God's Timing (taken from a good friend's previous post title)

I have been thinking about this next post for some time now, but I still am not sure where to start. No, there haven't been any big changes to our family. And no, I don't think there will be for awhile..... I guess that's where to start.

Colby has been home almost 3 years. 3 of the most amazing years of my life. I still am often amazed that I have been entrusted with this little guy to be his mom and to guide him through life. It is an awe-inspring thought at times and I often wonder how I will be able to do it. MY biggest thought has always been, Can I be as amazing of a mom to Colby as my mom was to me? And at this moment, I can honestly say that I think I am doing a pretty good job. We have our moments and we certainly aren't perfect but I can see just how much Colby has grown both physically and emotionally and just what a great kid he is. I can already see the makings of a true ladies' man. Watch out world! So for today, I guess I will give myself a pat on the back. I am proud of how far we all, Mike, Colby, and myself have come since that Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 when we first stepped out of that baby home carrying Colby, forever as a family.

But, now what? I feel the need to give more, do more. I don't know. I know that in my heart I do not want Colby to be an only child. I want him to experience the love and support of a brother, sister, a larger family. I know I want, and have always wanted, a daughter of my own. My mother has always been my best friend and I want to experience that bond with my own daughter. But that's  MY plan. And once again we hit many obstacles. Things just shouldn't be this hard. Why are they so hard and seem so far out of reach???

I have been thinking, ok obsessing about this for a few weeks now. And then this Sunday, in church the sermon was titled, Decisive Manuevers. It was about the story of Jonah and the Big Fish and how Jonah was trying to get away from God's plan and make his own. Boy did that hit home. I have tried to hard my whole life to make things fit into "My Plan" and I have often hit many obstacles and even large barriers. I WANT it to be my time, I even think I NEED it to be our time to move into a new house in order to expand our family. But what if it isn't God's time? What if there is a different plan? I don't know if I can sit by and let it be God's plan. I almost feel as if time is running out. God better hurry up and make it OUR time. But as the saying that Reverand Gordon used during his sermon, "If you want to see God laugh, tell him your plans." I don't mind God laughing with me but can he work with me a little too???

Fun With Our NY Friends

We started the new year off with a fun New Year's Day party with Roman, Max, Christine, and Stephen. We had a great time. It was their first New Year's Day party and a birthday party for Roman all in one. They hope to continue this new tradition every year. And I hope so too. Colby loves his Russian friends Roman and Max. He and Roman are the same age and the boys are from Yekaterinburg region in Russia. It is amazing how we all have come together. So, here are some cute photos from the party. And lucky me! They were taken with my new Canon camera. A gift from Santa to Mike and me.

Christmas in Photos

Overall, our Christmas was a good one. Colby had a blast visiting with his cousins and opening all his presents. Auntie Trisha and Uncle AJ came in for a visit right before Christmas and both Colby and Lizzie loved playing with them. We did lose some very special people right around Christmas this year, but I will make a different post about that. This post will be mostly photos so that you can experience Christmas through Colby's 4 year old eyes. I think it's the best view ever!