Joy Unspeakable That Won't Go Away...

"Joy Unspeakable That Won't Go Away" are the words to a song the kids have learned at The Chapel.  It's called "I'm Counting on God!"  Great lyrics and a great theme for one's life.  The kids had some routine things to get done this week like haircuts and immunizations.  They look like they are in agony but afterwards they admitted the shots didn't really hurt.  The anticipation was worse than the real thing.  They are now all caught up on shots for the USA and being in school.

Jeff introduced Josh to golf.  This kid loves just about any sport there is.  He is doing great at baseball and it looks like we might have a fun summer golfing too.  Some of our bible study group have been kind enough to offer us some junior clubs.  What a blessing it is to have friends!

We volunteered to work at The Chapel Go Day and it was a lot of fun.  We drove to Bluffton and helped sort clothes at Forgotten Children.  What a great opportunity to give back from the blessings we have received.  Josh & Cate are serious servants.  They worked from 9am to noon sorting, boxing, and loading all kinds of clothes. Their friend, Mya (4th picture) was having fun helping out too.

We had a moving dinner for our cousins, Michael & Diana Moore and girls Raven, Savannah, Tesla at O'Charley's.  It was a fun evening with lots of family.  Grandma & Grandpa were there along with Uncle Jerry, Matt & Jon.  So fun to see everyone.

Now you know we always have to show pictures of Sweet Nolan.  He is still the sweetest grandbaby ever according to this grandma.  Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself.

Thanks so much for reading the blog and praying for us on our journey.  We are reminded daily that it is a choice as to how we live our life and as for this family we will continue....

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew

Another week bites the dust!

It seems impossible we are finished with another week.  This week was pretty low key and I guess that is a good thing for us.  We had some normal things like Josh helped me bake cookies and Cate had a friend over to play. 

Josh is getting the raw end of this deal I'd say.  Ladies seem to have it made here.

Josh hasn't had a haircut in awhile and is enjoying trying new styles!  A haircut is probably happening this week!

We had some weekend projects that the kids enjoyed helping with.  First of all they each received a tree sapling from school for Arbor Day so we had to get those planted.  Then Dad purchased a new weed eater/edger that is light and we can all use.  We are all looking forward to using this new tool. 

 

Now to get that weedeater all put together.  Lots of directions and patience! 

  Josh & Cate love to be tickled and wrestled around on the floor.  We always get a big kick out of this.  They will get blankets and say "Tickle me!Tickle me!" and if we start too soon before they have the blanket over them they say "Not Yet!"  We just think it is so funny and it gives us a good way to get some fun loving touches in for them.  These last pictures are of tickle time last night with Daddy.  They are laughing and giggling the whole time.  We have to be sure both kids have gone to the bathroom before we begin!   It is a fun bonding time for all!

Thanks for reading the blog and praying for us.  We will continue ....

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew

Wow! 9 months in the USA!

We have had a super busy week because Josh & Cate were in a swim camp all week everyday after school.  They did such a great job swimming on spring break that I thought they might enjoy learning the strokes.  They learned free style, back stroke, breast stroke, butterfly, and diving.  They learned a new stroke everyday and then had a test on Friday.  They both got almost all A's (which means they mastered the stroke) and encouraged to join the team.  After talking with the coaches we decided the team might be too much for right now.  It has practice 6 times a week.  Very intense.  So we are not going with the team now but the week of swimming was great.

This past weekend we did some traveling.  We drove to Brook, IN to see Jeff's mom, Grandma Joan Clark.  We were able to enjoy time with her all afternoon and evening on Saturday.  We took her out to dinner at the local restaurant and really had fun watching Grandpa Clark's favorite movie "The Great Race". 

On Sunday we drove on to Brownsburg, IN where we helped Luke & Susi (our oldest son & wife) move into their new home.  We love the house and it was fun to be able to help them out.  Josh & Cate pitched right in with the chores.  Nick & Autumn showed up also and of course they had Nolan so we really thought it was a fun afternoon! Anytime you can have family all together it is a good day!  We wished  Courtney & Zach could of joined in the fun!  We missed them.

Josh & Cate found an old skate board we had around so they tried that out a few times.  No broken bones yet.  Plus we keep having alot of windy days so the kites are always fun.

Spring school pictures were recently taken.  Check out the 2 adorable children below.

 You can see what a fun weekend we had.  Josh & Cate are seeming to feel more at home here with us each day.  We thank God for the blessings and challenges they bring into our lives.  Thanks for praying for us, reading the blog, and always make it your goal to keep....

Choosing joy,
Chris & crew