3 Reasons You Should NOT Adopt

This is National Adoption Month. The purpose is to raise awareness of the orphans in the world. This is a good thing. We need to be aware of the needs around us. Although I will say for the Christian there should not need to be an awareness month, we should always be looking for ways to care for the least of these around us, the orphan, the widow and the stranger.

We are coming up on 4 years as an adoptive family. We have learned so much about our ugly selves and God’s grace. We’ve also seen and talked with a lot of adoptive families. By no means do I think everyone should adopt. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, but I do think more people should consider it than do. American Christians are way too comfortable, and that is sad for them, the orphan and the Kingdom.

Smack Down with Martha - End of Summer 2015

At least 3 times a week I say to myself, “I really want to blog about this!” Not because I think I am an expert on anything, but because there are some things I think are important, or I just get excited about!

But by the end of the day, when my main priorities are done, you know, housework,

schoolwork,

meals (This is actually Olivia cooking with the kids ),

Hey Jude!

Thursday night just before midnight the Lord brought our grandson, Joshua Jude, into the world, weighing in at 8.9.

The Lord was so very gracious in many ways through labor and delivery and even before that because last week on his due date we had snow on the ground, which is a big deal for Alabama.

We were even able to celebrate Javi’s first birthday in the snow storm as we awaited Jude’s arrival.

Family Update - Announcements

It’s been a very busy couple weeks here for the Brodock family! Our son was married in a private ceremony this weekend! We celebrated with a small reception at their home yesterday.

One of the coolest things about being able to make cakes is being able to do cakes like this for people you love for very special occasions.

This weekend was also Jeff’s birthday and our 28th anniversary. We celebrated with a steak dinner at Emma’s house. (No people pictures, we were too busy relaxing and enjoying ourselves. )

Javi - 6 Months

Taggie Blanket for Baby in 30 Minutes - Video Tutorial

Sweet Thing is starting to get some control of her hands now which means she wants to touch everything!

So today I made her this and appliqued her name on it.

I saw this taggie on Amazon for $35 - goodness! This took me less than $5 to make and about 30 minutes. I’m glad I have some basic sewing skills.

She thinks everything is a teething ring… everything!

Living the Dream and Still Fighting

My daughter lives across the road which is a HUGE blessing with this first grand-baby being born. We literally have a trail worn down across her front yard, from her door to mine.

OK, well, her bassist-hound Curtis is responsible for most of that trail. 😉 But it’s also been to great just to walk on up there and help Emma while she recovers and to soak in Baby Javi.

5 Generations in a 90 Year Span

This is my grandmother and her great-great granddaughter.

There is a 90 year life span between them.

Olivia took a bunch of wonderful family pictures yesterday as we try to capture some fleeting time.

Newborn babies and old age… they are sobering to this fast-paced life we live.

These feet, these beautiful feet!

They already bring Good News, news that God is faithful.

Baby Javi is Here (natural birth video)

We had a grand-baby this week!

They called us about 3:30 am and said it was time. Olivia and I followed them on the way to the doula’s house to labor before we went to the hospital… and the labor pool.

Her labor was horrible back labor for about 12 hours. She would cry out to God for a little break, and about 3 times He gave her 5 minutes or so to ‘rest’. It was awful!!!! Just being real.

Let the Diaper Games begin… (baby shower)

Emma and Josh will be naming their baby Javelin Grace.

Javelin

a light throwing spear, far reaching
poignant -intense, sincere, heartfelt

Grace

favor, goodwill, kindness, love, forgiveness, mercy

Our prayer is that her strong, spear-like faith be far reaching as she shares God’s Grace. That she will pierce the darkness with Truth.

Emma is not a fru-fru girl. She is a very down to earth kind of girl as was displayed in her wedding, so it is no surprised she (they) would choose such a strong name.