March Madness In More Ways Than One!

March has been so busy, but it has ended so exciting and with answered prayer!!!

To find out more of what I mean, I invite you to hop over to my other blog, The Cozy Little Kitchen, (just click on the link) where I'll let you in on the new stuff going on in our ever changing lives. 

Thanks for following our journey!

~Mommy

Come Over to "My Kitchen"

It's another snow day here as we got a ton of snow last night for Kentucky, and it is gorgeous!  I thought I was over the snow for this year, but once it starting to coming down the beauty of it all reminded me how much I love a good snowfall!!  Right now I'm enjoying a cozy mug of white hot chocolate with cute snowmen marshmallows while the kids nap after playing in the snow.  As you know, I so enjoy a hot drink!

I wanted to invite you to come to my other blog, The Cozy Little Kitchen, to read last night's post.  Not only is it an update of what has been going on this year, but I share some things God has been laying on my heart as I open up a little about some recent daily struggles I'm overcoming with the Lord's help.  I hope to see you over there!

~Mommy

 

A Thankful Heart

Right now I'm feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude for God giving me a son and a daughter!  There were years where I didn't know if we would ever have either one, and a period of time that I actually was at peace with living the rest of my life without children, if that's what God wanted for me. (That place came out of giving God truly my everything and trusting Him on a deeper level.  That's a whole different post, or book!)  

Despite all, somehow I always knew I was made to be a mom.

I didn't know that He would surprise us by so generously giving us both a girl and a boy!  I always wanted a child of each gender, but you see when you try for so very long to have a baby or experience loss, you sometimes find yourself in a place of honest contentment for whatever God wants. That's where we were.  Open to His plan!

Boy. 

Girl. 

Alien-child. 

1 child. 

Triplets.  

A baker's dozen.  

(Okay, okay!) 

Any or all of the above sounded like a blessing to us when our hearts had parent shaped holes that wouldn't heal.

(But God!) did the exceptional!!!

He knew our heart's desire, and He gave us just that.  He gave us two bright, beautiful children (not perfect but as close as they come, lol), son AND a daughter!  

I get to experience the princess time, tea parties, baby dolls, makeup, shopping, cooking, frilly fuss with my baby girl. 

(She likes cupcakes like her mama!)

I also get to play rough and rowdy, laugh at jokes, imagine I'm a super hero or someone's princess, ooh and aah over bugs, kiss lots of boo boos and will one day have another man in the house, with our dear son!

I could carry on about how thankful I am for our two wonderful children, and how our Heavenly Father hand picked our family as intricately as if I bore them myself.  But for now on this hot summer afternoon, this brief summery of my joyful thoughts will just have to do!

No matter how hard the day is, how tired I may be, how messy the house is, or what I look like at the end of the night, one thing overrides... 

I have a full heart and I love my family!!!      

~Mommy

 Jeremiah 33:3

 

New Mercies Every Morning

I absolutely love writing in the solace of the morning, so here I am again...

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'  The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.  It is good that one should wait patiently for the salvation of the LORD. "

Lamentations 3:22-26

This scripture was written by the prophet Jeremiah during a very hard time for the Jews.  A time that was filled with tragedy and sorrow.  In the midst of what is known as a rather depressing book in the Bible, he pens these words of hope that come out of his heart from God.  

These words of life and hope are what the prophet chose to meditate on amidst otherwise very dark times!  I wonder how many mornings He had to choose to remember this truth?  I had this verse on my mind this morning in my quiet time, because I'm so thankful for new mercies every day, but as I read deeper in the chapter, it's amazing to see how such peaceful words came about in a time devoid of peaceful circumstances.  That same inner peace is what I am accepting from God, and that is truly a peace that passes all understanding!  

The dew is fresh and the air is still cool, as I'm here sitting outside on my patio in my pjs, (warmest) robe, with a cup of favorite dark roast Caribou coffee.  I've been talking to my Lord, and I'm thanking Him for the wonderful things I have in my life, and the promises He's fulfilled!  My marriage, children, house, my personal growth in knowing God, and so much more than time I have now.

Thanking Him for carrying me in the times I couldn't lift my head from the fog of worries and fear.  When Psalm 91 was my air in the day, and blanket of security at night.

For the future and hope He has for my family that I have yet to know!  While there are crossroads we'll meet, and bridges to cross, Holy Spirit will direct us along the way.  There is not even one place we could ever go in our mind or heart or on the earth that is out of reach for God to meet us there.

I'm sitting in wonder at the incredible beauty that all my senses are soaking in! Just sitting in the small part of the world He has given Heath and I to live.

I admire the old yet strong, steady, heaven-reaching oak that stretches his massive branches up and into about 4 different yards surrounding us.  It has endured years of storms and change, yet keeps growing!

The flowers so delicately formed, so varying in color, so dependent on the water I give in order to stay fresh.

The squirrel families who chase or dance from branch to branch and tree to tree with all the energy my own two "squirrels" wake up with each day!

The chirps of birds in the neighborhood singing a song about something that invites me to want to be a part of.   Maybe it's the tune of their babies hatching or perhaps it's their own way of rejoicing over God's creation!  

The patio is the outside hub that parks a pastel pink tricycle and Spider-Man bike that is waiting for eager little feet to jump on and find roly-polies to play with. The stack of coloring books with a jelly jar of well-used crayons waiting for innocent hands to make their black and white pages come to life.  The crumbs on the table from last night's supper eaten on the patio.

There is no denying God exists, when we take a moment to truly look at what is going on around us.  He will not only open our eyes but fill our senses with new wonders every single morning, if we just ask Him to!  

Speaking of new, I'm crazy thankful that His mercies are brand new every morning!  My heart and soul (cup) can be filled over and over to overflowing and I can once again receive His joy, peace, hope, love, patience, forgiveness, grace, direction, wisdom .....

New every morning, Friends!  The God of Wonder gives us new mercies!!  

Let us wake up and come to Him laying our doubts and trials at the cross, at His feet.  I have been inspired to take His (free!) gift of forgiveness, love and peace in order to live the life He has planned for us.  As Christians, we have access to that!  At His feet is where freedom is found, and there are no limitations to God using a humble heart who is free in Christ and willing to serve Him!!  

Today is --again-- a new day for me, and  I choose to accept the gift of mercy and peace!

My coffee is now gone and though I could go on and on, my sweet ones are waking up!  Excuse me as I use my new portion of His peace and love on my family this beautiful spring morning!  

**Keepin it real update: It's actually taken a few hours after actually writing this between breakfast and playtimes to finish this post!  While my blogging isn't a high priority now, I still love to share our experiences with you and pieces of my heart!! :D 

Thank you for reading!

April Showers

This morning I woke up just before his alarm, to the steady rumbling of thunder and soft pattering of rain above our 2nd story, loft bedroom.  April showers had come!

What a soothing sound to lay in the covers and listen to, but still I would've rather been asleep at 5:15.

 

My dedicated husband rolls out of our warm bed to start his busy day while I still had two more hours to sleep.  Sleep didn't come, but a myriad of familiar thoughts did instead.  Tossing and turning for over an hour, I began to crave a cup of dark roast coffee more than the dark bedroom I was so relaxed in.  There is only so long I can lay alone with my thoughts.  

I talked to God about Heath's day, and prayed for our family before making the decision to make myself some coffee downstairs.

Our stairs creak--loudly-- under my feet as if the 69 years old floors moaned from arthritis.  It was something I found rather charming until we had children who wake too early upon the sound of a pin dropping.  

Creaky floors by sleeping babies will make you walk like the Grinch in Cindy Loo-Who's living room!

Eagerly I made a fresh pot of coffee, and raise the blinds in the dark to see puddles on the ground and rain glimmering on the window.  God is watering the earth.

What is more relaxing than the sound of spring rain?

So, here I am with my dark roast coffee splashed with cream, while being under my sweater blanket more for comfort than warmth, and asking God to prepare me for what may unfold today.

He is telling me to get my eyes off myself, my problems, setbacks, and (dis)comforts.  When my focus begins to shift to others, my children, husband, a friend, family, and those I don't know, I'm more likely to be used effectively by Him.  

When walking through life, you'll miss out if you're looking down at your feet!

This isn't a new concept at all or some epiphany.  Sometimes for me it takes the quiet to really hear Him and to get that seed of truth planted deep in my heart.  That's when He begins renewing my mind to be more like Jesus.  When that happens I start seeing things more the way He does.  (Lord, that's my heart's cry!)

What joys there are in life besides earthly pleasures! 

Today alone, I already have so many!  A loving husband, 2 beautiful, precious children, our good health, and a safe dry home.  There is the soothing rain, the job Heath gets up early for, the beds we sleep in, and coffee hot and delicious to savor.  

God gives us a new morning every 24 hours for His new mercies that I'm always so grateful for, and a fresh start of our life, if we want it!

As the kids stir in bed, I'm reminded of blessings that should be counted but are usually overlooked and then there are ones we feel entitled to without realizing just how precious they are.  

Sometimes I forget there was One who gave it all for those most precious "things" I have.  Like my salvation, redemptive love, and transforming forgiveness and grace!  Priceless things money can't even touch.

Perspective from my Heavenly Father, on this April morning, is just what I need to live in His fullness today!  

~ Mommy

I Am a Work in Progress

God is so good!  He has given us two children who have turned our world upside-down while filling our cups with laughter, silliness, joy, innocence, dancing, singing, stories, imagination, crumbs, and --yes-- chaos! 

But He has also used them to inspire change within us resulting in more patience, humility, discipline, maturity, conviction, compassion, integrity, trust, and beyond all of that LOVE in our own lives.

Being a parent has convicted me to step up to the plate (or cup) that God has filled brimming full in my life, as I strive be the person I want my children to become. 

Are you following me?  

As a parent I have certainly become more aware of my own shortcomings and the need for the Holy Spirit to be the air I breathe.

Let me explain...

I have never needed more patience than with my two eager and rambunctious little people, who have strong wills and ideals of their own.   This should speak for itself.  Can I get an Amen?!

Just as marriage has taught me humility, being a mommy has too.  So very much!  I have to humble myself and say "sorry" when I have messed up.  It happens all too often.  I've raised my voice (too loudly) when I've felt out of control. :(  I have misunderstood the kids and sent the wrong one to time-out...  I am guilty!  When I do these things, I always come and apologize sincerely to them to set an example and let them know mommy needs God's help, too!  I'm all too familiar with the taste of humble pie, and that's ok.  I'm a work in progress!

I not only discipline my children in love when they need correction, but I have had to discipline myself in my schedule and duties as a woman and mommy!  One way I do this is I set the alarm to go off before my kids get up in the morning.  This way I drink my first cup of coffee and talk to God as the sun comes up.  It's not easy, but it's better than waking up to "mommy, mommy!"  and getting quite literally a running start right out of bed.  For me this works better.  We're all different!  :)  I need my time to shake off my sleepy head and wake up.  There are too many examples to say of how a parent sacrifices and disciplines oneself to make sure they are doing what's right for the family.

I want my children to see my convictions.  My faith in the Lord is everything, and what I believe He has called for me to do--or not do.  I need to acknowledge what these are as a parent... I'm still learning!  But I seek God to get a clear understanding of what He wants me to stand for and against, what is really important in life, and where my passions are.  Our children watch and listen to us intently--whether we know it or not--and I want to live a life of with intention and conviction.  As they grow older this will become even more important!

I'm learning what compassion is every minute as I'm beckoned to their little "needs".  Little minds can be distraught over such things as a favorite blanket being lost.  A boo boo that needs a prayer, and a kiss before getting back on the tricycle, or a little girl afraid of the wall "flashing" at night.  I'm trying to show compassion when I see my little ones needing me for what seems like nothing at all, because I was a child once.  I remember how sometimes I just needed to extra hug and "it will be ok" from Mom before I could go on.  So many times those things seem to arise at in opportune moments.   Like when I've finally fallen asleep, when they've finally fallen, or when I'm on the phone with the dentist office, but I am working on compassionate tone of voice instead of a harried one in response.  Compassion goes a long way in little hearts.  

I am working on being a mama of integrity.  I want to walk the talk.  Even in the small things like if I said I would get all the birthday balloons down so my son could play with them right after he naps, I want to do just that.  If I tell them that we would have bedtime reading and rocking chair time, I want to stay true to my word.   It also applies, if I say that one more time and "you will be in trouble", I stick to my word.  I want them to know what mommy says, they can count on!  I especially believe a person who follows Christ should have integrity if they want anyone to listen what they say.  Integrity is what helps to build ...

Trust.  This has been a big one for us.  Since our children were adopted, Heath and I had to earn their trust, and they've had to earn ours.  This does not happen overnight!  After 10 months, we've established a bond of trust that is now strong, thanks to God answering our many prayers for this!  As you know, trust is a huge component for any healthy relationship, especially between child and parent.  It's almost everything.  I was pretty discouraged in the beginning, because most babies seem to be born trusting their mommies and we didn't have that bond.  God was faithful and gave us the patience and hope we needed to push through the difficulties in the beginning.  Now we know each other and they understand how much we love them!  We follow through with what we say and we've opened our hearts to them fully, so we've come to earn their trust.  It's a beautiful thing!  My trust in God, on the other hand, for the lives of my children is massive and probably another post altogether. 

Our cups runneth over with love for our son and daughter!!  This really can't be explained.  Love is something that I feel is continually growing and because of my great love for them, I seek more patience, humility, discipline, maturity, conviction, compassion, integrity and trust in my life.  

God's love overflows in my own life, and it's that outpouring that runs off and into my marriage and children.  He is the wellspring (of life)!  

I honestly don't think I would be even a good parent at all without Jesus in my life helping!  I'm not kidding!  

While parenting is hard work,  I have the ultimate parent in my father God to learn from!  As parents, we are learning and growing on the inside just as our children are.  I need God just as they do!  The more I see my similarities and my kids', the better I know how to parent.

I am a work in progress!!

As you can see, both our children just celebrated birthdays!  We now have a 3 & 4 year old!  I pray in Jesus name this by far their most joyful year yet!!!

God Uses the Barren for His Glory

I stumbled on this today.  This is something I believe God was stirring up in my spirit last Spring.  During my prayer time one morning (I've never done this before), but I felt the urge to just begin writing down words.  I grabbed my phone and actually penned this in my "notes" on my phone. Ha

Looking back, it was written out of a place of deep faith that I firmly had after a long stretch of not having much at all.  Little did I know our life was about to drastically change with God's answer (HIS answer) to our prayers!  I just began typing what I felt come out of my heart that day.  God was doing a HUGE work in me personally that changed my whole outlook of my circumstances.

Although our children are not biological, they are certainly no less a miracle to us!!!

There is a portion in here that I wrote talking about preparing for motherhood and raising children up to serve Him.  I'm in the midst of that right now.  I want to be the very best mommy to our sweet peas, but I'm not "perfect" by any stretch!  I'm learning everyday, but I do know how important it is to raise our family in the love of Jesus so they'll come to know Him!

Anyways, here is what I jotted down several months ago.

~~~~~~~~~~

Issac 

Jacob

Joseph

Sampson

Samuel

John the Baptist 

What they have in common is all of their mothers were "barren". 

Mothers who cried out for God to open their wombs, they pled, they wept, they even laughed, but they stayed faithful.  

He answered all of their prayers and opened their wombs.  He delivered them from infertility!

These babies, men, were miracles from the time of conception. 

I believe they were born for such a time as this!  Their time on earth was kairos- time.  Sometimes we have to just trust the sovereign nature and all - knowing power of The Lord, when we don't see answers.  At all.  When we pray for His glory to be manifested in our life, we need to realize His timing is Kairos not chronos.  

He sees "time" from a perspective that would blow our minds.  

Perhaps our barrenness is only for the moment until He is ready for our child to be on earth ... 

His reason is greater than our wait.

... Our children will be on purpose.  We as future parents need to be ready!  Ready to raise up our children in the Lord's strength.  To prepare them for the mission God has called on their lives.  Because He does have a calling on their lives!

These babies born from a former barren womb all became great men of God who were used to pave the way for Jesus Christ to come to earth!!  

Coincidence--you think-- that all of their mothers had to wait?  Waiting with some days in agony and some days in firm faith but waiting in prayer for their time.  I don't think so!  

Their children grew up:

Impacting generations for all time.  

Following God's lead in their life.

Sacrificing to bring glory to Him.

Allowing themselves to be humble vessels of light in the boldness of truth.  

I appreciate these women for not growing so weary their hope fades, and they accept their barrenness as a curse.  Even Sarah laughed when she heard she was having a baby, for it was that impossible... So she thought!  The Lord is full of sweet surprises, and when we delight in Him he gives us the desires of our heart, and when we seek His face He will deliver and heal our land.   I also believe when we trust Him, He will not only do things for our good but greater yet... He will use us(!) and our children in a higher calling for His glory!!!

His ways are higher than our ways, 

His thoughts are deeper that our thoughts,

His Love is stronger than our love ...

              So what is there not to trust?

"To every thing there is a season; and a time to every purpose under Heaven."

Eccles.  3:1

Eyes Opened

"...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance of the saints.."  Eph. 1:18 ESV

You know how at certain times --during very ordinary days, while doing mundane things--Your eyes are opened to SEE what's really there?  

You look at something that's always been there, but this time you see it.  

See what God has placed in your life, and it seems to jolt you awake to His goodness!

I was blowing my hair dry in attempt to quickly get ready while our kids were watching a little video.  It was another very long day for Daddy at work, which means a very long day at home.  The kind of day where he will need to wake up the kids to tell them he misses and loves them in order to see them at all! 

I was rushing around in order to get to Target for basic needs like milk, bananas, and coffee.  As my head was hanging wildly upside-down with the blow dryer full speed, I glanced over and saw it.  Something I've looked at a thousand times before was different.

I noticed that our little nest, our home, has changed.

No, it wasn't the toys and books lying around, the dusty everything, the crumbs that always decorate our dining table, or even Rocky Mts. of clean laundry.

I've lived in this home for over a year, but now I see answered prayers that look like primary colored construction paper in the shape of apples and autumn leaves.  

I see the story of Jesus feeding the crowd with fish and bread (of life) with scripture verses.  Each masterpiece haphazardly colored by an artist with a tightly closed fist and pudgy little fingers.

I see a once uncluttered fridge now proudly displaying projects created by little people held up with Winnie the Pooh and Thomas the Train magnets.

I see photos lining the stairway and hall of not only my husband and I, but our children!  The ones whom we asked and begged God for.  The ones God promised us!

As the afternoon sunshine streamed in my kitchen window, God was shedding light to reveal the miracles in the everyday in my life!  

I felt so much contentment and joy, and it was exactly what I needed to finish the long day that yesterday was.

Later on, after Little Bear and Little Lady had been tucked away in their tiny toddler beds under hoards of blankets (at their request), I lit my first autumn candle of the year.  It's amazing what a cozy, yummy candle can do for the soul.

I sipped a freshly brewed cup of delicious Decaf coffee complete with bubbles, while the lights were dim.  There's something about a hot drink that seems takes me to my warm and fuzzy place.  It slows me down a bit... After all you can only sip something hot!

It was quiet in my nest.  It was peaceful in my heart...  

These quiet times are when God secures what He has revealed to me in the day.  When I can really thank and praise Him for being so big and so unbelievably good to us.

With a two and three year old, yes, life is chaotic and tiresome at times.  I hope, trust and pray I'm the mommy God wants me to be.  Despite all of these new challenges I face, I can honestly say that my heart is filled with a satisfaction that I can't really explain!

My new crazy life is sane. 

Even in the midst of pretending, playing, reading, finding, wiping hands, faces, (and bottoms) there is joy!

Even when both kids --at the very same time--want my attention, or jump, tickle, and hang on my legs.  When they need me, show me, share with me, or push my patience buttons, my mind may be spinning, but there is a deeper peace.

When Daddy is working and we're getting ready for church and there are arms stuck, legs stuck, shoes on the wrong feet and rooster tails to comb out of little boys hair, all while sharing a 3x5 ft. bathroom, I have to smile because these are the wild mornings I wished for!  The moments that seem ordinary are the things I've been waiting for all these years!!

Maybe it's me, but I find that parenting isn't always easy. 

Although the unrelentless satisfaction and peace I have from my Blessings far outshine any moments of exhaustion!!!

Being Mommy is rewarding.  Fulfilling.  Adventurous and Amazing.  

I haven't needed God more than I do as a parent, but I think that's just where He wants me to be... relying on Him!

I decided to make some special French toast this morning for my two button nosed tots. 

There is nothing more precious that getting genuine, unprompted  "Mommy, this is soooo yummy!" And shouts of THAAANK YOOU!!! for something just as simple as breakfast.  :)

I kiss sticky lips and squishy cheeks and tell them how thankful we are that God has brought us together as a family!  We tell them that every day.

As my heart melts over French toast, I prepare myself for another day, but decide to open my eyes.

Even while I'm drying my hair. 

"You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever."   Psalm 30:11-12

~Mommy

We are Mommy & Daddy!!!

10 weeks ago, our lives suddenly and unexpectedly changed.  It changed in about the most dramatic way I can fathom!  A black and white kind of difference.

God surprised us like only He can.  

After trying, praying, crying, trying some more, and yet trusting Him for children for 7 years we found ourselves crying for joy and praising God for answering our prayer in a matter of mere hours!  Never underestimate God and His plan.

We're rejoicing as we share with you ....... our new family!!!!

These precious little dolls are our children, our Little Lady and Little Bear!!!

 

Folks, we have adopted sibling toddlers!!!

Our son, Little Bear, is 3 years old.  He is bright, inquisitive, and very compassionate.  His big smile will melt your heart!

 His ocean blue eyes will draw you in.

And he hugs long and strong!  Better than any child or adult I've ever known.  We LOVE our Little Bear's hugs!!

Our beautiful daughter Little Lady is 2.  She is fun, energetic, and chatty!  (A true Southern gal.)

She is blessed with the most beautiful brown eyes and eyelashes I've ever seen!

She's a sweetheart and the best little mommy to her baby dolls.  She loves to sing and make up her own songs.  Her latest (and my personal favorite) is "Jesus loves me, SO MUCH"!  I'll never tire of hearing this sweet one proudly sing that out!

 
They're 11 months and 1 week apart, and they love each other so much!  What a wonderful thing it is to have children who cherish each other.... well, most of the time!
We practically have twins, and that was actually something God has laid on our hearts years ago.  Heath and I have always been drawn to the idea of girl and boy twins to be the most precious!  (We always have desired to have at the least 1 child of each gender.)  That was no coincidence since God knew these children would be ours since the foundations of the earth were made.

 

Our family is nothing less than a testament of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and the children are sunshine in our newly "awakened" life!  Our long 7 years in the desert has come to an end, and now we're learning each and every day how to parent because--let me tell you-- with two toddlers there are plenty of teachable moments...
                                                                                                           for Heath and I!

 

Our friend Lee-Anne Fenwick, who graciously took these gorgeous photos of our new family, adopted their 3 children and knows the ins and outs of it all.  I had to laugh when she asked if they have "rocked our world", because that is a good way of summing up our experience so far!  Imagine us being married almost 9 years with agendas all about the two of us, living in a quiet, tidy home, and all of a sudden enter two beautiful & busy toddlers.  Lol, yes our world has been officially "rocked"! 

 

God is who got me out of my perfect little organized box into the beautiful mess He calls my destiny.  I told Him this year in January that I am in complete submission to His plan and purpose in my life.  My expectation fell to the wayside, and His direction became my new compass.

We began this process with a specific idea in our minds, but we also told the Lord to close doors no man can open and open doors no man can close to direct us to the baby He wants for us.  This is how he did it.

1. Instead of international adoption it's a domestic...technically, independent.  HUGE change, and I can touch more on that in another post.

2.  Instead of having a 1 1/2 + year wait from our start to bringing home baby, we had only 5 months.  Only about 3 weeks after our home study was completed, and about 12 hours from the initial phone call whether to pursue these children or not!  We literally had 5 days to transform a room for the children.  We had to buy everything from scratch.  We had nothing!!!  That week was a blur, and yet I still found the time to get my hair cut and highlighted.  (I knew that my personal time was ticking fast!)

3. Instead of a baby (1 year or less) who basically just poops, pees, eats, cries or coos and sleeps..... we have a toddler(s) who have, of course, have mastered walking running, talking for the most part, who are learning to potty train, and wants to do everything Heath and I do.  Big change! lol 

4. But, perhaps the biggest change of them all is the fact we have adopted TWO precious children whom the Lord has called us to raise in His love and carry down our family legacy.  Two closely-knit biological siblings who already have bonded with others, which is both good and also rather complicated.  God double our family, Hallelujah!  What a redeemer He is.

(Just to let you in...  this photo sure captures Little Lady and Little Bear's little personalities well.  LOVE!)

Now what?  I know you want to hear more details of the adoption, and I wish I had all night to talk to you, but now I have early mornings every day so I really need to get to sleep.  I'll write again, and I'll try to make it sooner!  I feel like there's so much to share.  Thank you all so very much for waiting to hear the news!  It's been the most blessed, wonderful and yet hectic and frazzled 2 1/2 months of my life.  I really haven't had much time or energy to blog, and I wanted to wait until some of the legalities were sorted through before we went "public" with the good news. 

I hope you leave my blog after reading this realizing how God loves YOU and has a plan for your own life far greater and beyond what you can imagine.  A real plan.  One that if you don't stop crying out to Him and seeking Him, you will also experience!  No matter how cynical and depressing this world may seem, please.  PLEASE hear me on this....

God works miracles today.  He redeems His children!  His promises never ever come back void.  They can't, because He is Truth and cannot lie.  :D  That's good news!!!

~Mommy

All photography is courtesy of Lee-Anne Fenwick Photography in Louisville, Ky.

*In order to maintain extra privacy, I've replaced our children's real names with nicknames that accurately describe them. :) **