Pequenopie “Little Feet” January 20, 2012

As we celebrated Martin Luther King day this week, I have been pondering what this means to so many people, what it will mean to our Abby girl. There is so much prejudice in the world, it’s so unreal. People are judged not only on their color, but how they look, what they do, so many different things.

When I meet someone for the first time, I’m not looking at their color or how they dress. I look to see what is in someone, what is in their heart and soul. Sometimes you can see this outwardly, you just know by seeing them in that instant that they are kind, loving and a good soul.

God made each one of us unique, beautiful and special. Not one of us are the same, how truly amazing is that. There is only one of me, inside and out. Only one of you, you won’t find another one of you, anywhere in this world. When I look in Abbys face I see a beautiful girl, with dark eyes and curly hair. I don’t see her color, even though her coloring is beautiful. From the instant I laid eyes on her I thought how beautiful she is.

She is not my coloring, she is a caramel color, she has white and african american in her family. I think of her, an innocent little child, and I wonder how will she be treated. Being adopted by a white family, living in a majority of a white neighborhood. I hope that she will see her skin and see how beautiful it is and never wish she was white like me.

We are all unique and different, so as a parent of this child, I will teach her it’s what’s inside that counts. You can be the most beautiful person on the outside, wear all the right clothes and look the look but be so ugly inside. It’s the inside that is what a person is.

More to come later!

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Pequenopie “Little Feet” January 10, 2012

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful time at New Years with my family, almost all of us were gathered together, and those that were not, were greatly missed. My parents were in from Tennessee, we celebrated my dads 80th birthday, so it was a great time being all together. Of course miss Abby, stole the show, like she always seems to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qQNIf2CaOI

This was a difficult Holiday this year for many people that I know, going through hard times during the Holidays can even make things harder. It is an added pressure, family coming in and everyone is supposed to be together. Emotions can run very high also, just trying to get everything done, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and so much more.

We have had our share of challenges and changes at the end of this past year. Seeing our oldest daughter start a new chapter without her husband, finding herself and trying to start over again. Also our youngest daughter has moved out and we were truly devastated.

Life has a way of marching on, moment by moment, and day by day. Before you know it, it has been months. Most days we are ok, happy and joyous but then feelings come in or a situation can make it really difficult. Through the difficult times you really see who your support system is. Family and friends have been so good to us, and God is our constant. Without him, don’t know how we could get through some of these days.

I look at Abby everyday and know how truly blessed we are. Not only has my family, friends, hubby and children been such a support but having Abby makes things so good for me. I have to get up in the morning, feed her, play with her, she depends on me.

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Looking forward to new beginnings, memories, joy, laughter and so much more in this new year. We are still waiting for that much awaited call from the agency, we know that we have more love to give and share. Also that even through these hard times, God has put this on our hearts and souls. I can’t think of a better thing to put my hands to. To be a loving wife, mother, and a help to another child, a safe place.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

More to come!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” December 24, 2011

As we near Christmas and everything that Christmas represents, we are focusing on all these things we have to do. Shopping, parties, wrapping, and spending time with family and friends. Most of us receive and give gifts to our loved ones and maybe some of us give a gift to a charity or to someone who is struggling just to have a Christmas dinner. I also think we may look at our lives and see all the blessings that God has given us. I saw this video posted from Dawn, a fellow adoptee, who was working in China when I was there and was truly touched. I think it not only is about Chinese orphans, but all orphans all over the world. Chinese, Russian, African, American and on and on, they are all the same. I pray for more families to be touched by adoption and to see what a beautiful gift it really is.

what all these children really want are a family for Christmas. We all have wants and needs, that we hope for. This makes them all seem so silly and ridiculous. There are families that just want a meal on the table or some heat from their furnace. It really puts things into perspective. When I saw this video I couldn’t help but thinking of the miracle that we are living daily, with our little Abby. How blessed we are to have her in our family, to be her mom and dad, her sister, her grandparent, aunt or uncle.

 Have a Merry, Merry Christmas!

More to come later!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” Luke 2:11-14

Pequenopie “Little Feet” December 12, 2011

On Thanksgiving I think most people think of what they are thankful for. I have to say so many things come to mind, so many things we are grateful for. Friends, family, our children, love, and so much more.

Life can be difficult at times, and I thank God that through those hard times he makes us stronger. We learn not to depend of ourselves, but on him and our family and friends.

We had a wonderful time on Thanksgiving, celebrating with Michaels family and enjoying each others company. Abby of course stole the show, she danced, sang and was very silly.

She is getting so tall and growing each and every day. She keeps me very busy every day and she loves to play itsy bitsy spider, and pony girl. She also loves to dance and shake her booty.

Abby saw Santa and did so well, she went right up on his lap and was smiling and laughing. Santa had to hold her hands down since she was trying to grab his beard and glasses.

More to come!

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”Isaiah 7:14

Pequenopie “Little Feet” November 21, 2011

Lately we have had some major changes in our lives, that’s why it’s been quiet lately on this blog. Our oldest daughter Beka, has left her husband and wants to end her marriage. We have been very supportive of her decision and have enjoyed all the added time we have with her. At the same time we had to go through our own feelings about all this, loosing a son in-law and not wishing this on any of your children. A divorce at so young of an age but so thankful that they are both young and had no children.

At the same time she has come back into the family again, we have experienced another loss. I won’t get into it right now, but it rocked our core. When something happens like what we experienced it makes you look around, I found myself asking what did I do wrong, why didn’t I see this? After much agonizing we have come to the conclusion that there was nothing that any of us did wrong, it was not our decision. There are so many feelings, anger, sadness, guilt, unbelief. I only could rely on God, family and close friends, to be where I am now. We are living, laughing, enjoying life; which is so bizarre but life goes on. I have to go on not only for myself, but also my husband and children. In the midst of grief, there is joy, pure joy.

When a family has a death, life goes on. When people are sick, hungry, losing jobs or houses, life goes on. Abby still gets up every morning, needing to be fed, needing her mommy. She needs to be on her regular schedule, we have talked about how much she has helped. Not that God, family, friends, and my own children and husband haven’t been my support, but there is something about a baby being totally dependent on me. We will get through this and even though it’s hard right now, I know we will be stronger in the end.

We have also decided that in the near future, when the agency calls, we will still bring an orphan in our home. My heart and soul is for these children, we have dreams, and this won’t stop our life from going on and fulfilling those desires. Seeing how much joy and love we have lathered on Abby and her on us, what better thing to do. To save another, to be a safe resting place.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2

More to come!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” November 1, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Abby is a monkey this year, she had such a fun time, picking out our pumpkin and watching daddy carve it. She totally fell in love with her pumpkin but once it was carved she was afraid of it.

I also tried on her costume a few days ago, and she didn’t want to take it off. It reminded me of buying things for my girls, like shoes or clothes and them taking them either to bed with them or wearing them to bed. Some things we had to say no to, like boots.

Tonight we just trick or treated around our block and she did so good. She actually acted like she enjoyed it and wanted to go into people’s houses. At one of our neighbors, who have never met her, she went right into the ladies arms and gave her a kiss. Awww, what a sweet little girl. Looking at her pictures last year, I can’t believe how tall and grown she is getting.

Monkey see, monkey do!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

More to come later!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” October 17, 2011

It feels like fall is in the air, I actually love sweater weather and the leaves changing but I just don’t feel ready for the while stuff and the cold. Time sure does fly by, it seems like every year, I go through the motions of Christmas shopping but every year I’m just not ready. Once again I feel that way and it goes by so fast, we all shop and cook and then Christmas night, it’s over. Anyway, time marches on, whether you are ready or not.

Things have been busy and happy. This video I posted today, is of Abby, Maddie and Gabby, last weekend on Abby’s birthday party. They are so cute together, I can’t wait till the next time. Abby is constantly picking up new words, she is now calling Beka, Beta. So cute, all along we have been telling Beka and I think she thought we were just saying it but this weekend she heard it. 

Every day is a new and has wonder to it, even on those gloomy dark days, Abby gives us all such joy. She makes everyone smile and laugh, even when she has been naughty. It is hard for me, waiting for the agency to call but I just have to be patient and know that God has it all figured out. He knows all things, just like he knew we were going to end up with Abby.

When life is difficult and we don’t have any control, which we never do anyway, I can rest in him, that he knows the end. He always gets us to where we need to be. There has been many times in my life, that I can look back and see him, see his path and ways right before me. It’s hard to put your trust in the unknown and just knowing. So right now I am human, and just keep praying and trusting in him.

I know that many people are going through difficult times, all kinds of problems, their kids, marriages, losing homes, sickness, worry, more things than I could ever list. So take heart and know he sees all, knows all and will get you through those difficult times. Sometimes he has to change you, or cut things off of you, but in the end it is worth it. Sometimes we need to grow, and didn’t even realize there was something wrong.

When we left our church a few years ago, there was so much that we didn’t even see that was wrong for us and our family. It was when we took a step back, we could really see clearly.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14

More to come later!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” October 9, 2011

Today is Abby’s 2nd Birthday, I can’t believe how time has flown by. Yesterday we celebrated not only Abby’s birthday but also it was our 1st year anniversary of adopting our precious girl. A year ago she became, legally our daughter, our little Abby. It’s amazing when I look back, at the first time I saw her, the first time I knew about her birth mother being pregnant again. All the fear and worry I experienced at first, at not knowing what would happen. Would a family member come forward, would Tiffany change her mind, all of these questions.

I remember just having to give it to God and pray about it. To lean not on my own understanding, but to lean on him. That he knew already what was going to happen and trust in him with whatever did happen. It is really hard sometimes to just jump out of your own comfort zone, to jump in with no parachute. Letting someone else worry about the ending, not having any control. Not saying that it was easy or comfortable and that I did have my moments and fears, I certainly did.

It was so cute to see Gabby, without any direction from us, do the same kinds of things Abby does. The same walking around like an eagle, pushing her stomach out and twitching her hands around, that Abby has done since she was a tiny baby. Even though these two girls don’t live in the same house or see each other every month, they do things the same. Genetically they are the same, amazing. They even have the same tone when they laugh. We really enjoyed seeing Gabby and Abby play together, it was really hard to get Abby’s attention to open her presents. She was just so happy to be around little ones like herself. She kept kissing Gabby but was being naughty trying to pull her hair at the same time.

I was so glad that my parents got to meet Jay, Tiffany’s boyfriend, and Gabby and Maddie. We consider them part of the family, our family. It’s so nice having Tiffany to talk to, since she is a young mom and we help each other out, with things we are dealing with. These are what family and friends are for, in good time, and bad,  to be together, lean on and comfort.

“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4

More to come!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” September 26, 2011

This past week went by very quickly, busy with a busy little girl, who is almost 2 in a few weeks. When I look back, I can’t believe how fast Abby has grown up and how big she is getting. My mom says she is solid and that is such a good description of her, she is tall too.

She is a beautiful, silly creature, constantly learning new things. She now knows how to say danger, i’m full, I want chee to, baby and we think Beka too, that sounds like Beta. She also will say together about 10 ma-ma’s and dada’s all together and put other sounds in there also. She is constantly talking, dancing and jumping, she also loves to throw her ball, that she now can say also.

We are still waiting for a call from the agency to take in another child, and it’s so hard, this waiting, when you know you are ready. Every day I check the phone, if I’ve left the house. I’ve had to remind myself, in his timing, he will make this perfect. It’s almost the same feeling when we were working to get our foster license, even before we knew about our little Abby. I guess it’s that part of me, that has opened in my heart and soul, to save another human being. To love, shelter and protect another, one that I haven’t even seen yet.God did an amazing thing in China a few years back, for me to love these little orphans. I can’t imagine my life any different, any better. It is amazing and lovely everyday.

I am enjoying all my children at different ages and stages. Two of them are adults and are making their own decisions, one married and one still living at home. Beka has now been married for 2 years and is working as a pharmacy tech.  Aubrey is now going to Cosmetology school, working and is very busy.  Lizzy is 17, almost at that adult age, making decisions for her future but still have to take mom and dad’s input and Abby our baby girl. Seeing her do new things everyday, remembering when Beka used to play coffee in her toy box, Aubrey always was difficult at restaurants and how Lizzy said certain words, that her older sisters used to tease her. But were so cute, that we still remember. So many memories.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous one.” 1 John 2:1

More to come!

Pequenopie “Little Feet” September 18, 2011

This past weekend we decided to take a break and take Abby up north for a nice vacation. We have gone to Tennessee to visit family every year but haven’t really had one that was just for us. We found a nice cottage to rent for a few nights in Caseville, which is only about 2 1/2 hours away. It was only daddy, mommy and Abby, very sweet but just us. Lizzy is in Disney and Aubrey stayed home to work and take care of Cody. So we left friday morning, on the way Abby took about 1/2 hour nap, and once we got there, we didn’t try and get her to nap again, our first mistake.

We went to the grocery store and looked at Caseville, not much really there. Many of the little stores were closed for the season. We had a nice smoked pheasant dinner, that daddy prepared for us. Just enjoyed our time and was relaxing. We put Abby down to sleep at her usual bedtime, before we even got to bed she woke up and was up till 3:30 am. Really hard because we were all in the same room, but she was so cute, pulling our comforters, laughing, but crying too. We all woke up Saturday morning, very tired and fried. We decided to eat breakfast at home and then went into Port Austin for lunch. We found the cutest farmers market and looked around at one of the stores t00, got Abby a cute sweatshirt, that has Port Austin on it. Abby seemed overtired and cranky so decided to eat lunch at the cottage. Once there, we ate and then we all took  a nap. After an hour nap, Abby woke up and we decided a few hours after that, to come home. All of us were fried and we knew at least if we came home Saturday night, that we would all get rest and have Sunday, to recoup.

Best decision we could make, we came home, ate dinner with Aubrey and then put Abby to bed. She slept for 11 hours straight, sometimes vacations don’t work with little ones. Mom and dad got some rest and relaxation but then some over tiredness too. I remember just lately my dad saying, how my sister Cindy only wanted to sleep in her bed. Not sure if that is the case, but why would we put ourselves through another bad night, then to just come home the next morning. Sometimes with little ones you can’t do everything that you used to. Some restaurants, some places just don’t work for us anymore or for now. It’s worth paying attention to your kids and knowing what is too much and changing that every so often.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in your humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

 More to come!