the joys of adoption -- from my mom and i

I told myself at the beginning of this semester that no matter what I WAS going to get more involved at UAB. And just that has happened. I've met TONS of new friends all who I've continued my relationship with -- not just a meet then say hello when we pass each other one campus. And that makes me SO happy.

But of course, the subject of my family and adoption always comes up eventually. I'm used to it, I prepare for it actually. It's hard explaining the dynamics of my family. And sometimes, I feel like I cannot even come close to explaining what all goes on. I get wide eyes, shocked faces, and lots of questions. The more people get to know me, the more they understand and actually see how my family functions. It's one of those things where you just simply have to come see. And you're welcome too! Anyways is always welcome to come over and observe.. and maybe even babysit a kid or two, a time or two. : ) 

Anyways, one of the questions I always get is "how do you parents do it?!" 

My mom posted a blog a couple days ago explaining how she continues day to day despite her weariness. I'm so, so thankful for these things too! Living in a family like mine is hard, very hard. But in the end, it's all worth it! Getting to see my adopted sisters and brothers grow is amazing. Seeing where they were and where they are now is SO COOL. Seeing the fruits -- so thankful for it. And watching my biological sisters grow is just as exciting! My parents have been adopting since I was 2/3ish. So, this is my life! Seeing the fruits and the progress puts a huge smile on my face! 

So, here's the recent blogpost from my mom:

"I live a mixed blessing.  I thrive and regenerate when I am alone.  But my house and my life are always full of people.  The 16 who live here, plus my other kids and grandkids, friends, and sometimes people who literally wander in off the street!  Our normal is chaotic on a good day, but it is generally organized chaos in the loosest sense of the words.  When I suddenly have an extra 3-10 children here on an unplanned visit, all the cousins immediately begin to play.  My grandkids barely greet me as they run to go find their best friends.We don’t watch over them, partly for our own sanity and partly for the personal growth and development that occurs naturally when 10-15 cousins and friends can play together and work out problems without parents watching and judging every move.  Besides, if anything goes wrong we will either hear it or someone will make sure we know about it! Obviously, when you allow 15 or so kids under age 10 to play upstairs for hours without parents constantly shouting “Stop!” “No!” and “Don’t do that!” – the only words that we could possibly say if we were to witness their goings on – then something is bound to get broken or destroyed!  I generally accept that as the consequence of free play.  We don’t own much that is worth anything.  And generally, the breakage is not malicious, but the result of 8–10 high energy boys and a few girls playing creatively and physically with every object that they can get their hands on.Of course, I like it when they are playing.  Sometimes, I get a little frustrated when I have to investigate the damage, which sometimes is just every single toy we own from every single container - even those in storage -  piled onto the floor 2 feet high!But the part that makes my weary bones come to life is what happens with my older children and their spouses. Even though there are times that the last thing I want is a house full of people – family or not – I LOVE to watch my older ones interact.  I like watching them joke with each other.  I smile when I see them sharing photos or parenting advice, or when one of my college kids shares what she has learned with her siblings.  It gives me warm fuzzies when I find out that my adult children have all planned to meet at mom’s and dad’s house.  I laugh when aunts fight over who gets to hold or play with their nieces and nephews first!  It's funny to me that all the young men/husbands find themselves in the basement in front of the x-box bonding over some silly game for hours on ends. And it’s super special to me because it says that while the blood bond is strong (we have lots of sibling groups), the bond that we have chosen to make with each other is equally as strong.  So, on the days when I’m weary (which is almost daily) and I wonder if what we are doing really matters to anyone, I am allowed the privilege of seeing my answer – live and in person. 
And weary or not, I can continue for another day."

For more posts from my mom visit her blog-- Every Kid A Home

Love you mom and dad! Yall are the greatest parents anyone could ask for! 

Hope yall have a great rest of the week!