Carrie Underwood - I'll Stand By You

What Makes Me Tick...

Hi all!
What an awesome day in our little space in this world! It has been snowing, for the first time this winter without all of the ice!
I have been reading a lot of other families blogs lately and I (as always) have been thinking. It seems that several conversations come up about us choosing to adopt. I wish I could explain to people exactly what Bianca has done for my life...Man, this is living! It seems that I am beginning to realize that part of my mission in life is to make a difference for kids in this world that need a voice. That is why I am so passionate about educating people on the issues in Africa, sharing our story of adoption, and just looking at life in general a bit differently than I have before.
Do I think adoption is once again in our future??? Heck yeah!
I know God has a much bigger plan than I can see or try to wrap my head around, but the best way I can explain how I feel is to say that I am excited about what God has for our family's future. Is anything in the works at this point?...No, but God is big so I can hardly wait to see what happens.
I have been reading so many verses lately I wanted to just post this to give you an idea of what has really moved me:

Psalm 82:3 – Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

And for me, this verse kind of just continues to rock my world....

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act..." Proverbs 24:12

God is good and just and he has a purpose for everyone and everything in life. I am just here to be a part of it.

Much Love-Chantelle

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!!!
Man, you would not believe what it took to get some STILL photos of this little lady!
She does not seem to care much about Valentine's Day this year, so we are off the hook. She was content to go and look at all of the stuffed animals at Target yesterday...I know it is just a matter of time before all of that changes and she wants to bring home all of the stuffed animals!
The ice is slowly melting here, but still no power at the office. We are PRAYING that changes soon so we can get back to business!
Everyone here is happy and healthy otherwise, so I will not complain! Health is something we so easily take for granted. It only takes one quick look at someone else's life to see how good our lives are. We are thankful for that...and for all of you guys. Thanks for checking the blog. Much Love-Chantelle

Ice, Ice Baby!

Hi everyone! Well, to all of you who do not live the the good old midwest...enjoy! We on the other hand have been iced in for a few days...Okay, I am not going to complain...SO many people are without power and all that goes with it! Sorry to each of you who have been chillin'....literally.
Eric has had to have the office closed for the past 2 days as there is no electricity still in Jackson...It has been really wild.
I of course am in full cabin fever mode every day by noon, so I have been really utilizing the old Land Rover to do what it is meant to do. We have been having fun. I did a mini photo shoot of Bianca today for a Valentine post, which I will add soon. Man, she is tough to get a photo of these days. She is totally on the move!-Big time and ALL of the time. I just cannot believe how much she is changing and so fast!
I know I almost always post on Bianca and I know that is what most of you are here for, but to keep you up to date on my life...it is good. I have been speaking more and more in and around our town on the crisis in Africa. After my last trip, I made a documentary and I am finally really starting to educate the local community on what is happening there. I am so passionate about Africa. My experiences there have changed my life and I am eager to continue to try and make a difference there.
I am also eagerly awaiting the call from one of my best friends who is about to give birth to their 3rd child! I am going to be her birth coach....Funny huh? Yep, this peace loving mama is up for the challenge...And NO I have no experience other than all of the birthing books I have been reading...And let me just say to all of you moms who have given birth...Nicely done! Holy crap...women are not appreciated enough for going through all of that! Wow!
Well, that is enough for now...My free time is limited and I also share an addiction to ebay, so I must get going.
Thanks to all of you who have been such a great part of our lives. There is no doubt that Bianca feels ALL of the love. -Much Love-Chantelle