Wow. I have been so blessed to read the incredible comments you guys have left! Really blown away, I must say. And THEN, to have Hayley, Patricia, Tiffany, Melanie and Tish actually post about our, ahem, growing family, well, there just aren’t words.
First off, Hayley. If you’ve spent any time on her blog you can see what a huge heart she has for others. All in the midst of trying to raise funds to bring home her very recently referred little beauty, Paisley! You’re such an inspiration! And Patricia is one of the most encouraging, supportive and just flat-out nice people I’ve ever met. Truly a person who I am grateful to call my friend. Tiffany is witty, a heck of an organizer and incredibly devoted to her adorable brood. And wow, can she take a picture! Melanie is an inspiration to me for how she and her husband have stepped out and committed to a very surprise referral, a precious little boy, Ethan, who will join big sister, Maggie. Tish is a new friend of mine, whose beautifully designed blog I recently discovered and thoroughly enjoy. She has the most darling little guy recently home from Taiwan and is waiting for her referral from China. So to have these ladies take the time to post about our family on their blogs.. well, let’s just say it means a lot (anyone got a tissue?)
I have to admit, I have been sitting on this announcement for about six weeks, just waiting for the right words, the right time. In fact, I was bracing for some not-so-nice comments (along the lines of: “you guys are NUTS!”) and, I have to admit, I’ve honestly had that very thought myself once or twice ;)… but not a one. I hate to sound so mushy, because I am not a super sappy person (okay. I am) but I really have truly been blessed by every single person who took the time to congratulate us 🙂
So thank you. From the bottom of my heart.
God blesses our obedience in awesome ways, doesn’t He? And He used you to speak truth to the hearts of those who read your blog…and many were blessed (as you have seen by all the comments!) Even though we are LID 8-10-06, I find myself checking out the waiting child lists. God can bring another baby home during the wait!
Oh Stefanie. We…I…am honored to “know” you. And while EIGHT may be crazy for some (LOL), if anyone can handle all that entails, it’s YOU. You really do amaze.
And now it is my turn to blush for all the kind things you tossed out there about me. Good grief. 🙂
Best to you. And hurry up and go get that boy! 🙂
How could we not congratulate you! You eminate (is that how you spell it?) kindness and I think if you and Chris think you can do it, with God’s help, then any naysayers are just spoiling the joy!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!!
I first saw your family when you were adopting Isabelle (my friends also had a site on myadoptionwebsite.com). I must admit that I have checked back often and always am amazed by your beautiful family. I hope you don’t mind me popping in to see where your journay takes your family. As a young woman in my mid 20’s, you are a true inspiration in faith, love and family. Thank you for instilling in my heart what I hope someday will become a reality.
Ashley in Baltimore
Thank you, Anna. And I think you did spell emanate incorrectly 😉 Now, what I want to know is WHEN are you going to start blogging, girl?!?
I’ve said it before girl, you are a rock star!
and, I still think you should be on Oprah…if you can inspire us, you can inspire thousands!
H
Stefanie I just have been thinking and thinking about your news; I think large families are such a blessing. Not only are you and your husband learning so much from your children, but your children are learning so many wonderful things about life and love from you AND their brothers and sisters! What a privilege and honor to be able to bring another child home! I am completely over the top thrilled…like it’s happening to me or something!
Can’t wait to “journey” (via internet anyway!) with you!
Laine
Laine,
You took the words right out of my mouth, it IS a privilege and an honor to be able to bring another child home. And yes, we have been amazed at how much our older kids are learning about loving and caring for others. I am constantly in awe at how pure a child’s heart is 🙂
I’m curious about all that thinking that you’re doing… could there be another little one in the Ferrill Bunch’s near future? 😉
Having 6 children and hoping to matched next week with our 7th ( praying very hard) I was so excited to come across your blog. I often have people tell me that we’re crazy to have so many children. I haven’t even told a lot of people we are waiting to be matched. I don’t want to hear negative comments. I think big families are wonderful! We can be nut’s together : )
Hoping that everything moves along speedy fast for you!
Hey Colleen!
What is your blog address? I’d love to follow along as you wait to be matched with your 7th! 🙂
Stephanie, I’m finding myself checking your blog a couple of times a day, to see if you have any more posts about your wonderful new little boy. I feel like a stocker, but it’s so amazing to see your family growing again. It’s just fabulous to know another child will soon have an amazing family to care and love him forever. He truly has won the lottery in the love department. Thanks for sharing with us all.
I think words like wonderful, amazing, and inspiring describe you better than “nuts”! Congrats on your gorgeous new son!
Leslie in Tn
Another myadoptionwebsite family
Bringing Zoie Home (completed sites)
Hey Stefanie- my blog address is
http://www.crazy-eight.blogspot.com I think if you click on my name it shows up on my information page. This wait to be matched has been stressful to say the least. This is our third adoption but first SN. The wait is killing me. I have eaten so much chocolate LOL
Stop by for a visit. Hopefully we will have good news before Christmas. All my boys will be home from college(minus the oldest who lives downtown Chicago) and my parents in from SC. Maybe they can all share in our joy!
Look out world, here comes Stefanie – yes, I agree with Hayley, you belong out there sharing your testimony and the obedience that your family has exhibited. Thank goodness for you – our prayers remain steadfastly with you – this is a blessing and you are inspirational – I will tell you, I will never skip looking through blogs for that long again – I feel like I missed all the FUN!
Hugs,
Heather
I can imagine that some people might think “8 is enough,” (I slay me!) but I think any family with love to give should give it! You obviously aren’t delusional! You know how difficult it is to raise 7 children, I’m sure 8 can’t be much different. If any one can do it – you can! I’ve read this blog for probably about a year now and I think you and your family are incredible. Inspirational, even.
Wow!! I haven’t visited any blogs in the past few weeks and what a great surprise! I am so happy for you and I don’t think you’re crazy — you’re an inspiration. I hope that I can someday give Olivia a sibling…I know that she would be a wonderful big sister and I want her to have that bond. I just love following your journey(s) and can’t wait for the next one!
Congrats!