The Newest Addition

So, it seems we have probably found the next Harrigan!  The Lord began speaking to us a couple years ago about our daughter in China.  We didn't know much, but we started working.  We are thrilled to introduce her and share a bit more of her story.

She will be two years old in May, and she was born with a cleft palate and lip.  Her lip has been repaired in China, and her palate will be repaired as soon as we get back.

When we were presented with her file, it was incredibly daunting.  You read this patchy document, with all kinds of missing information.  You pray unceasingly for 48 hours.  You are incredibly, overly obsessed until the decision is made.

As we were praying one night, I had a picture in my mind of a massive swirling tornado.  We kept reaching into the tornado and pulling out pieces of trash that, when we turn around transform into puzzle pieces that form this little face.  It was as if there was swirling chaos on one side, and peace and calm on the other side.  After asking a dear friend in China what her Chinese name meant- I about fell on the floor.  The next morning I woke up to this email, "Now I CAN help you there: the name means calm and warm. Love y'all!"  Calm and warm????  Really Lord??  Amazing.  So, the decision seemed clear enough.  And sometime in the next 4-6 months we head to China to get her!  SO can't wait.  Could have gone yesterday.  But I know the Lord's timing is perfect.
  
 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  2 Peter 3:9

"Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."  Romans 8:23  

The Growing Family

Helloooooooo friends!  It has been such a long time, and I am so sorry.  But we all know that internal processing, and then writing is not my strong point.  ;)  If I can't say it, then I have a hard time making moments in the schedule to communicate it well.  However, I have a moment of unexpected time this evening and felt like some of you needed an update.  So, I'll take it in two parts.

First, our sweet third born daughter.  Her health is doing amazing.  She is growing in stature and heart every day and I am so honored to be her mama.  We have come to a point of stability where her counts have stayed up and we know, for now, what medicines work to keep them up.

She is strong.  She runs fast, plays, hard, talks a LOT, and keeps all of us laughing.

 
Her older brother has turned 7.  And in our house, 7 is a big year.  He got to celebrate his birthday last month for 7 whole days.  And with that comes all kinds of big kid things.  He has new responsibilities, new freedoms, and new choices.  His allowance has grown slightly, and he has the freedom to spend or save (after tithing of course).  He is such a funny, smart little boy.  He has bug thoughts, and a bigger heart.  He is compassionate beyond belief.

 

My oldest born is growing faster than I can believe.  He is almost as tall as I am.  He is going away to camp this summer for the first time for an entire week!  He is determined, intelligent, a soccer player to the core, and a compassionate big brother.  I have often caught him reading to his little sister, without being asked.  And they are having a great time together!  He has good friends.  He is loyal.  And his heart is getting stronger and stronger.  I cannot believe it. :)  This picture is from January when he ran in his first 5k!  He is training to do another one this spring.  Pretty fun!

  

 The Chief and I are doing great.  We are amazed at life and marriage.  Next month, we get to celebrate 15 years of marriage!   And it's even better then it was then.  Amen and amen!

Lily of the Valley. . . and adoption.

So, for those of you who have been asking- and for those of you who didn't realize you were on this train- and for those of you who may not ever ask for something like this- let me tell you about adoption.  Let me tell you about the Lord.  Let me tell you about our story.  The one that is being written at this moment- I have no idea the outcome (I have my hopes).  I have no idea the time frame (though I have a possible plan).  I have no idea about the money required (though I am fervently praying).  All I can tell you is the story that is being written in our hearts.

Ever since the youngest came into our home over 2 years ago, we knew we would adopt again.  It must be why you see those families with like a jillion kids- all of them different colors.  You do it once and you realize how it is sooooo worth it.  Anyway, we knew that the Lord had at least one more out there that belonged in our family.  We weren't complete.  So we prayed.  Fervently for the last 6 months.  I have asked everyone who offered- pray for our little girl- we don't know where she is, but we know we have to go get her.  The world was on the table.  Stateside?  Sure, we know how to do that one.  Africa?  Sure- loads of orphans there.  SE Asia?  Again, yes lots of babies needing homes.  But Lord, where is OUR daughter?  For months we asked, with no answer.  And then one morning I woke up with a picture in my mind.  Clear as day.  (And if you've ever been around me in the morning, you know the miracle this is that I didn't miss it all together!)  I wish I could find this place and take a picture.  Words will never do it justice.


It was a valley with mountains on either side.  Not mean, rocky kind of mountains.  Just much bigger than hills- but peaceful.  It was lush, as green as Northern Ireland in the early summer.  The valley was covered with this beautiful plant called Lily of the Valley.  It's a small, vividly green, leafy plant, with small white flowers that spreads wherever you plant it.  Incredibly fragrant when in bloom.  I breathed in and could smell it deeply.  The valley was overflowing with flowers. Immediately I knew I was in China.  And as I was looking at all the flowers, one of them raised up higher than the rest.  The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "It's time to go get your Lily."

I sat up in bed faster than lightening.  Was I dreaming?  Had he spoken??  Was that really him??  LILY????  Was that her name??  Before I could think there were two little boys in bed with me and it was time to get up and get ready for school.  I tried with all my might to remember every detail possible- exactly as I had seen it.  Exactly as I had heard.  Even now, I close my eyes and can see it again.  I got everyone ready for school and in the van in a bit of a blur.

At this point, I am completely ready to do it.  No questions asked.  Of course, I still have to talk to the chief, but I'm ready.  I drop the kids off and sit down at my computer and this pops up on the screen.

http://rupplife.blogspot.com/2012/09/guangdong-girls.html

I am undone.  You see, this is a little girl, adopted by an American family, from China, NAMED LILY.  Now, I know this is not my daughter.  But seriously, it was just a crazy coincidence.  A little too crazy.  All I remember is typing some kind of non-sensical comment on my friend Kayla's blog.  And then asking her not to post the comment because it was so crazy.  And I might should tell my husband first.

 And here we are.  Huge stack of papers sitting on my kitchen table.  The first major step in adoption.  Filling out papers.  I am working to remember that all babies must be fought for.  Life, even in my own womb was fought for.  I immediately began taking vitamins, drinking extra water, trying not to hurl every half hour, and sleeping extra.  And I cannot do those things for my Lily right now.  So instead, we will fill out papers.  We will go to doctors and get physicals.  We will get fingerprinted and interviewed.  We will fight for her- and someday I will tell her of the lillies in the field- and how fiercely she was loved from the very start.

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" 
Luke 12:27-28

Skateboards and rubber bands. :)

I am never ceased at how children play.  For some reason, I have very few memories of the games we used to play.  I know we did as kids- I just don't remember them.  SO, we have made a video or two.  The first was completely unprompted.  If you listen carefully, you can hear my advice, but that's about all I had to do with it.  The commentary is particularly entertaining.

This second one was of Sis, for those of you who like to keep the score even.  :)  She is definitely growing up, and she is incredibly familiar with the camera.  Please excuse the scream of frustration.  ;)  We are working on using our new found words.

The biggest little chief.

 How is it that you started out like this?  I know, I'll be saying it on the day you get married.  How is it that it happens like this? 

You see, it has been a summer full of firsts.  My oldest boy turned 8.  I know. . . someone said today, "That's halfway to 18!"  I can only imagine.  I won't try right now, as it may bring tears.  I remember only too well my sweet mama driving me all the way (across town) to my college dorm with tears rolling. :)  I digress. . .

We had a birthday party with some good friends and large inflatables on which to play.  We caught our first fish.  Got our first fishing pole.  Had lots of poison ivy.  Went tubing behind a boat.  Hosted a reunion with 23 of our best friends.  :)  We had a big summer. . .

I think what is growing in my heart the most is watching him grow in heart and mind and body.  We have talked many times about being strong in all three areas.  He has such a desire to have a strong body, but it must work well with a strong heart and strong  mind!  I have this amazing video of him reciting the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  It was written in the 1640's and without some of the thee's and thou's he's memorized over 45 questions and answers.  He knows the first 6 Psalms.  By heart.  I know, he's my son and I have a right to be proud of him.  But really.  I get the precious opportunity to ask the Lord to speak to Him.  I get to ask the Lord to speak to me about him.  And I know that from before he was ever conceived (in my mind OR in my womb!) the Lord knew him.  The Lord spoke so clearly that I am reminded daily as I see him interact with others.  As I see his compassion so clearly.  As I see his excitement. As I see his desire to learn.  As I see his smile.

"About Benjamin he said: "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders."  Deuteronomy 33:12

"Your first child will be named Benjamin, because he will know My love."  (from God- to me.) 

Sis really thought she was going to school too!

Thank you Lord for making and forming him to be one who knows your love and shares it with those he encounters.



This is him on the first day of school.  Actually the second.  On the first he was recovering from the stomach virus. . .  serious bummer for my socialite!  But he recovered quickly, both emotionally and physically and we were clear and healthy for the second day. 

Game Night

So tonight it was too hot to eat outside and play, so we decided to eat inside.  And since it was ready early, we had time to play a game after dinner and before bed.  Not a usual occurrence, but tonight was special.  Nonetheless, I was sitting around looking at my amazing family (and a friend who ate with us tonight) and thrilled about the glimpse ahead.  We played Rummicube together.  The boys played on their own (almost).  Sis did her thing. We had a blast and the cotton-top won it all!  It was so much fun and I sat there thinking, we have some great times ahead of us. . . . thank you Lord for all that you have done in our little home.

Props to our NaeNae for some really cute Razorback gear that came in the mail today! 
Sis was a cheerleader, oh my!

Big boy. . .

So, this is my second baby's alphabet wall.  Every week at preschool last year they did a letter.  They stuck stickers on it that matched the sound. So stickers of a lollipop on the L.  And to make it even more fun, they printed pictures of the kids and put themselves on the letter!  So, for example, on the "S" is a Samuel sticker!  Wow.  Anyway, almost every week we came home on Fridays and put a letter on the wall.  It became a visual representation of our preschool year.  In. So. Many. Ways.  My little boy was growing up.  I have said it before, but for one who so desperately did not like classroom settings as a 1-year old. . . . or a 2-year old. . . . or a 3-year old, at 4, he was ready!!

SO, before the first day of kindergarten we took down the letters.  We moved them to the basket of papers that mommy likes to save.  :)  We prepared ourselves for a new transition.  We got ready, backpacks, supplies, snacks, water, and the appropriate clothing and shoes and headed out the door!  He even had to go on the first day without his brother (who was puking in the back bedroom, another story for another day).  I asked him that morning if he wanted to wait and start with big brother.  He looked back at me confidently and said, "I want to go today."  This mama's heart about lost it. . . where was the baby that wouldn't let go of my neck?  For like four years??? 


When I heard that on the first week of school, he stood, IN FRONT of the whole class and recited the first catechism question all by himself, I knew we were in for great things. 

And look at those cool shoes. . . . thanks Aunt Erin!

* As a side note. . .  for anyone in the midst of babies who won't go anywhere.  Be encouraged.  As miserable as it is in the moment, as difficult as it is to go to church, bible study, preschool, or any other place where other people's children are in a class, this season will pass.  They will grow up.  There is such a peace in my heart that the Lord gave me the grace and wisdom to let him hold on a bit longer.  Because when he was ready. . . he was ready.  And he is so confident in his place at home that he can go out in strength.  Not in fear or worry.  This is our story, but I figure someone else might have some similar experiences. . . .

Parenting Pros and Woes

So I have spent the last week in woes about my parenting and my children.  You know what I mean right??  I'm not alone, am I?????  :)  I know.  It's crazy, like some switch flips in one of my children and everything that I had been doing that was working is no longer working.  Like all of the sudden they are a different child, motivated by different things, and more in touch with the dang sin nature.  Seriously. . . you could not sit and watch my precious, sweet baby girl this past week and tell me there is no innate sin nature.  Anyway, that's actually a different topic for a different day.  But this week I was driven to my knees. 

I think it started here.




I know, she's only just barely 2.  But seriously, she was showing all the signs.  So we did all the whoohaa, got the big girl panties, got the treats, got out the potty, had an awesome potty party (if you ask me!), and began the process.  After about 12 hours (the second day), we weren't any closer and suddenly she began flipping out about all kinds of things.  Throwing any open container she could find on the floor, hitting her brothers, throwing toys, running away from me when called, and CLEARLY not going pee on the potty.  Not for any amount of chocolate.

So, as any clear minded individual would do, I walked outside and declared to my working husband that HIS daughter was back in diapers and I was leaving for a break.  :)

Fortunately, I am married to an amazing man and he gave me a chance to talk to Jesus.  I was so baffled, and couldn't figure out why I was so upset with her.  And in that moment the Lord spoke to me.  He reminded me of who He is.  How he is slow to anger, and abounding in love.

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness"  Exodus 34:6

And then he taught me about my daughter.  He reminded me of how verbal she is.  Seriously ya'll, she can talk like the boys could at 3.  It's amazing-- and somewhere in my mind I had decided that she was as old as she was verbal.  That if she could tell me as much as she could, then she should definitely be pooping on the potty.  And not spilling drinks.  And not throwing toys.  And not running away when called.

Today, I pulled the toddler seat back to the table, strapped her in for lunch and felt peace reign.  I knew the Lord was kind and gentle in his reminder.  And now I feel like I can be as well.  I can love her with passion and peace.  And in diapers.  ;)

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." Psalm 78:4,6-7 

Baby Girl Turns 2!

 We were enamored with this little bundle, even before we saw her, but most especially the moment we met.  It had been a long time coming, but she was beautiful, perfect, and absolutely part of our family.  We doted over her then, and we have continued to.  We all fell in love.  She is as beautiful today as she was then.  She is as determined now as she was then.  She loves fully,  once she has determined you are worthy.  ;)  She runs hard with her brothers, plays with her friends, and loves to be "with you." (usually her mommy, but sometimes passionately with her daddy too)  She is learning to use her words so well, and has focused desire to tell you what is pressing on her heart.  I love hearing it.   

Now she is so big and we are so proud of the little sister that she has become.  She is growing in her knowledge and love, and learning so much about her story.  About the God who formed her from the beginning, the Son who saved her, and the Spirit who continues to guide her.  Even in her conquests of the baby dolls and the backyard slides.  Only He knows what the days ahead will hold!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!  May you continue to grow in love, choosing the One Thing that will never be taken from you.

"but only one thing is needed. Mary (of Bethany) has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:42

He rides on two wheels!!

I am not a very good blogger, as we have all seen, but know that we celebrated our second born well.  He had  about a week of parties, eating sweets, and surprises!  I just didn't tell any of you about them.  Sorry about that. ;)  Nonetheless, he is an amazing little boy and I am honored to be his mama.  He loves well, carries his heart in a way that we get to see it, and he is as adventurous as any little boy could be!  On his daddy's birthday he declared that he was ready to ride a bike on two wheels- rather than four.  And ride he did!  He worked hard on it for about 24 hours, and then it was on!  As they say in Kung Fu Panda 2, "You better tell those musicians to play some action music. . . . because it is on!"

Amazing.  :)

That was Round 1.  These next two are from two days later.  Seriously, this kids learns quick!  :)

  

And finally. . . .