"So pretty ..."

... This has been one of Katya's favorite phrases over the past few days - whether she's talking about her new bicycle (Thanks, Mom!), her Princess Paradise, or rocks that she finds in our yard, meticulously washes, and carefully positions on her bookshelf. The adjustment is going surprisingly well and her English is exploding. It may be that we're in "honeymoon phase," but even so, we'll take it as a season of grace from the Lord.

We cannot even begin to express how thankful we are to the multitude who have stood with us and continue to stand with us in this journey to welcome Katya into our life. I wish that I knew all the individuals who have supported us so that I could write you each a personal note. Meals, clothing, caring for the other children, helping with school, running errands, phone calls, emails, and so much more you have all poured out. And most of all, we are thankful for your prayers. This homecoming has been a work of God and you have partnered with us. Thank you!

Since we've been home, life has been sweetly full as I have enjoyed my husband and children, between the pleasures of drinking water straight from the tap, flushing toilet paper, and putting wet clothes into the dryer. I plan to post some pictures soon and have quite a few "untold stories" from the past several months to tell. However, since we're no long "welcoming Katya," I'm praying about the future of this blog. If you have thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

And now, I'm off to make hot chocolate for some wet children after I hide the dog food from my newest daughter who loves "training" Topsy and Tanner.