Four years!

Four years ago my little man was born. He came into this world screaming the loudest of all of my boys. My doctor laughed and said, "That's a natural birth for ya." We decided he just knew he'd have to work a bit since he was number 3. He had a head full of  dark brown hair. He is my only brown eyed boy. I was so instantly in love with him.

He is a mommy's boy to his core. He has decided that he will always be the baby, even if he has a little sister. He loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, his favorite food is spaghetti, and he wants to be fireman. He loves to laugh and he is our little clown. He is a great hugger, and his smile lights up a room. He snuggles me in a way that makes me never want to let go. He is such a precious gift.

I just wish I could freeze time. I want him to always stay little and sweet. I know he can't, but a momma can dream. Happy Birthday to my favorite four year old. You make your mommy smile every day, sweet boy!

Faithful

This morning my hubby got paid. On pay day I sit down and do our bills and organize our finances. It is what I have done since I have been out of my parents house. Today one of the bill I am paying is very special. Today I am paying a huge credit card bill. This bill is a testament of God's faithfulness in our lives. Today I pay the final costs for our adoption.

Three and a half years ago God started us on a journey. With three tiny little boys and a tiny little home we felt God leading us to start the adoption process. This was a little crazy. Our youngest was only 6 months old. Our oldest was barely 4, and we had one in the middle. We had always planned to adopt at some point. But it was expensive. We didn't have anything saved for it. We wanted to move into a bigger house, get good at this parenting thing with the ones we already had, blah blah blah...

But we obeyed. In some ways it was irresponsible. We knew that price tag was enormous. We knew that we didn't make enough to cover the cost. More than that we knew God wouldn't leave us hanging on something he called us to.

God is faithful! Our adoption took more than twice as long as expected. It cost at least twice as much as anticipated. It was the most difficult time in my life emotionally. But this morning. My precious little girl is sitting with her brothers watching PBS in her PJs. This morning I am sending the payment for our plane tickets and in country package in FULL. God covered our adoption completely. We have no debt from our adoption at all!

I am so thankful for all who have loved us, encouraged us, supported us financially, listened, and most of all prayed for us. God is so faithful. God is so good. If He calls us to something HE is faithful to us. He will finish what He starts. I am overwhelmed with His goodness. Even when I questioned God never left. He carried us through this. If God is calling you to something that seems impossible. Know that nothing is impossible for him. If you have thought about adoption, but the pricetag scares you. If it is God's will He will provide.

Thank you to all who have walked this journey with us. Praying that through our story you can see a glimpse of God's glory. God is so good.

One month

One month ago we picked up our little girl FOREVER! They brought her out to us and we never have to give her back. Most nights I go to be with pure and utter thankfulness. Last night I sat on my couch looking across the room at the man God blessed me with as a husband. There are toys on the floor, dust on the furniture, dishes in the sink, and I am so thankful. Our family is whole again after such a long wait.

Our house is loud. Our girl is just like our boys. Full of energy and noise. She is opinionated and sassy. She can't leave her room without her beads. She plays in the dirt and chases the boys. She wrestles and giggles and kisses and screams. She is pure joy with spurts of crazy temper tantrums. She is obsessed with cocoa wheats. She puts every sticker she gets in the middle of her forehead. She is silliness all day. She is learning so much each day.

God knew exactly who was supposed to join our family. I am so thankful for my crew. Each of the blessings God has given us is a precious gift. Each of them is amazing and has unique characteristics that make them wonderful. I feel so blessed beyond words. Thanking Jesus daily that "he does not leave us as orphans" He didn't leave me as an orphan in His spiritual family, and my daughter is no longer an orphan on this earth. Praise the Lord for He is good.

It's been awhile

I haven't been blogging much lately. Mainly due to our newest addition. Also, we've been enjoying a lazy summer.

Here is a little of what we've been up to:

 We went to the zoo as a family. If you look close Bubba is hiding behind Mommy.

 Got to see some giraffes up close and personal.

 Acted like monkeys...

 and rode the train...

 It was very exciting...

 We've been working on bringing this little girl home for so long. Now she is here and we are so blessed!

 Our neighborhood VBS was lots of fun. There was a program to show all the new songs the kids learned. Our boys loved it.

This has been what we have been up to for the past few weeks. This sweet girl joined our family and we have all been spending time getting to know each other. She is such a joy. We are so thankful for the way God is healing her little heart and helping her feel part of our family. I love having her home. Her brothers think she is the best person ever. They are already very protective of her. I love seeing the way that God has taken care of her and us in the long wait. He is a good God!