Happy Mother's Day!!!

While Mother's Day is meant to celebrate that very special woman whom we call Mom (or Mommy, Mama, Mother...), it can be bittersweet.

Maybe you are longing to have a child and it just hasn't happened.  I pray that our heavenly Father would be your Comfort today and others would be sensitive to your broken heart.

Maybe you didn't have a good mama role model and don't really know what a mom is supposed to be.  I pray that God would wrap His loving arms around you and show you an unsurpassed love.  Whether He uses His children, His Word, your circumstances, or simply gives a fresh perspective, I hope you know you are loved.

Maybe your mama or your daughter have passed, and today you are only reminded of her absence.  I pray that God would fill your mind with such beautiful memories that your sadness would turn to joy.

Maybe you're a mama like me, overwhelmed by the daily tasks of mundane things such as laundry, dishes, mismatched socks, diapers and runny noses.  Today I pray that God would give us fresh perspective as we realize what an awesome responsibility and privilege we have to nurture and grow our Treasures.

Maybe you're a mama who surrendered your baby to the care of someone else.  Today I pray God will give you peace beyond understanding.  I pray you realize what a selfless decision you made and that your presence will always be etched in the heart of your child.

I am incredibly blessed to have 11 children, 3 of which I birthed and 8 because a mama on the other side of the world chose life.  I pray today that each of those 8 mamas have peace in knowing their babies are loved and are thriving under a tiny roof in mid USA.

To birth mamas, THANK YOU for choosing life!

To my children, THANK YOU for your gracious understanding in my failings, but know that I love you with all my heart!

To my mama, THANK YOU for being my mom.  I love you!

To the handful of mamas out there who don't even realize the role model you are to me, THANK YOU for setting a beautiful example!

To my Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for loving me when I am unlovely and for blessing me beyond my wildest dreams!  Thank you for 'ruining' me, allowing my heart to beat for You.

Easter (finally)

We had a beautiful weekend!
The kids colored eggs, without incident, mostly.

We did not make it to sunrise service. One day we will. Not yet. But we were in church on time, mostly. And we were so happy that Grandma joined us!

We had company for Easter dinner and the traditional egg hunting.

They even caught a lizard or salamander or some other creepy thing.

And sweet dreams followed!

HE IS RISEN!

Year of the Ox!

Happy Year of the Ox!
We had our annual Lunar New Year celebration last night. We are now up to 20 children from China, Taiwan, Viet Nam and Korea! The evening started out as every other ...
Kambry was not into taking pictures. If Mommy wants his picture she has to come down to his level ... and fast!Maybe if Kayden choke-holds her ...

Nah! Oh well, this pretty girl is always ready for the camera!

Here's part of the group.

Let's try again.

My son, the thug? His silk shirt wouldn't stay buttoned - good thing for the onesie underneath :)

You've got 2 seconds, Mom, and we're outta here!

It was a great evening. Even louder and more crowded than our kitchen at suppertime, but so much fun. We got to meet three friends for the first time, and we found out that Kaeleb, Zane and Kevin are the same age! Good thing they're a long ways from 16 ;-) Something I would love to learn this year is to make dumplings and a few other Chinese dishes we enjoy. Of course, I couldn't just settle for stir fry - it has to be the difficult stuff. But my husband would be so thrilled if I pulled this off. And since we have three Forever Family Day celebrations to plan, I need to get started! Gung Hay Fat Choy!