Contentment and Joy

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." Colossians 3:1-4

Do you ever have those moments in life where you realize everything is as it should be and you are truly content. God has revealed to me, through friends, prayer, His Word, and His Spirit, what contentment and joy is all about. I have realized that it really doesn't matter if we get a boat, or if we have the coolest car, or the Nordstrom's clothes. We have food, laughter, water, heat, love and our Lord. I just love my life. I have my moments of stress (like tonight trying to feed a screaming angry baby, two little boys and two dogs), but in the end, I am only here to glorify our Lord.

So, what have we been up to since Christmas? New Year's, of course. We lit off fireworks and only had one go astray into the neighbor's car, Nick's car and our other neighbor's. It was fun to see their excitement. Sophia had tubes put in her ears. For the first time since arriving home, she has NO EAR INFECTIONS! Yeah! The day after her surgery, hubby and teenagers and I went to San Antonio to see Malcom's graduation. It was a wonderful week full of sadness, sickness, friends, and family. It was so nice to get away! My mom drove over from Montana to watch the kids. Below are some pictures of our journey.

So, aside from ER visits, fever, chills and tears to see Malcom go again, what was the highlight of the trip (aside from seeing Malcom and his graduation ceremony that is), you ask? Meeting the most wonderful people in Texas! I have been corresponding with a group of adoptive parents (ok, mostly moms with a few dads) from all over the US. We are tight group of believers who support each other through anything. Well, I finally got to meet two of them. We had been talking for a little bit, and I am so glad we met. I can't wait to see her again! We had to work hard at our meeting, though. Through the ER visit for George and I (um yes, potential blood clots and vaccine reaction), our friends saved the day when they picked up our boys from the Air Force Base, took them to the hockey game while waiting for us to show up. Then they had to leave early the next day because of an ice storm. I just have to say, next time WE WILL have more time together. Can you believe we never even got a picture of them? Crazy it was! It was such a blessing to get to know them more. I just wish busy lives didn't get in the way of visiting with all my friends.

Other than that, things are well. Life is great. The kids are doing awesome. Sophia has grown so much. She is walking occasionally and has just sprouted. She can say daddy, mama, kitty, doggie, thank you, all done, uh-oh, wall, tries meow and high chair, hi, cracker. She loves to dance to any type of music. Her little tush goes back and forth. The boys are getting bigger, too. They keep outgrowing their clothes. They are doing well at school and love to go.

Well, I hope all is well. Below, as usual, are the pictures my dear friends remind me they want more of. :) I pray you all find the joy and contentment that God gives you!

Little steps to Kevin! Boy does she adore her Kevin. :)

Nick, Dad, Kevin at the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Notice George's $7 cup of coffee.

Grandma and little Sophia after eating birthday cake.

This was at the wax museum we visited. It really was life like.

The Alamo at night (it only took like 2 hours to find).

The morning of Malcom's graduation.

Malcom is in the front corner. We are soooooooo proud of him!

The Raskells (minus little ones) in front of the Alamo.