Hearts of Adoption: Long over due update!

If you enter our house on any given day, you might find this! These two attached at the hip laughing and playing, dressed in each others clothes (poor Joseph!) But he never complains, and just goes with the flow. He has found his voice and sometimes puts in his preference and then wears whatever! They adore one another. I was informed the other day they got married, and he was wearing the princess dress and she had his clothes on! And now he said they were just kidding :) He has really transformed over the last year. He has always been accepting of our love but as I have watched him grow to a point where he enjoys freely giving it too. He says good morning and is the first to say I Love you! Little things that we might take for granted, but little seeds that show he is feeling secure in his comfort and place in our family.

Our heart Duo :)

Even though the snow was sparse this winter, fun was had by all when it was here!

Many of you know our winter has been filled with event after event. Hence, our blog hiatus. The trials never seems to let up. Jordan snuggles with Ryan's Dad here at the nursing home, as he has struggled with failing a heart this winter. We cling to our faith the God is our provider and that he will see us through the trials of this life.

Our Christmas was filled with family visiting from Florida and fun memories. The kids got lots of time with the cousins and James and Huahua enjoyed the chicken feet at the Chinese restaurant.

Some were venturous and tried the Chicken feet....Others watched... enjoyment was not had by ALL!

James has taking a strong liking to Basketball. Justin and Jackson's teammates include him so kindly. We are thankful for a school district that teaches love and respect for those with differences. He feels proud of himself, even though he doesn't get it just right, he feels a great sense of accomplishment when people treat him with respect for who he is.

Justin making a pass around the big guy. Very proud of the boys and their seasons. During this game the officials were confused on who should have possession of the ball and gave it to Justin's team. He spoke up to correct to call and said "I made the foul and it's the other team's ball." Despite "losing" this game by one at the buzzer, he recognized that the honesty and sportsmanship is most important part of the game. Jackson's season was cut short, almost as it began, with his broken arm. He continued to attend practices and games with his team, dribbling around with the other hand. Quite frustrated with being on the sidelines, he finally has been granted permission by Noonan to start full participation again! He broke out the dirt bike this weekend. Strength and stretching are still the focus, as we keep an eye on the lump left on his wrist from a few chips of titanium left in his arm. We pray his body will adjust to them and no further surgery needed.

Jordan and her friend Sydney cheering on the boys! And Joseph wondering
if this was ever going to be done????????

Jordan took this picture at the school---I don't know if she even understood the significance. In February, my mother
was diagnosed with breast cancer. I think children are more keen to what's going on than we give them credit!
We pray and fight with her, as we know the one that Heals will provide what we need.

Ryan and I were able to get away together for a week for his work trip. This is the shores of Maui. As I stood on the shores and the waves crashing against the rocks, that's how we feel this winter. Our family after this week will have endured 11 surgeries in 6 months. We have rolled three of our children back 9 times and handed them over to a surgical team praying we would see them again; just holding onto to the faith that only can come from knowing the Lord.

But in the fierce waves, there is beauty and rage The rocks are battered, broken, shaped and there comes dependence, restoration and healing in our lives. Power and Peace that only comes from an almighty healer. In the past few months, I have watched too many adoptive families lose their children to CHD and there is always a fear..... if the Lord will
take our child next?

As we were leaving the shore on our last day in Maui these two fisherman came up to rough shores to find a perfect place to drop their lines. I thought how in the world could they possibly find anything in this massive ocean with waves slamming the shore line. After speaking with them briefly, I glanced down and noticed a small space between the rocks, snuggled next to the shoreline where the fish took their solace from the relentless waves. A refuge. Yes, there was peace in the midst of this rough, relentless powerful ocean. We are in a season of relentless waves. Our peace and refuge can be found in the Faith in the one who created the majestic ocean.

Some of God's beautiful creations! These are the seven pools, which can become raging floods when it storms in the mountains. People have been swept out into the ocean. There are many signs saying DO NOT swim in the pools! As you can see not everyone follows directions well.

This is after the road to Hana. The most beautiful drive, and it includes 617 turns for 52 miles along the mountain side. Lots of blind turns and 56 one way bridges. Not for the faint at heart!

Jordan and Justin growing up way to fast!!!! Celebrating Huahua's fifth birthday at the waterpark!

Believe it or not.....Our decision to adopt a child with severe congenital heart disease was easier before she was home; Before we fell so in love with her! Our hearts could not live without her now! She is joy, pure joy! She is smart, beautiful, intelligent and so creative and we are beyond privileged to be her parents. For now we live in the joy, celebrate the miracle of each birthday and life she exuberates in every jump off pool and kiss she liberally gives!

The comedian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The little man.................doing BIG THINGS!!!

Feng yu can be found within a few feet of his girl!

Yes.....we have minions.....Three of them!!!!! And they love it!!!!!!!, But they are not evil!

Live in the joy!!!

James will be having his orthopedic/ plastic surgery tomorrow at 7:30 am. He will have an achilles lengthening on the right leg and a tendon moved to help his club foot. On the left foot he will have a toe removed and some reconstructive work to narrow the foot. His right hand will also be worked on by a second surgeon who will work on either separating his two thumbs or releasing the skin between his thumbs and fingers. They will reuse the skin graft area from his stomach. The surgery is scheduled for five hours, which is his longest procedure with us. Pray for his ability to wake up smoothly and without fear. Please pray for this long road of recovery he faces. Although he enters surgery tomorrow with a great attitude, three of his limbs will be casted, and even to those best prepared, it will be testing on patience. He will be unable to bear weight for the first six weeks and rely on all of to maneuver him around in the wheelchair. Pray as our household works out a new normal during this time. I will post updates on Facebook.