Monday, April 23, 2012

Finish Line

I know I haven't posted since the boys were born. So sorry, but I've been busy.

At about 5:00 today a journey hat started 996 days ago came to an end. My family is complete and everyone is home. As I sit here on my couch with all three of my children sitting (or sleeping) a few feet from me I have to pinch myself; it all feels so surreal. During the short drive home my mind was going a mile a minute, reliving all the events from the past several years. I just can't believe that something I have been dreaming about for the past 2 years and 8 months has finally happened. I can't believe it is all over and now a new journey, our adventures as a family of 5, begins. And of course, this new journey was kicked off with a song. Just like this song was played for me by my dad, and I played it for the Nacho when we brought her home, and I played when I knew my nephews were on their way home, I played it for Mork and Weiner (the Nacho's names for them) as we drove home.

Instead of rewriting the story behind the song, I am just going to copy and paste from Reid's blog.

"June 2002
After I am discharged from the Navy (honorably, thank.you.very.much!) instead of getting on an airplane and going home to boring way, my parents and sister decide to drive out to Washington D.C. to pick me up, and we make a vacation out of it. We spent a few days touring D.C., then spent another few camping and white water rafting a few different rivers. After our last river, once camp was packed up for the last time my dad turned to me and asked if we were on our way home, and after I told him yes, he had to ask one more time, Are we officially heading home, no more stops?” Then he said, “Then this is for you.” And he turned on the radio and played Don Henley’s Taking You Home, which of course made me cry.

August 5, 2009
It’s the day we are coming home from the hospital with Mackinley. It had been a long, emotional week, and I was so thankful to be going home at all. I had downloaded a special song to play for Mackinley on the way home but realized I had sent my ipod home with Dave during an earlier trip. So I had to quickly find and download it on my iphone as we were pulling away from the hospital (thank goodness for technology!) so I could play Don Henley’s Taking You Home for Mackinley, and of course I cried.

September 22, 2010
It has been a very exhausting 10 days. People always take for granted that you go to a hospital, have a baby, and bring that baby home. Unfortunately for my family we have realized that it doesn’t always work that way. Thankfully we have a little miracle on our hands! I feel blessed that I have been able to witness that miracle. I am so grateful to have Reid as part of my life. I think he is going to do amazing things with his life and I am glad I will be able to see them.
Reid, I want you to know that your Aunt Janelle loves you very much! Thank you for being such a fighter. Thank you for giving us the chance to get to know you. Thank you for reminding us about what is important in our lives. Thank you for reminding us to cherish every millisecond with our family. And although I was not there are you were coming home today, I was thinking about you often. I know you have made this one of the happiest days of your mommy and daddy’s life. So Reid, I dedicate this song to you. And yes, it will make me cry."

And now I have to add today to that timeline.

April 23, 2012

Today is a day I have been dreaming of for over 2 years. Its the day the answers to my prayers are coming home. These are babies I never thought I would have. But thanks to the amazing gift of an amazing woman these 2 sweet babies are mine. After making a slightly early entrance into the world and spending 17 days in the hospital today my miracle boys are coming home. So of course I played Don Henley's Taking You Home, and of course I cried like a baby.

I had a good life
before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name

Still there was sorrow and emptiness
till you made me glad
oh and this love
i found strength
never knew i had

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand
I’m taking you home
Taking you home

There were days, lonely days
When the world
Wouldn’t throw me a crumb
But I kept on believing
That this day would come

And this love
Is like nothing like i have ever known baby
Take my hand
I’m taking you home
I’m taking you home
Where we can be with the ones who really care
Home
Where we can throw together
Keep you in my heart forever

Oh and this love
Is like nothing i have ever known
Take my hand
Taking you home
Taking you home

Yes I am


Monday, April 2, 2012

Ever since the Nacho started watching some Bible story videos she has been asking for her own cross. She says she wants one so she can be like mommy and Jesus. And how can I deny her a cross so she can be like Jesus?!?!? So I went to Mardel today (and never even stepped foot in the teacher section. WHAT?!?!?) to find a cross to put in the Nacho's Easter basket. I find a very sweet, simple child's necklace that was perfect (meaning not too expensive so when my 2 year old breaks it I won't freak out.) and decide I would like to get her a cross to hang on the wall as well. I am wandering around the store trying to find one that I like and realize that everywhere I turn I am seeing quotes and sayings and verses surrounding me. All the things that were told to me by people trying to help me stay positive these last 2 and a half years. All the saying I said to myself over and over and over these last 2 years. All of the saying that I read and just feel the truth in the words deep down in my soul. All the words that were my saving grace since this journey began. (These are just the ones I remember seeing while I was there today.) I just got so overwhelmed with emotion as I was standing there, literally just turning in circles trying to take it all in, truly believing.

"Prayer Changes Things"

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation" Psalm 62:5-1

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" Psalm 62:8

"May your unfailing love be my comfort" Psalm 119:76

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Jeremiah 29:11

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

"Believe"

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

And of course my favorite
"Amazing Love"