4 years ago....

Four years ago today, our lives changed forever! We were home in the early afternoon waiting impatiently. We were waiting for CPS to come and bring 2 children to our home. Two children we'd never met, one we couldn't communicate with, and they were going to be left at our home for us to care for! We were anxious, excited and scared! Then soon enough, Alexis and Tanner were here, Tanner came in with no shoes (because he kept taking them off in the car). Alexis would turn 5 the next week and Tanner was 3.5. We showed them their room, and whenever we would look at Tanner he would sign "I Love You" because that's one of the only signs he knew and he used it whenever he thought he would be in trouble! Less than 2 hours later the caseworkers left and there we were with 2 children!!

We never imagined that they would both stay for almost two years, nor did we ever dream that one of them would become our son! What a change the last 4 years have brought! Many blessings, fears, sadness, uncertainty and mostly more love than we could have ever thought possible!

What a mighty God we serve!

Here are a couple of pictures from that day.

The frozen tundra.....aka a visit to Michigan

We are back home from a great trip to Michigan. We went for a late Christmas celebration with my family and a 90th birthday party for my Grandma DeKorne. We had a restful time and enjoyed spending time together. We played the Wii, played outside (a little bit, but, not too long since the highs were about 20 degrees!), had Christmas and mostly had fun being together. Tanner loved being with his cousins. We were also able to see my dad sing at a concert (with the Calvin College Alumni Choir), which was a real treat.

Tanner is doing ok. He's had a little trouble with headaches again this week at school. He gets weepy and grumpy but always keeps going! We talked to the neurologist just before we left and we've increased his medicine again, so, hopefully that will start working in the next month or so.

Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Tanner with me & my Grandpa DeKorne

"the girls" celebrating Grandma DeKorne's 90th birthday
(me, my mom, grandma, Kristi & Julie)

Ryan, Matt, Lilly & TannerTanner and great-Grandpa Lenger laughing together when the chair fell over!a visit with my grandma & grandpa Lenger

Ode to Ody

Today we lost our sweet Ody. We adopted Ody from South Central Bloodhound Rescue in September, 2000. Ody was found wandering south of Dallas and he had been hit by a car. He had some hip surgery and had been abused. He was always scared of men, but, still wanted love and petting from everyone. He's not had an easy life, but, he's always loved us unconditionally! He loved to be at home and one of his favorite things was to lay in the sun. He also loved to swim and play tug-of-war. He and Hattie would play for a few minutes every day together (until the last few days) followed by long naps.

We are all so sad, but are happy that he's no longer hurting and is running and playing happily in heaven. It finally hit Tanner once we started burying Ody, he came inside and sobbed.

Who could've asked for a better friend? He didn't care what was going on as long as he would get some love! We love you and will miss you terribly Ody!

December Fun!

OK - so, I've been really delinquent in any posts over the holidays. So, below is a summary of what we did in December! We had a fun and busy month and are happy that school started again today so we can all try to get back into a routine. More later!