Happy Kids

Really - is there anything more precious than happy kids?

On Being A Mom...

Today I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I have a beautiful daughter and four loving stepchildren and as much as it's hard to admit it, stepgrandchildren. And although I cringe each time I hear myself being called "grandma" this week, I'm happy to have so many children in my life. My nephews were dedicated in their church today and part of the message was that you will never regret failing more than if you fail in bringing up your children. Or something to that affect. It hit home. It reminded me of the enormity of raising a child. The responsibility. The joy. It made me grateful for my own upbringing. It made me think about what I've done wrong so far. And what I've done right. It made me thankful that I am charged with bringing up Grace and being a role model to my stepchildren and yes, grandchildren. 

On Having the Best Mom...

My parents did it right. They may have had some bumps along the road, but they gave me the foundation I needed. They loved me unconditionally even when I was almost impossible to love (high school:). They worked hard, loved much and laughed often. I was and am lucky to have the best mom and dad on the planet. Happy Mother's Day, Mom and Grandma! I love you.

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him. 

1 Samuel 1:27

Grace and her niece Olivia.

A day at the farm...

We spent the day at Grant's Farm with Grace's brother, his family and Grandma & Grandpa. It was a beautiful day. Grace and her niece Livy had a great time together. The elephant show was awesome. The Clydesdales were beautiful. It was a perfect day. 

A great story...

I've been away from the blog for a while. When I came upon this story I knew what my next topic had to be. I show a lot of pictures of my daughter and I shared our story of visiting China to adopt her. But there were so many children still needing homes. And the people of China were so kind. EVERY ONE WE MET was kind to us. I highly recommend adding "visiting China" to your "things to do list". It was an amazing experience for us. Check out this story from a wonderful foster home in China. Maybe it will move you to help an orphan somewhere - anywhere.