Blessings and Raindrops

seeking joy in the midst of the ordinary

the news.

Oh my goodness. You all can make a girl and her littles feel LOVED. Thank you for the kind words and the outpouring of joy and excitement for this little one on the way. We are most certainly blessed!

I had to share a few details about the day we learned about this lil’ miracle babe.

It was right before we left for our beach vacation. I needed to run to Walgreens to pick up a few cards while the boys were at pre-school. While I was there, I had a VERY random nudge to buy a pregnancy test. I honestly never-in-a-million-years thought it would be positive. I didn’t know why I was buying it. I hadn’t bought one in over four years and had no reason to buy one now. But, still. I did it. I picked up the box and carried it to the front register.

And, lo and behold, the sweet cashier who typically checks me out when I’m printing photos for S’s care packages or getting a new passport photo or a VISA photo — the one who always asks about our girl — was working the register. She asked about S and our process and we talked as she scanned my cards…then, she stopped and looked at me in surprise when she scanned ‘the box.’ She asked, “what does this mean?!”

I panicked.

Y’all. It was an out of body experience. I lost all sense of time and space and forgot that I am a grown adult.

I replied – a little too quickly — in a shaky voice, “it’s… for a friend.”

No joke. Out loud — for.a.friend.

Oh my word. I then continued to word vomit a ridiculous explanation about my “friend” and how I was going to Walgreens anyway so I just thought I’d pick it up for her.

What on earth?!

I walked out of the store vowing to never, ever return. Especially IF I really was pregnant. How would I explain myself?

Moving on… I came home and took the test right away. Checked it. Washed my hands. Checked again. One line. Done.

I went on with my day and started cleaning up the dishes in the kitchen.

About five minutes later, the little nudge was back. Maybe I should have actually waited the full two minutes recommended on the box before checking the results… but, no. It wouldn’t have made a difference… or… would it?

I went back to the bathroom to do a quick check and, I am not proud to admit, shouted rather loudly when I saw the two pink lines. And, I will not repeat what I shouted. 🙂

I was shocked. shocked. shocked.

I gulped down another glass of water and took the other test in the box…waited the two minutes… and then proceeded to hyperventilate.

I called Dave as I was driving to meet him at his job site, and told him to meet me outside because I had something to show him. {He later told me that he thought I had an email saying we could go get S and never in a zillion years imagined what I was actually coming to show him}.

He met me outside and I showed him the two tests. He started laughing. I started crying.

The next morning, we headed to the beach and I wrote this post. Reading it now takes me right back to that place. I didn’t want to share the news yet but I did want to record what I was learning and where we were walking. I’m thankful for the gentle way my Abba Father continues to hold me and guide me as He allows His plans for my life to unfold…and His plans truly are bigger and grander than I could have ever imagined.

 

snow days…

We got hit with a big snowstorm Thursday night and Friday morning. This is the most snow I remember getting here in NW Arkansas in a long time {I still can’t believe we’ve lived here for almost 10 years – that is just crazy!}.

The snow is so pretty and the boys absolutely love it. To be honest, I am not a fan of all the work it takes to get dressed to go outside {and then, the inevitable potty breaks needed right after we finally get all of their gear on} BUT it is pretty magical and fun. I’ve been obnoxious on instagram with snow pictures the past few days but I don’t want to forget all of these moments. {I still don’t have my computer back – I am starting to get overwhelmed with how many pictures are on my camera that will need to be downloaded and organized…!!} for now… a few snow day photos…

We’ve spent a LOT of time in front of the fire lately…I just love a cozy fire!

Watching the snow fall the first night of the big storm … awestruck.

Using their tractors and dump trucks to “make a road” in the snow…

My view…first thing yesterday morning. Beautiful!

We went sledding at my sister-in-law’s house yesterday. It was the boy’s first time and they LOVED it. Nathan went down the hill about fifty times… he cracked up every time. Ben took a little while to warm up to the whole thing but eventually decided he loved it, especially when he went down with his cousin, Drew. They were cold and exhausted afterward…but, oh so happy…

Stay warm, friends!

what we've been up to around here.

Monday will mark FOUR weeks since my computer has been hospitalized (at Computer Medic, no less). If this sounds ridiculously dramatic, it is. I’m going crazy over here. I have close to 1,000 photos on my two cameras that need downloading, organizing and editing (including photos for photography clients).

I feel so unorganized right now – which is saying a lot because ever since the boys were born, I’ve been in a constant state of disorganization. A friend and I were just saying we need to stop apologizing and saying, “I’m sorry, I’m not normally like this. I don’t typically forget appointments, or forget to pay on time, etc…” and just face our reality and start saying, “sorry, this is just who I am.” 🙂

Anyhow, I’ve been quiet over here on the bloggity because y’all know I can’t post without photos! {yes, this is a warning: an overabundance of photo posts to come as soon as my computer is repaired}.

But, I wanted to quickly jot down a little of what we’ve been up to over here and thought I’d include some phone snapshots. I love that this blog has become a running journal of our days {since sometimes it all passes in a blur} and I hate to let too much time go by without documenting what we’re up to.

With fall in full swing, the boys have been helping Dave chop down firewood out at the farm…we should be set for the next ten winters or so. Kidding. We go through a lot of firewood in the winter. We love our wood burning stove. So much. Truly, what’s better than a cozy fire with your loves while the snow falls quietly outside your window? {A hammock on the beach? Why, yes. We have a tie}.

And, the boys have been busy growing up on me. Looking all handsome in their fall sweaters. {Ben’s all dressed up to dig up worms and place them in their “new home” – the wheelbarrow}.

 

If there’s anything I adore, it’s snuggle time. These boys know how to snuggle.

 
 

I finally found a bed for S’s room! I’ve been working on painting it white {it’s currently red and gray…we’re going to need a few coats}.

Halloween has come and gone. The boys LOVED trick or treating. They couldn’t get over the fact that people just gave them candy. It was hilarious watching them. When we got home, they dumped all of their candy on the floor and shared it with one another. It was very serious. They were adorable little football players. All of the photos of the hilarity are on my camera…more to come.

You know that farmhouse that I keep talking about? Well, we have been working hard on finishing the never-ending remodel {when I say “we”, I clearly mean “Dave”}. And, I’m going to cheat right now and share a photo. I still have to give y’all the full update – the move of the house, the reassembly of the top floor, and the remodel of the inside. But, for now, here’s a sneak peak. The new staircase is in.

The Created for Care mini-retreat was a huge success. It was perfectly timed for my heart. I spent an incredible weekend with sixteen other mommas and just basked in the truths being shared. I cannot wait to share more.

This is the text I received last Saturday during one of our sessions. Simply adorable. Made me smile.

Last, but not least, I have a really dear friend {the story of our friendship and adoptions is pretty cool- I will share sometime soon} leaving today to go visit her little love across the sea. She is bringing along some goodies for our girlie and will love on her for us. I’m so, so thankful. I made this neat little puzzle for S … such a fun gift idea. I think I’ll make some for the boys for Christmas, they love puzzles.

Whew. That was a lot of random “what we’ve been up to’s.” Life is full. God is so good. Blessings abound. Happy weekend to all!

where we are.

We’re still waiting to hear news from DGM. As of now, the exit permit suspension is still in effect for up to 12 months. That’s all we know. 
That leaves us waiting and praying. 
{Not unlike the past two years of this journey}. 
So much of the international adoption process is completely out of our control – I think that’s why God is able to be so clearly in the forefront of our stories as adoptive families. We have to trust. We have to surrender control. We have to fix our eyes upon Jesus and stand firm in our faith even when everything else is unclear. 
The other night, I woke up around 3am and felt a gentle nudge in my heart to focus on the good. To focus on His faithfulness in this journey. That’s what I’m choosing to do today. 
I’m choosing to be thankful that our I-600 was approved and our case is en route to the Embassy in Kinshasa for our investigation to begin. 
I’m choosing to be thankful for the next stage of this process to begin, even if I do not have any timelines to plan for or holidays to envision as a family of five. 
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. {Habakkuk 2:3}
I’m choosing to remember how God has provided every penny for this adoption – most of the time in the exact amount, at the exact time we needed it. 
I’m choosing to remember all of the encouraging cards, emails, text messages and voicemails from friends near and far. Words of hope when I needed them the most.
I’m choosing to remember the keeper of the storehouse of snow who chose to shower me in white flurries last May just to remind me how big He is and how dearly my S is loved. 
Or the rainbows He has placed in the sky when I simply needed to lift my eyes. 
I’m choosing to remember the verse He directed me to and affirmed moments later as Beth Moore read the exact verse from the stage where she spoke.
There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. 
{1 Peter 1:6}
I’m choosing to remember the One who called us to this path. He is faithful and good. S is His beloved daughter. We will continue to wait for her to be in our arms. We will continue to pray and hope. 
And, just because. A few more beach photos I had to share…because you can’t tell me that a little girl with curly hair and big, brown eyes and a smile that lights up the room wouldn’t fit just perfectly with this crazy crew. 🙂

The joy of the LORD is your strength. 
{Nehemiah 8:10}