Neglected! Yes, our blog has been neglected for far too long. I do apologize. There are so many awesome and exciting things that I have wanted to share, but somehow life has just not slowed down enough for me to share, and I realize that it won't slow down. So, I guess I will just have to slow down and take time to do what I love to do.
I was reminded of this in February when Zack and I were given the chance to volunteer at an America World Adoption both during a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. Before the actual concert, we had a chance to sit in on a Q&A session with SCC and he also took some requests from the crowd. It was really awesome and so cool for us, as he is one of our most favorite people and role models, especially because of what he has done to advocate for adoption and assist families who are adopting....not to mention he is an amazing artist! During the concert he of course sang the song, "Cinderella". While I had always figured that this song was written about his daughters, I did not know the exact story which inspired the song. He told the story that night during the concert. He said that on a night when he was so tired and still had so much to do, his daughters were playing dress up and very much wanted him to play along. He, however, was set on getting them in the bed! Every parent has been there. He said he left the bedtime experience being frustrated with his girls because they wanted to play and wouldn't settle down. It didn't take the Holy Spirit long to remind him of how precious each moment we are given with our loved ones really are, as life and its moments are so fleeting. He left that experience and immediately went and wrote Cinderella. As he began to sing Cinderalla that night at the concert, I most likely would have been brought to tears anyway, but hearing the story behind the song really caused me to lose it! Did Steven Curtis Chapman know exactly how I had been feeling the last few months? God's Spirit gently reminded me that my boys are growing so fast and becoming more independent each and every day. This, of course, is a wonderful thing, as this is what we want for our children. But was I really enjoying each moment with them, even the frustrating and exhausting ones, or was I wishing them away, for easier times where I could have some peace and quiet and get back to business? When I think about the amazing blessing my boys are, it is hard for me to understand why I ever would not stop and treasure each moment with them. But in moments of frustration and busyness, which all parents have, it is easy to wish time away. I have been praying for God to remind me of the beauty and blessing that each day brings, and to celebrate each day that He gives me with my precious family. I want to dance with my "Cinderellas" while they are here in my arms. Because just as the song so beautifully conveys, one day they will be gone. Sigh.
The boys are both doing wonderfully. Caleb finished his first full year of preschool today. He is ready for summer break! Noah has two more weeks of Kindergarten left. He is excited for first grade and new challenges. We are very proud of them and their progress over the past year truly reflects all their hard work.
They are truly best friends and I can't imagine our family fitting together any better than it does! It is such a miracle when you think about how God has orchestrated the composition of our family. I just sit in awe and think about his goodness to our family and how much He loves us.
We are entering into a new chapter in our lives as a family, and I am entering into a new chapter in my life as well....but there a few details still undecided at this point, so that will have to wait until the next blog post.....and I promise it won't be near as long for that one :)
