The Christian Crew

It's Been on my mind for the past few weeks  to write a bit of wisdom and understanding concerning becoming a parent through adoption. Mainly in part, because I have so many sweet friends and associates who are still Waiting for the Miracle of a Child. These friend of mine are smart, educated, have nice homes, pets, degrees, are well-respected in the community and GIVE so much to those they serve yet, they long to be called Mommy and Daddy.  Their arms ache for a child and their hearts seem to be held together with strings of hope after such long periods of time without kids. I've Been there. Maybe in a different way and time in my life but, I've had those crummy, hard experiences. Like speaking in church on mothers day after three years of infertility and empty arms. Or days when I didn't want to try any more, like after I lost the 5th baby on my birthday one year! I want you precious and wonderful couples to know that HOPE is okay to have again!!! YEP, after 2...

So, Make it count! We think about the future all the time- and yet we remain present in the Present! We love every second of our time and have a blast being parents! When our girls sing along in the car or the boys play blocks together, even when they are all Crying or whining we wouldn't trade it for anything! We sat down with and Financial planner a bit ago and they showed us these BIG overwhelming numbers for college savings and asked the big Question " Are you planning on having any more children in the future?" We both looked at each other and said a resounding YES, we are! We plan on adopting out of the country in a couple years and it may be one or 2 and we never know WHO GOD has lined up for us that currently isnt in our plan in between or after that time! The guys looked baffled but, said OKAY , lets restructure some numbers around! Honestly, it would be SO easy to just be DONE with having and adopting children at this point. Seriously, Slade is walking...

A Very Merry Christmas! may you make lots of memories and cherish every moment with your children and family! And Some special time with your birth families- if you are so blessed! Have a Happy New Year too! Be back after the Holidays!

SO, now that we have LOTS of Birth families in our little family- visits can be tricky. Here's a few tips I've come up with when it comes to planning your visits with family and birth families... 1. ALWAYS do what is BEST for YOUR immediate family first-not your parents or extended family. You can't please everyone all the time so, quit trying. Focus on who you can please- your spouse and kiddos! 2. Make a MAP of your trip/ Timeline but, don't make a play by play list. LEAVE your plans open and flexible when it's possible. The coolest things/ experiences happen when they are not planned! So for us, we have one afternoon/evening in UT on our way to NV to see Gavin's Birth mom and her entire family. We will have a dinner there but otherwise the rest if the evening in unplanned. We are open to whatever:) You can overbook your hours too quickly, stress out that you are not following your plan or way behind schedule and there goes your sanity and stress levels. 3. D...

To Halloween and our visit with Jessica and Daylen! The kids loved playing with both Jessica and Daylen! You know kids are the best filters for BAD/ODD people, right? So, if they can see and feel love in your eyes- you are free to jump all over them and play till they peel you off!* Thanks for being very patient with the girls, guys! We attended a Church Halloween Trunk-Or-Treat, went to a dance and had dinner with friends and played games and such. It was relaxing at times and stressful at times too ( way too many parties and cold). Jessica and I handled this beast of a pumpkin carving project! Food Network Challenge- here we come! Bring it! ( okay not really- don't call i won't answer) Gavin IS the BEST Tootsie Roll EVER! I let the Girls PICK what they wanted to be this year- Brielle chose Sleeping Beauty! Aria chose Ariel. Both girls got their costumes for their birthdays but, i had to severely alter Aria's and add 7 inches to Brielle's so, i got a bit creative with ...

to the first two days with Gavin.... Such a Tiny lil' Man! Boys were exhausted from traveling and late nights! Gorgeous Jessica, Gavin's First momma! One Adopted Child kissing another adopted child! BLISS! Love knows no Bounds! Getting the idea of being a Big Sister now! Gav's Aunt and her family- YES, this is where his RED comes from! Grandpa MAX, Gavin's Birth grandpa! Jessica and Brielle getting some Quality coloring and bonding in! I love this head shot! It signifies the arms and life that Brought Gavin into this world before he was brought into ours! WE LOVE Our Birth Family and are so honored to have adopted again! We often wonder what the future Holds and How long before the Lord brings another child into our family! We are in no rush at all but, we know our family is not complete yet. That may sound odd to some but, what lies in your heart and in your soul about your family, is individual and sacred to each couple. We will act upon our inspiration and follow th...