Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

I have to say I'm kind of excited I had more than one comment on my last post! Now, if it would only motivate me to actually blog....that would be great. I'm thinking my last paragraph might have been a little over dramatic, but I have been known to do that. Be dramatic, that is.

It is true that our family has gone through some changes in the last month or so. First, we added Max to the mix...who still happens to think it's perfectly fine to pee and poop in my house. People thought I was crazy when I added another dog to my already chaotic family and schedule. But, I guess I didn't think I had enough on my plate to deal with. My life, without my knowing it, was missing something. I'm not quite sure how everything happened and I still don't know a lot, other than the fact that our family was in a position to open our hearts and home. With that, I'd like all of you to meet Nancy (left) and Donna......

We have grown to a family of six in a very small amount of time. Donna and Nancy are beautiful, kind-hearted, positive, amazing young women. As I explained to Sophie and Noah, sadly their Mom was taken from them a long time ago but is now in heaven and their father was never able to care for them after their mother's death, so sometimes it's important for others to reach out. They have been through more in their short life than most of us will even witness in a lifetime. After a turbulent and difficult upbringing, they were recently in dire straits and needed a home. After some serious soul searching and discussions with Tim, we took a deep breath and allowed ourselves to say "yes". We knew it would be a huge sacrifice; we knew it would challenge our marriage; we knew it would bring up a lot of questions and discussions with Sophie and Noah; we knew how hard it would be; we knew there will be times when we fail. But, at the end of the day, Tim and I were confident in one thing......we knew we could provide a home that would help make them feel nurtured, loved, and wanted.

It's difficult to explain how we came to this decision now. After a lot of praying and talks with Him, it became clear that these girls were meant to find us. Sure, there have been some speed bumps and we are still working out kinks (like what time is a reasonable curfew these days? And, all this paperwork for the courts, SERIOUSLY?), but we are figuring it out and adjusting well. Of all the things I anticipated being difficult, sadly the biggest challenge I've had I wasn't even prepared for. I wasn't prepared for all the judgment. Both our parents couldn't be more supportive of our decision; they have been absolutely wonderful. But, I have to admit I was surprised to receive such judgment from friends. You deal with the questions, as insensitive as they may be, and you answer as honestly as you can while also protecting the girls' privacy (which I will continue to do for their sake). You deal with the weird looks and the gasps and the "hmmms" when you try to explain your story. So, needless to say, it's been eye-opening. At the end of the day, Tim and I know we made the right decision and just continue to move forward doing what we feel is right. And we are oddly okay with the many people who think we're crazy. Trust me when I say we have no ill-will towards those who have questioned our decision; this isn't for everyone and it doesn't make one better than the other. It's all okay....really, it is. Somehow, I think my family will be okay too.