Happy One Year as a FaMiLy! (10/24/14)

Below is a video to celebrate and to tell the, "Story of Luke and God's work," in our lives this year!

http://youtu.be/7_jJ6V59aGc

These four kiddos bless me and refine me each and everyday!

One day this little doll will smile with a pose for his mama!

My three angels~ they've grown so much this year as they've put many of their own desires and needs aside to help with Luke's needs. Whether it be medical appts, behavior issues, sleeping in on Saturdays, or playing in the backyard with Luke rather than in the woods with neighbors... they've risen to the occasion of loving Luke and growing in their patience and care of their baby brother. I'm so proud of our girlies!

The countdown to our one year forever family day..

One year ago today, we were at the Great Wall of China, anticipating the next day, date of Oct.13th, when we would fly to the mountainous, unique province of Gansu, China, along the Yellow River, where we would finally after 22 months hold our son. These pictures hold so much of my heart, a deep warmth of gratitude to a place, a people, a culture that is so much a part of our son... What beauty God  has created there- today as I reflect on this beauty I pray that His Name will be known and lifted High, among this nation and people.  Feeling so, so grateful!

We've "gotcha" now sweet boy, forever in our family today!

Happy Fall

Luke's 4th Birthday!

October 1, 2014, we had the wonderful blessing of celebrating Luke's 4th birthday~ first birthday home with us.  He celebrated at playschool with his friends and teachers and then had a dinner of long noodles with his family.  He will be celebrated with extended family and friends on Sunday, October 5th.  Praise God our sweet boy is home this year.  We were preparing to travel this time last year to meet him and bring him home.  We are getting close to our one year celebration. 

               Luke before playschool

      Luke with his teachers and friends

   Pictures with the sisters before getting ready for his birthday dinner

    Enough with the pictures... no more!

   Birthday dinner out~ Perry, Party of Six!

Daddy gave up on the chopsticks, and let Luke feed him

He's a natural with feeding himself rice.. He perfectly placed his fingers when and hasn't had chopsticks in about 9 months. 

       Girls trying dinner with chopsticks

When we started singing to him with the candles lit, he immediately blew them out and said, "eat, eat."  It was pretty sweet to know that we had another first with him tonight, singing and celebrating with him by singing Happy Birthday and having cake. It was evident he didn't know the routine of singing and then eating!

Sundays party celebration with family/friends.

Mimi, Alaina, Rachel, Luke and Granmomma