So, here’s the thing.

We got up at 2 a.m., left the farm at 3:25 a.m., and drove over four hours to the Homeland Security building in Milwaukee.

Why?

Because the minute we said “Yes, Lord” about a little boy half way around the world, in our hearts he became our son.

Our son, Tate Owen!

And we are more than happy to follow all the rules to bring our son home.

But sometimes the rules are hard.

Sometimes we want to just cry out to the Lord we said yes to…”Why does this have to be SO hard??”

The officers today told both Blake and I that they would probably be seeing us back…..because our prints were not taking well.

As we left that building just a bit ago, I was in tears.

Not only does that mean another crazy trip like this one…but more time before we can bring Tate home.

We are already against a tight timeline before Grant turns 18, or everything stops while we get him approved as an adult in our home.

Which means more time.

More. time.

This is the reality of our hearts.

And we need our prayer warriors to pray.

We would love nothing more than to know prayers are being said over these fingerprints from today, and our timeline, and then give God the glory for answers to those prayers.

Please, please pray with us!

For Tate’s sake.

Tomorrow morning at 3 a.m. Blake and I will be pulling away from the farm and heading to Milwaukee to have fingerprints taken for Tate’s adoption!

Our appointment is at 8 a.m. and it is a four hour drive one way.

When we look at this though….

…..it seems like the absolute best way to spend the day tomorrow!

Will you pray with us? For travel mercies and a speedy approval from USCIS so we can get that Dossier on its way to China!

We love you, Tate Owen!!!

This Saturday felt like the most normal Saturday we have had in a long time.

Ah, the good ol’ days!

There was farm work that needed done, the stove that needed repaired, more winter cleaning that needed done inside, and a farm planning meeting to be had.

Which brought our farm manager and her amazing man to the farm!

They are adorable even when covered in barn dust, don’t you think?

All this work going on meant that Addie Mae and I were to feed the masses.

And by the masses, I mean Grant, and then the rest of the family!

My poor red stoneware pot was not big enough for the job, and had to sit on the back burner. I am here to tell you though, that I love my red stoneware pot very much….it keeps whatever is in it hot for a long time.

I still love making soup. And eating soup. And everything about soup. Yep!

Thai Peanut Soup is a favorite around here!

There was some pumpkin bread and fruit stew to go along.

After all the work and farm planning was done, Blake took Grant, Addie, and Chad skiing! David went along too.

They had a rough start….but once they got everyone going things got better! Of course Grant had a two minute lesson and then was headed down the black slopes with friends. Crazy kid!

Needless to say, they all slept very good Saturday night!

I relished in my time alone with the littles! We had so much fun! The stories of the bigs time they had skiing are hilarious! They had so much fun too!

When I mentioned to Blake that I was just slightly jealous that I wasn’t swooshing down those slopes with him, he told me we would go skiing on our next date night! Now, folks, that is a REAL date!!! I grew up skiing, and so I can’t wait!

Hope your Saturday was great too! In a very normal kind of way!!

Kayla came over on Thursday and stole her siblings took everyone on a field trip to the farm show!

And left me at home.

Alone.

For almost three hours.

Which is unheard of!

I did not soak in the tub and eat bon bons….although the thought crossed my mind.

I did things like sweep the floors, pick up clutter, this week’s menu plans, the grocery list, insurance paperwork…..

And didn’t have to ask anyone to move their feet.

Or stop to change a diaper, read a book out loud, feed anyone, or answer a question.

Weird, I know!!

The kids had a blast!! Especially getting inside the tractors! Notice Eliza’s flapping feet and hands!

I heard that this little cutie pie was stealing hearts too.

It is her full time job.

They came home with all kinds of goodies. But most of all, they came home with memories. Memories of time with their big sis!

Thanks for the fun field trip, Kayla!!!