The fall leaves were beautiful this year. The warm weather and impending smells of winter lasted longer this year than in years past. But, both the leaves and snow have begun to fall, which means that November is in the air. November brings a time to reflect upon our blessings; a time to remember the gratitude we feel, but often forget to express. For me, November allows me to truly express the gratitude I feel for my children because someone appropriately chose November to celebrate National Adoption Month.
I love my kids and my husband. I love being a wife and a mother. I also love the perspective on motherhood that adoption has given me. Mikayla was placed in my arms over 7 years ago. I will never forget the moment that I first held her tiny, five and a half pound body in my arms, and felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Standing in front of me were a courageous girl and boy, trusting me to care for the baby I held. I realized then that she was not my child. She was not their child. She is a child of our Heavenly Father and He, too, trusted me to care for her and teach her the things she needs to know in order to return to Him.
As a mother, I am not entitled to my children. They are children of Heavenly Father. It is only my job to care for their mortal bodies, teach them how to be kind and responsible, teach them how to pray, kiss their necks and praise them. I love being a mother. I am grateful that one day, perhaps a long time ago, I volunteered or was asked (or whatever happened before we came here) to be a mother.
I am grateful also for all the birth parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles that have shown kindness to our little family. You have all touched our lives in your own ways and we are thankful for you.
To Mikayla’s: We think of you often. Mikayla is AMAZING! She’s smart, kind, talented, and so, so good. She told someone the other day, “I don’t have to sit on the naughty stool very often.” And it’s true. Mikayla usually does things the first time she’s asked. She’s helpful and works hard.
To LJ’s: We love him. LJ is busy. I don’t think that we will ever have to worry about LJ being an idle sort of person. He loves his sisters and all animals. Even though he runs a million miles an hour during the day, he stops every once and a while. He remembers that he’s still a baby and needs to sit on my lap for a minute. He offers kisses without being asked and he knows all the actions to Popcorn Popping. He also sat still, with his arms folded and his head bowed for the ENTIRE family prayer last night.
And to Gweny’s (Josh): Thanks for having a Gweny with me. She’s the cutest little handful I’ve ever had the pleasure of disciplining.
I have so many things to be grateful for. I love my kids. I am grateful for eternal families. I am so grateful for each of my kids and the unique ways they came into my arms. I love being their mom. I’m grateful that I am able to stay home with them. I know that that truly is a blessing and often hardship on our family. I am grateful for adoption and the many, many ways that it has blessed our lives.
I've posted a little video of each of the kids below. The pictures aren't new, but the songs are great. Sometimes, I think its better to let other people tell you how much I love my kids.
