LOOK WHAT GOD HAS DONE

There are a million things I want to blog about right now, but I'm just gonna hit on the most recent highlight.  Never ever ever ever could I have written out what our family has become.  It is beautiful, multi-cultural and God-fearing.  It is forged through tragedy and hope.  Laughter and tears both have welcome seats at our tables.

Saturday night, the Hutchins had a little dessert party to celebrate Lizzie's life and the way it has made us all family.  We got our first picture of the five biological siblings.  As Stacey put it, "Siblings by birth.  Family by choice."  Got me all teary just typing it.



Lots of family came, because the fact of the matter is, there are a lot of people all connected here.  We enjoyed cake, ice cream and fruit. (little tip: the cake is actually from Sam's, and I just added the rosettes - it was a great little short cut!)  Christy made sure there were dairy free/egg free cupcakes for the twins, which was super appreciated.



Our kids loved running wild with friends/siblings all evening, and we all enjoyed cuddling on Lizzie.

Grandpa James and the dads.



Gran Gran and the mommas.

May I never tire of seeing God's faithfulness to our family and proclaiming it to others.  Adoption is H.A.R.D.  It brings up trauma and feelings and anxieties that didn't exist before we went on this journey.  That said - look at the support system that God has provided for us!  We are not alone, and even when I am tempted to feel lonely or isolated, I can lift my head (with God's help and grace) to see the many people he has placed around me to walk with.  That is a gift far beyond any that I deserve.

I'm thankful for this reminder when the days feel long and my heart feels heavy.  And, I continue to rejoice in all that God has done and for all that I know he is going to do.

(To read more of this story - click the adoption tab on the side of the blog - it has every post I've made about this starting with the most recent and beyond!)