Annelise Grace

We were able to spend some time with our newest niece at Pizza Night this week.   Keith and Amber's latest addition was able to hang out at Grammy and Grandpa's house without getting trampled by Hayes and Brayden- no small feat, Annelise.

 

Happy Gotcha Day, Hayes!

God's delay of a dream is not necessarily denial of a dream. He could be deferring the desires of your heart for something greater than you ever imagined. The adoption of our precious son, Hayes, is proof that petitions to the Lord are never in vain. I dreamed of being a mother for years...Hayes Mikhail from Baby House #3 in Moscow was my answer to many prayers.

A year ago I officially became his mommy when I scooped him out of his orphanage for good and he became a part of our family. I'm so grateful that our family was created through the miracle of adoption. I wouldn't have it any other way. We celebrated Hayes' Gotcha Day by inserting facts and prayer points for Russia in every place card at the dinner table. With bowls of borscht (beet soup) and Russian tea cookies to munch on, we thanked God as a family for the life of Hayes. And we capped off the evening with our annual tradition of pumpkin carving!

A perfect fall evening.

Harvest Delight

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
The gray smoke towers.
--from Autumn Fires by Robert Louis Stevenson
I love watching the colors of sunset drape over acres of farmland. It's earthy and romantic...and reminds me of my days in New England where autumn leaves cascade for miles along the route to Walden Pond.
With the warmth of Indian summer still hanging in the air, Jeff & I decided to take our son to Christ Orchard in Elmwood. We tromped through many fields before picking a pumpkin about twice Hayes' weight and size! Hayes tends to be more of an urbanite like his mamma, so he preferred to be pulled in his wagon rather than walk through muddy fields.
I was so tickled that my toddler wanted to push me on a swing out front, that I let him give me a big push forward, forgetting that I would instantly fall back--on him! Seconds later, I heard a thud and scream! That's right--you can send in your nominations for Mom of the Year pronto!
Autumn is a great reminder that life is always evolving...and every dimension and season of life is worth celebrating and reflecting upon.

--Catherine

 

 

Adieu Amanda

Amanda Ashby has been a member of our small group for many years, so it was with heavy hearts that we bid adiu as Amanda moves back to her home town of...well, it's one of the quad cities, I just realized I don't know which one.   Amanda was  a true servant at Richwoods, you could always find her somewhere near Kidsrock on Sunday mornings.  We also celebrated Hayes' birthday for the 4th or 5th time.  Then the next day it was more time with our small group as Michael and Crystal hosted a cookout and I got to show off my legendary football prowess.   Hayes got to enjoy playing in the leaves and Laney found a huge praying mantis.  A good time had with good friends.

~Jeff

Grandview Drive

With the fall leaves changing, Catherine thought it would be a good idea to take some family photos at Grandview drive.  We had to bribe Hayes with snacks to get him to look at the camera but in the end we got a couple of good shots. 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Hayes!

Two years ago today, my son wailed into the world. I imagine he spent the first moments of his life resting on the woman who had given him life. Overwhelmed and out of options, she left him in the care of Baby House #3 in Moscow.
I wish more than anything that I could wrap my arms around her and thank her for the greatest blessing of my life. Our son, Hayes Mikhail, is my answer to many petitions to the Lord for a child. He's the brightest little boy with a sweet spot for cars. He's got a gentle spirit and playful sense of humor. He is, without question, meant to be my son. And all this week my family is celebrating his precious life big-time!
Thank you, God, for Hayes. --Catherine