What is grace?

A timeout for an exhausted mom.

A 12 year old girl who steps up in every way.

A boy who cries because he misses his first family and wants so much to enjoy his second family but doesn't quite know how...yet.

A girl who clings, demands, begs for 100% attention.

A hug when a consequence is deserved.

A brother and sister that share everything from a bed to a mom to a video game to a scooter to a lap. 

A husband who gives up his spot in a bed next to a wife who is busy nurturing 4 little souls as they head to sleep.

A mum (mother-in-law) who picks up falling pieces everywhere (laundry, dishes, toys, kids, mom, dad...)

A boy who hates not being in control but loves knowing he no longer has to be.

Another boy who is no longer the baby of the family and who doesn't have the fun-loving, playful brother he dreamed of...yet. 

A dad who has wisdom beyond his years and knows how to discipline, correct and love his children well.

Friends who text, email, call, bring meals, hug, check in, and understand that little can be reciprocated...yet.

A husband who sends his wife to get a pedicure when she is overwhelmed and in desperate need of a moment alone. 

A perfect God who provides...

enough strength for today

enough joy for the sorrow

enough peace in the chaos

enough hope for the future

enough.

That is a snapshot of life in our house right now. Life is hard but very good. We play hard, cry hard, laugh hard, sleep hard, and love hard. 

I don't wonder what my purpose is in this life. Right now my purpose is so clear. 

God has shown me what grace looks like. He has given me an eternal perspective for a life that is to come. I know my boy will see his maternal grandmother and his first mom again if only in heaven. I know we will have no more tears or struggles or pain or disappointment. For today we have enough because of God's grace to us. We will continue to love each other and those around us (that's you!) as best as we can.

A few extra snippets...

-Debo loves the movie, Frozen and we have watched it at least 5 times in the last few days. (Click the link for a theatrical performance of some of her favorite Frozen songs.)

-Debo also loves our neighborhood baby, Noah. She has the nurturing instincts of her mama and big sis. (see pic below)

-Gabriel visited his second grade class twice this week. He is not too excited about it, but is warming up to the idea.

-Cael's baseball game was rained out on Monday. Hopefully he will be playing on Saturday.

-Gabriel will remain on the U8 soccer team. Good for his confidence, bad for our opponents. 

-Mom has pretty toes thanks to an emergency pedicure/emotional intervention.

-We are all gaining/returning weight due to some AMAZING meals delivered each night...huge blessing!

-We like to dance and sing and dance. (Click these two links for some laughs. Gabriel sings at the very end of the second one.)

-Liz will be the best mom in the world someday! Besides the fact, that she is constantly flipping, jumping, throwing and stunting people, she is a responsible, reliable, mature, constant in our home. 

-We are making big plans for our future around the dinner table.  (Another funny link)

Gabriel's classmates making him feel welcome at recess. 

Debo enjoying the school playground.

Debo and Mommy loving on our neighbor, Noah