Masthead header
The Young Family Farm bio picture
  • Welcome to my blog!

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS

Surviving and keepin’ it real…

Should you think I always have it together—this post will offer insight;). My hubby just got in LATE last night from a biz trip—and I had spent the last 2 days surviving with my kids + 2 extra. On top of hubby being out of town + my turn taking extra friends + booking tickets for Africa…our shower started leaking. Yes…again. Last February (yep–2009) my hubby decided to fix a shower leak and retile. Given our busy lives…he finished tiling the shower (because he insisted doing it himself) about 5 months later. All was good until last month, when we discovered it was still leaking and it was time to call a professional. Sorry Rich…you get kuddos for trying! SO…on top of our craziness…I’ve also had tile shower guys here fixing our shower. The tile guys and I have had a good couple of days—English is tough…but they share a love of coffee and lemonade with me so we’ve bonded well;).

With our craziness and with just getting back in town on Sunday…then finding out we get to travel…I had missed our normal grocery store trip. Instead of taking the whole crew (which would have most likely ended in tears), we managed pretty well on what we had—until last night. I kept telling myself we’d go make a grocery run after our friends left until my new friends, the tile guys, came down stairs to break the news. In the midst of entertaining 5 kids and hoping I’d have some energy for a grocery trip later, they came down to tell me we were short 5 tile pieces (seriously?!) and they would work around it for now–but they’d need it by 7am in the morning. OUCH. Because the tile place closed at 9pm…Rich wouldn’t be home until 10pm…we knew that it had to be done then…and no grocery trip for us…instead a 1 hour trip to the tile outlet where we bought the tile to fix the shower.

After our friends left around 4pm, I loaded up the car and headed out for the 1 hour treck across town. We got the tile (and a few stares at our craziness)…and then decided to take everyone out to dinner because we NEEDED a night out…a little fun…and we were STARVING! When you’ve had a hard day, some times you just need a break from the normal dinner cookin…we took a vote…and being the organic and health conscious mom that I am, I of course took them where they requested when they saw the HUGE sign right beside the tile store…

(They LOOOOVE some Chuck-E-Cheese…and this was Frank’s FIRST trip…yes, it’s germ infested…but they had so much fun—although you can’t tell by this pic (above) because Chuck-E completed freaked Frank out.

OK…you just have to laugh when you look to see that first–you forgot that you quickly dressed your son before his nap in the dark because he had gotten his previous outfit dirty. I didn’t even LOOK to see what he had on before we made a mad rush out the door. And honestly, I had no intentions of going ANY WHERE other than the tile store when we left! Frank has on LANEY’S SHIRT! How funny is that…

I couldn’t help but laugh every time I looked at him with those ruffles on the sleeves! You know you can be a momma of 4 when 1) You no longer care if your kids match 2) You no longer care what they where…and the wrong gender clothing…you just laugh and don’t bother to explain (or worse when someone says “What’s her name?” and you answer “Frankie”)

They had sooo much fun…and I didn’t have my “real camera” but here’s some of our crazy fun captured with my iphone…


I love how much fun Parker is having in this picture…


I’ve always thought Chuck-E-Cheese pizza was disgusting…BUT I’ll have to say—the pizza we had last night was strangely REALLY GOOD! We gobbled the ENTIRE thing down and finished it off with pink lemonade!


And that my friends…is my 2 cents on survival. Some times—you gotta do what cha gotta do. And for us–it was skipping adding to our craziness with more craziness…and just having a little fun together. I need to learn how to play my once perfected game of skeeball though with 30 pounds on my hip! Frank is going through some serious mommy anxiety and has to be held 24-7…so my skeeball game was a bit off with the extra weight on one hip;). YET…we left with prizes from our tickest: 2 pair of purple star earrings and 1 plastic lizard.

And finally—it’s FRIDAY…which means its the WEEKEND annnddddd…EXACTLY 14 days until our departure for ETHIOPIA!!!

Have a GREAT weekend folks!

XOXO!

Andrea

BACK TO TOP CONTACT ME EMAIL POST TO FRIEND
Elle J - June 11, 2010 - 12:29 am

Hahaha ~ what fun, Andrea!!

Amy @ Filled With Praise - June 11, 2010 - 7:36 am

Yay! I feel normal now ๐Ÿ™‚ Sometime Chuck E. Cheese is the perfect friend for a long day!
Love,
Amy

Gini - June 11, 2010 - 7:46 am

This totally made me laugh! Hope that you have a good weekend! ๐Ÿ™‚
~Gini

kim jewett - June 11, 2010 - 8:27 am

So, so funny Andrea! And thanks for keeping it real. That is a huge gift we can all give each other and I LOVE you for it. We have always liked the pizza at Chucky Cheese, or as we affectionately refer to it, The Petri Dish. Extra prayers going up for the Young littles as

kim jewett - June 11, 2010 - 8:29 am

(oops…didn’t finish) as whatever “fun” didn’t get washed away with the anti bacterial handwash! And Frankie in Laney’s shirt is the BEST!

Lara - June 11, 2010 - 11:15 am

Woo hoo for fun! Cade loves chuck E. Cheese!

natali - June 11, 2010 - 3:03 pm

that shirt on Frank is so hilarious! haha ๐Ÿ˜€

Shelley Looper - June 11, 2010 - 8:04 pm

Well the shirt made me laugh.

Alison - June 12, 2010 - 10:40 pm

Love some Chuck. E. Cheese! ๐Ÿ™‚

Christian Parenting blog…

Our family is so honored to be asked to share our story in today’s write up on this Christian parenting blog: One Million Arrows Christian Parenting Blog. Go check it out…and join us in the REALLY fun countdown to board that plane in just 2 weeks and ONE day…Yep–just 15 days until we get on that plane!

And for those of you who have asked—you better BELIEVE I’ll be bloggin’ our journey! I want to document every moment—so if the lines are up in Africa…we’ll be relaying what is happening. After all—Richard has got to stay in tune with every step as I am betting he’ll be too busy as Mr.Mom during the day to talk much…so hopefully I’ll be able to blog our adventures for him to read up on each day! And of course…those of you who have been a part of our journey need to reap the joy and fruit of all of our prayers too!!! Love you all to pieces and can’t WAIT to share!!!

XOXO! Have a GREAT Thursday! I’m off to the pediatrician for Frank’s 18 month check up and to get prescriptions for Isaac…for anything and everything that he might have!

Andrea

BACK TO TOP CONTACT ME EMAIL POST TO FRIEND
Elle J - June 10, 2010 - 10:38 am

YAY!!! That made my morning ~ praying you have lines up to write. I am so excited about your journey. Wishing the states were not so spread out and I could hop in a car to send you off and welcome you home at the Airport. We’ll do it via our hearts – K? =) Hugs to you!!!!!!!

Kim - June 10, 2010 - 10:55 am

I cannot wait to check out the write up! Nor can I think of a better family to be recognized in a Christian Parenting blog!
Oh … how I cannot wait to read every detail of your journey to Isaac! Counting down the days with you!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

natali - June 10, 2010 - 2:25 pm

i can’t wait to see & hear about all the experiences when you guys reach isaac!! ๐Ÿ˜€

The harvest…

Psalm 126

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him
.

This VERY month last year—the Lord broke my heart in a new way for the orphan and widow. He is STILL in the process of teaching me and breaking me for these precious groups of people of His…but this month for us also bring GREAT joy for the sewing that has been done. There have been tears…OH MY–many tears. The anxiousness in my heart has been hard as I know I should not be anxious for anything–yet how does a mommy not desire deeply to be joined with her child that the Lord has sewed so miraculously in her heart? And in JUST 16 days the LONGING…the WONDER…the WAIT will finally come to close—just 16 days I will board a plane to hold him for the first time! (Am I just a LITTLE BUT excited?! As our international pediatrician would say…ABSOLUTELY!) I have caught myself telling the Lord several times… “Lord…please let him LIKE me!” I am just talking as I clean, drive or watch the kids play and I say that to the Lord without even thinking and realize this is my heart’s deep desire. I love him…and it will take some time I know for him to know me and understand why I love him so…and love me back…BUT all things are possible with the LORD.

What a BEAUTIFUL picture of our Father’s love. How He loves us so! How He wants us to KNOW Him. And how patient He is with us when we kick and scream and pitch our fits…He is consistent…He embraces us…and He is madly and crazily IN LOVE–with US! And all the months and months and months of sewing and tears…the harvest is about to come…carrying my sheaves and rejoicing as Psalm 126 says!

I got my final update on our Isaac from the orphanage yesterday. It will be the last time I reread and REREAD…and REREAD every detail…imagining…wondering…wanting to ask for more. Yet, today I sit here rereading.

Here is a little bit about our love according to the special mommas at our orphanage…

Isaac T. Young

He is officially 14.7 pounds and 10 months (turned 10 months on Monday!). Praise the LORD that Isaac has DOUBLED in weight since coming to Hannah’s Hope! The Lord has been so kind!!!

He is 62 cm long. (We’re guessing he is in between 3-6 months clothes…if you have any insight on this for me based on those measurements…please pass it on!)

He drinks 4 ounces of formula at each feeding and wakes up 3-4 times throughout the night to eat. (And I’ll LOVE every. single. waking!!!)

He is described no longer as a happy baby but as a FUSSY baby! (Uh oh Isaac! We have GOT to do something about that;)

He is not willing to go to strangers any more and is very aware. (Yay that he is making connections in his brain…boo that seperation anxiety is in full swing…WE NEED PRAYER that Isaac will be comfortable with me and that we would BOND quickly!)

He still has a swollen tummy because of the malnourishment. (Sooo…when you see his round tummy–I wish it was because he was eating so much…but we’re still healing a bit from malnourishment…pray for complete healing for my little man:).

He LOVES to be held and they think he will transition quickly into our family. (Ok…these statements seem to contradict the above description…but I’ll take them for what they’re worth!)

I am so excited for everything ahead…and I am SOOOO thankful to my friends, family and precious blog readers who have prayed and prayed and PRAYED some more for us. I was dreaming this morning as we were picking berries of what our life would look like in just a month from now. And as my child held out a hand full of our berry harvest (this is our morning ritual to run outside after breakfast and fill up on that days harvest of black berries!), I was reminded how the Lord just longs to bless us…how He has an INCREDIBLE plan for EACH of our lives! How beautiful it is when we follow…NOT always easy…NOT always fun…but in the end—there He is…being CONSISTENT ONCE AGAIN…and holding out His hands and saying “Here…I told you I would bless you—you thought you had a perfect life figured out…and then I asked you to surrender it to Me…so I could replace your desires with MINE…and give you my BEST. Now, REJOICE…be glad…and ENJOY my blessing!”

BACK TO TOP CONTACT ME EMAIL POST TO FRIEND
Tisha Alexander - June 9, 2010 - 1:51 pm

As far as clothes go, I would bring a few different sizes or just a lot of clothes. ๐Ÿ™‚ I know our girls’ clothes didn’t fit at all and I went by the measurements they gave us.

I am SO EXCITED for your family! It will be an amazing experience. Enjoy every minute!

Oh and I LOVE that picture! Those berries look so yummy!

april - June 9, 2010 - 3:35 pm

beautiful post and Oh I am sure that little malnourished tummy of his will go down and be normal and that he will become so loved once he is in your arms :0)

meghan - June 9, 2010 - 10:19 pm

Give him one of your gorgeous smiles and that sweet boy will bond with his momma in flash ๐Ÿ˜‰

Megan - June 10, 2010 - 1:32 am

How could he not like you? =) Anyone would be lucky to have you as a mama! Counting down the days with you dear friend…we will keep you in our prayers!

Booked it!

After 24 hours of craziness trying to find the best deal—we booked our tickets! Unfortunately, we aren’t able to use our SkyMiles…but the cupcake fundraiser we did perfectly covers my ticket and Isaac’s…so we are good! My mom and my sister will be traveling with me to help with bottle making, picture taking and of course lovin’ on babies at the orphanage (because we all know this momma is not putting Isaac down or letting anyone hold him for awhile;). I sure enough have a rockin’ momma and sister to pay their ways just to HELP ME and serve…I feel so blessed and thankful!

Y’all go ahead and smile, wink and giggle because Rico Suave (that’d be Rich…the hubby) has insisted on staying behind to keep our 3 children here on their schedules and in their normal routines to make for a smooth transition for Mr.Isaac. He feels called to play Mr.Mom for 7 days…and I have a feelin’ he’ll have a blast—but this role I play will be well appreciated upon my return I have no doubt. And since Frank is going through a bit of seperation anxiety these days—this will keep Frank from being too clingy upon my return making Isaac’s transition easier too (we hope!).

Sooooo…the tickets are booked and we leave in less than 17 DAYS! On June 27th…Isaac T. Young will be in my arms and on July 2nd we’ll be united as a family of SIX! This. Is. REALLY. happening!!!! I’m just so overjoyed and THANKFUL! Am I sure this is earth and not heaven? I get to be a mommy of four beautiful children?! I get to stay at home and love on them every day?! PINCH! PINCH! PINCH! Nope, I’m NOT dreaming! It is really happening!

Now…time for a Babies R Us run to get formula, baby food, bottle liners, new bottles…oh this is gonna be a fun couple of weeks getting ready! Isaac, my love, we can’t wait to get you home!!! It won’t be long now! This will be your LAST month in the orphanage…YOU ARE COMING HOME!!!!!

BACK TO TOP CONTACT ME EMAIL POST TO FRIEND
Renea - June 8, 2010 - 4:38 pm

I knew this day would come!!!! You have been ever present on my mind and in my prayers!!! Been missing you and all the updates, but excited to come back to see travel dates!!! All that waiting is coming to an end! Merci Jezi!!!! Blessed be the name of the Lord!!! โ™ฅ

Rachel Bell - June 8, 2010 - 5:30 pm

That’s such great news! I can’t wait to see Isaac!

Amy - June 8, 2010 - 5:37 pm

Sooooooooooooooo happy for you!!! Okay, slightly jealous of this travel group, but since so many of my friends are going I expect lots of pictures of Malachi ๐Ÿ˜‰ And maybe a little lovin from your mom and sister?

I seriously am so so sooooooo excited to see Isaac in your arms!!!

Elle J - June 8, 2010 - 5:47 pm

Read this. Got chills. Eye swelled. So HAPPY for you. Perfect plans from God.

Jenny - June 8, 2010 - 5:48 pm

Such exciting news! It’s really official…..would love to hear what airline you decided on (just for future reference when we travel). What a sweet week the last week of June will be! CANNOT wait to see that little guy in your arms.

april - June 8, 2010 - 6:08 pm

oh how exciting! so happy for you! just think…before you know it he will be in your arms!

Jenn - June 8, 2010 - 8:05 pm

Woohooo!! I’m hoping you’ll be able to blog from ET! (And hoping you just might get to hold my little guy while you are there too). This is CRAZY exciting! SO thrilled for all of you!

Jenn

Dawn - June 8, 2010 - 8:19 pm

Have I stated how incredibly excited I am for you???? WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see him in your arms! Your husband is brave, and AWESOME!!!

Melanie Strobel - June 8, 2010 - 9:14 pm

We are sooo excited for all of you- especially Isaac. He is coming home!

natali - June 8, 2010 - 10:59 pm

i’m so so excited for you guys & for isaac! woohoooOO!! hang on little guy, you’re momma is comin’! ๐Ÿ˜€

Lisa - June 9, 2010 - 3:20 am

hey there, I have been loving being blessed by seeing God’s power in each of your posts. I am so thankful to God that he’s using you and your family to be instruments of change for good in Isaac’s life. I love reading your blog (tho’ almost never comment, as I read it in a reader, tho’ would love to comment much more). I’m the one from Aussie-land who posed all those kid’s devotionals questions to you all those months ago, and they’re going great, thanks for the ideas. Well, now we’re back in Thailand where we’re missionaries, so I’m sending up prayers for you all from over here. God keeps on blessing!

marci - June 9, 2010 - 11:50 am

Tears in my eyes. Last looking at the stars last night I was wondering if Isaac sees the same stars …how blest this liitle one is to be coming home to your family. The love is strong because your trust and foundation is in Christ Jesus.

amy beyer - June 9, 2010 - 11:44 pm

my eyes are filled with tears!! your love for your 4 darlings is felt through each word you write!!! xoxo

Tiffany - June 11, 2010 - 4:26 pm

What wonderful news!!!! I get updates from your sister when I run into her, but now that school is over, it has been less frequently. How amazing that your baby boy will be home in just a few weeks. I will pray that your adjustment is as smooth as can be and that God provides the needed patience and stamina as you love this little one. Caleb was 9 months when we got him and he is still very fearful of strangers. The adjustment was a bit difficult, but after almost 4 months, he is doing beautifully. It is so wonderful to hear that Isaac is gaining weight…and also that he is fussy. ๐Ÿ™‚ Really, I think that is such a good sign. Many times the Ethiopian caregivers mislabel “emotionally shut-down” for “happy and content.” The fact that he is voicing his opinion is very healthy I think. I can’t wait to see pictures!

WE HAVE TRAVEL DATES!

Sorry for the ALL CAPS title…but I’m squealing and doing everything except wetting my pants! We are busily working on finding the best flight NOW:). We will arrive in Addis by June 26th (may get there a few days early) and we’ll have Isaac in our arms on June 27th!!! Our embassy appointment is on the 28th…where we’ll get our Visa. THIS IS REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY HAPPENING!!! I can’t BELIEVE IT! YIPPY! Praise the Lord! Shout for joy! OK…officially MIA working on booking TICKETS TO BRING HOME MY SONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hold on baby boy…MOMMA IS COMIN!

BACK TO TOP CONTACT ME EMAIL POST TO FRIEND
Catherine Besk - June 7, 2010 - 1:13 pm

What Joy! Congratulations! We are rejoicing with you!

Lara - June 7, 2010 - 1:23 pm

Woooo hooo! Your blog has made me realize just how much waiting is involved in adoption!

emily - June 7, 2010 - 1:41 pm

Praise the Lord. I will be there just before you! What wonderful news.

Amy @ Filled With Praise - June 7, 2010 - 1:54 pm

YAY!!!! Jumping up and down for you girl!!!!
Keep me updated.
Love,
Amy

Jenny - June 7, 2010 - 2:08 pm

i can’t say YAY enough! so happy for you guys!

Jennifer - June 7, 2010 - 2:10 pm

So amazing!!! CONGRATS!!! Praying for great ticket deals as I type!
Jenny

Brittany - June 7, 2010 - 2:34 pm

So happy for you guys!!!

Kristin - June 7, 2010 - 2:35 pm

This made MY day Andrea so I’m sure it’s 1000000+ more times making yours!!! So excited for you!

Dawn - June 7, 2010 - 2:38 pm

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristy Filbrun - June 7, 2010 - 3:10 pm

I am smiling ๐Ÿ™‚ Praise God!!!!!

Julie Bennett - June 7, 2010 - 3:19 pm

What great news! Thanks for sharing and allowing us to rejoice and laugh (glad you didn’t wet your pants!) with you.
Julie

Alison - June 7, 2010 - 3:30 pm

YAY!!!!! So excited for ya’ll!!! Oh my goodness, that is just wonderful news!! Rejoicing with ya’ll!! ๐Ÿ™‚

Kelley Brown - June 7, 2010 - 3:31 pm

YAY!!!!!!! Oh Andrea, this news brought chill bumps and tears! I can’t wait to see pics of Isaac in your arms!!!!!

I am so sorry that I’ve been MIA lately…two toddlers are giving me a run for my money. ๐Ÿ™‚ So my blog reading is limited, but I’ve been trying to keep up with your posts on FB. I will be praying and checking the blog faithfully now as you prepare to travel and bring your son home!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!

Much love,
Kelley

Karen - June 7, 2010 - 3:55 pm

YAY GOD!! I am soooo excited for you!! WHAT great news!! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

Angela - June 7, 2010 - 4:04 pm

So so excited for you!!! Love to “hear” your excitement through your blog!

Jenn - June 7, 2010 - 4:13 pm

Oh man I am late to the party!!! Just got back from a long afternoon downtown at some medical appointments, hopped on the listserv and saw your announcement! Like I said there…MADE MY DAY! Rejoicing with you my friend!!!!

Jenn

Rebecca Harley - June 7, 2010 - 4:17 pm

Yippee!!!! We are all jumping up and down with joy here – so excited to see him in your arms SOON!!!! (also – if you have time:) can you let me know what airline, etc you chose – I know that we have a lot of time, but I am getting as much info as I can:) Again, beautiful friend – Our God is SSSOOOOOO Good!!!

Shannon - June 7, 2010 - 4:28 pm

YIPEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I was praying for the call to come today!! So happy and over-the-top excited for your family to soon be together….because it’s better that way:)

Jen - June 7, 2010 - 5:07 pm

HOW EXCITING!! Rejoicing with you.

Nikki - June 7, 2010 - 5:28 pm

Yahoo!!! So excited for you all. Now go get that baby! ๐Ÿ™‚

Rebekah - June 7, 2010 - 7:04 pm

So very happy for you and your family! Praise God!!!

Sarah - June 7, 2010 - 7:38 pm

Andrea, Congratulations – so happy for you!!!! I’ve been following your posts and your journey – your blog was forwarded to me by someone in the adoption community (I can’t even remember who now!). I am so happy that you are finally on your way to meet your little man. I have enjoyed your posts and have admired your love of your family, religion and living life. This little man is a lucky one! (We are in the process of waiting ourselves.) All the best for your family and safe traveles to Ethiopia! p.s. loved your stenciling instructions – thanks!

Megan - June 7, 2010 - 8:15 pm

YYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!! This literally brought me to tears when I saw it on FB! Congrats!!!!!!!

Britney - June 7, 2010 - 10:32 pm

That is so exciting!!! We will be praying for safe travel!

Kim D. - June 7, 2010 - 10:41 pm

HALLELUJAAAAAAHHHH! I’m so excited for you!!

Bobi Bobbitt - June 7, 2010 - 11:05 pm

Andrea! So excited for you! continue to keep us posted, can’t wait to see sweet Issac!!!!

natali - June 7, 2010 - 11:31 pm

even though i left a comment on fb, i couldn’t help but leave a second one to show just how excited i am for you! woohooOOOO!!!

Kim - June 8, 2010 - 10:23 am

Are you kidding? We fully expect ALL CAPS with the news of this answered prayer!
I cannot wait to see sweet Isaac in his Momma’s arms!
Rejoicing with you from Hong Kong,
Kim

amy beyer - June 8, 2010 - 2:19 pm

dear dear andrea – sending hugs to all 6 of you!!!! always praying with you! xoxo

Chrystal - June 8, 2010 - 2:43 pm

Oh Andrea ๐Ÿ™‚ I am SOOO tickled for you guys!!!!!! YES!!! BEST news *ever*.. I can’t stop smiling from ear to ear, I can only IMAGINE how YOU’RE feeling right now. ๐Ÿ™‚ SO SO happy for you!

Sara - June 9, 2010 - 4:25 am

Thank you, God! I am so happy for you!

Mandi Johnson - June 9, 2010 - 3:26 pm

Praising the Lord for your wonderful news!
Love from a fellow “Christie” supporter,
Mandi

Janera - June 17, 2010 - 5:03 am

Very exciting!! One of my family’s Compassion kids lives in Addis. I know it’s a huge city, but wow! What if you were to meet him! How cool would that be. . .