Christmas Highlights - Chris's Family

The day after Christmas we headed to Yukon to celebrate with DiDi, Uncle Delton and Sarah. We ended the day with Chris's cousins in Edmond and I failed to take a single picture at that gathering. 

Uncle Delton got Tucker a SUPER cool peddle car and we can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can break that thing in! 

Bennett spent his Christmas week being passed for arms to arms. He was loved and kissed on by lots of family! 

On Friday we went to Grandma Chloe's house and again I failed to take any pictures...

Saturday we ended our tour of homes and families with Chris's dad and his step mom's kids. 

Tucker thinks there should be wrapping paper fights at every Christmas event. 

More of Bennett taking in the holidays!

We got to get to know Sarah, Uncle Delton's girlfriend, this week and she is great! We think he should keep her!

We're also so thankful that Papa Phil is feeling better and that he got to eat a little of Christmas dinner. He is battling his second round of throat cancer right now and came straight from a radiation treatment to Christmas. 

Christmas Highlights - McKenzie's Side

We spent Christmas Eve with the Meyer side of the family. 

And Christmas Day with McKenzie's sisters, Mom and Grandparents.

Carrying on our annual Christmas Pajama Tradition. The boys who have married into the family opt out, but we all really love it. 

The only Christmas we will be a family of four so we had to document these short lived days.

Christmas Morning!

A little grin for our favorite Emrie girl.

The wrapping paper fight gets more fun every year!

Be still my heart! These sweet brothers are too cute for words.

 The night of the 27th we got together with Gary, my step dad's, kids. We were missing one family, but it was good visiting with them. Tucker always seems to be in rare form for this gathering in particular.

Poor guy! He had his fill of pictures by this point.

Christmas in the Park

The park in Elk City has a great little light display and they have lots of activities to enjoy. They open up the carousel and train that are open all summer again, which are BIG hits with our bunch. My family went on a ski trip the week before Christmas and made a stop to see us on their way out to Colorado. We had a great dinner at Simon's Catch and then bundled up and headed to the park. We had lots of fun! Tucker is anxiously awaiting warmer days so he can ride the train more often. 

At church on Christmas Eve Eve. We just had big church and then we headed home for lunch and loading for all our future stops. 

We only lack the boys for the van to be full and for us to be on our way. Our annual Christmas Crawl included stops in Chickasha, Purcell, Yukon, Edmond, Elk City, Sayre and Bristow. I just hope Tucker will readjust and not be looking for presents every time we get out of the car at a new house! 

2012 Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas Dear Friends and Family,

   We hope this letter finds you all well. We have been blessed with another great year full of lessons, blessings, growth spurts and love. What more could we ask for?

   Early this year we began to feel a stirring to grow our family. We knew from the first week of Tucker’s life we wanted to adopt again and since we haven’t gotten pregnant between then and now we decided to pursue another adoption. We began our paperwork and the update process in the spring. We wanted to have everything done before the busyness of a youth minister’s summer began but we knew we didn’t want to be actively looked at by birth parents until after a mission trip to Africa that was planned over a year ago in late July. 

   Summer arrived and was in full swing before we knew it and our trip got closer and closer. As we approached July I began to get antsy for the adoption process to really start again. It was on my heart a lot and I spent lots of time praying for THE baby God had for us. We gathered our team and headed to the airport on July 27th and before we even made it to our gate things began falling apart. The short version of the story is someone booked eight flights for our eleven person team. Three people couldn’t get on the plane. So we opted to adopt The Three Musketeers motto and we all stayed, hoping that our travel agent could get things straightened out the next day. She worked and worked and called around 2 pm and said we were going only to realize she made the same mistake twice. There was no way she could get all eleven of us to Zambia together. We took these circumstances as God closing the door and after we chased down some luggage that headed off for our trip by itself we went home. No Zambia.

   While we were disappointed the trip didn’t happen we were also excited because that meant we could officially be considered by birth parents for adopting. I called our agency in Oklahoma City on our way home from the airport to tell them to start showing our book. That was on a Thursday. On Friday our now open schedules allowed us some free time so we headed to the lake with McKenzie’s family. Late that afternoon we got a call from our Pastor’s daughter telling us of an agency in Texas that was just starting domestic adoptions and had a birth mom wanting to look through some books. They knew we had our stuff ready so they thought of us and we contacted the agency. Ultimately we decided to throw our hat in the ring because there was no risk or financial investment involved unless we were chosen. 

   On August 10th - the we were scheduled to arrive home from Zambia - we received a call from the Texas agency that we would be the parents of a new baby boy in October. He was due October 21st and everything looked great! We decided to name him Bennett Harris after McKenzie’s Nana Lue Harris-Bacon and we got busy preparing and fundraising for our newest Gordon.

   On September 10th McKenzie got a call from Tucker’s birth mom, who we knew was pregnant again and due on February 6th, 2013. We had talked with her about our adoption plans before we had gone active and at that point she was planning to parent.  But on that Monday she asked us if we would consider parenting her baby -- Tucker’s half sibling. She knew we already had planned to adopt in October, but really couldn’t parent herself. She wanted to place with us again over anyone else, if possible. We immediately said yes! It wasn’t even a choice. 

   Then things started getting crazy! We went into prep mode for not one, but two babies! 

   Bennett decided to make his big appearance on Saturday of our Disciple Now Weekend, October 13th. We got the call Saturday about 10:30 that we should head that way and we pulled into Odessa, Texas about 15 minutes before 7:50 pm when we welcomed Bennett Harris Gordon to the world. He weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. He had long fingers and toes and lots of straight black hair. 

   While we were in Odessa we found out that our February Baby was another boy! Our Three Sons!!! We have chosen the name Casen and his Birth Mom chose Cole as his middle name because her middle name is Nicole. We are so excited to add a third fella to our tribe around February 6th. Everything looks great for Casen and our Birth Mom. Please pray for both of their health, for extra grace and comfort for all of us as we walk the path ahead and for the finances to be provided for us to fund two adoptions in less than six months. 

   Chris began his fifth year as the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church of Sayre in October. The kids who are seniors this year were in the eighth grade when we moved here. It’s been so fun to watch them grow up! Our Pastor resigned in December to move to the foreign mission field so Chris has picked up some extra duties. Because of the increase on his “real” job time and the fact that we will have three babies under three this spring he decided it would be best to resign as the golf coach at SHS. We will all be glad to have him around more this spring! 

   McKenzie’s hands are full with two boys and preparations for the third! She has been busy planning fundraisers, chasing Tucker and rocking Bennett. It’s so nice to have a baby around again and it constantly reminds her how big our oldest is. Motherhood is the biggest blessing of her life. She is beyond thankful that she gets to stay home to love her boys as they grow.

   Tucker is two years and eight months old. He is a busy guy who loves people, cars, trains, planes and rocket ships. He talks up a storm to anyone who will listen and even to some who don’t. His imagination is out of control as is his eye for finding airplanes and his favorite models of cars on the road. He is mostly potty trained. Tuck knows lots of songs and sings as much as he talks. He recognizes all of his letters and knows most of their sounds. He is three foot tall and weighs 38 pounds. Our big boy is such a great big brother and has transitioned to not being the only so much better then we expected! We are so blessed by this blessing of a boy!!!

   Bennett is very tricky for two months old! Ha! He weighs 12 lbs and 9 oz and is 23 inches long. He is holding his head up really well and has strong little legs that he loves to push up on. He recognizes Daddy, Momma and his big brother who he loves watching. He is sleeping well and is the sweetest baby. We’re thankful for his laid back attitude and sweet toothless smile! We can’t wait to watch his little personality develop and learn who he will become.

   We are overwhelmingly blessed to be surrounded and enveloped by so much love! We are beyond thankful for our wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive as our family has grown. We look forward to all 2013 has in store, but mostly we are anxious to meet our Mr. Casen and add him to our crazy bunch. 

   We wish you a very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year! 

   To keep up with what’s going on in our world more regularly you can follow McKenzie’s blog at www.nothingfancy0902.blogspot.com

Love --

Chris, McKenzie, Tucker, Bennett and soon-to-be Casen Gordon

Bennett - Two Month Letter

Dearest Bennett,
What a joy you are my little Lovie! You have added another rich layer of love to our family and you've taught us all a new role. You have the sweetest disposition and only seem to be bothered by being cold or hungry. Not much else gets a negative reaction from you.
You love to look at ceiling fans, Christmas lights and your brother. This month you are starting to smile and "talk" a little bit. I love your sweet little noises and happy grins that push your cubby cheeks up. You also love the bath tub, swing and bouncy seat. You really haven't found much you don't like yet, expect pooping. You can't figure it out and it makes you mad when it happens. Our doctor thinks you are pushing and squeezing at the same time which I can imagine is a very frustrating feeling. We all hope you'll figure this out soon.
You are growing lots and lots, but we don't go for your two month well check until Monday so I'm not sure exactly how much you've grown. I can tell you're getting longer as your 0-3 month onsies are getting shorter and shorter. You are wearing a size one diaper and all 0-3 month clothes still. You eat at 8, 11, 2, 5, 8 & 11 and usually 1-2 times during the night. We started from week one with the Babywise routine and it seems to suit you. You are like a little clock and wake to eat within 10 minutes of your scheduled times. This is revolutionary to me! I didn't have time to read books before Tucker was born so I just fed him when he acted hungry and had no schedule. This time around your schedule is freeing because I know what to expect and can plan accordingly. I highly recommend this method of feeding for new babies. You are sleeping 4-6 hours during the night which is AWESOME! Again Tucker's lack of schedule also contributed to him not sleeping through the night until he was two years old, instead of two months old.
You are just a happy guy. You can roll over from your belly to your back if you really want to, but you don't do it a lot. You are holding your head up really well and your legs are strong too. You can hold yourself up for a minute or so at a time. Your belly and cheeks are the only places on your body that are getting chunky. Your arms and legs are still skinny little things. You have long fingers, toes and feet. Maybe you will be the tall one of our boys.
This month you have seen LOTS of Christmas lights! Your big brother is fascinated by them so we've been to look at a bunch. You also survived all FIVE stops on your first Thanksgiving! This is our plight sweet boy, Christmas will be worse. We have lots of family and everyone loved meeting you and fussing over you.
Everywhere we go I hear how handsome you are and our whole church is crazy about you. You haven't been to nursery yet, but you've gone with mom to Sunday School and Youth and don't seem to mind. The kids instantly loved you and why shouldn't they?
Tucker has transitioned to his new role as your big brother like a champ. He loves you and doesn't think it's funny when people ask if they can take him home with them. So far Tucker has been very easy with you and loves to give you pats and kisses. Two months without being hit by a car or other flying object is pretty good at our house. Your record is better then both mine or your Daddy's in this area.
For me, becoming a Momma of two has been way easier then it was becoming a mom of one. I don't know if I feel more like I know what I'm doing or if I'm not so stressed about every little thing, but so far adding you to our family has been very pleasant. I'm sure it also has to do with the fact you are such a laid back fella. You also seem to be developing a momma preference pretty early. You smile nearly every time you see me and you calm down when you get into my arms. I'm not sad about that! I'll take those sweet cuddles for as long as I can get them!
We are so blessed to have you as our second son and fourth family member. You are in fact THE baby that was meant to be in our family. You are a joy to watch and love.
Love you more,
Momma
*I'll add pictures later. I can't get them to work for whatever reason.

CUTE Baby Alert! Bennett's Newborns

On Halloween we had some beautiful newborns pictures done of Bennett. We are so blessed by Holli B. Not only is she incredibly talented she is also a wonderful, life long friend. If you need pictures done, especially wedding or newborns, go to www.hollib.com! Enjoy my boys!

Gary Paul

A little over four years ago I remember meeting Gary for the first time. He had asked Chris and I to come to Sayre to interview for their open youth ministry position. After two ROUGH summers and two not so great churches I was ready to wash my hands of full time ministry and live close to my family. We almost didn't come because I so badly didn't want to. But Chris talked me into making the drive to meet Gary and later the search committee.
We walked in to hugs and kisses from Terri Fish, our church secretary and Chris's second Mom, and were ushered into Gary's office for the first time. I was immediately put at ease by how genuine he was and his sweet spirit. We talked for a long time and he showed us around the church and then later the parsonage, which I thought was useless because we were NOT moving to Sayre. We asked and answered a lot of questions that day, but  as we stood in the hall of the church that has become our home over the last four years I was struck by how our views on ministry alined with Gary's and how much we could learn from this shepherd. By the time we pulled out of Sayre the next day with a job offer on the table, I knew we would be moving to Western Oklahoma. And I was ok with the idea solely because of who our Pastor would be. He told us the thing our hurting hearts needed to hear that day. He spoke of healing and loving us back into productive, healthy ministry. He loved on us right where we were. We are still in ministry today because of Gary Paul.
Yesterday our church commissioned Gary and Shirley as foreign missionaries as we ended his last service as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Sayre. Teary eyed members made their way through a receiving line hugging these two who have become so dear to us and my heart broke as I watched. Loosing a pastor is difficult for a staff member. It means a loss of security and of a plan. It makes you question what is next for you as well.
But the worst part is we had to say good bye to more then a boss. We said good bye to a friend. A trusted conselor. A beloved man and woman who have loved us so well for four years. They have helped us welcome two of our children. They have fought beside us and stood up for us. Gary has encouraged and protected and taught and laughed with us in a way no other pastor in my life ever has. And I'm so thankful and grateful that my husband got to learn more of what it means to be a minister of the Gospel and lover of people from his mentorship.
Shirley provided a listening ear, encouragement and a protective wing for me. She has such a sensitive spirit and is so good at speaking only when needed. She followed and submitted to her husband's leadership so well. Many lessons for this young minister's wife to take to heart.
Gary loves so well. Maybe better then anyone I've ever met. He openly welcomes anyone who will come and ALWAYS sees the best in people and circumstances. His eternal optimism, grace seeking heart and open arms have made our church the place it is. FBC Sayre will never be the same because of the footprint Gary is leaving behind him and neither will the Gordon's.
As they go to shepherd over 1,000 missionaries I can't think of anyone more equipped for the task. Those are some blessed sharers of the Gospel to receive the two lives we are sending their way.
Thank you for the way you have loved & lived so openly for our benefit! We love you!!!