It’s been THREE YEARS!

Three years since Tate jumped into Blake’s arms in a hotel lobby in Hohhot, China and started his new forever!

You may remember in my recent post about Eliza’s Forever Family Day I made the comment that we talk about these anniversaries with Tate and Eliza and then let them choose how and if they would like to celebrate.

Tate said he wanted to celebrate, but he never could share how or when.

This is our third year of watching Tate struggle greatly with this whole Forever Family Day thing.

Without sharing specifics of the very hard things we have going on here, I will say, mostly for my own memory as I look back on this someday, that this probably will be the last time we mention Forever Family Day in our home.

Time will tell…..but

It’s. Just. Too. Hard.

Since we had told Tate we were going to celebrate this past weekend, we went ahead with our plans of a meal, dessert, and gifts.

At the last minute we also added a camp out here at Twin Oaks to our plans.

Being ALL together was JUST WHAT WE NEEDED.

It was a good plan!

There will be more on our first camp out at Twin Oaks coming up!

I will be honest – Forever Family Day is something I do want to celebrate.

How could I not??

They are two of the most joyful days of my entire life!

Reflecting on ALL the Lord did during our adoption processes and trips to China and then celebrating it all again brings joy to my heart.

There will never be enough praise.

The Lord has trusted us with SO much!

It is an EXTREME PRIVILEGE to teach our two precious littles how much they are loved and how they are living God’s perfect plan for their lives.

It is my desperate prayer that they will both embrace this truth to the depths of their soul.

I know the Lord has big plans for our two mighty munchkins!

He will heal them, and use this all for good!!

Tate Owen – we said so many prayers for you and over you before we could even do anything about trying to make you our son!

Happy, happy Tate’s day to our cheerful young warrior!!