We're Back!

We are dusting off the blog to bring all of you followers into the loop.  You may be wondering, what have we been up to this past year?  Well, there are two highlights.  First, we moved!  God is so good!  We were praying for God to provide in big ways.  We searched for a new home for over a year. (God bless our patient real estate agent.  Lisa, you are the best!)  After seeing too many houses to count, we finally found a house that met our laundry list of requirements:  a ranch for Maelee's wheelchair needs, new schools to better fit our kids' needs, additional bedrooms, some extra space and so much more!  We are so thankful! 

Second, WE'RE ADOPTING!! Yes, you read that right.  One night in January, Matt and I were sitting on the couch looking at the mantle.  It has our family picture in the center with pictures of two kids on one side and three on the other.  He said, "We need to even out the sides."  Well, that was the spark that started the fire in our hearts.  At that moment, God brought a little girl to my mind.  I see hundreds of kids being advocated for and this little girl was being fiercely advocated for by many people.  She was a cutie!  Despite so many people loving her, no one had stepped forward.  When I showed Matt her picture that night, she looked different.  She was no longer just a sweet girl, but a chosen daughter!  Over the next few weeks, we prayed for God to make this decision very clear and He did!  It all culminated while we were visiting a church.  The pastor was talking about going to make disciples of the nations.  He said, "When God tells you to go, you are to go now.  Not next week, not next year.  You go now!"  We looked at each other and knew that we were to GO get our girl! 

Our dossier (fancy word for all of our documents) is in China.  We are waiting for our approval from China any day!  What does that mean?  We are prayerful to be in China in October to meet our daughter and bring her home!  So close!  We will share more details in the coming weeks.  For now, we covet your prayers for all the details of the process and as we raise financial support to complete her adoption.  Thank you for following our family and for your prayers and support.

Coming soon...Marquette party of 8!

 We rocked our socks on World Down Sydrome Day in honor of our new sister that rocks an extra chromosome!

 

One of the many nights spent doing paper work.

 

Our documents with their state certification.

Our completed dossier all ready to be sent to China.

We are ready to GO!

"GO therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19

 

 

Summer Highlights

School starts next week,  which means summer is drawing to a close.  We are all in denial.  We are not ready for the summer fun to end.  Here are some of the highlights of the summer.  Warning: picture overload! Enjoy!

Deanna's Grandpa Fred passed away in May.  We traveled to the funeral along with Matt's parents.  The kids enjoyed the golfing range at the luncheon.

We visited the Caterpillar Museum with Grandma and Grandpa Marquette.

First smores and camp out of the season.

We took a day trip to visit Micah's China buddy and his new brothers.

Closing day at Wee-Tee mini golf was bittersweet.

The kids had fun running in the IVS Kids Running Series.

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day to Micah!

Swimming at Papa's pool is always something the kids look forward to.

The highlight of Nathan's summer was attending Hockey Ministries International hockey camp.  He spent his first week away from home and did great.  We missed him!  It helped to know that he was getting to do what he loved and have times for Bible study, worship and testimony from NHL pros of God's goodness.  

Museum of Science and Industry

We took a trip to Omaha to see Grandpa and Grandma Marquette.  They had fun at the children's museum.

We stayed one night at a cabin at Mahoney State Park in Omaha.

We stopped at Blank Park Zoo and Science Center of Iowa on the way home from Omaha.

We took a day trip to the Quad Cities and visited Niabi Zoo and Putnam Museum.  Our zoo and science museum memberships have provided a lot of fun this summer.

Mom, Dad and Micah attended Journey of Hope camp.

Mom and Micah visited Millennium Park while in Chicago for a doctor appointment.

Our first family bike ride to Sweet Cece's and Safety Town.

Happy 4th of July!

Fun times bowling at Uncle Buck's!