Our family is truly a blended family with 2 stepchildren, 2 biological children and now 2 adopted children. I believe the Lord looks down and smiles because His own Son had a blended family too! Jesus, had a stepfather, Joseph, and had biological 1/2 brothers and sisters and has adopted brothers and sisters from those who have received His gift of salvation through His grace.
My family blessed me with a delicious breakfast in bed this morning and beautifully drawn Mother's Day cards. I also smell the delicious aroma of Peanut Butter Cake that they are baking for me this afternoon.
I love the unity of brotherhood I have seen in my children. My ten year old son's little white hand holds the small brown hand of his sister as we walk. My twelve year old son had fun putting his little sister's hair up into pig tails before church today. I love the sounds of the kids working together as the girls willingly join their brothers in completing their chores. I love the sound of laughter ringing out in our back yard as the children play kick ball together in our back yard. I love seeing my boys adore and enjoy playing with their new sisters. I love our "new normal."
I feel so undeservingly blessed that our transition has gone so well. The girls seem to have attached, bonded and have fit right into our family. It is not at all what I was prepared for in adopting older children. I feel blessed when their little arms give me big hugs and treasure our bedtime routine as they giggle and snuggle into me as we read books and sing silly songs like Peter Cottontail. I feel grateful as they so willingly and happily join me in kitchen work such as grocery shopping, cooking, setting the table, and dishes.
It has been amazing and fun watching the fast transition from preschool level behavior to behavior that is more fitting their age. They are now learning boundaries in respecting other people's things. It has been amazing how fast their grasp of the English language has progressed. It seems that they understand so much of what we say and are even making complete sentences of their own.
It seems the girls are feeling safe and secure. Jeri felt safe enough the other day to say "I don't like this family" when she had a day of not getting what she wants. She certainly hasn't acted like she doesn't like us and was snuggling up into David's arms 10 minutes later. I think she just felt safe enough to express her feelings of frustration. Jeri has also been trying many new foods this past week and liking them. I believe she was so picky before because it was one aspect of her life that she could control when so much change was taking place in her life. It is hard to know what all they were told about life in America before coming here. I'm sure they have had to adjust their expectations. I know they are disappointed we don't eat beef every night!
The girls have also been doing well in school. They both finished all the chapters in their math book on addition and are ready to move on to subtraction. They are both reading simple sentences in their reading lesson book. They love to sit and color, cut and paste during their free time.
We took the girls swimming one day and they enjoyed it so much we have joined the YMCA again. They beg to go almost every day. In June they will start some swimming lessons.
I started the girls on an allowance because they were begging for everything in the store and candy each time we went. Now I simply tell them to bring their money if they want anything. It is funny how they don't want to spend their own money! Jeri has saved $14 now and Betty $12. It certainly put a stop to too much candy.
Of course, everyday doesn't look picture perfect. We live on the imperfect side of eternity. There was a day when I put too much into one day, my cell phone disappeared, the front door was wide open when we got home, dinner was late and we still had to make it to Stephen's art show. The girls are very sensitive and when they saw big tears dropping down my face, they scurried to clean up the dishes so mommy wouldn't have to.
It has been an adjustment getting used to four kids again too. We have the typical squabbling that happens between 4 kids. My brain is often over taxed and hurting from all the noise and the attention demanded from me from so many family members and often all at the same time. I will find myself walking to the pantry or somewhere and not remembering what I went to get or do. I've accidently left the dog in the car for several hours on several different occasions. Fortunately it was not hot. I broke down in frustration and tears the other day because of the feeling that I am not able to listen to anyone very well at all because my mind becomes so numb from all the input and I have so much to do to keep the ship afloat. The clutter that results from more people has been difficult too. I keep trying to not let it bother me, but that is hard for someone who used to be a neat nut. It is difficult to find time alone. Don't feel bad if you haven't received communication from me. I sit down at my computer and within minutes there are little warm bodies surrounding me with eyes peering over my shoulders. I've already shooed people away from me this afternoon several times. But each day gets easier as we establish routines and boundaries and establish expectations.
I've always found that saying "yes" to the hard things God calls me to do have been so worth it. The blessings far outweigh the hardships and He has always been right by my side walking me through each step of the way through the times of famine and the times of plenty. I look forward to reaching new summits.
"He makes my feet like hind' feet, And set me on my high places." 2 Samuel 22:34
Family at Easter
First carousel ride
A mother's love
Dressed up Ethiopian style
Brotherly love
Happy kids hiking
Fun at the park
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