Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Could I Love Another One As Much?

Is 54:2
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back

I married my lovely wife 14 years ago. After 2 years together and our love growing stronger year by year, we found out we were going to have a baby! I thought to myself, how could I love this child as much as I love my wife?

It's a BOY!
Simeon was born. I loved that boy. Watching him grow up so quick. My son! That was my son and I love him so much! A gifted talented young man is has become.

Then, Charissa said, I'm pregant again. I thought, how could I love this new little one as much as I love Charissa and Simeon. Would I have enough love to spread to this new child?

It's a GIRL!
Liesel was born. She was beautiful. I delivered her. She has grown into a beautiful young lady. Tender hearted and full of Jesus. I love her more than words could say.

Zone defense! We found we were going to have another child! I asked, how could I love this new little as much as I love Charissa, Simeon and Liesel? Would I be able to love and nurture and provide for this new one like I do the others?

Its a BOY!
Jude! What a joy he has been! Inquisitive, sensitive and a heart of compassion! I love him so very much! He is truly a great blessing and I love him so much.

Its time again... number 4... Charissa showing me the little white stick. I said, oh my 4 kids? Will I have enough love to spread to a 4th child? Will I be able to love this child as much as I love the other 3?

It's a GIRL!
Hope was born! How I love throwing her in the air, listening to her laugh. Hearing her speak with such intended articulation. She is beautiful and I can truly say, I love her too, so much!

Ah oh, another one? This time it was time to extend our family outside of our own biological means. Adoption of a very special girl on the horizon. My question: Will I be able to love this little girl as much as I love the others?

It's a GIRL!
Ava became my newest daughter. She is full of life. I love dancing with her, jumping on the trampoline with her and making her giggle. What a blessing she is! I love her so much. I cannot being to put into words the love that I have for that beautiful girl.

Can I love more?
How much capacity for love do I have?
Is there a limit?

Lord, how much do I need to expand my tent?

How far can I go? Where will You take me?

... Ethiopia?

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sad Day


Bliss died today.

She was 14.

14 years ago today, I bought her for Charissa on her birthday. I was apprehensive at first. Never had a dog before...

I loved her. She was the best dog a family could ask for.

Services will be pond side at 7pm Friday evening. We'll have a tennis ball throwing and Nelly will retrieve. Much like an F-16 missing man formation. She'll be laid to rest by the pond where she LOVED to swim almost daily.

I'll miss her dearly. She was a loved Gold Retriever.



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I'm Proud of the 2 Boys

Simeon and Jude took it like men on the paint ball field yesterday!!!

Jude

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Koens


Our great friends Frikkie, Tina, Josh and Matthew




are right now about to arrive in South Africa for an exciting journey that most would not even dare think of, much less actually do. Jesus has called them to go helps kids have a new chance in life by teaching them life skills and encouraging them to follow Jesus. Bridge To Cross is an organization they started bring this dream to reality.

If you would like to follow them and keep up to speed, their blog is:


We are so proud of you Frikkie and Tina and doing what God is calling you to do. We love you and we support you. And, we can't wait some day to come and visit you!


Sunday, May 17, 2009

Crappie...

Passing it on to the next generation...

I keep asking the boys if they'll take me fishing when I am old. They say they will. I hope they are better at finding crappie than I am...






Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Strawberry


This sweet little girl's name is Strawberry:

Isn't she beautiful? She loves floating in the swimming pool or bath tub. She loves to play patty cake if you guide her hands.  She can't talk but she can jabber. She's lovely!

Strawberry has severe medical problems but she has a smile that lights up a room and a robust laugh.

Strawberry needs a family to love her.

My wife posed a question to me last night that really got me thinking... Her question was:

"What is Gods heart and plan for Strawberry?"

I've been thinking about that all day.

Read Charissa's post now:  Little Guy


Monday, March 2, 2009

Another One of My Beautiful Daughters

I'm so proud of Liesel. She was up early this morning feeding our new
baby calf.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Welcome To My Domain...


My good friend Kasey, emailed me some old pics. this is Jude on top of a very dangerous cliff near Valle de Bravo Mexico. What kind of parents would leave thier kid so close to the ledge? Isn't he a cute little guy?

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Gotcha Day!

Many of you woke up to this Headline News story one year ago today....


Well, we very much remember that day at the Urban household. She has come so far. Done so much. I couldn't help but be moved today in church when Ava looked in my eyes and said..  "Pa Pa!", while signing it TOO! 

Everyone turned around to look, but I didn't care. I'll just let them think I have an unruly child. They just have no idea.

Look at Ava's first photo again, as an Ava Alina Grace Urban... dashing away from the orphanage and turned the corner in the tiny Nissan Sentra Taxi cab, to her brand new life.

She's come a long way.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

1 Year...



Its been 1 year.

1 year ago today I met my beautiful new daughter Ava. Not feeling well and barely able to grunt. Chicken pox all over her face. But, she was able to smile on the first day we met... 


She was able to reach her tiny hand out and stroke mine. 


She was able to capture my heart in ways no-one will ever know.

1 year ago today Charissa and I braved an action packed trip to Ukraine to meet her for the first time. 
1 year ago today, Ava started a brand new life. 
1 year ago today, Ava started her forever transformation.
1 year ago today, Ava NEVER had to worry about going to an institution ever again.
1 year ago today, Ava didn't have to wonder anymore where her dad was.
1 year ago today, Ava got to see pictures of her brothers and sisters.
1 year ago today, Ava got a mom, dad, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, grandparents, great grand mothers, great uncles, great aunts, semi-great uncles, semi-great aunts, 25+ cousins and tons of friends
1 year ago today, Ava got to start counting the hours until she goes HOME... forever.

Now, I just can't imagine what I ever did without her.  Why did I ever even question adopting a little girl like this? She has brought so much life to us. She is simply beautiful. Have you ever noticed her beautiful blue eyes. Her smile is contagious.

365 days later, she is still working miracles in my life. Stealing my heart and tiny little ways. Looking into my eyes and signing Pa Pa. So much life to give. So much life to live.

Now, she is pulling up, all by herself! Charissa is going to post the movie soon. Until then, just look at the "Amazing" video that Charissa did many months ago, then go to her blog and see what she is doing now:


I'm so proud of Ava. 
I'm so proud of my wife. 
I'm so proud of my kids. They are doing a wonderful job with, my newest daughter!


Sunday, January 11, 2009

Ava and the Rubiks Cube

Ava and I spent some time together this afternoon working the Rubiks cube while watching the Steelers beat up on the Chargers. And, I'll have to say, she loves working the Rubiks cube!


I don't even have to look at the cube!


"Let me get the blue first!"


So fast, the camera can't even freeze the shot...


Hmm.. almost there...


Intense concentration....


I GOT IT!

Saturday, January 3, 2009