Whitty's Four

Where does the time go?

2009-05-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

It seemed like yesterday I gave birth to my second son and yesterday I saw him receive his HS diploma. Taylor has grown up and made Jeff and I proud, so proud to be called his Mom and Dad.
God blessed us when he gave us this precious boy, but now he is a man. He will soon leave our home, and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa to study biology.

My Cinderella

2009-04-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

We volunteered at the United Tour concert and had a great night listening to Steven Curtis Chapman and M.W Smith. We worked with Emily Chapman and she was so incredibly kind to Caeleigh.Caeleigh also got to dance with her daddy when he sang Cinderella. And the end of the night we were pleasantly surprised to meet SCC. They were a very real family, who obviously has suffered greatly this last year. We are so thankful for the help they gave us in bringing Caeleigh home, and for the heart they have for the 143 million orphans in the world. May God bless thir ministry and their family as they continue to grieve the loss of their precious daughter.
So now Caeleigh loves the song Cinderella and calls it,"her song".When I was carpooling this morning I heard her telling her 4 yr old friend all about "her song". Then she sang it for us all the way to preschool.

What A Pleasure it has been...

2009-03-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

...to have Caeleigh Elizabeth-Xinke join our family. Today we celebrate our two year "Gotcha Day"!!! When I told Caeleigh what we were celebrating, she asked,"Now do I have to go back to China? And with a big smile I said," Never,Never, not in a million years will we let go of you!!!" You are ours forever!!
She gave me a great big smile and hug.

Help a Family

2009-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Help a family bring a Asian Baby home from Russia.Jamie and Jill are from our church.

At The End of The Day

2009-01-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Caeleigh will pose for any picture, but at the end of the day, she wants her Taylor. He had just finished wrestling and she found him.

I am a proud mom

2008-11-11T15:32:00.001-08:00

Taylor had awards night last night and his Dad and I were very proud of him. He received !st team all District, and an award for the most tackles in 3A. 148 tackles in a season.He also got a academic award. So we were very proud of him.

But I am most proud of him for how he has embraced and loved his new sister this last year. Jeff and I never could have imagined our older boys embracing Caeleigh the way Ryan, Alec and Taylor have embraced her. They have loved her so much. It has been fun to watch them!!!

God has been good!!

They guessed my age at 26!!

2008-10-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Someone found out it was my Birthday today and they guessed my age at 26!!No they did not have dementia, but they were 100 years old with very poor eye sight. I had a great laugh out of that.
The real # is 49 and I am not a bit embarrassed by it.

Jeff and I had a great day of shopping, I shopped, he read a book. When I went into Eddie Bauer, the lady was trying to get me to buy a vest, she says,"these are so in style, you just have to have one," I looked out over my glasses,(Now that I can no longer see) and said, I truly do not care what is in style, look at me, I'm 49.

My boys always ask me,Why are you on a diet? You are old and you cares what you look like. My usual response is," I do not want you to have to buy a extra large casket. So you have it.

I am old and it is O.K. with me.

October 11, 1990 Waterloo,Iowa .My # 31

2008-10-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

I am a little slow to post, but we are still celebrating, so I guess it is still acceptable.
At 3 pm, on October 11, I gave birth to one of the most beautiful brown eyed baby boys I had ever seen. His name was Taylor Andrew Whitt.
Taylor turned 18 and that makes me a little sad and yet happy for him. He is ready to be independent come next fall.
Taylor and I have always had a unique relationship, a deep bond between a mom and her son. One often unspoken, but very much felt.
Taylor is a very disciplined man, he is physically very strong and takes pride in his work, whether it is football or wrestling. Schools comes in third, but he does fairly well there too.
Taylor has been a great kid and I could not be prouder of him.

Happy Birthday to my second son. I love you.
Mom

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

My Little Girl Is Four

2008-09-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

T

My Baby turned four and she had quite a princess party. We had so
much fun with her. The only person missing was her best friend Oakley. But she called and sang "Happy Birthday" to Caeleigh. Thanks Oakley.
As you can see, Caeleigh can do some serious pouting. She did not appreciate her mothers great Ebay purchase. She had enough and there was no cooperation that day.

I just love this girl with all her emotions. God has blessed our family with this precious princess. She has three big brothers that love her and dote on her every single day.

I say to God, Thank you, Thank you for the gift of adoption. The most important adoption is allowing us to be adopted into the kingdom of God, The second, allowing us to adopt Miss Caeleigh Elizabeth-Xinke Whitt , she is a treasure to our family and we love her with all our hearts. Happy Birthday My sweet Baby Girl.
Mom
I did not take these pictures on her B-day, in case your wondering. She really did have fun. I just loved the dress and I love showing the whole picture of life.

Friday Night Fun

2008-09-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Dutch win!!!! How fun is that?
I wanted to yell."That's my boy!!" but I contained myself.

I sure was proud!! And of course,I know my husband pretty well and I know he is thinking, your bragging on the world wide web,

Yep, you bet I am!! That's what Mom's do!!!

Another Teenage

2008-09-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Thirteen years ago a very special son was born, Alec Christopher Whitt. It has always amazed me that Jeff and I could always turn out such different children, not one alike. Well Alec is no different. Alec is without a doubt my easiest child. Kind, compliant, and very competitive. He knows as much about sports as Sports Center, maybe it is because he memorizes it? He is the only kid I know, that can enjoy any ballgame on TV, no matter who is playing. He is a great kid and we love him to death. Happy Birthday Alec!!!

Is There A Doctor In The House?

2008-08-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Caeleigh and Grandma were having fun!

Tagged by Oakley

2008-07-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ok Oakley this is new to us, Here goes: Name Caeleigh Elizabeth-Xinke Whitt

AGE; Almost 4

Favorite Food; Candy, Watermelon, Anything with Ketchup, French Fries, meat

Favorite Activity: Going to the pool with Daddy or the park. I also love to go to church.Going to to American Girl Store with Mom in Chicago

Favorite Music; Jesus music in the car. (children's Christian CD)

Favorite Toy; Playing with my princess cloths or dolls.

Favorite Cloths; Any Dress that is pretty

Favorite Book; Bible stories, A couple of Dora Books

What Makes Me Happy: My Mom,Daddy and sometimes my brothers.I love to watch Dora and Super Why.

What Makes Me Sad; When my Mom and Dad leave for any reason.

I Tag; Ms Chloe

A Special Friendship, Started In China

2008-07-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

How cool is it that God has given these two little girls the opportunity to keep their special friendship alive in the United States. They were both adopted by two different families 900 miles apart, but only 30 miles apart from Grandma and Grandpa Whitt.

The Curds were gracious host to our family and our girls had so much fun. As we drove off from a fun night with the Curd's, Caeleigh says," I want to be with Oakley all the time," Then this morning when I was unloading my camera. she saw Oakley's picture and kissed my camera so gently. It was so precious. Two little girls, best friends in China, still able to maintain that special bond.

Interesting Reading

2008-07-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

I read this on another blog and it really spoke to me and the sin inside of me. Litany of Humility by - Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val and began to read:

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,
deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved,
From the desire of being extolled,
From the desire of being honored,
From the desire of being praised,
From the desire of being preferred to others,
From the desire of being consulted,
From the desire of being approved,

From the fear of being humiliated,
deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
From the fear of being calumniated (slandered or gossiped about),
From the fear of being forgotten,
From the fear of being ridiculed,
From the fear of being wronged,
From the fear of being suspected,

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
That in the opinion of the world,
others may increase, and I may decrease,
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
That others may become holier than I,
provided that I may become as holy as I should.

So, there it was - my answer - Humility.

The struggle of the human condition.I do not know about you, but I need God's grace in fresh ways every day.

Those Beautiful Almond Eyes

2008-07-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have trouble keeping those beautiful almond eyes open for pictures!! But when we do, how beautiful they are.

Ms Caeleigh Loves Dresses

2008-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Caeleigh loves to dress up. Her grandma's give her many dresses and she loves that. She has a different dress every Sunday. Thank-you Grandma Whitt and Grandma Krampe!

Caeleigh loves to dress up
She would change her outfit 3-4 x a day if I would let her. She often has my shoes on,wearing them all over the house. She is just a hoot to watch. Then when she is ready,dress on,shoes on, hair done, she will then parade into the living room for the boys to ohh and ahh over her, which of course they always do.( and she loves that.)
O to be a princess!!

Baseball for Alec and Caeleigh

2008-06-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa

2008-06-30T10:43:00.001-07:00

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Thank-you for my new dress. I really liked it and wore it to my favorite place, church. I love to go to church on Sundays. I get to see all of my friends.

Iraq Will Be Next, But Ryan Is Safe Today

2008-06-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

Iowa is safe, but Iraq is coming, I just choose not to think about it.

Our day did not start out to well. It is 6 am. I am traveling to Sioux City to work and Ryan is going to Des Moines. I have some free time so I call Ryan and we talk awhile.
I am traveling down the highway going 70 mph and I see a warning light go off in my car. Of course I do not know what it means, so I am trying to find my glasses and the manual. I discover I have low pressure in my tire. No problem, I can put air in my tire. I stop at Casey's and the tire is pretty much flat. Well I can look pretty pathetic and the first guy I ask, changed my tire. So I am on my way.

Jeff calls me a minute later. Ryan has just had a fairly serious accident. He was not hurt but they think he totaled his car. The patrolman told him, he was very lucky boy. He just missed getting hit by a semi going 75 mph.He hit rain and hydroplaned on the interstate. The car turned to its side and traveled down the road for a long way then ended in a ditch.

He missed the bus to eastern Iowa but the guard will get him there tomorrow. We are so thankful he is OK. I do not like to think of it as luck but as Gods protection.

First Call To Service

2008-06-12T03:43:00.000-07:00

Ryan was notified yesterday to be in Des Moines today at 7am. His unit is being deployed to eastern Iowa to help manage the floods. Of course he is right in the middle of his summer class at Iowa State, so he unsure how this will effect that.

Pray that the rain will stop!!

Summer Fun

2008-06-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

God's Big Picture

2008-05-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

God certainly has the big picture, and we have not a clue. What is one to think after such a tragedy? I feel such gratitude toward the Chapman's. Hey, They helped Jeff and I bring our sweet baby Caeleigh home.

They have such a heart for the orphan. They have touched children's lives like no other I am aware of.

But I have to believe that God has a bigger and greater work for that family. Certainly they need healing, but as we lift them up to the almighty God, I expect God to do some mighty things. May the power of the scriptures come alive, like never before for Steven Curtis Chapman and his family.

May Romans 8;28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

I am sure they will have dark days and months. But God has the power to heal. Now we need to do our part and faithfully lift them up in prayer.

Second give, just think how much money they could raise to help bring every orphan home.

Spring Has Finally Arrived!!

2008-05-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

It is the annual Tulip Festival in Orange City, Iowa this weekend. This is a yearly Dutch Festival that they celebrate here in NW Iowa. The small town of 5,000 is filled with 100,000 visitors over the three day event, if the weather is good.

Poor Alec has had a difficult tulip festival. Quite honestly, he will tell you, it is his favorite time of the year.

He loves the food, the rides, and just the fun of hanging out with his friends. Well guess who got the flu? (the stomach flu) Then to make matters worse, he lost 5 pounds. Taylor told him many times,"you look like your dying." Then of course Alec, who is my worrier, came to me at regular intervals " Do I still look so skinny?" I hated to tell the truth. But he is as skinny as a rail.

Man if that was my problem, I'd be happy everyday, Can you see me telling Jeff, "Do I still look so skinny?"

My New Toy

2008-05-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

I know you are wondering if I am still alive over here and yes I am. I am now the proud owner of a Canon Rebel. Since I did not win Stephanie's ( I do not blame her, I am thankful for her) I had a garage sale and saved all I could and I found a good used one on Ebay so I am thrilled.

Now to my beautiful daughter.

A Bad Week

2008-04-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I know some have been waiting for pictures of our "Gotcha Day Anniversary" but we have had a rough week and I have not gotten to it. My camera is not working very well, so I need Jeff's help and he is busy. So I have to wait my turn.

Caeleigh fractured her elbow. It has been painful for her at times. But quite honestly, she is a tiger, who does not like to be caged. And I am the zoo keeper, running after her. Quite funny!! I'm sure!!

Pictures to come, but I am still wanting that new camera.
Karen

Just imagine

2008-03-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

I meant for those pictures to be in the opposite order, but I am to dumb or lazy to change them.
Karen

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today!

2008-03-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

I am so very, very thankful Jesus is not dead. I always get accused of being blunt, and I guess that is blunt. But I need the power of the resurrection in my life and the Bible promises us that power.

I am a horrible sinner, and that because Jesus is alive, I am forgiven of my sin, (if I have repented) and I will live forever in heaven with my Savior.

I want so much for my children to know and experience God, not just in their heads, but also in their hearts, there is such a difference. God's love in so amazing and fresh, new and great every morning.

On a lighter note, This is Caeleigh's second Easter with us. Coming this week, Our one year "Gotcha Party". Look for pictures.

Happy Easter,
The Whitt's

My Big Boy

2008-03-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago today, was one of the best days of my life. I gave birth to my firstborn, Ryan. I love him so much!!!
He is handsome and my only blue eyed baby. He is smart and smart mouthed (at times).He is a talker and a thinker. He is generous with his money and with his love, (especially to Caeleigh.)He is a great kid, but now I should say adult.

Happy Birthday Ryan!!
Mom

Just Had to Laugh

2008-02-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

Caeleigh came to me singing ,"Jesus Loves Me" notice her home-made guitar. She sees guitars at church, who would have thought she would notice. I thought it was so funny and cute!! That's my girl!!

Just Life

2008-02-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

Taylor finished his wrestling season 28-8. We were certainly proud of him. He worked very hard.
He is now going to the gym every morning at 5;30 to lift weights.He is trying to get ready for football in the fall.
I am trying to get him to start thinking about college and career choices.It is hard to believe he will be a senior in the fall. It seemed like yesterday he was a tiny baby lying beside me in bed.

Ryan calls me frequently. Yesterday he was baking cookies and need some help. Caeleigh answers the phone and she always knows Ryans voice.

Caeleigh is delightful. She tells me everyday. I wuve Mommy,Daddy,Alec, Taywer and RyRy, then she kisses me. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We are so thankful we obeyed the Lord and the call He gave us to adopt an orphan. It is one of the best decisions we have ever made.

God instructs Christians to care for the widows and orphans, the Christians just need to step up to the plate, either to adopt or support someone financially who is adopting. The number of orphans in the world now equals one half of the United States population.If that does not move you,I am not sure what will!!

A Crying Girl

2008-02-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

My crying girl. Her beloved Daddy left to return a book to the library and his little girl is crying" Daddy, Daddy" The girl who wanted nothing to do with men just adores her Daddy and for that matter, all the boys.

Ryan was home this weekend and he took Caeleigh and Alec out to eat. Then he took Caeleigh to Walmart for a new doll. This girl has it made!!

Taylor To Districts

2008-02-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

Taylor finished second yesterday, so he moves on to districts next Saturday. He will face a kid 5th in the state. Yesterday he lost by points to the kid rated first. Josh Innen, the kid that beat Taylor, is a nice kid and we know his parents. I think he may help Taylor this week get ready for next Saturday.
I was proud of Taylor, his goal was to make it into the second period and he did. That last time they wrestled, Josh pinned Taylor in 40 seconds.
Ryan is doing well at ISU. He needs to find some good friends. Ones that will encourage his faith.
Alec and Caeleigh are doing fine. Caeleigh is really picking up knowledge. We are working on the ABC's and counting. Next month will be 12 months with our precious girl. We will have a big celebration on her Gotcha Day.

See Taylor and Caeleigh wrestling. Taylor lost by a fall.

Alec's Our Man

2008-01-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

This Saturday was all about Alec. Most Saturdays, Taylor is the man, but no wrestling today. Taylor had a great meet on Thursday. He won in overtime to kid that had beat Taylor twice. That kid was very good and it was very exciting. Sorry to say, I was the only one there. Dad and Ryan got the news quickly via the cell phone.

Alec played in a basketball tournament and he did well. Here are a view pictures. My camera stinks compared to Jana Curd's, she takes amazing pictures.Check out her blog.

It is cold in Iowa today.the wind chill is about 20 below O. A good day to stay home in front of a fire, too bad we do not have one. Jeff came home to a 90 temp difference. Caeleigh has hardly left her Dad's side since he came home. She is very fond of him. Here she is rearranging my refrid.

Ryan started Iowa State this week. So far, I have heard no news about quiting. Mom is thankful for that. Ryan is good about calling home. He is very, very good to his siblings. We are so thankful for the bond our kids have.

Dad's Away

2008-01-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

Jeff has been in Haiti the last week, doing a conference for pastors. He loves it so much and it has gone well. But being a single parent is not easy. Maybe I am spoiled because he helps me so much.
Caeleigh tells me," No work! Stay home with Caeleigh-Kah." Believe me, I'd rather stay home. It is cold and hauling her to the babysitter early in the morning is hard. Then to take my sweet baby to wrestling meets by myself. One could understand if you have ever been to one. On Saturdays, I spend 8 hours sitting on bleachers.
I'd better stop complaining. I am so thankful for my kids!! I just want Jeff home. I really have missed him.

Our Complete Family

2007-12-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

Our family is now complete with the arrival of our precious Caeleigh. Last Christmas I could not wait to have her with us. This year seemed like a dream. She was so happy, yelling "yea" after opening each present. All of us enjoyed watching her, she was so fun!!

Thank You Oakley

2007-12-22T05:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you Oakley for my new Christmas present. I loved it and wore them to bed last night.

Oakley is Caeleigh's best friend from her orphanage in China. They loved each other and share a special friendship. She now lives in Kentucky and we stay connected via email,phone and a visit this last summer.

Taylor finished third in Siouxland Conference last night.

2007-12-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

Hey, I 'm really starting to enjoy this blogging!!

We had a great weekend with Taylor taking first in his wrestling tournament. We are very proud of him.

Caeleigh always makes me smile. Check out her two new sleeping positions. She has unloaded my tree a couple times a day for the last few days. I just replace them when she is not looking.

Taylor looked like he was dying here,but Caeleigh was happy he won!!

A Busy Month

2007-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

The time does seem to fly by. We are in the midst of our busiest month. Jeff and I enjoy having many holiday get-togethers at our home. It is fun, but the month does seem to slip by.

Taylor is busy with wrestling. He is having a good season so far. He did not wrestler last year so he has had a couple of tough matches.

Caeleigh was dedicated to the Lord. It was special to have Ryan home with us to celebrate God's rich blessing of this special little girl. She continues to charm most of us. She can be crabby in the morning. But after a hour she is happy and making us all smile. It is so fun to see her bloom. She is one special little girl. Oh how thankful we are for her.

Alec is busy with basketball. He is quite social and loves sports.

2007-11-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

We finished football and now we start wrestling. So soon I will have no free weekends, but I love to watch Taylor wrestle. I am not sure how Caeleigh will do at those long meets.

Ryan comes home next Sat., but I am on call, so I will not get to go to the airport. He calls and talks to me quite often, so I am OK. Caeleigh is being dedicated to the Lord on Sunday. Again I am on call, but a nurse is covering church time for me.

Four Great Kids

2007-11-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

Some of you have not seen these pictures, so I thought you might like them.

Ryan will be home soon from his time in the military, 2 weeks I think. Hopefully we will be together for Thanksgiving. I know I will work some that day, but I hope not all day.

Taylor is a junior. He is just starting his wrestling season. He needs to gain10 lbs, so I guess I will be spending $250.00 per week instead of 200.00. He goes through about a gallon of milk every day.

Alec is in 6th grade. He's a good kid. Easy to raise, I sure love him!!

Ms Caeleigh is my beautiful Asian Princess. Love that girl!!

Mrs. Jeff

2007-11-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

I hope you all know I am teasing Jeff. I love and respect him very much, but I enjoy a good laugh!! He is a great husband and father.

Do not tell Jeff

2007-11-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Do Not Tell Mr. Whitt Yes, miracles still happen!! Karen has started a Blog. I am expanding brain tissue yet untouched. So here goes. Jeff thinks blogging is a waste of time and focused on ourselves. But I do not agree. I enjoy reading all of yours, so why not?