This is Us...

"I say to everybody, 'Adoption is not for the faint of heart.'"
~Mariska Hargitay

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Everyone knows about the hit T.V. show this is us. It has swept the nation like a storm. The reason that it is so popular is because it touches on real life situation, moments, and family events. All of them both good and not so great. There are parts to that show that is easy for me to relate to.

First of all let me introduce our loving family. It all started when a girl (me) met a boy named Donald. Isn't that how all good romances start? Well there are some derivations from that and I am good with those love stories too. We met way back in the year 1993. It was no surprise to anyone that we fell deeply in love. We were just two crazy kids that were going to take on the world. 

It wasn't two long later that we planned our little family. Our hearts were filled when Kaitlynn and Devion came into our lives. We loved them even before they were born. Both created out of the love that we have for each other. Many happy memories, moments, and years went by. We had our ups and our downs like any family. Teen years and tears as they graduated from school. We were done and we made it from start to finish. Or so we thought.... ;) 

Our family of four with our two bigs.
Photo Credited Kimberly Doerr

Now here is where our life turns into a new adventure. We had been fostering children for a few years. In 2015 five beautiful little souls came into our lives. They were so tiny and adorable. Little whirlwind of energy, cuddles, giggles, and hugs. It was extremely easy to fall deeply in love with them. Their warm brown eyes melted our hearts.

We worked closely with the biological parents for reunification. With a heavy heart as we all know from the way things sometimes work returning home was not an option. There were many mixed emotions with that. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. That is a blog for another time.  

Our family is complete, us, our bigs, and our littles.
Photo Credited to Gina Johnson Photography

On November 20, 2017 our adoption was finalized. These little ones were finally in a family. No second guessing, no more moving, they are home. This was the best Christmas gift for all of us. It was the best one that I have ever received. We were joyous to be welcoming Chloe, James, Connor, Jazlyn, and Sophie into our family officially. Even though they were already a huge part of it for so long already.

Our days are filled with organized chaos. When you have a 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 22, and 23 all at home it can get interesting. Throw in there that we own a small family farm then it is literally a circus. The two legged and four legged animals are all a joy to be around.

Best Christmas present ever, our family!
Photo Credit Jennifer White

Life is a journey. One that should be enjoyed every step of the way. Having those who love you and you love makes it even more fun to travel on. Look for more things to come from our circus with our monkeys. Blessed be!