Where did August GO!!!!!!!!

Ok seriously I haven't even sat down to look at my blog let alone post something new! There are a few reasons why. I've been introduced to facebook, our computer took a "break", and school! Needless to say time is flying by. I'm so excited for the next few weeks. It is the midwests redeeming season. Autumn harvest time. We love it! Tanners, Pumpkin Festival, the crisp air- yet is still warm, Chilli, football, etc. God is very visual in the leaves changing colors and the fields coming down and I just love it.

We had a great August though. I was able to visit my sister for her 40th birthday. My mom, Sheila, Susan and I flew down and spent 3 very fun and relaxing days in honor of Jenny! She is such a wonderful Godly woman and I'm so grateful for her as a sister and a friend!

My fingerprints finally cleared after being printed 4 times. They ended up doing a name-based clearance so on we go with this second adoption. We will see. Cole started his Junior year, Shelby is a Freshman and Piper is in 6th grade. They are all doing well and I praise the Lord for them and what they mean to our family.

Hope everyone is great! Happy Fall!

July 21, 1994

15 years ago Shelby Renee Nicholson came into this world and has been lighting up the room ever since! We celebrated her birthday over the last week with a few friends over and then the family gathering. She also finished drivers ed and got her permit this week. She has been busy this summer and soooooo helpful with Luke! She's such a joy! Happy Birthday Shelby!

All Star Fun!

When one of our friends found a few tickets for sale (Thanks Trisha), we couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend the evening in St. Louis for the All Star Game. It was such a beautiful night. Weather was gorgeous and my dad found a parking spot right up front. For those of you who know me and my "door to door" mentality! The president threw the first pitch and the MLB organization did a tremendous job of celebrating the "All Stars Among Us". After the opening ceremonies Dave said ,"I could leave now". It was so neat. But, of course we could not! It was fun to watch Ben get in at the end. We had fun and really enjoyed the time!

Fun Tradition!

I don't usually write about myself and what I'm doing, but this weekend I spent two days at a Women of Faith conference and I wanted everyone to know how fun these are and encourage you, if you can go, to do it! These conferences aren't new to me. I started going in 1997 and have been every year but two since. This year I was especially motivated to go since Steven Curtis Chapman was the concert on Friday night. The loss of the Chapmans daughter last May was something that Katie (my cousin) and I felt saddened and bonded about. Katie lives with a daughter in heaven and Maria, the Chapmans daughter, was adopted from China. The Godly example they are to the world about caring for the less fortunate and how to deal with grief is just mind boggling. It was so encouraging. For all those adoptive moms out their, Steven introduced his family and said they had 3 natural children and 3 "super" natural! I thought that was awesome and True! Their is something supernatural that happens when you are bonded, by God, through adoption. We couldn't do it without his supernatural power!

The theme was a "Grand New Day" and who doesn't need that! Alot of you have been to one and know the different speakers. Some are the same and some are different through the years, but everytime I go God meets me exactly where I am! New this year was Mandisa (American Idol) and Lisa Whelchel (Facts of Life and Author). they were both Amazing. Plus Steven and all the Old school ladies. Get some friends, family, co-workers, church ladies and GOOOO! Or I will take ya! Who's in?
Love, Missy