Sisters

It has been so long since I've updated this. Winter is almost over and i am so thankful. I always struggle when I haven't written in so long, because there have been so many things I could update you on and I"m never sure where to start. So instead of over-thinking this ( which I often tend to do) I'll just share my deep thoughts from the night. . .

The reason I started this blog was to journal our adoption journey and I was reminded tonight once again about the miracle of adoption. The miracle doesn't end when when you sign the papers or when you get off the plane, it doesn't even end when you are home and have your family all under one roof.

The miracle is the way God picks some sweet child from across the country or across the world and orchestrates every detail, against all odds to bring them to your family, to your home.

Ok-I'll get to the point, last night Taneah woke up in the middle of the night and crawled into bead with Jonah, her brother. Tonight the girls were singing Veggie Tales" He's got the whole world in his hands and as they sang "he's got you and me sister" they held hands and swayed back and forth.

It might sound like a little thing, but as I watched them in the rear view mirror, I was suddenly blown away, by the miracle of adoption and the miracle of family. How only by God's great hands does it make sense that 2 little girls born on opposite sides of the country, who look nothing alike are sisters. Real sisters in their minds and in their hearts. Thank you Jesus for helping me see a miracle today and not missing it by my business.

Christmas 2010

We have done all kinds of fun things this December. Most of the pics are from Christmas but a few highlights from the whole month, like Jonah snowboarding.
Christmas programs with pretty dresses and jingle bells
A limmo ride to look at all the pretty Christmas lights.
Sweet baby cousins

Christmas 2010

Lots and lots of cousins,
Even a cousin "makeover" Chase someday you won't let her put all that make-up on your face:)
More cousins with the traditional cute kids in front of the Christmas tree,

Grandma's and babies, bet this one will make you smile,
and girls showing off their purses, Uncle Mark I won't tell anyone about your purse fettish:)

I've been writing this post in my head for a long time. I've been trying to figure out just the right words to say to you so that you would "get it" The right words to inspire you and touch you. The right words to more you to action. So instead of trying to convince you I'm praying, and I'll let the pictures and the blog about these beautiful children speak for themselves. Please consider giving to these sweet babies.

God's Children in Haiti

****Just so you know God's Children is the agency we used to help us get our daughter Taneah. We know Amy, she is a great person and passionate about orphans.

Family Pics

My sister in law Shannon, just did the most beautiful blog post of the family pictures we took this fall. If you want to check it out click here.

I'm thankful for. . .

little girl hugs especially ones that end with a slimy wet kiss

a certain "big girl" who had become my favorite shopping partner

a big boy who still thinks I"m cool

40 degree days like today

new friends who make me smile every single day

old friends who I can call when I'm worried or sad and know just what to say

everyday friends to share my life with

a job where I feel like a can make a difference

a warm house when it's cold outside

aunts and uncles, who no matter how long it's been since I've seen them still love me just for who I am and it is a joy watching them love on my kids.

and even a crabby husband who is pouting right now b/c the remote is lost, but who does a really good job at making me feel like a princess.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had a chance to take a minute and ponder what you're thankful for.

I had a light bulb moment this weekend. The kids spent the weekend at the farm with my mom and dad while Aaron and I had a wedding to go to. (Thanks mom and dad). Anyway, somewhere in the middle of the weekend I had this thought, sometimes I spend sooo much time trying to be a very intentional mom and have a great relationship with my kids that I forget that I ACTUALLY have a great relationship with my kids.

And just in case you wanted to see a picture of my fun kids. Here are my butterfly, little red riding hood, and Jonah being abducted by an alien.