Fun In The Sun

The kids could hardly contain themselves with they saw the pool when we arrived at the resort. 

They were excited to spend the week swimming their hearts out. Well you could say things started a little rough our first day in Cabo at the pool. We had been up really early, the kids so excited they couldn't wait to get in the pool. In a matter of minutes Shane had his shirt of and had jumped in the pool and just seconds later Eric jumped in to save our little boy who was quickly sinking, and not moving his arms at all. Shane is a good swimmer but after a long winter in South Dakota and the factors of the day it seemed like he had totally forgotten how to swim. Eric brought him safely to the side. Not even an hour later it happened again. Eric looked at me and said I think we are calling this a trip not a vacation. We shook our heads not sure what got into Shane and what our week would bring.

 

By Day 2 Shane was back to being a fish and Eric and I were breathing a little easier. The kids had so much fun together. Of course the weather was picture perfect and they were loving life in the pool.

 

The kids had fun jumping, diving ....

 

and playing dolphins. Notice Emma is the trainer and Shane and Alexa are her dolphins. It was so much fun seeing the kids have a blast together and also using their imaginations.

   

 The kids enjoyed taking some breaks from the pool playing horse shoes, putt putt golf and one day they even painted a tile.

 

The kids also loved the slide. It provided hours of entertainment for the kid. Notice the friendly little guy that sat on the rock every day and watched people go down the slide.

 

I love see the pure joy that is in the kids face in this pictures. There is no doubt about it, they are loving life!

 

The beach was another place the kids loved to spend time. They were in awe of the ocean.

 

The kids loved running on the beach.

 

I loved watching the kids put their toes in the water for the first time.

     

They loved running in and out of the waves.

 

I loved watching Shane and his dad play in the ocean together. Their faces say it all.

 

The kids also loved playing in the sand and building sand castles.

 

There were some days that all the sun and fun proved to be too much for our little man and he crashed for a little nap poolside.

At The Beach

The kids had so much fun on the beach. They didn't mind at all when I asked them to head to the beach two nights after dinner to get some pictures. It was a picture perfect back drop to capture pictures of fun memories and also use them for my assignment for my photography class. I felt a little bit like I was cheating this week with all the beauty I had the opportunity to capture through my lens. I took some posed pictures on the beach but also go a lot of fun pictures of them soaking it all up!

 

I will always treasure these pictures of the kids time on the beach and also being able to have fun playing around with a hobby I am having so much fun with! 

A Visit To The Orphanage

One of the things that we were all looking forward to on our trip was a visit to a local orphanage. The kids couldn't wait to visit the kids at the orphanage. It is an all boys orphanage with boys from the age 6-14. The night before we headed to a local Wal-Mart to pick out some school supplies and games for the kids at the orphanage.  The kids had so much fun picking out things for the boys. 

I love how God works out the little details.  The orphanage director's wife worked a couple days a week at our resort so he was able to pick us up and bring us to the orphanage.  The kids were very excited in the morning for the visit.  Chris, the director took us out the the barrios before we went to the orphanage.  I wish I would have jumped out and snapped a couple pictures but I didn't.  The kids took it all in as we saw houses out of cinder blocks and tin roofs.  It was definitely nothing my kids had seen before.  Chris told the kids that this is the kind of houses that most of the people that work at our resort live in.  

We then went to the orphanage. Chris gave us a tour of the orphanage.  It is only 4 years old and is very well supported by numerous American Foundations. 

The boys were heading down to the soccer field for their morning exercise.  Shane joined right in.

The spent time stretching. 

The did different soccer drills ....

and then they were off and running.  The girls were a little bummed they had flip flops on and couldn't join in until Shane came over about half way through with a bright red face, sweat rolling down his face and looked like he was about to pass out.  The poor thing ran his tail off but it was so hot he had to take a break.  We were amazed at how hard the boys worked and hardly broke a sweat! 

Our visit to the orphanage was a huge highlight for all of us.  Our hearts have been opened as a family to the orphans around the world and this was an amazing experience for us as a family! 

A Special Get Away

We decided to take the big kids on a special little get away to Cabo San Lucas. I wrestled a bit with the idea when Eric proposed taking them to the time share we have access to. I wasn't quite sure how I could leave Max behind but I also knew taking him would not be a vacation. Eric is so good about investing into each of the kids individually that he thought it would be good for us to have this focused time with our big kids. They have been such a huge help and blessing in bringing Max home and his adjustment. They have given of themselves and at times have had a little less of mom of dad because of the process. They can't wait to bring a little sister home and yet we know that as little individuals they too have needs that we need to meet and to continue to invest in them. We want to continue to foster an open and meaningful relationship with each of them.  I became more and more excited about our special get away as the time drew near. I knew Max would be fine and soak up every ounce of being spoiled and one and one attention from papa and grammy.  I just wasn't sure if he would wear papa and grammy out! 

 

This was the kids first trip to the ocean and to walk on a real beach. The couldn't wait to get to beach a look for shells. I loved just stepping back, snapping some pictures but most of all watching them take it all in!

 

Shane wasn't sure if he should venture down to water first a check out the big waves or look for shells.

 

The kids would often stop in their tracks and look out over the ocean and take it all in.

 

They were so excited as they spotted new treasures that they gathered in their hands to take home.

 

This is one of my favorite pictures of Eric and kids as they were discovering new treasures together.

 

I loved seeing the kids sense of wonder and awe as they discovered and took in this new piece of God's beautiful creation.

 

Emma snapped this picture of Eric and I and it was one of my favorite from our trip. Our faces pretty much say what we are feeling ... complete joy! What a blessing to have this time to get away from the business of life and soak up time together and have time with our big kids.

A Day To Reflect On The Blessing Of Being A Mom

I have to admit that Mother's Day is one of my favorite days of the year.  While this year is no exception of being treated like a queen with coffee in bed, a gourmet brunch made by my husband, church as a family, special gifts and cards made with so much heart and soul by the kids, a scavenger hunt with a very special gift at the end and even a date with my hubby that is not why this is my favorite day.   Although it feels great to be doted on a little Mother's Day is a day that celebrates my greatest love and passion in life ... being a mom.  Being a mom is a gift, it is a privilege, it is what I feel like God has called me to pour my heart and soul in to.

And while I count it a huge privilege it also comes with a heavy responsibility.  It is not all fun and games or always a bed of roses.  There are those days that I am just plain tired or maybe even completely exhausted.  There are days that I would like to have a sick day or mental health day.  There are days that I want to throw up my hands and say this training of these little hearts, minds and souls is exhausting.  There are days I wish I could express myself just like my 2 year old when he says he is done!

Yet when I look at the faces of my four little blessings all of those things fade away.  The finger prints I see all over the house represent so much more than more housework for me but little fingers that I love watching fold as they pray and grow in their faith. Those little fingers feel at home as they rest in my my hand and around my neck for a hug.  They are fingers that are full of life and creativity.

The socks that I dread folding and often are found in a big pile in my laundry basket cover the feet of my precious little ones.  I know someday I will wish I had piles of socks to fold. I will wish I could see those little footprints in the mud and then on my kitchen floor.  I love seeing where these little feet go and all the things they discover. I love watching all they have a will experience in life.  God has blessed me with these little feet to help guide and lead and what a huge privilege that is.

An old English Proverb says "the eyes are the window to the soul!" When I look into each of my little ones eyes and take the time to really look their little eyes speak directly to me.  I can see when they are full of excitement or hurting.  I can see when they are nervous or anxious.  I can see when they are feeling loved and treasured or when they just need affirmation and need me to tell them how much I love them.   I know I so often miss the boat on this one.  I know there are so many days that we are busy and hurrying through life and I don't take time to get down on my knees and look in their eyes to see into their soul.  I don't take the time to let them tell me what their little souls are feeling deep down in those hidden cracks.  I pray this is an area I can grow in truly slow down and look deep into their little eyes.

Their little hearts are a precious piece of them that God has given me to watch grow and mature.  I am often in awe as I see and experience the growth I see in their little hearts.  I see their hearts growing in their love for Christ, each other and others around them.  I see them worrying about and asking questions about little ones around the world that don't have a mom or dad or a place to call home.  I see them becoming aware of people around them who are hurting or in need. I see their little hearts being broken and growing for the things of God.  Yet I see the selfishness and sin that rears its ugly head in all of us surface and I often feel inadequate.  Those are the times I feel like this job is huge, like I am missing the boat.  The times I don't have words or the times I am busy with my own agenda and it had a huge affect on them.  These are the times that I am humbled and I cry out to God and ask him to continue to refine me.  These are the times that I am reminded that I have a huge responsibility with these precious blessings and yet God doesn't ask me to do it own my own.  I am so thankful that I have his guidance and have the peace that the places I am weak he will make me strong.  I am thankful that where I totally blow it he steps in and meets my children's needs where I can't or haven't.

Mother's Day by the worlds standard is about putting our moms on display and thanking them for every thing they do and yet on Mother's Day it is a day that causes me to reflect on the gift that I have been given and the huge responsibility that comes with it.  It also is a day that I truly appreciated the gift that my own mom was to me.  The way she invested her time, energy and love into being a mom and the example she was and is to me.  I also appreciated Eric's mom and the gift I have been given because of her.  I am married to a strong, godly man who treasures me and affirms and encourages me as a mom.

On Mother's Day my heart aches for a mom an ocean away that gave life to my sweet Max.  A mom that knew she couldn't care for him and selflessly gave him a chance at life.  She gave me one of the greatest gifts I could have been give, a gift of a son.  I pray that God fills those places deep in heart and soul today that have a huge void because of having to lay her son down at a train station for a chance at a better life.  I pray that deep with in her soul she knows he is loved, healthy and happy.  I pray blessings on her life today.

This mommy heart also aches today knowing that our  little girl is born and an ocean away. I already have a deep love for a little girl I have never met or even seen a picture of.  A love that God has given me for a little girl he has handpicked for me to be mommy to.  It is mind boggling at times.  I can't wait to see God's plan unfold and I can't wait to see her face for the first time and then journey to China to have her in my arms forever.  God is writing her story and what a huge blessing that I get to be a part of it.  I get to be her mommy!

So today on Mother's Day I celebrate the gift I have been given, the gift and privilege of being a mom.  I have so many amazing moms on this journey with me and I couldn't do it without their love, influence, support example, and encouragement.

Psalm 127:3

Children are a gift from the Lord;  they are a reward from Him.

Happy Mother's Day!

Born In Our Hearts

Our eyes were opened as we journeyed to China to bring home Max.  We have started the journey back to China to bring home a little girl! 

We have been praying for a little girl an ocean away that we will one day call our daughter and sister. 

She is born in our hearts already and we can't wait to see God's story unfold. 

We feel so blessed that he has chosen us to be part of a little girl's journey an ocean away.

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.

I have always loved taking pictures and photography but have never totally figured out how to shoot in Manual and be confident keeping it on the letter "M".  I won a spot in Lisa's class from The Long Road To China and Back .  It was "Get Out Of The Auto Zone" class. Lisa is an amazing photographer and teacher.  I have continued on in her "Push Past Your Comfort Zone" class.  I have learned so much about my camera and the composition of photos and I know I am just scratching the surface.  I can't wait to learn more.  I have caught the photography bug! These pictures were for one of my assignments and for the blog header of The Journey To Our Daughter.

These were shot with my 50mm lens

ISO was 100, shutter was from 1/200-1/4000 and f stop was between 1.8-5.0

I am linking up to Sunday Snapshots this week. Head on over there to see more Sunday Snapshot. 

Our Eyes Have Been Opened ... The Journey To Our Daughter

When God laid adoption on our hearts we began praying for him to lead us as a family!  When we felt God leading us to China to adopt Max we prayed he would open our hearts to what he would have for us on the journey.  God affirmed over and over in our journey to Max that this was his story being written, his timing and his plan for our family!  As we began our journey to Max we talked about being open to adopting again but trusted that once again God would open our hearts and open and close doors and lead our hearts and our minds.  On our journey to Max God took my heart on a journey.  When we were in China and went to Max’s orphanage our eyes were opened wide and our hearts were broken for the orphans we left behind.  The transformation we saw in Max just hours after having him in our arms was something that was unexplainable.  God continued to give Eric and I a heart for those we left behind and also gave us a love for China.  In October Eric and I were on a little weekend get away and as we sat at dinner out of the blue Eric asked me where my heart and head were with adoption.  I was a little taken off guard but began to share my heart with Eric.  I was ready to jump in and start the process weeks after being home with Max and yet now months later God was telling my heart the timing wasn’t right for our family.  I can only explain it as a God thing as Eric gave me the green light to start process again but God was telling me the timing wasn’t right, to wait and trust fully on his leading and his timing.  

On January 17, Max’s Gotcha Day anniversary, Eric again asked me where my heart and mind was in the process.  I shared with him how I felt ready but that I felt he had a ton on his plate right now at work and the stress level was pretty high.  I felt a total peace about starting but also felt a peace about waiting if he felt like it was too much right now.  I love Eric’s heart and his spiritual leadership in our family.  He said let’s commit to praying for a week every night together and let God decided if the timing is right.  We both felt like God had opened our hearts to step out in faith and adopt again  but it was a matter of trusting in his timing for our family. For the next week we committed to praying for God to lead our hearts and minds, to take this desire away if it wasn’t his will for our family and to confirm his timing in this process if it was.  Who knew this week would be a crazy week at our house.  Eric ended up having to make the biggest and most stressful business decision in the history of his company.  One night he was up until the wee hours working through all the details of this decision and as he crawled in bed at 2 am he rolled over and cuddled up to me and prayed that God would lead our hearts in our adoption decision.  It would have been so easy to put off our commitment to pray this week and just say the timing wasn’t right and our hands are full.  Our hands are full right now with 4 kids, a move in the next year and there a ton going on with Eric’s business.  Yet, once again I love Eric’s heart, leadership in our family  and trusting God’s plan for our family. At 2am he was committed to praying that God would affirm our hearts and make his timing clear.  

On January 24 we both clearly felt God leading us to start the process to bring a little girl home from China.  On January 24 Eric also signed the biggest contract in the history of his company! It was quite the day.  

We can’t wait to see God’s plan unfold.  He knows who our little girl is and knows how perfectly she will fit into our family. He knows the timing and all the details are in his hands.  We are trusting completely in his plan for our family as we begin ...

THE JOURNEY TO OUR DAUGHTER

Follow our journey back to China at The Journey To Our Daughter blog.

Boxes Packed With Love

Alexa's class went to the Union Gospel Mission the week before Easter. We started our visit watching a video about what their mission is and what they do. We then took a tour. The Union Gospel has a heart for those in need. They provide shelter, meals, clothing, medical services, education and support for those in need in our community. They share the need for Christ with the people that walk through their doors. Lives are changed at the Union Gospel Mission.

  

  After our tour we were taken to a large room with boxes and more boxes. Quickly the lady in charge placed each of the kids by boxes that had various food items in them. The parents were instructed to grab a chair with wheels and put a box on them and get ready to roll! 

Alexa was placed by various canned goods and peanut butter. 

As the moms rolled the boxes through by each of the kids they put the various items they were in charge of in the box.  By the end we had one big, very full box of food. 

We were all sweating when we were finally done.  We packed 86 large boxes in less than an hour.  When we were finished packing we all stood around and prayed over the 86 boxes.  These boxes of food with go to families in need in our community so they have food for Easter.  They will also receive a hygiene box and a Bible.  When the boxes are delivered they will ask if they can pray with the family.

There was quite a buzz in the van as we drove back to school.  All the kids were talking about the families that were getting the boxes we just got done packing and how cool it was that people would give them a Bible and pray with them.  They all said that it felt so good in their hearts to do something for others.