Don't Assume You Know

WARNING! Entering a rant zone......

 

There aren't too many times that I get offended about adoption-related issues.  I've had plenty of adoptive families that get up in arms about things that just don't bother me. I always try to remember that I was ignorant once about a lof of this too. However, =) this one thing gets me.....

*Don't assume you know my child's birth family story.......*

because you probably don't.  I have likely shared more details with family or fellow adoptive moms and dads, but then there are some things that are only for us and my children to know.

 

What is she talking about about, you ask?

It's the unspoken assumption (with leading questions) about why a birth mom chose to place (not 'give up') their child for adoption.

"Oh, she was too young?"

"Oh, she was promiscuous."

"Oh, she was messing around."

You know. Assumptions like those. Now I'll be the first to confess that those are normal thoughts to pop in your head, but please don't ask and please don't continue those thoughts because you just don't know.  There are SO many reasons that a birth mom chooses to place a child, but do we have to analzye why? Does it really matter why she did or how she got pregnant in the first place? Let's celebrate the fact that she was brave enough to choose LIFE, and not abortion.  Let's celebrate that she chose a FAMILY for that child.

 

So the next time you say something like the above, or give me that look like you are making an assumption about MY child's birth mom that is probably incorrect, don't be offended when MY momma claws come out on you.  That's my family you are talking about too.  We have been blessed by two beautiful birth moms that we love dearly, and they are our family now.  And you just don't go messing with my family=)

 

 

End rant.

Ministry Part 2

Sunday night a group of our church leaders gathered to watch a movie called Seasons of Gray.  It was produced by a local church in Dallas, Watermark Community Church.  It is the life of Joseph told in modern day and it was done quite well if you ask me. I was very impressed with the quality of the movie and the actors. If you have seen Fireproof or Facing the Giants, you might have been like me when you watched it........"good message but a little cheesy on the acting."  It was hard to watch it at times because of the acting. This one was nothing like that! 

Watermark is hoping to release the movie in May in several theaters and I plan to be there again opening weekend to support it.  The message is simple...to bring people to Christ.  I'll have to admit, it made me go back and read the story in the Bible.  You can watch the trailer here.  Hope to see you at the theaters opening weekend!

**24:32 Films is supported by Watermark Community Church and its Watermark Film Ministry in Dallas, Texas. Our mission is to use the powerful medium of cinema to engage the hearts of the lost with the life-transforming truth of God’s word, edify the believer, and equip the church.

Ministry part 1- A MUST Read

For The Sake of One

Did that get your attention? Because it should have.

This weekend MOSAIC Minstries hosted Melissa Woodward, a sex-trafficking survivor.  From right here in America.  Right here in Texas.  Right here in Dallas. That hits home.  Unfortunately some last minute issues came up and Melissa was not able to be here to share her story in person, but we did get to watch the video from her interview on the 700 Club. Please take 25 minutes and watch it here.  Please. It is more than worth your time.

 

Two other ladies who work with Melissa at this organization came to share more about this rising crime in our own backyard.  Here are just a few quick stats that got my attention.

1. Sex trafficking of children is the second largest crime, just under drug trafficking.

2.  Texas is #3 in the country in sex trafficking.

3.  Dallas is #1 for boys.

4 Average age is between 12-14.

I had no idea. Sure we hear about it and expect it in "other countries" but not America.  Our conversation with these ladies brought on many sickening details and truths about precious little children who are sold into this lifestyle.  There typically aren't many survivors.  In fact, only 1% are estimated to survive.

 

How does this happen you wonder?  Sadly, many of these boys and girls are sold into sex trafficking by family members.  Others are lured in.  Most runaways will be approached by a sex trafficker within 48 hours.  One of the easiest places to lure girls in is at the mall.  It's always been a pet peeve of mine about the number of young girls that are dropped off and left at places like this.  For those who live close to me, how many times have you been to the Harbor and seen the droves of middle-school and high-school kids walking around all hours of the night with no parent any where to be seen?!?! And don't even get me started on what they are wearing.....PARENTS: wake up!  How do you not see this as a dangerous thing? what message are you sending to your daughters and sons? Especially Christian parents!  There are so many parents who are more interested in being their child's friend instead of their guardian.  Christians: We will answer to the Lord for our decisions as parents.

 

What is this organization's goal? Prevent-Rescue-Heal

Raise Awareness- Please share this link with everyone you know. Get the word out! This is real.

"For The Sake of One's primary purpose is the establishment of recovery homes."  The few that are rescued need a place to go for recovery and healing, both physically and mentally.  This organization provides that with only funds that are raised and donated. 

 

I beg you to take time to watch the interview and share.  The best part of her tragic story is the redemption God provides.  The redemption she found in the Lord. He and only He carried her through.

 

Easter Bloopers

Well when you are trying to quickly snap some shots of a 2 year old and 2 month old right before church because you are already late, you might not get what you want! But it sure made for some good outtakes. Thank goodness for digital! Enjoy

so we did get a few that will work....

 

 

 

beautiful......

 

 



Times Like These

I grew up in a family with traditions just like any other. I don't think I ever realized how important or fun these traditions were until I got older.....and I miss them. Some of them. Some of them are still going strong and I love it! But now I have to think of my own family's traditions, and what I want my kiddos growing up remembering.  You see, my mom (as many of you know) is an over-achiever. And that's a good thing, Mom! But I won't every measure up. I try. I do some things well but there are others where I fall short. Like Easter.  Easter is a very important holiday.  A time to remember that I serve a RISEN Savior!  A time to reflect on the sacrifice that was made for me and you, sinners.  An eternal hope that was supplied to us when God sent His Son to carry the burden of our sins on His shoulders to the cross.
But it is also a holiday that doesn't come with a long break like Thanksgiving and Christmas so it is much harder for us to be with family during holidays like this. Plus, everyone wants to be at their own church on Easter.  So that means no big family meal after the service for us. No cousins hunting eggs together.  It makes me sad, but it is what it is. Now that Natalie is old enough and Joaquin soon will be, I want to make each and every holiday memorable.  I want to have plans for Easter weekends just like I would for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I want them to always be in anticipation of that' special thing we always do' during this time.  Ican't help but think of all the 'Friends' Holiday Episodes where they are all together and it feels like family even though they aren't family.  Well, it's a bit late for all that this year since Easter Sunday is now 2 days away, but I should start preparing for next year. Feel free to share any traditions you have now with your family or what you had growing up.  I love stealing cute ideas!


For now I leave you with some random photos from this week......

 Natalie and her bud, Lyla.

 

Pure sweetness

 

and this one cracks me up.... I took about 8 pictures trying to get them both looking and smiling. I finally settled on these two! You win some, you lose some! ha!

 

 

Generations Connections

Last week a group of us Generations momma and babies got together for a play date.  We met in Grapevine at the First Baptist Church. They have a place called Paradise Pond in an old chapel building. It has a huge climbing area, bounce house, dress up area, kitchen play, basketball,  and more all in one area! It's a really great place to let the kids run free, but not such a great place for moms to talk when you are trying to semi-keep up with your children!

I am missing a few kiddos, but they had a blast.

We then tortured ourselves by going to a fast food restuarant with all the kiddos! At one point, JZ was crying for a bit before I realized Oh that's my child!  In the midst of another child's meltdown I asked my friend, Jenny, "Why do we do this to ourselves again?" Because now we can look back and laugh=) Memories. No pictures here. You can guess why!

I convinced my friend Jenny to come a night early with her kids and stay the night with us since she lives a couple of hours away. Our two girls are just spitting images of each other in mannerisms, skin color, and personalities. I mean their voices even sound the same. It's crazy. But they have never been together so we had to remedy that.  It was a short and sweet visit but I had so much fun seeing the kids play together.

We took them outside to burn some energy!

This cutie just makes me smile.

Then it was on to dinner-time fun with a little play.

And these irresistable bath-time babes!

Oh my did I love seeing these beauties together.  A huge THANK YOU to my friend, Jenny for making the effort with her two sweeties to come 2 hours my way! You are awesome and I enjoyed our short visit more than you know!

 

 

 

2 months

Well I have survived the first 2 months with two children and I do believe I might make it, folks!  Especially since the whole sleeping longer at night thing is finally starting. At least I hope! The last night two nights he has made it 7 hours for the first time. Whew! I can handle that. JZ has started spitting up again quite frequently in my opinion.  He's also struggling with gas and pooping. And we are going on week 3 with his congestion. All that and the boy really is so good. Now he has his screaming fits, but overall he is a very content little boy. He is starting to find his voice and his smile which I love! All you have to do is put him on the changing table and he immediately gets happy, smiles, and starts kicking. So cute!

Here's how this little man has grown!

 

weight: 11 lbs 11 ounces;  50%

height: 22 3/4"    50%

FOC: 15";     10%

 

I thought it would be fun to compare NJ and JZ at 2 months. I will have to remember this for each month.

 

 

We tried to get Natalie in on the 2 month picture like last time, but she was cranky

 and not having it. Instead we got this one=)

 

On a random side note....look at her beautiful curls! Gorgeous.