Pumpkin Day

It sure felt like fall today. Outside our home leaves fell from trees. It was sunny but crisp and it smelled like autumn. Jack and took advantage of the day's theme by carving and decorating this years pumpkin plucked from Morfar's very own pumpkin patch. We scrapped out the insides and then used small lights and hammered them into the pumpkin. We placed a candle inside and now our pumpkin glows brightly with a bat. We also roasted pumpkin seeds, planted pumpkin seeds and baked pumpking bread. Finally we decorated Jack's room for fall/halloween. We had a blast. I think we have met our domestic quota for the month!

Jack's Wish

We have spent most of our Saturday the way we usally do. We went to costco, ate lunch, went to the library and played drums in the playroom. It was here in the playroom that we took a surprising twist. I was playing the drums, Jack was rocking out on the guitar and singing. Suddenly he stopped and looked at me. I said "what Jack?". After a long pause he said "sometimes, just a little bit, I wish Mrs. Johnson was my mommy." I played it cool and said "Oh really? why?". He responded with " Because Mrs. Johnson knows how to play 'Eye of the Tiger' for real on the drums. and she knows all the words". I simply responded with "you are right ..Mrs Johnson knows how to play some rocking drums..I sometimes wish , just a little that she was my mommy too." Jack laughed and then matter of factly delivered a final blow, "Mom you are to old to have a mom". He is one funny kid. He never ceases to amaze us with his comments. PS* Gretchen ( Mrs. Johnson) , thanks to you and your excellent drumming skills I no longer have to play the saturday morning drums :)

Adoption Update: Max 4 months old today

Well friends, today Max turns four months old. He continues to be in excellent health physically and developmentaly. He remains in the care of a great foster family for whom we are greatful. The adoption situation in Guatemala is hectic and a consent rollercoaster. Big and potentially negative changes are happening right now. We continue to covet your prayers not only for Max but for all Guatemalan adoptions. With many changes happening in Guatemala we are asking you to join us as we pray for some very specific things:

1) We are in prayer for a Divine Timeline for our paperwork
2) An excellent lawyer to be an advocate for our family and for Max,who knows all the ins and outs of Guatemalan adoptions
3) Peace for our family as we ride the ups and downs of this process.

We know that God is good. Good all of the time. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, support and friendship in this journey.

Happy Birthday Jack!

This Saturday, the one and only Jack Garrett Lyons turned the big 04. I cannot believe how time flies. He is such a kid. We celebrated his birthday in Pirate Style. Complete with grandparents and family dressed from head to toe in pirate garb. We played pirate games, ate pirate tacos (what??) and had a flaming pirate birthday cake. We are so appreciative of our family and friends gathering with us to celebrate this special day. By now you may be asking...so where are the pictures of all the pirate shinanigans...well the party was so much fun that I never made it to my camera. UGGHH! so as we gather pictures from families and friends we will make sure they get posted.

Maddie came to play

Our morning was very fun because our favorite Madison came to play. Her mommy and daddy are vacationing in Mexico (poor them) and so Maddie came for the morning. We read stories, danced to pirate music (we try our best to integrate culture) and walked around the neighborhood. However the most exciting activity was our eating graham crackers and watching for the garbage truck. Who knew this could occupy 40 minutes of our time. Shortly before lunch Madison left to go home with Nan. We had so much fun with our cousin that Jack asked if she could spend the night. I think we will pass this go round.

First Day of Preschool

First Day of Preschool

Today was an exciting day. Jack began attending New Life Christian Preschool in Maple Valley. I was so excited to be going to "real school". We woke early, ate a hardy breakfast and then proceeded to the front porch for first day pictures ( we took serious ones and funny ones). When we arrived at school we saw his friend Luke in the parking lot and that made school immediately fun. His teacher is Ms. Shannon. She is warm and welcoming and Jack had no qualms about being there. The kids were told to bring their favorite teddy bear for this big day (what a brilliant plan) and parents were encouraged to stay for the first part. We enjoyed circle time, painting time, outdoor play and snacks..then parents were kicked out. I then joined other moms from the class in the waiting room (they had it loaded with snacks and coffee- big smile) we all chatted, got to know one another and took turns peering into the classroom window and giving reports. At 11:30 the door open and out popped all of our kiddos. Bears, crafts and smiles. It was a great day. Jack is already asking if he can go to school tomorrow! Ohh yeah..that craft he is proudly showing is his three-eyed bear he promptly named "chicken bottom" , this kind of nonsense must be from jon's side of the family.

Election Update

Praise: With no major incidents of violence the elections took place in Guatemala. There was no clear cut winner and so there will be a run off between the two front runners on November 4th. Please continue to pray for the country of Guatemala. On a happier note, we expect that sometime this week will get new pictures of Max and his recent health update. We will be sure to pass that along as soon as we get it. Also...life gets interesting around our house tomorrow as Jack starts preschool - Yippee!! Check us out tomorrow afternoon for all the first day details.

Adoption Update | Guatemala Election Prayers

First off, let me say that the rains from Hurricane Felix did not prove as devestating as invisioned. This is a huge praise. What does loom in Guatemala though is it's presidential and congressional elections held tomorrow (Sept. 9th). We would ask you to join us in praying for the elections. Changes in the government, while much needed, could interrupt, prolong or derail the adoption process.
Our prayer is that Guatemala would elect a leadership that desires to end corruption, crack down on the prevelant crime and violence and would step in and end the errupting drug trafficing. With these items under control better attention to poverty can be given. We also pray that favor will continue to be given to families wishing to adopt. If you find time today and tomorro please be mindful of Guatemala and say a little prayer. Thanks so much for your partnership in this journey.

Hurricane Felix | This is not fun.

As if the country of Guatemala could not get more turbulant with upcoming elections...well now it appears that it will with expected arrival of Hurricane Felix. We have been closely watching as this hurricane heads right towards the heart of Guatemala. While the winds may die down and only be considered a catagory 1 storm forcasters predict that Guatemala City will be pounded with upwards of 25 inches of rain resulting in devestating mudslides. This is not good considering that shantty towns and thousands of homes cling precariously to hillsides. Please pray for the safetly of Max's birthfamily as ( it is our understanding )they live in shantty towns outside of Guatemala City. Pray also for Max and his foster family who live in the heart of Guatemala City. We will keep you posted!