Some Say

People often comment now about what a large family we have. My grandfather was one of 13 children. I hardly think 5 is large! In fact, it makes me laugh to hear it! We also are asked how our bio kids feel about having adopted siblings. This week, I slammed my finger in our Suburban door. I still have some tingling in it from nerve damage. That day, the boys did as they usually do, stepped up to help out. Noah made dinner, Joseph did extra chores, Gabe brought me flowers...and helped their sisters. The thing is, I don't have to hurt my hand for them to help. It's normal to find them teaching a sister a piano song, helping them get the mail, etc. And they take joy in doing it!

We are so proud of our kids. They're not perfect (they get that from us), but the Holy Spirit is growing them to be godly, compassionate kids. Adoption is part of how God's teaching them these important things. And we're so glad.

I Have A Secret

I have a secret to tell you, Joseph. I love you.

I have a secret to tell you, Violet. I love you, too.

It's Awesome Having a Big Brother Like You

The Next Chapter

Tonight our newest treasure shared a little about her past. Details I didn't think we would hear for a long time, yet. Things she remembers. Memories she has tucked in her heart. And it hurts to hear. You prepare yourself before adoption. You KNOW that the little one coming to you has a history. Late at night, you lie in bed wondering what it might be. Were they loved? Were they wanted? What do they remember? At six years old, Violet comes to us after many years in the care of others. In situations and environments we had no control over. In a life so foreign to our imagination. If the Holy Spirit has a special name for each of us, I am confident Violet's heavenly name is "One who Overcomes." If only you knew the things she has seen. If only you knew how many times she has loved and been left. If only you knew the physical pains she has endured. You would weep as I have. As I do. And yet, everyday she finds a way to smile. And love. She is kind and generous and polite and funny and courageous and I couldn't be prouder of our little girl. Tonight she wrapped her too tiny arms around me and held on tight. "Stay here, Mama," she said. "Yes, Violet Xin Ni...you will stay here. I love you forever." And nose to nose we bunny kissed goodnight. While she sighed with content, the ache in my heart grew. How I wish I could've held her since birth! Protected her from all the pain she's experienced! But I can't erase those years. And truthfully, they are her years, hers to own or let go. To embrace or disdain. Whatever has happened in her life thus far, I'm confident God will use for His glory as He continues to write her story. Violet, I can't wait to read the next chapter of your life. And the next. And the next. Because I KNOW God has great and wonderful things in store for you!

Violet on Wheels

Yesterday was a big day for Violet...her first time on wheels with a prosthetic! She's wearing a custom made piece designed to allow her to walk on legs that are a similar height, as well as to wear a shoe of some sort. While we're so thankful for Brock at Shriner's for putting together the piece, it's definitely clumsy to use. It straps around her foot and leg and is similar to standing and moving on a stilt. No flexibility in the foot at all. She much prefers moving the way she has her whole life. I'm sure partly because she's amazing at it! This piece is what she'll have to use until her three surgeries are complete. At that time, she'll have something that works much better. This is the beginning of a long road for her of pain, healing, and growth both physically and emotionally. Lord, give us the grace to help her through it!