Happy Birthday to Yangcai

THIS week is Yangcai's birthday!! Lord willing, it will be his last without a family. On RYAN's birthday, a few weeks ago, we found out that a family in Florida submitted a letter of intent to adopt Yangcai. Ryan got to open this card along with his other gifts. Not only did the Lord answer our prayers but that we'd find out on Ryan's birthday felt like the cherry on top! 

His adoptive family has two girls from China ages 10 and 14. He will be a middle child :) I don't know how long the process will take, but the family is starting from the very beginning. I am guessing at least 9 months.
I can't tell you the weight that was lifted from my shoulders when we received the exciting news. (As if it was all up to me- good grief)
I am humbled, to think that I had been praying for less than 4 months (including his visit) for him to find a family and it felt SO long and at times hopeless. Compared to his 12+ years of waiting for a family... I can't even fathom. I have no idea what it's like to truly long for something, God has been so merciful to me.

IF your heart as been touched by this amazing boy and the journey that God has allowed us to be a smaller part of, please consider donating to his adoption fund. http://reecesrainbow.org/104570/jack
No gift is too small. The money is donated on behalf of the child, not the specific family, should anything fall through. Your donation will be tax deductible. Most international adoptions cost on average $30,000. I know for a fact, a third adoption was not on this couple's radar. However their hearts have been compelled and they are stepping out in faith. Please pray for them and Yangcai while he waits. Praise God with us, for this wonderful news! Our family has certainly be encouraged.

Spring Break

I am really slacking here on the blog. Nearly a month has gone by since spring break but I still want to get in on the blog since my memory seems only to be getting worse. The first portion of the boy's spring break was spent at home and then on Wed we traveled to EJ's mom's house. Each time we travel I am amazed at how simpler it seems. This was the kid's luggage :) I decided not to put their bags of clothes into a suitcase and it worked out well.

The first morning away is always a little too exciting.

EJ spent one day and night with his dad and grandma. While he was gone, EJ's mom and I took the kids into the city of Philadelphia. We road the train which the littles have been wanting to do for a long time.

We took a tour on "The Duck" a land/sea cruiser. Avery was freaking out about going into the water, I think she scared herself to sleep :( Of course she didn't sleep all of the 80 minutes and going into the river is the last part. Needless to say she had to practice some overcoming-her-fears strategies. The boys had a blast and we learned a lot too.

Ice Cream treats before dinner- crazy us!

Napping on the way back to Mim's house.

The next day we drove to this amazing playground, visited with friend's of Mims and went out for dinner.

We enjoyed our visit so much and as always Mim is a generous and gracious hostess. I am thankful that our kids are at ages now that travel isn't quite as exhausting and EJ and I can also enjoy ourselves.

Easter Weekend

Ryan still looks forward to dying eggs. I love this about him. Avery was very excited too.

  Our neighbors had us over for an egg hunt. She took it very seriously.

We enjoyed a yummy brunch after early service, just the 6 of us.

We headed to my parents an indoor egg hunt, thanks to a rainy forecast and enjoyed a delicious dinner with surprise guests :)

My mom's first cousin and wife drove up from Tennessee and surprised us. Diane LOVES children, and enjoyed them ALL immensely. After dinner we had more surprise guests. My first cousin and his family :) What an amazing treat!

Grandma passing out special "prizes" after the egg hunt bc eggs are too tiny to hide really fun stuff ;)

Such a fun day! We are a loud bunch :)

Birthday Week

Yangcai left right before our birthday marathon. Our busy birthday month, did cross my mind when we said "yes" to hosting. I knew it would mean less thought and planning put into some birthdays. Really, is it every convenient to invite a perfect stranger into your home for a month? I am finding that for me being busier with a full house helps keep my priorities straight. Not having time to overthink and over plan can be a blessing :) The days of my fancy party throwing are limited and that's okay.

Owen's birthday was the same day as the Run 4 the Fund, so his birthday breakfast did not include EJ and was pretty basic.

You know you are getting old, when you have only item on your birthday wish list and it is expensive enough to be split by your parents and grandparents. Ha! He has wanted a go-pro for a long time. His hobby right now is "mini hoop" trick shot videos with friends. The first time he wore his chest strap gear a little kid asked him if he was a "you-tuber." We have been laughing about it ever since.

He celebrated with his two (local) best friends with trampoline arena and wings and basketball game watching at a sports bar, with EJ.

We had a mini celebration for Aunt Lissa's birthday which included Owen's name in the candle blowing.

A dear friend brought me flowers a few days after Yangcai left. She is a faithfully praying friend who knows first hand the pains of saying goodbye to a host child. Grateful to be known and loved and prayed for!

 

EJ surprised me with tickets to see Third Day in concert. He knows me SO well :)

When my day came and I was celebrated with a thoughtfully planned meal cooked/grilled by EJ with cheesecake (my favorite) for dessert. Each of my kids celebrate me in subtle ways each a perfect reflection of who they are. Being a mom for 12 years has lowered my bar for my own birthday and I am genuinely ok with that. That hasn't always been the case, I am glad God continues to work on me. Choosing to be thankful in the little things really does make a difference in my heart.

Run 4 the Fund

Avery's preschool (our church) holds a fundraiser for preschool scholarship money. 

1- mile run, 5k, preschool dash and Easter egg hunt.

It's a fun morning with friends and good exercise (too bad I don't run).

 Mason finished the mile in 7:51.7

Ryan finished his FIRST mile race in 8:46.7. Owen and a friend ran alongside of him.

It was a VERY chilly morning.

 Owen ran his FIRST 5k race in a speedy 27:31.3

This one... wish he would stay little forever...gonna miss this.

Mason and his friend ready for egg hunting.