Thankful Thursday

Please keep Robin's, adorable son, Emanuiel (pictured above with his sister) in your prayers today as he undergoes surgery to repair his cleft palate.  It is so difficult to see your child be wheeled off into surgery.  Stop by Robin's blog and let her know you are thinking of their family today.

I need to focus on the things I am thankful for:

~  My sweet blog friend Jennifer sent me these awesome little Lily sandals just a day or two before we moved.  She knew that I wear the sample size and sent me the cutest pair.  I was so surprised and so thrilled.  Here is a photo:

(Staci I know you are laughing at this picture of my feet;)

~My friend, Lauren's Mom also sent me an adorable gift just days before we moved.  She has started a business called Personally Gifted and she sent me this ladybug toy bin to store Kate's toys in.  I love it.  It folds flat for easy travel and it holds a good amount of toys.  We are using it here in our tiny apartment for Kate's toys.  Thank you for your sweet gift. Go over and see what else she has.

~Heather also sent us a thoughtful note and gift for our new home but it is packed so I don't have a photo but trust me it is perfect!  Thank you Heather!

~Thank you for all of the advice and insight regarding the water and snacks at school.  Y'all have been so helpful.  I did call the principal and I will let you know what happens.  I am on a mission.  I have found all sorts of initiatives for water in school and research citing better behavioral and academic outcomes from well hydrated students.  Thank you Moms and teachers.  You rock!  I have so much respect for you teachers out there.  I know what a hard job you have.  In my opinion, Moms and teachers have the most important jobs on earth!

~Thank you also for all of the advice and cheerleading and prayers for our adjustment here. Each comment and e-mail has helped in some way. Thank you to all of the friends (and my sweet sister) who called to check on me the moment they read my post.  I did not realize it sounded that sad.  I am blessed by beautiful friendships. 

~I am thankful that we have found two houses we really like and I think we will be making an offer tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.  The market here is actually going UP instead of down like the rest of the country---just our luck!

~I am thankful for my husband.  He is the glue holding our family together right now. 

Okay, so just when I was feeling all sorry for myself because the kiddos are really struggling, I got the amazing e-mail below. 

Hi Kim. Not sure if you remember me... we just met once at a craft day for the Moms club. Anyway, we talked a lot about adoption. My husband and I had been discussing adoption but he was very hesitant to do international (financial reasons primarily). I had kind of laid off and decided not to push it. Well, after talking to you that day I realized it was really what my heart wanted me to do! After casually mentioning it to my husband a few more times we finally had some in depth discussions and he came around! We are just starting our paperchase! I'm VERY excited, but quite anxious because it seems so overwhelming. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you... I am a believer in fate and as cheesy as it sounds think that I met you at the right time. The influence of seeing you and your daughter has gotten us to this point! Thank you!

I must tell you that although I do remember meeting this woman, I had NO idea that our conversation had any impact. I am so overjoyed that she and her husband and their children will welcome an adopted child into their loving home.  Another reason I am so thankful for her e-mail is that it came at the perfect time.  I was really questioning our move here and wondering if we had made a mistake.  She reminded me that things happen for a reason.  God has a plan. We don't always know what it is.  But He brought us here for a reason and I just need to have faith.