Stand

If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.

unknown author

Noise, lots of noise!

There was no wasting time at the Balmers! The trailer was loaded before we arrived last Friday and off they went dirtbiking! What a thrill and even Peter tried it for the first time. So needless to say the dirtbike bug continues to permeate the Mac household and we are on a search for a small bike to use. Where you ask? Who knows, but trust me on this one, we will find a place. Just a matter of time. They came back with lots of stories and in need of a bath! What a blast.

New Family, love it!!

Finally I can take the time to sit and reflect on our time away! I am so thankful for the blessing of meeting Mary and Peter. What a joy. They are truly gifts to be thankful for in so many ways. It is like they have always been there. They are happy, joyful, funny, endearing and clearly loved!!
Charm, you are amazing and you make adoption look natural and seriously a huge blessing!! love you!!

Home with Memories

wow what a trip we had!

swimmers!

Today we took full advantage of the hotel. We ate the breakfast, swam in the pool and walked through the newly fallen snow! Oh yes, dirt biking yesterday and indoor play today. Thankfully we have an in with the pastor here in Freeport, we can use the gym today and play with all the kids! How cool is that. Later we are heading into Rockford to enjoy shopping around, have a coffee (with the girls only of course) the boys will go to the hockey game tonight in Rockford. There is non-stop action here and lots of smiles all around.

Having a blast and more to come...

We arrived!

Our journey has been so wonderful so far! We enjoyed the first part of the trip with our pastor and his family. They are in Indiana this weekend so we stopped for coffee, lunch and enjoyed laughing on the road! After we parted way in Lansing MI, we enjoyed our first hotel visit and pool craziness. Nice new Holiday Inn and a huge room! We all slept so well! I picked up Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and what a hoot!! The kids loved it and I have to say I miss those movies and I am so happy to see the kids love it and laugh.

Okay, Syd I know you are reading this so get your mom!! Okay, Paula I have to say that you have to get down here so you can behold these beautiful children Charm has now added to her family. I have held Mary and I did not want to let her go. She warmed up to me right away and held my hand and Peter is such a dear (just what mom would say). I know you will come in time, but make is snappy!!!! Okay you are off the hook for now because you are having another baby. After that though, pack your bags girl.

So, the boys are off dirt biking and Charm and I are having coffee and chocolate (of course!) Mallory and Samantha are playing everything under the sun, have so much fun. Sara is napping and will wake soon.

What a blessing to be here. I am so thankful for our wonderfully diverse family. I think of all my sibs and love how God has changed us, moved us and allowed us to experience such rich lives. I feel so blessed!!!

More updates later....

The are home

Here is the latest picture of the newest additions to my sister's family. Peter and Mary are home from Ghana. Five children now, a little bit of a change. What a blessing to see this picture and know that God had this planned all along. We will meet you in a few days! Road trip 2010 begins tomorrow, we can't wait to arrive and enjoy time with you.

Thank you Lord for your provisions and grace!

Welcome home Peter and Mary. Congrats Jake, Zane and Mallory!!!

Piano Gang

I am more than grateful, more than thankful I am elated! For what? For the gift of music - specifically piano! This group enjoys piano and more than that they love to share it. My Aunt and Uncle from the states came to visit another Aunt at a seniors home and together with other cousins and relatives we listened to each one play with strength, confidence and smiles! Fun, pure fun! Of course it ended with popcorn, chocolate cake and icecream, thanks Lorrie!!
We always love to go and enjoy time with the older and wiser! Such a blessing.

Ever have one of these?

Have you ever had one of these days? Yuck, just simply yuck. Well, I know that we can think on things that are good and train our minds to be pure and holy. Impossible on our own, but with God's strength this kind of day can become beautiful. I just had one, started just like this picture and by 11pm  I was able to shed tears of joy and relief because God came near.

Content

I adore the ability this sweet daughter of mine has while she observes her siblings doing something special or unique. It does not always last, but this time she was the one to give them all the biggest push down the hill and cheer them on as if it was the gold medal race! She did go on a sled, but tumbled and decided she was better at the top watching through her precious eyes. What we don't hear is her brain absorbing everything and storing it for the next time when she is ready to roll!! This was the last snowfall and now we may be closer to spring than ever!!! Love that!! I also am so thankful that there is always a hand for her to hold!

I am Nine!

bless him Lord, bless him!!!

Availability vs Ability

As I reflect on my ablilities or lackof, I am reminded that is my thinking, not God! He is looking for my availability, my heart and willing attitude. I know what abilities I have and what I wish I had and frankly what 

i wish I did not have. You can relate, I know!!! Today my prayer is this, Lord Even though I do not feel able, enable me to do your will, not mine....

"The verse that is close to me today is found in 1 Peter 3:12

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayers."