Open Hands

Obedience is hard...when your, 2, 5, 8, 9, 33 or on your way to 36...I try to remind my kiddos and myself of that often. We are all a work in progress with confidence that He will complete the work that He begun in us. Sometimes it's easier to talk about obeying then actually following through with obedience. We seem to circle this idea a lot. A person might think after walking a road once before, obedience the second round would feel so natural. With that being said, our journey continues.

Bryant... party of 7? Why? How? Are you sure? Make no mistake we have considered all the crazy. We have asked ourselves the same questions you may be thinking. We are well aware of the catastrophe that is our life together. As we started praying about what God desired for us, it was hard to set aside all the what if's and just hear what our next steps should be. After our first trip to *hina we felt like we'd return some day. We are changed and will be from now on for the cause of the orphan, near, far and each one in between. We had no idea that day would be sooner than later. When we surrender our plans change. 

Jehovah is adding (Jo) to our family another beautiful (Li) little girl. Joli Hope is the newest Bryant, and we have such Hope in what God is doing here. This Hope doesn't disappoint (Romans 5:5). Take two requires faith just as it did before and trusting all that God is doing is Hard trust. But what we are learning is we just have to jump- be willing and we trust as a response to His record. He has already done abundantly more then anything we could ask or imagine. And what we know to be true about Him, is He is Good! 

We are excited,overwhelmed, anxious with anticipation, and in the rough part of this pregnancy...waiting without control of paperwork processes and how our sweet girl is being cared for. Just 1 year out from picking up Kai, the waiting is still Hard! Very hard. I find such hope in seeing not only Kai's journey but so many others. I'm reminded how much is out of our hands. 

We'd love you to join us in praying for our new daughter, Joli Hope. Nights can be long and quiet. I can't help but wonder what's happening an ocean away. Adoption begins with loss. Undeserving in so many ways. Joli of course deserves a loving home, but more than a family she needs Jesus. The author and perfector of our faith. The only one who can heal and restore and weave back together her precious story to reveal His glory. So we wait with open hands for our girl. We pray we can be the vessels He has asked us to be. It's a beautiful catastrophe and we are grateful for the story He continues to write for us. 

Gunnar = 8?

No way no how. Today Adele at the office was talking about how fun it has been to watch our kids grow up. I feel like we just brought Gunnar home. He had a traumatic entrance. One that equaled Dad holding him first and mom being unconscious. He started out fighting and Derek prayed for a warrior of a son and God did not disappoint. He is all BOY. And so handsome. He loves his momma and I so love him. He is tenacious and curious and always looking for answers. He loves to play. He loves Furrs. He loves Legos and being outside. He is the one that challenges me the most. I pray for the man he is becoming and the leader he will be. It's one of the best gifts to watch God sew seeds in our kiddos. It's an honor being this ones mom. 

11 months

Determined, strong willed, loving, funny, ticklish, puppy loving, girl!

To name a few. Kai just started having her bear stuffed animal attack her. 

It is hilarious! No idea where she comes up with this stuff. We have on more 

Than one occasion said goodnight to every stuffed animal in her bed. There are 

so many! 35" and 26# she is dainty but a healthy girl. We are so thankful. 

10 months!

Kai dodged the sticker for her 10 month picture. This about sums it up. The girl goes until she can't go no more! She is the busiest little thing. She wears me out. It doesn't matter what we are doing she is moving. She loves Dora. She adores her siblings. Anytime one of is gone when we return she says Hi Mom or Hi Dad as loud as she can. She can't get enough chocolate milk. She climbs on everything. She must have on shoes. She can say her ABC's but only when it's her idea. She loves to count. She is so precious and the snuggles are rare these days with this independent peanut. She does think all sorts of weird things are scary=cary. She has made it into a silly game. Rolling into 1 year...it really is hard to believe. 

Chinese New Year

Take two of our Chinese cooking...I had plans for our lanterns and crafts, but the day snuck up on me. With 4 there is no last minute planning. Next year I will be better prepared. Kai is big stuff sitting at the bar. Sweet girl still loves her noodles and rice. 

Quilting...Sew much fun!

I love my moms quilt so much. It was a surprise for her. And she was surprised. I think she was guessing this quilting business would come and go. I'm sort of hooked. Whipped out a baby quilt. And finished the top of a quilt that will be in the Steak Out Auction for Harpers's class basket. Purchased a pattern and fabric to make for the guest bedroom so the quilt actually stays here when it's finished. Need to finish the little girl quilts. Have a few other projects up my sleeve...I never dreamed it was something I'd enjoy. Now I have a Big girl who is leaning to sew. Sew much fun! I can't wait to see what we can create together. 

Harper = 5

Harper is such a delight! Of course she knows this and her enthusiasm is contagious. All the kids have always looked forward to 5. It's like they stand taller and know they have moved into BIG shoes. Harper was no exception. We had been planning this birthday since she turned 4. Thankfully my bestie had a Frozen spectacular so we did the same. Shared party favors and decor are the way to go! But since is was a Frozen spectacular Harper chose to wear her Tangled dress...why you might ask? Well it was the least itchy! Tinlee and her friend were our guest Anna and Elsa. The girls had lots of fun being the big kids at the party and the little girls were so excited. 

What can I say about Harper at this age??? I wish I could bottle her up. She is just the right balance of humor, kindness and sass. She is always up for fun. She has the best laugh! She always says I'm sorry first...she has for as long as I can remember. She is a great big sister but sometimes needs a break- don't we all? She is also so smart. After watching the two bigs she doesn't get stumped often. She loves to color and dance. She loves hand me downs! So does mom ;) I know she won't always...

She is always open to pray. I love her sweet prayers. I love that she attends a school where she gets lots of practice. She is not afraid to talk to God just like she does anyone else. It makes my heart happy. It is a joy being her mom! 

Do you want to build a snowman?

I love snow to look at, ski in, watch by the fire inside the warm house. You get the idea. This year the bigs were determined and with their new snowman pack they were set. They started with a block of ice from Rangers water bowl. Dad helped with the heavy lifting. He was a super snowman. They had lots of fun working together. A success for their first go alone. 

New Year New Traditions

For New Years we tried our hands at Chinese...it was a group effort as you can see. I don't know what it is about making new dishes, but it seems to take forever. But it was worth the wait. Everything was yummy. I need lots more practice but it was fun whipping up something new together.