Unpacking This Fevered Brain

Okay, since I just found out what a blog is, I am unaware of the existence of any "Proper Rules of Etiquette for Blogging." (that can't really be a verb, can it?) I figure, in this case, ignorance is bliss and I will proceed unfettered by any preconceived notion of how this is supposed to work.

My mom used to describe my children as "animated". I've always thought that was so tactful of her, don't you think?

Well, I guess it is time I introduce them. Because, only in the context of our children, will my ramblings make much sense.

Our oldest is Hannah, she is almost 22. She married a wonderful young man named Jeremiah in May. Talk about a milestone reached! One down, six more to go! She is a professional photographer and is very talented, if I do say so myself. He is in business with his grandpa and is doing very well. They manufacture and distribute a soil supplement. They each love the Lord with all their heart and are so in love with each other they can hardly see straight. It's adorable! Just what we have prayed for since before she was born.

Our second daughter is almost 20 and her name is Mackenzy. Actually, it's Sarah Mackenzy. I couldn't think of a middle name to go with Mackenzy, so I gave her the life-long burden of having to explain that she goes by her middle name. I am sometimes accused, as a mother, of lying awake at night thinking of ways to make the lives of my children difficult. I still deny that charge vehemently. Ideas of that nature just pop into my head all day with no effort whatsoever on my part, certainly not requiring the loss of sleep! (Do they think I'm a rookie at this, or something?) She is starting her second year of college, studying graphic design, and still lives at home. Mackenzy is a dreamer. I have always said the rest of us are wired 110; she is wired 220!!

Our oldest son comes next in line. His name is Caleb and he is a 17 year old, beginning his senior year in high school. He plays basketball, has Jeep fever, got his Eagle Scout this year, loves the outdoors, and hunting and fishing, and playing his guitar, and he just got a new puppy. Years ago, he started praying for brothers. He was just a little fella then and I would smile and think to myself: "he's nuts!" Well, God answered his prayers and gave him two little brothers, by way of Russia! But that is for another post.

Next in age is our oldest adoptive son, Joshua. He is twelve years old, a Boy Scout, loves the outdoors, and anything "rough and tumble." He is as tough as a boot and as strong as an ox. He is saving his money for a compound bow.

Elizabeth comes after Josh. She just turned 11. She is an animal lover, and a dead-shot with her deer rifle. She is able to run the house, just about single-handedly. She loves to bake and fish and read. She is a peacemaker. Thank you, Lord!

Benjamin is our second Russian son. He and Elizabeth are only 1 month apart-he also turned 11 this summer. Ben loves all of the things the other kids like, but most of all he loves being a clown. He is very good with younger children and loves to entertain the world.

Rebekah is the youngest. She is 9, going on 20. She loves to read and draw and dream. She has her own private window into my soul. She is very hard-headed, but can then be the most loving, intuitive little thing you ever knew. She knows my heart-she always has.

My wonderful husband Kregg is my best friend. He has the patience of Job-he has been married to me for 24 years and is still nice to me! He works very hard to support all of us and is very good at what he does. He loves me and he loves our children. He is a wonderful and wise father, but he is also a lot of fun. He loves the Lord and serves Him in our church. I am truly blessed to have such a family!

I've always felt that context is crucial. It determines the interpretation of any variables in the equation. As I continue this journey, and unpack this fevered brain of some of the stories and images and lessons learned along the road, I wanted the big picture to be clear, so the little pieces will make more sense.