Day 5 of Thankfulness

Yesterday, I learned that I have two sons, both born with Down syndrome AND BOTH born with WHOLE HEARTS!!! I am so happy.

I've never lied, I don't think I am cut out to be a heart mom. I was/am terrified of it. I am in awe of the wee little heroes and their mommies that have walked that mile and come out the other side AMAZINGLY stronger. My dearest online sisters knew my fear for Jadon's heart, especially with his size being so very small.

Here are the facts on heart defects and Down syndrome. "Abnormalities of the cardiovascular system are common in Down syndrome. Approximately half of all infants born with Down syndrome have a heart defect. Many of these defects have serious implications and it is important to understand them and how they may affect the child so that appropriate medical may be provided" (NDSS website).


I know how blessed we are to have not been in the half of children born with defects, but, I also want to acknowledge our blessing does NOT mean those children/families battling defects aren't blessed. They are, there are lessons to be learned through those challenges, lessons God did not have in store for me apparently.
I am ok with that, I am more than grateful for that. I give praise to HIM for that. I don't mind learnin' but I am grateful that is something I may never know about.

My sister, Cathy, is a heart mom---Lily is a warrior. My sister, Penny, is a heart mom---Wyatt is a warrior. My sister, Deanna, is a heart mom---Ragen is a warrior.  My sister, Anna, is a heart mom---Ellie is a warrior. My sister, Julie, is a heart mom---Kai is a warrior and she will be doing it AGAIN when Peter comes home. I am in awe of her!!!

I have many more "sisters" who are heart moms....I bow to you, you have my utmost love and respect! But today, I am thankful I am not a heart mom.






"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

Day 4 of Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for a warm home and food in our bellies. Heat to keep us warm and water that is safe to drink.

Love,



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

3 days of Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for MY family; the one God's blessed me with.

My husband---he's a rockstar!

Jared, my first born

Joseph, the first twin and Shawn's firstborn son :)

Jackson, our second twin & he's a rockstar like his Daddy! 

Jadon, our Ukrainian Prince--the one that showed us, truly, 

God's got the Whole World in His Hand

Ya, we've got it good. God is good, y'all...all the time!

Love,


 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)

two days of thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for a swift and pleasant judicial process to formally recognize our Ukrainian adoption of Jadon :) We just finished court, picked up the boys and now we are off to Hacienda for a mini celebration!

God is good y'all!


"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)