everyday Ann

living the ordinary seeing the extraordinary

Advent: Learning to Wait Well

We have officially begun the season of Advent. I am not good at waiting, at all and this season is no different. Our family is filled with excitement as we look forward to traditions, visits with family and most importantly the celebration of the birth of our Savior. I always want to bottle up this time of year as it is a season that brings our family closer together.

Sharing my thoughts at Catholic Mom today reflecting on waiting, Advent and ways to live out the Advent season with your children and in your family.

Adoption: The Nitty Gritty

(January 2015)

A couple weeks back we had our first snowfall that actually amounted to enough snow to be shoveled, played in and packed into a snowball. At exactly 6:34am I hear a little whisper outside the bathroom door, “Mom, hey mom, can we go play in the snow and shovel the driveway?” My thoughts…wait, what we have snow?! Is it even light out yet, why are you up so early. “We just really want to go play in the snow mom.”

You would never guess my older boys came from a climate where 75 degrees was considered freezing cold. After I gave them the green light to go outside I had to laugh to myself. A big smile came on my face as it brought back the memory of them seeing snow for the first time almost four years ago.

It was our first night home as a family of four and nobody slept. Everything was so new for the boys, excitement, nerves and not to mention their clocks being completely messed up with the time change, so we were all up for the day at 3:00am. Two little boys peering out our patio window mesmerized by the sight of snow and begging to go out in it. Dressed in their snow pants at the first sign of daylight shining through.

The past almost four years have been such a whirlwind we literally became an instant-family, I haven’t seen the movie yet but pretty sure it could have been our story. Our travels to Ghana seem like forever ago yet still the time has been so short and I often forget and take it for granted.

With Adoption Awareness month practically at a close I ask myself what am I doing to bring awareness, how is our family living out adoption the beauty, the heartache, the joy and the trials. I have been reading a lot of stories of adult adoptees over the past few weeks and it made me realize that somewhere in their hearts is a loss that I am not the answer to, but one God willing that I can walk along side and only help them heal from.

Every adoption comes from a loss, a loss of not being with their biological family. For International adoptees even more so it is a loss of country, heritage and language. A loss that is met with confusion and often times more questions than answers. A longing to know more, to go back to what is familiar.

Is adoption hard, yes. Is adoption beautiful, absolutely. Are there moments where I wish attachment were easy, second nature and something I didn’t have to work so hard at. The moments can be trying and heart wrenching, but not in an instant does that change my advocacy for adoption. Not for a split second do I ever question the goodness that adoption can bring to a broken life, the security it can provide, the healing that can take place and the love given.

I would be remiss to act like everything is sunshine and lollipops, but to not advocate for adoption of those in need, abandoned, abused, orphaned would be just as wrong. As a believer I hold in my heart that I am my brother’s keeper, as Christians we are called to care for the orphans because every child deserves a family.

Adoption: A Call to Love Deeper

November is a month where we take the time to reflect on our blessings, what we are grateful for and the gifts in our lives. Four years ago at this time I was praying like crazy for two little boys I had never met and still had already claimed as my sons. Begging dear God please let us bring them home soon, not knowing that one month later we would finally get the clear to start making travel plans. I am incredibly grateful for the gift of adoption.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month and there is so much education and awareness that needs to be done. I am writing at Catholic Mom today sharing our journey. For the complete story start here.

Visiting Magnolia Market

At the beginning of this year my Mom surprised my sister in-laws and myself with a girls trip to Waco, Texas. Destination the Silos!! It was such an amazing trip spent with beautiful people not to mention the warm weather and sunshine. It is definitely a place I would visit again!

Thought I would share with you some of the highlights of the Magnolia must sees and a few tips if you ever find yourself in Waco.

Magnolia Market
There is so much to see and take in from the silos, the market to the perfectly arranged planter boxes and landscaping. This was our first stop once arriving in Waco and we also went back the following day. Both days we hit it at a good time late afternoon around 4:00 which gave us enough time before closing while still being able to avoid the large crowds. We also went on a weekday which made it nice being able to go through everything at a leisurely pace and not being shoulder to shoulder with the person next to you.

Tucked in the back corner is Magnolia Seed and Supply, which is an inspiring little shop for anyone with a green thumb. They also had a cute little cart full of succulents for sale, which I would have loved to pick up if we weren’t flying. In addition to the buildings there are also food trucks, lawn games, seating and picnic tables to relax and enjoy the warm Texas sun.

Silos Baking Co.
When we first were planning our trip we thought the bakery would be something we hit up bright and early in the morning for a little bite for breakfast. Instead we decided to stop in on our first day for a late afternoon snack and it worked out perfect, because the baked goods found in this little shop would probably give one a sugar overload first thing in the morning. The cupcakes are not only beautiful in presentation, but the most delicious. We enjoyed trying Pumpkin, S’mores and Lemon Lavender. The line looks intimidating, but it moves very quickly. A sweet treat for a mid-morning or afternoon snack!

Magnolia Table
A delicious stop for lunch with all of Joanna’s favorite recipes some that are found in the Magnolia Table cookbook. The Table is much more than a restaurant there is a beautiful outside seating area with a coffee shop to sit, chat and enjoy a beverage while waiting for your table. There is also a little Take Away shop with gifts, food and souvenirs. Not to mention the grounds are beautiful.

We were told in advance that the wait time can be lengthy, but I was a little surprised when they said 2 1/2 hours. You receive a text notification when your table is ready, so you are allowed to leave the property during your wait as long as you are back 30 minutes before your given time. We found a large antique store that easily passed the time for us.

Magnolia Market at Night
On our last night in Waco we were driving back to our hotel after dinner when out of the corner of my eye I spotted the Silos all lit up. We quickly detoured to enjoy the site of all the lights. A must stop, the Silos at night.

A big shout out to Aaron for holding down the fort while taking care of all four kiddos. I never leave the house without a kid along, so it was nice to be able to get away for a few days but boy did I miss them like crazy. I could hardly handle the 20 minute flight delay and could not wait to give everyone big bear hugs upon return.

Thanks Mom for such an amazing trip!!

Remembering Our Babies

(source)

October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and while I see great changes in awareness since I had my first miscarriage almost ten years ago I still think there is a long ways to go, especially in our personal and faith communities. Over the years we have honored our babies in different ways during the month of October. This year we will be doing a balloon release with our children.

I am writing at Catholic Mom today sharing five ways that have helped me find healing after the loss of my babies to  miscarriage. What has helped you find healing? I would love to hear your story, none of us are in this alone.