One Less Broken

silks, umbrellas and sister love

2015-03-02T19:27:00.001-08:00

I'm a little late posting these, but Chinese New Year ends this Thursday with the
lantern festival so technically I'm even a little early :)

This is the year of the goat (or sheep).
The Chinese lunar calendar is associated with the Chinese zodiac which has 12 animal signs.

Michael is the sheep in our family..."shy" and "creative".
I'll let those of you who know him decide if you think this fits his personality :)
Last week I went to Lily's school to read a story and talk about Chinese New Year.
Mary Katherine came along and wanted to do everything just like the "big kids".

We have been home a little over two months with our sweet girl.

You can see from these pictures that she watches everything her big sister does and tries to imitate it.

She is very curious and loves to explore (mostly with things she knows she isn't supposed to have...cell phones, guitar picks, pens...you get the idea)

She will have it in her hand and then put both hands behind her back and bring out one empty hand

as if to say, "what? not me?"

It makes us laugh every time and her eyes and expressions are really hard to resist :))

She is a sticker girl...she loves to put stickers on her nose, tummy, clothes, furniture, floors, etc.

You name it and she will find a place to put it.

Stickers saved us on the flight home from China...she has loved them since day one:)

She adores her Jie Jie and most of the time wants her right by her side
but she definitely isn't shy about letting her know when she doesn't want Lily in her space.

I love to step back and listen to the giggles and laughter as they play in their room together.

The bond of sisterhood is already forming and it makes my heart full.

In this picture Lily and Mary Katherine were singing our verse for the month and doing the motions for "love the Lord your God with all your heart".

It brings me great joy to see Lily wanting to teach her little sister how to hide God's word in her heart.

Our little miracle girl continues to amaze us in every way.

Michael calls her our "kissing bandit" because she loves to pucker up her little lips and

give kisses that will melt your heart.

And those eyes...oh my.

They get me every time.

Even when they have a hint of mischief or spunk behind them :)

My prayer is that their love for each other continues to grow

not only as sisters but as best friends.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Matthew 22:37

fearfully and wonderfully made {heart cath update}

2015-02-18T11:29:00.002-08:00

We continue to stand in awe of God's provision for our sweet girl with every new detail we learn about her heart.

Last Tuesday she had her heart cath for surgery mapping. Her team of doctors and nurses were so thorough in explaining every detail prior to her procedure and answering all of our questions. She was a rockstar and really hasn't skipped a beat other than the few moments (that seemed like forever) in recovery when she stopped breathing and they had to give her oxygen. Once we were back home and the sedation wore off, her spunky little personality began to surface again which was a welcome sight.

Her cardiologist met with us when he was finished to review all of the pictures he captured and a team of 20 doctors met last week to discuss her case and give us a map for her future heart care.

The morning of her heart cath my dad shared Psalm 139 with us.
She is no doubt fearfully and wonderfully made.

God has perfectly made her heart "imperfect" from the beginning.

I'm still trying to absorb all of the new terminology and fully understand everything he shared with us but in summary, everything that is imperfect is working together at this time perfectly to protect her lungs and keep her well balanced.

We know this won't last forever and she will have open heart surgery in the next year or two, but for now we are so very grateful for the gift of time we have been given to bond with our girl and continue to allow her to transition to our family before undergoing major surgery.

Soon after we received her file I began praying specifically that she could be a bi-ventricular repair instead of needing a Fontan. I knew it would be a remote possibility given what we knew about her heart condition but chose to lay my request before our God that is the God of the impossible.

The team of doctors that met last week agreed that she will be able to have a bi-ventricular repair.
The challenging part will be all of the "plumbing" they have to re-route since everything in her heart is flipped and not where it should be.

We recently received her medical files and also learned that God protected her from having
Fontan surgery in China which would have prevented her from receiving the bi-ventricular repair.

Yet another way we continue to see God's hand at work answering our specific prayers.

Fearfully and wonderfully made.

Our brave little heart warrior...strong and mighty, determined to conquer any obstacle in her way.

Her story continues to unfold before us and we trust in our sovereign God who has written
every chapter and knows every detail that lies ahead.

I love every inch of this sweet girl even down to her cute little toes.
And this is but a glimpse of His great love for her.

Nothing can thwart the heart and plan of God.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them."
Psalm 139: 14, 16

ruffles, glitter and feathers

2015-02-08T18:04:00.003-08:00

Last week I decided to attempt my first "real" photos of the girls.

Two moving targets are definitely more challenging than one.

As you will see I have missed being behind my camera just a little.

Mary Katherine had plenty of plastic tea set toys to choose from but decided that
her favorite would be the one breakable glass with a straw :)
Thankfully even after throwing it a few times we didn't have any shattered glass.

Even Lily's lasso of love couldn't stop our little girl on the go for long.

I had fun stepping back and watching them interact with each other.

Lily, the nurturer always trying to take care of MK and teach her something new.

Mary Katherine, full of zest for life and curious about everything around her.

These give you a small glimpse into her personality.

She has a smile that lights up the room and a little laugh that is contagious.

She doesn't like hair clips or bows in her hair.

I love her little feet and the way the pad on her fourth little left toe is bigger than the rest making it

stick down lower :)

She is fearless and will try most anything.

She is our little heart warrior.

After the tea party they found the bucket of feathers which led to lots of giggles and laughter.

We ended with some hershey kisses love.

Lily was very patient to get her share of the shiny silver treats.

I laughed when I saw this last picture in camera.

It is a perfect reflection of their personalities.

Lily is our rule keeper, "You already have your stash. You can't have mine" and Mary Katherine,
our little mischievous one hiding her stash of kisses asking for more :)

We are truly blessed beyond measure with our two China angels.

I find myself looking at Mary Katherine and continue to stand in awe

of how God orchestrated every detail to bring her into our family.

Mary Katherine has her heart cath this Tuesday.

Please be praying for our sweet angel.

We will have a better road map for her future after this procedure.

We know that God is in control and surrender to His perfect plan for our daughter.

Home with our girl {one month + a few days}

2015-01-23T20:28:00.001-08:00

One month ago (+ a few days) our 30+ hour day of travel came to an end as we were greeted by family and friends who welcomed us home with our little girl.

There really are no words to describe the feeling of being home.

I look at this picture and stand in awe of the One who orchestrated every detail of our journey to place this little girl in our forever family. Not only is she our daughter she is THE little one who captured our hearts and whose picture was on our refrigerator for over a year. The little one we prayed for daily always hoping but never imagining that she would be ours. What an amazing God we serve who can move mountains to accomplish what in our minds and hearts may seem impossible.

We came home just in time for Christmas...another answer to prayer and a glimpse of the miracles we see God working in this little one's life. Mary Katherine was in awe of the lights and ornaments, Lily loved wrapping gifts with her Gaga, some sister love on Christmas Eve, MK in her high chair...one of her favorite places to be...this girl loves any and all foods and the first of many more "lap love" moments with her Papaw.

Our Christmas was small but perfect in every way. I would have been just as thrilled with no gifts under the tree.
God, His word and people are what matter most and outside of the gift of Jesus, our newest blessing is the gift that makes our family complete. The way her eyes disappear when she smiles like little crescent moons melt my heart every time.

I love the look of wonder and awe as she looks up to my mom and learns how roll the play dough in her hands.

We spent Christmas afternoon with Michael's family. She did great meeting everyone and warmed up especially to her uncle Tim. That night we saw the effects of being overwhelmed and decided to lay low the next several weeks.

We had her first cardiologist appointment on December 31st uncertain of what news we would hear based on the severity of her heart condition.
On November 26th 2014 I wrote these words in my journal "You are doing so many miracles right before our eyes. We stand in wide amazement. There is nothing too great for you. You have the power to allow all her heart conditions to be designed in such a way that she could have a bi-ventricular repair. If that is your will reveal that in the days ahead. If not, let us accept whatever journey you take us on regarding her heart and the steps needed for paliative care."
The first words we heard from her doctor was that he was hopeful that she would be a candidate for a bi-ventricular repair.
I wept as I heard these words. Another way we see God's great hand at work in her life.
We will know more for certain after her heart cath on February 10th but we are so grateful for this hopeful news.
We also got the go ahead from her doctor to "train away" for night time. We had been hesitant to let her get too worked up not knowing the extent of her heart condition so night time was a balance of staying by her crib until she went to sleep hoping we could tip toe out of the room without waking her up!
Since then we have had some hard nights but 3 week later she is sleeping through the night and going down in her own bed without any tears. The girls share a room and MK especially loves it when her big sister goes to bed at the same time.
A week later she saw her pediatrician. I love the way he put the crayons in between her toes to calm her during the exam.
She braved 4 shots and being poked twice for a blood draw. We ended the day with her first trip to Publix and a stop at the bakery for her first chocolate chip cookie :))

The night after her cardiologist appointment she started saying "Eee yuv oo" (aka "I love you"). What a gift to hear these words from our sweet girl so early on in her transition to our family.

Lily loves to calm her little sister if she wakes up crying, Mary Katherine has had a "few" Target runs in the past month :), she loves to help me unload the dishwasher, she loves to raid my closet while I get ready in the morning, she wants to be front and center when I am cooking in the kitchen, she loves her jie jie (big sister) and wagon rides, Lily loves to help feed her at breakfast, and the girls love their special time with their daddy at night reading books and playing together.

Mary Katherine is learning new words daily and Lily loves teaching her our verse for the month. (love her little belly that sticks out of most her shirts :))

Sunshine was our best friend helping us re-adjust our clocks post China even if it was cold!
We have taken many a wagon ride the past month...it is a welcome treat for all when the walls begin closing in on us :))

Mary Katherine...you amaze us daily at your zest for life and ability to learn.

You are full of life and such a determined little one who will overcome any obstacle you are given.

We stand in awe of God's faithfulness and we are so blessed to call you our daughter.

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift"

2 Corinthians 9:15

our journey to Mary Katherine {final days in Guangzhou}

2014-12-19T12:37:00.002-08:00

Our time in China is coming to an end. Our bags are packed and we leave this morning at 5:45 am to being our long journey back home. At dinner last night we were reflecting on our trip and sharing highlights from each city. What a blessing it has been to share this experience together as a family.

Here are few snapshots from our time in Guangzhou the past few days.

We have had plenty of down time relaxing in our hotel room getting to know more about Mary Katherine. She gets memorized with stickers and loves to color. Spencer likes to pass the time by photo bombing, being glued to his phone or being beat by me in a card game of spit :))

We caved one afternoon and had McDonalds for lunch.

On Monday we had the medical check for Mary Katherine and her visa picture. She screamed while they were examining her but happily said "bye bye" when it was all over.

Tuesday night we did the pearl river cruse and it was a perfect night for seeing the city lights.

Wednesday we took photos of our travel group. No longer with the infamous red couch but the "red stairs". I love learning more about how God draws each family to adoption and how He perfectly sets each of these children into their forever family.

After group pictures we headed over to Shamin Island for lunch and a little shopping.

Mary Katherine has her first taste of french fries at Lucys...I think her double fists says it all :))

Later that day we had a visit our new friend Jona, one of the nurses at Marira's, who we have come to love. One the flight over we spilled some of Mary Katherine's medicine and she came by to replenish our supply and check on her eye. Jona is an angel. Her heart for these children shines bright and her smile will light up any room. We said our goodbyes to her tonight which was bittersweet. We will miss you Jona!

You can also see where Mary Katherine decided to try out some new card tricks of her own...stuffing them down her shirt.

Thursday was our consulate appointment where applied for her visa needed to travel home. Unfortunately I missed the oath while I was in the bathroom but we have her visa in hand so all is good.

Michael stayed with the girls while they napped. Spencer and I went out shopping with Ann from read threads. She was great and even gave him some tips on how to make some money back in the US so he invested in a few pearls in hopes to try his hand at being an entrepreneur to save up for a car that he has his eye on.

We ended our last day the same way we did with Lily three years ago at the Safari park. It was cold and rainy but the kids still enjoyed seeing all of the animals and feeding the giraffes. Sweet Lily had another bad experience and shed a few tears trying to navigate the eastern toilets but thankfully this time I had a change of clothes for her :) Through her tears she said "I'm just ready to be back home".

I couldn't agree more.

It has been amazing but we are all ready to be home.
As we laid in bed last night Michael reminded me that a year ago we would lie in bed praying for baby Marleigh (now Mary Katherine), her heart and the family God had for her.
Today we are bringing her home.
I stand in awe of the power of God and faithfulness of our God.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to His power that is at work within us."
Ephesians 3:20

our journey to Mary Katherine {what we are learning about our girl}

2014-12-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

A week ago yesterday we became forever family to our sweet girl. She is the missing piece that will keep us young with her zest for life.

She is full of personality and makes us laugh daily.

She is our little heart warrior…so strong and mighty for being such a little peanut.

Our first night in Guangzhou we were eating dinner and Lily said, “Mommy, I saw God in heaven last night”. I asked her what he said and she told me “God said he was healing Mary Katherine’s heart.” Just what I needed to hear after a long day. I will cling to this promise and continue to believe in a miracle for our girl.

She is quick to learn new things and doesn’t miss a trick. She already knows the signs for more, shoes, help, and please. She loves to say “bye bye” “hi” and “uh oh” "jie jie" (big sister), "ge ge" (big brother), "mama" and "baba" (daddy).

She has the sweetest smile and a wheezy little laugh.

She is strong willed and independent.

When I’m blowing my hair dry in the morning she loves for me to take it and blow the warm air on her face.

She loves shoes of any kind and size.

She and our dog Sunset will be a perfect pair…both love to dig in the trash and pull toilet paper off the roll.

She loves to play with empty water bottles (usually found in the trashcan)

She rubs her hair and pulls on her ear when she is tired or unsure about something.

She is a girly girl. She likes to take her purse and walk around with it up on her shoulder.

Michael keeps saying he is in trouble :))

She does a happy dance when I start running the bath water.

I just need to wear a raincoat because she splashes in the water with pure delight.

She feels complete peace and safety in the arms of her baba.

I can do everything for her except calm her fears.

To say this doesn't break my heart would be lying, but I know that in time she will learn to trust me just as she has her daddy. Michael reminded me today that we are already way ahead of the game compared to our journey with Lily and the difficult transition she had.

All in the fullness of time.

She had her first shiner today. She hit her eyelid on the corner of the table. Fortunately it didn't need stitches and the sweet nurse Jona, who is here with our group from Maria's, came down to check on her. She screamed while we iced it down but was ready to keep moving after we got her all doctored up :)

As I thought about all the little things we have learned about Mary Katherine in such a short time, it reminded me God's great love for me. My love for her will never compare to the love He has for me. He knows me better than I know myself and still pursues me through my brokenness and failures.

And we will continue to pursue her through the joys and challenges that lie ahead knowing that God chose her for our family from the beginning of time.

"Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. "

Isaiah 43:1

our journey to Mary Katherine {reflections from Zhengzhou}

2014-12-14T23:11:00.001-08:00

Since I'm usually wiped out by the end of the day and crash soon after putting the girls down for bed, I'm trying to play catch up while I have a few minutes of solitude during nap time :))

After our long two day passport adventure we decided to lay low and take some much needed rest days to relax together as a family. We ventured out to the local park by our hotel for Spencer to throw football with Michael and try to find a playground for the girls. No luck with a playground, only some carnival rides that weren't open, but the girls had fun chasing pigeons.

Zhengzhou is the capital of Henan with a population of about 10 million. This is the same hotel where we stayed when we adopted Lily. Michael and I were amazed at the growth and how much it has changed since 2011. High rise apartment buildings are under construction on almost every corner and scooters abound on every sidewalk which makes walking quite interesting.

We walked single file dodging mopeds to the Starbucks one morning for a special treat. Lily devoured a chocolate chip muffin and Spencer was thrilled to have a caramel latte even though he was hoping for a peppermint mocha. And considering that all drinks in China are served luke warm or hot we were thrilled to find some cold milk...happy day for Mommy and Lily!

Mary Katherine loves to sleep with her legs or feet hanging out of the crib and she is a little wiggle worm. We decided to ask Michael's parents to switch out the toddler bed we had ready for her and put up the crib :)) Thinking this might make life a lot easier on everyone for at least the first few months home.

Spencer loving on his girls who both adore him.

Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of this but we took Mary Katherine and Lily swimming and she LOVED it! She is a little water bug no doubt which is a perfect fit for our family since we spend a lot of time at the lake and beach.

Spencer challenged me to some rounds of ping pong and much to his dismay I beat him. He asked for a rematch the following night, determined to beat me as did with Michael, but no luck. He said it was because I had no strategy....maybe he should try using that :))

When we adopted Lily they brought her to the hotel on our forever family day. This is the same elevator where we first saw our little angel in the arms of the orphanage caregiver. She was holding an apple in one hand a lollipop in the other. I remember thinking how small she was and how I couldn't believe that moment was actually coming true. Three and a half years later she still loves holding something in her hands. This trip it has been some Chinese coins and a small Chinese paper bill Michael gave her.

After almost a week in our hotel the walls began closing in on us so getting some fresh air felt great. We bundled up our little peanut and she seemed to love feeling the wind on her face as much as we did.

We went to a local Chinese restaurant for an early dinner one night and asked for a private dining room to avoid the smoke. The tablecloth was filthy but knew our options were limited and little one was getting hungry. Surprisingly the food wasn't bad...I just had to try and ignore the lack of cleanliness. Ahh...the adoption experience takes us out of our comfort zone in so many ways and reminds us daily of things we often take for granted.

On Saturday, we packed up our luggage and prepared to make the journey to Guangzhou. Lily and Mary Katherine enjoying spinning in the chair to pass the time before boarding the bus.

Lily loves her mei mei. There have been a few adjustments sharing my time with Mary Katherine but overall she has done amazing. My prayer is that God will continue to knit their hearts together with a unique bond to share a lifetime of sisterhood.

Michael and his girls who also both adore him. Mary Katherine finds great comfort in the arms of her daddy which is such a pleasant change from our adoption journey with Lily.

I had forgotten when a long hard day of travel this was. An hour bus ride to the airport, Sherpas (aka Michael and Spencer) gathering up luggage, checking in, hungry overtired kids, loading the plane like a herd of cattle, trying to entertain a 19 month old for 2 hours, Sherpas gathering up luggage again, 10 min walk to the bus, and an hour ride to the hotel, waiting to check in, arriving in a room that wasn't clean, moving rooms, trying to find dinner for hungry overtired kids, entertaining kids that now have their second wind...you get the picture. We were exhausted but grateful for our safe journey and that Mary Katherine did great on the plane without any oxygen.

It was bittersweet leaving the girl's provence. Excited that this is one step closer to being home but also reminded that we are leaving part of their heritage behind.

our journey to Mary Katherine {hidden providence in opposition}

2014-12-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday we went back to the registration office to receive our adoption certificate. Our travel group gathered together and the officials spoke briefly before giving us our adoption certificate, which marks the day our adoption is finalized in China. Of course, in our eyes, the first moment we held Mary Katherine will always be our forever family day.

We returned to the hotel briefly for a quick lunch and then prepared for our travel day to Luoyang with another family. In Henan, they now require that each family travel to their child’s provincial city to apply for their passport. Fortunately we did not have to make this trip when we adopted Lily. Her city, Nanyang, is a 4 hour one way trip which would have been extremely difficult considering how much she was grieving.

Our trip to Luoyang would be 2.5-3 hours each way. As we were about to get off the Luoyang city exit, our guide told us that the passport office called to say they were closing for the day due to no power. We debated staying in a hotel for the night but we were not prepared with extra clothes, diapers, formula, etc. so we turned around and headed back to Guangzhou. A long day for everyone to say the least.

We would soon be reminded of God’s hidden providence in our opposition and set backs.

We woke up early the next morning ready for round two. We prayed over our trip and enjoyed a nice time of fellowship in the van with the other family we have enjoyed getting to know.

As God’s timing would have it, we arrived just as the office was preparing to close and quickly ran in for the passport picture….mission accomplished.

We had requested if there was time to be able to visit the Luoyang orphanage, Maria’s Big House of Hope and see Mary Katherine’s finding place.

Clearly God knew our trip needed to be delayed so that we would have the gift of time to make these visits.

After lunch we made a brief stop to see Mary Katherine’s finding place. I may share more another time, but for now I am very grateful to have a few photos that mark this part of her adoption story.

We traveled from there to the Luoyang city orphanage, which is located across from Mariah’s Big House of Hope.

We were not allowed to take any pictures in the orphanage, which houses over 600 children. It is a new building and much nicer than most; however, there is still a cold, institutional feel as you walk down the halls. The nannies are doing the best they can given their circumstances but the reality is that every face we saw is the face of a child without a forever family. A child in need of hope and love. As we were leaving I looked over at Michael and saw him welling up with tears overwhelmed by the reality of what we saw. This would have been the home for Mary Katherine and given her medical condition she may not have survived. By God's grace He allowed her to be the recipient of such excellent love and care from New Hope and Maria's Big House of Hope. There are no words to express our gratitude for this life giving gift.

The other family traveling with us was able to meet their son's caregivers and see the room where he played during his time there. And as God would have it, with over 600 babies, their other son they will be bringing home in the spring shared the playroom next to his and they were able to see him briefly before we left. Such a gift from the Lord.

We walked across the yard to Maria's Big House of Hope where joy and love abound.

Every person we met shines a bright light of hope and it is evident how much they adore the children in their care. We were able to take a tour and see the rooms where Mary Katherine stayed. She went right to one of the nannies who cared for her most recently but was hesitant and a bit reserved during the remaining part our visit snuggling up close to Michael for security.

To Lily's dismay we did not have time to play with the babies like we did at New Hope. When the girls are older my desire is to return for a trip to serve and give back. New Hope and Maria's exceeded my expectations. They are a beacon of light for children in need of hope. A glimpse of the great love God has for the fatherless. The more we learn about the ministry of Show Hope the more we stand in awe of how God continues to do the impossible and open doors of opportunity for them to care for the orphans of this world.

On our way home we also experienced another unexpected gift as our guide prayed to receive Christ. What a gift to witness God's great love story as another one of His children was adopted into His kingdom.

Looking back we are grateful for our day of opposition that revealed God's hidden providence.

To God be the glory.

our journey to Mary Katherine {forever family day}

2014-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 4 am and couldn’t go back to sleep so I went out in the hallway to write in Mary Katherine’s journal, pray and reflect on all God has done to bring us to this day. Michael joined me in the hall a few hours later and we had a sweet time of prayer before getting ready for our day.

As we were waiting for the bus to take us to the registration office we took one last “waiting for you” picture of our family of four.

In just a few hours there would be no more waiting… just a lifetime of forever with our sweet girl.

We have a large travel group with 8 families (compared to only 4 when we adopted Lily). Three of the families are returning to adopt again from Henan. We have enjoyed getting to know the other families and love hearing their stories. I never cease to be amazed at how God perfectly sets the lonely in families.

The waiting began and we eagerly watched each van drive up wondering if it would be the one holding our daughter.

Lily could barely contain her excitement. She kept standing at the door watching and asking when her baby sister would be coming. She prepared the dolls in their blankets and all the toys she wanted to give Mary Katherine when she arrived.

As God’s timing would have it, just as with Lily, we were last family to receive our daughter. We saw the van pull in and watched from inside. I could see that she had fallen asleep and they were waking her up to bring her to us.

Her big brown eyes took my breath away. I waited to hold her as they began telling us about her medication. We also wanted to give her some time to warm up to us. The weight of her in my arms is a feeling I will always remember. I love the last picture in this series with Lily’s little hand popping into the frame holding the rattle she wanted to give her baby sister. Her first of many acts of love.

We took our adoption certificate photo and met nurse Jonah from Maria’s Big House of Hope who was so very kind. It is evident that she loves the children in her care.

We are so grateful for the level of love and care she has received from both Maria's and New Hope. There are no words that can express our gratitude for this amazing gift.

The emotions in the room are full. Some babies still screaming they say goodbye to their nannies, others with blank faces withdrawn and grieving silently, and a few with smiles on their faces adjusting well to their new family.

My heart breaks yet is full knowing every child in this room will know the gift of a forever family.

Adoption… so beautiful yet marked with such brokenness….a reflection of our adoption as sons and daughters of the King.

My prayer is that Mary Katherine will feel the depth of our love for her soon and trust us as we do our best to meet her every need.

We arrived back to the hotel and went back to our room taking is slow and letting her lead the way.

Michael left to complete some paperwork and we sat on the floor to play.

Slowly some smiles came our way as she began to giggle each time Spencer knocked down the tower of blocks.

She is curious and full of expression. She is quick to learn and likes to imitate what we do. At times she looks at us with a little furrowed brow and will pucker her little lips together in the sweetest way.

She is pure delight and already has captured our hearts.
Lily said “she is the sweetest baby I have ever seen”.

After playing a bit she popped up out of nowhere and stared walking around the room .
She is a girl on the go eager to explore. We took a few laps up and down the hall which she loved.

Michael returned after a couple of hours and I went back with him to sign some papers and put her handprint on our official documents. On the way back to the hotel she fell fast asleep on his shoulder.

At dinner she discovered the steps and loves to go up and down them holding our hands.

We ended the night with a bath which she loved.

We tucked the girls in bed, read some books and prayed together thanking God for this beautiful miracle of one.

Mary Katherine, forever and always we will be your family.

Forever and always you will be our child.

our journey to Mary Katherine {the great wall}

2014-12-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we climbed the great wall. We have a great book at home that we read to Lily called Isabella Girl on the Go and in it she visits different places around the world, one of which is the great wall of China. Lily was very excited about seeing and experiencing in person what we have read and talked about at home. This is the beginning our our trek up the wall. It was a cold day and my toes were numb by the top but at least the sun helped keep us warm.

As you begin the journey up the wall the stairs are lined with locks of love.

Spencer was determined to surpass the highest point Michael and I climbed when we visited 3 years ago so he asked if he could venture on solo since our little one was holding him back :)

As soon as he had the go-ahead from Michael he was off to complete his mission.

Lily completely surprised us. We thought she would be up for a few steps and maybe make it to the first tower but she proved us wrong. She conquered all the uneven steps like a pro and with a great attitude of excitement and joy. She kept saying “this is a lot of hard work”. We made it to the first tower and looked back at where we started.

After taking a short water break to catch our breath we walked up to the second tower. Lily loved the little stone tunnels inside. We decided not to press our luck going any further and started the decent back down the wall. Climbing up the wall definitely gets your heart rate up but claiming down is equally as hard on your legs…mine are still feeling it two days later :))

As we reached the bottom of the wall Spencer came running up behind us quite proud that he surpassed our goal 3 years ago!

It was a perfect day and a wonderful experience to have together as a family.

We warmed up with some hot chocolate and coffee before heading out to the jade factory. Michael bought me a jade bracelet when we were here to adopt Lily and I was happy to learn that it has almost doubled in value :))

We ended the day with an amazing acrobatic show that the kids loved complete with popcorn and some coke.

Unfortunately no pictures were allowed so just imagine people contorting their bodies in ways you never imagined possible, eight motorcycles in a large round metal cage doing tricks at the same time, and people balancing layers of cups on their head, feet and hands while doing the former rubber band like movements and you will have a good mental picture of what we saw.

Lily was wiped out by the end of the day. Michael brought us some take out pizza for diner and Spencer tried to get me hooked up with a VPN so I could blog. I’m still having spotty service which is why I am late in posting these pictures. Thankfully I have a sweet friend who is helping me post this so you can follow our journey.

Today is Mary Katherine day and I cannot wait to have our sweet girl in our arms and become a family of five.

The real adventure is about to begin.

our journey to Mary Katherine {House of Hope}

2014-12-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Beijing late Thursday night after a long but uneventful flight. The kids did great sleeping much of the plane ride over but we were all ready to call it a night after getting settled into our hotel room.

The next morning we opted out of our group tour so that we could visit New Hope where Mary Katherine has been living until earlier this week when she was transferred to Maria's Big House of Hope.

We met the director at the airport and drove to a small rural area outside Beijing down a road lined with trees that led to the gates of New Hope.

A house of hope.

A place of love that builds a sense of family.

The children are grouped into families of 12 and each nanny has 2 children in their care for 8 hour shifts.

We had the privilege of meeting one of the 3 nannies that cared for Mary Katherine.
We are so very grateful for this unexpected treasure.

We were also able to see Mary Katherine's room and her crib...although we learned that she preferred to sleep on the mats in the playroom at night instead of her crib. Sounds like she is already a little bit like her big sister who didn't like to sleep in the crib while we were in China :))

As we were touring the facility, Lily kept looking into the windows asking "when are we going to get to play with the babies?"

The director heard her request and let us spend some time playing with the children that were part of Mary Katherine's "family" of twelve.

The children are happy and loved. Some eager to come sit in our laps and play...others taking it all in and staying at a distance.

This little one melted my heart. She had "no-no's" on her arms and was drooling a lot...clearly post palate or lip surgery. It took me back to those days with Lily when we would go through 9-10 different bibs a day because of so much drool and the way she would still figure out how to play with toys even though she couldn't bend her arms due to the "no-no's".
She gave me a big wet hug and her smile will be forever etched in my mind.

We were playing with some of the children when Michael noticed that Lily was off to the side with this little angel trying to help her with her bottle. Lily was in her element going from each child trying to take them toys or help find a way to make them happy. The little boys were especially enamored with Spencer and his natural way of making children laugh.

We continue to see God's hand woven throughout all of the details. We are humbled by His perfect timing allowing us to experience this part of her story and for the blessing of her continuing to receive the same level of love and care at Maria's Big House of Hope until we meet her on Monday.

We are prepared for a possible hard transition as her paperwork says that she has stranger anxiety and the nurse and preschool teacher both alluded to the fact that it takes her awhile to warm up to people she doesn't know.
We will meet her were she is and pray that in time she will know and trust our love.

God's unfolding story {the heart and plan of God}

2014-11-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

God is always writing a story in our lives.
Some pages and chapters easier to turn than others, yet every detail is
woven together to draw us closer to Him.

This is a glimpse of the story God is unfolding in our lives.

A year ago today, November 4, 2013 I received this picture in my inbox from my husband.

He found it through Show Hope's November prayer focus .
I printed out the prayer focus page and put it on our refrigerator so we could pray for this little angel. My niece's name is also Marlee and she was going to China to study abroad the following semester.

I was drawn to her from the moment I saw her and could not get her off my mind.

I reached out to inquire more about Marleigh.
Our names were added to the list of those who had already asked about this little angel.

If and when our agency received her file they would assess the severity of her needs and then
match her according to the medical checklists on file beginning with date of submission.

This was the beginning of God's plan to teach me more about trust and surrender.

November 29, 2013

Our dossier was logged into China which officially began our wait to be matched with our daughter.

December 16, 2013

(excerpts from my prayer journal)

"I lift up to you our daughter....you know her needs and you have already given her a name and set her apart for our family. Prepare us Lord for what lies ahead whatever that may be. In my heart I feel we may have a daughter with a heart condition but your plan is sovereign and if that is not your will give us clarity in knowing what child you have for us."

I shared Marleigh's picture with our family and a few close friends so they could be praying for her.
Lily's consistent prayer was "I pray for our baby sister and for baby Marleigh.
Even if you don't put Marleigh in our family you still have another one for us."

I admit, whenever Lily prayed this, my heart would sink a little at the thought of not being matched with Marleigh but I also knew it would be a miracle for that to happen and I must trust in God's sovereign plan knowing He would put the perfect angel in our family just as he did with Lily.

March 21, 2014

"If in your power and divine intervention you would have little Marleigh be our daughter we ask that you expedite her file and that the timing of when it comes through our agency would be the right match with our file. You are sovereign and you know what is best for her and our family. Refine me Lord in the waiting to be ready for what lies ahead. Fill my heart with trust and surrender to your perfect will."

April 4, 2014

"My heart yearns to know more about the little one you have chosen for us. My prayer is that she is loved and held and her emotional and physical needs are met. May she enjoy the gifts of playing outside and feeling sun other face. Give us a glimpse into what her special need may be and prepare us and the doctors we will need to support her. If Marleigh is to be our daughter- only you can make that possible. You have the power to do exceeding behind all we ask or think and we rest in your timing and mighty power. Prepare us for that day we receive the call...pour out wisdom and discernment that we may know without a doubt the child you have chosen for us."

April 8, 2014 (my birthday)

We received an update from our agency that Marleigh's paperwork was underway for adoption. The same night as I was driving home from our last adoption parenting class my friend Lisa texted me this picture asking...is the little one you were interested in? My heart skipped a beat and I pulled over to relish a moment in her sweet face. Such sweet unexpected gifts to receive on my birthday.

June 13, 2014

We received these pictures from my dear friend who was in China and had the opportunity to meet Marleigh.

June 14, 2014
"You are faithful...oh so faithful in all you do. I can look at so many areas of my life and see your faithful hand weaved throughout. Thank you for the gift of seeing the picture and video of sweet Marleigh. It makes my heart full to see in action the little one we have been advocating for and praying for since November. You know my heart and desire to bring her home to be part of our family and I will continue to pray for a miracle...that in your sovereign plan you might orchestrate the details of her file with the timing of our medical checklist to be one. And yet I know my hopes should not be set on this but on you and your perfect plan for her and our family. Thank you for the care she is receiving...may you expedite her file at your timing and place her in the forever family you have designed for her from the beginning. Protect my heart from disappointment or sadness if she is not our daughter...I rest in your divine plan."

July 2014

We made the decision to put our file on "hold" and wait for Marleigh's file to come through our agency. We knew this was in no way a guarantee we would be matched with her and we were taking the risk of possibly extending the wait for our daughter should our medical checklist not be the one in line when her file was released.

In late July we learned that our agency would most likely not receive her file until December of this year. We continued to pray and ask for clarity to know if our decision to put our file on hold was a prompting that was part of God's plan or a step of disobedience in which we needed to surrender complete control.

The end of September marked 16 months of waiting since the submission of our medical checklist, and we decided to set up a conference call with our agency to ask some difficult questions that could impact our decisions in the days ahead.

September 29, 2014

"I lift up to you our conversation with our agency next week. Be present during that time...speak to us and give us clarity on how to respond to the wait, to Marleigh, to the special needs we have marked. Let us live with open hands and surrender to your will. Protect our daughter from loneliness and fear. Surround her with caregivers who love her and embrace her as their own. Thank you that Marleigh is in a place of love and care. Give her laughter and hope. I pray that you may expedite her file so that she may know the gift of having a family. Let us see your providence and sovereign plan through the waiting, which at times feels like opposition. You work all things together for your good and your glory."

October 3, 2014

"Thank you Jesus that you are sovereign. That in our times of weakness you give us strength to move forward. Give me an attitude of thanksgiving and gratitude for my hard days...not complaining but looking to you and trying to see how you are using the valleys to help me grow. Thank you for today and for what lies ahead. ."

I remember this day well. It was a Friday morning and I was working in my art studio...struggling with my art and working on a painting with the scripture Psalm 30:5
"Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes with the morning."

Michael called me that afternoon at 12:43 pm and asked, "are you sitting down?"

The next words he spoke I will never forget.

Marleigh's file has been released but it was given to another family who was ahead of our medical checklist. We should know something definite about their decision in a couple of weeks.

My heart sank.

I was thrilled that our prayers for her file to be expedited had been answered and that she would soon know the love of a forever family. I was broken with the reality that this little one who God placed on our hearts, who had captivated us from the moment we saw her, may not be the one chosen for us.

I sent out a group text to our closest family and friends asking them to pray.

Lily and I sat on the floor of our kitchen floor and prayed and cried and gave thanks.

Eucharisteo
{thanksgiving}

Thanksgiving precedes the miracle.

October 4, 2014

"Let me trust in your unfailing perfect love and plan for our family.... Not my will but yours be done...I have been asking for clarity knowing what direction to take and your answer to this will be the billboard I was hoping for but wasn't sure I would receive. Prepare my heart for what lies ahead and give me your peace that passes all understanding."

October 7, 2014

"My prayer this morning is that you place Marleigh in the family that you have chosen from the beginning...the one that can provide for her medical needs and be the best match for her. Give the family that is reviewing her file peace in their decision. Intercede in such a way that they know without a doubt the direction they are to go. If it is your sovereign will for Marleigh to be in our family, orchestrate all of the details and timing...open my eyes and heart to see your hands at work and trust you more. Sweet Marleigh will always be part of our adoption story...now we just wait to see if she is the story or the little one leading us to a different chapter. Thank you for all the ways you are revealing yourself and reminding me that you love me with an everlasting love, you lead me with cords of human kindness, you tie me with knots of love. Be in the midst of our conference call today and if it is your timing and will perhaps she may have some news to share about Marleigh. Shine your light into the darkness today and let me rejoice in all that this day brings."

This was my prayer the morning of our conference call with our agency. At 12:30pm we were talking with our agency and they told us that the family called that morning and decided not to move forward with Marleigh's adoption based on the severity of her medical needs.
We were the next family to see her file if we were interested in reviewing it.

My heart skipped a beat.

Interested? Without a shadow of a doubt.

We knew even before reading her file and knowing the extent of her heart condition that she was our daughter...the beautiful miracle God had been preparing for us.

As we spoke, I got in my car to drive to Michael's office so that we could view her file together.

We sat in awe, truly humbled by the way God had woven all the details of her story to bring her to our family.

Even in the face of unknowns, we rest in promise that God will see us through every step that lies ahead in our journey of faith...trust...and surrender.

We cannot wait to welcome Mary Katherine YiMan into our family.
She is 18 months old, has big expressive eyes, likes music and going on walks outside, she is curious and is a "little girl who is loved by all".

We are in the process of trying to expedite our travel and hope to be there sometime before Christmas!

Praising God for the miracle of one
and for the pages yet to be written as the story continues to unfold.

"Hope deferred makes a heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12

If I had listened to my fear...

2014-11-03T19:34:00.002-08:00

Four years ago today, we received a call that broke through a season of silence.

A call that was an answer to our prayer for a little girl.

I remember the excitement and pure joy of that day.

I also remember the fear that started rising in my mother's heart about all of the unknowns we would face in the journey ahead...surgeries, speech therapy, orthodontics, more surgeries, possible teasing from her peers, her physical scars and the emotional impact it may have over time.

The list in my mind went on and yet there was peace in my soul knowing this was the daughter
God had perfectly chosen for our family.

If I had listened to my fear, I would have missed the blessing.
I would have missed...

Little fingers taking hold of mine as we walk hand in hand.

Giggles and laughter that fill our home with joy.

A smile that lights up any room and a constant range of expressive emotions that keep us on our toes.

The gift of time together learning more about how to capture the music in our hearts.

Experiencing first hand God uses His children to point us closer to Him.

Looking into these dark brown eyes filled with love.

Believing in the hope and promise of the future God has planned for her.

Once I released my fear, I never looked back.

Fear led me to trust.

And in trusting I have been given an unspeakable gift.

I would say "yes" a million times over.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."

1 John 4:18

The gift of interrupted plans

2014-07-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

I am not always grateful when "my plans" are interrupted, but this moment in time is a gift for which I am thankful.

My plan to take pictures of Lily on the beach at sunset were diverted by strong winds and a little girl who needed to find a bathroom. :))

The closest stop was my parent's church. After we took care of business, I decided to swing around back to show Lily the flowers on my grandmother's grave.

I have shared many stories about my Mimi with Lily and she knows how special she was to me growing up.

What I thought was an inconvenience turned out to be a magical moment in time.

The light was beaming down and my Mom was able to tell her about my sweet Mimi and the legacy she left our family.

Today is my Mimi's birthday.

I am reminded of her quiet gentle spirit...her creative talents...her humility...the times I would walk down to tell her goodnight and hear her praying for us by name...her love for the Lord...her servant heart...her gratitude to others.

I wish she could have known Lily. She would have loved Lily's laugh, her funny sense of humor, her smile and the songs she loves to sing.

So grateful for diverted plans that remind me of God's desire to orchestrate even the smallest details to show me more about His unfailing love.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

Inaugural blueberry picking

2014-07-04T04:41:00.004-07:00

Earlier this week Lily and I ventured out to the Golden Bell Blueberry Farm to meet some friends from our adoption play group to pick blueberries.

It was opening day at the farm so there were plenty blueberries for all.

This was a first for both of us and Lily was hooked.

We arrived a little early so we had fun exploring on our own before meeting up with our friends.

What started out to be a cloudy morning turned out to be a beautiful day enjoying God's beauty.

Lily wasted no time filling up her bucket even if she had to reach high to get the perfect blueberry...and taste test a few along the way :))

She was very happy to see her friend "E" and meet some new friends from our group.

She said over and over..."Mommy look how full my bucket is!!"

Needless to say we don't have many left...another visit may be in order soon!

I think this may become an annual tradition.
Praying next year Lily can show her little sister how to fill her bucket full.

Happy 4th!

We are headed up to enjoy watching some fireworks on the lake.

a miracle that never fades...

2014-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

The colored eggs are in the attic...the baskets tucked away...the Easter meal shared among family is now a distant memory and yet the truth of Easter never fades.

Every new day is a gift to celebrate our risen Lord.

A reminder that I have been given life because of His grace.

I am forgiven.

I am redeemed.

I am a child of the King.

Several times this week Lily has said "let's talk more about Jesus".

I love that her heart desires to know more about our Savior.

That her childlike faith strengthens mine.

Right now we are reading The Story for Children.

As timing would have it, this week we were reading all about the events that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus.

The resurrection eggs we made together last week came full circle

as she continued to ask questions and connect the dots.

Every time we saw a cross this week (which was almost daily), she would say,

"Mommy Jesus died on the cross so that I can have life!"

Thank you Lord for using our daughter to remind me that your miracle never fades.

You are waiting each day for me to run into your arms.

No greater love

2014-04-18T18:53:00.003-07:00

Lily and I spent most of our morning decorating eggs together. She was in her element creating, painting, gluing and making a beautiful mess :))

She is a creative soul at heart and I love seeing her joy unfold when she is free to explore and do what makes her heart sing. I asked her tonight after reading our Bible story what was her favorite part of our day and she immediately said, "decorating eggs with you".

Last week while we were on a walk she found this stick and insisted that we make a cross out of it. Then we talked about what Jesus did on the cross for us and she wanted to draw a picture of him to nail to the cross. Today I received a gift in the mail from a dear friend with this love charm bracelet. The timing was perfect as we reflect and remember the great sacrifice and love Christ poured out for us on the cross. I am so undeserving and yet He loved me enough to bear my sin unto death so that I may have life.

We also made some resurrection eggs today to help her better understand the meaning of Easter. Here is a clip of Lily telling the story of God's love and redemption...

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lasts down his life for his friends." John 15:13

May you reflect in the power of the cross this Easter.

Magical Princess

2014-03-29T06:43:00.002-07:00

Last weekend I walked by Lily's room and found her all dressed up in her
butterfly wing princess dress that her aunt and uncle gave her for her birthday.
I decided to snap a few pictures to capture the moment (even her mischievous little grin).

The light pouring into her room was a welcome change to the rainy, cold weather we have had in recent days.

She kept waving her wand around saying "magical princess...magical princess".

I pray that she will always embrace this spirit of freedom and joy to be all that God has created her to be.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Forever Family Day...3 years later

2014-03-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

When we met Lily on March 14, 2011 she held an apple tightly in one hand and a sucker in another. They were her sense of security when her world was changing upside down.

I ran across the sucker recently as I was looking for something in our attic. I was amazed to find it exactly as it was the day we met her. The wrapper slightly torn...half way open...covering the sweet treat hidden inside. An interesting analogy to the gift we were handed that special day. Our little girl...broken yet full of sweet joy beyond measure once we began to unwrap the layers of her personality over time.

These are the shoes she was wearing...in perfect condition...purchased just for her to wear to meet her forever family. An act of love and thoughtfulness on behalf of those who cared for her.

It is amazing how time heals and changes our perspective on life. As I reflect on this pivotal day, I am humbled by the beauty that continues to rise out of the brokenness...out of the hard places we have walked. So much joy...so much gratitude...so much hope fills my heart. Our daughter, chosen from the beginning of time, is a beautiful reflection of God's grace.

I love these words to Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Only One and Only You".

Happy forever family day Lily Grace! You are God's masterpiece and such a blessing to our family.

A little fedora love, smiles and a beats pill...

2014-02-14T10:31:00.001-08:00

I am WAY behind on posting pictures to my blog and plan to catch up in the near future but for now, I wanted to share two of my favorite valentines with you.

These two certainly have enough love and joy to go around and their smiles can light up any room. A few weeks ago we got a break in the weather and headed out to have some fun with our Valentine props Lily helped me put together.

Spencer is always a good sport but I'm sure the fact that I promised to take some pics of him with his new beats pill (a portable speaker) was an added incentive :))

Spencer was playing his favorite songs (to which Lily knows most all of the words) and she had a ball dancing around to the music.

They both are looking so grown up in these pictures and it reminds me how quickly time passes.

Spencer is counting down the days until he gets his driver's permit and Lily becomes more independent daily.

My heart overflows with love and gratitude for these two blessings God has given us and we wait with expectation for the little one God has chosen for our family. Wouldn't that be a great Valentine's gift to receive today?

Earlier this week I was soaking up some quiet time studying God's word and writing in my journal.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

Easier said than done in this world where so many "things" can easily distract me and take my eyes off course. Life has been a little crazy lately and it's been awhile since I have stopped to rest in God's word and let His truth wash over me.

When I make time to silence the noise of life I am reminded that when I invest my heart and my time in eternal things, I experience more of the fullness of God.

Our family verse for the month is a great reminder of this truth.

Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Love isn't love until you give it away...who will you show some love to today?

A few of my favorite moments from 2013

2014-01-01T11:28:00.004-08:00

As I was looking back through all the pictures to make our 2013 blessings video (you can watch it here), I realized there are so many pictures and memories that never made it to the blog.

Maybe I'll do a separate post with some collages to document those stories but for now enjoy

a quick year in review highlighting some of my favorite moments from the past year.

Giggles from a morning spent together reading books under the tent we made in her room.
{january}

Reading on the ledge in our hotel room the day we arrived in Little Rock
for her yearly follow up visit with the amazing cleft team.
It was a bittersweet trip as we said goodbye to our favorite nurse Emily
who was God's angel to us during all of her surgeries.
{february}

A freedom project Spencer helped me complete for my online photography class.
{march}

Taking in the beauty of the thousands of tulips that fill Cheekwood gardens.
{april}

Chef Lily taking orders to cook up something sweet.
{april}

Our little princess running carefree in the field of dreams.
{may}

Sunset on the beaches of Pawleys Island.
The expression on their faces say it all in this one...this is my favorite picture of the year.
{june}

Some fun cousin love at sunset on Grayton beach.
{july}

Sweet smiles on a hot summer day.
{august}

The serious side of our fun-loving girl.
{september}

Our annual night out together (per his request) for some photos downtown.
Hard to believe this is his last year in middle school.
{october}

Our little butterfly musician taking flight.
{october}

Another one of my favorites from the year...love the way she looks up to her big brother.
{november}

Our annual Christmas Eve tradition in downtown Franklin.

Praying that next year two little girls are snuggled up in Spencer's lap :))

{december}

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Happy New Year!

I've got more than I ever thought I would...

2013-12-31T13:33:00.001-08:00

It's been refreshing to have a little down time the past few days to reflect and remember all of the blessings God has so generously poured out over our family. I had fun looking back through all of our videos and pictures from 2013...and if you know me, there are just a "few" to sort through!!

I am working on a post featuring some of my favorite highlights from the past year but for now I wanted to share a video that gives a glimpse into our year together as a family.

Michael recently found the song "Good" by Dave Barnes and the words hit home with me the first time I heard it.

There was a time in my life that wasn't filled with joy or hope, but with a lot of tears and sadness.
I wasn't sure I would ever have a family of my own or experience the blessings and joy I have been given.
Friends would assure me that life would change but there were days when I was alone in my apartment that I questioned...I wondered...I poured out my heart to the One who has always proved faithful.

And that He did...almost 10 years ago I married my amazing husband Michael and I never would have imagined that life could be so good. Yes...we have our challenges and heartaches together, but at the end of the day we look around us and can honestly say we have more than we ever thought we would.

As the year comes to an end, I look back with a heart of gratitude for God's favor and provision that has exceeded our expectations. And as another new year dawns...we look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead as we continue to watch the story He is writing in our lives unfold.

Happy New Year!!

Make a joyful noise

2013-12-26T12:09:00.001-08:00

Spencer recently started taking guitar lessons again and it has been fun to watch him grow.

He has a natural talent for memorizing and learning new songs with ease.

I love listening to him practice while I'm making dinner or playing with Lils.

It also keeps her motivated to practice her violin so that she can get "better and better".

Lily is also a big fan of hanging out in his room dancing around to all his music.

We met someone recently who didn't know either of them but immediately noticed the unique bond they share.

Sometimes it is easy to take that for granted so it was a great reminder of how truly blessed we are.

He is makes her laugh and be silly.

And she looks up to him as if he hung the moon.

I cannot wait to see another little one join our family and experience the love they have to share.

Do You Believe?

2013-12-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

What keeps you from Bethlehem?

For me...it is the business of this season and trying to check of the "to do" lists that never seem to end.
If I allow it, this can easily take me away from the truth of that holy night.

The lyrics of my favorite Christmas song this year, Carl Cartee's "Do You Believe", says it well...

If God became a baby, to take the sinners place

to be our salvation...think about the meaning of that day.

Do you believe he made the world?

Do you believe he changed the world?

Do you believe he saved the world?

Oh, the meaning of that night...

The hands, that placed the stars in the sky, wrapped tightly around Mary and Joseph's fingers.

The voice, that spoke the world into being, cried out in the stillness of the night.

The love, poured out for our sins on the cross, reached into a mother's heart.

The light of the world became flesh so that we might have life. There is no greater gift.

Thank you Jesus for your love and pursuit of me even when I stray off course with the distractions of this world.

Oh that I may return to Bethlehem daily to be reminded of the never ending, all consuming love
that entered into the world that Christmas night.

Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Praying your Christmas was filled with the awe and wonder of the gift we have in Jesus.

Waiting for you art giveaway winners!

2013-12-11T04:41:00.002-08:00

We are beyond grateful for everyone who donated so generously to our adoption fundraiser. The past two weeks tears of thanksgiving have flowed down every time I was notified of a donation or received a check in the mail.

Such generous support from friends and family we know and many whom we have never met.

Your gifts of love on behalf of our daughter is truly humbling.

Since our last post we received our LID (log in date) on Lily's birthday which was an added celebration for her special day. This means we are ready to be matched and now we wait for a call from our agency. It could be weeks or months but one thing is for certain...God's timing is perfect and we wait with hope knowing His plan is sovereign and His faithfulness is new every morning.

Now on to the news you are waiting to hear...congratulations to the following winners!

"Be still" goes to Cherie H.

"Act" goes to Brooke M.

"Unto me" goes to Wayne H.

I have these pieces packed up and ready to mail out so you will be receiving them soon!

Praying that they bring you much joy as you share God's truth with those who enter your home.

Every gift that was given brings us closer to the amount we need to bring home our daughter to her forever home. Thank you for being part of her story and giving with such generous hearts.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

Our hearts are full.