Tough Times in Adoption Journey

I visited Sonia's blog today to see some truths being revealed about real.life.adoption.  Thought I would link a few of the blogs that commented on her post today.  Adoption is hard folks. 

I don't sugar coat any of my posts here, but I don't always post about the bad days either.  God called us down this path, He didn't promise us it would be easy.  He did promise He would lead us through it though.  Hanging on to that fact, that I am not alone in this journey of life.

Take some time today to read a few of these posts.  I think it will give you a bit of insight into my life as well as others who have accepted the call of adoption.

http://teamoehlkers.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-year-ago-this-month.html

http://toconsideritjoy.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-yoke-is-easy.html

http://provided4.blogspot.com/2012/11/where-we-are.html

http://likethelove.blogspot.com/2012/05/true-confessions-of-ugly-mom.html

Video Must See

First Tree

 

The kids did all the decorating this year. Ian was SO excited to help with the Christmas tree. Looks great to me!

I remember a time long long ago where I thought every ornament had find its perfect spot. Not anymore. Now I simply watch to see that every child has found their perfect spot in our family.

Thankfull

So many blessings in my life to be thankful for. Thanks be to God for all He has provided for our family. Enjoyed our Thanksgiving day at Nana's for lunch and then Papa's for dinner, happy to spend the day with the ones we love :)

 

Plain Ole Camping

 

 

Even though we did venture out each day for a couple of hours, we mainly spent our time just camping. Spending time with each other kicked back and enjoying the outdoors. Fun week for everyone. We are home now ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with the other folks in our lives that we love :).

Bear Country

Well you can't visit the Smoky Mountains without seeing some bears! This was Faith's favorite vacation event. Too bad it costs us $43 to feed them some apple slices and bread, or we would have taken Faith back for another visit. Guess you realize you have a big family when you hit the tourist traps on vacation ;)

The Big One

 

Caleb landed the biggest trout of the vacation today. Thanks Papa and Grandma for the waders, they paid off today!

Traditions

Yes, traditions are alive and well here in the Smoky Mountains. Caleb inducted Ian into the world of snake eggs yesterday. It scared him to giggles :)

Little Indians

 

Nothing like a living history lesson during Thanksgiving! Enjoying watching my little Indians experiencing some of my favorite childhood memories. Pretty sure I wore the same hairdress Elise is wearing, watched the same Indian dances, and ate the same mountain fried apple pies. Making memories for my kids to pass onto their kids one day :)

Fishing Dreams Came True

The boys are having a ball fishing, fishing, and more fishing!!

Mountain Vacation Pic

Complete with mountains and Indians :)

Vacation Time

We headed out to take a well deserved, well needed mountain vacation. The littles quickly discovered the jumping pillow, and the bigs strapped on their waders and hit the river for some trout fishing. We are ending the evening with some indoor swimming. This is the life ;)

Teenagerville

Can you believe it?!?! My baby boy turned 13 today. Entering a new era in the Straight house. One that doesn't look like it will end for a LONG time ;).

I took Caleb to his favorite breakfast AND dinner diner...ChicFilA of course. Look how much he's grown in 13 short years!

Whatcha Gonna Do

Alot of folks ask me about what we are "going to do" about Elise's missing hand.  My answer right now is... nothing.  I have done my research and talked to a few adults, so for now we will do nothing about her missing hand.  Maybe one day she will want to explore the world of prosthesis, but for now she is doing just fine. 

Hop on over here to read a very REAL LIFE post about living life one-handed: http://www.livingonehanded.com/my-thoughts-on-using-a-prosthesis/

Wax Museum

Here is Ian doing his school project. When someone pushes your button in your hand you have to speak. Ian says: My name is Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson was the first African American Major League baseball player .

He had to say that about 100 times that night at school for all the parents and kids who pushed his button! I think he did great, but I may be biased. How do you think he did?

Get Your Box Ready

OCC was in full swing with the kiddos. We all went shopping together for the goodies. That was a major event in itself-trust me. LOL. Anyhow in the end we put together all six of our boxes. There is still time for you to get your box ready too. Fun times reminding the kids it isn't all about them ;)

Perfect Patient

Faith went to work with me this morning. Then we were off to the eye doctor to see how her vision has progressed this year. While she is improving, she still has a long way to go. We will be ordering some new glasses soon. Hoping we get some that fit better this round!

5, Yes 5 Years Straight

Today also marks another special milestone...Shelby's GOTCHA!  Five yeas ago this family was forever changed.

Changed for the better :)