Wow, it's been a while!

I know, I know, not posting in a couple of months seems a little ridiculous...and I know in the last several post I have said, "I will be posting more soon" and never got around to do it. I really do enjoy blogging and I know many of our friends and family members enjoy the updates but I honestly just struggle to find the time. Recently I have considered closing the blog just so I don't think about how I am not posting all the time! Well for now, here is another update...

Our family is doing well, James is growing so quickly and continues to amaze Chad and I each and every day with all he is learning...good and bad. :-) He is very busy boy who loves to play with trains, trucks and water! Lots of water! He is talking quite a bit and makes us laugh each day with his little sentences and funny phrases...one of our favorites, "Hi, I am Chad." He thinks is daddy is pretty amazing. One day recently we were talking about how God made the trees, a little bit later I asked him if he knew who made the trees, with a big smile he said, "Daddy!"

James is pretty smitten with all his grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends...his newest obsession are all the students we are working with at our church. He talks about them daily and ask constantly if they can come and play...and of course he still talks all the time about "my Bella."

Speaking of the students at our church, a huge part of this update includes them! The Lord has opened a door for ministry at our church working with and serving the middle school, high school and college students. We are very humbled by this opportunity and have quickly fallen in love with this group of young people. With that our schedules have picked up a bit but we are loving every minute of it. They, in turn have really loved on and served our family and we are so grateful for that as well. Chad has enjoyed the opportunity to teach again and we are rejoicing in God's kindness in that specific area. We have a pretty busy summer, traveling alot...we can't wait. We truly are grateful for this time.

We are currently at a standstill with the adoption. We were told several weeks ago that our home study was close to approval but several weeks have gone by with no approval. It is not uncommon for this to happen and we are at complete peace regarding the timing. We were hopeful to potentially welcome a child and or children by August but it looks as if it could take much longer. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we make many decisions regarding our family, adoption and ministry.

There is so much more I desire to share, I really do hope to eventually be able to update more.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and in all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phil. 1:9-11

Much love,
Amber

hope to get some pictures up soon