Colonel Paul Houge

As most of you know, Paul switched from the Army to Air Force 5 years ago. In doing so, he felt like he gave up the chance to ever make the rank of Colonel. In our world he was going to stay Lt. Colonel until he finished his career and we would stay in Denver. Yesterday, when the exec team at Buckley AFB met, they handed him "his wings" or eagles which means he made promotion to Colonel, which is a HUGE promotion! I am so proud of him, but we both attribute it to a fun God miracle. We have prayed so much about all of this, so know this is God's will, though I think both of us were excited to just stay where our heart is...Colorado.

As far as where we will be moving this summer...it is getting decided this week...pray we CAN stay in Denver even with his promotion!

Happy Valentines Day!

Tonight, Paul and I plan to go swing dancing...click on the link for a preview of the evening

http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/preview/Pxssg9vqei8HVOon93BwRbvp

Cold and Snowy Winter

So I guess this is one of the snowiest (and coldest in my book) winters for Denver. I am proud to say that Paul and I have been using our "in house" time wisely. These last two weeks we have been totally reorganizing our basement. Pictured is the "after" picture. We found these wood shelves from Pier One for $10 each. We have been getting rid of stuff and more stuff...so that maybe we can find a great deal on Craig's list for a ping pong table...we need to practice for the Yutzy Reunion! In the mean time though, I have been going through letters from high school & college. What a hoot...actually I threw most of them away so considering our recycled stuff we literally see flying throughout our neighborhood for days following the pick-em-up truck, who knows who is reading notes you may have sent me years ago!

Also, many of you have been asking whether we are staying in Denver for the rest of Paul's career...we find out next Tuesday whether or we get to stay here or we are to move (most likely we will stay...but pray).

This is so true!

You know you’re an adoptive parent if:

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kissthem goodnight has ever made you lose sleep.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.

4. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced theblessing of adoption.

5. It drives you crazy when people ask you about your adopted child's "real"parents.

6. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than ittakes an elephant to give birth (2 years!)

7. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway knowing where God calls you He will provide.

8. You have ever taken an airplane ride half way around the world with achild you just met.

9. You believe God's heart is for adoption.

10. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one ofthe most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.

11. You know what the word Dossier means and you can actually pronounce it!

12. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of yourlife.

13. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adoptedthem, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have them in your life.

Brunch Bunch at Marika's

Saturday was a fun day as well. It was the day of our monthly brunch bunch! You know that I was determined to go if I was willing to drive through snow to get there (thank you Jessica for driving). It was at Marika's and it was great to catch up, though we follow each other's blogs closely, we know a lot about what is going on in each other's lives. I really enjoyed figuring out the digital scrapbook with Lisa--thank you Lisa! Marika's cooking was fabulous as well:) There is just something about hanging out with friends that have been near and dear to you for years....LIfe is so good.

My Friend, Jo Anne

I have not blogged for a while and am catching up, but I have to start with last weekend...Friday was such a special day...I got to reconnect with my dear friend, Jo Anne. We used to dance together on the dance team at New Life Church when I lived in Colorado Springs. We connect on so many ways and I consider her my mentor as she has so much wisdom and insight and she is an intercessor. Thanks for your encouragement, Jo Anne!

SnoFest 2008

This weekend was SnoFest--where all of the military bases get off on Friday and Keystone hosts fun festivities during the weekend. The Allens (Ron works with Paul) and us stayed at the condo this weekend and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL weather. It's always hard to get motivated to ski, but once we get out there it is such a blast! Paul is my lifetime moguls teacher and it is starting to pay off. He is very patient:) I did talk him into hiking up to the outback bowls and we found some fresh powder, which I love. One of the festivities included cardboard races. Families/friends make cardboard bobsleds and race down a snow track. We just watched but my favorite box was a cardboard pirate ship.

The Allens have a little one-year-old, so being that they are incredibly in shape, they cross country skiied with Jarren on their back. I was impressed. Though we all come back a little bit sore, a good time was had by all.