MAKING A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS: January 2015

Thoughts of your rambling mom...

I just read a devo on certainty. I've been in therapy for anxiety for over a year now. So certainties do cross my mind or lack there of regularly. I wrestle with God on this. I keep wondering why do we only sing praise when things are good. When they go our way? When we get our hearts desire? Why don't we hear from one another when we are struggling, hurting, uncertain, heavy burdened? We've all been there. If we share any common bond this might just be it. Why aren't we giving thanks when things are uncertain?

I had a conversation with a friend about her loss and she said she just was praying to be content. Not for another baby, not for the next happy thing, but just the possibility that this is what she has and she just wants to be content and thankful for life as it is. At the time I wasn't ready to enter that space, and was also evaluating my own thankfulness. But, today as a New Year begins...

I long to just give thanks because - the end. Because He continues to breathe life into me because He is sovereign, because His plan is best and like I read because in Him is the only certainty we can find. It's not just certain but for sure. He keeps His promise. He wins in the end. He is I am. As the sun rises and sun sets He is certain, sure, steadfast and a promise keeper. And that is enough to get excited about even in the middle of life's storms.

Here's to learning to be thankful.

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3 ESV)

25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,

and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,

yet in my flesh I shall see God Job 19:25-26

8 The grass withers, the flower fades,

but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

9 Months

Sweet Kai

9 months has flown by.

Today you are stringing words together, and still developing your vocabulary. You adore your brother and sisters. You have the best laugh. You still are very inquisitive and observe every situation. You are up for anything and have no fear. You love stuffed animals and have too many babies to remember who's who. You love to dance. Dance parties are so much fun! You love to sing Let It Go! You mimic our facial expressions which cracks me up. You adore your Papa JD. You love Mickey Mouse. Your not a fan of haircuts, but we have assured you one day Nette will be your friend. You dislike certain textures of food but will try most everything. You haven't met a cupcake you don't like. You are starting to like bows in your hair. When you sit next to someone you still dig your feet in and out underneath them. You love your daddy and have started crying when he leaves for work. You are very ticklish. You love puppies. You still call the kids in their Chinese names for brother and sister. You're a delight. Topping off at 25# and long skinny legs...your just as God created you. I can't wait to see all that's in store for you. Love you to the moon!

Christmas 2014

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

Kids with their great grandparents.

Kids with their grandparents.

Kids were over the pic by the time it was our turn.

Kids opening the gifts from our family gift exchange.

This year it was

Gunnar- Kai

Kai - Tinlee

Tinlee- Haper

Dad- Gunnar

Mom-Dad

Harper- Mom

It was lots of fun and the kids loved buying for someone else.

My cup runneth over.

Durango-First Ski Trip

Our party of 11 loaded up and headed to the slopes. I haven't laughed that hard in ages. We were a sight. 7 kids melting down at any given moment. 4 parents twisting off because this will be fun and we are making memories and having so much fun! We waited over 45 minutes for a meal, all to enjoy food that was so spicy hot we couldn't stand it, who's idea was that?! We enjoyed Polar Express part 2 and almost missed the train. Had the worst ski instructor for kids ever. Just 1 kid puked. Enjoyed a winter wonderland day and came away with no broken bones or serious injuries so it was a win!

Car ride fun!

End of day photo off with our We survived selfie.

Cutie pies! Could not have been a better day weather wise.

I love this! Like herding cats.

Sweetness!

Ring around the Rosie's

I love Kai's expression

Winter Wonderland!

Choo choo

December Snip Its

Mom playing with her camera settings.

Marvin came for a visit.

Enjoying the twinkly lights with my honey.

Moms photo shoot for our card.

Nana's quilt almost complete for Christmas.

Fun visit with friends!

One of our favorite gal pals.

Cutest Christmas tree ever.

Tinlee and her crazy tie part in the program.

Christmas throwback- Tinlee '05

It's been too long!

My oldest friend Crystal had yet to meet Kai in December! So we planned a trip to Lubbock. We took the kids bowling. What kind of people don't know about bumpers? And who knew that would be such a chore teaching everyone to play. And Crystal smoked us all like she's on a league. It must be her new hobby. We can't even talk about having to wear someone else's shoes. Really it was lots of fun! But be prepared they are kids 😜. After we grabbed dinner and jammies to head to the Polar Express! The kids enjoyed hot chocolate and a visit from Santa who Gunnar decided was just the conductor in different clothes. It was blowing 90mph with dirt so west Texas did not disappoint in that department. Our navigation just led us astray twice. But it was lots of fun. Time passed too fast as it usually does. But Crystal is priceless. She has loved me at my worst. She's a gem. And watching her love my babies leaves my heart full!

Thanksgiving

Kai enjoyed her first Thanksgiving. As a family we went to serve Thanksgiving dinner at Faith City. We are trying to step out and find other ways we can serve as a family and it was a treat for us all. We want to expose our kiddos, but I think it's Derek and I who learn the most. Thanksgiving was a fun day with family and friends...7 kids running wild is always lots of fun. I always forget to take family pics...but had to snap this one after Kai had bathed herself in cranberry and coke salad. I brought out my Granny's china because it's just wasting away in the hutch. We all ate too much and had food to spare. Always cooking for the Kiwadis. We have so much to be thankful for. It's so special to watch Kai and all her first. We missed her so much during the holidays last year, we are so overjoyed to have her home with us now...give thanks to the Lord for His love endures forever...Yes it does!

Our New Addition

We adopted a new friend. The kids have been thrilled and love Ranger so much! He's 5, and potty trained! Woohoo. Mom is not a fan of smelly dog or dog hair, but who am I kidding. I love him too. And my house will be clean one day...probably later than sooner at this rate.

Road Trip

The longest goodbye finished with a road trip transporting a trailer for friends to Kentucky. Why in the world? With our littles. Our sanity is usually in question. Well, for good friends of course. My pastor growing up said if you have as many friends as you have fingers on one hand then you are blessed. Good friends are hard to come by. Derek and I have been blessed in so many seasons of our lives and we have a wide stretch of friends, near and far, old and new. We treasure all of them. But these friends are something...mostly they've taught us so much about life... to be faithful and constant. How to be ever prayerful and steadfast in walking with the Lord. How to be a good friends. How to enjoy each day. I hope one day I can be a friend as they have been. They've been iron for us and watched as we've been chiseled and changed. It's been a sweet journey together. The tears home weren't fun, but all the miles and laughs were worth it in the end. We are praying now for new peeps in their lives. Someone needs to enjoy the Kentucky Fudge with them. Yum! And we know that whoever they are they are in for a real treat!