Growing Younces

first day at school!!!!

2011-08-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

Today was the kids first day at their new school. Maddux wasn't sure but was beside himself excited about everything when I picked him up. Here he is with his backpack that I think weighed as much as he did!

Handsome guy....

Graci my little social butterfly was so very excited for this day. She bounced out of bed this morning and skipped her way into her classroom. It was all she had hoped it would be and more she said.

Big Third Grader!!!

So cute and so early! Ok I know the one below is almost the same picture but look how pretty their eyes look and the sunrise in the back round...

No pictures allowed...

2011-08-10T20:09:00.000-05:00

A couple days after we got home from Colorado we received three more children from safe families. I wish is was legal to post their pictures because I have some of the greatest pictures of our kids with them. Life was extra busy while they were here but joyous. I realized that week God was revealing to me what my true capabilities were as a mother and that what I could handle with Him beside me was much more than I anticipated. I was touched by the way my children interacted with them (most of the time) and Jim and I realized we need a bigger van. We were blessed to have them the time we did. Although it was only a week and a half they left a lasting impression on my heart. We were so glad to get to see them go back home but the were and still are deeply missed.

and the very next day.... Colorado

2011-08-10T15:41:00.001-05:00

I am not kidding literally we fed the slumber party ladies breakfast, sent them on their way, packed up, and left for Colorado around lunchtime. We drove to an area near Winter park and stayed with some friends at their parents vacation home. We had an absolute blast! We played games, made lots of yummy food, built bonfires, had smores, hiked, and just hung out, it was great, Thanks Mahoneys'! If you haven't been to Colorado you are missing out! I have never seen such amazing views, clouds, trees, mountains and sunsets in my life!! We took over 1000 pictures when it was all said and done...here are some.

This was driving in... I think it was Oklahoma.

A waterfall we stopped to see on our way up the mountain.

We went to a rodeo our first night there....

and of course there was a rodeo clown.

Maddux was gonna try mutton busting (riding a sheep!) he decided after watching the others get trampled by the sheep he wasn't going to do it (I didn't blame him!).

Our friends son Trent wasn't gonna let a little trampling stop him...

he hung on for a few seconds and he too got trampled but there were no tears, he loved it!!

This is all the kids getting ready to chase the sheep and get a ribbon off of his tail. The rodeo clown thought it would be good for them to warm up by doing push ups.....in the mud!! His response to the whole crowd ooooooing at his idea, "ya'll are the ones you sent em out here"! Notice the one child not even coming close to the mud, I will give you one guess who she is!!

And the chase begins!! Poor sheep.

Maddux's new friend and favorite part of the whole rodeo.

The next morning Jim and Faith got a glimpse at our early morning visitor right outside our living room window!

Maddux and Graci sitting in a funky tree on our first hike.

The top of our hike that day was an amazing waterfall!

You would never know it from her face but she is loving playing on the sandbar. This is Evie our friends youngest. She was a hoot she shot these looks at people randomly all week long!

One of the views on our hikes, amazing!

and another.

The next day the daddies took the kids fishing... Maddux the animal lover was a little unsure of a fish actually outside of a tank.

The Mahoney boys with one of their fish.

Maddux waiting for a fish.

Graci and our friends middle child, Maggie having a little girl time on the rocks.

This was the day we headed to the top of one of the mountains the view were indescribable.

The top of the mountain was about 40 degrees colder than the bottom, Graci is demonstrating exactly how cold it felt with shorts on.

Maddux at the top.

I kept the window down most of the ride up the mountain due to the crazy amount of pictures I was taking so Maddux covered himself quite well with Jim's coat.

and Graci tried to with my sweatshirt but it wasn't quite as big.

and Jim was just being cool.... as usual.

I mean seriously!! That looks like a painting!!

Graci and Maddux playing in a pile of snow on one of our hikes.

One of the lakes we hiked around.

Family picture!!

The kids rock climbing.

Somewhere along the way Graci learned to flash gang signs in pictures??

Graci and Mommy

A picture of Jim and I, a rarity!!

Maddux and Daddy

The whole crew!! Younces and Mahoneys

The elk thought our van was quite interesting.

Sunset on top of the mountain.

This is an elk that Jim was trapped by on a outlook sight for sometime. The view wasn't bad as you can see so wasn't too upset. The kids and I had no idea what was taking so long so we sat in the car surrounded by a couple more elk that apparently likes us a lot.

Th

Yet another catch up...lets start with Graci's birthday party

2011-08-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

So I finally figured out how to get pictures from my new camera to the computer so here is a months worth of events....

We celebrated Graci's 8th birthday on July 7th with a small good ole slumber party, the girls painted their own tote bags, ate pizza and cake and then disappeared for a long night of chatting, singing and dancing!

Graci opening fashionista dolls, if you haven't seen them they are quite creepy they pop off at the collar bone and you can switch out heads on different body types... here she is opening one of many heads.

Graci got a real grown up camera, (mommy's old one), it is pink and takes video and actual quality pictures, she was pumped as you can see!

The Killian Cattillion!!

2011-07-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

This is the name of the huge party my parents throw every year to celebrate my dads birthday, Graci's birthday, Maddux's birthday and of course America's birthday! It was crazy hot but so much fun. Franklin and his girlfriend were in town and Franks high school friends band played. To top it all off the night ended with a fireworks show! We stayed way to late, drank enough water to water a lawn and ate way too much food, but fun was had by all. Here are a few pictures of it all....

Mr L.A. himself ladies and gentlemen...Franklin.

Fun in the pool....notice the super fun makeshift play land/waterslide!! Thank you Maw maw and Paw Paw!!

The birthday boy enjoying the water!!

The neighbors circle, I grew up with most of these people. This year Mom and Dad had around 75 people total!!

The other birthday boy enjoying himself with a childhood friend.

The band, they were amazing!! We will be attending many more of there shows around town!

Franklin and his girlfriend Kim, we like her!!

Poor Paigey... to much fun in the sun.

Maw Maw, Graci, and Uncle Frank Frank breakin it down!!

Graci got to improv with her Uncle on the piano, they sounded really good!!

Uncle Frank Frank was singing, Graci thought he was a bit loud!

Frank playin with the band.

Maddux and Sam the two six year olds!!!

Paw Paw, Maddux, and Graci blowing out their candles on their cake.

and then Paw Paw thought an icing fight was a good idea, the kids agreed!

Happy 6th Birthday Maddog!!!

2011-07-03T12:38:00.000-05:00

Yep today is the big day my youngest isn't so young anymore!! Time flies, and I am so thankful for my funny, sweet hearted boy that God entrusted to us six short years ago!! He woke up and requested homemade waffles for breakfast. We all slept in a little late after my Mom and Dads 4th of July/dads bday/maddux bday/graci bday party last night. After waffles he opened up our present since I won't be at the all boy/daddy birthday party tonight. After two and half years of asking for one, Maddux opened up his very own Nintendo ds!! Then he disappeared for the next two hours! He also got to open his aunt Beth and uncle Dave's present, a Vermont made teddy bear, which was o so soft and he loved! Uncle Andrew also got him another one of his all time loves, another pillow pet!! It's only noon but I think he would say it's been a pretty good birthday so far. I will post party pictures later but here are some early day bday pictures!!

Opening the Vermont Teddy Bear!!

His name is Blue Rasberry and he is super cute!!

The bumblebee pillow pet! Maddux's two loves...stuffed animals and video games.

and the ds... all this combined made for the ultimate birthday gift opening experience!!

VBS 2011 Gold Rush!!

2011-07-03T12:16:00.000-05:00

Friday was the kids last day of VBS at our church. As usual it was a busy week but they had a blast and our friends kids the Mahoney's joined them for the week. The theme was Gold Rush Rock of Ages. As usual our church went over and above in every aspect, it was amazing, and we are so thankful for everyone that worked so hard to make it what it was. The kids learned so much more about Jesus Christ, our Rock of Ages!! Here are a few pictures of the fun!!

Maddux and Graci in their western get ups!

The entrance to Gold Rush City

Maddux's group was called the trackers and this is where they called home all week.

We are thinking of building one of these at home!!

This is the general store, the whole sanctuary was turned into a western town. Each day the kids got to go in and shop, make crafts, learn about missionary s and dance.

On parents night they had a good ole' bbq for all the parents and kids.

Graci riding the....hay??

and Maddux

Parents night in the town!

The outlaws (aka, the teachers) that needed Jesus were hung up all around the church. Thankfully they were all redeemed by Christ by Friday!:)

This was a funny picture hung in the front hallway of the church. Every year our church comes up with a mission for the kids to bring money for all week, there are contests between all the classes to see who can bring the most. These are the Allens pictured here riding in the mining car, they are part of a ministry called Campus Crusade. Recently they felt God was calling them to participate in the same ministry only to a whole new group of college kids...in California! So this year the kids mission was to raise money to help move their ministry. Each day it showed how far they were from Missouri and how close they were to CA, depending on how much was raised. This was Thursday and they look pretty close!!!

This was the Corral in the town where you could learn to square dance!

texas pictures as promised....

2011-07-03T11:30:00.000-05:00

Maddux and Nate realizing that the blow up beds might make a good wrestling ring...

and the wrestling ring in action.

The boys and I waited outside while Sara and the girls enrolled Lucy at her new school, it was quite sunny as you can see!

The Alamo!!

It was actually fairly cool for Texas that day. Sara, the kids and I did some touristy stuff that morning and attempted to get it all done before the temp passed 100 and nap time, we were successful!!

The boys at the Alamo...

and the girls.

The grounds were beautiful at the Alamo, I was amazed how big it was, and at the fact that all of it sits dead center of a major city!

The grounds again.

The river walk.

Yeeehaaaaa!!

2011-06-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

TEXAS!! So as most of you know from my last post we got back late Friday night from our week in San Antonio TX. We had a blast! It was so stinking hot but that didn't stop us. The kids visited with their friends and played their little hearts out while the Mommies chatted, planted, decorated, chatted, had our morning coffee/dr.pepper, chatted, and shopped. One afternoon we even put the kids in room time, watched a movie and ate ice cream!! Now that is what I call vacation! Mark was a trooper watching the kids three times while Sara and I went on a late night shopping trips. Lucy and Graci were rarely seen with the exception of putting on a show or two for Sara and I. We all took a trip to the Alamo and the river walk. Apparently all of our rain in St Louis followed us down there, our third night there they had their first rain in months! We had so much fun, so I thought I would share some of my fav's and not so much fav's about the state of Texas.
Lets start with Fav's
My friend lives there, Taco Cabana, Double Daves, The bbq place I can't remember, the texas made ice cream brand I can't remember, Yes I know the last four things have been food but really it was all that good!, the sky (it really is bigger in Texas!), the speed limit (80 mph people!!), how kind the people are, ladies are still treated like ladies there (I didn't open my own door once there), most of the Targets are Super Targets!!, all the historical buildings, SOME of the landscapes, and last but not least the cowboy hats!! (I love these things, I have always wanted it to be acceptable for me to wear one out and it is there!!! and you don't have to be going line dancing or mowing the lawn!
My not so fav's about Texas
My friend lives THERE, the heat, everything is dusty (my personal hell), my feet are always dirty when I wear flip flops, it is too hot to wear anything other than flip flops, spf 60 is not enough to keep me or Lucy from getting sun burned down there, the design of the roads (I just don't get it), that you can drive for hours and see no gas stations, it is really hard to have a garden there unless you like cactus, no one wears much clothing (reference heat), they don't have Aldi's, and my friend lives THERE!
So that about sums up Texas for this newly found out, true blue mid west girl.
Pictures to come!

We are still here.

2011-06-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

I am sure many of you have given up on me and my blog that is never up to date. It has been almost a full year since I even felt a pull to post anything. Well... I am back if for nothing else than that I don't want to forget this journey God is taking us on.
Quick update...for those of you who don't know we are no longer adopting from Ethiopia. The government there has had lots going on that was slowing adoptions down dramatically. Three years and lots of prayer later God has redirected our path. There is no doubt in my mind God has caring for orphans/foster care children as a long term part of the Younce's story. Where that will take us is the part of the story we are unsure of. Three weeks ago we started foster care/domestic adoption classes. Two weeks ago we were approved for a program called Safe Families. Safe Families is a program to help families through tough times by caring for their children for short amounts of time, in short it is a net to help families keep their kids out of state foster care. Two weeks ago we took in our first set of siblings. It has been hard, sad, fun, and a growing opportunity for all of us. Maddux being the baby of the family took it the hardest, but by the end of the first week the prayers coming from my two children's mouths brought me to tears. They were full of thankfulness, humbleness, and a plead for God to turn their heart from their sin. After just 2 1/2 weeks our Safe Family kids feel like they belong here. Saturday is their last day here and we will all be sad to see them go but will pray for them and their family as they head back to Mom and Dad.
Graci and Maddux are now just two weeks from turning 6 and 8! Last Saturday we dropped them off for their first real trip at Grandma's. They are at Jim's Mom's house in Chicago for her churches VBS. It was good for them even though Graci was a little nervous about being so far from home for so long. They are having a great time and getting to spend time with aunts, uncles, and cousins that they typically only get to see for a short time.

Here on the home front I am doing laundry and getting everyone packed to head out on Saturday for Texas!! On Saturday morning my Mom, Graci, Maddux, and myself will all be driving 13 hours to visit my Moms friend in San Angelo, the next morning the kids and I will head out to drive another 3 hours to my girlfriend Sara's house for the week! I am so looking forward to seeing her, catching up, and relaxing! Jim will stay home to work and get some more work done on the house. Well in a nut shell this is the last six months of our never boring lives!!

This is the Younce/Elliott kids at the Pacific RR tracks. A historical steam engine made a stop in town so we all walked down to take a look and get some lunch. It was fun but very loud and sunny as you can see from this hilarious picture of the kids!

Paige and Graci.. so big.

Sam and Maddux, best buds!

The old steam engine!

STOP! Reroute!!

2010-08-01T18:15:00.000-05:00

One word, CRAZY. That is the name of our 2010 summer. Still no phone calls telling us it is time to hop on a plane and fly half way around the world, but nonetheless crazy. This summer, lots of new friends, LOTS of movies, a couple trips to visit family, and a whole lot of sickness. It all started a month ago with a very odd virus, first Maddux then Graci, (mind you, Maddux on Graci's actual birthday and Graci AT her birthday party). Maddux's illness passed quickly. Graci's seemed to until it kept coming back every couple days and with a vengeance! After the third week of all of this it was time for a trip to the doc. Several blood tests, and few other very icky tests later (here comes the STOP! Reroute!) we have learned Graci is allergic to wheat, peanuts, and pork. We were told to start a gluten, peanut, and pork (I know pork, weird right?) free diet immediately, We are very happy to finally know the source of the mystery illness. I never would have guessed that changing our diets would bring about such an immense change in our family. We are all adjusting and each day gets easier. I am reading a lot of food blogs and trying to get my feet under me for cooking and shopping before school starts in 2 1/2 weeks. I think we are all looking forward to the more structured life of school days. Here are some pictures of our first week illness free, we took the kids to see our family in Chicago and while we were there we headed into the city to check out Sheds aquarium, aka, Maddux's heaven.

ahhhh summer

2010-07-02T15:28:00.000-05:00

Well things have been crazy around here lately. Parties, dinner dates, all good stuff but busy busy busy. Jim is finally back to his normal schedule which has also helped things to slow down a lot. Wednesday we celebrated Maddux's 5th birthday!! I would love to post some pictures but our computer has been down since the storm last weekend. We also have taken full advantage of the beautiful weather this week with a picnic, trip to the park, and a trip to the zoo. On Wednesday while the boys were partying it up my Mom took Graci and I to see Beauty and the Beast at the Muny....so fun! Tonight is movie night complete with a make your own pizza dinner! Tomorrow we are headed to MawMaw and Pawpaw's for a 4th of July/Maddux bday/ Pawpaw bday party! This weeks end will not bring an end to the Younce's fun though, next Wednesday is Graci's 7th birthday! I will post pictures as soon as we have the computer up and running again. Happy Birthday America....hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July!!!!!

P.S. Jim is back home safe

2010-06-03T14:27:00.000-05:00

Karly and his family

I just realized with Jim and I both writing on the blog there is no rhyme or reason to the posts. I think you all know Jim is home safe and sound from Haiti. For how long is to be determined. Jim has made some great contacts there. One man in particular stays in touch with Jim through email. He is a christian man with a pretty amazing story, his name is Karly. Jim and I want to continue to help this desperate place and even if it through only one man, so be it.God has done some pretty amazing things with just one man before...... We have found some immediate ways we can help but at some point one if not both of us would like to go back. Our greatest dream would be to fly Karly and his family here to come visit. We will continue to pray for them and the rest of the people of Haiti, will you join us?

Ok, maybe now I will have time.....

2010-06-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

It is officially here, SUMMER!! I think that mean more to me now than it did when I was a kid. The school year was lots of work, but it was fun. I ended up loving my job at the school and I will miss the people there so much. Buuuuuuut, I am six days into being a stay at home Mom and I am loving it! For the first time in my seven years of motherhood, I do not feel overwhelmed! Projects are getting done, I am spending time with my kids and husband, meals are planned, there is food in the fridge, and I don't have a laundry list of things looming in the back of my head that need to be done at work. I am finally catching up on some much needed blog time, here at the Younce spot and Sparrow. Jim has been working a lot, paying back all of his trade time from the Haiti trip and overtime. He has continued to work on the house, we are still in the downstairs bathroom. As with all of the projects in this house, we greatly underestimated what needed to be done. The kids are happy to be sleeping in, visiting with friends, and to be getting more Mommy/Daddy time. For those of you who don't know we are next on the list to be called for our adoption. Once we get the call it will be 3-4 months before they come home. We are so excited after all this time to be on the horizon of knowing who they are. God has continued to bless us and teach all of us through this amazing process. Our kids prayers often bring me to tears lately. The things they have learned about through our adoption and Daddy's trip to Haiti have done something to them, it is teaching them to have a heart of compassion for others.
So all in all only six days in, summer has been great.

Coming Home Soon

2010-04-23T19:33:00.002-05:00

It's been a tough two weeks, we've seen almost 2500 patients and sweated quite a bit, at least I have. We have seen a lot of tragedy, heart ache, smiles, hunger, etc., and even delivered a baby. We've visited orphanages, seen some really sick kids, and seen some places that are doing things right. There is a concerted effort by a lot of people to try and make a change here, I hope the spirit of the people here rises up and overcomes the fear and abject poverty they are in. But God is capable and there is hope. Despite the devastation, Haiti has some absolutely beautiful places and faces. I can't wait to get home now that our work is done. I have lots of pictures and stories, you know how I like to talk. See you soon!

Haiti Update

2010-04-16T18:53:00.000-05:00

Jim Here, day 4 I believe here in Haiti. Things are going well, we're all still alive and no one sick yet. Our travels went as well as can be expected on Tuesday, and at dusk Tuesday evening we got out of the airport into Port au Prince to drive off to our compound. I will never be able to adequately describe the sights and smells of that drive. The oddest part is seeing the complete devastation with so many people walking around and living in it. It is by far the worst I have seen yet. Our compound, however, has been very nice and safe. Our second day was spent planning and organizing for clinics. Third and fourth days spent doing clinics, and we've seen almost 900 patients so far. Of course, the children have a special place for me, and tomorrow we head off to orphanages. I will try to post more later, but time has been scarce. Continue to pray, good things are happening and the people are very grateful.

I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

2010-04-16T00:11:00.000-05:00

Told you I would be. Heard from Jim again today, things seem to be running smoothly there. The devastation he described was horrible.They now have the clinic all set up and are working to help some of these poor people.We are praying a lot here at home for him, all he sees, and the people there. We all miss Daddy desperately and are thankful for distractions. We are all looking forward to trip this weekend. My hopes are the week goes by quickly and before we know it we are headed home and are only 24 hours away from seeing Jim. We usually hear from him in a short email in the morning. He says a phone call may happen in the near future but I am not holding my breath. It sounds like communication to the rest of the world there is sketchy.Anywho, please keep praying and I will keep everyone posted.

He got there safe!

2010-04-13T23:04:00.000-05:00

Jim arrived in the compound around 8:15 this evening just outside of Port de Prince. I have not been able to talk with him directly but did get a very short email that he was safe and that the things he was seeing were indescribable. Graci and Maddux did fairly well until they realized their nightly good night call to Daddy wasn't going to happen. A few prayers and back rubs later everyone calmed down. Jim says he may have some access to a phone so we are hoping for a phone call sometime in the next few days. I will post again soon......

Haiti and California!??

2010-04-12T21:43:00.000-05:00

I know, I know the last time we posted was halloween, sad I know. We are back and I promise to be better though. As most of you know Jim is headed to help out in Haiti for a couple weeks bright and early tomorrow morning. There are lots of different feeling floating around the Younce house this evening.We were visited and prayed over by some dear friends this evening, had a family movie night and a lot more prayer on our last night with Daddy. I am so proud of him, and any of you that know Jim well enough knows, God made him for things like this. He is excited, I am a little nervous, Graci is emotional and Maddux is clueless. The fam minus a Daddy will be heading to visit family in California this coming Saturday, the hope is this is a great distraction to all of us from how much we miss Jim. If you are reading this I ask one favor, ok two, please pray, pray for safety, that God would bring him back to us, touched and changed by what he has seen but safe. Two, pray for boldness for Jim, pray God would give him strength and courage to preach the Gospel, not just with his mouth but also by his actions. We will post again soon, maybe even Jim when he returns.

Halloween

2009-10-31T16:15:00.001-05:00

Halloween this year was a great time. We ate chili, hung out with family and great friends, and most importantly scored tons of candy. The weather was great, and the kids really enjoyed themselves. Maddux was Scooby Doo, Mommy tried her hand at making her first costume, Graci was Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-28T16:27:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin carving was interesting this year. We started by letting the kids draw what they wanted carved, that didn't work out so well, so we moved onto the stencils which are much harder than they let on. Graci loved digging out the guts and kept asking what were going to make with all her findings. Maddux wouldn't touch the inside of the pumpkin with a ten foot pole, surprise, surprise.

Uncle Keith's 50th

2009-10-25T17:39:00.016-05:00

Uncle Keith's 50th was a fun fall day at the park. Music, food, friends, and family. It was a great celebration and made for some great fall pictures.

Eckerts Farm Apple and Pumpkin Picking

2009-10-18T17:46:00.003-05:00

Oh Yes Fall is Here!!! For the Younces that means a trip to the apple orchard for some fresh picked apples and a trip to the pumpkin patch for some fun and pumpkin pickin! This year we combined the two, ourselves and the Elliotts spent most of a Sunday afternoon at Eckerts. We got apples, pumpkins, and of course funnel cakes! The kids had lots of fun, they got to ride a tractor train, walk through a corn maze, saw a pig race, rode rides, I could go on and on. In short it was an awsome day.

DIng Dong the cast is GONE!!!

2009-10-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

This morning at 9am it came off. Maddux was a little wierded out by the way his leg felt without the cast, but got over it quickly. He has a brace that keeps his leg straight for the next four weeks. We still have to be very cautious, but we get to take the brace off for bed and baths! To celebrate we took him to Incredible Pizza Co.. Here he is with his favorite win, a blue baby brontosaurus.

little late

2009-09-29T17:54:00.004-05:00

I am a couple games behind, but here are some of Graci's soccer pictures. She is loving playing, she seems to get hurt a lot but unfortunately that runs in her genes and coordination doesn't. Despite all that she is a pretty good player, she runs hard and is catching on that herd ball gets here nowhere but knocked over and kicked.

Graci and Maddux are loving school and we are all finally get used to the routine of it all. Stay tuned Maddux is soon to be a little less neon!

School's In

2009-09-10T22:34:00.003-05:00

Which leg has the cast on it?

Nice Penguin, Maddux's favorite ice cream scoop.

Both kids have just started school. Graci started First grade on Tuesday, her first time being in class 5 days a week for full days. Graci is all excited about her new couture, even if it is solid earth tone polyesters. It sure is quiet around the house. Maddux started his preschool classes on Wednesday. He'll go M/W/F for half days. He seems to really like it. However, when I picked him up after his first day he was really excited, got in the car and told me he had a "great" day. Minutes later I looked back at him and he had his small animal board book with him and he was sobbing. When I questioned what was wrong, he was upset because he thought that since he was going to school now he would be able to read his animal books on his own. Poor Guy, and recess is kind of tough on him too. It builds character right. Graci is Graci, ready to take her SAT's.

The kids first fishing trip!

2009-09-07T23:51:00.003-05:00

Graci, Maddux's first fishing trip at Grandpa's. This is as close as the two of them
would get to the fish.

Daddy actually did most of Maddux's fishing for him.

The kids in front of the lake at Grandma's and Grandpa's in Chicago.

It has been awhile...

2009-09-07T23:26:00.003-05:00

Sorry to all that keep up with us through our blog, things have been a bit crazy around the Younce house lately. Since our last post we have officially gotten on the waiting list for our kids. The average time on the list for siblings is one year, but it could be more or less before we find out all about our new additions! In the meantime we will be working hard to finish most of the renovations to the house. Our hope is to have most of them done before traveling to get the kids.
In our last post we reported that Maddux had broken his leg. He is still in a cast, but last week he got a new one. The removal of the old cast was a bit dramatic, but all was well when he found out he got to pick the color for the new cast (which happened to be highlighter yellow, not my first choice). His new cast is waterproof though, and stays on for four more weeks. After they remove this cast he will wear a brace that keeps his leg straight for another four weeks. Looks like we will be cast free by Halloween, and really that's all that matters to him.
This week is a big first week, Graci's first soccer game, her first day of first grade, and Maddux's first day of pre-school, so we will have some new pictures soon.

Bitter-sweet

2009-08-07T20:02:00.009-05:00

Dinosaurs Make it all Better.

Thank You Sammy for letting me borrow your Bean Bag.

Today didn't start so well. We were going to have another fun day by starting out at the City Museum. The City Museum, for those of you who don't know, is an amazing, eclectic, artistic, chaotic, architectural attraction built throughout an old shoe factory in St. Louis. It is full of places to climb, tunnels, tubes, slides, aquariums, a ferris wheel on the roof, etc. Along with all the excitement and activity does inherently come some danger, as any 600,000 sq. ft. jungle gym would have. Of course nothing would happen to our children. Well, as the pictures show, Maddux unfortunately fractured his tibia (lower leg outer bone) while going down a ten story spiral slide. This slide has bars welded over the top of it to contain the person sliding in the slide. For some reason, Maddux stuck his left leg up while going down and it caught in between a couple of bars and the obvious happened. To leave out any details, it was a long and painful day for all of us, but Maddux really was a trooper through it all. He will be in the full leg cast for approximately 6 weeks, give or take, and will hopefully be back in 4 year old boy form soon. Sadly, his biggest issue it that he doesn't understand all that has happened; he thinks we should just be able to take his cast off and he go on his way. He has also fought some cramps and muscle spasms that have made things a little rough on him. We feel so badly for him, but continue to know that our God is in control of all things, and in all things may we give God the glory. We may be slowed down as a family but not stopped.

After such a long day of x-rays, doctors, and casts, we came home to crash and care for our little man. We were given a "pick me up" when I checked the mail and we had confirmation that Jessica's Birth Certificate had finally come back to us. We still have to pick it up from the post office, but nonetheless it is here and we should be able to have our dossier finally sent of this Thursday. A little good news to end a very bad day.

Nashville, TN

2009-07-30T20:17:00.002-05:00

YeeHaa, Nashville Country. This is the home we rented:) j.k. We spent a couple days just getting away in Nashville, TN. It was nice to not have to do anything, and we didn't do a whole lot. The first day we stayed around the resort, played at the pools and just relaxed. The second day we spent most of it at the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's Estate. At over 1100 acres it is really something to see, has great history about slavery and Jackson himself. Graci loved it, she is like her mother a history fan. Maddux could take it or leave it, but he did enjoy the Horses for a Hayride around the property. The only downfall was a gloomy rainy day that did "rain on the parade" a little. All in all, it's always nice to get away.

American Girl

2009-07-25T20:19:00.004-05:00

For Graci's sixth birthday Mommy, Maw Maw, and Grandama took a trip to the American Girl Store. There was so much to do. We shopped ALOT, we ate in the cafe with Elizabeth (her doll she got for her fifth birthday) and Rebecca (the sixth birthday doll). There was a three course meal that was pretty yummy but Graci's favorite part was getting her very own ice tea and the card game on the table.

Elizabeth spent the afternoon at the beauty salon getting all dolled up (hahaha) while Graci chose her other doll.

Standing in front of the display case for Elizabeth and Felicity in all their different get-ups. The store was truly amazing, definitly something to see. Graci was a little overwhelmed but all in all she had an unforgetable time!

Sooooooooooooooooooo close!

2009-07-25T16:20:00.002-05:00

We are taking the last of our papers to the secretary of state sometime this week. By Thursday we are hoping to be taking everything for our dossier to Childrens Hope, if so we will officially be on the waiting list for children in three weeks!!!

What did I get?

2009-07-22T14:55:00.003-05:00

The kids 4th and 6th birthday party. I tried my hand at making balloon animals, which I was horrible at so we made lots of fish and hats. Jim and I got the kids mp3 players which they opened before all the guests arrived.

Cerrano's

2009-07-22T14:46:00.010-05:00

Fun at the Cerrano's house, water time at the park, and playing on the new playground daddy and Uncle Joe Joe built over the weekend.

VBS

2009-07-22T14:43:00.004-05:00

Maddux being ready for bed

Graci sitting by her family area for vbs

Trish and I vbs parents night

Just a quick update

2009-07-03T23:20:00.002-05:00

We are getting closer! I am hoping we get our I600A back in the next week or so. We are only one referral letter and 2 passport pictures short of having everything else ready for it's long journey to Ethiopia! We are getting EVERYTHING notarized Tuesday (thanks Ash!). Once this packet is sent off the wait is in full swing! My hope is to have our babies home by next Christmas, we'll see!

I miss cookie!!

2009-07-03T22:27:00.006-05:00

Maddux's present from grandma, grandpa and Aunt Gina
Ice cream cake and candles, doesn't get much better
Elizabeth and Graci with their new scooter!

Maddux's birthday morning cinnamon rolls!

Today it all started! Our crazy July birthday week! Maddux turned four today and Graci's birthday is just around the corner (Tuesday). They have both already had an action packed weekend and it is only Friday. Thursday was a movie with MawMaw and PawPaw. That evening Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Gina arrived. Today was birthday cinnamon rolls, complete with candles. This afternoon went on a little sight seeing tour of Augusta, opened presents and had ice cream cake for dinner!
Maddux's first birthday present this year was one he picked out all by himself. His first choice was a turtle, which did not pan out, so his next choice was his very own fish tank! MawMaw and PawPaw bought him 6 fish and a fish tank with all the fixin's. He had them all named by bedtime last night, several crazy names, my favorite though, the spotted fish named Cookie. He layed down to go to sleep and started to cry, when asked what was wrong, he cried "I miss Cookie!". He got up and said one last goodnight to Cookie, stood there for a moment, put his hand on the glass and said "I love you fishies". So needless to say after that I was praying all of the fish made it til morning in their new home. So far so good, the tank it quite cloudy though and Jim thinks it is because their are too many fish in a very small tank. To avoid breaking by birthday boys heart, Daddy has gone out for a late night trip to Wally World to buy another tank to fit all of them safely. He is so great.

Day Off

2009-06-30T20:09:00.005-05:00

Today we spent running errands and playing with our new camera. We went to Bluebird park and had some fun, got a few good shots. It finally cooled off, below 90's and we really enjoyed the day. Hope it sticks around. We'll update the Shutterfly site soon with more of the pictures.

Mommy/Daddy Dates

2009-06-28T21:42:00.000-05:00

On Sunday we went on seperate Mommy/Daddy dates. Jess and Graci went to the Magic House, and Maddux and Jim went to the City Museum. St. Louis is packed full of things to do and probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves. The city museum is so unique and crazy, I can't imagine another place like it. It is impossible to describe, just imagine a four story warehouse jungle gym with animals, aquariums, slides, airplanes, a bus, and miles (not literally) of mazes. If you don't believe me, that is a sea turtle next to Maddux at the top picture, and if you look close at the second picture you'll see people climbing all over in the background. A little boy's dream. The day was ended at Crown Candy for some ice cream, and the boys were pretty wiped out.

The Magic House is now enormous for those of you who haven't been lately, but packed with awesome stuff to do. Mommy and Graci painted pictures, built sculptures, posed on the shadow wall, took a tour of Lewis and Clarks expedition, and saw just about everything possible except for "the ball thing" (Graci). It was followed by a cool treat at ColdStone and finally heading home to collapse. Sorry there are no pictures, but Jessica now has her own camera that she can carry in her purse.

Ailarious!

2009-06-26T18:51:00.004-05:00

First off let me explain the title, Maddux thinks everything these days is ailarious! Not hilarious, airlarious, it is so cute, the best is when he slaps his knee at the same time!
Today we were without Daddy (overtime) but still managed to have a fun summer day. Since the weather outside was less than appealing today, we decided to hit the lanes! Bowling it was! The kids had a blast, I held my breath every time Maddux chucked the bowling bowl into midair. Mommy won, but not by much and that was WITH bumpers! After bowling we went to pay Daddy a visit at the firehouse, after a quick snuggle and snack we headed back home. Jim has a new camera and took it to work to study up on all the new gadgets. He is going to throw on a pic from playing around today. As for the adoption we are still waiting on our I600A and in the meantime finishing up on the Massive amount of paperwork for the Dossier. Were are one I600A, about 25 notary signatures, 2 witnesses, and 3 referance letters away from being on the official waiting list! Sounds like alot I know, but we are truly close!

Wiped Out

2009-06-21T21:21:00.002-05:00

After such a long week, we all feel just like this.

Swimming Fun

2009-06-21T12:12:00.004-05:00

We were lucky enough to spend a day at some great friends (Richardsons) swimming, relaxing, and sharing a great meal. This day the kids overcame their fear of going underwater. How fun!

Another Day at Grants Farm

2009-06-10T19:47:00.006-05:00

Once again we went to one of our favorite places in town. We were able to get some good pics today. More can be found on our pictures link.

Dirty Fingers

2009-06-10T19:22:00.003-05:00

Found out today that our fingerprinting appointment is June 22nd. That is the next step towards getting our I-600A (Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition) approved so that we can receive the CIS 1-171H (Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition). Love Paperwork!

Just waiting

2009-06-09T21:13:00.004-05:00

Since this will be our first official post I will just jump right in. Right now we are waiting for our I-600A to come back. It should arrive in 2-4 weeks. In the meantime we are gathering papers for our dossier and thanking God that he granted me with a friend that is a notary. As for Graci and Maddux all is well, they are growing at a rapid speed and keep Jim and I on our toes and laughing. There has been lots of talk about the theme for the upcoming birthday party (we are having them together this year). We have landed on "a night at the movies", complete with a red carpet, camera men, and giant boxes of candy! As for Jim and I we are just trying to keep up. Jim has been working at the firehouse a lot and trying to find time to get working on the house again. I have been doing alot with church and trying to catch up with all the friends I didn't get to see during the school year. Our lives are very busy these days but amazingly blessed!

2009-06-08T19:33:00.003-05:00

waiting on our I 600-A to come back