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.

fabulous fall

These pictures are from last weekend ( since I"m usually about a week behind:) We took a trip to the farm and helped papa give calves shots and then took a trip to the pumpkin patch. It was beautiful warm weekend!

I am simply writing this stuff down so I don't forget it. . .

Yesterday on the way to visit the Extreme Home Makeover House ( which was sooo cool by the way), I was asked these crazy questions:

"Mom, why do people pee their pants?" and 1 minute later a different child asks, "Mom, why are there garden gnomes?"

WHAT!!! are you kidding me, where does this random stuff come from. And my favorite. . .

Before bed one night Taneah is giving me one of her famous very tight Taneah hugs and she looks up at me with those sparkly, coffee colored eyes and says, "Mom yo gweat." So grown up sounding coming out of a 3y/o. Anyway I asked her, "Really, what do you think makes me a great mom?" She paused for a second and then answered simply, "Jesus."

Believe

Part of my job is working with kids and families affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I probably shouldn’t say this but working with kids on the autism spectrum are my favorite. I love the way they see the world. They often noticie details you and I usually don’t, their blunt honesty makes me giggle and can be refreshing at times and there’s often a sensitivity I can’t really put into words, it’s just there. Well, today I was working with a delightful little fellow. He looked at me and said “Your necklace says believe.” (It’s a simple circle pennant with the word believe printed in it.) I replied,”Yep it does.” He then continued, “ That means you believe in God.”

Now the the next part I’m not sure why I went there I just did. I said “Well it could mean that or it could just mean I believe in Santa Claus or I believe in people, what do you think?” I guess I was just trying to figure out where he was coming from . Anyway, he paused from the game we were playing, looked at me with a simple, matter of fact face, and said “Nope, it means you believe in God.”

OK buddy you’re right I do believe in God, thanks for reminding me and yes that’s why I wear the necklace.