He looks like me!!

ADOPT - Webster's dictionary states that the word adopt is from the Latin word adoptare, which is formed from the two root words: ad- which means "to" and optare - which means "choose". Adopt is then defined as "to choose and bring into a certain relationship".


The legal validation of the inclusion of Rya and Roman into our family occurred over a week ago. This was a wonderful, albeit short (10 minutes in the court room with the Judge), occasion in this process we started almost one year ago. The signing of documents and the filing of papers with the appropriate state departments in no way increase or decrease my love and commitment to these two children. In the same manner, the filing of birth certificates and registering for social security numbers does not make me more or less caring for my other children.

I love ALL of them.

I love all of the same.

Love is a choice...............! Yes, for those who have not had marriage classes or read any books regarding the issue of Love, it is a choice. I chose to love my wife and she chose to love me. We choose to continue loving each other each and every day, with the bonds of that love growing with each passing moment.

I did not "Fall in love". I am very sure on my feet and rarely loose my balance, either physically or emotionally. I could choose to stop loving her, this is how divorce happens usually. I have never stopped choosing to love her, nor will I.

I choose to love my children.

Some parents do not.

These are the unfortunate children who get neglected and abused. If you love someone you care for them, sacrifice for them, place them first and never hurt them.

Love is a choice.

We have choices every day with almost every situation we find ourselves in. I choose to love my children whether they obey or disobey me. I choose to love them if they get good or bad grades. I choose to love them NO MATTER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE. This is a choice.

I have SIX children. All of them were created by God. I have chosen to love and care for each of them. I have chosen to sacrifice and impart God's truth to them. I have chosen to accept them every day for who they are, not based on what they do.

Children are gifts from God.

As parents, especially as Christian parents, we are charged with taking the responsibility for teaching and modeling God's truth to them. It is a choice we make. It is not that we "can't help it", it is a purposeful task that we choose to make and keep making. I am often told that Sterling looks like me. I am also sometimes told that Spencer looks like me. Occasionally I am also told that Hannah and Linnea look like me. Certainly, when these comments are made they sometimes refer to the genetic, physical similarities that exist with regards to facial structure or other physical attributes. More often these comments are the product of people noticing similar mannerisms, ways of speaking and acting. These latter attributes come not from biology but from exposure and influence. My children have been exposed to my speaking, acting, walking, behaving, etc. These things are what create the essence of a persons character and personality. I have chosen to be daddy each and every day to Hannah. When Spencer came along I began choosing each and every day to be daddy to him. Sterling was the third life entrusted to me and I am daddy every day to him. Linnea then arrived and another life was entrusted to me to show what being a man means and what she is to expect in a husband. God then saw fit to entrust me with two more lives to care for and instruct in truth.

Love is a choice.

I choose to love all my children, and I love them all the same.

I am now often told that Roman looks like me. This is usually by those who do not know us well, or strangers who stop us to look at the babies when we are out. I feel no need to correct them and inform them that they "are adopted". In time, both he and Rya will, like their siblings, look like me.

I am proud of my children.

I am proud to say thank you whenever I am told any of the children look like me. I am proud of who they are and proud to be their dad. Parenting is about committing your priorities to the most precious gifts that are given to us. Who we are will manifest in those we are entrusted with. It is this legacy that we leave behind that matters most.

I have chosen to love my children. They are gifts from God. It does not matter that I did not make them. I did not make any of them, God did.
He wants me to care for them......all of them, and I choose to honor his request. So, if you feel the need to tell me that any of the children look like me, I will be honored by the gesture.


In Christ, Kevin

Growth

I am a work in progress. I am aware of this everyday. I have been especially aware of this in the past several months. God has given us many blessings. We have also never been under so much stress. I like to be in control, no shocker for those of you who know me well. I have no control over many things that I wish I did. I am wondering why after so many years would God give us this opportunity to move to Minnesota amid the worst housing market? I am learning things about myself. I have many areas where I can grow. I know God loves me and wants more from me. Growth is painful. I made the mistake of asking for patience once a long time ago. I am still learning. Gina

Adoption Day!

Yesterday the courts made legal what our hearts have known for 7 months. Rya and Roman are ours. We are truly blessed! Sterling said it best when he said "As soon as I saw them, they jumped into my heart!" They did indeed!!

7 month pictures

We are having so much fun at our house! Rya and Roman have truly enriched our lives. They are so much fun! As I sit and write this, they are both in their exersaucers talking to each other.

Rya is more verbal and loud. She loves to be right in the center of all the action. Roman is quiet unless he has something to say. His new interest is a ball. Rya has a little dolly she likes. I bought her an ID bracelet and put it on her. She held out her arm and admired it. How does she know that jewelry is cool? Later I noticed that it was missing. Not exactly, it had just gotten "lost" in the chubby bend of her wrist! She has started to say a few words. She says "ma ma, ba ba and da da". She says "ma ma"when she is sad, tired or hungry and she says "da da" when she is happy. They both play really hard. They are starting to fight a little and like to take toys from each other.

Roman has a good sense of humor. He likes to laugh with the boys and Daddy is his favorite! His smile melts our hearts. He just said "ma ma" for the first time. We recently had their pictures taken. Roman has always reached out for Rya's hand, especially when they are sleeping. During the pictures they were sitting and he reached out and held her hand. They took a close-up photo and we have it enlarged and framed on our wall. It is precious!

Hannah is so good with them! She knows what they need and loves to care for them. We are all learning sign language so we can sign to Roman. Each of the kids willingly help out with the babies.

Patience, Guidance and "40"

Psalm 40:1-3 NIV - " I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord....."

The Lord has heard our cry to return home. He initially led us to Bluffton 11 years ago, and is now bringing us back to Minnesota. These things have all occured in His time and in His way. The blessings we have received, and have been able to impart to others when we have been able to be vessels for His will are beyond our expectations. My hope is that we have been a light in the dark to those needing his grace and mercy during our time here. Nothing good was done because of our actions, but when we were open to His leading, I know on occasion we did make a difference. This has been a time of great joy, sorrow, hurt and healing. We are closer to each other and to our God. As we move forward, we are unsure of what lies ahead, but we will follow His lead and trust His good purpose in and through all things. In Him, Kevin

Family

Life has gotten a bit busier since school started.

Spencer is playing football. It's so much fun watching him. The kids are back in voice lessons and Hannah and Spencer are busy with show choir.

Linnea had a fun birthday party at our house. They did a scavenger hunt through the neighborhood and had a water balloon toss. They decorated cupcakes and danced on the deck.

Roman got tubes in his ears last week. The ENT wanted to try tubes hoping it may improve his hearing. They will re-test his hearing in a month. He is the most patient easy-going kid.

Hannah is scheduled to have knee surgery at the end of the month. She has had trouble for 4 years and is excited to not have pain anymore!

Sterling got his cast off! He is probably the person who is the most excited about our move to Minnesota.

Rya is busy rolling all around. She gets more fun all the time! Hannah has sang to her since she was born. She is now trying to copy her and tries to sing herself. It's so cute!

Minnesota Bound!

As the image of our home with a For Sale sign in the front yard would imply, we are in the process of "coming home". 11 years ago God led us to Bluffton. Since we arrived, I have always fished for opportunities in Minnesota, but nothing was ever available until now. With the benefit of hindsight, His use of us here can be seen when we reflect on our lives. The reason there were never any opportunities for me in Minnesota was because He needed us here longer for reasons we never could never have imagined. The opportunity in Minnesota is with Allina, and I will be working in the Northwest region. I am humbled by His greatness in my life, and how all things work together for His good. I am very grateful for my time in Bluffton and am sad to leave my practice, and all the wonderful people I have worked with. There are innumerable unknowns that accompany this transition, and we continue to pray and ask for wisdom and guidance as we move forward. I look forward to spending time with my brother and parents, which has been very minimal for the past 17 years. This move will place us within 1 hour of all extended family, which even for those not good with math, is less than 12 hours. We pray that proximity will present opportunity to grow and strengthen relationships that have struggled due to the distance.