All I want for Christmas...

I was going through my phone videos and found this one of John. I thought it was a good way to kick off the Christmas countdown. Just for the record I am the "mean Moma" stating that I didn't think he would get that for Christmas! This video is from last year. He had justed turned five...iPod!?!?

Thankful

We were able to spend the morning with Peters side of our family as his parents are in town. Then Peter left for work and I took the children to the Thanksgiving celebration for my side this afternoon. Some of us had turkey at both celebrations, some of us did not. I will not name names.

As I sit here pondering my day, my children are laughing and playing throughout the house. They have run up and down the stairs too many times to count.

I am thankful for many things:

• My husband who is willing to lead this family and works hard for us.
• My children who are healthy, laughing, playing and absorbing God's Word.
• My extended family on both sides...parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins.
• Another birthday.
  

We truly are abundantly blessed. I hope you had a chance to give thanks today and every day for our Lords gracious provision, endless mercy and saving death.

Ahh the sound!

My washing machine is spinning and I am grateful. It broke a few days ago and with hubby out of town I had to hunt for a Mr. Fix It. After several calls to Sears and Appliance Doctor (both of whom said they could fit me in after Thanksgiving or sometime in December), I hit the jackpot with a company that could come out pretty quick. My washer is working and I have already started the first of what will turn out to be 10 loads or so! What luxury in which we live.
I am so blessed.

Kid Quote

As we are drawing:

Mommy: Daniel, I know what that is! It's a Teepee. That's great.

Daniel: No it's not. It's an Indian House!

Adoptive Mom

God's original plan for my kids was not what it is currently. God's original plan doesn't involve sinful, selfish and depraved people. It involves not eating from a tree and being fruitful and multiplying for His glory, to worship and fellowship with Him. My precious children are here with me because of the self-gratifying nature of this sinful people. And I rejoice because someone else's failures became my reward. I get to be their mom. I get to kiss their hurts, tuck them in, hear them sing and raise them for the glory of his Creator. But I ache. I am fallible. I am faced with the fact that I cannot make it all better all the time. I cannot be Jesus. I can show Jesus, love Jesus and walk within the boundaries of His word. But I cannot take away all the hurt that my children may feel. I can ask the Lord to protect them from the pain and I can teach my children to lean on Him to heal their wounds. That is my job. That is my calling--raising my kids for His glory and His alone. The Lord is faithful to restore what the locusts have stolen. He is Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord will Provide). He is Jehovah-Rophe (The Lord Who Heals). He is Jehovah-M'Kaddesh (The Lord Who Sanctifies). And in the midst of it all He is Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is There).
Peace be with you all tonight.

What do you do with birthday balloons?

My boys

When I went to bed last night, this is what I found already occupying the space. My precious little boys. 2 and 5. I am so blessed to be their Moma.