One Year Ago

On June 11th, we celebrated Iris' gotcha day. One year ago Joel and I got on a plane and flew half way around the world to meet our youngest daughter. We walked into the social welfare office and saw this face for the very first time.

We got to watch a transformation take place as she went from "orphan" to "beloved daughter".

We have been blessed with that smile for a one year now and we are so very grateful.

Today, Iris got glasses. Doesn't she look cute?

Already striking glamor girl pose.

Iris, we just couldn't be more in love with you. You are such an amazing little girl. You got on a plane with 2 total strangers and flew half way around the world to start a new life far from everything you had ever known. You are so smart and willing to try anything. You have NO fear. Your English is spot on now. Now if we could only get you to STOP talking.

Iris will not be left out of anything for any reason. The older kids have razor scooters and Iris has a three wheeled scooter. She wanted nothing to do with that baby scooter. She has now mastered the razor. Elliot has learned to ride his bike without training wheels and Iris is also determined to learn. I told her she needed to master the tricycle first and learn to steer. So in typical Iris fashion, she climbed on the tricycle and mastered that in one day. Now she is ready for the bicycle. Unstoppable! We love you girl.

Well, it is official, Ansley and Elliot are now 9 and 6. They decided to have a joint party. I was very grateful. The obvious choice was a Mario party. Soo....

Iris helping me blow up balloons
Party favors. Aren't the hats the cutest.

Just a little excited

the girls hamming it up

Who said he could grow up?

Joel, trying to keep the boys in line

Iris in the hamster ball

Watching the pinwheel

Totally spellbound

Cake anyone

It was pretty hot on Friday, but everyone loved the party. The kids had a blast trying on different mustaches and hats. They played video games. Life doesn't get much better then that for the 6 to 9 year old crowd.

"I made Easter egg"

Iris was so excited to "make Easter eggs", she could barely sit still. She had so much fun. Iris can now name all her colors so she made sure to boss, I mean tell Ansley and Elliot which color they should color their eggs. It was pretty funny. We love our little dictator.

Is it time yet

look at that smile

the finished product

aren't they pretty

Hey where it that one I made

Happy Birthday Baby

Today was a difficult day. It is Owen's 1st birthday! We were not able to send him anything yet, as his orphanage is very strict about care packages and contact with the adoptive families. So the kids and I made cupcakes at home and celebrated his birthday by going to the park and enjoying this lovely weather we have been having this week.



Elliot had soccer practice today so we went to watch him play then home for dinner. Elliot thought we should have Owen's favorite meal, taco's of course. Because you know if Elliot likes it then Owen must like it, Owen is HIS brother. So taco's it was.



Happy 1st birthday Owen Louis YongChen Chambers

Owen James YongChen Chambers

We still haven't decided on a middle name. We all like both. Louis is a name I have always liked and it is Joel's grandfathers middle name, only his is Lewis. James is just a great name and since both Joel and Elliot have J's in their names we feel like Owen should have a J also. So maybe we will have a poll. Leave a message and let us know which middle name you like for Owen.

My little boy is growing up too fast

Elliot has had a lot going on lately. First, he has learned to read! We are all so excited for him. Here is a picture of him with the first book he read by himself. He now wants to read everything. He is so proud of himself.












A few weeks later, he started loosing teeth. His two bottom teeth we loose. His sister knocked out the first one when they were playing. Then the other one moved into the center for this lovely look. Two days later the other one fell out at pre-school. Thank goodness!

















Here he is with his partner in crime. I found it funny that this child was telling Elliot to "just pull it out" even though she herself would not touch her loose teeth. They were allowed to literally hang in there until they dropped out by themselves.

His First Photo!

We received our pre-approval from China yesterday so the process officially begins. We are so excited to introduce the newest (4th) Chambers. He is a sweet little boy who will turn 1 in March. I know it is hard to believe we are doing this again so soon. Melissa is working today so Dad gets to post the first picture. I think we have decided on a name but I will verify with Melissa to make sure we are all on the same page with the name!

Just two years ago I was totally content with two beautiful kids but now we are going to have four, wow! It is amazing how God puts something on your heart and you just know it is Him speaking to you. I have no idea how we are going to pay for this but like Melissa always says, "we will figure it out". (I hope she is right!).

Dad is offically the first delay in the process. Sorry Melissa. Please remember, "the days are long but the years are short".

Here We Go Again

As many of you may have guessed, we have decided to adopt again! I know many of you think I am crazy, maybe I am. I just can't help myself.

So we have officially sent in our letter asking China if we could be allow to adopt another one of their beautiful children. China is celebrating the Chinese New Year so the government offices won't be open for another week. We will have to wait til they get back to see what their answer will be. THEN I promise I will show you the picture.

For now I am asking for prayers. Prayers of protection for this child, prayers for my current children as they prepare to add another sibling to the family. Prayers for the courage to follow Gods will for us and not our own.
We will definitely have a house full of love and laughter, now if we could only figure out how to also get it full of money, things wouldn't be so scary.