Our New Life

Its been just a little over two weeks ago that we were introduced to our new baby girl. Life has not been the same since. Her beauty struck me when I first saw her. Such big brown eyes and dark skin. So different than my other babies yet so lovely. She has a raspy voice and long feet. Elizabeth Hope, we like to call her Lizzy or Lizzybell. There have been new challenges we have faced that we have not before. Bonding came natural before and now it takes work. She sleeps and eats well and coos and smiles at us all the time. We were told that she doesn't sleep at night and has colic before we got her. But since she's been here she sleeps great at night in her crib and is happy during the day. No colic. I would like to say we are just experienced parents or something like that, but I KNOW its the presence of our God. Our hope and prayer is that we bond more and more with Lizzy and that we continue to have the energy we need with two babies and a 3 year old on the house. We have been making great efforts spending quality time with all three. My love language is quality time and my biggest fear has been that the kids would feel unloved somehow if we don't spend enough time with them. We are now fully funded and we will be starting ministry on campus in August! So much is happening. My greatest sadness in all this is not being able to visit friends and family to meet our new girl. Hopefully it won't be too long.






Addie and Ethan are amazed by her. Ethan just stares and laughs at her and tries to wrestle. Addie keeps telling me she's so glad she has a sister now so they can play Barbies one day.


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Interview

Monday! This is the interview we've been waiting for for several weeks now. Once it happens it could only be a matter of a couple of weeks when they fly her here to her new home! I'm having to tell myself that it is all in Gods hands and He is the one that can make it all happen. It's crazy thinking I have a child that I haven't met yet but who is filling my heart and consuming my mind with longing. I wonder what she looks like and if her hair will be dark. What color are her eyes and will she feel how much she is loved when she is first held by us. I can't wait to call her by her name. She is 7 weeks old now. Too long to not be with us. I have collected a few things in a basket for her and washed all of Addie's baby clothes ready for her to wear.
Pray that all will go smoothly on Monday and that she will be with us soon.

Love,
The Nolands


Basket of goodies for Elizabeth

Update on Baby

Many of you have been asking the status of getting Elizabeth so I just wanted to do a quick update. We heard yesterday from our state CPS that they have our paperwork and will be setting up an interview in the next 2 weeks. After that is completed we will be able to get her! So please be praying that the interview will happen soon. She has been in foster care for over a month now and we are ready to get her home! Thank you for all your love and encouragement during this time! We love you!

The Nolands

Wishpot

If you've never heard of www.wishpot.com you need to check it out. You can create wish lists and registry lists all in one place! We've created a Baby Registry for Elizabeth since we need things for her in a short time. Since we will have 2 babies in diapers at the same time (oh my!) we are going to cloth diapering. There are so many choices now made to work with a busy mom. They have cute patterns for their buns, its green, and most of all for us, saves a butt-load of money. Literally. So check it out.

New Life and Redemption

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to blog again! So much transition has taken place since the last blog. We moved from our home in San Angelo to a few months of fundraising in Dallas and in Durham, NC for 6 weeks now. Addie will be 3 in less than 2 months and Ethan is trying to crawl. Our house on Duke street is coming together slowly but surely. I love walking at the Freshman campus seeing students and faculty walking the grounds. Still can't get over the beauty of this place with is grand stone buildings, towering trees and budding flowers at every corner. We love it here. All that's missing is all our loved ones being close by.

While there is plenty to talk about with being in a new place we also have a BIG new announcement. But first let me tell you a little bit about how it all came about. Two months ago I finally started reading a book that's been on my Kindle for months now. It's called "Choosing to SEE" by Mary Beth Chapman about the love and loss in a tragic accident of their 5 year old daughter they adopted from China. She tells the story of how they adopted 3 girls from China and beauty of it all. My heart was stirred for those who didn't have a home and needed love, not only our love but the love of Jesus. I really believe it was the Holy Spirit prompting me to read this book at this time. Little did I know it was preparing my heart for our own adoption. I've not really been one to claim that I was going to adopt one day. I always thought if God dropped that in our laps and I knew He wanted us to then I would. That's pretty much what happened. A few weeks ago we got word that one of Lennon's family members had had a baby girl and was in a bad situation and had left the baby without a home. As Lennon and I talked this over, we really couldn't get away from the feeling that this is a chance to do something very close to the heart of God. And regardless of all that is going on in our lives right now, we can't think of anything as important as giving this little girl a life and introducing her to a saviour one day.

Though it is a sad situation we are very excited to be adding this new joy to our lives. We are naming her Elizabeth Hope. Elizabeth means "God is my promise or oath" and Hope for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Our request is that you all will pray for the process, court proceedings, finances, etc. that are necessary for this type of thing. Pray for the baby's health, and that God's hand would guide the situation. I will be able to pick her up in Texas in 3 weeks or so. I will be updating my blog about our journey. Thank you for all your love and support. God Bless, The Nolands.

4 Years and Counting

Tuesday marked 4 years of marriage bliss for my husband and I. 4 years later we have moved to a new town, had 2 incredible adorable kids, lost freedom of getting to be alone whenever we want, yet treasure our alone moments more, grown with God together, and have taken greater risks together. I never would have thought we would have met the way we did or that I would have moved to west Texas but God had it all in His plan. I've never been more fulfilled in my life than being married to this wonderful man, ministering with him and supporting his vision and raising our children. God knew the desires of my heart and truly blessed me. I know that we will be ok no matter what we go through as long as we do it together. So here's to 4 years and many more to come! I love you Lennon! (you've grown in sexiness too!)

Mommy Time

Things are looking better. Ethan is sleeping better at night and even slept 6 straight hours the night before last! (thank you "Babywise") We are getting better sleep and a better day to day schedule. Though its not easy, we are becoming more sane. I also attribute my sanity to my husband letting me get out of the house for a bit to clear my mind and refresh. The other night I spent some time at our local Starbucks. I sat and read a fashion mag and some advice on getting back to normal again (even though I know that will take a while). Had some refreshment and as I was driving home I couldn't wait to get back to my babies. Its so wonderful to get to raise these little ones. Let's just say I am so glad to be a mom.



Sweet Clementine Izzy and some fine cheeses!

Not Hiding

Please read this blog from InCourage (a favorite of mine)
The Finding from InCourage Media
I am learning how to be more vunerable. With all the changes going on in our lives I've had to learn to reach out even more and allow others in. I'm not a shut off kinda person but I know I need to let others in even more and reach out as well. I have a great life. I really can't complain. But like everyone I have my hard times and weak times. I doubt myself and wonder if I can handle things. Like raising two kids now and moving to a new place with no family and hardly knowing anyone. The adventure part of me is looking forward to a new place and a God-given dream. But with new adventures come new fears. This is where I am realying on God. One thing I am realizing is that I was made me to be a mom, wife and lover of Jesus and I'm not alone. I think just knowing that makes all the difference. So be encouraged knowing that you are not alone and that we all need each other.

4 weeks today...

Ethan is 4 weeks old today and I wanted to celebrate that milestone by posting one of the videos we took right after he was born. This one is of Addie holding him for the first time. She's such a natural. At one point you can hear her shushing and patting him. She was so sweet holding him. My favorite part is when she starts giggling with excitement. I think she was realizing that this baby really did come out like mommy and daddy have been telling her. Hopefully they will have more of these sweet moments in life rather than fighting. Here's hoping...

Ethan Scott

Ok here's my official blog announcement that is long overdue. Blame it on the late nights and messy house and now two kids. Ethan Scott Noland is now 3 weeks old (my how time flies!) I LOVE LOVE LOVE him so much! Its so cool how God fills your love tank for one child and then gives you a whole other love tank for another one. That's the best way I know to describe it. I'm realizing more about God's love and how He can love all of His children the same. Ethan is my little cuddle bug. He seems to always want to snuggle right against my neck laying on my chest. He looks like his daddy. Since we have been married I've told Lennon I want a son that looks like his daddy and that's what I got! If you have read Mamo's blog you have read her account of the worship music in the background playing "overshadow me". I remember hearing that song between pushes and feeling God's presence in the room. It's funny cause I made a whole ipod mix to play for his birth. I was very selective on what songs I wanted played during what time. But my mom brought in her cd player and had the cd from our women's retreat in it. We just listened to it during labor. During the final pushing stages the Doctor told me to stop for the next contraction and everyone in the room was calm and quiet. You could hear the words of that song playing and it brought my thoughts to Mary and Jesus and how the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she was pregnant with the son of God. I felt like the Lord was saying "I am with you, this is my child" Not in the virgin birth immaculate conception way but that Ethan is His and I can trust that my son will be taken care of. I feel like our family is more complete now (not saying weather or not we are done but that we feel like a much fuller family). So welcome Ethan to the world! You are love beyond measure.

He was born at 1:36pm at Medical Center Arlington weighing 8lbs 7oz and 19 1/2 inches

Addie meeting her "little brudder" (this is how she says it)


Here we are about to leave the hospital. We were so ready to get him home with his big sister.

Going home.

A Proud Father: Lennon was surprised how much he loves having a son!

At home having fun and catching smiles.

My Belly....

My Belly is HUGE, my belly is still growing (hence more stretch marks), my belly is full of life! This may be a silly way to start a post but its been my primary focus.

A couple of nights ago I was so sure I was going into labor, having contractions 10 to 15 minutes apart for about 2 hours but...they dissipated. So the next day I was moping around thinking my body is playing tricks on me, getting me all excited and then never mind! Labor is so much more than the portrayal of a pregnant woman in a movie. It's really a process. I know everyone has different experiences with labor. They do not all happen the same. Yet it's never easy and it takes patience, pain, and pressing on. It's how my whole life has been lately. But something wonderful will come out of all the soreness and indigestion. I think God teaches us through pregnancy how to trust Him and wait on Him and for us to be reminded that He is with us .

I don't know for sure what day he will come, middle of the day or in the middle of the night but I know that when its time, its time! Ethan Scott Noland, you are already loved and we are all waiting to hold your little hand and kiss your soft face :) As your sister Addie puts it "Baby brudder, I'm ready to see you soon!"

Changes

Today we officially handed over the keys to our first home. It was truly sad yet we had a knowing in our hearts that we are on the right path. We have enjoyed our time in San Angelo, TX. Tonight our home is at David and DeLana's house and then on to DFW. I keep thinking about how we will be bringing the new baby to the rent place (that we are trying to make more like home for the time being) and how different it will be. I remember how we set up the place, painted the kitchen, brought Addie home from the hospital and go into her cute green and pink room in the middle of the night to check on her. And watching her as she learned to crawl in the living room floor. This is not just about the house but about how we started our lives and our family out together in San Angelo. We will miss everything and everyone. We will miss our family, friends, church, and Chi Alpha family so much. Things feel a little weird with all the changes but we know we are in God's hands. We have seen His faithfulness over and over so far through this process.

This was then...


This is now...

Some Zack Morris for ya

I thought this was pretty funny.....

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

PaperBackSwap :: Member Books

PaperBackSwap :: Member Books

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I'm Tired

Every bone in my body is tired right now, I cannot take much more in mentally. Overall its been a good day. Just a tiring one. I'm looking forward to waking up tomorrow and being refreshed once again. "His mercies are new every morning..." That verse is in my head. It's really cool when a verse sticks in your head and you think you were the one that thought it up but realize that it was God giving you that needed encouragement. It's just cool how the Lord put things in order like sleep, rest, renewal, work, love, play, etc. then it starts anew the next day. I'm ready for my fresh start in the morning.

Book Nerd

I love books. Its a passion of mine. Not THE passion but a big one. I love anything from biographies, History, Classic Lit, Novels, etc. At TJC, I received an Associates of Art with a concentration in Literature. I ended up going to Dallas to do music after that so therefore never finished a Bachelors. I considered majoring in Literature, not to necessarily to teach it but just to immerse myself in all types of literature. My favorite spot in San Angelo is Hastings. I browse many books, then I get overwhelmed and end up picking up about 8 books to look at. Not focusing on just one. Home is where I actually focus. I think the first book that I remember reading for hours is The Secret Garden. I loved reading before that but never read for hours strait. I stayed outside in the cool fall air on our porch swing with a blanket reading and reading. Other all time favorites of mine are Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Diary of Anne Frank, Out of Africa, etc. These days I definitely don't have the time for that but would do it if it allowed.

Today I ran across a youtube video that showed a particular, inspiring bookstore I visited in 2004. It's called Shakespeare and Company located in Paris. It is a jewel. To me, it was a magical book land. The smell is wonderful. You know the smell of books, old and new. I love that smell. On my visit, I remember two students from Oxford University were working there at the time, studying in France. One of them showed my friend and I where to buy cheap baguettes.

Why am I telling you all of this? Mostly me just reminiscing. But if you are a book nerd like myself, tell of your favorite book experiences... What it was like to read a certain favorite of yours, why do you love reading so much? I would also like to start a blog book club. If you are interested let me know! Below is a link to the video about Shakespeare and Co. If it interests you, you should watch THIS.

Addie walking

My baby is taking several steps! We just got back from our retreat and when we got to my parents house last night she took 6 steps to Lennon! Does anyone know how i can flip this video, ughhh! Here's a video from today...

Leadership Retreat

We had a wonderful time with Chi Alpha leaders this past week! Got home to pick up our little girl, who is taking several steps! Lennon and I are so blessed to have such wonderful guys and girls who are sharing this passion of reaching college students. We know we can't do this without them. We stayed at HEB camp in Leakey, TX. It was gorgeous! The Frio River runs in the middle of it. We hiked a mountain twice, I jumped off a cliff into the Frio and had some precious times of worship and teaching. Lennon and I love these guys and gals so much!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

spring

Ok so I noticed the last time i blogged was january and I knew it had been a while but MY GOODNESS! Im a blog looser. Anyways now that I have internet at the house, I should be more frequent. I titled this blog "spring" because of the new things happening in our lives lately. We went for a walk around the neighborhood with A in her stroller to the SA lilly ponds. How gorgeous it was. Everything was in bloom and much greener than a couple of weeks ago. It was peaceful to enjoy each other and our home. After being on a long trip we are always so ready to be home.

We were very glad to be back at XA last night. The service was amazing. L did such a great job. He talked about his trip to Jordan and Syria and how he met a couple there that are from the states and are the missions directors in north Africa. This couple truly live for the people around them. Their 3 children all have middle eastern names. When the father was talking to L about reaching the muslim people there and what they want to see God do he would tear up, overwhelmed with love for the people. When was the last time we felt that way about the people we minister to? Then he met a man that was a former muslim that had been saved by seeing 5 different visions of Jesus. WOW!!! His testimony is incredible. An american christian girl had been teaching him English and one day in their lessons asked the question "do any of you believe in dreams and visions? Not the normal sleep kind of dreams but real visions from God?" Well this got his attention and he was interested in hearing more. He started talking to the girl more about Jesus and he was telling her he didn't accept him as God's son. she told him (which had to be from God) that Jesus is going to give him a vision! And over the course of a few weeks he had 5! L said that when he would talk about Jesus every time he would have to leave the room because he was overcome with emotion and men of that culture are not supposed to let others see them cry. He is now saved but not accepted by his family or by the Christians there because they believe he could be a spy and get them all in trouble. You see over there if you leave islam your family has the right to kill you. So he is alone somewhat in his faith but he is so bold L said and he is so full of joy!

God is doing some new things in our lives. I feel He is pulling us closer and showing us what it really means to live passionately for Him. Going deeper is not mystical or weird. It is searching for God ,for our Lord and knowing more about him. This is my hearts cry more now than ever before! I want to really live like a Christ follower.

Noland Family Pics

Check out the beautiful family pictures from Sprinkle of Grace Photography: