Zoo

Check it off the Summer Fun List....we made it to the zoo! Thanks to grandma and papa we have the gift that keeps on giving and we'll get to enjoy a zoo pass all year long! We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather and even with the crowds we had a super fun time and I'm so happy my tweener is not yet too cool for the zoo!

finally

finally, it feels like summer. it's only saturday and we've already had a full weekend of summer fun. {sun included}. one more celebration by the lake tomorrow and the weather man promises more sun....yahoo! it's about time!



July #

First, let me just say how incredibly thankful I am for the kind and encouraging comments from you sweet friends. The adoption community is one amazing group and I am so grateful for the friends who come alongside and encourage, support, pray and laugh as we wait! Some of you I will probably never meet face to face, some I hope we will be so blessed to travel together and others are just down the road! I also have to give a shout out to my incredible family and friends. I am SO blessed to have you all! You lift us up with hugs, prayers, scripture and understanding when I think it must be so hard understand what this feels like. I thank God for you each day and love you all so much! So, without further ado...our officiall number for July......

 But even better....our "unofficial" number......

We are almost in the 30's!!! Praise the Lord!

We are praying and dreaming of you everyday baby boy!

Expectations

This was our 2010 Christmas card picture. I have it sitting in a frame in the bookcase and when I caught a glimpse of it yesterday my heart sank. When we took this picture last year I believed with all my heart it would be the last Christmas card we would send without our Henry. As things are progressing right now the chances of Henry being home by Christmas are, well let's just say it would take a miracle. Not that I don't believe God can move mountains but I'm also trying to adjust my reality and expectations. I've hardly blogged at all about our adoption lately. In fact, I don't even think I posted our June number. (It was 49 in case you're wondering). I'm struggling....let me just throw that out there. For all you adopting mamas...I know you get it. It's hard to make sense of my feelings and for the most part I think I do a pretty good job keeping them in check. But then there are days that all I think and dream about is his face, how old will he be? What will he have endured in his little life? Where is he RIGHT now? Is he even born? I remember how anxious I would get at the end of each pregnancy. So eager to meet our newest little one and a bit of nerves at the same time. In some respects this is the same. But at least then I had a due date and fortunately for us they all came a little early. Something tells me we may be a wee bit overdue this time around. I'm trying to be okay with that and in my heart I KNOW without a doubt this is competely in His control. I am so thankful for that. It still doesn't make the waiting easy or tear-free though and this I'm finding is a good place for me to be...completely seeking Him and finding my comfort in Him.

Our Pastor recently started a series entitled "From Wilderness to Promise" and each week I find myself hanging on to each spoken word....for various reasons and circumstances we are presently facing. In Joshua 3 the Israelites are given instructions for following the Ark of the Covenant as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promiseland. They are told, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.v.3 But it is verse 4 that struck me like a ton of bricks this evening (even though our pastor has covered this twice now...sometimes I'm a little slow). Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it." There it is, right in front of me. Offering me wisdom and comfort. Follow behind Him, watch His lead and be obedient. This is new territory for us. We have never been this way before. I cannot compare this to the addition of our other children nor can I provide the Lord with my list of expectations. By complaining and whining about the time this takes or the challenges we are facing in the midst I am in a sense saying I don't trust in His plan. His sovereign plan. If I'm totally honest here, it's hard. The waiting is hard, the trusting can be hard and the unknowns can drive me crazy. But, I need to take those to Him...lay them at His feet and remember His promises. I am letting go of my expectations but still hopeful for miracles. I won't lie, I would sure love that fifth little monkey on our 2011 Christmas card.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

In his providential dealings with us, God brings us into situations from which we are unable to extricate ourselves by any endeavors of our own wit or strength. At times we are brought to the end of our resources and made conscious of our utter insufficiency. A.W. Pink

Island Life

 We've been home from Lopez Island a short 24 hours and I'm so ready to pack up the car and catch the next ferry out. The time with family was priceless and sweet memories were made that I know both the girls and I will hold close for years to come.  As we drove down to catch the ferry last night I struggled to say goodbye to my parents, the lump in my throat was huge and the tears just ready to fall. Mom and Dad, thank you so much for one of our favorite weeks ever!! The only thing{s} missing were my boys. I hope to do another post about our mini vacation but I just wanted to post a few of my favorite pictures....so hard to choose!

 Dad and Maggie deep in conversation on the ferry.

 My beautiful Maggie that we so appropriately nicknamed Julie {from the Love Boat} for her amazing job as our cruise director.

 Miss Lua

 beach girl Mille

beautiful sunset on the beach

Goose in the water~totally in his element!

One of my most favorites~Josie with her Papa

Happy Birthday Firecracker!

Three years ago today, at this exact moment we were meeting our little firecracker Josie Kate. My how you have taken over this household in your threeshort years! We love every ounce of your fiery, independent, silly, sometimes a little spoiled little person! You are constantly making us laugh and love it when the big kids think you're funny. You can be snuggly and sweet and do such a fantastic job at tagging along to all the big kid's activities. You can also be a little sassy and sometimes a bit naughty{especially with pens}. Case in point....

But we wouldn't change one thing. YOU are a blessing dear Jo and we are thankful each and every day for the richness you add to our lives. Happy 3rd Birthday Miss Jo! We love you!