or reason behind pulling the plug was, but I know that God has a reason for allowing things to happen, and if it is unjust then He will have His vengenance. I believe this woman could have been restored. I am very disappointed and angered at what happened...

But...I tell you, I was so blessed by a number of emails I have received and prayers from different friends and family in the body of Christ. People in over 11 different states including: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Tennessee, Oregon, Minnesota, and more had been praying for Kay and her family. How awesome is that! Wow, a lot of prayer power going up! Thanks to all the super troopers! God bless you all!

"Oh, by-goo-ness!"

It is so funny watching the children grow. "Oh, my goodness!" is a phrase that I often use around the house. Andrew has picked up quite a few phrases here lately. They don't always come out just right, but we can understand them. He has began saying, "Oh, by-goo-ness!" It is so funny! He also has been asking the question, "Why?" lately...his teacher says he finally understands what why means and now he asks lots of "why?" questions! I just love watching them grow. They have grown so much since we have become a family. It is so neat and I can't wait to watch them as they grow and blossom from one day to the next as they become the men and woman God desires them to be!

Diego's Update: Diego hates vegetables! "Oma, me like no!" He loves the carbs! We are trying to convince him that the green stuff makes him grow big and tall, with mucho muscles! His speech has really improved. He still has a long way to go, but we can decipher what he is saying now about 80% of the time! He has become a little stubborn-wanting his way a lot, and using the word "no" a lot as well. He continues to give mucho abrazos y besitos!!! He loves his Beanie "cat". He has recently lost a little weight, and I think he is growing a little taller now, too.

Tatiana, our princess, is just that...she is a great help in the day time to Beamie. She does well with her school work and even helps Diego! They love to praise each other and give each other high fives when they accomplish something! She is my beautiful daughter that I am so proud of. She is very kind and sometimes shy, but warms up to others pretty quick! Her favorite toy??? I'm not sure...she follows her big brother around a lot, and tries to please him. She likes dancing and turning flips and attempting the cart-wheel! She has a hilarious laugh! We love to hear her laugh!

Update on the Re-Adoption Process in Mississippi

Well, I called our lawyer's office to check in to find out our current status in the process. I spoke with the secretary. She said that she was trying to find the current language to have the summons written (Spanish?); she said she had to make sure it was correct or they would have to re-do it. Anyways, so once that is complete we have to wait a month before we can even get a court date. The wait is to see if anyone objects to us adopting these children here--that is, anyone related to the children...whatever! But, the lawyer states it is a safeguard to us. I will just be glad to get that completed. Our first year is almost here! June is quickly approaching. It is hard to believe it has already been nearly 9 months! WOW!

Well, Andrew brought home his first "F" today in Math. He scored 4/5. Not so good. Really, we have been focusing a lot on his English, Spelling, and Handwriting that we have focused much on Math. I got out the Legos and we counted them and did some worksheets out of a workbook with them. I'm not sure if they have flash cards for number facts or not? Any tips or teaching cues would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and he is aceing the Spelling, too, BTW!

Te Amo Mucho, Mucho, Mucho Mas, Mami!

I love to hear Andrew say this! It has been "our thing," and just recently Tatiana has caught on and tries to out-do Andrew by telling me how much more she loves me!!! Makes my heart smile!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!

Hey all, need you to pray fervently for a lady by the name of Kay W. She fell off a horse today and is now on life support. She is a mother of three. Please pray for her. Also, please pray for the people who were on the scene and the family. God is the Great Physician and is still in the healing business last I heard. He can take this and draw men to him, and do great things thru tragedy.

So, please on behalf of this lady, I covet your steadfast prayers for healing and total restoration, and peace and comfort to the family. Thank you in advance for your commitment to pray.

For the 21st time...

...did you know that everyday 150,000 people die? Does that concern you? It does me...how many times have I walked past someone who needed the God in me, who needed to hear the gospel...how many "last conversations" have I had with people and didn't even know it? I'm sure we've all had some of those...

The reality is that 10 out of 10 people die, and the vast majority of those who die today are going to hell. That should concern us...The Bible tells us to go and share the gospel. Who have you shared with this week? Let's challenge each other to not just work out physically, but spiritually challenge one another to step out and risk appearing foolish for the Gospel? Are ya with me? We can share one on one, we can pass out tracts, or we can preach on the streets, but if we, ourselves, don't become active, then how can we expect a revolution or a revival in America?
The Kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Evangelism Resources

a race against time

My wonderful, awesome husband aired up my tire on the bicycle last night so I was able to ride my bike this morning. Oh my goodness! I don't remember it being this hard! I worked a whole different group of muscles than simply walking...After work, I rode another mile...this time I was chased by a couple of dogs, but luckily I had figured out how to adjust the intensity and speed, so that helped me gain some lead way with the four-legged creatures! I have walked 3 miles and rode 2 miles. It looks like I have the weather working against me as it is supposed to rain thru the weekend! But I am determined, and I would like to get this done by the 28th, as I will be on the road going to visit family in Louisiana on Friday the 29th. So, the race is on! I CAN do this! I WILL do this! You just watch my ticker!

Oh yeah, this evening Andrew was like Mami, I watch you...and watched me from the kitchen window as I rode away. When I rode up the drive, well actually as I was riding toward the house, I could see 3 small figures standing in the kitchen bay window waving! That was such an awesome feeling...my kids...cheering me on! Lovin' it! They are great kids! I am so blessed!

The 50 Mile Challenge + The Game of Memory = Fun, Fun, Fun

First the challenge. All my bloggin' sistas'-Help me! Do this with me! Sheila D. has been a real great encourager, but really-I can't keep up with her and her husband they have already trekked 30+ miles! Way to go, Sheila & Dave!

So, whether you walk it, run it, bike it, "Just do it!" Either post it on your blog or send me a comment so I can encourage you. Ten days before the end of the month...time is ticking! I did Walk Away the Pounds- 4 miles today; I had good intentions on riding my bike, but guess what? Flat tire! So, hopefully I can put in more bike miles than walking tomorrow...it just seems much more easier. Will let you know...

The Game of Memory. The kids and I played a few nights ago. Tatiana and Andrew are pretty good...but Diego has a short attention span...and instead of watching his siblings, he makes a "choo-choo" from the card matches that he has won...so, needless to say, he gets skipped quite a bit! But seems to still enjoy it. I want to include him when we have game time. I know it will be easier once he gets older. Tonight, Ben played with them. Diego was a trip! He is so silly. And everytime Ben would show Tatiana the cards, he would ask her did she see them, she would say, "No..." I think she may have misunderstood what he was saying..Andrew was giving and getting lots of high fives. He really is a sharp guy! Can't wait to have many more game nights to come! Maybe Andrew is ready for Connect Four? Candy Land?

The 50-what?

Challenge? Haha...ten miles into it...can I do it...in just 10 days left? That's 4 miles each day...well, my track record is working against me...Ben's not very encouraging; but today, I thought if I road my bike and walked...I could ride 3 miles easily right? Ok, I'm laughing, too! Well, we shall see how this month ends...maybe I will try it again next month, too.

Quiet and more quiet...

-My husband says there's a difference...A sleepy Sunday afternoon...we all like to have our Sunday naps! The kids are down, and Ben had to go to another church to help with an ordination...so it is real quiet. I forget sometimes what it's like sitting still in a calm, quiet place. Do you? Sometimes, even when the little ones are in bed, my head is full of racing thoughts, and it is sometimes difficult to quiet my mind? Does anyone relate? Now with three little ones, when I can find those moments, it is sweeet! I have come to cherish the down times, and yearn for even more...quiet and more quiet moments! (I do love the moments of laughter and excitement that these children have brought to us and would not trade it for anything, and I can't imagine life without them now! I love them so much! As my grandmother would say, "A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!")

Cans for Colombia

Help Us Recycle!

We’re going back to Colombia!

We are planning a family mission trip this summer to work with a Pastor in Cali, Colombia and also help in a local orphanage! The kids are excited and so are we! Please help us by collecting your aluminum cans. Call us for pick up (must be local & at least one garbage bag full, please) at 228.762.7228. We want to raise money, but also teach the children how to recycle and take care of their environment! Thank you for participating in this fundraiser with us! God bless!

The Wood Family
www.iwillnotleaveyouasorphans.blogspot.com

Too Many Cupcakes...

I did so well this week, that is up until Valentine's! We took the kids to their favorite, Coco Loco Restaurant (Andrew calls it Loco-Loco!), then yesterday, I went to lunch with a co-worker...Oh, and in-between, I had a few cupcakes here and a few there! Obviously, too many, because I gained 3.2 lbs this week when I weighed in...What a bummer, but I guess there's consequences for eating unhealthy! I did do some walking this week. Like 6 miles...didn't seem to help; Ben's response, "Well, maybe you should do 12 miles next week!" Hmph! Maybe I will!

A Few More Pics From This Past Weekend Sent From Grandma!

Did you know...

About two out of every three roses purchased originates in Colombia, and 90 percent of all Colombian flowers are sold in the U.S. ?

The flower industry generates over a billion dollars in export revenue annually. It's big business, but it comes at a price. That price is that almost 80,000 women from rural Colombia are working for less than 50 cents an hour to pluck those beautiful bouquets. The working conditions are characterized by long hours and exposure to harsh chemicals. The mandate for pest-free flowers and aesthetically perfect roses, have created agricultural practices that are difficult for workers and pose long term consequences for the environment in Colombia. In short, these romantic icons have some pretty unromantic roots. Check out this video! Click on the link: http://current.com/items/88833727_promo_blood_roses_deadly_diamonds

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine was the name of a young man who lived in Rome many, many years ago during a time when people were killed for following Jesus. Valentine did what he could to protect his Christian friends, but, after a time he was caught and put in prison. While in prison he gave his heart to Jesus. Because of this he was clubbed to death on February 14, 269. While in prison, he sent messages to his friends saying, "Remember your Valentine" and "I love you."

John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this. than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Andrew was really excited to be able to give his teacher flowers today. He was really proud!

Andrew & Mrs. Forehand this morning! Mrs. Forehand is awesome, and we so appreciate all the help she has given us, especially the tips in using to teach Andrew needed skills. She rocks!

Happy "Jesus Loves You!" Day

A VALENTINE THOUGHT:

He Loves You

Helen S. Rice

It's amazing and incredible,

But it's true as it can be.

God loves and understands us all,

And that means you and me!

His grace is all sufficient

For both the young and old.

For the lonely and the timid,

For the brash and for the bold.

His love knows no exceptions,

So never feel excluded.

No matter who or what you are,

Your name has been included!

And no matter what your past has been,

Trust God to understand,

And no matter what your problem is

Just place it in his hand.

For in all our unloveliness

This great God loves us still!

He loved us since the world began,

And what's more, he always will!

WW Update!

I'm excited to tell you that this past week at my weekly Weight Watcher meeting, I lost 4 lbs! That makes two weeks of going to the meetings and doing the WW method giving me a total weight loss of 6.6 lbs! I have also clocked in 5 miles. I still have a long 45 miles to go by the end of February to accomplish my own goal of walking 50 miles in a month...but will continue to plug away. Hope those others are having success with whatever healthy plans they have chosen to follow to become a healthier you! Please post a comment and let me know what you are doing. I would like to cheer you on as well!

Day Three - Hard Rock Cafe'

After the Zoo, we met back up at the Hotel in Biloxi and walked to the Hard Rock Cafe'. We had an excellent server! The food was good too! Here are some of the last pictures we took on Sunday night! We really had a great time with Grandpa & Grandma and the family. I even got to spend part of the evening learning more about Ben's father and who he is, and that was neat! We all enjoyed it!

Day Three- The Zoo

Yea! We got to go to the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. It is really the closest zoo to us. We had fun! We covered a lot of ground. The animals seemed a little lazy, but it was a Sunday afternoon so I guess they are entitled, right? Tatiana slept thru several of the exhibits. They all got a bit cranky when it was lunch time. I packed snacks and water, and then we finally got something around 3'ish! The children liked the zoo. I can't wait until we take them back to New Orleans and go to the Aquarium. They have the Penguins there! The children love Happy Feet! Here are some pics of our Sunday Family Fun!

Day Two - Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

On Saturday, we went to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. We weren't able to get any pictures, because I left my camera at the house. I was bummed, but we had fun. They had neat things to do. Each of the grandchildren got to build a race car! They had this cool contraption in the middle of the center that was kindof like that of a cat carpet toy...It was neat. I wish I had a picture to prove to you that Ben and I made it to the very top...it was fun! They had little stations on each floor including a victorian set, a Mexican restaraunt, an airplane, a forklift, a train station, a grocery store, a science center, and a center to educate children about the disabled. It was like a big playcenter for us, but it definitely could have been more educational if there wasn't so much stimuli, and with all the other children...Maybe we will go back and be able to move thru the centers and discuss some of the neat stuff another time and use as more of a learning experience. (It was our first time to visit, too!) Also, outside they had cool treehouses built, and a neat little creek. It is a neat place to visit!

Here is the link if you are local and would like to check it out: http://www.lmdc.org/ It is a great place to take your kids if you're a homeschooling parent, too!

We ended the day with the grandparents at the park. It was a fun day for everyone!

Day One - Grandma & Grandpa's Visit

Ben's father and step-mom came to visit and meet the children. They live in Minnesota, so it is very difficult for us to see them as often. The children had seen pictures and talked with them on the phone several times. Our first evening, Grandpa and Grandma came to the house to meet them. the children played with Grandma in their rooms, colored pictures, and more. Well, later they jumped Grandpa! They each love to take turns swinging and jumping on adults, especially males. I think they have learned they are the ones with the "mucho muscles!"



After a while, we went to feed the ducks in front of the hospital. That was fun, too! There were some cool looking ducks! Some with fur on their heads! It was fun, but didn't take long for us to get thru a few bags of leftover bread, rolls, and stale crackers!

We left the ducks to visit Ben's brother's family, and then went to Applebee's to eat. The children each got balloons! It was a great bonding experience. They enjoyed each other, and instantly recognized their grandparents. They really are loving and compassionate children. We are so blessed!

Fever!

The past three weeks the children have been sick with "moco" and a nasty cough. We have went to the pediatrician twice, and called several times in-between. The ped was overwhelmed with an influx of other sickly children as we had to wait for another appt. this past Thursday. However, during this time, Diego would get a fever every few days. We treated it by alternating Motrin and Tylenol, but he didn't seem to kick it! I knew he just needed an antibiotic...the doctor confirmed Thurs. that they all had throat infections and should be treated with an antibiotic.

Moments like these...I don't want to forget. Diego had a fever. It was like 102.8; and I'm thinking how are we gonna get this down? The Motrin seemed only to give him minimal relief...so, I put cool bath cloths on his back, on his chest, on the top of his head, and even under his chin! I was a little nervous for the poor little guy...so, I slept in his bed with him...but before I fell asleep, I prayed over him...it was so precious. He squeezed my fingers and wouldn't let them go...that's the kind of moments, I want to remember!

I don't like fevers...

Go Red for Women!

Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death of women, with stroke being the third?? This month is National Heart Month. During American Heart Month, ask your lawmakers to do their part to cure these diseases by co-sponsoring the HEART for Women Act. Women’s lives depend on it!

Go to http://www.heartforwomen.org/ and listen to the Red Dress Paper Doll lady (sound clip); fill in the information and the letter goes straight to your representative. Be a voice for the women of your life!

This is real important to me as my sister died of a cardiovascular problem in 2006. She was only 32 when she died. I want to do what I can to prevent any of those type problems. I know part of that is becoming a healthier Me!

There is a fellow blogger who has challenged herself to run, walk, jog 100 miles this month. I don't know if I could do a 100 miles, but I do want to do a 50-mile challenge! I told Ben about it, and he laughed, BUT I CAN TOO, DO IT!!! I think this will also help accelerate the weight loss. Last week, I weighed in and lost 2.6 lbs from the first week! So far, I've put in two miles this week! I am going to add a ticker to the blog to help keep track of my progress, and hopefully be encouraged by all of you! Hopefully, you too, will accept the challenge, and try to be a healthier-YOU! Get involved, and GO RED!!!

MUCH LOVE TO ALL MY BLOGGING SISTAS'!!!

Healing Rain--Are you afraid?

Tonight, we were listening and watching a worship DVD. The lyrics were on the screen as they had pictures of beautiful nature scenes. Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith was playing, and I feel like God really began ministering to my spirit.

"Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain"

I began to think of that...healing rain, it comes with fire? I'm not afraid...to be washed in Heaven's rain? What makes us afraid? What scares us from receiving that healing touch that God wants to rain down on us? I know that there are areas in my life, that I need the divine touch of the Father to heal up brokenness in my own life...but what is it that I'm afraid of?

"And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain "

Interestingly enough, we all at one point or another have tried to hide our emotions and feelings from others by wearing masks, but God is no fool, he knows...often the masks we wear reveal that very thing we try to keep hidden...isn't that ironic?

I have friends and family with both emotional and physical pain and I know they want to be healed, but for some reason, just as I myself, have this challenge, rather hold on to that pain than to lay it at the cross...interesting....

Goo-Gone!

Goo-Be-Gone! Hey all! I am trying to find a solution to sticky gunk left on Andrew's uniform shirts. He has been awarded stickers or given stickers for different occasions at school on various days and they have left the gunk behind. I have washed several times, and it is still there. How do I get it off? I searched on the I-net and there is actually some product called "Goo-Gone" but I have never heard of it in the store. Is there something else I can use? Any other remedies or solutions that have worked for any of you out in the blogosphere??? Please leave thoughts or suggestions in the comment section. Thanks!

post placement #2

Part of our post-adoption requirements is to have 3-4 supervised visits from a social worker after we've been home with the kids to observe how we've all adjusted and how the children are progressing. I have really been stressing, because our second report was due in December. The holidays set us back, and then my social worker has had sickness in the family, our report was late. I spoke with Julie who said not to worry just get it in as soon as possible...well, I got it!! Yea!

Now, I just have to find 6-8 pics to send with it to send to the ICBF. ICBF will review the post placement; and, I am guessing if the mother ever wanted to see pics of the kids at a later time, she would be shown the pictures. However, I have been told that that is usually rare.

Anyhow! Yea! Only two reports to go; still, have to do the "re-adoption" thing. Haven't heard back from our lawyer. Ben or I will probably call sometime next week to find out the status. (Most places this week are closed Mon-Tues for Mardis Gras.) Will keep you posted!

Bunco Again!

Me!

Terri

Susan

Stephanie

Mandy

Kelly

Jill

Jeannie, our February host, who had some of the best game prizes yet! And served WW friendly dishes! You were a great hostess, Jeannie. (Jeannie didn't get to wear the crown this game, either! The next one you will for sure, though!)

Heather

Whoops, I caught Bridget with her eyes closed! Sorry, Bridget!

April filled in as an alternate. There were two other alternates that did not get crowned; they did not get a bunco...or I missed there photo opps! Sorry, Pam & Connie, maybe next time!

G-Bubbie Alex teaches Andrew.

...how to make funny faces!



Check out the pics. We met up with G-Mami & G-Papi and G-Bubbies tonight for dinner. Got some funny pics...thought we'd post!

The children's God Parents...they call them "G-Mami" and "G-Papi" and sometimes Diego calls them that...otherwise, it's "G-Ama" or "G-Apa"!!!

G-Bubbie Caleb doing the "Claw" entertaining Diego!

More silly faces...G-Bubbie Alex was full of energy tonight!