Moving Forward

We knew when we started the adoption process that it would be slow; we didn't realize it would be this slow.  But the timing has been perfect, God has been and is making his perfect timing known to us and it's been full of peaceful confidence.  We've been moving forward with some paper work and hope to have our home study completed in a few weeks. They've already visited our house, looked in all our closets and met the crazy kiddos.  Thankfully, we passed:) Once the rest of that paperwork is done we'll have another couple of months of paperwork to complete for Ethiopia, then we get on the list to be matched with a specific child....our child.

Several months ago our family received a precious gift that symbolizes so well where are our hearts are.  Handmade by my very crafty sister-in-law (Joy). I love and treasure these gifts as a beautiful reminder of what God has ahead for our family.  And special thanks to Rebec for capturing a few family pics:)

Journeying On,

Serving Size

Today was a huge milestone in our house
A completed card for our faith box
One I've doubted would come, but one my heart has hoped for
I realize in the scheme of things, it is so small
But God is always challenging this heart to be greatly thankful for the small
Small babies plus small victories equal a great God
So today's small victory was the completion of a serving size
Addison ate the entire packet of yogurt...

Serving size...complete!
Prayers of many....answered!

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

Maybe you did, but probably you didn't notice that there was no 'thankful thursday' last week.  I'm really just thankful that last Thursday is over...We had the stomach bug at our house (don't worry-no pictures)   :)
This week has been much better

Sweet gifts discovered on the steps

Unhurried time with a book and a pedi tub 

Another month of normal lab work

Early morning rains

Tuesday morning an early morning flight will bring my man back from the other side of the world

Journeying On,

Duck-Duck-Goose

Yes, we're still in the process of adopting from Ethiopia....hoping to have a few more details to share in the next month or so.

In the meantime, we still want to take advantage of some easy fundraising.  If you're planning to shop the largest kids consignment sale in Knoxville this weekend you can help us out.  Head over to Duck-Duck Goose on Friday, April 20th.  When you print out this flyer and take it to check out they'll donate 10% of your purchase to our adoption.   Thanks so much!

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

Stick fights

Chocolate lips

A tender heart

Dandelions

Family worship-we took the kids in with us to the Easter service

and they loved it.  So sweet to worship as a family.

Journeying On,

Living in Fear

Several months ago I loaded Ethan into the car for an unscheduled blood test prompted by momma's intuition and some bruising on his legs. As I drove towards the highway I frustratingly asked God when I would stop having to fear these tests.  When would God give me peace about Ethan's journey?  How many more times would I buckle him in his seat belt for this dreaded trip?  Would I always look at his bruised toddler legs and wonder if our season of healing was ending?  Will I always...

I was cut off before I reached the on ramp...

Today....choose not to live in fear today.
And then tomorrow, choose it again. 


It was as if Jesus slammed on my parking break before I could drive through anymore of Satan's lies.  If I hadn't been driving I would have crawled under my seat out of humiliation.  How had I been so foolish as to doubt my loving Father?

God has asked me to see these little bruises differently.  As reminders of his love and care for Ethan, myself and our family.  They remind me that our God is not sitting by, waiting to see what happens.  He sees every mark.  This is love because "He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline."

Choosing today not to live in fear
And with his Spirit of power, love and discipline I'll choose it again tomorrow.

Journeying On,

Contagious

You know that banking/investment commercial where people see complete strangers doing 'good deeds' and it inspires them to pass on the good deed to others?  Well, I feel like my kids challenge me on this every day!

I can be completely flustered, burning dinner or just plain tired and I'll hear Ethan's laugh or see Addison make one of her faker faces and it brings be back down to the joy of the small moments.

And the small moments of joy are so very contagious. 

I read a great article this week on the mundane of mothering in the young kid stage.

If you have a minute you should check it out here

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

A personal record set by super runner husband

Brothers that play with my little people

Hands marked with the remnants of fun play

A best friend that brings comfort to a hurting brother

A story that never gets old

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

Running late getting out the door...look down at my phone to find some comic relief for my flustered brain

Kiddos that are finally interested enough in food to sit at a restaurant for a bit

Cousin strolls

A sweet treat

Bubbles:) Never go anywhere without them

Journeying On,

Results

I talked to Ethan's doctor late yesterday about the results from the bone marrow biopsy he had almost two weeks ago.  The test was about the same as it was in December.  It showed no leukemia, which is always a huge praise!! He still had cells showing Monosomy 7, which continues to be concerning.  It is hard to tell if it is increasing or decreasing because the sample they evaluate is so small compared to the total amount of bone marrow.  We will continue with monthly blood work unless our doctor in Nashville thinks differently after reading the biopsy report.  Our doctor here in Knoxville reminded me that the fact his blood work was almost normal is a great encouragement because his body is still able to sustain itself. In reality we know that it is our Great Physician that is sustaining him.  We are thankful for this report and will press on into this unknown journey; confident that our Lord knows each step.

O, Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.  You have no equal.  If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them -Psalm 40:5

Journeying On,

Thankful Thursday

That this girl sees beauty in what I view as dead

For the reminder that He sees beauty in ashes

For "summer" storms and the sun that always follows

Sarah Reeves' music is in my life

Freshly bathed babes

And pre-nap snuggles

Journeying On,