Perfect Seven Celebrations

{ Sweet seven. }

This sweet thing when asked what kind of birthday party she wanted, explained without any hesitation, "I want angels. I want everyone to be all in white and have it all be about angels because I want everyone to know that God loves us so much He sent us angels to protect us and love us."

Myriam's request has not changed in two months since asking; her interest and understanding of angels has grown in that time too. With her angel feather wings and angel crown perfectly placed, we together got our best white on and celebrated all seven years of Myriam Judith's life. 

 { No stains occurred during party hours. }

Myriam was surrounded by those she loves: Kendall (the babysitter), Judy (the reading buddy), Papa & Nana, Auntie Lindsay & cousins, Grandpa Doug, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Kari, & Kendra who stopped by earlier today (another sitter). What I loved most was watching all the facial expressions from opening gifts to receiving love. Myriam has no lack of feelers and she got her tank filled full today. 

It was such an honor to celebrate her well today! Myriam has worked so hard this past year and to have a day where it was all about her was perfect. 

{ Can't believe this happened seven years ago already. }

I will never forget standing, maybe pacing, outside the delivery room and hearing the sounds of Myriam's first cries when her bio-dad bursted out the door and shared she was here. It was incredible; no words can capture what happened in that one single moment. Standing here seven years later...a joyful gift indeed. 

Thank you to those who came today and to those who have prayed for this birthday girl from paper pregnancy until present day. 

Myriam will be a world changer someday. She will make others laugh and share joy in the darkest of places. Her love of Jesus will light up rooms, change peoples lives and multiply the Kingdom. Myriam has grown up so much this past year both in heart and height. Mommy and Daddy are waiting in anticipation for how God will use this high energy, intense loving, and curiosity seeking princess in our own lives and those of others. 

Myriam Judith... You are such a gift of love and joy in our lives. 

Myriam: longed for, wished for. 

Your name can't be more true.

JUST US Save the Date

Last Spring the JUST US Team set into a motion the first annual NCCTK Couples Getaway. We had a blast. Couples found it to be a relaxed, non-threatening, no homework style "marriage retreat" that rewarded them with laughter and multiple times of connection for themselves and with others. 

We are super excited to be announcing the dates for next year's

JUST US Getaway May 3-5, 2019!!!!

For all local NCCTK couples wanting or interested in signing up for this awesome weekend, watch the highlights from last year HERE then sign up to have early access to reserve one of the sixty rooms we have set aside for you.  

Formal registration will be in January, but don't wait until then as these spots will fill up fast!

Our Forever Family

{ Papa & his Little Lady }

A year ago today Baylee officially joined our family as she legally gained our last name as her own. 

A day that will forever be etched in our minds and eventually she'll understand the importance 

of that day as well. 

Not much changed that day or since then aside from attitudes gaining strength and the bond between Papa and Baylee intensifying. These two are inseparable and I don't see that changing anytime soon. The most beautiful thing about adoption is how instantly our girls became family. From the first time our family met Myriam in the hospital to the first time Baylee met family - no last 

name needed to be changed to see hearts claiming these girls as our own. 

This month we acknowledge and celebrate the blessing of adoption. Our family has grown through adoption and, even though it can be really hard, we'd never change it if we could. God knew in advance our little girls would be ours forever long before we knew of their existence. That brings us such comfort knowing God has this all planned out according to His plan, His will and His timing. So, we celebrate the gift of a forever family and cherish every Bee Squeeze we can get. 

Happy Adoption Day sweet baby girl!

Fall Mash Up

I love fall. 

I love the scent of crisp, autumn leaves crunching under my feet and the 

warmth of a caramel apple cider between my fingers. 

I have no complaints about being stuck inside under a blanket, nose deep in a book. 

There is a sense of pressure to get all the outside activities completed before the months long of rain settles. The kids have had their first teacher conferences and I'm happy to report all grades and assignments are right up in the A's. Charlie is starting his AA basketball and continues to take guitar lessons. Addison enlightens us daily with her artistic abilities as she always has a sketch in process. Myriam gains more awards weekly with the most recent of being "the quietest kid" at The Good News Club. As far as Baylee goes, well, she's counting up to 60, telling me her phonic sounds to letters and still refuses to be potty trained. We recently sold The Mill Inn to YWAM North Cascades which is a huge win for both parties. We are thrilled to see the local base expand and grow as God cultivates a generation of Jesus followers providing more space to house 

missionaries coming to town. 

Here's a little more insight into what's been happening in our home:

Addison had a class hike up at Chain Lakes which turned out to be a little wet and quite a bit chilly. I'm not sure I've gained a trail buddy but Addi did great as she was groups ahead with her friends leaving Mom to chat with others in the back. You really can't fail on any hike up at Mt. Baker!

{ Lynden Dutch Treat: Myriam Princess Belle & Charlie a runner }

 I hate Halloween. I grew up not being involved in anything outside of handing out candy to the older kids coming to the door with pillow cases full of cavities. Once in a while our parents would lend their firefighter, nurse or sports player outfits to knock on a few doors up and down our street. I think out of punishment for not getting along or attempts to save money, my parents bought my sister and I one clown outfit as Traci was in one leg and myself in the other. We didn't get very far but certainly lends to a good laugh now! 

While Addison was hanging out with her friends this year, Charlie and Myriam took to the downtown shops for a little harvest fun. 

{ Sweetest m & m ever. }

 

It pays for Daddy to have good relationships with all his sub contractors and customers in places where they do Chicago deep dish style pizza the right way. What a treat to receive two frozen Giordano's pizzas from Doug! One piece alone and you think you were about to burst from the intake of cheesy deliciousness. Needless to say, the kids have been having leftover pizza for lunch all week.