Rathjen Family

Rathjen Family
Rathjen, Party of EIGHT

Tuesday, December 28, 2010





Tugsuu and Keegan's Baby Reveal

Today was an AMAZING day! I had the honor of going with my dear friend Tugsuu to her ultrasound. We had a unique plan though... The ultrasound technician was to tell me the sex and not her. The tech was smart, she even made Tugsuu close here eyes while she went "down there." Then, with the new news I ran home and started baking a cake. The color of the cake would tell the family the sex of baby once cut. So we threw some spaghetti in the crockpot and invited the troops. Every one was filled with anticipation and giggles were every where...and then the time finally came. Together this adorable couple and their daughter Rachel cut the cake. Blue, blue, blue! Tears, laughs, squeals and hugs were shared. Congratulations to Keegan and Tugsuu! I feel so blessed to have been a part of such a joyful occasion.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Giving to the Giver

Found a church, for sure

After a long hunt, now I am not so sure why I went on, I have found a church. I guess I just wanted to be sure. Where you spend every Sunday morning, and with whom can greatly influence your week. The reason I am not sure why the hunt seemed so complicated is because the River church has always been on my heart. Ever since I discovered it, I have been drawn to it. So when I started my search for a new church, naturally that is where I went first and loved it! However, I felt the need to be sure so I kept attending different churches every Sunday. They were all nice, but none felt quite like this one. I love the music, the people, the environment, but what I love most is the Pastor and his wifes "on FIRE heart" for the orphan...I cannot wait to see where 2011 will take me, joining hands with this wonderful group of people.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

I visited The River Church today...

As I walked through the doors I was greeted by some of the nicest people. I went with a girlfriend of mine, and she headed to the children's area to drop off Zoe and her son. The pastor's wife came up and shook my hand and introduced herself. Little did she know, I already know her...I follow her blog, "A Place Called Simplicity." I follow her blog because I love to read about all their beautiful adoptions. I explained this and she was grateful. I also mentioned how I would love to adopt but have not yet. And she very sweetly said, "God's timing is perfect. His interest is with the orphan. Pray and fast, and you will be amazed at what He will do." It gave me hope.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Alternative Schooling is a Blessing

This school year we have embarked on a new journey. We have decided to home school/Christian school our daughter. She goes to school two days a week and home schools the rest. We do fun things on some of the Fridays with our school, Hope Community Christian Academy. I am so grateful we have the opportunity to play such a huge role in our daughter's education, but with some guidance. I love the teachers, the curriculum and the environment. We have seen major changes in Zoe since starting this. She no longer cries on school mornings. She no longer feels "behind," and she is more confident and happier all together. It is a huge adjustment, and we have had some hard days, I am not going to lie, but overall, I believe our life is more peaceful. I am so glad we turned to something unknown, conquered our fear of change and followed our hearts....I give God the glory.