Aunt Ruth and Corban on Adoption Day

 

Adoption Day!

 

It was a beautiful day. We were up at 4 getting ready for the big day. Dad and Mom Martin along with Ruth were waiting outside our door by six. The Metras were here as well. We pulled out around 6:20.

Traffic was horrendous.

We had to go downtown Chicago to the Daley Center where the Cook County Court House is. First (after finally finding parking) we had to meet our attorney on the 7th floor where she oriented us and then had Corban served papers by the Cook County Sheriff. After that procedure we had to go all the way up to the 17th floor. That was probably the most exasperating thing of the whole day. I heard of one attorney that quit his career because he spent two years watching lawyers fight for a spot on the elevator year after year! We finally got on one going down in in order to go back up. (You can get an idea of how high we were by our pictures that are in front of the windows.)

The particular courtroom that we were sent to was referred to by one lawyer in our elevator as the "happy floor." It is dedicated entirely to adoptions. In fact, the waiting room is decorating in real colorful, childlike themes. We had waited about ten minutes when we were called in.

The Judge sat while all of us filed in. All the Metras family, the Martins, Ruth, and our family all stood in front of the Judge. Jennie, Patience, Corban, and I were in front of the others right in front of the Judge. We were sworn in and then he began to ask questions. . .

of Patience!

"How old are you?"
"Do you like your brother?"
"Do you love him?"
"Will you help your Mommy?"

Oh, yes, he did ask where we were from and commented that his sister lives very close to our house a few streets down). And he also thanked the group for coming. He was very impressed with that. A few questions for our attorney (who had done mucho preparation and pre-filing) and swish-slash signatures, an order to show Patience where the suckers were so that she could take and distribute them as she saw fit. "She's in charge" were his exact words. And voila! It was done.

He came out to the waiting room for a picture and we were ready to go!

We went to the Walnut Room in Macy's which has been a Chicago favorite for many years. We had a very nice meal with soothing classical music in the background. We are so grateful for the family and friends that came to celebrate with us.

It was a very nice day.

More on "Amore Festa!"

Since Donna already told you the menu, I'll tell you the fancy-schmancy program names I came up with for the menu items (with the help of an Internet-driven Italian-English dictionary).

The food courses were as follows:
La zuppa: Minestrone alla salsiccia
La portata principale: Insalata di pollo e spinaci
Il dessert: Gelato alla pera

If anybody out there knows more about Italian than I do (and that should be about everyone out there), just ignore my prepositions and articles, OK? ;-)

Judy Hurst & Donna did an excellent job with the food. In picture #3, you can see some of the items on display for one of our games, "Test Your Italiano". Two of our ladies, Deyna Dodd & Pam Christy, have some Italian heritage in their backgrounds and were able to supply us with these Italian items which people had to match to the corresponding Italian word. I got 10 out of the 15 (by sheer luck--and maybe just a little common sense). You see in picture #4 that Donna was finally able to display some prints she purchased in Venice several years ago. Picture #6: Our teen/college girls did a super job as servers. Picture #7: Liz Cole was pretty much the woman in charge who expertly delegated to make sure that today happened. Picture #9: Jeanine Aumiller, who served as one of the chief decorators, brought her mom all the way from the hills of N.C. It was good to finally meet her.

Our other three unpictured games included: Italian Trivia, "Come up with as many Italian foods as you can" (how do you like that title?)--sort-of Boggle style, and the purse scavenger hunt (good one, gals! You'll have to try it!). A number of our ladies contributed door prizes that we were able to award to the winners. Our theme verse for the event was Matthew 6:33 ("But seek ye first the kingdom of God"). Jennifer Cox did do an excellent job in graciously, yet unapologetically, proclaiming the Gospel. As Donna said, we were very pleased with everything except the number of visitors. But even for that, we remind ourselves of the hand of God, and trust that it will be used for the profit of the Kingdom for those who were present, and perhaps even in the building of relationships with those who were invited but did not attend.

Amore Festa

Menu
Minestroni Soup
Roasted Chicken Salad
Ice Cream Pear Delight

Games
Italian Vocabulary Test
Italian Food "Boggle"
Purse Treasure Hunt

Our Italian themed luncheon went very well. We were a little disappointed with the turnout, but we did have 5 visitors, so that is pretty good. Jennifer Cox gave an excellent presentation of the gospel using "food" as her theme. It was very well prepared and thought through. Her daughters did a wonderful job with music--very talented and sweet--they even helped with the cleanup! I felt there was a very good spirit. The food was great, (Judy made minestroni which was fabulous, and I made Roasted Chicken Salad--recipe Jen gave me--I'll blog them sometime, they are definite repeats), the entertainment was great, and the decorations were great. Liz did a wonderful job overseeing the whole thing. (You will notice Johanna's fine china being used, ladies!) Brandi headed up the servers and they did a great job as well. Maybe Ruth will blog and include the program. I didn't make it home with one. Ruth, by the way, washed ALL the dishes! That deserves a gold medal. Charlene and Jeanine dried--two more gold medals! As for me, I am tired and ready to put my feet up. We had TONS of leftovers so lunch is all but prepared for tomorrow--YIPPEE!

Announcements

Just so you know, I linked your churches on the sidebar. Any more suggestions for links?

Also, just wondering: for those of you doing the same bible reading schedule as Dad, how are you doing?

I'm about ten days behind.

Back from Arabia

Dear family,

It is a blessing to be back home to my own family. I am glad for the opportunity to have visited "The Kingdom."

It was very interesting and educational (this is the internet, so I need to be discreet).

The people were very nice to me and treated me well, as I was their guest. I trust they learned a lot and that it was helpful to them.

Thank you for your prayers. Daniel

Miriam's Party!

The cake turned out pretty good, though it was quite the saga getting it accomplished!! Miriam's favorite gift was, of course, the baby doll. Clothes may have been Mommy's favorite, but the doll from her Mommy and Daddy certainly stole the show! It was fun!

Miriam's Birthday Morning

Miriam began her birthday morning with breakfast in bed, which consisted of a rather scary-looking crepe. Her big brother enjoyed helping Mommy decorate and serve the breakfast treat. She also received a few phone calls and even got to hear her name mentioned in the birthday list on the radio. We're gearing up for a family birthday party tonight complete with a Monte-Cristo supper and delectable birthday cake professionally made by Auntie Donna.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, MIRIAM!

Our littlest girl is growing fast!

Repas Agape 2007

Last night was the Repas Agape. Even though we were about half the normal number, it was a really great evening. There were 34 seated in the salle(only 16 countries this year, but many first time visitors, all brought by our kids), four servers (we initiated the young generation--they were thrilled!) and Hyo-Soeng (a wonderful helper!) and I. The general ambiance was exceptional and the salle looked really pretty with the bordeaux tablecloths and pretty decorations (mainly the work of Crystal who was too sick to attend!). The skit was hilarious, the games captivating and the message timely. From all the compliments, the food was delicous :-) For dessert, we had cream puffs that I filled with the recipe from the wedding. A big hit. Of course, it was great to visit with Matthieu and Jeanine before and after, too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!

One year ago this month the Bixby Bulletin was begun. I would say that over all it has been a smashing success--with only a few minor mishaps along the way. Thanks, Bob, for setting us up!!

An Un-Happy Valentines Day

Milou ran away.

It was very, very cold. Ruth had come over to watch the kids so that Jennie could catch up on some work. I was in town. Jennie put the dog out to go to the bathroom and turned to do something for just a few minutes. When she turned around he was gone.

She immediately donned her winter clothes and went all over the neighborhood hollering his name. Patience called me, crying. I drove all over the neighborhood, Jennie made flyers, I went to the humane society to file a report, etc. The results were negative. The word from the experts was that we would never see him again. He is too cute, did not have his collar, and if he survived the cold more than an hour would be snatched up by somebody glad to have a free, full-blooded poodle.

To say the least, we were devestated. I explained to Patience that reality was that we would most likely never see Milou again. I had two crying girls on my hands. Corban took it like a trooper. Even our church people got involved! It was Wednesday night and so many told me that they were really sad for Patience and Jennie. Somehow I was not all that much of a concern of theirs...

During the night Jennie and I prayed several times.

This morning at 8:30 our octegenarian neighbor lady several houses down feebly made it to our door to tell us that our dog was in her garage. She had seen him yesterday (we knew that much) and had tried to lure him into her garage, but he took off, she though. She left her door open for awhile and apparantly Milous doubled back and found refuge in her garage, curling deep into some tarp and blankets she had in a corner. He would have died otherwise.

She did not know it, shut the door. Today she went out to her garage and found him shivering and weakened. She was afraid he'd bolt so she bundled up and braved the icey sidewalk to bear the happy news to us.

Jennie and Patience cried again. This time happy tears.

Milou is at the stage in his dog years that they are most prone to run away. We have to keep an eye on him. He had such a miserable time. He hadn't gone potty at all in her garage and so when I put him out in the snow to relieve himself he did so, but couldn't move afterwards because he was so cold. I had to pick him up and rub him down. His time was so miserable that he has been sticking to my heels all day long.

Anyway, we had a rough Valentines Day, but there was a happy ending this morning.

Also this morning (and just in time to share our joy with us), the home study lady appeared to do another home study. We learned all about our upcoming court date on the 27th. We're excited.

Happy be-lated Valentines Day from the Rockford Bixbys.

Miriam's "New" Bed

Monday Tim converted Miriam's crib into a toddler bed. Miriam is pretty excited about being able to get up and down all by herself, and she loves talking about her "new bed," even though she's already taken a number of tumbles. We're getting creative trying to find ways to keep her from falling out. Good thing it's not too high off the floor! We'll have to see how the next few nights go to see whether she's really ready for this new adventure.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

To the world's most wonderful parents!
We are all very thankful for the love you have showered on us our entire lives. Thank you for being you.

Happy Valentine's Day

To the most wonderful valentines going! We love you all and each one of you is special. Have a great day!

Check this out...

Check out the front page of youbelong.net

Still in Hospital

We are still in the hospital. Here are a few pictures.



This picture above is Corban on Friday just before he is lanced. The following pictures are Corban on Satuday. I think that the effect of the lancing and the good medical attention used by the good hand of the LORD are obvious.

Our Little Boy is Doing Better!

Here is a picture that Bob sent to us via his phone. Isn't he cute as a button? He looks happy, too. Bob says that he is smiling continually now that he is feeling better. Wish we could pick him up and kiss him, but it looks like it might be a little hard even if we were there. We are thankful to the Lord that Corban is on the mend. Thought you all would like to see him smile.

Corban's Rough Day

Poor little Corban had a rough day. After two days of being on antibiotics the doc didn't think that his left breast was healing fast enough. So today around noon he was admitted to Swedish American Hospital where a couple of hours later three nurses and his two parents held him down while the doctor pierced him with her scalpel (?) and began "draining" him (more like wringing him if you ask his daddy). It was not a pleasant experience for any of us. Even the doctor (who is a lovely lady with a very tender approach) felt queasy after it was all done. Before she cut him, Corban looked up at her with peaceful brown eyes and she said, "Oh, please don't look at me with those eyes. I'm going to do something horrible to you." In the picture above you see him with a clear bandage holding down a "numbing cream" (like we believe that) prior to the procedure.

He is sleeping now.

The chaplain of the hospital attends our church. He came up several times to be with us. He prayed with us too. Bill and Nancy Hunt came and Bill read a Psalm to us and prayed with us. Very pastoral. I couldn't help but be touched that several took it upon themselves to do the "pastoral" thing for us. So far, Cooks and Grandpa and Grandma Martin (and Aunt Ruth) have come to pay the little man a visit. Hopefully, he will be released soon. The doctor didn't sound optimistic that he would be released tomorrow although she did admit it was a possibility.

Thanks for your prayers.

Corban is One Month Old....

and the poor little boy is celebrating in the hospital. Pray for him and his mommy and daddy! They will update us when they can, but for now here is a picture that Bob sent from the hospital.

Thanks for the snow, Ben!!!

Yesterday afternoon, we were sitting at the table eating lunch when we heard the rumble of the mailman's jeep driving nearby, indicating that some more bills and advertisements would soon be placed into our green, dilapidated, thrice-hit-by-bicycles-or-other-fast-moving-objects mailbox.

Miriam says, "Truck, Mommy. Truck."

"Yes, it's the mail truck," I reply.

A moment later, the mail truck has already been forgotten and we have moved on to other intelligent (and some not-so-intelligent) conversation. Suddenly, we hear a confident "rap, rap, rap" at our front door! Oh, goody! Something too big for the mailbox!!! We all excitedly send Daddy off to see what it is.

Daddy returns with an oversized, white envelope addressed to Mr. Tim Bixby in yellow marker. The return address identifies the sender as Mr. Benjamin Bixby of Burnsville, Minnesota. Well, well, well. Now here's a nice surprise! As Daddy gingerly tears open the package, out falls a little note:

"Uncle Tim and Aunt Ruth, I hope you enjoy these pictures I made at school." Carefully, Uncle Tim begins to unfold the crisp, black construction paper to see what sort of lovely artwork would arrest our attention. Unfortunately, Uncle Tim has a little difficulty recognizing the penguin at first because he is holding it sideways, and therefore assumes it must be some sort of flying object. I quickly correct him, and gasp at my first sight of Minnesota snow!!! Sent by our loving nephew special-order right to our very own South Carolina front door! I quickly--but nicely, of course--snatch the other picture from Uncle Tim's adept, but slow-moving hands and unspread the larger art canvas to unveil, you've got it--more SNOW!!!

It didn't take Uncle Tim long at second glance to see the penguin, and no longer could he understand how he had ever seen anything else. Notice, too, the careful depth applied to the image of the snowman. We're not talking just three circles piled one atop another. No, sir!!! This guy's got perspective! See the shadow? Clearly day is fading into dusk and the shadow thickens as it moves up the abdomen of the wintery figure. What a gifted artist! And what a gift to share. As you can see, the pictures now decorate our refrigerator. Thanks, Ben. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.

P.S. One question: what secret message is the codeword "F" supposed to convey? I imagine Grandma has an idea.

Miriam's Pre-Birthday

Since the Pahnke grandparents were in town for Aunt Tara's shower this weekend, Miriam got to celebrate her birthday with the extended Pahnke family more than two weeks early! I made a heart-shaped cake from a recipe I saw in this month's issue of Taste of Home. (Thanks for the heart-shaped cake pan, Mom!) And Miriam got spoiled! The new baby stroller from Uncle Richard and Aunt Tara ranked pretty high on her list of favorites.

Minus 13

When we left Greenville the it was 40 degrees. When we pulled into our driveway it was 1. Overnight the temperature continued to drop to a brutal minus ten. Today it is minus 13 with wind chill factors into the minus 30s. To say the least, life has come to a grinding halt even for seasoned Northerners. It is painful to walk outside.

In spite of that we had great services yesterday and remarkably good attendance. Uncle John and Aunt Lois were our guests from Saturday evening on. In fact, they rolled into our driveway a mere 30 minutes after we ended our 8 week trip. Thankfully, our house was warm and Jane Cook had prepared a delicious meal for us to enjoy with them in our own home. Jennie's parents and Sperlings came by to see Corban, so the Hutchinsons got exposed to some of Jennie's family right away.

He spoke in the Sunday School hour and in the evening service. Frontline Missions International is very interesting. I think he was well received. I know that they seemed to very much enjoy the day. We ate lunch at the Olive Garden and spent a couple of hours there.

It is very good to be back. The cold is so brutal that school has been called off and people are hunkering down. We have so many things that we have to do in town, but it is dangerous to take a baby out in this weather so Ruth is coming over in a few minutes to watch Corban and Patience while we do important errands.

One thing we have to do is buy a new water heater. Ours is dying fast.

Growing--oh, so fast!

Doesn't he look "all boy" in this little adorable outfit from Papi and Grandma? 

So Precious!

 

Parting Photos

 

"Clans" Continued II

"Ruth Clan" "Becky Clan"
 

Clans Continued

"Eunice Clan" "Lois Clan"
"Bonnie Clan"