Tuesday, April 14, 2009

one year as this family




On April 14, 2008, we held our newest children in our arms for the first time. What a year it has been. At this point last year we were kinda thinking this was it. Our family was complete. Ha! We keep learning it never works to try to figure this life out. God is far too unpredictable.

In many ways, this year went much better than expected. The twins began adjusting well from the start, with a few bumps along the way. The siblings are all just that -- siblings.

We are truly blessed.

But in other ways, this year was incredibly difficult. I was expecting "difficult", I read up on the adjusting, talked with many other families. But knowing what it would possibly be like, and actually experiencing it are worlds apart. We have had our fill of laughter, tears, joy, silliness, exhaustion, teasing, joking, impatience, frustration, peacefulness, anticipation and fear. Times of simply basking in the goodness of God's blessings poured out on us, along with moments of holding on to our faith through slipping fingernails. I have noticed that when I am in the middle of the massive stuff, I don't really analyze how tough or not it is. But as I reflect on this past year today, it is pretty amazing to see what God has brought us through, and how he uses those difficult moments to continue to prune, refine, purify us. Well, his plan is to make us more like his son. Yeah, in my case that definitely takes a lot of work, so I am sure the refining will continue.

We will see what next year holds. No, I am not going to predict anything (ok, except I do hope to be holding another little one sometime this year), but I am going to keep trusting our trustworthy God every step.

Hey, and April 14, 2009, just happens to be the 20th anniversary of when Farmboy and I first met. See, you really can meet your future spouse at a toga party. God is so cool!

15 comments:

ali said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Anonymous said...

What words of encouragement on how your year went. Praying that your new little one is in your arms soon.

From our family to yours said...

Love to read your blog...always blessed by your words. Can't wait until you guys get to bring your little one home... what a party that will be.

the Steiger's said...

Happy 1st and 20th anniversary.
I pray you will get to hold your little one soon!!!
Lenka

Ryane said...

Beautiful family! Congratulations!

becca albertson said...

Happy Adoption Day to you, too :).
We are so incredibly grateful that our path crossed with yours. What a blessing you have been to Zach and me, and what a privilege it has been to share this journey with you. I still remember our awesome theological talks in the back of that plane...
Sending you lots of hugs today!
love
becca

HollyMarie said...

A whole year; what a milestone! Congrats and may the next year be filled with blessing upon blessing. :)

coffeemom said...

God IS SO cool!!! And you too, your sweet family. I love this post and I love being able to rely on you for tips and support and that extra shoulder...last year and this one to come and well..who knows how far into the future. We both keep getting surprised don't we? Enjoy this special wonderful day. Congratulations!! Eat something fantastic! Love m

Robin said...

Loved this post......God truly does prune us to enable growth. I wish it was easier than it sounds!!!

I can't believe how fast time has flown.....we are coming up on being home 18 months in May......so much has changed..and yes, it has been hard. Especially redoing the infant stage in your 40s!!!! But I wouldn't trade any of it for anything!!! Blessed....we've been truly blessed through this entire journey!

Jen said...

What a year! I can't wait to see what next year holds for you! Happy Anniversary. Your family is beautiful.

Shelly Roberts said...

Rejoicing with you in God's goodness and His GRACE!!! .... and also congrats on 20 years together! The Lord will be faithful to continue walking you through each season as a family. Miss you!! ~Shelly

Beth said...

So exciting to watch your adventure. My husband and I are close to the wait list. We are approved for a boy up to 48 months. I have been a little nervous about an older toddler, but you are so encouraging. Any words of advice on reading material would be appreciated. In Christ, Beth

Kristy -Mom To 9 Blessings said...

WOW! 1 year! AMAZING! We received our referral 1 year ago tomorrow and thanks to a certain Farmboy & Buttercup, we were able to get our first post referral photos of our Ethiopian Beauties. I will be forever grateful! Please give me a call again if you want another sightseeing trip to DC. I'm praying to hear good news about a court date soon! :-)
Blessings,
Kristy

Paula said...

Congratulations to you and your beautiful family. You truly inspire me.

Annie said...

Congrats on one year together :) What a beautiful family you have!