It has gotten very cold here….but I hear winter is really on its way this week, with highs in the twenties and some snow! I blinked. And it is November. How did that happen?

The guys worked all day yesterday to ready the farm for winter, besides taking a break to shovel in some bean burritos and stand in front of the fire to thaw their bones. We are renting our equipment right now, as everything we own has broken and is in pieces all over the shop. A goal for winter will be to get everything up and running again – but there just has not been time as of late!

Us girls worked on some winter prep too, with a run to Costco to stock the freezers and pantry, which is sadly over an hour drive away from the farm. Thankfully Auntie Gail came along for the ride, which made the trip all the more fun!

Addie Mae and I have been relishing in this change of temperatures and seasons….because winter means lots of baking, and lots of soup! The kitchen has been smelling so yummy these days!

These in season roasted veggies really hit the spot! If you have never roasted parsnips, turnips, yams, carrots and red onion…you really should. Really. Throw some beets in there too. I forgot.

We always have many willing taste testers….including this cutie pie!

This Friday, during our house cleaning time, we worked on the enormous chore of pulling out all the winter chore clothes and snow clothes to make sure everyone had what they need! Praise the Lord – we are only needing one coat for the almost eleven year old giant I need to quit feeding!

We are still in awe of this little man….and love to sit and look at his photos. Our paperwork’s next stop is at USCIS on or after November 19th when we can file a supplement 3 to extend our last approval from them! Grant is the only one who needs to be fingerprinted this time. We are praying that when we take him (with our receipt date from them) to “walk-in” for those fingerprints, that the Lord will show favor on this attempt. Then I will be able to contact our immigration officer to let her know they are done, and get the extension back in our hands! After that…..it is Dossier to China time!!!! YIIPPEEE!!! Don’t you love the little tuff of hair on top of Tate’s head???!!! Too cute!

And there goes another week. So thankful we can end each day on this ridge like this –

Hope you had a great week too!!!!

(this majestic creature was in our tree ten feet from the back of our home)

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

What an amazing reminder to start an amazing day. I am waiting upon you, Lord. I love you, Lord.

The Monday after the wedding, we received an update on Tate! Our caseworker sent an e-mail to us that morning with the update attached that said, “I woke up to these! We had staff prayer so I had to wait to get on the computer to send them over. Look how GOOD HE’S DOING!!!!!!!! God is GOOD Stephanie!”

Yes, God is GOOD!!!!

Just look at our little man!!!!!

When we sent our Letter of Intent to China to ask to adopt Tate, and then received Pre-Approval from them, we were allowed to send some questions in hopes that we would receive an update through the answers!!

They did not disappoint!!!! We also received more PHOTOS!!!! Here are our questions and their answers:

What are his current weight, height, head circumference and foot length?

83cm, 13kg, 51cm head, 56cm chest, 15cm foot

(Tate is 2 pounds and 2 inches smaller than Eliza!!!)

Is he walking without assistance?

He can walk very well. He can even run without any help.

Is he potty trained and able to potty on his own? Is there a need for a catheter?

He doesn’t need any help to go to rest room by self and he knows when he needs to go.

Can he express his needs well? Does he speak well?

He can understand pretty much everything. He can use short sentences to express self.

Has he had any need for medical care in the last six months?

He hasn’t had any medication in last 6 months.

Is he in foster care? Or the orphanage?

He likes in the orphanage.

Doesn’t he look GREAT?!?!

We also sent Tate a care package, in hopes that his caregivers will start to talk about his family and show him our photos. We sent a book like this to Eliza as well! It was in her bag the day she was placed into our arms, and is now a beautiful keepsake for her. I wonder if Tate will bring his photo book home too? Time will tell!!

We love you SO much Tate Owen!!! We cannot wait to hold you!!!

What is the best part about home deliveries?

The box, of course!

It filled that difficult hour before dinner full of laughter and fun!

Eliza was screeching with delight as her three brothers pulled and pushed her around!

I could picture Tate in the middle of the fun! What a blessing these kiddos are!!

Hope your week is filled with smiles too!