Grace, Love, and Encouragement

Since my goal is to keep things real here on this blog and not paint some rosey posey picture, I guess I will start with this.  I didn't attend my Zeda's funeral-- only the wake.  There I paid my respects as did John.  My kids didn't see him after he died--at all.  I chose this for many reasons.  For one, I wanted my kids to remember him how they last saw him when he was still alive and able to share a hamburger meal with them and give him a big hug.  Second, the Molokan church he was a part of is not what we believe.  Without going into detail, I will say they practice something called endogamy and well-- I married out of the church.  Enough said. 
And though I feel like I did what was right for my family, it was still a hard decision to make up until the last minute.  Why is it that there isn't always a cut and dry, black or white, wrong or right answer with parenting?  With so much gray, I know I make alot of mistakes.  But the thing I am certain that counts is that God knows my heart... He knows all of our hearts and He is quick to intercede with grace and love.

Like when Cousin Matt and Jenn came over.
After the funeral they came over for a fun and much enjoyed visit.

Grace.

And the next day my Mom and sister came to visit before heading back up north.

Love.

Thanks for the visit family!  It made our day!

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The kids have been on a skateboarding, rollerskating kick for the last few weeks.  Going to the skateboard park with John three times a week wasn't enough so they tried making ramps at home.

As a surprise I took the kids to Home Depot one day to buy wood to make more ramps.

We were incredibly blessed to find a scrap pile where every piece of wood was fifty-one cents!

The kids were are so happy with their $3.00 ramps!

At the risk of being chastised for not having the kids wear helmets in our backyard like they have to when they go to the skateboard park, I will share that Andrew hurt his hand or maybe it was his leg and came in for some Mama / Baboonya love.

In no time he was back outside skating!
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Lastly, I have to mention this.  After having a really rough afternoon with a certain little boy, I came over to check my email and found out that Smiles and Trials has been nominated for the Circle Of Moms Top 25 Big Family Blogs List! 

There's that grace again.

At a time when I feel like a total parenting failure, I find encouragement.

Thank you.

As I got to thinking about this, I began to wonder if other Moms ever find encouragement.

Then I remembered the conversation I had with my friend Pam last week at lunch.

We talked about having a Southern California Mom's Night Out!

I promise if you come, you will be encouraged.

Why?

Because being around other Moms especially other adoptive Moms-- will always boast your spirits!

So please join us! 

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Wood Ranch Barbecue and Grill

Corona, Ca

4pm - 8pm

Cost-- Your meal (around $15)

RSVP: thereed8@yahoo.com

Oh and can I ask for a little favor.  If you like reading this blog can you please go here and vote for Smiles and Trials? Or you can click on the Circle of Moms icon on the right side bar.  

I would sure appreciate it!

Oh, and you can vote every 24 hours.  :)