tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415618007692308292024-03-19T03:33:16.218-04:00This Crazy Darling Life of MineDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-90709321433497776202014-11-26T10:14:00.000-05:002014-11-26T10:14:06.837-05:00Giving thanks...So, I was writing a post and I had a thought as I was writing: NO ONE IS GOING TO WANT TO READ THIS! I highlighted the document and with one strike of the delete button it was gone. <br />
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<br />Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-67264344035901563872014-11-15T14:48:00.000-05:002014-11-15T14:51:51.399-05:00Just another day...Is this an appropriate post? I don't know. I want to post with honor and with integrity. I am here to be real and nothing more. So, this is real. This is really my life. I guess if you need to turn a blind eye, do so. I am willing to own my feelings and my life and I am willing to be honest about them. I am not out to hurt anyone or bring anyone shame in the process. <br />
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That being said, I would also like to make this statement: I support marriage. I would never advise divorce. I would certainly not promote it as an "easy out" to any problem within a marriage. Divorce is ugly and divorce is difficult. Divorce is definitely not most hurtful to the two parties in the marriage that is ending, but to those surrounding them. The broken relationship of a marriage is usually known to be broken (no matter how much denial is done) by the couple in the marriage. I have had some of my relationships damaged and some even destroyed as a result of divorce. The wreckage after two lives separate affects EVERY SINGLE THING that ever touched the lives of the divorcees. Anyone who says differently-- well, I don't know-- I would dig a little deeper into that one before I believe the veracity of that statement. <br />
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My feelings regarding the statement "just another day" have changed dramatically throughout this phase of my life. Divorce is ugly. It should be a four letter word. I am not sure how long I have been divorced. I don't make it a point to keep track. The times and dates don't really matter and they certainly don't change the facts. I have suffered with the terrible feelings that occur to anyone in the aftermath of a divorce. The confusion and mistrust in relationships with anyone (friends, family, or lovers) takes a long time to resolve. Even as I think I have it solved and have learned to trust again-- there it is again-- the confusion of whether or not to trust. One misstep takes a fortune of times to rebuild and repair the relationship. Believe me-- there are not many people that tolerate the ups and downs of working out trust issues that did not originate with them and have absolutely nothing to do with them. The anger and resentment has faded almost completely. For that I am grateful. The physical manifestations of beings so angry-- the palpitations were terrible and the belly problems were unpleasant at best. The bitterness can still be overwhelming at times. What bothers me more than anything is the sense of inadequacy and worthlessness. I can repress everything but the feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. I hate to wonder if I am good enough. I hate to feel like I should not have good things happen. I hate to feel like I am not going to measure up. I hate to feel that I am not going to be successful in a relationship. The feelings are not always present but every now and then, they rear their ugly head and affect my life in ways I never anticipated or imagined they would. I find that the feelings come when I am having the best time. They creep in and overshadow a good time. <br />
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I don't think I can see a day in my life as "just another one" ever again. I am in the process of learning that each day is exactly what I make of it. I have the choice to make it a good day or a bad day. I can react positively or negatively to events. Of course there are outside circumstances that may influence my day one way or another, but truly, it is my reaction to the circumstances that will make or break my day. I have made my attempts at trying to control the roller coaster of emotions so that I can have a smooth ride and it seems the more I try to control, the more I run off the track and spiral out of control. If I just sit back and let it go, let it happen, and give the happenings over to the One that truly is in control, I make it through the day, the week, month, or months with laughs and smiles.<br />
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I am not sure why I felt the need to put this down or share any of it. They are my private feelings. Maybe some validation in just getting out there? Who knows? All new stuff for me and still learning it all. I don't know when or if I will ever "get over" all this stuff. Who can say? I do hope one day to feel I can trust without doubt and be worthy of another's attentions. Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-66399527521639906622014-11-11T11:09:00.001-05:002014-11-11T11:09:17.458-05:00Service above self.Thank you for serving me. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made to ensure my freedoms and the freedoms of those I love. Thank you for your choice to be good and choose service to your country above yourself. The greatness of America is found in the goodness of her people. If her people cease to be good, America will cease to be great. Thank you veterans for being part of the good that has made America as great as she is. Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-71925280953277030092014-11-10T19:00:00.000-05:002014-11-10T19:00:21.928-05:00Completely UntitledThere is not a title I could put to this post that could be any more appropriate.<br />
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This crazy darling life of my family has changed dramatically. I don't know where to begin. I am just going to start from the right here and the right now.<br />
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I am Mom, Mommy, Momma, or Mo-om to four beautiful children: Joel, Josiah, Kallista, and Jenna. Joel is going to be fourteen in two days!! Josiah is twelve, Kallista is ten, and Jenna is nine. Time has escaped me: sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Moments have passed: some lovely and worth remembering and some ugly and totally forgettable. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life and have learned so many things-- my take away for now: perspective is EVERYTHING.<br />
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So, I am back at it. I am going to blog again. Some of my posts will be completely my own thoughts and some will be an expansion on the thoughts of someone else. Regardless, it is time, I am ready, and I am doing this thing.Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-69984772278194605012011-11-01T19:03:00.000-04:002011-11-01T19:03:42.643-04:00So Much has happenedIt has been a long time since either one of us has written, and this is going to be a very quick update. Things have been very crazy here in many many ways. Most importantly - We have our court date on November 10th! We Fly to Ethiopia on Sunday 6th arriving Monday 7th Ethiopian time. We are staying through Saturday 12th as that is our sons birthday and we get to celebrate that with him. It almost seems surreal that this time is here. We are soooo excited to finally meet our son in person. We will update when we can, however at this time just pray for a successful trip and court appearance!<br />
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RoyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-47858510863266331282011-09-03T19:37:00.000-04:002011-09-03T19:37:38.159-04:00Thought about it and...I have no idea what to post other than...<br />
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God knew the love I needed to get me through this week and as He always does, He did it, He came through. God is good... ALWAYS, ALL THE TIME, EVERY TIME. So thankful for the love. So many reached out and showed me the love I needed this week and I cannot express my thanks enough. Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-83934054541867395282011-08-25T17:24:00.000-04:002011-08-25T17:24:35.456-04:00Another school year has started. I was fortunate enough to see my youngest babe off to her first day of Kindergarten and had such a meltdown! I thought for sure I would have no issue-- she had been to preschool the year before-- had my emotions in check. I got this, definitely have it covered. After dropping her off to the library with the rest of her class to wait for her teacher, I crumbled as the thoughts ran through my mind: My youngest, dropped off to Kindergarten. This is it for the Narunsky Kindergarten drop-offs. What am I going to do? They are all growing up so quickly!! Where is my time going? I have no more babies. They are so big. <div><br />
</div><div>I have been thinking a lot about my biggest boy. I wasn't able to get his new-school-year-sneaks for him. I wasn't able to smother him with major-Momma-is-going-to-miss-you-first-day-of-school-smoochies. Josiah got his even though he is home-schooled. I love how he pretends to hate it. I cannot wait for another son to pretend he does not want my hugs and kisses while smiling the entire time he gets them. I am waiting rather impatiently for our monthly update. I have a week to go but I am ready for it right now!! I am dying for answers to my 5 questions--- a little sneak peek into our newest son's personality-- his likes, his dislikes. I cannot wait for new pictures. So thankful that all of our final modifications to our paperwork are completed and hoping against all odds that we are issued a court date during this time of court closures for soon after courts re-open. I cannot wait to meet my son and have my first conversation with him. I cannot wait to hug him for the first time and tell him I love him...</div>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-89144273948940764922011-08-15T13:06:00.001-04:002011-09-12T13:05:17.333-04:00T-shirt fundraiser II<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i>I created a New Chip-in Widget for this, as the previous one expired</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i><b>. </b></i>I am re-posting this fundraiser as we have updated somewhat since my original post. T-shirts are now available in Purple, Black and White. Print color is the same on all. If you want to take the chance I can order different colors as well.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Sizes are Youth XS, S, M, L and Adults S, M, L, XL and 2XL.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Click on the Chip-In link on the right of this blog, or send an email or Facebook message to make alternate arrangements. Please remember to include contact information and sizes/colors</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">when ordering.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-55733920327942085052011-07-31T09:35:00.000-04:002011-07-31T09:35:18.513-04:00Honest or harsh? Decide for yourself.<div dir="ltr"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;">At the risk of sounding too honest or downright harsh, I just wanted to state that there are some questions that are asked of me that are totally inappropriate. If a question is being asked that you would not answer about your own child-- don't ask. Stop and think for a minute-- I have not even met my son. I am tired of trying to be honest in my answers yet attempting to protect the privacy of my child. I can understand that people are well intentioned at times when they ask questions but I would like to say that while I try not to be offended by the questions-- sometimes it seems there are just those folks that are downright nosy and that is the only reason for the question. They just want information for the sake of saying they know or to appease their appetite or craving for information that is undeniably NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS. I am putting up my guard-- I am done answering the questions: Why was the child put up for adoption? How could a mother do that? </span><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: x-small;">Why would you choose an older child? There are many more but, these will be the main three that get me every time. I am shocked that anyone with a heartbeat can be this ignorant. At the same time, I should not be surprised at all. When will I ever learn that people are people? I am just as guilty of letting thoughtless words fall out of my mouth. </span></div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: tahoma; font-size: x-small;">I am brought to tears at the mear mention of my son and our adoption process. I mentally prepare myself each and every day for questions that I may encounter. I know I am not the only person to have gone through this process or this kind of questioning. I have no doubt others have had these same feelings and have never said a word at the risk of offending someone. There are defintely some strong people out there-- I am admitting my weakness and saying: ENOUGH.</span></div>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-83212350772211490132011-07-28T12:41:00.001-04:002011-07-28T21:17:09.183-04:00My apologies with explanation...With each passing day, I am tunneling deeper. I am crawling deeper and deeper into my home, into my family, into myself. I am trying to find the off switch. I have this burning, searing ache cutting through me at every moment of every day and am unable to find a way to make it stop for one single, solitary moment. I want a second to just breathe without pain. My heart is just torn into two. My son is in Ethiopia and we are rapidly running out of time. Courts close August 7th until the end of September. Without a court date in the next 10 days, we are guaranteed a wait until at least October sometime. I so wanted the chance to have my son home for his birthday- November 12. It seems like a total impossibility and is likely not going to happen. I know that I am not in control of this situation and there are reasons beyond my understanding why our process time is taking longer than I want it to. However, that does not make me any less human and it certainly does not change the depth of my feelings. I cannot make anyone understand the love that I feel for this child, my son. I know I have not met him and have seen him in pictures only and have had no "live" interaction-- however my love runs deep and strong. The hurt I am feeling right now is cutting deeper and deeper with each passing day. To anyone who is reading-- if you find your call goes unanswered, your text without reply, your email ignored-- I am trying-- but I am falling apart right now and cannot pull myself together. I am so thankful I could make my three day trip to NY. I needed the very familiar-- it was good for me, it was good for the babes-- I am happy to be home in Florida now. I am struggling and I just want to take the chance to say I am sorry and give my reasons for being evasive or unreachable.Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-37259351382749867372011-07-17T20:29:00.000-04:002011-07-17T20:29:01.382-04:00Where are we now??We are right here... in our house... in Florida... with three of our four children. We play together, eat together, have fun together-- but, there is someone missing and I know it. The pain of his absence stings, tears burn my cheeks, my heart aches with desperation. I cannot wait to have our boy home. This is truly one of the hardest parts of the process. I know the hardest part is still to come-- once our son is legally ours-- it is going to be the longest wait ever until we get him home. I know whether it is one day, one week, one month, or even longer... it is going to feel like forever. This Momma already has separation anxiety.<br />
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A couple from our adoption agency went to meet their son. They are delivering Joel his care package-- I would imagine he will receive it tomorrow. I want details so badly-- how does he feel? What does he think? Is he excited? Is he nervous? Did he smile when he got the package? Did he like the "treats" we thought were fun? I cannot wait to see the beautiful face of my oldest son-- please, please, please a picture or even two!<br />
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So, we wait. We are hoping, we are praying: Bring our son to us quickly. 13 days left in July and courts are predicted to close August 8th-- that leaves us 21 days... we are ready to go on a moment's notice...Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-56390233099263331182011-07-14T15:47:00.003-04:002011-07-14T16:25:49.360-04:00From: Compelled by Love by Heidi BakerThis is an excerpt from a book I am reading. I feel that I have to share it.<br />
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<b><i>Spirit of Adoption</i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours." </i><br />
<i>-Luke 15:31, NKJV</i></div><i><br />
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<i>If we are childlike, we will know God as our Father and see Him as He is. I have a tradition in Mozambique; I never call our children's centers, like our center in Pemba that we call the Village of Joy, "orphanages," because the children are no longer orphans. We see them as ones who have been adopted by their Father in heaven.</i><br />
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<i>Once while in a church in Canada, I was actually stuck to the floor for seven days and seven nights. During this time, Rolland read to me from the Book of Ephesians while God gave me a major revelation about sonship and told me to take in every dying child he placed before us.</i><br />
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<i>Taking in thousands and thousands of orphaned and abandoned children has taught us so much about the nature of the Father heart of God. Just as the father promises in Luke 15, all that God has is ours for the receiving of our inheritance.</i><br />
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<i>God has blessed us in the heavenly realm with every blessing of Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:4). We were chosen and handpicked and have full access to the heavenly realm because of the finished work of the cross. This is key for accessing the heavenly realms of faith. </i><br />
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<b><i>Your Picture Is On God's Fridge</i></b><br />
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<i>I do not think it was Arsenio's purity of heart that made him so irresistible to God; it was his childlike faith. I believe he understands the spirit of adoption and seal of the Holy Spirit so he can run forward in faith to his Father in heaven with no fear of rejection. Arsenio is completely adored by us, he has been taken into our family, and he knows what it means to be adopted by his heavenly Father too.</i><br />
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<i>It is an orphan spirit that causes people to shrink back, peer around the corners, and not believe that there is room enough on their Father God's lap. When we first take in children from the street, they are usually little bandits whose bodies are full of lice and scabies, and they are generally really rotten rascals. </i><br />
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<i>They are not nice, sweet little children! They are not cuddly little angels. But we welcome them with open arms into our villages. On the weekends, we have sleepovers with eight of our children who have been with us for years and eight of our new children. At first, the new ones are so timid they won't even eat anything from the fridge. They feel that they have to work for what they want-- or they have to steal it. The children who know who they are with us open the fridge and help themselves to everything!</i><br />
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<i>The new children do not yet understand that they were chosen before the foundation of the world; they were predestined to be God's children. They do not yet understand His grace or know that they were adopted as sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will (Eph 1).</i><br />
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<i>They are still afraid, and they often steal or think they must earn everything and strive for acceptance, They have to learn about adoption into God's family and then trust that they really are wanted. It is a delight to see when they really have a true experience of adoption. They truly do change and find joy! This can only happen as a gift of the Holy Spirit.</i><br />
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<i>The spirit of adoption means we were hand chosen by our heavenly Father. With that choosing comes our rights as sons and daughters of our Father. Let me offer you an illustration. I have two children, Elisha and Crystalyn. I did not get to pick them; I gave birth to them, but I think they are absolutely awesome. I never say, "Hey, I wish you were more like... " No, they are flesh of my flesh and truly amazing people. They make my heart sing. But when we adopt children, we actually go out and look for them-- we choose them.</i><br />
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<i>After fourteen years of ministering to children in the streets and villages of Mozambique, I am beginning to understand more about the spirit of adoption. God is looking for spiritual fathers and mothers who know who they are to Him, who will go into the darkness, look for lost children (spiritual orphans) of all ages, and bring them home to the Father's house.</i><br />
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<i>Our attempts to minister to others may be feeble to some, but they are precious to God.</i> <i>We may minister like a three-year-old drawing their first picture, but we try as hard as we can, and with great joy we scribble our picture for God. We may mess it up or rip the page. But when God our Father looks at what we have done for Him, He says, "It's amazing; it's fabulous!" If God had a fridge in heaven, our pictures would be on it.</i><br />
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<i>As the Father heals the abandoned and orphaned spirits of these children, they start realizing that the kingdom is theirs too. The children who once stole from us are now totally transformed and are leaders at the new children's villages. They no longer have to hide in the shadows and sneak around; their hearts have been made pure by God, and now they have seen His goodness.</i>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-38369516594954726482011-07-01T22:37:00.000-04:002011-07-01T22:37:24.068-04:00The heart aching has begun. This is quite a familiar ache to me. I know others have dealt with this aspect-- my heart is experiencing the muscle memory of aching. My heart has a memory of aching for the ones I love. I ache when my family is out of reach. I ache when I drop visiting family at the airport. My reactions grow stronger and stronger. It takes my breath away and at times seems completely unbearable. <br />
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After Roy and I were married, we spent the better part of the first year of our marriage away from each other. I felt that emptiness and heartache of being incomplete. Circumstances that were completely out of our control made it impossible for us to be together in that first year-- let alone be on the same continent. I thought that would be the end of that aching.<br />
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Then, we met our son Josiah. It was difficult enough not having met him face to face and feel that aching that he was ours and we could not touch him. This aching only increased when we made our way to Russia to accept him officially as our son and then say good-bye while we waited 8 weeks for our day in court. I had many teary, sleepless nights knowing that our son was away from me and wondering if he was sleeping? Awake? Playing? Sick? Crying? Missing me? Being held? Being loved?<br />
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We moved to Florida. My Grandparents are a two hour drive away and the rest of our family is in NY, VA, or overseas. My heart breaks when I say good-bye to family. I crumble at the airport when it is time for drop off. I long for the next visits. <br />
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And now, I weep and hurt and ache for my newest son. The ache grows stronger and stronger as my heart remembers the hurts of being separated from the ones I love. The ones I know belong with me. My love for my second son is already so deep, it has only been two days. I am thankful beyond measure for my strong feelings for him. I cannot wait to smother him with my love. I miss him already. I am aching for my son to come home.<br />
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We are coming for you Joel-- you hang in there. This Momma cannot wait to get you home. I love you with everything I have already and I am so excited to meet you. Miss you.Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-68464889652681010012011-06-30T23:56:00.000-04:002011-06-30T23:56:26.105-04:00What do I even title this post??We have accepted a referral and are elated to announce the newest member of our family. More details to come! What we are able to share with you at the moment is that Joel Byron Narunsky will be welcomed with the open arms of love that our family offers-- 10 arms to be exact. Joel is 10 years old and a very handsome boy that is a perfect fit with our remarkable good looks! ;) We are hoping to welcome Joel home by the end of the year!! <br />
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I am struggling as I type to word this correctly- so... I will just type. This will not be my first blind post and I am sure that what I write will be edited and protected by the One who knows what I really should be typing and what I really mean to say and convey.<br />
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What we had requested originally is not what our story is to be. I am thankful that our hearts are tender to our Designer's ultimate plan. I am thankful for children that love. I am thankful for a husband that loves. I am thankful to my God that loves. I am so thankful that I am going to have the chance to show love to another child! How blessed can I be??Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-70742640900167017472011-05-31T14:08:00.000-04:002011-05-31T14:08:18.532-04:00T-Shirt FundraiserWell, it has been a long time since I (Roy) have written here. Mainly the catch up news for our adoption is that we are DTE officially as of 05/20/2011. That means our Dossier has been sent to Ethiopia, and all we can do is sit back, pray and wait for the referral. And, while we are doing that we are also going to do some fundraising.<br />
We are selling the T-Shirts below for $20 each. Sizes are Youths S, M, L and Adults S, M, L, XL & 2XL. To order simply click on the ChipIn link on the right of this page and in the message section include the size(s) you want and delivery address. You can also email the information to us or send a message on Facebook if you prefer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcPafvsFRtZ_bO7v5citZSFFuEfLTto1a4m4bel6QiPpuDUsR-EqkS9zhUVyZgnncRUENwu-Uv8fWWpnya55kCgqgLnQb8g58t0rGq94j4FryD-gHcMvVZedQ2LNYdO5cs0fhyUma0nx3/s1600/t-shirt+link1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcPafvsFRtZ_bO7v5citZSFFuEfLTto1a4m4bel6QiPpuDUsR-EqkS9zhUVyZgnncRUENwu-Uv8fWWpnya55kCgqgLnQb8g58t0rGq94j4FryD-gHcMvVZedQ2LNYdO5cs0fhyUma0nx3/s400/t-shirt+link1+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Thanks for all your support - I will write more soon!<br />
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RoyDarlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-23756260566843559422011-05-05T17:10:00.000-04:002011-05-05T17:10:28.940-04:00Fighting For Focus...I am fighting with my spinning thought processes. Those who know me may find this amusing and even outright funny. I have been told that I can tell stories like no other since I sidetrack myself to the point that I have no idea what my original thought or story was. I have seen this "quirk" of mine literally frustrate people to the point of not wanting to even hear what I have to say. Truly. Today, I am experiencing that level of frustration with myself. I have such a flight of ideas going on right now that I cannot even concentrate on a thought long enough to talk about it. I would love to share but I am in a crazy place with all of this. I was hoping that if I went ahead a wrote a bit that maybe it would help me sort my mind out but... I have been here trying to compose this much for about 17 minutes. BLAH!! I wonder if it was just one topic that led to another that led to another that led to another like it usually goes if I would be a little more at ease.<br />
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Okay. Thought process number one. Josiah! Love him! What am I going to do with this child? We have been homeschooling this year and it has been an up and down process. Mostly up. Roy and I have been able to see a lot of benefits to this method of schooling for Josiah. It has allowed him the 1:1 interaction he has needed. It has allowed us to provide some very important resources for him. Josiah is now reaching a level that is frustrating him-- he has been climbing, climbing, climbing and is now reaching that plateau. I am impressed by his achievements. With the right tools and presentation he has become the sponge I always knew he could be. I believe, and I may be wrong, that it is still necessary to be pushy-- not in an overwhelming way-- but still push him a little further-- stretch that brain. He is frustrated. With the frustration we have seen some acting out. Do I back off? I don't know if that is the right idea either. This child is intelligent. He will connect the dots-- act out-- they back off-- they back off-- I don't have to work as hard. Is this normal for all kids? I don't know. Poor thing is my first. Do parents talk about the ways their children act out? I don't think so. Why? Shame, pride, facing others' judgements regarding parenting skills. Am I parenting like I should? All children are different. Have I looked at how I should be treating this one versus another? Am I actually doing okay and Josiah just is being a kid and sometimes kids do rotten things? Is that me making allowances or excuses for him so I can feel better about what I am doing or not doing for him? Am I holding him to a standard that is too high? Are my expectations too high or should I stick with them and know that he will get it eventually? Am I doing my best for him? What should I try? What should I do differently? Is he going to be able to go back to school next year or are we going to need to home school for another year? Am I really teaching him what he needs to know? Is he going to be able to go back to school and know what he needs to know to be successful? Have we made learning fun for him again? Am I making his life easier with my efforts or have I actually made it more difficult? Are my efforts really good enough for what he really needs? Hmmmm... swirling thought pattern number one. There is quite a lot more that I ask myself but let me just keep these pretty simple.<br />
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Number two is a very exciting thing for me to think about. Our adoption process. We are nearing the end of our mound of paperwork. We are waiting impatiently for one document before we prepare to submit our dossier to Ethiopia. Then, we wait. And I have a feeling we will wait some more after that. And then when it seems that we will never hear anything, we will wait some more. In one moment, in a dark moment when the moment we are waiting for seems that it will never happen, I will sigh. Then, the call will come. I have played this in my mind over and over and over. It is exciting to me. I can post my million and one questions that flood my mind on this one but really-- I will spare anyone reading. Just let me have my babes--- these arms were meant for children and they are ready for two more to love.<br />
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Flight of ideas, over-thinking-- call it what you will. So many ideas are springing up in this mind of mine and I am trying to figure out what is good, what is right, and what is best. If you add the few things I have listed here that are pretty big with everything else that goes on in my every day mind... WOW, WOW, WOW. I have just given the tip of the iceberg here. Gotta run... have things to think about. :)Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-5311672080871051232011-04-02T23:34:00.000-04:002011-04-02T23:34:02.117-04:00So much going on in this mind of mine.I am unsure of how to share all of what I am feeling and all that I am thinking at this moment in time. This will be a vague post and I will not apologize for having descretion. I think there are things that happen and details that should just not be shared. I also believe that there are things that if one is unsure of sharing, one should not share. And since I find myself in both of those positions, I will post only what I can share and that will be limited to my feelings.<br />
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I have so many dreams and sweet thoughts swirling in my mind, desires placed in my heart that leave me nothing but hope and happiness of what is to come. I cannot wait to turn to the next page in my life and see how my story is written. I am sure I would be flipping from one page to the next frantically reading because I just want to know what and how, who and when. I am excited for the future I know is destined for me-- I am just not sure how it is all going to happen. "Patience," I hear whispered in my ear. "I have the perfect plan, don't rush this." I want to know everything!! I want the glimpse-- forget the glimpes-- I have that-- I want to know every single last detail! "Patience."<br />
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On another side, so much hurt is happening for me right now. It is leaving me completely raw and angry. I am devestated and I have no idea how to reconcile the situation. Time will heal all wounds-- HA, not this one. My lips drip venom as I speak of situations that I cannot find the right in. WHY? WHY? WHY? "Leave it alone until you can speak only love." Will that ever happen? Will I ever be able to speak lovingly about something I think is so wrong? "Love and only love."<br />
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So blah! This is where I am. I am on this uneven emotional time right now-- some may call it an emotional rollercoaster. I am not sure that is accurate. My very different emotions are for very different situations. I am not being faced with a roller coaster of emotions for one single ride. I am experiencing several processes and the associated emotions for them. I am in need of a little emotional balance. I want the searing pain to stop. I want the tears that threaten to fall from my eyes to dry. I want my excited uncertainty to come into check. I just need to be, just for one minute of one day-- I just want to be.<br />
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I know I am not left comfortless and for that I am truly thankful. Thank you for the comfort. And I will still hope for the chance to "just be" soon.Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-5423475937170063012011-03-28T13:34:00.000-04:002011-03-28T13:34:55.005-04:00The whirlwind of March<div style="color: #783f04;">This month has disappeared. I have blinked and found myself in the final week. We have had ups and downs this month-- the ups were some wonderful highs and the downs were terrible lows. I am sure I am going to forget something throughout the month but I will get this post started...</div><div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;">We are progressing well with our adoption process. On the high end we are so close to submitting our dossier. We are awaiting our appointment for our CIS fingerprinting and clearance. I wish I could say that is the only document left. But, on the low side-- it has been the three months that the South African Home Affairs Department said it would take to get the documents we need and still nothing. We are at the mercy of paper processing. Time frames mean a lot to me in this process and they are not meaning a lot to those that we wait on. A low that I am looking forward to saying good-bye to.</div><div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;">We had a car accident on our way to church one Sunday. As you can imagine, I classified this as a low. We were stopped behind another vehicle and a truck came behind us and hit us, pushing us into the SUV in front of us causing significant damage to our car. Fortunately, no one was injured. Our kiddos faced some unrest. Jenna especially was plagued with nightmares. Josiah was just upset every time we got in the car-- he was on the lookout to make sure <i>we</i> were driving okay and weren't going to have another accident. The car went in for repair and we had a rental car for about two weeks. We do have our car back now and everything seems to be running smoothly and just by looking one would never know how smooshed it got being sandwiched between a full size truck and an SUV.</div><div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;">Baby Jack Wylde Young, affectionately known as Jack Jack was welcomed into the world by my sister, Jessica and her husband, Kyle on March 1st!! He is a beautiful baby. Roy and I, with our kiddos got to go to Virginia for a quick visit to meet Jack Jack and spend time with Jess and Kyle. It was a fantastic trip-- my only regret is that it was not longer. Regardless, I was able to meet my nephew while he was still in that sweet newborn stage-- still had the wonderful smell of baby all over him. Jessica is a wonderful Momma and Kyle is just, well, fantastic! Jack Jack has stolen my heart and I cannot wait to watch him as he grows and develops. He is a gorgeous babe and already growing so quickly. Mommy, Daddy, and baby are all doing superbly and I cannot wait for our next visit-- whenever that may be. Needless to say, this was a fantastic high.</div><div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;">I had the chance to welcome my nephew, Jamesy, and his Mommy and Daddy home from Ethiopia at the airport this past weekend. Everything worked in my favor for me to get up to NY for an overnight. I was able to be at the airport three hours before their flight landed and join the welcome home party and then to top it off Jim and Tiff invited me into their home to spend an amazing first night with their new family. All this and there is more, I was also able to spend time with Cadi and Scotty! Love them! I got to spend time with my own Mommy and Daddy!! I was able to spend some time with Joelle, Anthony, Ty, Noah, and Aiden at the airport. I got to see so many people-- to name a few-- Shari and Dan and their family, Russ and Shirley Warner, Roy and Laura Fuller, Bethany Brown, and so many others-- I know I am leaving out some! One of my best friends met me at the airport and had a key roll in pulling this whole surprise off-- YES! It was a surprise!! Erin, Ray and I were able to spend a couple of hours together, catch up, go out for sushi (YUM! and the fish eggs are definitely fantastic!!) an make it back to the airport for the big surprise. The following morning Dad picked me up from Jim and Tiff's place and I went home with him and made a pit stop to see another best friend while she was at work. I was able to surprise Jennifer with my arrival too! I got to Mom and Dad's house to find Grandmom and Granddad were there. We got to chat for awhile before they had to get home and then I spent time with Mom and Dad before going to the airport. It was a wonderful weekend and I didn't even get into how fantastic this child I came to meet is! He is gorgeous! He has a personality made for our family! Tears brimmed my eyes so many times-- when he stretched his arms out to me in total trust, when he walked right to me, and when he shared his smile with me-- looking right at me!! I left 28 hours after my arrival wishing I could stay longer, but knowing I had to make plans for my next visit. A lovely high in the month of March.</div><div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;">Another lovely high for me was the realization that I have some wonderful friends! Ivy and Tricia made it possible down here staying with my kiddos so that I could go up for my trip to NY. Erin played a huge role in inspiring my trip to NY and then helped me pull off the entire surprise. My friend, Kim stayed with our dogs so that we could go to Virginia. I am so blessed, not only to have family, but to have friends. </div><div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-56996153821002445362011-03-28T02:50:00.003-04:002011-03-28T07:14:02.150-04:00Nearly missed the selection of the month!Our jewelry selection for the month of March is Candlelight, an absolutely stunning ring <a href="https://pubusa.fifthavenuecollection.com/shopping/gallery/Productdetail.asp?categoryid=9&ProductID=3259&page=1">Candlelight</a>. Feel free to browse on <a href="http://www.fifthavenuecollection.com/jnarunsky">www.fifthavenuecollection.com/jnarunsky</a>. There are so many beautiful pieces to choose from. Please be sure and register under our name, all proceeds go directly to our adoption funding. Thanks for taking the time to have a peek. I know that your choices will add a sparkle to your day.<br />
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<img alt="Click image to view product details" src="https://pubusa.fifthavenuecollection.com/images/Gallery/RS-CAND-05-CZ.jpg" />Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-21851927582645337372011-03-01T14:00:00.002-05:002011-03-03T16:02:51.602-05:00It really does just hurt sometimes...<div style="color: #f1c232;">I am so thankful for every one around us that is constantly encouraging us through our adoption process by asking how it's going and what's new. I find myself, at times, sighing when I report that nothing has changed and that we are <i>still</i> in paperwork process. I love that others are excited for our process and I hope that all remain excited and keep asking With that being said, my light at the end of my tunnel is growing extremely dim. I am usually most disheartened as I get closer to achieving an objective. The paperwork process has been a challenge for me especially since I thought we had it all covered. I assumed we would just speed through the required paperwork. I had originally thought when we entered the adoptive process that all our paperwork was going to be so easy since we had been through this before. I did not realize the amount of paperwork that, I incorrectly assumed would be suitable to use, had expired. Of course, we have reapplied for the documentation. Now, we wait. It is so hard to wait. We are <i>still</i> in our paperwork process. Our home study has been completed and submitted for agency approval. Once we receive our agency approval, we then proceed by applying for our CIS clearance. That clearance is one of three documents we are waiting on to complete our dossier. We continue to wait on required documents from South Africa. The projected date for document receipt was March 14th. So close, yet so far.</div><div style="color: #f1c232;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #f1c232;">I had the opportunity to listen to a conference call hosted by our adoption agency today. A lot of good information was obtained in the conference call. Good information- yes, disappointing information-- definitely. With all the projected wait times we could be looking at 10-19 month wait until we bring our babes home after dossier submission. I had hoped to complete our process by the end of this year. Possible? Yes. Likely? After listening to the projections in the conference call-- No. I am grateful that our agency operates with integrity and honesty. I am relieved to know that the wait times that are projected are not minimized to give false hope. Does that take the sting out of knowing that my arms are ready to love my waiting babes? Not really.</div><div style="color: #f1c232;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #f1c232;">All this to say, I am broken-hearted today. I want my babies home. I am not depressed, I am not in despair. I am just experiencing the heart ache of the wait. Nothing left is in my control. I cannot do anything to speed this process. I am reliant on others and their burning desire to bring my babies home. I wish I could believe that every one that touched our adoption paperwork had the sense of urgency that I do.</div><div style="color: #f1c232;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #f1c232;">In light of all that I have just shared-- trying to work through all my feelings right now-- I am going to share the text I received from our Pastor today. He has started a text messaging ministry where he sends out a "Morning Munition." It has had application every day but today I especially needed what he shared. He sent:</div><div style="color: #f1c232;">Instant gratification (getting what we want and when we want it) can lead to disappointment, deprivation, and even death. Let us be willing to wait and not be weary for the proper people, place, or things! Galatians 6:9 "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."</div>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-72793286168731534832011-02-20T11:39:00.001-05:002011-02-20T11:39:40.508-05:00Not enough time in the day...<div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I could back date this one day, I would. I have missed one of my 14 countdowns of the 14 top loves of my life. Anyway, it is not possible, I have explored every option and I am unable to back date. I think more of a disappointment to myself rather than any of my tortured readers. ;) Lesson to me: I actually cannot do it all. I will not have time to post today or tomorrow either. The things I have accomplished and will accomplish in the next day or two are much more important than sitting here and listing off 14 of something. I have certainly hit some highlights in the loves of my life and there are more to come but at this time I am not going to make a commitment as to when my next post will be so as not to disappoint myself with a missed deadline. </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My thought on love today... there is a provider who can and will take care of all our needs. All we have to do is ask. Simply ask. I love knowing that there is no need for me to worry about how this or that is going to happen or be accomplished. Everything is already taken care of for me. (If only I could remember that ALL of the time.)</span></span>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-76351135457451252322011-02-18T20:57:00.002-05:002011-02-19T20:10:02.374-05:00My love of music has changed... here are my current top 14<div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>In no particular order...</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>14. The Blessing by John Waller</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>13. Hallelujah by Heather Williams</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>12. Lead Me by Sanctus Real</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>11. Starry Night by Chris August</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>10. Our God by Chris Tomlin</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>9. Only You Can Save by Chris Sligh</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>8. We Cry Out by Kari Jobe</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>7. Revelation Song by Philips, Craig and Dean</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>6. You are God Alone by Philips, Craig and Dean</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>5. No Matter What by Kerri Roberts</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>4. Happy Day by Tim Hughes</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3. My Deliverer by Mandisa</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2. Beautiful. Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. You Can Have Me by Sidewalk Prophets</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Take my advice. Listen to all of these songs once and just tell me what you think. AMAZING MUSIC HERE for sure!!</b><br />
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<strong>It should not no go unsaid that there are so many other songs such as Josh Wilson's I Refuse, that I am totally in love with. I just picked the first 14 that came to mind. </strong></div>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-62846237735791967442011-02-17T11:46:00.000-05:002011-02-17T11:46:55.199-05:0014 things about my love-- my Jenna<div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">14. I love Jenna for her strong will. For a long time, I thought this was a will that needed to be broken-- then a different perspective was posed to me. Why break the strong will of a child that can be used in so many different positive ways? Channel the will rather than break it. Thanks Cheryl.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">13. I love Jenna for being my helper. She works side by side with me cleaning, cooking, or whatever it may be that I need to do.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">12. I love Jenna for her acts of tenderness. I tear each time she swipes a few strands of my hair and tucks them behind my ear.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">11. I love Jenna for her need to be snuggled.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. I love Jenna for her strong desire to learn. She wants to read so badly right now. She will sit with a book and tell me that she is going to read it all by herself. I sit next to her and she tells me to tell her what it says so she can read it. :)</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. I love Jenna for how she advocates for others. She makes sure that those that are least in any way get the recognition and the help they need.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. I love Jenna for her honesty. It can be brutal at times but I love that she tells the truth NO MATTER WHAT.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. I love Jenna for her willingness to explore different foods. She has the broadest tastes of all my children and believe me that is a blessing when you consider all the turned up noses I get when I present a meal. Am I right Moms?</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. I love Jenna for her nurturing personality. She bestows love as a mother.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. I love Jenna for her excitement for our adoption. I am going to need her help and she is certainly qualified. (Refer to 6, 9, 12, 13)</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. I love Jenna for sharing even when I can see she really doesn't want to-- there are no words uttered, just a momentary look and then she shares without any further hesitation.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. I love Jenna for wanting to pray for everyone and everything.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. I love Jenna for recognizing that God is in everything. EVERYTHING! And, she points it out routinely to all of us.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. I love Jenna for being my second daughter. Thank you Jenna for all that you have enriched my life with. </span>XOXOX</span>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-35598580978906409282011-02-16T07:28:00.002-05:002011-02-17T11:47:37.516-05:0014 things about my love, Kallista<div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">14. I love Kallista for her positive outlook. I remember so many times being woken up with the greeting, "Good Morning, Mommy, I am up before the sun."<br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">13. I love Kallista for her commitment to her friends. She is always arranging play dates and social events.</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
12. I love Kallista for her hunger to learn. She is always looking for something to learn and works very hard in school. She will search for answers to her burning questions until she find them. She amazes me with an appetite to know that cannot be satisfied.</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">11. I love Kallista for her giving spirit. She loves to share- most of the time. :)</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">10. I love Kallista for thinking she is more grown up than she is. She interrupts often and then when she is ready for me to speak again she says, "Mom, as you were saying..."</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">9. I love Kallista for singing her heart out. She gives it her all every time. It is of no consequence that she cannot carry a tune-- for her, it is all about the moment and her enjoyment of the song! I love that she is not inhibited.</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">8. I love Kallista for teaching me so much about love. She is hugs, kisses, and loves without any hesitation. </div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. I love Kallista for her uncanny ability to presence with people. This child amazes me in the way that she can pick one person out of a crowd to show love to and it just happens to be the person who was needing it the most.</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. I love Kallista for aiming to please. She wants those around her to be happy and she works hard to make sure that if it is in her control, they are.</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. I love Kallista for working so hard to do the right thing. Her conscious is so soft to right and wrong. </div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. I love Kallista for remembering every one's name. She is my brain sometimes when it comes to greeting people. She runs to them and says hello and addresses them by name before I even have the chance to panic that I have forgotten a name. </div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
3. I love that Kallista is so outgoing. She has made me a few wonderful friends. </div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
2. I love Kallista for her dedication to God and our church. </div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. I love Kallista for being my daughter. She has taught me so much in so little time. I love you, Kallista. Thanks for being my girlie.</div>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441561800769230829.post-83347276932359240692011-02-15T04:10:00.001-05:002011-02-15T04:11:01.795-05:00Post Valentine's Day bliss and 14 things about another love of my life.<span style="color: #e06666;">I am loving the day after Valentine's Day. I am still caught up in all the love. I loved being able to hug everyone as I wished them Happy Valentine's Day today. I loved the big smiles. It was fantastic to see love in action as others were caught up in the day as well. It has faded for some, but not for me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Today I have chosen to blog about the love of my life named Josiah. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">14. I love that Josiah can quote portions of movies. It fascinates me how he can quote verbatim parts of Cars, Lion King, The Incredibles, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., etc... </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">13. I love Josiah's never ending questions. My son will not give up with the questions and he wants answers. He has so many burning questions and I hope that his curiosity is never quenched.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">12. I love Josiah's imagination. He has so many vivid, wild dreams and is a story teller like no other.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">11. I love Josiah for his delight in the simple things. Keepin' this one simple. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">10. I love Josiah for his love of his friends. He is so genuine with his friends through thick and thin-- whatever thick or thin an 8-year-old can get into anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">9. I love Josiah for how hard he is working at school, therapy, and Learning Rx. This child is being pushed so hard and he is showing us all that he CAN do it and he IS just doing it!! Love to see how much progress he has made and cannot wait to see what the next couple of months bring.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">8. I love Josiah for his love of music. His taste is so rich for a child. He has introduced me to some amazing music. I love how he rocks to the music, swaying back and forth and I love to see him dance to the music-- just totally into it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">7. I love Josiah for not giving up. There are times that he requires more prompting but he is out to prove a point when he gets an idea in his head.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">6. I love Josiah for his love of children. He absolutely adores babies. It is so fun to watch him play with children smaller than he is. The way that Josiah engages a younger child is pure love and absolutely beautiful to watch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">5. I love Josiah for his sensitivity. I will say that as a result of his sensitivity, there are times, as his mother, I bleed when I see his hurt feelings. However, I do love the gift that he has of being able to see others hurting and try to help or just simply show love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">4. I love Josiah for being a boy. I love how he wants to take things apart to try and figure out how they work. I love how he plays a little rough. I love how he thinks its funny to play little pranks and tricks on us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">I love that he loves to play outside and run around. I love that he cannot stand to be quiet when he is hiding while we play Hide-and-Seek.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">3. I love Josiah's hugs and the occasional rare kisses he bestows. I love that he makes an effort to know when I am leaving to go to work and hug me good-bye.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">2. I love Josiah for not being afraid to be himself. I love that he does not apologize for his opinions. I love that he stands true to his word. I love that when he believes something, he does not waiver. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">1. I love Josiah for everything he brings into my life. I certainly would not be the person I am today without my Josiah.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Thanks Josiah, thanks for all you do for me without even knowing it. I love you!!</span>Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522038723994159126noreply@blogger.com0