100th Post...Few Words, Many Pictures

When I started this blogging thing, I wasn't sure I'd stick with it. But here I am, 100 posts later! It's really been a blessing to be able to share, journal, & connect with some very special people. Ok, maybe I'll elaborate on this whole blog business another time...for now, I promised few words, so enjoy some more pictures from our recent family vacation (minus 2...Kaelee & Kearsten had to work...boo!)

Oh, hey, thanks for hanging out with me over these last several months! :o)

It's War

...adoption isn't charity--it's war.

This is taken from the book Adopted for Life by Russell D. Moore. While I have not made my way very far in the book (it's full of a lot of theological stuff, so it's not a real quick read for me), this statement has made a huge impact on my heart.

Why?

Because I think we've been called to step into the life of another of God's precious children. And it isn't charity. It's not what we imagined. But thus far, nothing God's called us to has been anything I could have envisioned.

But it is worth fighting for.

I wish I could give more details, but at this point, all I can do is thank my two friends that have been interceding on our behalf, and ask anyone else that feels moved to pray for us to please do so.

I leave you with the status I recently posted on FB before any of this happened:

It doesn't concern me if what I do raises the eyebrows of a few; I am concerned if what I do makes a difference.

Thank you for your prayers. I will keep you posted! :o)

Sunday Snapshot: {Fun in the Sun}

It's been a good day. A very good day.

We started at the pool.

Then off to the beach.

Everyone has that wonderful "I've been in the sun & water most of the day & I'm pretty tired" look to them. Momma's pretty tired, too, but had to share some of our day via Sunday Snapshot.

So very thankful to be enjoying some family time.

Sunday Snapshot: It's a Bummer

Poor Kade. He came into this world in the #5 slot for birth order, adding to what most considered a "large" family already. And just when he was getting the hang of being the baby of this motley crew, we went and made him a big brother. Twice.

It's really been a bummer, you know. Going from being the baby to getting sandwiched in the middle of 7 kids. I mean, that's everyone's concern with these large families. The poor kids get ripped off.

Here's a classic example. This week, Kade had his first tournament baseball game. It's really a shame b/c his Dad coaches, Mom keeps the score book, & the littles are always there hollering for him. And for this game? All of this AND all but one of his older sibs decide to show up (the oldest had to work, or she would have been there, too).

Stinks, doesn't it?

Oh, and did I mention that they even showed up wearing homemade t-shirts with Kade's number on them? Ridiculous.

So, there he was. Playing his first tournament game, his team totally sporting the underdog status, with his own entourage of groupies.

His Dad was rallying the troops as Mom kept them batting in order. And the crazy brothers & sisters were cheering for him the whole time. Kaya even let loose with a "Go, Daddy!" at one point, just so Daddy didn't feel ripped off, too.

And they won.

Hmmm, winning the big game & having rock star status with your own groupies. Maybe not such a bad gig for this poor kid.

Disclaimer: I am not always so sarcastic, but seriously, some people totally don't get it, so I indulged myself! :o)

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I've Done It Now

A couple of months ago, I joined face book as a way to connect with some of the other families adopting through the same agency as well as connect with some old friends. I don't much care for some of this online stuff because you have to sometimes weed through a lot of nonsense that I don't have time for and/or care about. One thing I did decide was that I was going to stay away from any type of controversy.

I blew that today. I just couldn't take it anymore, so my status reads:

"If people put as much time, $$, & energy as they do into whether Lebron stays or goes into things that really matter, the world would look very different. IT'S.A.GAME that a grown man is getting paid ridiculous amounts of $$ to play. Give me youth/high school sports any day where it's still about the game."

I've already had someone comment "warning" me that people don't like this kind of talk. I'm sure. Might mean they have to think about something that's uncomfortable.

Like people are living in extreme poverty.

Like the homeless you walk past to go sit in your big dollar seat to watch "The King".

Like the orphans that have no hope, no family.

Like the people that are working two+ jobs just trying to make ends meet while having to sacrifice meaningful time with their families & children are left to raise themselves.

Like the fact that we've elevated a game to a level of importance & priority that we have media spending endless amounts of time speculating about who's doing what where & how that will impact "the game".

Disclaimer: I really enjoy sports. I do. Actually, I've been known to be a pretty competitive person. But what I enjoy about sports has nothing to do with money. I enjoy seeing the collaboration of working towards a goal, & then giving it everything you have. I thoroughly enjoy watching youth/high school sports because there still seems to be some of the pureness to it. Working hard & then leaving it on the field.

BUT, these professional sports have gotten out of hand. Heck, this whole country has gotten out of hand. I've heard all the arguments that professional sports generate income, etc, etc, but the bigger stadiums, "better" athletes, pay whatever to have a winner is just feeding a vicious cycle. Most "normal" families can't even afford the cost of tickets anymore. We have gotten so busy chasing the "American Dream" that we are totally missing out on the thrill that comes from loving someone, lending a helping hand, being a friend, having passion for causes that make a difference.

Believe me, I'm far from living my life perfectly & I can get caught up with "stuff". However, I serve a different King, & it's not Lebron James.

Thankful Thursday

Last night, we got to enjoy a beautiful evening watching Kade play baseball.

I get stuck the privilege of keeping the score book, & at one point my radar went off b/c the two littles were being awfully quiet. Upon looking over my shoulder, I found a scene so special & beautiful. Of course, I didn't have my camera, but thank goodness for the cell phone variety. I could not let this moment pass by...these are MY grandparents...the kids' great-grandparents.

Yes, I have much to be thankful for, and yes, that is K'Tyo sporting Great Grandma's special sunglasses.