A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the State House

The real story is at the bottom so bear with me!

Off topic: Big Red was thirsty. I am not complaining. I am grateful that I have a big enough van to transport my family wherever we need to go. It is days like this that I realize how easily amused I am.  I stopped "topping off" and making nice round numbers years ago. It makes reconciling the credit card statement easier. If I had 12 - $50  receipts, I would have to put on my glasses and figure out the dates on each faint receipt. The thought gives me a headache. So where the pump stops, it stops. 

And today it was this:

And exactly this:

I warned you. I am a numbers gal and I get a kick out of stuff like this.

Today we were off to the State House.

November is National Adoption Month and there is usually an event planned to honor adoptive families and state workers who help children find permanency. We gathered with many other adoptive families in the Governor's Chambers for a time of thanks. The kids got goodie bags and we heard the DHHS Director and the head of DCYF speak. Unfortunately, the governor couldn't make it. I went this year because I like the idea of celebrating adoption and also that my kids get to go into the State House.

After the event which lasted all of 30 minutes, we rallied on the steps for the prerequisite "mommy's blog" picture. I love looking at the real life pics prior to "the pose."

The real deal here, if pictures could talk....

Perspective? No, that's not quite right.

Wow, they were all looking in my general direction.

Little did I know that Mr. Squirt had a halo.

After the impromptu photo session, I did what any self respecting mother of nine would do. We played frisbee in front of the state house. We got a few looks by the suits, but that's okay, because at this point in my parenthood, I am a firm believer of letting kids be kids.

Poor Kloey hung in there in spite of a fever barely touched by pain reliever. She landed in the walk-in later in the week. That is another story.

The point of this post?

Back up six hours.

I asked my kids to get dressed and let them know it would be respectful to not wear jeans to the state house. Oh, the drama. Some kids have the nerve to grow overnight and then cannot fit into one single pair of pants. Some kids won't share their clothes even if it means their sibling is left in a t-shirt, a ratty one at that. Somehow we managed to pull it together, comb hair, and get out the door. 

As the morning progressed, the "energy" level went up. And up. And up some more.

During the drive to the event, not one word was spoken. I am NOT kidding. Five of the seven kids were sleeping. I kid you NOT. That gave me some thinking time. Time for the Holy Spirit to enter in.

Although I was excited to attend this event celebrating adoption, I don't think my kids shared my enthusiasm. I wanted them to meet the governor and shake his hand. I wanted to make sure they knew that I cherish the fact that they are adopted and we have become a family by heart love.

Guess what? 

They don't:

Cherish the fact that they are adopted.

See the need to celebrate.

Like feeling different. 

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me insight and wisdom to be a better mother to the children You designed for our family. I have not walked in their shoes through the loss and grief and new life but You have given us the privilege of coming alongside each of them to hold, guide, protect, and help them discover who You have designed them to be. 

My prayer is that my children would know God as a gracious God who has a plan for their lives using the gifts He has given. 


(From Psalm 68)

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, 
is God in his holy dwelling. 

God sets the lonely in families...