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Some business…and then some sweet fluff:)

Alrighty dear blog readers–first…I have 2 orders of business:). Very important stuff I might add:) Do you ever number your important things to cover in emails like me? Some times it helps this scatterbrained momma get ‘er done…and keep my brain organized. 1. FIRST, one of my sweet blog readers is a SINGLE mom—yet the […]

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Elle J - May 19, 2011 - 1:22 am

I am scrambling this evening – but saw you posted and had to check it out. Only had time to scroll through pictures – will come back tomorrow to read. =) But wanted to say that the coaster is my FAVORITE verse as it was the blessing my Pastor spoke to me when I was baptized. LOVE IT!! Rings so true to me. I will be jumping over to purchase. =) Thanks for the link!!!

Traci - May 19, 2011 - 2:03 am

A little olive oil will take those tattoos right off! Been following your blog for a while now. Your babies are gorgeous! Thank you for always being so encouraging and positive!
God bless!

Becca - May 19, 2011 - 2:39 am

I’ve just started reading your blog, and I love hearing about your kiddos (and your “paper” pregnancy, with one on the way). Thanks for sharing your heart.

On a practical note, fingernail polish remover should take off the wretched tattoo. My kids love them, and grandma loves to help them out, but they drive me absolutely crazy. If you wait for the tattoo to wear off, Frank may be starting kindergarten with Mater on his hand…

Shelly Roberts - May 19, 2011 - 8:09 am

Soooo fun getting to see a snapshot of your afternoon! Didn’t know they made such straws. Wow. My boys would have been all over those when they were little. ๐Ÿ™‚

Loved hearing about the fund raising idea! I can SO appreciate this mom’s efforts. We did massive assembly lines during our 2nd daughter’s adoption with card making. Thousands upon thousands of cards were made and we ended up raising about $10,000 that way over the year. It was an INSANE amount of work and sooooooooo worth it for our precious wee-one to have a family.

kim zawodzinski - May 19, 2011 - 8:36 am

Baby oil is another way to take off temporary tatoos.

Joy Kinard - May 19, 2011 - 8:43 am

Use rubbing alcohol on the tattoo. It will come right off. I love your little family! I read your blog all the time, but rarely leave you a comment. I hate when people don’t leave me comments, so sorry about that! I was thinking about your sweet family just the other day. We have a sweet foster baby girl that we are praying God allows us to adopt. She is African American and we are white. I was getting myself in a tizzy about if she will fit in with her african-american peers, who she will marry, etc…. And then it occured to me that I could PRAY that God will surround her with other children just like her! Black babies with white parents! So… I got busy with the praying. I can not wait to see what God does about it!

Debb - May 19, 2011 - 1:09 pm

Oh, your kiddos just make me smile! You could be my neighbor any day! ๐Ÿ˜‰

Alison - May 19, 2011 - 1:56 pm

Love the cute pics! And I was looking for some coasters the other day…will go order some from Sarah!!!

Sandi - May 20, 2011 - 2:31 pm

Thank you for letting us know about Sarah! Hoping one day it will be us. Until then it just makes my heart happy to support other families who are giving one more child a loving family!!!! I’m thinkin’ those coaster sets will make some lovely presents. I love gifts with “a conscience”, makes them that much more special!

Erin Crenshaw - May 22, 2011 - 9:37 pm

Andrea!!!! I just caught up on the last couple of months!!!! I am SO EXCITED for you guys! What a sweet story about how God led you to your baby girl in China!! Praying for you guys!!

Brittany - May 26, 2011 - 11:22 pm

I’m from KY too!! Your family is beautiful and I LOVE your blog! We are praying through an adoption and can’t wait to take the first step:)

Brittany

Our journey to our sweet girl begins… {Adoption Physical}

Alright–I mean, I know it’s been almost TWO years since we did the crazy home study / dossier paper chase for our last adoption BUT oh my goodness…I think I totally forgot how many hoops you have to jump through!!! Isaac accompanied me to my physical last week–where he blew kisses to all the nurses–and […]

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Elle J - May 5, 2011 - 11:58 pm

I so long to be in your next of the woods – to see you in every day living and chat face to face would just be A-mazing!!! Your face-to-face friends are very blessed to have you in their life; I am sure they know that. Just big hugs to you – for just … being YOU!

Jennifer - May 6, 2011 - 12:12 am

Congratulations! I feel like I am finally coming to the end of the paperwork hoops having finished the adoption, SS Card and applying for a Certificate of Citizenship! It will hopefully be easier for you round 2 since you have done it all before! ๐Ÿ™‚ If your little girl has a cleft, give me a call and I can share some things I am learning along the way. Blessings!
Jenny

Mama Mimi - May 6, 2011 - 1:18 am

What an amazing start to this journey! Doncha just LOVE when God sends you encouragement in the most unlikely places! Woohoo!

Shelly - May 6, 2011 - 9:23 am

Girl, you know I have 5 kids who are 7 and under! It’s always a three ring circus but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Welcome to Team Crazy!!!

Debb - May 6, 2011 - 11:48 am

WOW! Thanks so much for sharing this story! It is always such a blessing to hear of ways that God shows up BIG…….and He did at this appointment!……touching so many of you with one visit! Go, God! Isn’t it awesome when you know you just received God’s confirmation that you are on.His.Divine.path!!??!!??!!?? Such a sweet story…..

Kim - May 6, 2011 - 12:04 pm

Oh how God is using you and your family to shed His light on others! It doesn’t get any better than that! Love it!

Post 5 – PART 2 – The Best Years of My Life {The story continues…and our family grows}

Today’s post follows yesterday’s post… “Where is she Lord? Where do you want me to go? Downtown Atlanta–I’ll go there. Across the world–I’ll go there…just show me Lord–I will go.” There I stood in my shower of all things talking outloud to the Lord. I had been praying for weeks while rocking my new one […]

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Lara - May 4, 2011 - 12:01 am

So excited for your news to be public! You’ve been in my prayers. I just got good news regarding China as well – my brother found out today he was selected as a Fulbright Scholar and is moving to China!

Elizabeth smith - May 4, 2011 - 12:04 am

Cried through every single word!!!! What an amazing journey and I beyond excited for Eliza to have another Chinese sister here in Atlanta!!!!

karen halbert - May 4, 2011 - 12:22 am

Oh Andrea. Crying tears of joy for you. LOVE the transparency of your post and absolutely love love love how God has not only brought this 10 year journey full circle but seems to have tied a bow on it with that frame. I LOVE this. Truly. One of my favorite adoption stories ever. SO happy for your blessed family!

Shelly Roberts - May 4, 2011 - 12:27 am

LOVE hearing about your journey, my friend! I just got done blogging about our oldest who is working his way to Bible college … much of that endurance and determination was learned during our adoption journeys. AMAZING how God works!

Debb - May 4, 2011 - 1:11 am

PRAISE GOD!!!! I told Jeff after the Created for Care Retreat that I just knew in my knower that you were going to adopt again! And soon! He thought I was crazy! SOOOOOOOOO SOOOOOOOOOO GLAD God is bringing you full circle, back to China! Beautiful how He intertwined this already precious story ~ your love for China, Laney’s prayers for a sis, and even the picture frame! H.o.l.y. c.o.w!!!!! Truly amazing story. Can’t wait to follow along on your journey and see this precious one’s face! LOVE how God blesses our obedience! You laid China at the foot of the cross………and He continues to bless your sweet surrender.

Sally - May 4, 2011 - 1:11 am

I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but I guessed it from the first post!!! We are so close to bringing home our daughter from India and I love to read your heart that believes…simply believes that Jesus is who He said He was! Thank you for these beautiful posts!

Mama Mimi - May 4, 2011 - 1:19 am

Ahhhh!!!! Are you KIDDING me?!? I’m SO excited for you Andrea…and your family! When I first read that post about you and your husband meeting and China I thought, hmm…I wonder why Ethiopia and not China? SOOOO excited to see WHO God has chosen for your family! Thrilled to be following along in your journey again.

Sara - May 4, 2011 - 1:24 am

Incredible! I am so excited for your family! My sister (http://shirlee-mccoy.blogspot.com/) adopted a little girl from China two years ago–also their fifth, and a little more than a decade after she first felt the stirring to adopt from China. Love how God works. And I love the picture with the chair waiting to be filled. Beautiful.

April - May 4, 2011 - 2:19 am

Congrats, Andrea!! It has always been my dream to adopt a girl from China..so wonderful for you, and your family!!

Kim - May 4, 2011 - 4:08 am

I cannot imagine there is anyone more excited than me (outside your precious family and Abba Father of course). I am selfishly praying your trip brings you thru Hong Kong. I already LYLAS and cannot wait to hug your neck and hear your laugh. Your story gives me hope. Ten years huh? I pray my turn is not that long! Love & Blessings from Hong Kong, Kim

Kim - May 4, 2011 - 6:25 am

Yay, I knew it! How awesome for your family. Can’t wait to follow along your journey, Andrea. Hugs!

Tracy - May 4, 2011 - 6:43 am

Wow Andrea, beautiful story ~ I soo love your heart! Congratulations!!!!!

Larisa Maibach - May 4, 2011 - 6:57 am

Andrea, we have been so blessed by your beautiful family and your heart for following God. We are so excited for you as you share this exciting news, and we can’t wait to see how God leads you in the days ahead!

Makenzie - May 4, 2011 - 6:58 am

Amazing news!!! I love that your heart for China is coming full circle. God works in amazing ways!

Gini - May 4, 2011 - 7:18 am

What beautiful news! Can not wait to watch God working in all of your lives. ๐Ÿ™‚

Christy - May 4, 2011 - 7:25 am

Oh my goodness. I was crying through all of that… so excited for you. (And hoping it’s similiar to my story someday with answering my daughter’s prayers for a sister too!) ๐Ÿ™‚ How cool Richard WAS on board after all! ๐Ÿ™‚ Praise the Lord. SO excited to watch this journey unfold, and so blessed to have you challenge the rest of us along the way.

Taryn Harvey - May 4, 2011 - 7:31 am

YAY!!!!! So excited for you guys, praying ๐Ÿ™‚

Rebecca - May 4, 2011 - 7:44 am

Congrats! What a beautiful thing. God has been working on me in the same way. We have a daughter from China, and are waiting on ET. Been feeling lots of doubt about ET though, and lots of people have informed us about the lack of “need”. At this point, we are just waiting on God’s leading and are begging for discernment.

I have to say, in reading your “best year” posts, I wondered if a China adoption was in your future! God is so in the details!

Kandra - May 4, 2011 - 7:53 am

I had a BIG feeling this was the announcement…;) SO overjoyed for you and your family! Much love and many, many prayers are going up! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Can’t wait to hear and see pictures…and will be looking forward to updates!

Kelly - May 4, 2011 - 8:27 am

YAY!!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ Praise the Lord!!! So happy that you both are following the Lord’s calling and have a clear vision together! What a ride! ๐Ÿ™‚ SOOOOO happy for you all!!! I just can’t stop smiling!!

Allison - May 4, 2011 - 8:40 am

Oh this is so sweet and such exciting news. I cannot wait to follow you all on this journey!!

Erica - May 4, 2011 - 8:51 am

This was a beautiful post Andrea. Congrats to your family!

Deborah L. King - May 4, 2011 - 9:03 am

I’m so excited for you. A beautiful new addition. So happy for Laney that it’s a girl. What a wonderful plan God has for your family.

Elle J - May 4, 2011 - 9:16 am

And another journey begins – what a precious moment for your family and how sweet the story is when GOD is in control. YAY YOUNG FAMILY OF SEVEN!!! =)

jenn - May 4, 2011 - 9:46 am

Well you know we are thrilled for you and have been praying for your next adventure. We need to talk…lots going on here…but still praying for BIG things. So happy the news is out so I don’t have to be secretive anymore – HA! Congrats…what a special time of hope for your family!!!

Katie F - May 4, 2011 - 10:42 am

Been following your blog for a while and was absolutely thrilled to read this post this morning! Oh how big our God is! How He loves His children! Thank you for your faithfulness to follow His leading and to trust Him to provide all the grace that you need. I’ll be praying for Him to give you peace in the waiting!

Brittany - May 4, 2011 - 11:00 am

So sweet and such a joy to read this morning. I wish ya’ll the best as you become a family of 7, and cannot wait to follow you on this journey!

Bobi Bobbitt - May 4, 2011 - 12:21 pm

Andrea!! I am beyond excited for your sweet family! This fabulous news has made my day! It was the first news I read upon waking and coming to the computer this morning! I hurried to work to pull up you blog on my computer in my office and read all the wonderful details! What a blessing!! Cannot wait to see your new baby girl! (: Love you, friend!

Erin - May 4, 2011 - 2:14 pm

Oh…how my heart rejoices with you! I have tears in my eyes at the incredible workings of our Lord. He is so, so, good. And the lesson He taught you about the greatest need…I TOTALLY needed that. I’m preparing and praying to return to Uganda for missions work and have been praying to know which org. to work with, which has the greatest need. oh man. Thank you!

Praying for you all as you embark on this journey!!

Jenni - May 4, 2011 - 2:30 pm

I am so excited for you!! I have enjoyed reading your Best Years posts, but never thought it would end up here!! We are in the process of adopting waiting siblings from Ghana. It’s great when you begin in one spot and God leads you somewhere unexpected. Tha has been our adoption journey as well.

Alison - May 4, 2011 - 2:48 pm

YAY, Andrea!!!! I just knew that she was going to be from CHINA!!! How wonderful! Jody and I always thought we would bring a daughter home from China one day! We were totally surprised when God told us she was in Ethiopia! But I still have a soft spot in my heart for China too! My friend, Jennifer, just brought Alice home from China. They were with Lifeline! I got to meet them in person a few weeks ago…PRECIOUS!!! So excited for ya’ll! Can’t wait to follow your journey!

Susanna - May 4, 2011 - 4:05 pm

Thank you for sharing how God spoke to you re. where the need is. Wow – exactly what i needed to hear!!!

Amanda - May 4, 2011 - 4:15 pm

Such an amazing story! I absolutely love seeing the progression of God working in yours and your husband’s lives, even before you knew each other. Everything fitting perfectly together because God was weaving it.

I’m at a point in the ministry I’ve been called to where I’m hearing silence and after reading what you wrote, I know it’s God asking me for my complete blind trust. He’s asking me to trust even when I don’t see or understand or what’s happening doesn’t make sense. I have to stand and know that HE IS and that’s enough.

God bless your family on this journey!

Erica - May 4, 2011 - 5:39 pm

Pretty much a mess of tears. Beautiful story of Gods plan, can’t wait to see who HE has picked…..love how God works in the hearts of mamas. Giggling in a big way about Rico’s DONE comment. Sounds familiar. Pretty sure that’s why my husband wanted a Z name. Yeah for the five club!!

Tiffany - May 4, 2011 - 6:24 pm

China! Oh my! Love this post and your willingness to follow God’s calling. We are coming up on two years logged into China…and I have the special needs form sitting in my paper pile right now…praying that God will show us how to check the boxes. Wonderful news and what an amazing journey it will be. Could it be that there will be two families…so geographically close…with one little one from Ethiopia and one from China? God is so good!

Shelly - May 4, 2011 - 8:35 pm

Absolutely DELIGHTED to hear this news shouted from the roof tops! THRILLED for your family. We LOVE the Youngs!!!

Allie - May 4, 2011 - 9:23 pm

Soooo excited for your family. I LOVE the picture of all the kiddos with the empty chair for sister. SO precious. I love reading your posts. I can just feel the love of Jesus pour out from your heart. To Him be the glory! I can’t wait to hear about the rest of your journey!

Kelly Johnson - May 4, 2011 - 10:08 pm

Oh Andrea, I am so very happy for you and your family. The part about the quote truly made tears run down my face! You’ve got to have that painted/framed/something inside your house! :c) I will be praying for your whole precious family on this journey to your new girl.

jenny - May 4, 2011 - 10:53 pm

Andrea!!! Beyond thrilled for you guys! We have felt the tug to China SN many times in the last few months (I’ll have to share details with you sometime)…..we are still waiting on ET for today, but just praying through what that planted “seed” for China is going to be used for. Just in awe of how the Lord has brought your family full circle with a desire HE put in your heart for China years ago. Cannot wait to watch this next journey unfold for your beautiful family! Praying her home! Much love!

Ross - May 5, 2011 - 8:43 am

Just found your site! Your post reduced me to nothing!!I was hit by a wave of emotion as I read on and on. Mostly because you share a similar story to my family. You see we adopted our oldest daughter who’s 7 from China and then our youngest daughter who’s 4 from Ethiopia. You are truly blessed to be bringing home another child. I am so happy for you even though I don’t know you. I will be reading your updates!

marci - May 5, 2011 - 11:24 am

This is so wonderful ! I am inspiredby your obedienceto our sweet Lord. He works on all of us through people like you,Andrea. Blessings for growing and hearing your call.

april - May 5, 2011 - 1:10 pm

i think even if i wasnt pregnant, i would still be bawling my eyes…thank you sweet sister in the Lord for sharing this journey with us…the things God shows you and you then share with us…really are things I need to hear and be reminded of…your faith, your family, are so inspirational!

Beth Templeton - May 5, 2011 - 3:58 pm

Andrea this was a true joy to read. I love it that the Lord had stored up that gift you gave Him on your wedding day, trusting Him with your heart’s desire, and has now giving it back to you in a form far more precious than you could have imagined then. Just beautiful. His plans for you all are full of goodness and adventure in Him!

Heidi - May 5, 2011 - 5:54 pm

Wow I’m just so excited for you and your family … it gives me goosebumps to see how Clearly God revealed himself to you to lead you to your 5th child! What an amazing story to share with her someday!! I’m just so excited and will be following along praying for this precious child!! YAY screaming with excitement from Fla:)

christi ucherek - May 6, 2011 - 1:40 am

miss your blog for a few days and THIS…………WOOOOTTT!!! So excited for you! This crossed my mind when you mentioned the 2,000 waiting on the listserve… thrilled for you and you can trust that you are being prayed for in IL!

Ashley - May 6, 2011 - 7:26 am

Oh Andrea…I am SO excited to read this! Can’t wait to follow this new journey to another sweet child. I just LOVE the way the Lord’s plans for our lives are always so much better than what we could ever dream up ourselves. =)

Dawn - May 7, 2011 - 9:23 pm

WOW!!!!!!!!!! My heart is sooo Happy for you!!!! You do realize that we said 3 is good….we’ll just foster for any children that need a place…..and then when we had 6 we said oh forget it and let’s go to ETH….then why not 8? he he he….

PRAYING for you new journey following Christ, and for your daughter that will be coming home! To a home that will love her unconditionally and show her the face of Jesus!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Carissa - May 11, 2011 - 10:07 pm

So, so, so very excited for you guys!!! And blessed beyond measure by your posts. Thank you for sharing how God has led you, esp. how you listened and waiting. What a great reminder that I need to do this every day.

Pre-Summit Event for Adoption Moms…

I just wanted to take a moment to encourage you if you are considering coming to the Summit in Louisville, KY on May 11-13th–to consider coming a bit early on the 11th and joining other moms with a heart for adoption for a time of rest, refreshment and encouragement… While I was hoping to be […]

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Kelly Raudenbush - April 21, 2011 - 11:06 pm

I’ll spread the word–and so wish I could make it. We’re hoping to attend some conferences in the fall to promote The Sparrow Fund. How do I find out about which ones are happening next year? Ideas? I’ll post the jpg of this event on the http://www.wearegraftedin.com forum — I know there has been some talk about this conference there. Hope it helps!

Deborah - April 22, 2011 - 7:09 am

I’ll spread the word through my blog.

Christy - April 22, 2011 - 7:12 am

I posted about it on my blog! I will be there for the rest of the conference, but the flights from here didnt get in until later. I am so excited to see how God works and shows me things, and I hope I get to meet Shelly!

Audrey @ The Brown Brigade - April 22, 2011 - 9:23 am

I will blog about it. I would love to be able to go.

Tracy Sheehy - April 22, 2011 - 9:39 am

I would love to blog about this!! Thank you!

Jennifer - April 22, 2011 - 9:43 am

I would love to facebook and blog about this…thanks for sending the jpeg! I just had Maridel over on Friday to catch up but didn’t realize she was speaking at this. So wish I could go but feel so blessed that I was able to attend Created for Care. Still running on the overflow from your amazing retreat! Thank you to you and your team!!!! Jenny

Karen Piwetz - April 22, 2011 - 10:18 am

I will help spread the word. Hoping to attend. Thanks.

Nancy - April 22, 2011 - 1:59 pm

Would LOVE to share this invite!

Julie Bennett - April 22, 2011 - 10:26 pm

I am looking forward to attending and will gladly share the information about the luncheon!

Faith - April 23, 2011 - 4:18 pm

I don’t know if any of my fb friends are going but I’d love to share about it to be entered into the giveaway. Is that horrible? ๐Ÿ™‚

Amber Lucht - April 23, 2011 - 9:11 pm

I would love to spread the word about this on Facebook even though I won’t be able to make it myself.

Insights from Dr.Purvis…

Are you considering adoption? Are you waiting for your sweetie to come home? Or are you newly home with your little one? Here are a few insights from Dr.Purvis that I thought were SO amazing to share! Soooo…from Dr.Purvis 7 insights for every adopting family… 1. EXPECTATIONS What are your expectations?? I love that she […]

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Christy - April 18, 2011 - 12:11 am

Thank you so much for this Andrea!! We’re plugging through, using lots of Dr. Purvis’ strategies. I’m exhausted but encouraged!! It’s hard but rewarding!! I love receiving His strength and grace for each day. It is an honor to parent our son (and all our other kiddos) and I am so glad you feel the same way.
My blog is private (I’m praying about making it public) but feel free to email me if you’d like an invite.
Blessings!!

Leah - April 18, 2011 - 10:57 am

I just wanted to let you know that this weekend I received my beautiful adoption t-shirt. Good things come to those who wait! ๐Ÿ™‚ I had given up on receiving it, and never bothered to contact you because it was my own fault for having an outdated address on paypal, so I was SO pleasantly surprised when I got a package Saturday. I screamed with delight! I can’t wait to wear my new shirt! ๐Ÿ™‚

Christy - April 18, 2011 - 8:35 pm

whew – I just watched them all, and it was overwhelming but encouraging too! Good stuff, and such a blessing that there is so much out there to inform and help.

Tiffany - April 18, 2011 - 10:39 pm

Thanks for this post Andrea. Sometimes I feel like the voice of doom to those who are in the process of adopting. I certainly don’t want to scare anyone…I just want them to know and to be prepared. I see this stuff in so many kids, but with parents not even aware of the issues…I just wish everyone knew this information!

emily - April 18, 2011 - 10:42 pm

Great Stuff!! We just got home from Rwanda a couple weeks ago with our little boy!! He is a delight. Your retreat and so much of the Purvis stuff has been such great prep work! I linked this post on my site, she is so wise! thanks for your insights as well, I am soaking it all up!

Charity - April 20, 2011 - 2:48 pm

Really good information! Thank you for sharing Andrea!

Stephanie Goldsmith - April 27, 2011 - 11:35 pm

Hi Andrea! Emily’s blog linked your site and I subscribed right away! Thanks for your efforts in posting Dr. Purvis’ very helpful videos! Her books have given me so many more tools to work with! I am adopting a 6 and 8 year old on Friday from the foster care system and this was very helpful!