One

Here we go again....the official monthly update while we're waiting to be matched with our daughter.  This is no count-down instead, its more like passing mile markers on a race towards home- only we don't know when/where the finish line is.  God knows exactly when we'll be introduced to our little girl so, this time- I'm really seeing our waiting time in a new light.  Instead of dreading watching the monthly numbers creep up, I know this time around that the bigger the monthly number- the closer we are to our daughter.  I might need reminded of that come winter but that's my focus.  

The real question for most people seems to be....how long will it be?  And, my answer is- God knows and I haven't a clue.  However, our agency has given some insight eluding that we will possibly be matched late fall into winter.  It would be a huge blessing if we were matched sometime in 2014 simply because of my school schedule however, we know and totally trust God's perfect timing!  We have heard a lot of encouraging news from our agency and their program updates.  Last month over a dozen kids were matched with families which is great!  They have recently added a new orphanage partnership allowing them to find homes for more kids.  

What we do know (or think we know anyways) is that 'it' will be a girl.  She will probably be 1-ish when we meet her and somewhere between 1 1/2 ish and 2 years old when she's finally home.  Right now, our focus is on praying for kids to be matched with families as soon as possible.  And, praying for our daughter- who is most likely already born.  For her health and the caretakers watching over her until she comes home.  We can't wait for the day God reveals our daughter!!  For now, we're thankful that '1' is done.   In the meantime... we're going to pack in the last bits of summer .

P.S. I've got the coolest yard guys around ;)  

Fun with Grandma & Grandpa!!

Last week, we had the super exciting honor of having Grandma & Grandpa R. come for a visit!!!  It was a great time of relaxation and fun.  Kaleb quickly showed Grandma the secret stash of goodies in the garage freezer ;)  

 Analyzing tongue colors... Kaleb was convinced he was turning orange, hehe!

 Walks to go see acorns of course...

 Our favorite bench where we stack rocks and look for acorns...

 The highlight of the weekend for Kaleb- most likely the popcorn and movie night with Grandma and Grandpa!  There is nothing the kid loves more than piling on the couch with a couple gallons of good ole' fashioned popcorn to watch Toy Story.  He was thrilled Grandma & Grandpa could be there to enjoy it :) 

 He even painted a few masterpieces of art- one of which headed back to Laramie for the infamous 'art room' at Grandma & Grandpa's house.  We had a great time and can't wait for them to come back! 

Our Favorite

There are few places that fit like an old glove.  You can go there for over three decades and love it more each time.  It's the perfect vacation- not a lot of work, quiet relaxation with everything needed for a fun family weekend.  Starting last Wednesday, we landed in our favorite state park campground where $18 a night campsite can buy you pretty much the perfect vacation.  Fishing out the tent flap, a sandy beach, nightly smores, a playground around the corner and most importantly- quiet, simple fun.  As a family, we've been going there for about thirty years to my knowledge.  Growing up, the old phrase 'make hay when the sun shines' pretty much sums up summertime as a kid.  But, at the end of summer when the wheat was in and most/enough of the hay was cut we'd load up for a couple nights of camping.  It really hasn't changed a bit... 

 Ryon still catching fish before breakfast...

 Lots of swimming, water fights and hosing down Auntie when she was trying to sun bathe :) 

Uncle RyRy rented a paddle boat- Kaleb loved it!! 

Due to Mom & Dad's stellar 'booking agent' ;)  They were able to have a camping cabin for the weekend- I figure if you've had hip replacement surgery in the past 6 months, that qualifies you for a promotion to 'cabin' status if possible.  Best $40 a person can spend! 

 This year, we landed there on the 4th of July.  

You won't find a bigger or more candy laden parade- anywhere!!  

Sometimes, after you've swam, played, ran around, stayed up late, skipped naps, chased Auntie, fished, and soooo much more- you're so tired you have to curl up for a little rest right in the middle of a crazy candy showering parade.  Because, your exhausted 3 year-old body- Just. Can't. Keep. Going.  

 But, with a little sugar from the candy bag and Uncle RyRy asking if you want to take a nap- you keeeeep going.  The fun wasn't over yet though... the annual 4th of July rodeo that evening following by a mega 'boom-fire' show.  It was great!! 

 Showing off our dance moves in the grand stands :) 

 Cheering for the broncs with Grandpa!

 Lots of fun hanging out with Gamma this weekend- oh, boy did we have fun!

 

Needless to say- we had a great time.  Obviously, Kaleb's 5 hour nap on Saturday was much needed and well earned. So glad we were able to hang out as a whole family this weekend.  Its Monday morning and the camping exhaustion hangover is still lingering.  Good times indeed :) 

LID!

Great news this morning... we were notified of our "LID"!  Our LID is the date in which our file of documents was officially logged into the official database in China.  So.... somewhere across the ocean, in a sea of papers is our folder of paperwork :)  It will now be translated and review while we wait to be matched with our daughter.  Can't wait! 

Dear Little Sister...

Tonight, I was tucking your big brother into bed.  And, maybe possibly he was stalling a bit before admitting he was exhausted.  He reminded me that God made Kaleb's skin chocolate and God made Mama's skin peachy.  Also, that our house is 'pretty and nice'.  Then he said:  "Our family is Mama, Daddy, Kabub.............(long thoughtful pause) and Little Sister.  Insert big cheesy squishy faced grin :)  
He already loves you Little Sister- oh, my you have no idea what an amazing big brother you having waiting for you.  And, we've yet to even meet you!  So tonight, he went down the whole list of important things that every 3 year old big brother must teach his little sister...
- how to bounce balls
- checking flowers
- growing flowers
- watering flowers
*Kabub reminded me that all girls like flowers- please take note ;) 
- swinging...swinging 'big'
- and, very very most importantly- his sandbox!  
Then, he made sure to remind me that Little Sister is going to come live at our house- forever. 

Oh, my does he ever 'get it'!  Every piece of change he finds- goes straight to the pig.   He mentions 'Little Sister' daily if not a handful of times.  This is such a fun age when we can have these wise conversations and moments of discovering the world is even bigger than we thought the day before.  I am so grateful we have this summer together- totally immersed in his little brain as it is starting to truly unravel how God builds our family.  Kaleb has always loved being home the most and still that way.  I love you dearly my sweet Kabub :)

Farmyard Fun

Summer is for having fun... so, yesterday we got in on a great group special at Old McDonald's Farm- a local petting zoo kid place.  It was fun because the kids can go into each of the little pens to play directly with the animals- cute and fun all the way around!  Here's a look at our day- 

Fun time- especially because we got to hang out with some awesome friends too!

5 Years!

If you would have asked me six years ago if I was getting married... the answer was a definitive 'no'.  I was pretty confidant in where I thought God's plan was heading but of course that's when He has the most fun throwing some twists and turns into the mix.  Ohhh, am I thankful He did!!

Its been an adventure ever since :)  

Here's a quick snap shot of the last 5.5 years of what has become our life.... 

Started dating in January-

and knew in our hearts by February- this is the one...

 Over Easter weekend in Laramie...

(oh, my look how little our sweet Miss. Sarabeth was back then) 

We got engaged!!  

 We thought the Moms were crazy to think we could get married by June 6th. 

But.... they were right.  Eight weeks.  Craziness.  Pure Craziness. 

 In 8 weeks we...

 Found a dress...

planned & completed a full do-it-all-yourself wedding

(kudos to Wes & Betty...and frenzied email divide, conquer & confirm craziness!)

 Found a House we liked...

Bought & Closed on said house...

(complete with old nasty wallpaper)

I think I'll run for President someday on the platform of banning all wallpaper.  

Seriously, people- don't do this!!!  

 Got Married! 

Life was good :) 

We went out to dinner one night at Applebees...

and, pretty soon- we were filling out adoption paperwork :) 

 Which landed us in beautiful Ethiopia- 

 to meet this guy...

 and bring him home!!!!!!

Filled life up with cuddles & snuggles...

and sneakin' 'matos from the garden!

 Lots of other memories too- camping, San Diego, first steps,

 driving around constantly and hundreds of gallons of Common Cents coffee. 

 And, now...we're working on bringing home 'little sister' :)  

 Its been a blessed adventure and I'm so thankful that God sent me you!

Between all the craziness, we've had our share of times when God said 'no', detours, dead-ends and pot holes along the way too.  But, God provides and continues to bless us.  Sometimes the parts and pieces of life seem crazy (like the amount of gas/tires bought & breakfasts eaten in the car) but no matter what, I know this is exactly where God wants and needs us.  In the middle of it all but right where we need to be- our little sprouts of ministry at church, cows across the street for me the displaced country kid 

and watching thunderstorms on the covered porch.  

Praise the Lord for all HE has done!!! 

Thanks for being an incredible man, great husband and my bff :) 

I love you!

I absolutely can't wait to see what God has in store next!!