Almost forewent a post today, but it’s such a habit now, I’d have really missed y’all.
So I’m posting.
Even though my mom is in town.
And my husband is out of town.
And my kids keep doing strange things. Believe me, you don’t want to know any more than that.
We spent a ridiculous amount of time outside in the cold today trying to get a good picture of my mom and the grandkidlets, without a whole lot of success. We did manage to get a few better than this one, but I’m saving those for my Sunday Snapshot post.
The number of pictures I had to delete because of closed eyes, sullen pouts and funny faces was insane. Thank goodness for 4GB flashcards.
P.S. I wanted to tell y’all that you blessed my socks off by your response to the call for new contributors over on No Hands But Ours. I’m very much looking forward to seeing some new faces over there soon. I’ve emailed everyone who left their contact information. I think.
And I’m so grateful for the thoughtful (and not unkind!) comments that were left on my post yesterday. That was a post that I’ve been thinking about for way too long. And it was unusually hard for me to put my feelings into words… thank you for not only taking it easy on me, but for supporting me.
And for giving me things to think about. I feel incredibly blessed to be on this journey called parenthood with y’all.
I’m gonna go before I get misty.
I can't wait to see the rest of hte pictures if you have some better than that. I thin this one is GREAT!!!!
Mandi
I think that pic is great!!! Your Mom is gorgeous!!
I love this pic! And am looking forward to Sunday snapshots!
Your Mom- she's incredibly young and good looking!! I bet she's my age? Does she want to adopt? I'm thinking we could be great friends!
I love your sense of humor when the children challenge you!! Good job!
Your Mother is beautiful.
Steph – did not comment on the previous post – you probably know that I agree already anyway.
Many disagree with our approach, but with all the trauma our dd has been through and remembers(ed)and all the obvious trauma related issues we have been working through, we decided early on not to have any surprises. We may be wrong, but we think always being truthful in what we do not know will pay off later. Something told consistently when it comes up will hopefully keep her from thinking that we lied to her.
We even decided not to play up Santa or the Easter Bunny, as we wanted to ensure that she does not feel her parents lied to her later on. (I admit thats how I felt as the oldest when I was told) Its still fun for her though to see what surprises come – she does feel free to ask for specific things to be hidden on easter. In any case, for us, the focus of these holidays is on Christ's life anyway.
Our children will get older and many will do the reasearch available to see that the happy stories initially told about the China program and others may not be as straightforward as we might have liked. I don't want to have contributed to an unreal picture of her begininngs. Dd already wants to go home to China to see things and people for herself and ask questions (we think we can put it off a while as she has decided she needs to learn mandarin first :)) I also want to wait until she is older if she wants to ask questions about finding, or personal history. Everyone needs to approach it in our own way, but for us, we are with you on this one.
Stefanie
I would love to have some information on being a regular poster to NHBO. I've been reading your blog for awhile and am consistantly inspired by your words!
Our family consists of 5 children:
3 bio girls, 1 adopted daughter from Hunan (SN: repaired spina bifida and HepB) and we are waiting to bring home our baby boy from Chins (SN: missing fingers/toes)
They are ages 7,5,3,2 and 1. *gulp*
I am also an adoption consultant for a local agency. I work from home, and counsel birthmoms who are placing children so I have a unique perspective from a birthmother point of view. I'd love to share our blogs with you so you can get an idea of my writing style and see if you think it would work!
You can email me at rebsandhogs@juno.com if you are interested! thanks!
Emily
Even with seven littles you amaze me at your ability to capture cuteness with a camera! I'm sure your mom will treasure the results of this photo shoot for years to come!
Oh my golly, totally see why you are so incredibly beautiful…look at your lovely mom!! Great pic of the kidlets and their grandmama! Your family is just cool! 🙂
Love,
Heather