Now We Are Four!

KW joined us on November 10, 2010. Thanks for following our journey as a family!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Surrounded

A couple or three years ago, Bryan's cousin and her husband (and their son) decided to become a foster family. I believe they always intended to adopt, which at the time seemed foreign to me. Along they way, they met two brothers, and fell in love. They learned that one of their sisters was in a group home, and they quickly went to bring her home. Early last year, the two other sisters moved in, and soon after, they all started down the road to adoption. I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful these kids are - what a joy they are to be around, how sweetly they treat my own babies, how they freely give affection to our entire extended family.
Late last year, another of Bryan's cousins on the other side of the family also became a foster family through a new ministry in our church. They brought their two little girls to our Christmas dinner, and we were blessed to share the dinner table with them. As we discussed what we knew of their story later, I know both of our hearts were broken. We wanted them to experience the love that we give to our little lady.

And, we continue to be surrounded at every turn... Our next door neighbors adopted their youngest son through foster care. A reconnection with a woman I met at a baby shower when I was pregnant with Lee who works with the Methodist Children's Home; she posts at least once a month about kids they have to turn away because they don't have foster families to take them. A couple of weeks ago, the church where we took music class sent out an email about a panel of foster and adoptive families who would be available to answer questions for interested families.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1-3



Sunday, April 15, 2012

Added to the Reading List

I've been reading a book by James Dobson. The book is affirming and strengthening my resolve re: KW and the decisions we will make as she grows up. I was reminded tonight of a related article that impacted me three years ago. This is what struck me:

     Works of fiction (including film) should delight and instruct us, not cause us to get into sin. If they do, either they are not worthy of our time, or we are not thinking properly when we watch or read them...
     In The Discarded Image, C.S. Lewis pointed out three essential tests of literature: It should teach what is useful, honor what is honorable, and appreciate the delightful. If a book or film is teaching destructive philosophy, if it is honoring fornication or adultery, if it is appreciating what is reprehensible, then we can safely conclude that this is not what we should find amusing or entertaining. A film that elevates adultery and leads us to sympathize with sin cannot be good for our souls...
     On the other hand, even if a film or book is first-rate, we still have to be thinking as we read or watch it. Even the good stuff can cause us to stumble, and we need to be paying attention... Some have called the emotional, romantic film "feminine porn" - it can seduce women into approving of ungodly conduct and relations.
- "Chick Flicks", in Building Her House by N. Wilson

I added Lewis' book to my must-read list tonight. I also added three books highly recommended by Dobson: Prude by C. P. Liebau, and A Return to Modesty and Girls Gone Mild by W. Shalit. I found it interesting that only one of the three are in stock at amazon.com. There was a note that one of the books may not return to stock. And that is exactly Dobson's point.

We are in a war for the souls of our babies, and we will be wise to take it seriously.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Mule

One of the most exciting attractions at Big Papa's house is The Mule - a little golf cart-like vehicle used to travel around the property for yard work, shuttling guests, etc. This past weekend, Bryan was taking the kids on rides, and KW was watching from my arms. After the egg hunt, she walked over and patted the seat, and looked at me. "Please." And the sweet hand sign language.
She was happy just to sit inside with her big brother, so her first real ride will come later. :) 

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Arm Bag Easter Egg Hunt

I love watching KW grow as a little lady. The behaviors she picks up are adorable, and feminine, and I did not teach them to her - directly, at least. The latest is how she carried her basket during her first Easter egg hunt this past weekend.
Lee found his fair share, too, though he is still quite distracted by what is inside. He hasn't figured out the math of Easter egg hunting yet. He was actually hunting with open eggs in his hands, so he could eat and hunt at the same time!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Hamper Time

One of Lee's favorite places is an empty clothes hamper. Here he is, watching Thomas last weekend.