Sunshine on a cloudy day

Today, as I traveled down a familiar road, I saw an unfamiliar site.

I could never recall how many times I have driven down this road. The number is far too great to remember. I also can't recall how many times I have seen someone or something out of the ordinary, as living in my city is quite an adventure.

I have seen homeless people sleeping on park benches. I have seen prostitutes and drug dealers. I have seen gangs and fights. I have seen the projects and the people struggling to make their homes there. I have seen children wandering the streets in an areas unsafe for grown men. I have witnessed so many unfortunate scenes and sadly become slightly accustomed to it.

With that said, something about what I saw this morning made my heart skip a beat... made me stare a little longer... made me smile a little wider... made me pray a little harder. Now my eyes are welling up with tears =) This morning I was reminded that He is here. I am not alone. He is everywhere and knows me sooooooo well.

Today, in the distance, I saw a man walking. He seemed to have a disability. As I approached, I could see that his legs were very bowed. As I passed, I saw him walking on bilateral club feet. I saw his beautiful Asian features, but his smile stole my heart. He was walking with pride. He was walking with joy. I don't know how far he had come or how far he had to go, but I was cheering for him the whole way. On this rainy, gray day... this man eluded sunshine and as I appreciated his light, I felt Him in my heart.

I know that when I am strong, God is cheering me on and when I am weak, He is lifting me up. I felt Him today, lifting me up and reminding me that my goal is His and is on my heart, because He put it there. Thank you for the blessing of reassurance today... I sure needed it.

Just so you know

Every time I "view" my blog, my eyes go right to that little picture of sweet Lulu... on my sponsor button.

Ohh, I could eat her up she is so precious!

I would love to just scoop her up and carry her around on my hip all day long. I'm certain her casts would start digging into my love handles and I'm positive my arms would start going numb eventually... but still, what I would give to tote that little angel around. On second thought, if I got to visit Lulu Love, I would most definitely pop her into my Ergo and smother her forehead with kisses, just as I did with my boys =)

I pray for you my little sponsor baby, that if only for today, you feel the love of a mother... unconditional and eternal. I pray your needs are met quickly and fully. I know you are in such wonderful care... I pray God's hands are working quickly to find your forever family.

The Warmth of Love

Yesterday, I walked in the door carrying these.

Yesterday, I hit up a good sale.

Yesterday, I pictured little girls snuggling.

Yesterday, I pictured little boys smiling.

Yesterday, I hoped for happiness and security.

Yesterday I prayed for joy and comfort.

Today, I'm going to keep you guessing...

Has it been 4 years?

Could someone tell me where the last 4 years have gone? I really cannot believe it has been 4 years since my sweet Travis came into this world.

Travis is so sensitive and loving. He is so very generous. His kindness actually amazes me. Sometimes I sit back and think, "I can't believe he just did that. I wouldn't have done that and I'm 23 years older than he is". Selfishness just isn't even in Travis' universe. He is an amazing child. Seriously.

If it's not already obvious, of course my sweet, sensitive little boy chose to have a Star Wars birthday party... complete with foam light sabers and Darth Vader cupcakes. What did you expect people, Care Bears?

I have to admit, I failed on my mom duty to fully capture the event in photographs, but here's what I've got for you...

R2D2 cake, Darth Vader & storm trooper cupcakes, light saber cupcakes

My pathetic R2 cake


Chocolate covered light sabers... ahem, pretzels

Yard full of happy children swinging foam light sabers


A duel =)

And another =)

Ugh, those little brothers! Haha!

Happy boy

Do we sense a theme here?

Shameless

I am... truly.

We only need 13 more sponsors to reach our goal of 100 sponsors in 100 days!
I have to admit, I've had my doubts, but here we are... so stinkin' close!

Please, please, please sponsor one of our beautiful babes at AOW. Hop on over to www.anorphanswish.org and take a look around! Thank you!

We're so close!

We have less than two weeks to reach our goal of 100 sponsors in 100 days! Please choose to give rather than receive! Thank you!

Sponsorship

Please don't forget to visit www.anorphanswish.org and learn more about what we do! Look at the precious faces of our children and open your heart to sponsoring a child who needs your support to reach his/her full potential! These children are so incredible! So resourceful!
Clearly, times are hard for many of us, but our hard times do not compare to the experiences of even the tiniest baby in the care of AOW. Dig deep... what can you sacrifice in order to give a child the medical care he/she needs and deserves?

Daily, I look at my children and try to imagine their lives without me and Mike. Each of my children is so unique and amazing in their very own way, but I wonder how they would be different if they didn't have a mommy and daddy tending to their needs. I know that Austin wouldn't lean in to kiss me every time I tell him I love him. I know a kiss wouldn't cure his boo-boos. I know he wouldn't find comfort resting his head on my chest. I know Travis wouldn't ask me to "snuggle him up" every night before bed. I know he wouldn't tell me he loves me "bigger than the sky." I know Mason wouldn't tell his little brother to "have a good day at school". I know he wouldn't come running at the sound of Mommy getting hurt, arms spread open wide, ready to comfort.
Some of the very things that make my children so amazing... so loving and absolutely incredible, would not be part of who they are if they didn't have parents. If they did not have the love of a family forever, they would not be the same people they are today.
It makes me aware of how critical it is to support the children at AOW and show them consistency, comfort, and love while they are in care. I am reminded how important it is for them to receive medical treatment and then have the opportunity to find the love of forever families.
Please consider sponsoring one of the children at AOW. Give them the chance to find their forever families. Give them the chance to let down their guard and let their unique, loving personalities shine through. It's so much more than sending a monthly donation. It is sending love and opportunity... and it feels amazing.

Say what?!

I am pleased to announce that I have been asked to write a blog entry for An Orphan's Wish. I am astonished to add that the post will be about fund raising! I am impressed with God's ability to challenge my weaknesses in a way that I almost cannot resist. How could I say no to blogging for this organization that I adore? How could I say no to the opportunity to encourage others to support the children? I could not and would not, but am I really qualified? I am so very appreciative for this opportunity to grow personally and to be able to reach greater numbers of readers who will be able to put my ideas and suggestions into action. It is my sincerest hope that my fund raising events start popping up all over the US, bringing in lots of supplies and donations for the amazing children at the House of Love.

Of course, when my entry is published, I will post a link here so you can check it out!!