As this year comes to a close....

As this year comes to a close, there is much to be thankful for and remember as we head into the new year as a family of 4.  I wanted to jot down these memories and raise my Ebenezer so that in months to come, especially the trying ones, we can look back and see God's hand over the past year.

*God has fulfilled our hearts a million times over.  Our cup runneth over for sure!  I can look back and say that all those fears I had surrounding this adoption are gone...God has turned my fear into peace, joy, and EXCITEMENT!!!  Silly me :O

*He has brought in funds for our adoption!  We only have $8000 in debt (interest free loan from a family member) which means the remaining $7650 was raised and earned through hard work and generous hearts.  THANK YOU to those who so generously gave in 2011!  We appreciate your support more than you know.

*We have grown in our friendships and relationships with family.  It is so great drawing closer to the ones who the Lord puts in your life.  We are thankful for all of our dear friends and family.  We couldn't walk this life without you.

*Both of our businesses are going well.  Restoration Furniture Repair, Joe's side business, is booming.  Insurance contracts have really helped with that.  I started my own side business (in addition to being an educational contractor) as a resume and cover letter writer.  It has been such a tremendous and joyous opportunity to do this from home.

*We added a family member, a puppy named Sophie, who has added such joy and fun to our lives.  She keeps us in better shape too with walks and playtime outside in the yard.  Her favorite past time is being chased by the boys!!!

*Speaking of shape, it has been a TRUE blessing to have lost 30 pounds this fall so far.  20 more to go, and I will finally be at a healthy weight and ready to be a mom to a wee one or two.

*Yep, a wee one or two.  That is the last and final thought here tonight.  As we head into 2012, we continue to pray and wonder if the Lord is leading us to adopt two.  We might have an opportunity to adopt a local little girl here in our area who might need a home (long story.....ask me this coming summer!), and yet we also feel as though we should adopt two from Ethiopia.  Who knows!  It will be fun to re-read this all in one year.

*Our end of the year official waitlist number is 75 but we are really more like 72 with the recent referrals.  Yahoo!!!!!!!  A few steps closer to bringing our baby girl home!!!!

Blessings to you all this coming year!
Deanna and family