Our new church

We didn't take long to find a new church, or get involved for that matter! We became members on the 1st of the month but had already been involved before that. Northpoint Christian Church is a great place to call home. Here we have J singing with the praise team, he does this 3-4 times a month. Check out the church site here.

*Starting from the the left you will see our good friend BC playing the keyboard, MG is the praise team leader and behind him is the wonderful RR playing violin (she has babysat our kids a couple of times.) Then we have B, Z, & M singing and the last one in line for singing is J. Behind J is S, the drummer. Then there is C, C, & S playing the different guitars

Today I think my wonderful husband deserves to be the object of my 'Thankful Thursday' post! I could not have asked for a more perfect husband! I mean what other guy would take a day off from work to watch MY daycare kids so that I could show up for jury duty...twice! And then the same day come home from work to find his wife sick in bed, let her sleep, feed the kids supper, get me Sprite, fold the laundry, organize my desk, work on my back, and just all around be wonderful? My husband is WONDERFUL!

He is a great family man, now that he has a little extra time on his hands family has become one of his favorite activities! On Saturdays AG & I have the morning together while EE & Daddy have sleep in, have breakfast, and make thei coffee rounds and then in the after noon we do something fun as a family!

He is the absolute best Daddy I know! What a special person he is. Our kids worship him, they come running to the door when he gets off from work and hardly let him in because they are tugging on both legs. You will have a hard time finding a Daddy that loves his kids as much as he does!

So today I am thankful for my husband, and not just for the reasons I have listed, but for many MANY reasons. It would take all day just to sit here and list every single reason I am thankful for him, so I will save you the agony of me bragging on him for so long and just let you know once again that I love him and thank God for him every single day!

Movie Review

So, I haven't gotten the chance to give you my review of the movie FIREPROOF...so here it goes~

SEE IT!

Jason and I had the opportunity to check it out on November 21st (the day it opened in our theater here!) and we both cannot wait until we get our pre-ordered DVD (released on 1-27-09) so we can watch it again and again! The plot of the movie, the biblical basis it stands on, and of course...the fact that there is a love story involved just makes it AWESOME. I honestly believe that any couple should watch this. If you have been married 1, 21, 51, or more years it will help you to strengthen some aspect of your relationship! My husband and I have purchased the FIREPROOF your marriage, couples kit. We also are awaiting the arrival of our very own copy of THE LOVE DARE which is featured in the movie.

There were many times during this movie that I was shedding tears (big surprise, I know) and there were many times in the movie I realized that my relationship to God and to my husband needed a major overhaul. So this year for Christmas instead of giving your car or home a make over, maybe consider making over your marriage FIREPROOF style!

If you would like to pre-order your copy, you can do that here.

Fun Family Night

Yesterday afternoon we left for Rapid City for a family night. We had a good time. We went to Hobby Lobby, Target, the Mall, and than ate at Fudruckers (sp?) Then it was off to a hotel where our daughter was so excited to FINALLY get to go 'wimmin.' You see this child is too smart for her own good. As I was packing our suitcase yesterday while Jason was finishing up some details, the last thing I put in was the two blow up floaters for AG & E when we go swimming. Please remember we only use them when we stay in hotels and the last time was in February (AG ~ 17 months), before that was October (AG ~ 13 months). And there were a couple of time before that. Anyway, they were in deflated form and so I didn't think I needed to be sneaky or anything because why would my daughter have a clue what they were...oh how wrong I was. The minute I pulled them down from the top shelf in her closet she started saying, "wimmin Mommy, WIMMin Mommy, wimmin MOMMY!" This was around 11:30 in the morning. We didn't even leave until 3:30, and didn't get to our hotel until around 8:45 pm! She did not forget that Mommy had packed a bag and it had her wimming stuff in it! Try to get a 2 year old to eat while her head is focused on WIMMIN!

What a fun time we had, sadly we were enjoying the time so much that Jason or myself didn't think to take pictures. We did discover that AG is to brave for her own good, and drinking a little pool water and temporarily loosing her wind didn't stop her! She wants to swim like the big people do!

Ethan ended up getting sick...this is the first time he has been vomiting sick since his issues have been over. You know how a Mommy's mind works...this being the first time, "it is the flu, right? Just a bug, for sure? It could be all the other stuff coming back...but it's just a bug...pretty sure." These are all the things racing through my head...but kids get sick. He has had alot of activity this week and been out of schedule with the roof being repaired all week long (praise the Lord!) So, will keep you all posted on that.

Now we have returned home, J is over at the church getting ready for tomorrow and I, well I am suppose to be putting together my shopping list so we have food to feed the college students tomorrow. So, better run do that! Stay posted for snow pictures! We have received 8 inches total in town here, and there are another 8 to 13 on the way tonight! At the moment though our current 8 has already melted down to 1 or 2. Wanna come visit?

The story of Ada Grace, Pt2 ~

Two years ago September 30th ~

Today we woke up knowing it was the last day to wake up with Daddy and Grandma Pam here with us. We had a rather large agenda for the day. Dorthy wanted us to stop by her apartment to meet AG's halfsister, K & her daughter J. One of the wonderful ladies from Family to Family Adoptions Inc. was there with us as a neutral person to keep things positive. While we were there Dorthy held AG, asked us some questions, allowed us to ask her some questions. We were able to get all of AG's half siblings names and birthdays...and Dorthy's 2 granddaughters names and birthdays as well. We tried to keep it as brief as possible, took a couple of pictures and were on our way.

We had talked that as long as we were that close, we would drive to Galveston Texas and see the gulf. We went to the beach and took some fun pictures, even let Ada Grace put her feet in the water! It was so much fun, starting already at 3 days old our little princess was getting compliments about how beautiful she was and still is! Those compliments have not stopped since! We were able to eat at this little local place in Galveston where Jason and Grandma had what they claim to be the 'BEST SHRIMP EVER!' They look forward to eating there again if and when we go back to Texas...and you all know that the only reason we would go there is to work with Family to Family again and add to our family through adoption.

When we returned to the apartment it wasn't long before Jason and my mom had to pack up their things and leave me stranded there with my new baby. I did my best to send home what I wouldn't need so when Ada Grace and I flew back in about a week I wouldn't have too much stuff to worry about. It was rather emotional saying goodbye to my husband. Here is something that we had prayed for for so long, and he was having to return home to work. I have to say, it wasn't AS hard hugging my mother good -bye, although there were plenty of times through the next 6 days that it would have been GREAT to have her there! But something about becoming parents and having to send one away just didn't seem right. The only thing that kept me knowing that things would be okay was the fact that they wonderful ladies at Family to Family promised that if I needed anything at all to give them a call and they would be more than happy to help me out!

After Jason and my mother left, I cried for a little while...but ultimately I just held my baby girl and could not believe that I was finally a Mommy! I decided it was time to give her the first sponge bath. I also had to do a little laundry, but otherwise it was just bonding time.


Two years ago October 1st ~

What a crazy/wonderful day! While it is in my nature to be in church every time the doors are open, I have to admit that we didn't go to church this Sunday. My husband and mother were still driving home and I didn't really have any idea where a church was, let alone being able to get there! Instead, Ada Grace and I just spent more time forming the bond as mother and daughter. We walked and bounced alot because she had troubles (still does!) have dirty diapers...but what a wonderful day it was. I was a Mommy!


Two years ago October 2nd ~

How amazing! Waking up to hearing a newborn baby crying, wait...that newborn is MY baby! I remembered back to hearing mothers in the past complaining about how their 2 month old wasn't sleeping through the night and they were having to get up and rock and feed their little ones...I remember holding back tears on numbers of occasions thinking, "if only I had a baby to rock and feed in the middle of the night!" Well, because of adoption...I now had that very precious baby! And I really didn't think the midnight feedings were all that bad. I jumped at every opportunity to have her awake to cuddle and snuggle. To the point that there were times I just thought about waking her up so I could see her beautiful eyes, hear her cry, and know that it wasn't a dream!


Two years ago October 4th ~

The day we were originally told that Ada Grace was going to be born, and she is already a week old! Where does time go?!? Since she was already a week old we had to go the doctor for a check up. One of the wonderful ladies at Family to Family adoptions, Inc agreed to drive us there. The doctor said that you were very healthy and had no concerns at all! We were brought back to the apartment to spend the rest of the day together! We also had to start thinking about packing our things up, as we would be flying home on the 6th.


Two years ago October 5th ~

Once again the wonderful ladies at Family to Family came through for us...Dorthy had requested that she have one final visit with Ada Grace before we flew home. I, of course, didn't want to go alone...so one of the fam2fam ladies came with us, if I remember correctly it was the founder of Family to Family, Maxine. It was a short visit, Dorthy took pictures and said good bye. After the visit was over, we went back to the apartment...Maxine came in and just checked up on us. Made sure things were going well and that we were all set. I thanked her for helping to grow our family! We spent the rest of the day packing and getting ready to go home!


Two years ago October 6th ~

Jennifer from Family to Family Adoptions, Inc picked us up to drive us to the airport in Houston. What a wonderful time we had with all of those ladies! Maxine, Debbie, Jennifer, Belinda, and Pat...they took such good care of us, and of Dorthy. I cannot imagine an adoption going any smoother that ours did! When we arrived at the airport Jennifer helped us in as far as she could go...it was so nice to have help with the luggage! We boarded our plane and had a great trip. Our first leg of our flight we sat next to a wonderful lady who had lots of helpful advise about how to take care of Ada Grace's skin and hair. We had a layover in Salt Lake City, and they it was a short 45 minute flight home. Upon arriving at the airport we were welcomed by a large group of people...some that I had not even met before! It was such a blessing! Our pastor and wife, our 'adopted' west river Grandparents, some wonderful friends and 9 of their 11 (at the time, now 12) children, a friend that I had only met on the phone, DADDY, and surprise! Grandma Pam! Our friend had made little pink frosted cookies, there were balloons and signs all over the place. How was I not suppose to cry? What a welcome home it was! I still remember that day as if it were yesterday...crystal clear!

This journey is definitely not over, but the most exciting part it. I just want to take this chance to publicly thank Maxine and the other ladies at Family to Family Adoptions Inc. for the wonderful treatment they gave to us in this very exciting time of our life. I remember telling my husband that the name of the agency really fits, you very much feel as if they are family and are helping our family! It has been fun over the last two years to be in contact via email and phone with the ladies that played a big part in growing our family! We pray even now that the Lord would allow the funds to come in so that we could work with Family to Family again and add to our wonderful little crew of Jason, Ashley, Ada Grace, and Ethan.

If anyone is considering adoption, I would highly recommend them to at least call Family to Family. This is their website...you can find their contact information there!

Daddy took us out for Pizza!

Last Sunday nigh after church Jason decided to take us out for pizza and I happened to have my camera along so while we were waiting, we had some fun photo ops!

Ada Grace and Daddy, take 1 Ada Grace and Daddy, take 2
"Scrunchy" face!
Looking at the moon
Mommy and Ethan, take 1 ~ and it's a good one!
Daddy and Ethan playing the scrunchy/crazy face game!
Our handsome little man!

Wonderful Labor Day

Although it was a little chilly (we didn't make it out of the 50's) we managed to bundle up the kiddos and go for a family walk. We everything that has been going on this summer, we just haven't gotten enough of those in! Anyway, Labor Day is one of the days Jason gets off and we are thankful for Daddy's days off!

Here are the kids in their coats waiting for Mommy...they give hugs often these days!Ada Grace with her hat, scarf, purse, and baby....she is ready for anything!
As long as Ethan has is thumb and his blanket he is good to go!
AG thinks her baby needs her own seat and buckle
We walk the bike path and there are two parks on the loop that we usually walk, of course AG sees them about a mile away and we get to her "wing, wing...WING" until we arrive! I always tell her she needs to ask Daddy if we can stop and swing. She just loves it so much

I believe this face tells all!
Ethan was having to concentrate very hard on swinging yesterday, he got ahold of some wheat last week and is having some struggles here and there. Normally he likes to swing and is just a smiley as his Sissy about it

We also took the kids down the slide, last year E loved it and AG didn't think it was so great. This year, E could take it or leave it and AG kept wanting more. Just so you all know, Jason let me go down first to "polish" the slide...actually he wanted me to dry off the morning rains before he took the kids down! We each took both AG and E down one time.

Of course I cannot tell you about a walk we took without telling how BEAUTIFULL the Black Hills of South Dakota are! Seriously if you haven't been here for a while or ever, it is time to book a reservation in the Hartung Hotel! One of our church guys owns the lot to the left of the Spearfish Creek in this picture.
This is coming up on the other park, the one we usually stop at....just so pretty!
AG and E were telling their Daddy (pushing the stroller) a big long story! They LOVE going for walks.
More Spearfish beauty

Here is our favorite park. The slides aren't great for parents to take their small children down though...so if we are going to slide we stop at the other park. But this one has all sorts of fun things to do!
AG was very quick to point out the duck at the fish hatchery in town
The kids love watching the fish and ducks at the hatchery
The fish...
This is another view from the fish hatchery

This is a place called Indian Hills
After we returned home from our walk the kids and Daddy were relaxing on the playroom couch, before we sent the kids to take a nap! But Grandma Pam wanted to see pictures of their new fall outfits! She is so silly...but here you go Mom!
Ethan's made him look like such a handsome man and Ada Grace's was just too adorable with the little plaid knickers and her sweater!
My MORE THAN ADORABLE son!
We had a great Labor Day...the kids took a nap and Jason and myself worked on a project that we have been trying to figure out. When the kids woke up we grilled hamburgers and then watched a movie. Of course the kids only made it half way through, but then Mommy and Daddy got some special time together!

We love "Daddy Days!"

Cool Deadwood Nights, our 2nd Year!

Last year Mom was here for Cook Deadwood Nights, on one of her trips out here to be here for Bubba (Ethan) because he was REALLY SICK! Anyway, while looking for something to do that Saturday, Jason suggested going to Deadwood to look at old cars. Wasn't sure it was going to be that great, but it was kind of fun...anything with mom is fun!

Mom and Dad talked about coming out this year, but could not make it. Jason, myself, and the kiddos loaded up in the suberban and drove to Deadwood. On the way there I could not resist taking some pictures of our beautiful blue sky, it is unlike any other place I have ever seen before!
The kids riding while Mommy and Daddy drool over some of their top picks!
This was Jason's choice...a Cadilac, I don't remember what year

This was my choice, a Chevy Impala, again...I don't remember what year!



It was lots of fun and we hope some of you can join us next year!

Last Weekend with the Hartungs'

Last weekend was the annual Hartung Family BBQ. After Jamey and Kelly's wedding on Friday night we loaded up the truck and headed East (the VERY wrong side of the river!) It was the first time that all 8 Hartung cousins were together, and Ethan's first official time with our last name! Here are a few pictures to show you our short time together...

This was at supper time: Grete Lace and Nadia

Still at supper time: Harold, Jeremy, and Jason at the table and Grete Lace, Ethan, and Katia playing on the floor.
Jennie and Alexa finishing up their supper...can you tell that they are Mama and Daughter?
We didn't get a picture of everyone together...this one was taken right before we left and Eric, Melissa, and Sophie had already gone. Hopefully at Christmas we will be able to get all 8!

Nadia, Katia, Ada Grace, Ashley [me], Ethan, Grete Lace, Flint, and Alexa
Flint ~ growing up so fast! When flint was about Ethans age and younger him and I were best of buds!
Grete Lace...I LOVE this picture!
Margaret (Grandma Hartung) and Grete Lace
Harold (Grandpa Hartung)

Jeremy
Katia Heidi
Melissa and Sophie, Mel didn't know that I was going to take a picture!
Melissa and Sophie again...
"I want YOU!"