Today we are awaiting the big ice storm that is expected to hit during the late afternoon hours.  

This has been a crazy week.  It started when we noticed Hunter had a red rash all over his chest and back and then a fever.  After a trip to the walk in clinic, our fears were confirmed and we learned he has strep-throat.   A day later Connor started vomiting and we were pretty sure he was getting it too, so he stared on the antibiotics too.  It was amazing how after each child had his first two doses, they were back to themselves as far as having energy goes.  I was kind of enjoying the quite subdued children.  However, I would much rather them feel good than be sick (especially throwing up). I am just praying that Grant, Chad and I don't get this.  We are also thankful they have it now and it should be gone by Christmas.

Did I mention yet how thankful I am that my baby is so easy going.  I would take a million little Grants.  He goes to sleep well, he eats good, he goes with the flow, (which you need when you have two big brothers) and he is always so happy.  He is getting four molars right now, his Dr. says, but you wouldn't know it except he wakes up with his shirt soaking from all the drool!

I am handling the wait for our baby girl pretty well. If anyone has name ideas let us know.  We may not use them but we are still not sure what her name is going to be.  You would think that I would have a girl's name all picked out after three boys but all the names I have had in the past are already used. Anyway,  I am super excited and I enjoy reading all the stories on the Holt BB's of the other families who have their referrals and those who are meeting their children.  It makes me tear up to know that hopefully by this time next year that she will be with us!!

In case I don't post again before Christmas, I hope everyone has a great day.  Let us all remember that Christ loved us so much that he gave us his son that day so many years ago.  It is so amazing to know that the little baby born would be our savior.  What a gift!

So here we are 4 months in to our long wait.   With Christmas fast approaching, I am so excited to think that maybe by next year at this time there will be another Oppedal.  I can't wait to see her beautiful face!

The boys had a snow day today and we had our ups and downs but it was so nice being able to spend a quiet day at home.  My boys are so loving and they always know how to do things to make me feel special, like when Hunter brings me breakfast or Connor gives me hugs and kisses. I am such a lucky mom!  It is the best thing in the world to be a mommy!

God has blessed me so much and I try to remember that everyday, especially when things aren't going so good.  He has given me a fabulous loving provider of a husband,  my children are amazing even when they disobey, my friends are wonderful and above all else my Savior is always there to hear my prayers!

I am looking forward to the months ahead, to watch the kids grow and change and celebrate all their birthdays.  I also am so excited to soon share our love with a little Oppedal girl (who is yet unknown and unnamed.)  What amazes me as I write this is that God already knows who are daughter is going to be, what she will look like and when she will be ours!

DISNEY WORLD

We just returned from our wonderful family trip to Disney World.  We all had a blast and the boys were all great and loved it.  We rented a beautiful home minutes from Disney where the boys could enjoy our very own pool!  The kids really loved all the rides and we were amazed at home much Hunter loved the scary ones.  His favorite was the Rock N Roller Coaster that goes upside down like 3 times.  Connor was very brave too and went on many of the rides he was tall enough for without ever complaining.    Grant was a wonderful baby the whole trip and enjoyed naps in the stroller.  I think we loved Hollywood Studios the most but Magic Kingdom was really neat too.  Connor loved Animal Kingdom and the Dinosaur attractions they had.  The weather in Florida was beautiful and I miss it now that we are back in Iowa (although it isn't too cold here yet).  I guess we will just have to make a return trip once we have our next little one!

HSTK 8-1-2008

We are officially  HSTK (home study to Korea for those unfamiliar with adoption terms) and we couldn't be more excited!   Our official date was Aug. 1, 2008.  From that date we will wait for up to 12 months for the referral of our newest addition- a little girl.  Once we have accepted a referral, we will wait an additional 4-6 months for all of the paperwork to be complete for her to come to the United States and join her forever family.  

The boys are excited, although a little unsure about having a sister.  We are working on names but haven't settled on one for sure yet. We know that the wait seems long, but our three adorable boys will keep us very busy while we wait.