Thankful Heart

This season of thankfulness I have much to be thankful for. I am (very slowly) learning that my idea of "normal" isn't always God's best for me. And, more than the "safe" life or the "normal" life, I want to be following His direction for my life. Even if it's not "normal."

"Normal" would have been getting married and then after a couple of years getting pregnant and having a biological child. With "normal" I wouldn't have the blessing of my son Riley.

"Normal" would have been having a second boy when we submitted our second adoption application and didn't choose a gender...because everyone familiar with the Korean adoption program knows that choosing "either" really means you are matched with a boy. With "normal" I wouldn't have the blessing of raising my daughter Mary Kenzie.

"Normal" would have been spending time with my sister Kaitlin as a sister and a friend. With "normal" I wouldn't have had the blessing of having Kaitlin in our home...with our home becoming her home...in the midst of extreme turmoil and loss.

"Normal" would have been assuming that our third child would come to us through adoption. With "normal" I wouldn't have the blessing of our daughter Annalise.

"Normal" would not have been having my family fall apart tragically because of sin. But in the midst of the pain and the chaos and the darkness, I have experienced firsthand the peace and the comfort that can only come from God. For that, I am thankful.

While my life may not look "normal" from the outside, I am extremely thankful for how the Lord is growing me and for the tremendous ways He has poured out His love on me.

Weekend Confetti

Here's a sprinkling (confetti) of some of the things overheard this week...

A few weeks ago Michael had hernia surgery. He is doing great, but in order to let the tear completely heal he isn't allowed to lift anything more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks. One day on the way to Riley's soccer game, Riley yelled out, "Oh, NO!" We asked him what was wrong. He told us that he had some sad news but we wouldn't be able to get a Christmas tree because Daddy wouldn't be able to lift it. We told him not to worry because we're sure that Granddad Parsons will be glad to help us when the time comes to get a tree. Our reassurances must not have convinced Riley because one night while Granddad Parsons was over raking leaves, Riley asked him if he would be able to help us get a tree. He is definitely the firstborn...always planning ahead and trying to make everything work out.

Annalise is becoming more and more vocal. A few nights ago at dinner Mary Kenzie said "yea, yea, yea" really loudly and Annalise started yelling and it sounded like she was making the same sounds as MK. I commented to Michael that was one of her first words and we laughed. We went into the den shortly after that and we were playing UNO with Riley and Mary Kenzie. Annalise started waving her hands around and Riley said, "Hey, Dad, Annalise is making one of her first motions!"

The kids have been watching a lot of "Angelina Ballerina" lately. Mary Kenzie asked me tonight when was she going to turn into a mouse. I told her never because Jesus had made her to be a human girl. She said, "But, I want to be a mouse." I told her I was really sorry but she was never going to be a mouse. The next thing I know she is screaming at the top of her lungs, "Jesus, PLEASE make me a mouse."

On the Move

Annalise is on the move. She still doesn't crawl on her knees much but can definitely get from one end of the house to the other. I cannot believe she's already 10 months old! She has really turned into a smiley baby and loves her food! She may be small, but she can put away some food. Her favorites right now are avocado, bananas, oatmeal, cheese and green beans.