2011 Gratitude Challenge-November 22

Earlier in the Gratitude Challenge, I shared that I am thankful for Ashley. Another day, I shared how thankful I am for adoption.  But, I would be remiss if I didn’t share my thankfulness – specifically – for the two children who joined our family through adoption . . .

Gracie ~ she’s my 11-year-old math whiz and musician. She fills our house with the music of both piano and violin. She puts her all into everything she does, and does it to the best of her ability. She could be considered a perfectionist (like her mother), I suppose.

She’s growing up so fast.  I swear she’s grown at least 5-6 inches in each of the past 2 years.  She’s almost as tall as me!  Last night, I told her I barely need to bend down to kiss her anymore!

She’s very responsible and keeps up with her chores and schoolwork without much prompting from me.  She’s good with her finances and always tithes her money (even money she doesn’t have yet, that she is earning toward our next trip to Disney).

She’s also very giving. She’s got her Christmas shopping done for each member of our family (including my parents). 

Ian ~ he’s 5 now, but he’ll always be “my baby” and he knows it.  In fact, he’s made it quite clear to me that we should not, under any terms, considering bringing another baby into this house because he is the baby!

He’s the classic youngest child – the family clown – always making us laugh and smile. 

He’s very active and doesn’t really want to take the time to sit down and work on schoolbooks, yet he’s an absorbent sponge, soaking up everything that he sees and hears.  He is learning to read and do math facts just by living – and it’s so much fun to watch!

I can’t imagine our lives without these two precious kids in them!