Grateful

Tonight in my home there are dishes that need to be washed, a floor that is in dire need of vacuuming, and as always, laundry that needs to be done.

There are also:

Four people who have full stomachs following a fabulous family dinner, which is what caused the dirty dishes.

A little boy who is sleeping soundly after a full day of making messes and causing said floor to need vacuuming.

And a little girl who is also fast asleep, worn out from all of the wardrobe changes that every princess requires. 

(Notice Bunny Bear is in every one of those pictures. Oh how different our lives would be without that little guy!)

Tonight, even especially amidst the messes and the chores that need to be done, I am so grateful for my life. So grateful that I am the one left with the task to clean up after these little miracles, to make sure they eat healthy meals each day, and to provide clothes for them to wear and a safe place for them to sleep. Humbled at the thought of the life they and I would be leading if not for the miracles of adoption and even more in awe of the sacrifices which two outstanding young women made to allow all of these possibilities to become reality.

Each time I get discouraged or overwhelmed with all of the "work" I have to do I try and remember that there are two young women out there who would do anything to be able to switch places with me and do this "work" for these little miracles. Luckily, today is one of those days where I don't have to remind myself. I'm already aware of how blessed I am and it's a great feeling.

So no matter how high the pile of dishes might get or how many crumbs may be ground in the carpet, or even how full the hampers may be, the four of us are bound together for Eternity, and at the end of the day 

that is all that matters.

May

In a continued effort to keep my blog up to date, here is a re-cap of our adventures during the month of May.

We didn't think it was possible, but Boston got even cuter (a trick that seems to re-appear each day!).

 Kiara made great progress in her "nervousness" about animals and fed this baby goat with no hesitation.

She even rode and pet a horse. He was nice enough but kept moving up and down! 

Boston and Mom hung out

And finally, we ended the month with a trip to Utah to have Boston sealed to us, but I'll save that story for its own post. Of course while we were there we fit in a lot of cousin time. Ben was even able to run in the "Fun Run" with my nephews. 

 Boston and Taft were able to catch up and talk about old times.

 And they were not happy when I interrupted them.

Later, we found out what happens when one crazy lady tries to take a picture of 5 kids under the age of 3.

And yes, Kiara is wearing a wedding dress. Don't ask.