The Christian Crew

I recently had the pleasure of going on the Radio show/ Podcast show Adoption Now, with April Fallon. She is a STELLAR busy adoptive momma of 4 with her own unique stories too! I got to share a good bit about our stories and I LOVED it. The only regrets that I have are that I feel like I didn't get to tell Celise's story enough ( we ran out of time ) and we left details out of Brielle's story too. Brandon listened with me last week as we were folding clothes and said " I should have told this story with all the details!" I agree that He is a terrific talker and I think You may here a podcast from Brandon himself, soon ( cross your fingers). His POV is a bit different than mine and as an adoptee He has very different experiences. Also, some of our story will not be shared- its those intimate details that stay between birth parents and adoptive parents. It's not secret info, its just sacred to us. During birth and placement-  is such an extra special tim...

WELL, this book, though shorter than I expected, took me a bit longer to read because I would STOP reading to go PLAY with my kids! Cara, the author, lays out all the things that STOP us from playing and gives you insight to the POWERS of play. She shares personal stories, like her adoption of Bernard and Silvanie, from Haiti! I connected with her and I have always felt like a very playful mother with my kiddos ( just look at that huge pile of laundry).  In fact, I constantly get off task b/c i'd rather play a game, make a craft, bake together or play along with my kids. BUT, I did notice a few things I was not doing! Many times, I am not letting my kids choose or direct the play time. I also get distracted by the stupid small electronic boxes we all carry around. I am aware now and am grateful and am LOVING engaging with my kiddos, slowing down and connecting with them too. There are so many good things to learn from her book! I highly recommend it to all parent...

YEP, I have delayed a few of these posts but, I am taking MANY names of this list again of HOPING TO ADOPT... CONGRATS to: Paul and April with Mason Marty & Miriam with Wyatt Mike & Liz with Ava ( naturally conceived after 6+ years of trying) Jake & Traci with 2 yr. old Zander and these couples have either adopted/ pulled off the profile/ chose a different agency to work with or we have lost touch! but i know MOST of these are to be congratulated! Ryan and Nicole Que & Brittany Scott & Mitzi Forest & Karrina Jim & Lisa So, There will BE a HUGE NEED to put more names ON this list- LOOK for the new friends and couples that POP up soon:) If i know you, email me and I will put you on this list too! and a few more will be popping off that list over the next few weeks:)

...That some people have no idea how special they are! If we could all remember Where and Whose presence we came from everyday- I think we'd treat each other better! B helped decorate this by saying which letters she wanted bling on and Aria handed me most of the crystals! Way too much fun! My girls will either hate crafting ( b/c i do it often) or love it as they grow up. I think it's important to learn some skills like the arts and crafts. I enjoy doing arts like sewing, decor, cake decorating, jewelry, photography and making baby boutique products!!! Life's too short to be bored. These are things I do in my spare time and our girls enjoy doing most of them with me:)

We are ALL Royalty to GOD! Every infant, child, man and woman! No matter where we live, what we drive, who we know, how we spend our time, God is still our Father in Heaven . And He is Our KING! This hangs in my girls room to remind them everyday who they are! And although I DETEST pageants for tiny kiddos, I do have a few tiaras around and on a few things, like these piggy banks !( they have tutus on too). I never want my kids to think that they are not worth anything to us and to God and Jesus Christ! We constantly remind them of all the people who love them . From birth family to extended family and friends, they know they are loved everyday! Brielle asked me last night... " Mommy, are princesses real?" i replied " Yes, Brielle, they are real and YOU are one of them b/c you are a Daughter of our Heavenly King, Our Father in Heaven, And He loves you and wants to see you behave like a princess everyday!" Her eyes got big and she said " I wish i could ...

I am sure some you are going to be shocked that my girls aren't matching in this pic . Sorry, i only had about a handful of things that i didn't mind them getting messy in!!! The girls helped me make cookies to deliver to neighbors and friends. They first practiced on pie crust. I made a caramel apple pie ( another first for me) and We had a bunch of friends come over, we fed them... Then we went caroling with them. We had about 18 or so people and kids and we delivered cookies, pointsettas and cocoa to about 9 families . It was so wonderful ! The girls now assist in getting messy as often as possible . Today they played with fondant as we are getting ready for Brielle's B-day cake in a few days! Brielle LOVES to pretend she is a Chef and Aria just likes to get into anything that Brielle is doing! They loved decorating the cookies too but, we let them keep their own since they went overkill on the pounds of frosting and candies they put on them! I love these memo...