My God is so Big . . .

Tonight I read a story that literally broke my heart.  As I sat in front of my computer screen, I was overwhelmed with tears and with great thankfulness to the LORD.  As many of you know, our littlest Lankford was adopted in October.  He came to us from an Albanian family who did not have a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome.  When little K was born, he was a shock to their system.  You see, they come from a country that thinks that children with DS are unsuitable for families, "unadaptable".  I don't fault little K's birthparents.  I grieve for them.  I grieve that they didn't see the blessing of our baby.  I grieve that they grieve.  I grieve that their culture and many others like it feel that babies with an extra chromosome are disposable, less than human, undeserving of dignity and love. I am also praising God.  I praise him that we have been blessed with the most adorable little baby, who smiles and laughs and melts into my shoulder.  I praise God that He chose us to be K's parents.  I praise God that we live in a country that doesn't farm our disabled children into institutions where they are condemned to a crib with no toys, no blankets, no love.

Please join with me in praying for the Davis family.  They are seeking the adoption of a little boy named Kirill.  They went to the country twice and upon their second visit, attended a court hearing where the judge deliberated and decided that Kirill was not fit for adoption.  What a dire situation.

I've been teaching G this week about Jericho and how God tore the walls down with some marching and shouts from His people.  Will you join me in praying to tear down the walls of opposition to this adoption before our Heavenly Father.  It seems to be an impossible situation, but I know that my God is so Big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!


Read more about the story at No Greater Joy Mom.

Sure!

I have a little boy whose favorite mode of locomotion is a sprint.  He may have a future in track and field.  He's like a little tornado with boundless energy.  He's precocious and curious with a large measure of sweetness.  He is such a little blessing to me.  People always ask how Grae is with our little Knox.  He's so tender and dear.  Apart from his desire to pick his brother up by himself or squeeze him in a big brotherly hug, his interactions with Knox are a tender, genuine demonstration of his precious love for his mini brother.  More than that, he shows me how much he loves me by his service.

Where has he learned such selfless behavior?  Not from his mother, I'm afraid.  He has seen this selfless willingness to be at my beckon call from his dear daddy.  When I ask Grae to get me a clean diaper or wipes, throw away a soiled one, to put a bottle in the fridge, to replace an errant paci in the car, his prompt reply is, "Sure!"  often followed by an, "I love you so much, Mommy!"  What a precious response and one that speaks volumes to my own sometimes grumbling and complaining spirit.  Out of the mouths of babes . . .

The most delicious fish sandwich that has ever crossed these lips. . . .

Blackened Tilapia Sandwich with Cilantro Mayo *

So the cupboard was pretty bare today, but I remembered a delicious recipe that I'd seen Paula Deen make yesterday (I watch while I'm feeding the little guy).  I stole the picture from the food network because Shane and I devoured ours before I could take a picture.  This is definitely going in the keep pile.  Yumsers!

*Photo credit Food Network

Adoption is . . .

. . . knee callousing, pride humbling, paper pushing, adventure.

. . . a glimpse into the beauty of my own salvation.

. . . a chance to share and educate.

. . . a way to build a family.

. . . a love that is as strong as biology.

. . . caring for the most vulnerable.

. . . a front row ticket to God's plan unfolding.

. . . the blessing of my husband.

. . . the boys that own large pieces of my heart.

Love is in the air. . .

I am absolutely smitten.  I have a little 10 lb package of cuteness who continues to amaze me everyday.  He's so precious.  We had a date at the ER for croup and this little man was wooing the nurses and snuggling with me.  He's been so happy and smiley and has even started to giggle despite his hoarse voice and barky cough.  Right now he's chatting with Tigger in his Pack-n-Play.  I can't imagine life before little Knox joined our little fam. 

Mom Tip: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . . .

Every masterpiece he creates is precious; the scribble crayon landscapes and paint flecked scraps of paper.  So what do you do with all of the masterpieces that begin to pile up in your home?  I have a solution that may help.  I have a 12x12 scrapbooking storage box that I put G's most treasured or memorable creations.  What about the others?  (Remember, those precious pieces of artwork aren't memories, the time that you spent with them is)

When we are ready to make room for some new projects, I have found that sending them to a loved one is a great solution.  Those out of town grandparents or aunts and uncles love to see a little craftiness from my LO and it also serves as a great way to keep in touch.

Next time you find your refrigerator door is getting overcrowded, pull one of your little Picasso's lovely projects down and send it to someone you love.  They will love it too!

Low Country Stew

I like to cook, but I love it when I find a simple delicious meal that is economical and very easy.  Here is my latest discovery.  I found the recipe on E-mealz.  This site is a wonderful time-saving resource and very economical.  I used another site for 5 years that had menus and shopping lists, but the recipes on E-mealz have been delicious.  There are very few we have not liked.  Here it is:

Low Country Stew

8 small new red potatoes
1 large sweet onion, quartered
1 lb smoked Kielbasa (I used turkey)
2Tbs Old Bay Seasoning (a Maryland staple)
4-5 cups water
4-6 ears of corn on the cob halved (I didn't have so I subbed 3 cups of frozen beans)
1 lb large shrimp (frozen or fresh, shells on)

Put potatoes, onion, veg, and sausage in large pot with the water.  Stir in Old Bay. Bring to boil.  Reduce to medium for 10 min. Add shrimp.  Simmer 5-7 minutes until shrimp is done.  Drain in collander and serve with hot rolls and butter.