Hattie Turns Two.....

We took a trip to the beach for fall break and celebrated Hattie's second birthday!

May the Force Be With You....

Connor and Spencer turned SEVEN years old last month with a Stars Wars party, complete with a Jedi Training Course. It was a lot of fun!

Merry Christmas!!

One year ago.....

One year ago,today, we first laid eyes on our sweet baby girl! So thankful that she is home with us!

Spencer's Lost Teeth....

Upon looking at the newest blog updates, Spencer informed me that his lost tooth picture never made it to the blog..... Sorry buddy! Here is Spencer with his first lost tooth :)

Uncomfortable

Recently during worship at our church, a reference was made to the song with the lyrics "You Give and Take Away" (you may be familiar with it, especially if you've seen Soul Surfer), along with a challenge to consider what God has given to us and what He has taken away from us recently. During those moments all of my recent frustrations, irritations and downright anger began to make sense to me. Hattie had been home for a few weeks and it had been a difficult adjustment for me. God had given us this amazing blessing of a precious little girl and newest member of our family, but He had also taken away some things and I had neglected to grieve for those very real losses. You see, God had taken away my sense of being comfortable. Our three oldest kiddos were at a pretty easy stage and life was sailing along pretty smoothly; this smooth sailing was replaced by a very demanding toddler. I don't know what she likes, what she doesn't like, how to comfort her, how to fix her hair....the list is endless. AND, we don't speak the same language (literally and figuratively). We are back in toddler mode and it is uncomfortable. Life is uncomfortable. But we are not created or called to be comfortable. In fact, God wants us to be uncomfortable because it is then, in our discomfort and weakness, that His strength is made known. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Two things I know: I know this season will pass..... I can already see it in my daughter who just turned four when I sooooo want to freeze time and keep her my little girl forever. And I know that He will see me through it. Even now as I write this a few weeks later, we are adjusting. We are learning how to communicate. We are sharing kisses and she is bringing her boo boos to me to be kissed.

Blessed Be Your Name (Lyrics)

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Looking older....

Connor lost his third tooth this weekend.... First one on the top and he looks so much older to me now..... Sigh.

Firsts.....

Just thought we would share some of Hattie's firsts.... Trip to the zoo, swimming in the pool, eating ice cream, matching outfit with her sister and taking a road trip in her car seat..... ( I know, I know....pictures are cut off - with four kiddos that's the best your gonna get right now :)

Happy 4th!

Arrrrrgg ..... Still can't figure out why the pictures are getting cut off - just click on them to see the full picture :)

Graycen's Big Day

4 wonderfully blessed years....

Four years ago we welcomed our sweet baby girl to the world.... What an amazing day and what an amazing four years. She is growing up so fast - Oh how I wish I could just freeze time - she is absolutely LOVING her new role as big sister. She tried soccer this year and had a blast at ballet camp earlier this month. She was adorable in her little ballerina outfits. We absolutely LOVE this little girl!!

Hello Kitty!

Here are a few more pictures from Graycen's birthday party....

Checking in.....

We thought we had better give an update after our first week home with Hattie. She truly is a blessing from God and has adjusted amazingly well. She is running all over our house, chasing after her brothers and sister, eating like a champ and sleeping so well. She is more comfortable in her surroundings, but is still not doing that great with the word "no" :) Because of her age, discipline pretty much starts at day one, is really tricky because of the attachment issues, but is definitely necessary because she is into everything. We had a fun little party with family and a few friends this weekend to celebrate Graycen's birthday and Hattie did great.... As you can see from the pictures she enjoyed herself.... ( still having issues with uploading pics - just click on the pic to see the whole thing)

Home at last

We got home Friday night or more specifically Saturday morning at 1:30am...but the journey is finally over. Hattie is officially ours, officially a US citizen, and officially home to stay. Connor, Spencer and Graycen love their sister. Thanks to everyone who came to welcome us so late at the airport. It is amazing how well Hattie has adjusted to her new surroundings and new family. She has slept pretty well and is fairly adjusted to the time change already as well.