GRATITUDE

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching and a few families anticipating travel, I couldn't help but want to take a minute to journal. I love this time of year...November becoming even sweeter as an adoptive mom, as it is the month our nation celebrates adoption! What a gift it has been to our family, and I know everyone of you who follows along on this blog. I hope you have taken time to celebrate your little miracles in a special way this month!

John and I started a new tradition with our kids. It's called "Leaves of Gratitude." Tonight we each created some wonderful little leaves, and on each leaf we put something we are thankful for...Isabel loved coming up with her own design, cutting it out, and thinking of that special someone or thing to put on her leaf. We had everything from Grandparents, to their Maestras, to cousins, etc...Then the tender moment came when Isabel sat for a minute, wanting to make a special design...having a huge smile on her face, she yelled out her birthmother's name! That's right, Isabel, we are so grateful for both you and Silas' birthmother! A day does not go by that I do not thank God for them! The kids were proud of their first little garland of leaves, we decided to hang it on the mantel, and each night up to Thanksgiving Day, take 2 of our leaves and spend time in prayer of thanksgiving to God for that person or thing in our lives. Tonight Isabel chose her very special leaf, her birthmother. What a sweet moment to share as a family in prayer of thanksgiving for the one who has given us her most precious treasure!

I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year...and I ask you to remember the families who are anticipating travel. Please check out the Olson's blog "Colombian Brewed" as they will be united with their children, and become a family quickly of 7. It is inspiring! Also, keep Pete and Gayle in your prayers as this has been a long wait to meet their new daughter, Ella. They hope to travel in the new year. There are so many families anticipating a referral....many keep asking, "Kristi, have you heard anything?" We have been told to be patient. Trust me, I know families will want to share their caringbridge sites or blogs as the referrals come in. I will post them as soon as families pass them along. In the meantime, enjoy each day with your little ones, it goes by so quickly!

Dios te bendiga!

Kristi

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever!!!" I Chronicles 16:34

(And as Bel and Silas love to say, "God is good, ALL the time, ALL the time, God is good!")