I'll teach them yearning is good

This morning I attended an Adoption Options seminar at Phoenix Children's Hospital. One adoptive mom who is also an adoptive advocate said something that touched my heart.

She had a yearning to be a mom to a daughter.

She also talked about knowing which child was her daughter - the knowing deep inside her soul.

I yearn.

Yearn is a verb that doesn't get a lot of attention in our world.

I'd like my children to know that yearning for something creates a desire that WILL be fulfilled.

We'll talk about voting & being responsible

My family talked about current events and news when we were growing up. I remember the first election when I was learning about voting and what was involved in electing our president.

I want my children to understand the importance of being involved and making a difference in this country. Our government is FOR the people BY the people.... not a bunch of strangers in a faraway place.

Voting is a responsibility, not a luxury.

There are no coincidences in life

Was just kicking myself for not filing an I-600 form to adopt from Guatemala. If I had, I might be able to start an adoption now even though everything is supposed to be halted.

That kind of thinking isn't going to help me figure out what door is open....

There are no coincidences in life. I believe there's a reason for the people I meet, the decisions I make, the places I visit, etc.

Everything I have done is taking me forward. I have to stay focused on what I want most: to be a wife & a mom

We'll travel when we want to travel

Last time I flew was to Bellingham, Washington for a fall break/birthday trip. That trip started with me sitting next to a young woman with a toddler girl.

When I offered a second pair of hands while she was trying to get a bottle for her daughter, she said, "you can always tell who has kids because they offer to help. You must know what it's like to travel with a 2 year old"

I wish I did.

When I have children, I'll have to learn how to check our bags. I'll travel with a bag full of snacks, games, and toys instead of books. I'll play games instead of listen to my ipod. Eventually, I'll have conversations instead of silence.

My free-wheeling adventuresome spirit will love showing my children wonderful places.

They may not have blue eyes or my hair

They may not have blue eyes or my hair, but that's okay because they will be mine.

I will love them with everything inside me just as I once loved you

Wish I Had Started Sooner

I spent most of my 30's in love with someone who ultimately didn't love me enough to marry me.

When I have children, I will wish that I hadn't waited so long to have them. But, I'll also know that I have enjoyed plenty of adventures before they arrived

Remember My Life Before Children

On the days when my children are driving me bananas, I will remember how lonely it was before they arrived. I'll remember how I wondered if it would ever be more than me and two cats. I'll remember how it felt to return home to a dark house night after night.

When I remember these facts, I'll forget that my children are driving me bananas