Beyond Words

So much has happened the last few months I hardly know where to begin.  Actually I have tried to begin this blog several times.  My delete button is hot to the touch right now from overuse.  My world has been forever changed, and in case you were wondering, changed for the better.  December 16th we meet Chloe Joy.  She has been a delight, except for the random moments, which are few and far between, when she acts like a child who has just been moved half way around the world to a strange house with strange people who eat weird food and live in sub zero blizzard land. We are amazed everyday with how well she is adjusting.  We have many hurdles to jump over, but many of my fears and wonderings were unfounded.  I don't know why I try to get ahead of God so often.  Silly right?  I guess as a mom you just want to be prepared so you can give your best to the children you love.  Oh I do love my kids...all 3 of them!

I have learned so many valuable nuggets of truth through this entire experience, and I'm sure I cannot express them adequately.  When your heart is changed, there just aren't words sometimes.  When your world expands, there just aren't photos that give it justice.  Yet, I will try to express my heart, so here is my attempt at sharing, through pictures, what I have learned; here is my attempt at giving words to an experience that really is beyond words.

#1.  Sometimes it snows, so enjoy it.  Sometimes it snows again, so enjoy it.  Sometimes it is so cold you can't enjoy it, so build a fire inside and bond with the ones that you love, and that love you. Sometimes it snows again, so try really hard to enjoy it!

#2  Noodles are good with spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, or almost any kind of sauce.  

#3  I have so much to be thankful for and NEED to stop and take record of all of those gifts whether big or small.

#4  God works in mysterious ways and leads us, preparing us for times like today.  I bought a necklace when Em and Nick were little. The necklace was designed to add cute little people pendants representing your children.  For some reason I also purchased an additional girl pendant.  Hum?  

#5  There is nothing better than a dad who loves you!

#6 As Chloe sports Nick's shirt while helping with the laundry, I am reminded that we need someone to look up to; someone that will be an example for us to follow.  

#7  Be creative and think outside the box even if others look at you like you are silly.  (Note the crayons in the bib!)  You never know what blessing will be just around the corner, or right under your nose.

#8  If this picture had sound you would hear...Where's Cwowee?  I know know. Translation:  Where's Chloe?  I don't know.  I guess sometimes you think you are hiding but you're not!

#9  Sometimes you need to laugh.  So if that takes wearing your rainbow colored kitty apron and dad's winter hat, do it.

#10  There are so many truths in this photo I don't know where to begin.  I originally thought I would crop out the potty chair, but then decided that everybody potties and when someone gives you a potty chair and you like it...put it in the living room for all to admire.  (Please don't worry it is in the bathroom now.)  I also really like the duo in the background admiring the whims of a chocolate faced dancer.  So people, eat chocolate and do the happy dance.

#11 There are so much to learn in life. Stop, take the time, and help someone today!  

#12 Relax and drink tea.  Notice that it is a tea set, thus indicating that you need to invite your closest, most trusted people to the party!  We can't make it through this life alone.  Surround yourself with those that care about you.  Surround those you care about.  Relax and drink tea!

Ok so maybe I didn't learn all of these things through the adoption process but many of them are for sure a clear depiction of my learning and growth.  I do think my biggest area of growth was facing my fears head on and allowing God to take care of me (and my family) every step of the way.  It may not have been the way I thought it should be, or anticipated it would be, or wanted it to be, but as I look back through this process, His plans were always better than mine.  Silly me again!  

I am reading the book called Before You Were Mine by Susan TeBos and Carissa Woodwyk.  The following passage resonated with me and the thoughts and feelings I am having right now.  I hope it will with you also.

"We are not sure how God works that out (the miracle of adoption), but he often reveals himself in surprising ways, and there are many things we cannot explain lest we minimize his very self.  Whether he asked us to adopt or we asked him if we could becomes unimportant.  What matters is that the God of the known universe and beyond invites us to respond to many needs...adoption being one.  When we accept the invitation or ask to be invited, the miracle unfolds."

Trust, obey, listen, and go...

or should it be.

listen, obey, trust, and go...

or should it be, ...

Well you get the idea...if God calls, He's got you covered, just go!