Don't Give Up!

This was something our Albina (Alli) said to us many times. She wrote in in art form and sent it to us when she had to be away. She wrote it in chalk when she was home and she expressed it in voice when she was distraught. After us being her 4th set of parents, she needed to know that our love was unconditional and that we would not give up on her. It was HARD, but looking back on all that has occurred, oh so wonderful. The Lord brought her to us. He had work to do in her life and in ours!

She and I were talking earlier today about that time. She said, "I was such a bad kid".... I said, No. You were a HURT kid.
And today, she is a lovely daughter and friend. Honestly, 10 years ago I was afraid for her future, but today, I'm so proud of her. She is truly a success story! She of course is more than that! I'm just so thrilled to see her flourish in her life.
I was there was her son was born 7 years ago. I remember her saying, "Mom will you come? Your're the only mama I have!" and it touched my heart so deeply. I cannot wait for her new sweetie to be born and be brought into our lives. What an amazing story. What an amazing God we serve! No Sweetie! We didn't give up and neither did you!

Our Darling Albina

I have written a lot on this blog, since 2011 when our Albina came to us. We have never worked so hard with a child as we did with Albina. I am so thankful to her for causing us to be on our knees calling out to the Lord for every decision. This is how it should be for all of our children.... she reminded us. :) A long time ago she sent us a drawing and it said "Don't Give Up"! She was very worried that we would give up on her. NO way! :) x

A long time ago I wrote a post about talking to her about not living her life in the rear view mirror. She was looking back at all her losses and all the terrible things that had made up her life the first 11 years. She was missing out of all the blessing she had ahead of her. Today, she has learned to see the many blessings in her life. She calls us several times a week just to say hi. She volunteers for field trips for Sebastian, works hard, loves fiercely and even rides dirt bikes and goes to the car races. She has learned that life is what you make it. There is nothing you can do about the past but there is EVERYTHING you can do about the present and the future.
She is a wonderful mama and is about to have another baby in just a few weeks. :) What a blessing she is. Thank you Albina for teaching us to always look to the Lord and depend upon Him. We are proud of you. https://minichfamilyblog.blogspot.com/search?q=looking+in+the+rear+view+mirror

WHAT A WEEK!

We began our week with a wedding for James and Sarah. She is now Sarah Norby. :) Then came a huge ice storm and TWO birthdays! After that, Albina got engaged. It has been a very blessed week! I can't show any wedding pictures until the bride and groom return from their honeymoon, but I can show a very joyful Albina who is now engaged to her sweet Keith. :) We have another wedding coming up soon for Miss Erika also! I'm just amazed at God's goodness and blessing in our lives. :) A few photos from this week.

Learning Eyes and Nose

Sebastian is doing so well. He is such a content and happy little guy. Albina is a good mama and is teaching him all kinds of words. He can talk quite well! He is also understanding "Your nose" and "Mama's nose" I love it when she sends little clips like this to me! :)

Albina

Our little Albina has grown up! She came home at 11 and it has been almost 10 years! She just had a birthday and sent me some photos of herself. :) We are so proud of her! I started writing about her coming home to us in March of 2011. What a journey it has been! We have all learned so very much! Albina is a very talented artist and it comes out in all kinds of ways. Right now she is really getting into aquariums. She has a talent to make them look just beautiful!

Albina is a wonderful mama to her little boy who is going to be 2 years old pretty soon! He is talking up a storm and is the sweetest little guy. He loves cars like his daddy and his dog. And of course, he ADORES his mommy!

I am so excited to see where the Lord brings Albina in the next decade! A LOT happened in 10 years for all of us and what a time it has been! We were taken to places we never expected and the Lord was there with all of us! Ten years ago at this time we had no idea that in less than a month we would be adding another little one to our family. I'm so glad we answered the call. God does not call us to the easy, He calls us to be faithful. What a WISE and LOVING heavenly father we have!

Guess Who Turned 20!

Albina did!  20 on 02-02-2020!  What a special birthday!  She spent it Dirt Biking! :)

Albina and Sebastian.

Its World Kindness Day

 This is the 65th Anniversary for World Kindness Day.  I am thankful for those in my life who have been so kind to me.  Today, is a day to recognize kindness and to be kind to one another.  Of course we should ALWAYS be kind, but I'm thankful for a day to recognize it.

 My son, who is a philosophy professor is wearing a "Mr. Rogers" cardigan to teach today.  I'm proud of him for standing out and saying, "Be kind"....

He grew up watching Mr. Rogers.  He wanted to imitate him, and would try to catch his shoes like Mr. Rogers did. He'd zip up his zipper sleeper all the way up, then back 1/2 down to wear it like Mr. Rogers.  We didn't DARE try to zip it all the way back up... "NO! Mr. Rogers doesn't wear it that way!" 

When I think of the word kindness, I also picture tenderness, gentleness, patience, and a gentle smile.
Children NEED us to simply be KIND.  They need us to be tender, gentle and patient.  And they need us to smile at them affectionately, so they know we love them.

I'm thankful for all of the lovely, kind people that speak into my life.