Yep, still here

Well no, I have not fallen off the face of the earth actually.

Just coasting along life here in Cheatham world.  Lots on our minds and lots of stuff we are working through.  One day I will write a book blog about this crazy journey God is taking us on.  But for now.... we are clinging to HIM... clinging.clinging.clinging.....trusting...depending... God never promised life would be a walk in the park.  No, He did not.  There are so many stories in the Bible of people having to go through HARD TIMES and perseverance...and waiting, lots of waiting.   One day, I'm pretty sure we are going to have quite a story to tell that glorifies our Father.  I think we will. And the day we said "yes" to adoption.... well, I really had no clue! ha! no clue as to what we would go through.... And the crazy thing..... we aren't done going through most of it! HAHAHAHA! I just have to laugh! :) or cry! :(
When I read this by Jonathan Acuff the other day... it hit pretty close to home.
(*basically, I'm just documenting this so that one day... I can look back and laugh and smile and see God's goodness someday. hopefully.)  God is good. All the time.

So, nothing to report on the adoption front.  Just waiting for CIS to get their act together still and pick OUR BOX from the pile, so that we can get processed.  It doesn't matter what date you got fingerprinted at this point.... The only thing that matters is if you happen to be in the lucky box they pick up to go through.

Anywhoo... here's just a few things that we have been up to while we ride this crazy roller coaster of life..

I have had these huge canvases in the attic for a long time that I had a big project planned for... that never got done... so the girls asked if they could paint them... so I let them.  Whatever they wanted... with no help from me! ( I wouldn't have been any help anyway - I seriously am the worst artist EVER).  Ellison painted elephants.  Have I ever mentioned that she has a thing for elephants.  always has.  I guess it started at birth when a little friend came to visit her in the hospital on the day that Ellison was born and the sweet friend called her "Baby Elephant"  instead of "Baby Ellison".  So the name and the love of the animal has kinda stuck.

Halle Caroline is painting a vase with flowers with a scripture.  She's really good!

Some cousin FUN at the lake on Labor Day

Dropping off Halle Caroline at a cheer retreat on Friday night.  Here she is with BFF Chandler.  Love this sweet little friend!

Here she is again at the cheer retreat below.... I think God is working in this situation too... See the girl on the far left.  I'll call her "Miss B" for the public blog.  Halle Caroline used to take a tumbling class with her years ago (1st grade).... anyway, we haven't seen her since then... Miss B and HC have now become fast friends as they are both new at this cheer gym. I have become friends with the mom as well.  For some reason, I think there is a reason that our paths have crossed once again.  I just get that gut feeling.   And.... I have someone to get advice about hair and skin care for Little Man ;) YES!

Also---last week.... we had to go through the dreaded dance team tryouts.  It was a stressful week!  There were tears shed prior to the week even starting, just the anticipation of it.  I am SO HAPPY to report that Halle Caroline made the dance team once again.  She worked super hard and we are so proud of her!  We were so excited that all of her close friends made it all together :)  Thank you Jesus!  And even.... Miss B... who goes to a different school.  The dance team is made up of 26 girls that are in 5th-6th grade from 2 different schools.  The competition was stiff.

I didn't take any pics of tryouts this week, but here's some from last year.

Both of these sweet friends made it again too!  It's going to be a fun year!

That's all I got!