I sometimes have to shake my head when I think of myself having 5 children. When Randy and I were dating and talked about having children, we always said “2, maaaaaybe 3”. Well, it’s obvious how those plans worked out – I’m sure God was smiling as we talked.Â
You know the whole joke, when people see you with lots of kids…chuckle-chuckle…”don’t you both KNOW how that happens?” In our case, that wasn’t…uh…the case. None of our children were conceived in the traditional way. It took us years to conceive Abbey, and that was with fertility treatments. When we were ready to try for #2 (God laughing uncontrollably now), we went down the same path of medical intervention. Voila, buy 1 get 2 free! And, when we realized that God was calling us to add a sweet little girl from China to our brood, we listened.Â
Our kids didn’t come to us in the standard, text-book, birds and bees way. But, He blessed us beyond measure and I honestly don’t know why – we certainly don’t deserve it. But, He is love, mercy, grace, and so much more. We are grateful.Â
I know there are many women out there who wait to be moms. I remember those Mother’s Days and they were just plain hard. I couldn’t imagine myself ever having my OWN Mother’s Day. But, this year is my 12th :) I pray for those who wait…you aren’t waiting alone.
May 10th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
What a sweet way to tell the story that we already knew was 5 miracles…sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize that you gave us not 1 but 5 beautiful grandchildren. It seems not long ago that Abbey was only 2 1/2 and Marley, Payton and Ethan were tiny newborns. How I remember that week that I helped you…we fed the triplets every 3 hours around the clock, but just holding those tiny babies was worth it. I’ll never forget it. Happy Mothers Day to our amazing daughter…and the best mother on earth.
May 10th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
It doesn’t matter HOW you got 5…. I’m just glad you did !!! Yes, it is strange to think that you and Randy have 5 children. I didn’t think Randy would ever “grow up” enough to have 1 child. Maybe you should have said that Randy has 5 kids and you have 6 !!! Love you all (you too Randy) Mom
May 10th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Thank you Donna! Our prayers are being answered with our journey nearing the end. I hope to be as blessed as you in handling all of the mothering duties for just this one little girl, even half as well as you seem to do for your brood of the fab five! You may have been blessed, but you have received this blessing with grace!
May 11th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Happy Mother’s Day! You are blessed!
May 11th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Beautifully said! Happy Mother’s Day. We are so blessed to have these Bengbu sweeties in our lives!
May 11th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Like I said, a BEAUTIFUL picture, especially Lainey’s cheeseball smile. :-)
May 13th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Been a while since I’ve come here :) I love the picture, as I said on facebook :). You are so right about how God seems to change our plans that we have in our heads… Hope Mother’s Day was great and you were able to enjoy all your blessings!