Diner Delights & Dive-in Movie

We have been incredibly blessed by many in our church family through our adoption process. The heartfelt support, prayers, inquiries, donations... God has truly moved people's hearts to be PART of our journey and not just spectators. We are so humbled.

The latest endeavor came from Karen and Rob Anderson who asked if they could host and prepare a gourmet dinner with a fun twist for a fundraiser. The evening included 5 couples (in addition to us) eating a 5 course meal and then watching "Blind Side" outside while swimming. They got the college age bible class involved to help with decorating, serving and babysitting. Did I mention babysitting?! What could get better than that?!

A huge thank you to everyone who came to enjoy the evening - The Craftons, Gibbins, Richardsons, Kneibs and Schraeders. Also a HUGE thank you to those who helped put this together - Rob and Karen (chef) Anderson, Mark Dye (sous chef), Marissa Anderson, Taylor Tucker, John Banton, Meghin Morris, Tyler Allen, Kiersten Ramey, Ranae Jenkins, Karen Gordon-Cummings, John and there's one more babysitter I can't think of! If I missed anyone I'm sorry! Here are a few pics of the fun:

The Craftons, Kneibs, Gibbins, Richardsons and Schraeders - thank you for sharing this evening and supporting us in so many ways - not just financially but with your friendship, prayers and genuine hearts for our journey!
Shelly and Craig Schraeder
Tara and Dan Richardson
Troy and Lauren Gibbins (we watched the movie on the screen behind Troy)

Stacia and Stefan Crafton - thank you to Stacia for most of the food pics and the group pic! Stacia and Stefan are also adopting from Ethiopia and we are ELATED to be attending the same congregation as another family who is going through what we are going through. They are in the paperwork phase. Praying there will be more joining us - not just from Ethiopia but adoption from anywhere they are led!

Allison and Greg Kneib

The tables were beautifully decorated!

Each table was set for two couples so after each course we switched tables so we could visit with everyone there. Isn't that fun?!

1st course - play off of diner favorite of grilled cheese with soup - garlic buttered bread grilled with fontina cheese and prosciutto served with tomato basil soup
2nd course - a play off the diner favorite of burger and fries - amazing slider topped with crab meat, cheese, avocado on a sweet roll served with roasted rosemary sweet potatoes
3rd course - Sorbet with a wine reduction sauce - a palate cleanser =)
4th course - a play off of the diner favorite Tuna Melt and coleslaw - amazing marinaded tuna on a fish shaped pastry with jicama coleslaw (cabbage, red pepper and cabbage) - This was my favorite!
5th course - Troy Gibbins made this AMAZING chocolate mousse for dessert
Neil and I on cloud nine - humbled by everything that had gone into making the night special for our family!

Taylor and Tyler - some of our wonderful servers!
My prince =) Karen - the chef - in the background - didn't get a picture of her =(

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! Such a fun evening and the girls were ready to party when we picked them up at 10:45 p.m. They had a great time with all the other 7 kiddos!