Oh Darlin' Don't You Ever Grow Up

It seems like last week that we started this homeschool journey. I was convinced I was going to ruin my Emily. I remember so clearly the day Doug brought her home from Kindergarten, she was crying again.  He matter-of-factly told me, "I unenrolled her from school.  We are going to homeschool." Now, we had talked about homeschooling someday, when life was normal. (At that point I still expected life to get "normal")  Panicked, I stammered, but, but, but... I'm pregnant, we are living with your parents, I, I, I can't do this now. Doug looked at me, smiled and said, "Stacy, it's Kindergarten, shapes, numbers, letters, colors.  I'm pretty sure you know the material." And so began our homeschool journey.

Now here she is all grown up, mostly. 

I'm happy to say she knows all her shapes and colors, letters and numbers.  

She graduated.  SHE DID IT!

 

This whole homeschool Mom package comes with all sorts of crazy emotions on Graduation Day.  Not only am I incredibly proud of my daughter, I'm also incredibly proud of me. 

I DID IT!

 

I successfully homeschooled a child for her entire school career. She has written a novel and continues to love and pursue writing.  She has accumulated dozens of college credits while finishing high school. She reads everything and thinks deeply. 

And then there's the part of me that is far less confident.  Did I do enough? Did I teach her all she needs to know? What did I miss? And why couldn't I help her not struggle with math?

I am so thankful for GRACE! And for a God who fills in the gaps.  And the sweet fruit that has grown from the seeds of perseverance, peace, hope, and love.

Most importantly, she loves.  She loves Jesus.  She loves her parents. She loves her siblings.  She loves others.  Seeing her grow in her relationships is the most important and rewarding part of this journey.  When I see those relationships growing I am exceedingly thankful and proud. 

Emily has so many gifts and talents I cannot wait to see how God uses them.  She is a gift and a blessing to us. I love our chats, our coffee dates, our shopping sprees, and the time we have to spend together. 

Spread your wings and fly, Girlie.  Good things are in store!

Well, That Was Weird!

I'm not sure what happened, I see nothing in the background stats or anything I can decipher... I guess Blogger just knew that all my faithful followers wanted to read my post about moving from Richard Bong State Park in Wisconsin to Zion, IL. 

Strange, this internet!

I had updated and was trying to post my "Support" page.  I'll just post it here.  I'm sorry for the confusion.



So, there's this baby... she's stolen my heart. We have started the process of ADOPTION!

 

 

As I’m sure you know, it is very expensive to adopt and we are researching and applying for grants and other financial help. If you would like to give financially, Grace Church of Kingwood has a special adoption fund to which you may contribute for us.  

Mail check to:

Grace Church of Kingwood, 807 Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood, TX 77339  attn:  Dave Kinison

Don't write our names on the memo line of the check.  

Either leave the memo line blank and attach a note with the designation to the adoption fund for Audirsch.  Or write "adoption special fund" on the memo line.

We approximate our expenses in this adoption to total around $25000. The various fees are outlined on this webpage, http://ccaifamily.org/AdoptExpenses/WCP-AdoptionExpense.aspx

 

To date we have paid $2800 to CCAI and approximately $500 for other costs so far. We hope to raise $10,000.00

Thank you again for your love, support and prayers, YOU are already a part of helping this sweet girlie have a family.

Many Blessings,

Stacy and Doug

When Mother's Day Just is.... FABULOUS! (Or What a Difference a Year Makes)

To truly appreciate this post you'll need to start HERE reading about my Mother's Day last year.

If you have had a sucky Mother's Day STOP...
Go read my post from last year.
DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER.
Seriously, you have been warned. 

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Honestly, I feared Mother's Day this year.  After my mom graduated to Heaven on December 19, 2013, I felt that Mother's Day could not be anything other than a big blubbering mess this year and just wanted to hide from it.

But God....

God allowed us to get our preliminary approval from China for adopting our sweet China Baby on Friday, just before Mother's Day weekend.

God allowed us to put an offer on a house on Saturday of Mother's Day weekend.

God spoke to me in worship in a very profound and intimate way I have not experienced since Washington, showing me His Glory and His plan for the new earth after He returns in a beautiful and touching picture in my heart and mind.

And my Dad... sent flowers and chocolates for me.

 

And my husband... my adventurous, fun, crazy, thoughtful, man bought me this...

And this... A NEW LAPTOP!  I have so missed having a REAL computer to use. I compose so much better on a keyboard (first world problem, seriously) and can ahem, see so much better when the font is at least 12 point!

(I know, my photography skills are astounding.)

So, I post this not to brag, but to share the blessing of what I thought this year was going to be compared to what it was.  Life has so many ups and downs.  I feel like Mother's Day 2013 and Mother's Day 2014 are a living picture for me of Philippians 4:12-13.

"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

 I can do all things through him who strengthens me."