Party of EIGHT

Today is a big day for a sweet friend of mine!  Today, she welcomes her four new children home to stay.  When Jennifer and Jake began the adoption process (about the same time as Russ and I), they had NO IDEA how immeasurably more the Lord would entrust to them!

He not only had a sweet child in mind for them....he had FOUR children ready for their family.  Not only did He have these children in mind...He had them ready within a matter of weeks!  This has been a very exciting time for them, as well as all of us who have journeyed with this family.

The Jefcoat family grew from a family of four to a "Party of EIGHT" today.  In preparation for the arrival of these sweet blessings, we decided the best way to support the family was to have a gift card shower.  Karen, Ashley, and I worked swiftly (overnight really!) to pull together friends, family, and fun for a SURPRISE gift card shower!  It was a blast!

Special thanks to Kristin for creating the awesome sign and for traveling all over town to help me gather balloons, ribbon, and set up for the night.  It turned out great!

As the family arrived at Pizza Grocery to meet "Russ and I for dinner," the crowd gathered downstairs awaiting the surprise!  It was incredible!  I should note that Jennifer and Jake had not even told many people about this upcoming adoption.  Karen, Ashley, and I were guilty of letting the cat out of the bag!  Oops!  Ha!

Everyone was so excited and supportive!  They couldn't wait to show their love and appreciation to this sweet family!

As I led the family downstairs to the back room, Jennifer noticed the doors were shut.  "Why are the doors shut?" she asked.  "Open them and see," I said.  She just stood there shaking her head and backing up.  For a split second, I was worried!  Ha! 

I think Jude was actually the one to bust through the doors to a great sign, decorations, and a huge "SURPRISE!"  Needless to say, the family was shocked!  The look on Jake's face was priceless.  I wish I had a picture of it!

The night was a success!  A surprise shower was put together without a hitch.  Of course, we did only have 24 hours notice!  Not much time to spoil the surprise.  

Mom and Dad of Immeasurably MORE!

Jennifer had brought Baby J a gift for our "dinner" too!  A perfect tailgating onesie with bib that says "Tailgate in my crib" and the cutest "Night Owl" onesie. So precious!  Little did she know, the night was really for her!  Hugs, some tears, and fun all around!

We are so thrilled for the Jefcoat family as they welcome these sweet blessings into their family with open arms.  Please keep their new family of eight in your prayers tonight.  I'm sure they would appreciate them.  Hopefully, there will be pictures to come.  Until then...

...we'll remember God's promise with this extraordinary story!

"God is able to do immeasurably MORE than we could ever ask or imagine."  Ephesians 3:20