It has been a busy week.

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I wanted to try to post every Monday but given that we have so much going on I was unable to sit down and find time to write. As you have seen , I have Reece's Rainbow web link in our family blog not only because I believe in all that it stands for but also because we are working on bringing 2 of RR children here to the US. They will be 2 when they come home and are currently in the orphanage. They have down syndrome and for that reason are on that website. Reece's Rainbow is an awesome ministry who works at bringing children and families together. They have prevented many children from going into the "institutions" (this is what happens when they turn 4) . They have brought these children from the walls in an orphanage to the homes of families who love them and show them the world. These children once in the US can be followed by cardiologists and therapists to improve their lives. These children with down syndrome have a purpose and I believe it is to remind us to live simple, enjoy life and be happy with how God has made you. You will find our angels pictures under "adopting families". As you can imagine getting our paperwork and documents together take time. My husband and I are anxious because they are in another country in an orphange (very different from what we are accostomed to with our other adoptions).

It is difficult for me to talk to much about it only because we are at the beginning stages and as with any adoption there are so many steps. During these times you remain hopeful and try to do something (in relation to the adoption) everyday. I make sure that every night I can look at their picture pray saying Thank you God for letting me have completed this and this in relation to the adoption. With any family but especially a large family, you have to balance many things throughout the day so I try not to be focused on only one thing/goals/dreams. I do pray that God make obvious to me what I need to to that day to accomplish our goals. The key for us is staying balanced and not being to rigid because you never know if your plans for the day will change quickly. You never know if one child needs you to make chicken soup because they are sick or if one of them says "oh mom my project is due tomorrow". We do balance work and play.

This past week we brought the children to the Rodeo for the first time. The tickets had been dropped off by another family who had adopted our 2 year old's (Emma) half sibling. It was a way of letting the children get to know each other. The older children know this is Emma's half bilogical brother and have told us that since Emma was their sister then that would make him their brother also. They are right!! I think they really enjoy having extended families. Anyways the children loved the Rodeo and said next time they want to wear boots and cowgirl/boy hats.

Our other adventure this week was bringing our draft horse to the vet. Moses did not seem to be holding his weight like the other horses. Moses is our Black Percheron he is about 20 years old. I honestly had bought Moses less than a year ago (was told that he was 8 years old!!!). I am so embarrassed to tell you that but I promised you that I would let you know my farm learning experiences as I went along. The vet was able to look at his teeth and determine that we had been "told a little lie". But the vet reassured us that he can still live to be 30 and given that he is a calm horse ...it was not so bad. This vet knows us well and is just a funny down to earth person who cherishes in teaching us as we go along. The vet agreed Moses had lost a lot of weight in such a short time. He decided he would do a quick exam and listen to his heart and lungs then check his mouth for any obvious problems. He diagnosed Moses with respiratory allergies possibly d/t the hay dust. He recommended buying better quality hay and taught us how to identify hay that has not gotten moistened in the bundling process. He also taught us to look at the hay and be able to tell when it had been cut. The vet filed his teeth and asked that we start Beet Pulp in addition to his sweet feed. The plan will be following up in 30 days. I have included some pictures. Well, talk to you soon. Keep us in your prayers and please pray for our angels.