Thoughts

Tonight is the monthly First Friday gathering and I am not there. Michael has started his new job and was scheduled tonight and I had family in town. My parents, my sister and her 3 kids have been here since Tuesday and its been nice. The plan was to have mom or Kelly go with me but we went to Newnan Ga to eat with more family.

Anyway, the point of this post. I have spent the majority of the last few days with Janie, Seth and Owen who are 6,4, and 2. Oh I had fun, but 3 kids is a lot of work.

Do you remember the book a few years ago that said something about It Takes a Village to Raise a Child? I think I might go find it and read it.

What I learned this week was that every moment I spend with a child has a chance of impacting their life. There is a chance that a conversation that I have with them may be remembered for years to come. I saw a glimpse of parenting this week. I spent time with my nieces and nephews immediately after birth and have watched them grow up. There is so much more than playtime and snuggles (which would be a cool name for a blog, BTW). Seth and Janie remember conversations from months ago. They remember things we laughed at together and things that made us sad. As a parent, you are responsible for everything about this child whether its the physical, emotional, spiritual or social development. It was just a wow moment. These children are awesome and I have learned a lot from them and their mom. I also learned a very unusual arrangement of Away in a Manger but we will discuss this later.

Perhaps I think of the memories I had of childhood and how they came to be. Certain memories were not planned events but I remember smells, tastes, the weather.
I remember staying at hotels and seeing horses across the street. I remember so many little things that are so important because they are mine. I can almost remember every Christmas. Oh how I love that holiday. Be warned, I really love the season. Its the moments that are natural that create the greatest memories. Enjoy every snuggle. Embrace those happy times, the rocking, the hugs, the vacations, the first day of schools, family date nights. Treasure every experience. I wish I lived closer to my nieces and nephews as I would love to a part of these moments and in a small way, I know I am.

As Michael and I embark on this wonderful experience, we have made so many friends. It has just been incredible. I can't wait to see Michael with her. I just can not fathom how much responsibility this is going to be. Mind you, I am ready for it. Our world will change completely the day we get that referral but gosh how exciting is this. I can not wait to shower her with love and memories.
Next time Janie asks me what we are going to do, I will simply say, "We are going to make a memory".!!!

Every person that comes in contact with LynnMarie has the ability to influence some part of her life.

Is this a crazy post? Am I confusing you? I am just writing my thoughts down here. God gives you a child and what a HUGE responsibility it is. When I think of the sacrifice God made for me, I am truly speechless. I love this adventure I am on and what it is doing to my mind and heart! LynnMarie will be the greatest gift besides the gift of eternal life and we will do our best to raise her and love her unconditionally.

LynnMarie will be loved and prayed for by many friends and family, including my blogging friends.