Wrapping it up

How do you wrap up a year when you have had a year like this.

This time last year we had a joyous Christmas with our three boys, but were longing for the daughter we had held, and loved, and desperately prayed for. We were waiting on Pre-Approval and had hit a snag in the process that led us to believe we had a rocky road ahead. I knew adoption was going to be tough, but I had no idea what depths and heights it would send my family to. We know that God designed this for our family from the beginning of time and the way He took us on the journey to get us both to the point of adoption and then through the adoption really makes us stand in awe. I have cried tears like no other this year and I have felt unspeakable joy that is indescribable. I have felt surrounded by love and completely abandoned and alone at the same time. I have changed my heart, my mind and my passions. I know my Savior on a deeper level and I feel like he used this time to stretch and grow me more into the child He planned. I love the family God has given me and I cannot thank him enough for the blessings He has given me to raise. All I ever wanted to be was a MOM. I got that... and so much more. I want to end my year describing the loves of my life and what they are at this moment in time.

Brent, my friend and companion. He is my rock, my shoulder to cry on and friend to cry with. He is as tender hearted as they come and passionate about his life and all that he holds dear. He has grown into an unbelievable man of God. He is the true leader of our home and protector of our family. He is at the same time a boy at heart and wise old man wrapped up in a 32 year old frame. His eyes sparkle when he tells stories and they get as big as saucers when he is serious. He loves the outdoors, he loves his work, he loves people, he is passionate about missions in Nicaragua, and he loves his family. I see traits of him in each of the boys and I appreciate how he strives to be the best he can be for each of his children. I love how he coaches the boys, takes them hunting and fishing, and how he says "Hola, Chica" every day just to Eliza when he gets home from work. I love him completely.

Baylor, my passionate big boy. Just a few short years ago I could not even envision the child as anything more than the toddler he was, much less the stout 7 year old he is. He is strong in mind and body and is so very passionate about everything he does. Be it on the baseball field, at Karate, or at school work, he goes at it full force and strives for nothing less than the best. He is already a scholar and impresses me daily with his academic abilities. I miss him terribly when he is at school during the day because he is my friend. He has a huge heart and loves people. He is a leader, a friend, a wonderful son.

Callan, my creative free spirit. As he is crossing over into that more mature child who no longer needs a nap or constant kisses from mom, I see his imagination hard at work. He is carefree and independent. He is content to play alone for hours and creates the most unique scenarios and adventures. His interest are totally his own, he is not affected by the kids around him and goes after what he wants. He is content to let life go on around him as he takes it all in and chooses his own path. He is inquisitive and curious always wanting to know more, see more, and do more. His eyes shine with love and he gives the wettest kisses every night after he prays for everyone he knows.

Silas, my tender mamma's boy. He melts at the very word no. He is sensitive and loving and wants to please everyone else. He is happiest in his comfort zone and lives by structure. If you change things up on him, it rocks his world. He is my easiest child and it would make him the most happy if we would just sit all day with him in my lap watching "Nemo". He is a true little brother in that he worships his older brothers and wants to mimic all that they do. He is the hardest to discipline and just looking into his big eyes melts my heart. He is me, and I understand him completely.

Eliza, my precious princess miracle. Just saying her name brings me to tears. She is all I ever dreamed of in a daughter and fills my cup to overflowing. She is sweet and tender, feisty and opinionated. She is amazing and beautiful, perfect in every way. Honestly sometimes when I am out and about it baffles me that people ask me where she is from or what her heritage is. It is not that I think she looks just like me, but that our connection is so strong and our hearts are so much the same I cannot see anything but my child, my daughter. She brings songs of praise to my lips and smile to my heart. She is an amazing blessing and I will always be grateful to God and to her Birth Mother who has strength that I cannot begin to imagine. She has opened the world to our family and sparked a passion like none other. She leaves me breathless and speechless.

What a blessing this year has been to me in so many ways. I cannot wait to see what 2008 brings.