7...

It's official! We have a 7 year old. And he is something... He is a great Big brother. We try to encourage that title, because sometimes he wishes there were more testosterone around here. But he has been given lots of responsibility with all these girls to look after! 7 makes you stand taller and feel different he is sure! Gunnar is growing and learning and absorbing like a sponge- it's scary! Lol that he will emulate us, because oh dear do we make so many mistakes. But he reminds us that life is fun. His laugh is guttural and takes over his whole body, it's contagious! There are so many things I love about this boy! But mostly how he loves his Mom! There just isn't anything like it. I'm so thankful God planted him in the middle of our family. The girls may not always feel like they are lucky to have them, but he adores them all. Makes me so proud to be his mom. 7!!! A new adventure begins...

Article 5

We have Article 5 folks-and why is this exciting? Because the next step to Kai is travel approval! Finally, thrilled & so thankful to be at this step. I had wanted to travel before Chinese New Year selfishly. But God always had a different plan. So over the last few months, I've been doing some 'light therapy' we'll call it. That just cracks me up. Because that's really what I thought it would be. I'd go I'd discuss, I'd listen, I'd be good. But, God wanted me to be broken and spilled out-it was necessary. I wasn't ready for this part years ago or even months ago, but the time was now. And I can for sure say this time I was ready. This process has been HARD...but so worth it. I was reading a devo by Anne Voscamp and she says "grief is what cultivates the soil for the seeds of joy". I don't have everything I need to figured out. I still have to learn to operate in my truth more regularly and naturally. Renewing my mind has to be daily! But, I know God just said 'time out' and spent some one on one time with Kai's mom preparing my mind, my heart, my soul-and I am ever so grateful. For Him it hasn't been about when we get there, but how? Do I feel fully equipped for the journey that is about to begin? Do I have all the answers? Absolutely not. The difference is I know full well He has prepared me for this time and space and to be Kai's mom-and in my own strength I am Weak, but in Him for sure all things are possible...and this is just the beginning!

October...

The fall is always festive and fun-it's nice to reflect upon sweet moments as we wait for spring to arrive. During october we received our i800A from immigration...I have not mastered patience, more often it seems it is mastering me...but this paperwork was the last piece to our dossier!
And we submitted our Dossier on the 17th. It was such a relief to have months of paper chasing delivered into safe hands at our agency. We had to do some happy dancing!

Derek took our boy to Father/Son retreat in Van. They call it Warrior Weekend. I'm so thankful he took the time with Gunnar who so craves one to one guy time since he is surrounded by 3 girls all of the time. He has grown up so much-and he had a great time. He is still talking about all the fun he had, and can't wait to go back. I'd call that a success. I pray for their bond. I pray that as often as Gunnar makes Derek crazy-he sees the Big picture. These moments are fleeting and Gunnar just loves to be a boy. And when we feel like stamping him out-that we'd remember we have to reel all that energy to benefit him. He will be a great man one day, just like his Dad.

...and the waiting continues...

My calendar stays marked up-and I love, love crossing off each box and looking at all we've done for months and months...Thanksgiving and Christmas always rolls in and out so quickly-this year was no exception. The kids had parties and programs and crafts to make and desserts to bake...and this was our first Christmas in our new home so it carried lots of excitement and fun. But this was the first year part of our family wasn't present. Being pregnant during a holiday is fun and exciting and there is so much keeping you busy and happy. Being pregnant with adoption paperwork and a daughter across an ocean is something quite different-my heart ached so badly during each festivity. Placing her stocking on the mantel brought so much joy and sadness. And when that sweet girls ornament arrived I was in a puddle. Waiting has been so hard-I'm so thankful to be on this side of waiting and not at the beginning, but watching each milestone and moment missed has been rough on my heart. And I can't wait to enjoy each moment this coming year!!!
During this time we were also waiting on our LOA- our last official match for Kai. It felt unending the days being crossed off one by one-and finally 49 days later and too many refreshes to the email account to number-it arrived!!! And then we had to wait on more paperwork, but each stage has been so satisfying...just steps closer to gotcha day!
To keep my mind occupied I stayed busy...Derek and I enjoyed a marriage retreat together-it was much needed time to concentrate on one another. I'm so thankful to have had that time looking back. In women's Bible Study we completed Gideon by Priscilla Shirer- it was so so good, and a great time to reflect on how intentional God is with us. It's ok to be weak & let God be the strong one...I am weak! I'm so thankful for His long-suffering nature that didn't just give up on me as I paced and waited impatiently. A friend and I baked 200 cakes for Derek's clients-it was so fun mixing and chatting and eating- Every moment was filled to keep me busy while waiting. And God gave me just what I needed along the way-unexpected pics of our girl, waiting flowers from a friend-all wrapped up in God letting me know...He knows the wait is long, but for me to TRUST HIS timing. We brought in the NEW Year in the mountains & enjoyed giggly kids everywhere and playing in snow and eating too much. It was a great way to end the year awaiting our sweet girl. He has blessed us abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine!!! I am grateful.

Proud momma moments

During basketball Tinlee fell and hurt herself. I asked Gunnar to go ask for some ice. He hopped up ran down and did exactly what I asked. It was a miracle ;) And he took it to Tinlee and asked her if she was ok. He came and sat by me and told me how the guy at concessions joked with him-and how he laughed. It was such a sweet moment. I then asked if he'd go check on her again. And he did-no delay, just a concerned brother. I was so very proud of the young man he is becoming & made a mental note to document that day. It was a sweet day. And I was encouraged to see growth!! Motherhood is trying but the benefits are priceless!

MOM RETREAT!

Sky Ranch is so dear to our hearts. And, we were introduced to Sky Ranch by my wonderful cousin Liz. So when she invited me to a Mom Retreat and Derek approved I was so excited. It was such a sweet time. It was such beautiful weather and such a treat to be surrounded by moms who love Jesus. I'm so thankful for Liz taking time to pour into me, it's a tremendous blessing.

HARPER IS 4!!!

These are a few of my favorite things about you...

4 and Fabulous! 

• You pray for Kai every single day & insist your friends do too
• You tell the best stories (one every night!!)
• You love my silly songs
• You have a way of making everything you do funny! 
• You give the best squeezy hugs
• You love pretend
• Your imaginary friend Nali
• Your imaginary friend Jacob
• Your want to be just like Tinlee
• Your love of cuddling
• Your tea parties
• You tucking me in at night
• You wanting to come and sneak one last kiss