Growing as Eight (plus)

I've had an inner-person debate these past few months deciding whether or not to change the blog name, change the name and address, or leave it alone.

For those of you who've been with us from the first post in May 2011, you'll recall this blog started as Waiting on Six.  Then in January 2012, the name was changed to Waiting on Seven....which this past June became Waiting on Seven (and Eight). 

And now after a well-fought debate, the blog has officially been changed (name AND address) to Growing as Eight (plus). 

We're no longer waiting. 
We're growing. 
And that we'll always be....
Growing closer together by growing closer to God.

And before any rumors get started, the plus is there for the future.....as we welcome foster children into our home....and MAYBE (years--and I mean years--down the road) another child (or two, or three---okay, definitely not three!).

In the next few days you'll get an update on just how our growing has been going this past month....

But for tonight, enjoy some photos of our first Christmas as EIGHT.....also our first Christmas in our new country home (last year this time we were living with my parents, working nights/days/weekends trying to finish the house Bobby built for us to GROW as a family--having no clue we'd grow by 2 more this soon!)...

 **Please note: If you subscribe to our blog via the follow button or email, you'll have to re-subscribe because the web address has changed--SORRY!**

When We're Called into the Fire

It's been 2 months since we physically became a family of 8. 

We're still in transition. 
Healing. 
Growing. 
Learning.
Molding.

But we're gaining ground every day. 

I'm reminded from friends who have BTDT that this time takes roughly 6months-1 year...and so I'm confident that the little strides will turn to big strides. 

About a week ago we hit our lowest point.  All 8 of us had a rough week.  I failed many, many times and had such guilt and shame for the state of our family.

BUT, this Thanksgiving weekend we were able to spend 4 full days together, all 8 of us.  As hard as it was at times, it was wonderful.  We saw all 6 of our children interacting together <happily> for the first time.  We got to discuss more stories from our pasts.  We worked together transforming our house for Christmas. 
And we gave thanks. 
Many, many thanks.

And today, 2 months since arriving home as 8, we decided to skip Sunday School as a dance party going on in the kitchen with all 6 kiddos was to precious to be stopped .  We did arrive at church JUST on time for service to begin....and it was such a blessing.  The entire service from worship, to the sermon, to communion seemed directed right at me.  My heart was pulled and I was reminded that we are right where we are supposed to be....drawing closer together, by drawing closer to God.

 

If You Say Go
(Rita Springer)

If you say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait

If you say step out of the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways
Are higher than our ways
And the plans You have laid
Are good and true

If you call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for you