Jesus & Children

Mark 10:13 -16

We used to sing a little chorus when I was a child. The words were something like this:
Jesus loves the little children;
All the children of the world:
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world!

And they (grandmas, grandpas, mamas, papas, aunts, uncles, baby sitters, school teachers, friends and neighbors, you name it) were bringing young children to Jesus, just to touch him and be blessed. At times the crowd was pressing. What a happy sight this must have been!

Concerned, the disciples tried to stop it, thinking they were doing Jesus a favor. When Jesus discovered what was happening he was very disappointed and displeased. He rebuked his disciples saying, "Listen up guys! You of all people should know better! Stop scolding them and help them get to me."

Bringing children to Jesus is how the Kingdom of God should be! Having finished speaking, Jesus opened his arms to these children and blessed them!

Prayer: Father, how wonderful it is to be received into your open arms and be blessed. I come anew to you today as a little child. Amen.
(Devotional @ SRHS, Bob Storey, Chaplain)

Mami, do you see her?

(Ok, I know I'm posting a lot conversations with the kids lately, but the things they say are so funny at times, and special to me. This blog is most like an online journal of my adventures in "mami-hood".)

Tatiana and I went to the store one day last week. As we were driving down the road, she said, "Mami, do you see her?" "Who, Tatiana, who?" looking from side to side on the road. "Tia Shanda!" "Where Tatiana?" "In the clouds! See her Mami...she's following us." "Really?" I say. "Is she smiling," I ask. "Yeah..."

Well, I know that children can be more in tune with the spiritual sometimes than adults. I don't think my sister can see us, BUT I wish she could! I think she'd be proud of me...but then I can also hear her telling me how selfish I am because I haven't been there for her children. My heart breaks for them. I feel guilty that I can't do more and be there for them.

Kaleb hardly talks to me anymore. Ainsley is with her other aunt who is allowing Ainsley to call her "mommy" and that really hurts Kaleb as he knows the truth, and it just makes things difficult with me living 5-6 hours away. My heart hurts that Ainsley will grow up confused if this situation continues. But what can I do?

I pray and ask God what can I do, and don't seem to get an answer. We've offered our home to the kids if they needed a place to stay, if the father needed time to heal...what more can I do? I don't want to pressure him as I know the grieving process is long and difficult at times, but at the same time I miss those babies and would love to help that way.

So, what can I do, but pray? Every time I see the moon, I pray for Kaleb, Ainsley and Chuck. I know that somewhere out there they lie under that same moon... and I don't know but that makes it seem like we're a little closer...

Streak'n!

I was picking up laundry in the bathroom and came across some undies...and ew-- streaks! "Diego!" I yelled. He came to the bathroom and just looked. I have been telling him that he wipes until there is nothing on the paper... Well, I asked, "What is this, boy?" He shrugs and gives the cutest, funniest face ever; it makes ya just giggle! "Who did this?" I say knowing full well who did it. "Ellie did!" he replies quickly. "Ellie?" I had no come back for that. Ellie is our great dane. Poor Ellie gets the blame for a lot lately! And where Diego came up with that one I don't know... Gotta love him! He is such a Mami's boy... (and I love that!)

I want a sister!

Tatiana has been asking for a sister for the past few weeks. In her whiny voice, with a puppy dog face, it's so darn cute! She has approached Ben and I on separate occasions. She even said we could put another bed in her room!

So, this past Sunday, we were at church and there was a prayer line at the altar. The Worship Team was ministering; I was singing, then I felt a tug... Tatiana was grabbing my sleeve. "Mami, I want a sister..." Ben was up front praying with others. I told Tatiana that if she wanted she could go up and ask Papi to pray with her about her sister and for her sister. She believes her sister is waiting for her in Colombia! Well, you know this was a Kodak! And of course, I had my camera! Ben and I have been really moved by her persistence and prayer.

Plug-Ins

Tatiana: Mami, what are these?

Mami: Those are... those are kind of like the things we use in the bath tub! You know, to hold the water in... the thing we plug in the tub... Yeah, these are plug-ins!

Tatiana: (curious look... I can only imagine what she was thinking...certainly not the same shape, wrapped in paper?)

Mami: (thinking: How much more does she need to know? I don't want to confuse the girl!) Big girls use them. I will tell you how they work when you get bigger...

Tatiana: Oh! Mami is big girl.

Mami: (Whew!) Yes, Tatiana, Mami is a big girl, and one day you will be too! But right now, you just need to focus on being a little girl and having fun! Yeah?

Tatiana: Mami, headband?


Keeping things simple... Yes, I think that is what I will focus on this morning! Have a great day!

Favorite Pics of the Day!

Ok, so they may not be the best pictures... Diego is squinting as the rays of the sun shine down on his face, and Andrew, well, I may have used a little too much contrast? Oh well, it has a neat kindof look! I think I've almost talked Ben into letting me get the Photoshop/Elements photo editing program! Fingers crossed! My blog is turning into more of a picture book now, but as a bloggstalker myself, we all love pictures, right? So, maybe not the best quality photos here, but the subjects sure are cute!

mi bebes!

glad to be home!

Diego greeted me with mucho besitos!

I love this picture! He always has something in his hands!

I especially love goofy pictures!

My boys! Lots of fun, and lots of hard work!

My first trip away...without my children.

I am a home-body. I would be content to work and stay at home, unless of course we are doing some kind of weekend adventure with the kids. I love my family. We don't really do a lot with our extended family, but much of our time is concentrated on us. Even more so, when our time is limited due to the frustrations of work and church obligations. So, now...I'm spending my first 3.5 days without the kids! I can tell you I already hate it!

When I called and spoke with them tonight, they each prayed for me over the phone that I am safe and "bless Mami trip". How precious! I love my babies! I don't like not being able to hug and kiss them goodnight!

Ben says he can handle it...I sure hope he wakes Diego to go chi-chi before he turns in. (Sometimes, that helps to prevent accidents!)

The trip, thus far, not bad. The people are really nice. The hotel is nice. It is "The Jefferson". The rooms aren't all that, but the downstairs is beautiful! And one plus, I get to mark Virginia off my list! Now, I was wondering earlier...could I find a Christian here and tell them my story and get them to pray for Sherri and her family so we can mark that state off? Hmm....

I brought tracts with me. I will begin to leave them in various places in the hotel tomorrow. There are about 250 Diamond Employees coming to this conference. There is a formal/semi-formal dinner tomorrow night. Then workshops on Mon and Tues. We will leave for the airport around Tues at noon or so.

So, pray for me and Ben, and the kids! Thanks!

A PROUD Mami Moment!

This Thursday, we went to dinner and Tatiana had to go to the bathroom. She got there before I did. When I opened the door, I found her sitting on the potty with toilet paper on top of the seat, JUST LIKE I'VE TRAINED HER...TO NEVER, EVER SIT ON THE POTTY (unless it's ours of course!)!!

I was so proud. Ya know, you wonder, if they will remember to do it on their own...ah! I thought that was awesome! I was proud!

Proverbs 4:20-22 "Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning."

G-Mami y G-Papi y G-Bubbie Alex

I love goofy pictures! We met up with G-Mami and G-Papi and their son Alex tonight for dinner. It was nice to catch up with them. They have been busy recording an album in Nashville with Orphan Soul. The kids had a blast with Alex!

It's Your Birthday! It's Your Birthday!

My beautiful son... How I love you... I am so blessed to be called your Mami! Today, you turned four! You are growing quickly, and learning so much! I am impressed how fast you pick up on things around you. You are special and I love you mucho!

Your father and I want everything good for you. This day we pray that you grow into the strong man of God that perserveres to follow the will of God throughout your life. You have brought us so many special moments of joy. There is none like you. You are a one of a kind! Benjamin Diego, you are ours and we love you! Happy Birthday, mijo!

Our First Soccer Games!

I love it! I had so much fun watching Tatiana's game today! The kids are so hilarious! What did someone blow a whistle? They didn't care after they figured out how to kick the ball and which goal they were aiming for! They were so cute! The only bummer was that I wasn't able to see Andrew make his first goal! Their games were scheduled the same time and they were in the same vicinity but probably a football field away from each other! Ben said he did good and ran very fast! They love it! We are trying to figure out how can we keep them in it and get Diego involved next year! Wow! That might get a little complicated!

Here are a few fun pics from the games:


Ben was in charge of taking pics of Andrew's team. We will think of a different plan if they have their games at the same time again.

Andrew is there in the middle! Guess what? He's not the smallest one on the team! There was a mishap with a team member's birthday, and their is actually a 4-year-old on his team! Ben said she picked up the ball and ran to the goal and kicked it in! Then gave her Dad a "thumbs up!" This particular player is also a child adopted from Guatemala, and I had a part in praying her home! Neat! She is a cutie!

Tatiana started the game off! She was the first one to kick off! In the beginning, she was supposed to shake hands of the little boys; it was funny! The coaches and referee had to put her hand in theirs! Look at her with her hands on her hips! Like, "Let's get this thing started!" ...and as if she knows what she's doing!

Can you find Tatiana? This is her coach and the referee with her team. Aren't they all little cuties?

Diego sat with me and watched Tatiana's game! It was difficult for him to sit still. Next time, I will bring his color book, maybe. Brought bubbles today, but those ended up all over his shirt.

The next game is October 18th!

Ignorance...

I love talking about how our family was created through adoption, because I believe it gives me an opportunity to share about my faith and how I was adopted into the family of God. I have not been bothered by a lot of the questions like:

"Where are they from?"
"How much did they cost?"
"Do you have kids of your own?"
"You guys couldn't have your own?"
"Are they siblings?"
"Why would you adopt from there, when we have children here in our own country in the foster care system?"

Those comments didn't or don't really bother me, as I deduct that the people that ask these questions are curious about adoption or just plain ignorant.

The comments that do cut to the core of my inner self are comments like...

"You aren't really trying to have a baby are you?"
"You know, most people get pregnant right away after they adopt!"
"Did they have the same parents?"
or the most recent ignorant, rude, and disrespectful statement I have received was:
"...you need one of these (newborn baby) and then you'll know what it's like to be a real parent."

That last comment took me totally by surprise. What? For one, I don't believe I have to birth a baby to know what it is like to parent a child, or be a parent! Changing diapers, doesn't take great skill. Great skill is exhibiting godly character and living that out through the ups and downs of the chaos of life...and doing it in such a way that the children around you, model that. Before I "had children of my own", I believe I parented and mothered ALOT of other people's children within the school system and church...

It is amazing to me how insensitive some people can be! I try to remind myself of their ignorance...but should we always make room for the ignorant? Or should we verbally acknowledge their ignorance, and ask them to consider our feelings, and our children's and just try to be more sensitive! What are your thoughts? For those who have and have not adopted, please comment.

1/2 inch shorter

Diego is almost four years old! His birthday will be October 9th! We are excited! I love my little baby. I measured him on the growth chart I use for the boys...and he is 1/2 inch shorter than Andrew was when we brought them home from Colombia in June 07. Diego's grown about 3-3.5 inches since he's been home! It's amazing how fast they grow!

This video was recorded a few months ago.

I must brag on Diego for a bit. He can spell and write his name, identify his colors and numbers, and is learning how to sound out 3-letter words! Way to go Diego! And thanks, Mother! My mother is a great teacher! We have been so blessed to have her here with us this past year and the children absolutely love their Beamie!