The love of a stranger

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't have a deep appreciation for adoption and the adoption process of a child. Each time we are out and about it doesn't fail where someone asks if my girls are twins. I usually comment that they aren't. Then they ask how far apart they are. I then tell them 7 months. You can probably guess the reactions I get. Anyhow, about a week ago I was at Walmart with my girls and the lady in front of me proceeded to ask the above questions. Then I told her that we were blessed to adopt then 7 months later give birth. She immediately gave me a huge grin and said how blessed I was. We got to talking and she told me that she had 6 of her own children and that she adopted her last child from Korea and what a neat process it was. It was my turn to checkout so she asked if I would talk to her after checking out. I agreed. Her adopted child is now 19 so this lady is probably my parents age. Anyhow, we talked for a good 15 minutes about our adoption stories and each shed a tear. It was really neat. Then, she told me that she had something for me. She said that she had been waiting for the right person to come along so that she could give it to them. She asked for my address so that she could mail it. I gave her my address and come to find out she only lives a couple of subdivisions down the way from me. Anyhow, it was just last night where I was thinking about her and actually telling a friend about my neat experience at Walmart. So, today she called me and wondered if she could drop by. She just left maybe 15 minutes ago. What she gave me was a book where you fill in the spots for different things that have happened with our adoption story. I was really touched by this strangers love and thoughtfulness. It is really special how adoption has brought strangers into our lives and we are better because of them. When you adopt a child you not only receive a beautiful child, but you are also blessed with having in your life the wonderful people that have placed this child into your home, others who have adopted themselves, and people that just genuinely care about the adoption process. I am a better person because of something I thought was a trial (infertility, not Brooklyn:)). It just goes to show you that the Lord knows us and makes our weaknesses our strengths.

Oh what do you do in the...wintertime!

The girl's table...perfect! (it was a sidearm extension from a chair)


Kenzie is such a goofy kid. She laid down when she was being pulled.


Brooklyn collecting rocks

Laura and the girls playing with coal. She taught them how to write with it. THANKS Laura...it must be the name...ALL Laura's I know teach my kids stuff that I probably wouldn't teach them. :)









Yup, that's right. It is in the middle of February and we went 4 wheelin' on Saturday. It had to be in the 50's! What a blast. We went with the Stufflebeams and they were gracious enough to let us ride their 4 wheelers too. How fun! It felt SOOOO good to be outside with sunshine. Man, that does a lot for the soul. We packed up the kid's outdoor toys, lunch, hats and coats. We were set. We were out there for about 5 hours, but the time flew by because we kept busy. It really got me itching to go camping. Down south was in the late 60's so I think we can go camping in the next month! I think we all came home with some sun on our faces too. Both girls zonked out on the bikes. They were just worn out! It was really cute also how Grandma taught Brooklyn about her shadow. Brooklyn wasn't quite sure about that. She kept hiding behind her and then looking for it. She didn't press the issue very long so I could tell she wasn't sure about the whole shadow concept. It was a great day, great company, and great food. What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOU!

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On the 12th, Lou turned 23! Since the girls were sick, I called up Debbie and we went to Lou's birthday party. It started off at Olive Garden then we went to Lou and Ben's place for some cake and ice cream. I'm a little late blogging this, but I felt like it was important because Lou is such a great sister and friend. I have to explain her cake because it says a lot about her. I made this cake. I called my sister, Brooke, the day before her birthday and asked her what shape I could do. We got to laughing about doing a belly button cake because the week before Lou was having belly button pain and the doctor actually found a stitch that hadn't dissolved after 4 years! It could only happen to Lou. The deer cake is because she has lots of deer in her backyard and she is fascinated by them. She even gave them names. So, it was only fitting I make her a deer cake too. So, there you go. It is sad, but this will be the last year that we get to celebrate with her on her birthday. They will be moving to Boise in July. That is sad to me because she is the last of my immediate family that lives here. Everyone else is in Idaho. She is a such a great person. She is always willing to sacrifice and do anything for someone else. She is also very funny and the life of any party. She is SOOO good to our girls and makes them feel special. Brooklyn prays for her Aunt Lou every night in her prayers. The girls look forward to seeing her and Lou is always willing to play with them. Just the other night when Tom and I went to the temple Lou and Ben babysat for us. Lou played with them the ENTIRE night. She didn't even need me to bring any toys. They used the rug and rolled the girls up in it. They also let them jump on beds and they played tag. What kind of babysitter wears themselves out like that? Yup, that's Lou...she's a giver. By the way, her real name is Laura, but ever since high school we have called her Lou. I don't remember why, but it just stuck. Lou, we love you and feel so blessed to have you in our lives. When we think of you we smile because you make us happy. Oh ya, I have to mention really quick that something else she does is she ALWAYS does my dishes everytime she comes over. If the dishes are done then she cleans something else. I can't keep up with her! Most of all, I appreciate it. I never ask her to do anything, she just does it. Thanks Lou. Ok, I could go on and on and I would, but it is almost midnight and I cannot be accountable for anything more I may say because I am waaaay too tired. We love you Lou. You're a great sister, auntie (yes, one of the favorites), and most of all, friend. I hope your birthday was great. You deserved it.

Libraries are for sitting quietly and reading...

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On Wednesday Megan called and asked if I wanted to go to story time at the library. So I called Cassie (she met us there) and went with my good friends Megan and Mary. They had a Hawaiian theme so the kids got to do a hula dance, play with hula hoops, go fishing, and hear some stories. It is 1 full hour! I had no idea about this! We will definitely do it again. The only bad part about it was that we got in trouble. All 9 kids (under the age of 3) were reading books, exploring, and enjoying being together then the librarian came up to me and said that libraries are for sitting quietly and reading. I felt bad because she was right. I just wish she understood that this was the kid area, they just got done with a very interactive and loud activity, and we were doing our best. Just a little empathy is all I needed. We'll still go again. It was fun and we'll just leave after the activity is done so as to respect the wishes of the library. I'm ok with that.