Andrew has a soft heart

Andrew has gone down to the altar many times in the last couple of months, but we didn't see a heart change.  Then he went down to the altar a few weeks ago.  With tears streaming down his face and arms reaching to heaven, down on his knees, a true heart change was occurring, and he's not been the same.

Wow! Only God! Andrew invited Jesus into his heart! He has been respectful, truthful, obedient, kind, taking responsibility for his actions, joy filled and not angry, and he's expressed more love for the family. His heart is soft and tender. Thank you for praying for Andrew!

I know you all have heard me say this a lot, but Andrew was truly meant to be in our family! He's a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew and a cousin.

Please continue to pray for him that his walk will be strengthened by reading the Word, praying and listening to his worship music, and that Mark and I will have wisdom from our heavenly Father on how to guide him.

Love to all,
Hansina

Sorry it's been so long...

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've done a post. Here are some random pictures that have been taken recently.











This is Mark's mom, Gloria. She came out for a visit last month from Wisconsin. Glad she was able to meet some of the new grand kids and to spend time with her!











This is a sneak peek of some pictures we had taken recently. I'm excited to see the rest as soon as the photographer sends them to me!

















Andrew will be 18 next month and I'm sure he will still be living with us for a while. He's still learning how to be in a family and soaking it all in.

We have a close friend who owns a cabinet shop. Andrew has been going there once a week to help. What Andrew doesn't know is that starting January 1st, he's going to be working there part time! He really likes going and it's close to our house so he can walk. This will be a great opportunity for him!

So much to be thankful for this year. I hope you and yours have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Summer

It has been so long since I've written a post!  The summer has gone by way too quickly and we have been super busy. It will be nice to get back into routine with school starting in September. I give the kids a choice every year......do you want to go to school or stay home?  Without hesitation, they all respond, "Stay home!"  I love being with them and teaching them!

                           Here are a few pictures from the last two months!

                                  This is Andrew's first time hitting a pinata!

                                    
                Mackenzie LOVES to play dress up even if it is with her brother's mask!

                          Millie in Lake Tahoe jumping and doing somersaults!

                                       My girls in the pool on a hot day!

 

We had a French student stay with us for a little while this summer.  He was a hurting boy. Unfortunately, he was not interested in our family or the love we tried to show him. If you think of him, please remember to keep Hugo in prayer.

 

Blessings!

Andrew home 1 year!

Andrew has been home one year! We've had our ups and downs, but it has been worth it.  A life is always worth it! Lots of love, hugs, teaching, encouraging and smiles! I am thankful the Lord has brought us down the path of adoption. Mark and I have grown so much over the last nine years! Our four kiddos are amazing blessings!

We took the whole family to dinner at a Japanese restaurant where they cook the food in front of you. Andrew LOVED it!

I made a photo album of the whole year from when we picked him up at the airport to our boating trip over the weekend. It's full of memories, family, fun times and lots of love.

Here is a video we made last night about Andrew's first year home. I don't want to give the wrong impression to people that it's easy, because it's not. But I will say again, it is rewarding and a huge blessing! To see his heart change and become the person God wants him to be. To learn how to be in a family and to love. I am so thankful to be his mom!

4th of July

Andrew's first 4th of July! He loved the whole day!


John-David getting some sugar love from his sissy!


Mackenzie, (who loves to take her clothes off) enjoying Uncle Sam!


Andrew loving on his little sister! What a change from how he used to feel.


Having dessert....everyone's favorite part of the day!


Time for fireworks! Millie was more than excited!


This was Andrew the whole time! Smiling and video taping!


After the fireworks, we all went for a late night swim. It was a lovely day and I'm thankful for my newest son to share it all with him!

Blessings,
Hansina

Father's Day

Camping in Lake Tahoe for Father's Day weekend! Enjoying Sunday with our good friends the Sheffields!


























































It was a nice day shared with good friends. We pray together and pray for one another. We encourage each other and we listen to each others heart. We trust. That's what true friendship is.....someone you can lean on and know they are there for you and you for them.
Blessings,
Hansina

Location:Lake Tahoe

One Year Anniversary!

It was one year ago today we had court in Ukraine and Andrew became a Mickschl! I remember how nervous we all were. He was so distant to us I thought he was going to say no. He told me today he was scared because he had never been in a courthouse or been before a judge.



He was nervous about being in a family and moving to a new country. I know it hasn't been easy, but he's come a long way!


Here we are in Lake Tahoe for the weekend!


My mom hasn't been camping with us in years! Glad she came along!





On our way to eat Mexican food....Andrew's favorite burrito place!

Looking forward to good friends coming up tomorrow, going to the beach and having a BBQ!

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there!

Lake Tahoe

It was 109 in Sacramento over the weekend, so we headed to Lake Tahoe to cool off!

















It was nice and cool! A great way to spend the day!

Blessings,
Hansina