Pioneer Trek

We had the great privilege of going with the youth (ages 12-18) of our church to Wyoming to reenact a pioneer trek. We were able to research the life of a pioneer that we would walk for. I walked for one of my great-great-great-great grandmas that walked across the plains in a handcart company when she was 71. Her story took on much more personal meaning when I heard how a few of her children had passed away. I cried when I read that, because I have had many miscarriages and we have felt the pain of losing a child. It was a joy to learn about this remarkable woman, especially because I was able to spend time with my grandma that I love. She truly is an incredible example to me and I strive to be like her.
We were asked to be the "Ma" and "Pa" of a "family" of 10 teenage kids that were assigned to us. It was such a great joy to get to know each of them and to see their talents, strengths, etc. They are each so incredible and special. We had some really spiritual times with them on the trek, but we also had some really fun times with them as well. We will never forget them or the experiences we shared with them. We will especially never forget the spirit we felt as we walked across the plains, crossed the rivers and pulled our handcarts in the same places as those pioneers that went before us.

Here is our traditional family picture.

Here is our fun family picture! Russ and I got to play traditional pioneer games, like tug-a-war and stick pull. Russ flipped me in a matter of seconds, but it was still fun!Caden stayed with Russ' parents for the four days that we were gone. He was so excited about staying with them that he kept asking us often when we were going to leave for the trek (so that he could stay with them). They spoiled him rotten by taking him to the pool, the play ground, the store, etc. They also bought him new clothes, new toys, and new coloring books. They also did us a HUGE service and cleaned our house for us while we were gone. We were very humbled and grateful for their help, love and thoughtfulness. It is such a blessing to have such wonderful extended family!

Media Monday: I Wished for You

I Wished for You: an Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond

We give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Here is a summary from Good Reads:
I Wished for You: an adoption story follows a conversation between Barley Bear and his Mama as they curl up in their favorite cuddle spot and discuss how they became a family. Barley asks Mama the questions many adopted children have, and Mama lovingly answers them all.

Our Thoughts: We love how the mother tells how much she wished for and was excited for Barley Bear. It conveys the love and the special relationship that they have. We also love how open the conversation is about adoption. We love that it shows the birth parents made the decision to place their baby for adoption out of pure love and wanting what was best for the baby. We love how it points out that God picked Barley for Mama bear. She even points out that some families look alike and others don't, but 'what makes a family is their love for each other'. There is no father mentioned, which is the only thing we would change about this book.

Kindergarten Rocks!

A few weeks ago, our sweet little boy started kindergarten! We can't believe it! We always heard that they grew up fast, but now we really know! He was SO excited for his big day to go to school. I thought for sure I was going to bawl the whole way home (since I got teary eyed just thinking of it before). I remained strong for him all morning and then two of my friends, that have older children, reassured me everything would be ok and even talked me into going to a boo-hoo/woo-hoo party they held for the parents of kindergarten kids. It was a nice distraction. Luckily for us, Caden's two boy friends from church are in his class as well. He loves seeing them everyday, and I love the carpool to bring the boys home.

This pic was taken the morning that we went to drop off school supplies, etc (the day before the first normal day of school)We had to celebrate with a donut. Caden's donut had to have a million SPRINKLES!!

Here is our big 5 year old boy, ready (and excited) for his first normal day of kindergarten! I am pretending to be strong as he lines up to go into his first day of school.

When I came to pick up Caden, he came out of the door and came running until he reached my arms in a huge hug. It made my heart so happy! He is such a great joy to us!

Media Monday: I Love You Like Crazy Cakes

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis

We give it 4 out of 5 stars

(side note: This is the first kid's adoption book I ever read. My friend's daughter checked it out at the school library and she shared it with me because it was about adoption. The first time I read it, I teared up. Such a sweet story)

Here is a summary from Good Reads:
This story of a woman who travels to China to adopt a baby girl, based on the author's own experiences, is a celebration of the love and joy a baby brings into the home.

Our Thoughts: This was one of the first adoption kids books we read and we loved it. We loved that the mom was able to comfort the baby that she adopted and that the baby recognized her as mom. It says that she would cry when other people held her and calm down when her mother held her. This means a lot to us. We know that the baby we adopt will be able to recognize us as his/her parents and we will be able to comfort him/her when sad. We love how it says "How did someone make this perfect match a world away?" We love that God is in control and He knows how to match birth parents and adoptive couples together. We love that there were so many family members that were there to welcome her home and to give her more love. It also talks about honoring birth parents "I wanted her to know that we would always remember her". Every birth parent should be honored and remembered! The one thing we don't like is that there is never a father mentioned, which is sad because a father is a HUGE part of a family!

Media Monday: Every Year on Your Birthday

Every Year on Your Birthday by Rose Lewis

We give this a 4 out of 5 stars

Here is a summary from ChildBook.com:
The heartfelt story of one woman's adoption of a baby girl from China.

These sentiments are brought to life again in this touching portrait of birthday celebrations and unforgettable moments between a mother and her little girl: from joyous hugs for a new puppy, to quiet nights gazing at the stars remembering a faraway family.

Our Thoughts: We love that the family embraces the Chinese culture of the daughter they adopted by going to dragon boat festivals, celebrating Chinese New Year, etc. We especially love how every year on her birthday, they remember and honor the birth parents. Here is a great quote: "Every year on your birthday, we look up at the stars and remember your Chinese family. They are a part of our family now, and I hope somehow they feel the magic of your love too." We are hoping to make the birth parents a part of our family too and really loving and honoring them, not only on every birthday of the child we adopt, but everyday for the miracle they bring to our lives.

Media Monday: Sweet Moon Baby: An Adoption Tale

Sweet Moon Baby: An Adoption Tale by Karen Henry Clark

We give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

Here is a summary from Random House:
"This is the story of one baby’s journey from her birth parents in China, who dream of a better life for their daughter, to her adoptive parents on the other side of the world, who dream of the life they can give her.
A turtle, a peacock, a monkey, a panda, and some fish shepherd the baby as she floats in a basket on a moonlit, winding river into the loving arms of her new parents.
Perfect for bedtime reading, Karen Henry Clark’s poetic text, reminiscent of a lullaby, and Patrice Barton’s textured and gentle-hued illustrations capture the great love between parents and children and the miraculous journey of adoption."

Our thoughts: We love the pictures in this book! They are very well drawn, sweet and fun to look at it. That is always a plus in any kids book. We love how when the birth parents realized they were not able to care for their sweet baby, they were willing to trust that somebody else would be able to give their daughter the things she needs. Such a selfless decision. We also love how dedicated the adoptive parents were to prepare for and find their daughter.