Party of Five

It is with grateful and humble hearts that Andrew and I announce our family is growing by one.  We are adopting a baby girl.

Ashby London will be the new addition to the Shull family :).

Almost 3 years ago, the Lord really started working on my heart and telling me that we needed to adopt an orphan from another country.  When I first mentioned this to Andrew, we had a 26 month old and a 10 month old...obviously, he thought I was a little crazy (Andrew's testimony about adoption is here!).  Over the last 3 years, we have been so prayerful about this decision, but it's with 100% certainty that we know God is calling us to bring this child into our family.  We began the official adoption process at the very beginning of June but feel like now is the time to share it with you :).

Because of the sensitivity of international adoption and the fact that my world is pretty darn public, we are not saying at this time where she is from.  At some point, we will fill you in on all of those details.  We are hoping and praying to have her home with us by next fall...but honestly, only God knows when our family will be complete.  

We had originally decided to wait until our new home was completed before we started the adoption process (because only crazy people build a home and adopt a baby simultaneously)...but God had different plans.  We are in the middle of both processes at the exact same time.  If you ever thought building a house was tricky, you should try adopting.  It will kick your butt.  No lie.  But knowing that this new home will be for the Shull five makes everything all worth it.

Please understand something...God doesn't call everyone to adopt.  Everyone has a different purpose or calling from God.  Some people are called to be missionaries, some people are called to be pastors, some people are called to work with children, some people are called to drive minivans...everyone has a different calling.  Our calling was clearly to adopt.

For me, I prayed and prayed to have kids for years.  I struggled with infertility, I had a miscarriage, my heart was completely broken.  Then God gave me everything I wanted.  He gave me a daughter and a son.  Both of my kids are healthy...both of them are pretty perfect.

But over the last 3 years, I kept coming back to the scripture in the Bible that talks about the parable of the talents (or bags of gold).  I kept thinking about my life.  Had God given me exactly what I wanted and was I just going to sit on it?  Was I just going to take what I wanted and then not do anything else? (Matthew 25:14-30)

I don't want to be that person.  I feel blessed to have received everything I wanted so to speak (my two kids) and now God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone and do something to further his kingdom.  He's calling us to do more.  And so here we are.  We are neck deep in paperwork...we are using words like dossier, home study, and immigration every day (while at the same time ordering lumber, windows, and flooring...it's craziness I tell you!).

I have no idea what the future holds.  I have no idea what God has planned for my life and the life of my sweet little family.  But I do know this...my life is going to be wonderful if I follow God's will.  It might not be easy.  It might not be a lot of fun sometimes...but it will be wonderful because it's what God wants for me.

Tomorrow, I'm posting Andrew's side of this story.  Believe it or not but this whole adoption thing did not come easily for him.  God is moving in our family.  Please pray for us and for our new daughter Ashby.

And yes, of course she has a British name :).

And we can't forget about our Stella & Dot giveaway today!  The winner is
Marianne Gleason!
Congratulations Marianne!  I will email you about your prize this morning!


And on the menu today, my Quick & Easy Cinnamon Rolls...

 Happy Friday everyone!

Party of Five part 2

Yesterday, I shared with you the big news about how the Shull family is expanding by one girl.  Sweet Ashby London will be adopted from another country and a part of our family forever.  Today, I'm going to post Andrew's part of the testimony.  God did not work on our hearts at the same time or the same way.  We thought it was really important for you to hear both sides of our story.  This is Andrew's...

About three years ago, Shay brought up the whole thought of adoption.  One Sunday, I was serving in the Children’s building (the reason why I never heard the sermon) at our church and she attended the service.  That Sunday, our  former pastor Jeff Warren spoke on the orphans in the world.  With over 150 million orphans in the world, Jeff’s sermon was about how our generation has been called to action.  James 1:27 says “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”  Has God called all of us to adopt?  No.  Just like he calls some to sell all they have and become missionaries in Asia, he has called some to stay here and fight the fight.  God calls each of us to different mission fields and acts of service.  On that Sunday, Shay had begun to hear God’s calling for our family.

After Shay and I got home that day, Shay mentioned how the message really moved her.  She didn't say anything about wanting to adopt in that moment, but over the course of the next few months, I could tell God was working on her.  She ultimately told me that she felt like she had a desire to eventually adopt.  I can imagine most of you think that I was totally open to the idea.  Well surprise, surprise.  I was 100% against it.  Not because I didn't think it was an awesome calling, but God had not yet called me at that point.  I had no desire, not even a shred of conviction.  Shay kept mentioning it over the course of the next 6 months and it became a major argument in our relationship.  She felt so strongly and I had no feeling at all.  So here is what we did.  I told Shay that I would spend the next year in prayer about it and at the end of that year, I would let her know if God had changed my heart or if I still didn't feel called.  

So, I began praying.  

I knew that if this was something God wanted me to do, He had some major work to accomplish.  I was open to whatever God chose.  About 6 months after I began searching God on the issue, I finally was able to diagnose one of my major problems.  At that time, I viewed my love for my kids as 100%.  Almost like I gave Kensington 50% and Smith 50%.  My very limited understanding wouldn't allow me move past this problem.  I kept thinking, "I don’t have any more love to share", and then God reminded me that the kind of love we should have for our children and orphans is the same He demonstrated for us on the cross.  He daily gives each of us 100% of His love.  I can give Smith 100%,  Kensington 100%.  Even though my time might be split, I can still give each of my kids the love they deserve.  God had just laid the foundation. 

Anyone who really knows me, knows that behind God and Shay, my kids follow right after in priorities.  I tend to even put my family over things like sleep.  If I have to work, I sometimes go back late at night, or usually every Saturday morning, I am at the office at 5:30 am because I don’t want to cut into family time doing the bookkeeping for my business.  My love for my kids is deep.  

One night (almost a year from our commitment to prayer), Shay and I were driving home from being out. With the kids in the backseat, we stopped at the grocery store so she could run in and grab a few things.  As I waited for her, I noticed a man coming out of the store with his three daughters.  Two were around 12 years old and one was around 6.  The 6 year old had apparently been acting up, but instead of reacting in a way to discipline his daughter the man totally demeaned her in front of the store.  So much so that her shoulders sagged her head dropped and she began to cry.  Then instead of giving her a hug, the man turned with his other two daughters and began to walk away.  God used this like a lightning bolt in my life.  He had already shown me that I could love a third child.  The fact that if Shay told me she was pregnant, I would have been excited.  But right then and there, I began to cry.  I realized that God had given me the ability to be a great dad.  Not that I am perfect, nor that I don’t/will make mistakes, but I have and overwhelming desire to be a dad.  What transpired in my mind that night was that God was telling me “Andrew, you think this is bad, there are boys and girls in the world who get treated much worse than this”.  I realized at that moment that God was telling me something.  He had over that 12 months, given me the desire that 12 months earlier, I had not had.

So, I wanted to break the news to Shay in the next few weeks.  At that moment, we just began praying about the when.  We were just open to the idea, and even though we said yes, we knew that ultimately God still might have other plans. So for about 6 months, we said yes and then waited.

About 2 months ago I began reading a book called Not a Fan.  I have said it before, but I have read all of about .5 books since I was in college, and even then I never really read.  But this book changed my life...especially, one part in particular.  In Chapter 3, Dr. Rich Edwards tells his testimony of how God changed his life. 

On February 10, 2006, I was in control of my life and I liked the direction things were going.  I had a thriving chiropractic practice, two sons, and a devoted wife.  On February 11, everything changed.  I was heading out to my hunting cabin where I planned to meet up with friends and hunt wild boar.  As I drove along I could see the effects from the severe drought we had been experiencing.  Everything seemed to have dried up and died.

By the time I reached the road heading to the cabin, it  was dark.  As I turned, I missed the road and ended up in five feet of thick brush.  I tried to free my truck by putting it in forward , then reverse repeatedly.  The friction from that somehow ignited the brush.  Within seconds the truck was a large torch.  I reached for the door handle to escape but the electrical system burned out and I was locked inside.  Seconds later the windows exploded. I don’t really know what happened after that, and I have no idea how I got out of the truck.  The next thing I remember is walking down the road to the cabin telling myself over and over, “Don’t stop.  Keep going.” 

When I reached the cabin, my friends thought I was wearing some kind of three dimensional leafy outfit, but it wasn't camouflage.  It was shredded, charred skin.  A mediflight helicopter took me to a burn unit where I was told I wouldn't have much of a face left and that I would probably lose my sight as well as the use of my hands.

               God put an absolute halt on my life.  I was so busy being so successful; I was on such a fast track, that God was a part of my life but he was not the most important part.  He was not on the throne of my heart or at the center of my universe.  I was at the center.  I don’t believe God caused the fire, but I believe God allowed it because he wanted to get my attention.

               That was the part of the story where I stopped and woke up.  I felt as though God wanted my attention and I felt all of the sudden like he was wanting me to act on the adoption.  I have been so blessed in so many areas of my life.  My family, my wife, my business, our wonderful community, …etc.  There have been things that have happened in our lives that the only explanation is God.  People ask how did that happen and all I can ever say is that God did it.  What I sensed was God saying, "Andrew you are at a crossroads.  You can sit on your heels for the next few years being comfortable (two kids, nice home, great business, 1 dog)and like Rich, I can grab your attention.  Or you act on the adoption and get going."

             So, I did what any normal Christian would do.  I didn't do ANYTHING but told myself I would pray about it a little longer and tell Shay at the right time.  God had other plans.  Later that afternoon when I got back in the office, I was making sales calls and something happened I will never forget.  God wanted my attention, he wanted me to get going.  Go back to the story of Rich and his truck being fully engulfed in flames.  That must have been a horrific sight.  Then it happened... when I looked out my office to the parking lot 75 yards across the street, there was a pickup that had caught on fire and like Rich’s truck, was fully engulfed in flames.  No one was inside thankfully, but needless to say God got my attention.  In 32 years I have never witness God moving like this.  After seeing this, I sat Shay down, told her what had happened and we started our adoption journey.

             So I ask each of you readers, what is God calling you to do today?  Could you be the one to step out on faith and adopt, go on a short term mission, go on an international mission trip, or just walk across the street and invite a neighbor to church?  God wants your attention.  Need a plan?  Start by reading Not a Fan by Kyle Idelman. 

A Day in the Life of Shay

It's been about 9 months since I've done a Day in the Life of Shay post...and every time I do one, you girls seem to really like them, so I did it on Monday :).  Note: This was a very boring, typical, uneventful day.  The kind of day I love the most.  The kind of day that I will miss so much next year when Kensington is in kindergarten.

Good morning.

Headed to the office (which luckily is just down the hall) to work.  First up, publishing my blogs for the day.  After that, more work.  I try and squeeze in about 2 hours of work each morning.

I know, I know...but I listen to Pandora while I work...and my boyfriend was on this morning.  XOXO

So sad!  This was also the morning for preschool registration for next fall...and I only registered Smith.  (Boohoo!)  Kensington will be in kinder...bummed me out.

Spent time with Jesus.  Read my Bible, prayed and then read a little of this book. Such a good book!

By 6:45, I was making breakfast.  On this morning, I made a Almond Butter and Banana Smoothie.  It's one scoop of chocolate Whey protein powder, half a frozen banana, 1/2 cup almond milk, a big scoop of almond butter and lots of ice (right now, my mom is gagging..she prefers Pop Tarts).

Still living in this fabulous robe my Grandmother bought me.

Right at 7:00, Mr. Smith woke up.  Love him all day but especially first thing in the morning!

Smith drinking milk and eating Fruit Loops (with his eyes closed).  

It was cold this morning...

...so, I lit a fire.

I'm dressed for the gym and wearing my Wellies (changed into my Nikes when I got there).

Poppy only wakes up and comes downstairs when Andrew gets home from the gym.  She has nothing to do with me.  And I'm fine with that :).

At 7:45, I had to go in and wake up K.

Really, mom?  I just woke up.

Mr. Crazy downstairs eating his first dozen egg whites of the day (his second dozen is consumed at 9:15 pm).

I fired a warning shot at Erika :)

We have a rule at our house that on Sunday nights, we pick up everything and put it back in its place.  Every night, we clean up but my kids love creating little caves/tent areas and will play in them all week...so, I let them keep that stuff up all week but they know that on Sunday nights, we hit the restart button and everything goes back up.  This was Monday morning...doesn't Kensington's room look so nice and clean?  Just wait.

Smith was ready to go to the gym!

Kensington...not so much.

OK!  I got her dressed and ready to go right at 8:15.

Ahhh...I love my gym.  I'm here at 8:35ish three days a week.

On my way to class!  (I tried 3 times but this photo wouldn't rotate...sorry!)

Erika and me pre-suffering.

We're smiling now but over the next hour we both felt like throwing up and quitting...this class is hard!

Showered and cleaned up at the gym after class...then headed to get my kiddos! 

Check What I'm Wearing for details on my outfit...because I know you will ask! ;)  And if you're still looking for a good puffer vest option, I found several here.  There are so many cute colors available!

I couldn't find Smith when I went into the play area...he and Nixon were hiding.  They didn't want to go home.

After the gym, Narci and I took our kids to Chick-fil-a...us mamas wanted some of their Chicken Tortilla Soup on this cold day!  I also ate half a chicken and veggie wrap from my gym's cafe (I grabbed one on my way out the door).

I love me some Narci!

After Chick-fil-a, I stopped for some Blonde Roast at Starbucks and we drove to the new house to check on things...

...here I am at the new house!  You have to wait until we move in to see!

We were home by 12:30 and the kiddos played until nap time.

Smith showed me how super strong he is.

Lots of playing.

I checked my blogs and published some of your sweet comments :)

Then I went upstairs and found Kensington's "zoo".  In only 10 minutes, she had started building her zoo...

...she's explaining the zoo to me...

...such a proud zoo keeper...

...Smith is getting the lowdown on the zoo too...

...and this is why we hit the restart button on Sunday nights.  She will play with this "zoo" all week.  I promise.

Smith went down for his nap at 1:30.  I said, "Smith, show my friends how much you like to nap"...and he posed like this.  This kid is an anomaly.  I say "go to sleep" and he does.  I'm blogging about this in a few weeks :).

After Kensington turned 5, I stopped insisting she have naps every day.  Now, she only takes one if she's at all cranky that day (which is about once or twice a week).  If not, she can have some crafty time.  Today, she was coloring her big wooden doll that Santa brought her.

And I was back in my office working.

She loooooves this stuff!  I Santa bought this at Hobby Lobby.

Finished!

:)

She came in the kitchen to give me a hug :)

Around 3:30, I needed a snack I could munch on while folding laundry...almonds and dates it is!

Laundry, first round.

At 4:30, I sat down by the fire with some tea and my new Vitamix book.

I love a fire!

And then this little one asked me to read to her...I couldn't resist.

Around 4:50, I heard Smith wake up and some commotion in his room.  Oh goody...he now has a zoo too.

Andrew was home right after 5:00 :)

And while I made dinner, they played with Legos on the dining room table.

Hamburger Stroganoff was on the menu this night along with a Caesar salad.

And for dessert, the kids wanted peppermint milkshakes.

While I clean up after dinner, Andrew always bathes the kids.  Thank you Lord for my sweet husband who bathes my kids every night.  Seriously, I thank the Lord for him.  I knew bath time was over when Smith started marching around the kitchen all clean and in his jammies.

Andrew left after bath time to watch the National Championship with his friend Ty (who used to play for Auburn), so I told the kids we could watch a movie before bed.  They picked Hotel Transylvania...which is really cute!  

They boy sitting with his Lego trucks...

...and the girl sitting with her puppy :).

I got their backpacks and Smith's nap mat all ready for their first day back at school the next day (I'm sure going to miss having them home every day like over Christmas break!).

And after I packed up their stuff, I sat down next to Smith to watch the movie too :).

The kids went to bed after the movie...and then it was laundry, part 2.

I took a shower and washed my hair.  Andrew would bring home these Gatorade towels when he worked in Detroit and I found them to be perfect for wrapping up my wet hair.

I put my pjs on and watched Fraiser...

...and ate a brownie...because I eat a brownie every night.  I have found that I don't crave/want/eat sugary stuff all day if I know there is a brownie waiting for me in the peace and quiet of my home each night.  It just never gets old :).

I checked on the kiddos before going to bed myself...

...all cozy in their beds.

And one last picture to show you what time I turned off my phone and went to sleep.  (This also tells you a lot about me, right?  I like social media, the Bible, baseball, Nordstrom and Starbucks.  Seriously...the home page on my phone pretty much sums up my life!)  

That was my Monday...boring, uneventful and full of little blessings that I will carry with me always.

**Ashby London update**

I get so many emails and comments about our sweet Ashby.  Everyone wants an update...so here you go...I have nothin' new to report.  We're in a good spot and the timing is working out beautifully but there isn't anything new that I can share.  Thank you so much for keeping her in your prayers!  She is already such a loved little girl.

One last thing...don't forget to check out my yummy dinner tonight...

...it's my Mexican Beef over Cornbread.  

Have a great day!