Adoption Is...

I love my pets! Always have!! I even would go as far as to say, I'm a dog lover. But lately something has been bothering me. I am constantly bombarded with pictures of dogs needing "adoption". Don't get me wrong, I love for needy dogs to get loving owners and I am glad there are rescue groups that care about that, I guess I just get tired of a word that is so sacred to me, being used in so many ways. And I am starting wonder, what about the children? Do people think more about needy animals than needy orphans? I have never received a message asking me to care for the orphans, that is except for the command in God's word. I work every day with children that could be considered needy by our standards but would also be viewed as "well off" when compared with so many in this world. There was a time in my life, that I didnt think much about orphans around the world. There were so many and what could I do anyway. That was before God changed my heart. Before my life changing experience, I am ashamed to say that I viewed adoption as a choice for people who cant have their "own" kids. Then God spoke and revealed that it was His plan for us. I have never heard His voice more clearly. After a great deal of soul searching, I realized that there was someone in the world God had hand picked to be my own child. I loved her before I met her and my soul was knit with hers before she was even born. The moment she was placed in my arms was as miraculous as the birth of my boys. I have never been able to put into words what happened to me that day, but I recently read a book that summed up what I have always felt but didn't know how to say. Here is an excerpt from Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman, also an adoptive mom, explaining what happened to her the moment she met her daughter.

In that moment, time stopped. It was like God was speaking to me directly. "Mary Beth, you thickheaded woman, do you not understand now that this is the very way I see you? You are this orphan! I adopted you and you are mine! I bought you with a price! Do you see how you love this baby? That's just a reflection of how much I love you! You didn't have a name, and I gave you a name. You did nothing to deserve my love and I love you anyway. You had no hope, no future, and now you are the daughter of the King!" I saw it. The second she was placed in my arms, I would have fought to the death to protect her. I loved her with everything inside of me. "Do you get it now?" God was saying to me. Under the blanket, this baby was wrapped in rags. She was poor. She didn't smell good. She was hungry. There was nothing about her that had "earned" my love. but I loved her powerfully, deeply, absolutely. Period. I got it.

That says it all to me. I might have missed this miracle if I had listened to the messages of society instead of the voice of God. By no means would I ever say that everyone should adopt. But I do believe that we all have a command and a responsibility to care for orphans. We can pray, give, go, minister, and most of all be as positive and as supportive of adoption as we are about birth children. Learn about using correct adoption language. I once had a stranger stop me, my child within hearing range, and tell me that someday I would have a daughter of my own and then acted offended when I assured her that I already did. Not that I was so shocked. I know how I once viewed adoption and my change came only by God's grace. Now I look at every orphan and think, That could have been my child! I constantly hear Christians preaching about being pro life, but rarely hear them promoting adoption. Don't they go together? I understand that unless you've been there you just might not see it. But, to me adoption is not a word that should be interchanged with trees, ducks, dogs and rivers. It is a picture of what God did for me on the cross and what I experienced on a beautiful September day in China.

Our Christmas 2010

This year was another wonderful Christmas celebration. We began celebrating on the 18th with Rob's family. That morning, the children sang and quoted verses in the morning service. After church, Rob's family came for finger foods followed by a gift exchange. That evening the choir sang our Christmas cantata followed by a dessert fellowship.

On Christmas Eve we had our own time at home. Before dinner, Jillian read the Christmas story from the bible. We ate biscuit topped Italian casserole and then had our gift exchange. Brandon received an I home, x box game, cologne and money. Jillian got books, movies, Mario game, snowpants , costumes and a Headbandz game. Korbin had books, Dragon movie, snowpants, Imaginext space ship, and costumes. Later we went to Dad's to take his gifts. He surprised Brandon with an old pocket watch he'd had fixed. Brandon was very touched by the thought and asked a million questions about it. I really enjoyed the story of how he stayed at the store one night after he closed and cut a side of beef for it. The kids had a great time playing at Gdad's and we enjoyed listening to more old stories. Some were new and some were old, but always hilarious. As we drove home, it began to snow and we are sure that Rudolph crossed the road in front us. Arriving home, we found that santa had already come and brought pillow pets and a sled.

On Christmas Day, we loaded the van and headed to Bowling Green as the snow continued to fall. This year, it was hosted by my niece Dana, We had our traditional meal of turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, casseroles, rolls, deviled eggs, dairy orange salad and lots of sweets! After eating, the kids traded gifts with a cousin closest to his/her age and the adults had a "dirty santa" game. Rob drew a UK hat which was his favorite gift of the day! :) Next we played the Newlywed game. Last year Rob and I came in dead last but we came back and did better this year... I thought we may win until the end when he started giving silly answers... again!! His answer last year to "What famous person would your wife like to be.... Queen Latifah. This year he said, "Michelle Obama." All the time, the kids were ripping through the house having a great visit with their cousins! We returned home late in the evening, tired and thankful for safe travels.

Thanks to God for the gift of Jesus! It is such a beautiful time of year, but would just be another ordinary day without the cross looming ahead of him, even in the beauty of His birth. Praying that those who are feeling pain at this time of the year will KNOW there is a Savior that understands our sorrow and joy! Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

FALL BREAK 2010

This year we have had a drought that has lasted most of the summer. I really thought that there would be no color to the fall leaves this year, but they came through again! Our yard is already very bright! Since Brandon was here this morning, I rounded up all of the kids for pictures. Jillian informed me that she would do it only if I would make Brandon and Korbin take it seriously this year so we wouldn't be out there all day!! She knows her brothers too well.It is getting easier to get them all to smile at the same time, so I guess they are growing up.
So far it has been a very nice fall break. The weekend was spent on Jillian's birthday party, but this week we have worked on some projects around the house. We accomplished a lot already in working on our landscaping. Since we added onto the house this summer, we had new area to add to as well as some existing shrubs that had run their course in life. Rob tore out most of the old, planted some holly, boxwood, barberry, magnolia and mums, and of course had to do lots of watering. I did the shopping though, which we all know is the hardest part. Plus I got some good deals! Due to the drought, I think the nurseries are just trying to move their plants. The much needed rain came yesterday just as he was finishing up! :) This probably sounds like a boring way to spend a vacation, but it does make me smile that I am not looking at mounds of dirt and dead grass like I have been all summer.
On Wednesday, after the "photo shoot", Rob took J and K to Grandad's house to go fishing while I worked on my pictures, then we took the kids bike riding and relaxed around the house. Nice to just have some time to do nothing.
Saturday we met the family in Owensboro to watch Brescia play Berea and MCU. We won both games and Kelsey was very happy to beat MCU. We celebrated with some Coldstone afterward!

Jillian's 9th Birthday

Time really does fly! I prayed for a baby for about 6 years before God matched me with my little angel. She is still an angel but definitely not a baby anymore. We celebrated her 9th birthday this weekend. Always my little tomboy, she has had a party based on every super hero that she knows!! This year I jokingly told her she could have a princess party or a pumpkin festival. I guess we know which one she chose. I think it may have been her favorite party yet. We decorated with pumpkins and fall leaves, played sack races, pumpkin hunt, and bobbed for apples. She loved the apple bobbing and came up with at least six before she started sticking her head under water! Her guests were her cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. The kids came dressed in costumes, which was nice since they got a little extra use out of their Halloween costumes. Love my little Jillibug and hope she has many more happy birthdays!!

Korbin's 5th birthday

Korbin's 5th birthday (Click to watch video)

This year Korbin wanted a How To Train A Dragon party after seeing the movie this summer. We started out the day with pizza, then went out to jump in the bounce house and play games. We played Dragon Egg Hunt as well as Capture the Dragon Tail. We then came back in for cake, ice cream and opening presents. The guys were by that time, watching the UK/ UL game. Ironic because Korb's was born during that game 5 years ago when the Cards won (for once). His Daddy always told him he was a good luck charm. It apparently has worn off. He was thrilled with the party and all of his gifts. It was a beautiful but dry day in the 70's. Perfect day for a party! The kids ended the day by playing with all of the new toys while the adults finished the game. Watching him play and have fun reminded me what a miracle he is! He is the child I thought I would never have. Happy Birthday my sweet boy!!!

Korbin's 5th birthday

Korbin's 5th birthday

This year Korbin wanted a How To Train A Dragon party after seeing the movie this summer. We started out the day with pizza, then went out to jump in the bounce house and play games. We played Dragon Egg Hunt as well as Capture the Dragon Tail. We then came back in for cake, ice cream and opening presents. The guys were by that time, watching the UK/ UL game. Ironic because Korb's was born during that game 5 years ago when the Cards won (for once). His Daddy always told him he was a good luck charm. It apparently has worn off. He was thrilled with the party and all of his gifts. It was a beautiful but dry day in the 70's. Perfect day for a party! The kids ended the day by playing with all of the new toys while the adults finished the game. Watching him play and have fun reminded me what a miracle he is! He is the child I thought I would never have. Happy Birthday my sweet boy!!!

Jillian's Big Day

8 years ago as I walked my sleepy daughter through the hallways of a hotel in Guangzhou, China, I prayed. She was exhausted and scared in her new setting, but not as scared as I was. I prayed she would sleep. I prayed that she would love me as much as I loved her. I prayed that we could give her everything she needed. Most of all I prayed that she would know Christ. The hours flew by and my precious baby finally slept that first night. Now the years have flown by and after many more prayers, she finally knows Christ as her Savior. On Wednesday night after hearing the salvation message again, she went to her Daddy with a stomach ache. He knew she was troubled and after some questioning, she told him she wanted to be saved. This morning she made a public profession at church. I am so proud of her and thankful to be her mother and her sister in Christ! I was reminded of a lullaby I sang to her when I rocked her.... "I pray that you will grow up to be wise and good and true. I pray the Lord will bless you in all that you will do. I pray that you will hear His voice and learn to sing His song. I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

SNOW DAY 2010

January 7, 2010
What is it about a snow day? Is it the rare joy of sledding and snowball fights? Relaxing when you should be at work? Or is it the wonder of watching the dark gray become sparkling white? Whatever it is, there is really nothing like a snow day!! We don't get to experience them very often. I think my younger kids have only played in the snow a couple of times in their little lives. So... part of our day was spent sledding, making snow angels, and then warming up with some hot chocolate. We were unprepared due to missing snow pants, outgrown boots, and an antique sled, but I guess that added to the excitement... Very, Very cold outside, but the bright smiles made the shivering worth it! LET IT SNOW!