Thankful...For So Much

In the 4 years that I have been using this blog as my outlet of love for our daughter, I don't think I have ever let a month go by without posting something.  Well, looks like that has changed!  Life got in the way this last 6 weeks but not a day has passed when I haven't been writing a blog post in my mind as I watch Kristina explore something new or say something that about knocks my socks off.

But as November comes to a close, I feel compelled to write about what I am thankful for.

For God and all his blessings.  I thank God daily (especially during my 2-hour commute to work...lots of time on my hands) for our health, our family and their health, and all the "things" we have that make our house a home.

For my husband.  It was 20 years ago on November 21st that we went to our local amusement park (Magic Mountain) and rode a rickety rollercoaster called the Colossus.  It was the same ride we took 11 years prior on our first date when in high school.  At the top of the first incline, Jon whipped out a ring and proposed to me!  It's been a wild ride ever since but to have Jon at my side to encourage me, be my sanity when I've lost it, and just be there ~ has been a blessing.  I love you, Jon.

For my daughter.  I am brought to tears when I look at her as she sleeps.  How in the world did I deserve such a gift from God?  Seriously.  I love to listen to her breathe as she snuggles up to me in the early mornings, I am in awe with her wit and curiosity, and I love the innocent passion she has with life as she dances and sings at the top of her lungs, and the way she finds beauty with weeds, bugs, and "abstract" drawings.  I could write a book alone on all the things I love about our Kristina.

For our parents.  For Jon's parents who have watched Kristina on Saturdays for 3 years and who have endured attended numerous school shows, dance recitals, and Halloween parades.  Kristina will remember for a lifetime all the fun with her Nana and Grampa and we are deeply appreciative ~ more than words can express.  For my parents in FL, who provide long distance love and support and share in the excitement of little daily "Kristinaisms" through numerous calls a week.  Kristina treasures the times she spends with Grammy and Poppy and frequently asks to go to FL as if they lived in the next city and not a plane ride away.  I wish we lived closer more than anyone will ever know.  Keep playing the Lotto, Dad!

For extended family.  Kristina *loves* her Auntie Erin (who spoils Kristina as if she were her very own daughter), Uncle Jim, Uncle Bryce and cousins Jimmy, Andrew, Griffin and Alex.  Being the only girl in the immediate family sure has it's benefits -- she gets to play with Barbie, her baby doll and then get her cousins to let her play with the iPad!

For our friends.  I miss the days when we would see friends every weekend or on some sort of regular basis, and talk on the phone for hours on end.  Life leads us in so many directions but each and every friend of ours, no matter how close or far you reside from us, you are so very close in our heart and thoughts.  All.the.time.

For our jobs.  When I find myself "dragging" or aching and just wishing I didn't have to go to work, I take a reality check and remember how grateful I am to have a job.  A job I love.  Sure, I hate the commute but what's on the end of each part of the commute makes it worth it.

For adoption.  November is National Adoption Month...and I never knew this until a few years ago when adoption completed our family.  Without the option of adoption, I wouldn't have the best job in the world -- being a mom.  I thank God for this opportunity of adoption and pray for every woman who wants to be a mom that their dreams can be fulfilled, too.  I used to be on the other side crying because I figured God didn't want me to be a mom.  He did...I just didn't understand He had a different path in mind!  I ask all my friends and family to please take a brief moment and pray for the 143 million children in the world who don't have a mommy and/or daddy.  These children only need love, a touch, a caring hug.  As you can see from the photos below, this is what love can do for a child.

Thank you, Kristina, for showing us what love is all about. 

There isn't an animal Kristina doesn't LOVE...and she certainly won't pass up a pony ride!

I know someone who would sleep in these boots...if we let her!

Such a girly girl!!

A photo op at the polls after voting.  Kristina says "I'll vote when I'm six!"

After going on her first school field trip to the Olive Garden, we now "must" cook with hairnets!

 

So thankful to Brent, former Director at Adoption Options.  He made the decision to call Jon and me when he had Kristina's photo on his desk.  I thank God every day that Brent called US.

This photo says it all....

And now for some out takes!!!

Yeah, she's our happy baby girl!!

Future Blog Bits:
* Halloween Roundup
* Reunions
* Thanksgiving

And trying to get all this in before Christmas.  HA!