Amy, Suzanne, and I were at the airport tonight welcoming home little Emery from China to her forever family when Amy asked, " WHAT IS UP W/ NOT BLOGGING ??? HASN'T THE FOG LIFTED??!!" ... hee hee ... That gave me a giggle !!!  So I thought I would blog and tell you about my last couple of weeks ...

I have slept incredibly well each of the last 14 nights, because by the time I hit the pillow I am completely physically and mentally exhausted ... I would say there is LOTS going on, but when isn't there ... lol ...  There is a new level of THINGS with our new sweet teenager ... He has been very patient as we learn to navigate this w/ him, but it is still LOTS to do - papers to file, school to figure out, HOMEWORK, boundaries to set, love to give, shopping to do, PROM, and so much more ... I love how everyone is pitching in and we are all listening to God's voice and direction on this new journey ...

I have decided to give myself (once again) permission to enter a season of saying NO to somethings ... I have added CUDDLE nights w/ the girls, ice cream w/ the big boys (skinny cow ice cream sandwiches, because I am also on a calorie counting log ... that is a whole other blog post), and some fun games w/ Joseph during the day ... My prayers are always that I can meet the needs of my children and see their uniqueness (never box them in or assume they all need the same thing) ... Scott and I have had some great discussions over the past month about our children - their needs, their future, and what we really want them to KNOW about life, love, and KINGDOM ... I adore my sweet hubby and how we just fit ... Sometimes conversations flow and sometimes we drag them out of each other, but we NEVER stop talking, laughing, and just being friends ... We are in this parenting thing together and at the end of the day when all our sweet children are gone, we still need to like each other and have a strong relationship ... I am so thankful for our relationship ...

I am amazed at how JAM PACKED every day has been and yet I have miraculously had the energy needed to accomplish most everything ... ISN'T GOD COOL THAT WAY ... He increases my territory and gives me the tools needed for the journey ...

I am ready for the 4 day weekend ... FUN EASTER CHURCH (the church Scott is pastoring is growing and we are loving being there as a family and serving), hanging outside to play, sleeping in till at least 7:15 each morning,  maybe couple of good runs, and just BE w/ my family and friends ...

I PRAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED EASTER !!!