Motherhood: PURE JoY :) (part 2 and 3)

A different kind of Motherhood...

I have never been very open or public about this but felt I needed to record my thoughts on another type of Motherhood: Pure JOY that I have been BLESSED to experience in my life. When Brit was very young, I knew I would not be able to give birth to any more children. This was a challenge and a trial for our family. As we took steps toward adoption, I never felt quite right about that either. It was a long process and things were not moving very quickly. Then, I had this experience which brought my niece April into our lives in a way that would change our family for the GOOD :).

One Sunday afternoon about nine years ago, I was contemplating whether to take my niece, April into our home. April was living in Utah at the time and had been struggling with life since her Mothers passing away a year earlier. It was a difficult decision for me because I knew she was struggling with many challenges at the time and it would require much of my time, effort, and support. I was also involved in the process of adopting another child and felt I had to make a choice as to where to put my focus. As I was contemplating my decision, I felt the presence of her Mother and this song came to my mind very clearly…

Because I Have Been Given Much

Because I have been given much,

I too must give;

Because of thy great bounty,

Lord each day I live

I shall divide my gifts from thee

with every brother that I see

Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered,

fed by thy good care,

I cannot see another’s lack

and I not share

My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,

my roof’s safe shelter overhead,

That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed

by the great love, dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again

according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need;

I’ll show that love by word and deed:

Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

The words hit me like never before and I knew without a doubt that she was meant to be in our home. Through sacrifice, challenges and many many great times, I am forever grateful for this experience. I have been so blessed in my life and I have been given so much. I now realize more than ever that April has also been a great blessing in my life. She has become such a big part of our family and we have been able to share so much together. I’m grateful that her mother allowed me to be here for her at times when she can’t. I really am her biggest fan!! (along with James of course hahah) April has become someone who I truly admire and respect for her strength and abilities. She has overcome many challenges and obstacles and amazes me daily with her wisdom and goodness. We have been able to learn and grow from each other so much in the last 9 years.

April became the sister that Britney thought she would never get and they have such a special relationship. A very strong and true sister bond. They tell everyone that they are sisters… and they are! April at 6’3” with dark brown/black hair, and 5’4” blond Britney. Hahahah I love seeing them together and the bond they share!

As I worried about bringing her into our home I had similar thoughts at having her leave and get a place of her own five years later… Will it be over?... (NO!) Will I ever see her much? (YES!)... I since have realized that she is truly a part of our family forever!!! After all I have ditched my friends to go to lunch with her (hee hee, that is BIG). We enjoy Sunday meals together as well as holidays, vacations and other fun adventures.

We immediately fell inlove with James when he and April dated and saw them through their wedding, and a move to Utah. The distance didn’t keep us from still enjoying holidays and

vacations together and exchanging regular phone calls and texts.

The GOOD NEWS is that they are moving to Arizona, to the 85203 this week!! YaY!!

In November our family spent Thanksgiving in Utah and I was able to stay a couple of weeks and help her bring her twin boys into the world. Oh what a JOY they are. (That again, is another blog… with a very FUN twist!!) She is the most incredible Mother! Twins are NOT easy and she now makes it look that way!

Roman & Rocco

Such Cuteness!

Aren't they so so "dissshhhable"

I LOVE YOU APRIL!

Happy Mothers Day :)

OK! Quick story to show how connected we are :)...

April usually sends me lots of pics and videos of the boys.

Well, it had been awhile since I had received one and I was laying on

my bed thinking about them at the moment and missed them.

So... I text April this message

"Will you send me a picture of the boys?

I need to dissshhhh them" (K-Thx-Bye!!)

THEN! Just as I was hitting send

I had just received a picture text.

What was it?!

A PICTURE OF ROCCO & ROMAN saying

"LOOK WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW" !

OMG! How cool is that?

Then we were like Whoa! Freaky!

And we ended up on the

phone for a few minutes!

I needed that experience this week :)

Motherhood: Pure JOY (part 3)

I have to mention my son in laws… Jesse and James!

I have grown to love them both as my own and am so glad that Britney and April have these wonderful spouses! These two are characters and boy can we have FuNnnnn!

We talk. We l a u g h. We play.

Looking forward to sharing much more of life together!!

Our HaPpY Family!

Oh Happy Mothers Day!!