Yes, we are home!! It was truly a pleasant travel day, if that is even possible, as Shepherd was a champ and our flights were on time and relatively painless. So MANY thanks for all the prayers that were said on our behalf, we definitely felt covered in prayer!
But things are crazy ’round here. Chris went back to work today and I felt like what my French teacher used to refer as a ‘lost ball in high weeds’. New territory. Overwhelmed and understaffed. But we got through our first day, and it wasn’t all that bad! After taking into consideration all the chaos the kids had wreaked, I decided to go through all the toys and we collected 2 garbage bags full of donations for Goodwill. Then we managed, while the littlest boys napped, to clean up, run the vacuum and we even ate a real dinner: Chicken Thai Wraps… yum!
So it’s off to night night land for this tired lady. Just wanted to say ‘THANKS!’ for all the prayers, let you know we’re all alive (if barely) and well. Shepherd has made a wonderful transition home, it’s just going to take us a bit of time to get back up to speed after our two week vacation to China!
Stefanie,
So happy to hear that you are home and that although things are crazy and you are adjusting to life you are happy and well. I am so sure that your kiddos were thrilled to have you home. I so enjoyed your daily updates from China and know that Shepherd is now home with his wonderful new family thrills me. Congratulations and prayers will continue to go forth for your settling back into routines.
Blessings!
Nichole
Welcome home!!! I so enjoyed your journey : ) Thank you for allowing me to follow along. Sending big hugs your way {{{{}}}}
Welcome home, and congrats again on Shepherd’s homecoming.
AH!! thanks for the update! i’ve been checking and rechecking for a post! so glad to hear that all is going well!!!!
It is great to hear you are home! I know those first few weeks are tiring, but good! Congrats again!
Blessings,
Carla
Welcome home!!
Hey girl! For someone who just hopped off a plane not too long ago, and came home to a house full of kiddos, the house looks GREAT!
WE all missed you and can’t wait to catch up after you get some sleep and get back to norm!
Love ya!
🙂
Amie
Well! Welcome home, My Dear.
Don’t worry about the house work.
You can have a clean house when you “retire”. 🙂 I’m glad you guys are home safe. I know the kids are thrilled!
Thanks for sharing the ‘Ride” with us.
A
Welcome home! And even if it’s disorganized, your house is beautiful!
WELCOME HOME!!! We so enjoyed following along!
Welcome back !
So glad to see you are home! I can’t wait to see more pictures of Shepherd with his brothers and sisters!!
God is good!
Stefanie~
Welcome home!!! I really can’t believe you’re doing THAT kind of cleaning…I mean, I’d still be unpacking my bag and trying to get rid of the bags under my eyes and yet you are getting organized to the point of making donations. Wonderful!!!
I am so thrilled that things went well for the three of you on the return home. I can’t wait to hear more but want you to get rest. You need it MORE than ever.
Love and strength to you~
Lisa
Thanks for the update. It’s so exciting to hear that Shepherd is now home with his whole family. We all enjoyed following your trip. The daily updates were incredible and it was fun to have posts from Chris, too…he’s very funny and writes well (as you do)! I can’t imagine having to feed him, though ;^).
What did Shepherd think when he arrived home and realized he wasn’t an only child? He must be loving the surprise of having such a large, wonderful family (well, if he’s not, he will soon). It was great that you had that time just with him, but I must admit I can’t wait to see photos of him playing with all of his siblings.
Love the pictures of the house. That’s “real life” when you have lots of children. My mom always told me to worry about being with the kids first and leave some of the housework. She said the housework will still be there later, but the kids won’t. You don’t need any more pressure than just enjoying the kids as you all go through this transition and getting some rest, too. Once you clean and organize it all, which takes hours, they’ll just “reorganize” it in about 5 minutes. It’s an endless cycle in my house!
Have fun!
Stefanie! So glad you are back and all is well!!! Your pics currently look like MY HOUSE and I didn’t go away to China for 2 weeks! 😉 Can’t wait to hear all about Shepherd’s meeting with his siblings!
LOVE,
-Nicole
Yay You’re Back!!!!!! 😉
I’m so happy to hear your flights home went so well! What an answer to prayer!
Praying for a continued smooth transition for all!
And hey, my house looks like that this morning and I haven’t EVEN been gone to China for two weeks!
So happy you are all well. Oh, I remember the chaos of the first few weeks (months) of getting home. But as you walk around the mess, tired as ever, I know your heart is truly at peace!!
Welcome Home!! It was wonderful following your journey. Now the real journey begins.
Welcome home and congratulations again on your beautiful new son. 🙂
Welcome HOME!!! SO glad the trip went well! And happy to hear the adjustment is going well for Shepherd!
Look forward to seeing you back in blog action…when you have a chance, that is! 😉
Welcome home!
I’m so happy that your trip home went well and that Shepherd is doing alright in his new surroundings. I really hope to get to see you in Iowa in a few weeks. Please post on the blog when you figure out if/when you’ll be heading there.
Best wishes,
Jenny
WELCOME HOME! I can’t believe that even with jet lag, you still can collect 2 bags of toys for Goodwill! You go girl! Congrats on the newest addition to your family!
Welcome home!!! Bundling toys for Goodwill and making Chicken thai wraps for dinner!?! Is this what jet lag does for you? Please send me some of that. 🙂 I’m so glad to hear that your return trip went well.
Stefanie,
Where do you get your energy??? I just have one non-stop 3 1/2 yr old and my house looks worse than yours!!!!
I enjoyed your trip updates so much.
God Blesses you on a daily basis with all your beautiful children.
Take Care,
Welcome home. So happy the transition is smooth.
Doreen in Montreal
Welcome home! I have been patiently waiting for a ‘home’ update! Thank you for not failing me! You never do!
Welcome home- hope things are settling in (though I guess with more travel and moving, etc, maybe not- but I hope they’re settling inside of you despite the chaos around you)!