Today is GOTCHA DAY--1 year anniversary!

This time last year, we were back at our hotel in Nanchang holding a little angel in our arms and were in complete awe and wonder at the miracle of the love we'd just discovered. There are really no words to capture all those emotions we experienced on that day, or since. But, little "Gan Li Ming" changed our hearts and world forever. She is so far beyond what we'd ever asked or imagined. Below is the slideshow that I posted at the end of that day. Some of you who were following my blog back then have already seen it, but it's fun to go back and re-live that day....unbelievable!

Macy Li, you too, are a jewel in our crown, as you are in His! We love you with everything in us!

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

Warning!

Nolan gets his driver's license today! Williamson County is no longer safe! Seriously. Stay home. Nolan is our kid who was born for "near death" thrills! It's what he loves, and that and driving are a dangerous combo!

I can't believe this precious child is 16. His birthday was actually Friday, the 17th. Nolan has brought so much laughter and joy to our family. Things I love about this very special gift from God are that he is tender-hearted, daring, courageous, thinks outside the box, is seeking after God's approval and not that of man's, that he is a "deep well," he's wise, considerate, calm, is a thinker, relaxed and never in a hurry, savors the moment, looks for a "lesson" or "experience" in the simplest things, is open to new ideas and things, knows who he is and to Whom he belongs, loves Jesus with his whole heart, loves people of every kind, doesn't see the "unlovely" as others would, has a heart for orphans, has a heart for the nations, his million-dollar smile, how he calls me "Mama," his cute flat feet, how he's so appreciative of what I cook for him, how he loves and protects Macy Li, how he's a good big brother and good little brother, how respectful he is of his grandparents, that he thrives on "near-death-thrills," his adventurous spirit, his willingness to go with the flow even when it is SO not what he wants to do, that he's a giver and not a taker, that he recognizes how spoiled he is and yet he is so humbled by it that he feels guilty for it, that he turned 16 on Friday and hasn't mentioned/asked for/even hinted at wanting a car when we know he has to, I love how he only gets "torn up" over worthy causes, how he is not a gossip, his sense of discernment, his contagious joy, how he treats little children, his self-control, how he's cool under pressure, how he truly reflects the love and character of the Father is countless ways.....

I could continue that list all day, but I mainly want to say what a privilege it is to be his "mama!" He's a way-cool kid and everything good in him is Jesus; not us. We're just humbled to be his parents.

Nolan, you are a treasure. We truly see the fingerprints of God all over your life! We can't wait to see His plans for your life as they unfold!

Nolan, you are a jewel in my crown. You are a jewel in His'. You are loved with an indescribable love!



P.S. And readers, remember...Consider yourselves warned for today he hits the streets! :O

Weekend with the Cryers

We just wrapped up a great weekend with our friends, Rusty and Lesli Cryer and their 3 wonderful kids, twins Hudson and Hannah, and little Joshua. These were friends we met this very time last summer in China. They were in our travel group, and adopted Joshua from Shenyang. He was about 22 months at the time, and was "special needs," due to a cleft lip and palate. He is the most adorable little boy you've ever seen. Anyway, we loved the Cryers, and so they traveled from their home in Whichita, KS to spend the last 5 days with us. We had a great time of fellowship with them and below are some of the highlights of our weekend together...

Kanakuk-Colorado

All my boys returned from Kanakuk this week. Tyler and Nolan were at K-Colorado in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, CO while Peyton was at K-West near Branson, MO in the Ozarks. Below are just a few of the photos of Tyler and Nolan at K-CO...I don't have but a very few of Peyton (12-year olds could care less about taking pictures...boo!), so enjoy!

Prom...2 1/2 months late

Well, while I'm trying to get caught up on everything else, I wanted to post a few pics of my boy at his senior prom this year...

This is Tannis with Tyler

These are the dearest of friends...

Caleb, Jacob and Jeff with Tyler (these boys are practically my sons)...

Land of the Free...

*Update:  For those who've asked, I bought my little patriot's outfit when we were in China last year...in Guangzhou on Shaiman Island, but can't remember the name of the little shop.