No, this isn't my second marriage

We have two families. An older one, with three adult children, well, mostly adult if you call seventeen adult. And a younger one with a ten- and seven-year-old. So people often think we are on our second marriage. No, we've been married for 26 years. All five are ours.

But there are challenges that come with having two families. Finding things to do that everyone enjoys without breaking the bank! Feeding everyone foods they like, juggling schedules, trying not to lose touch with our older children. So making special dates with them. While our friends are enjoying--and bemoaning--their empty nests and the welcoming of grandchildren I'm still working on fourth grade math and hustling to piano lessons and AWANAs.

Would I trade it? Never.

When our now seventeen-year-old was in second grade we discovered I was pregnant with Willow. A total surprise. It took me a while to come to terms with having another child. I had been thinking that we were done, but God had another plan in mind for us! I'm so glad He did. Willow is a delight to us. When she was about one year old my sister and brother-in-law decided to follow God's call to work with orphans in China. They played a slideshow of children waiting for families. My heart broke. So many children without moms and dads to love them. Almost immediately we decided that we too should adopt; since we had Willow it made sense to give her a little sister to grow up with! Two years later, Jem Hana entered our lives, a beautiful little girl who fills our home with joy.

God knew we'd need Willow if we were to adopt Jem! I love how He does that. Sometimes we don't understand how He works or why something happens. But He's always working!

Oh, to trust Him always.

Happy Wednesday,

Traci