Travel

If you would like to follow our trip, we will be posting here.

It has been an exciting 5 days getting everything in place for our trip. There is nothing I could write to truly express the fullness of my heart right now. I am exceedingly thankful to be on this journey. Last night I had the sweetest dream about Grant - he was so full of joy. I am having a difficult time leaving all of our precious children, but my joy is also deep.

Skip and I will fly out of Chicago on Thanksgiving and get to China on Friday night. We will see our precious son's face IN PERSON on Monday morning at 10 AM.

We appreciate all of your prayers - Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Packing & Looking Towards Him

I am so excited how God keeps showing me how crucial each step has been. I think a lot as I wrap Christmas presents and pack and it has been so beautiful to see how each disappointment, waits that were too long and closed doors were ALL for the landscape of the journey. It is a great journey and He is so mighty to turn tears into His Glory. And although Grant is one of the largest blessings in my life - this was not about Grant or adoption. I am claiming freedom in areas that I did not know were in bondage. I say this to encourage anyone who is in the thick of any trial - HE NEVER wastes an opportunity to SHINE his GLORY! We just have to hang on.

I will say on another note, I tear up as I pack my children. I am overwhelmed with all of the details and will it be hot where we are all going or cold. It is so far and such a long trip. I am also struggling because I am over packer being forced to be conservative. Tomorrow I will leave for FL with all of the children to go to my parents house. We looking forward to being able celebrating my brothers 16th birthday with him!! The only draw back, 7 hours in the car . . . I am the only adult. We will stay until Sun or Mon and then I will come home with only three, pack some more and then Wednesday the house will be very quite. I am confident they will all be VERY well taken care of - probably too taken care of if you know what I mean. We have the most wonderful family and friends!!! and even though some I am sure think that we have lost our minds - they still love and support us. BLESSED!

You would be very glad to know that I am only taking 4 bottles - at one point (in a previous post) I had 13 packed :) AND he may not even take a bottle. That gives you a better understanding of my packing theory - "Just in case I need it." I keep downsizing Grant's stuff - limiting myself to 1/2 of a suitcase for him. I can do it . . . I can do it.

Grant will be in our arms on November 29th!!!! and we have a CA appointment for December 7th in Guangzhou. GLORY!

WE ARE GOING TO CHINA!!!!

Yesterday our agency told us we have TA (travel approval)! I am so absolutely grateful to our gracious Lord for Grant. We are still ironing out the details. I am having to slow down my desire to jump on the next plane. I am so thankful to have a husband that can think clearly and reasonably in the center of excitement. He is a rock no matter what the circumstances and oh how God knows exactly what I needed in a husband. I adore Skip and I am thrilled that adoption is a part of our story - such an incredible adventure. God is so good!

Skip and I will be traveling alone. We are wanting to leave on Thanksgiving Day and hopefully we will have a Consulate Appointment (CA) on December 8th or 9th. I have no concerns about our travel, however, the children's plans are a different story. We will leave all 5 here - two will go to my parents (out of state)- one to Skip's parents (out of town) and two will stay here with friends. I know our children will have a great time on their vacations away from home - and very well taken care of. It is just difficult to ask so much from our family and friends. Two weeks to iron out all the details, pack for 8, and get prepared to receive such a beautiful gift.

- We are praying for wisdom, discernment, guidance, and for Grant's heart.

Happy Fall!

Happy 5th Birthday Quinn!

Quinn at 2!

Quinn at 5!

The Double Light Saber inspired this . . .


All of a sudden during the opening of his presents, Quinn broke out in dance. We have no idea where he got his moves, perhaps watching his sisters. It was hysterical -

So thrilled about his gifts!

I love the clothes combination - comfort is very important :) He has these two pair of shorts that he insists on wearing after school.

It was a such a grand celebration. I just cannot believe he is already 5!