December 8, 2011
Merry Christmas! It's been a while since I have written an update. We have had so many things that have happened to "Reeves Party of Six". We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Louisiana with our family.
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| "Down on Black River" |
We fished, picked up pecans, played games and ate so much good food. I have so many happy memories "down on Black River". It is a safe place where I have always been able to "rest". It's one of my favorite places to go...I can still hear my grandmother talking to me when I sit on the porch. She's telling me how proud she is of me and how much corn she and Aunt Margie have put up. She's telling me how to back out of the driveway, where to put my pole when I'm fishing and how to "get it in the boat"! My grandfather is sitting beside us listening and chuckling because he knows her better than anyone and loves her with all he has. He adores hearing the same stories over and over because he knows she is one of HIS favorites. I adored him because of the way he loved her... Anyway, I'm so thankful that my children still get to experience "Black River". It doesn't matter how often you go, it's an experience that you will never forget. I love Calhoun Bend!
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| "Geaux Tigers!" |
We went to the SEC Championship game the following weekend to cheer the "LSShoe tiegas" to a victory. We did all of the cheers in sign language and if I didn't know Joan was deaf, I would think she could hear. They got to hear a "Motown" band at fan fare and they danced like I've never seen them dance. One of the "hall of famers" that was eating nearby wanted to come and meet them. I guess when you see 4 very white people with 2 very adorable black children it makes you curious and so sometimes people just ask...what's your story? My story is a Father that loves me when I don't deserve to be loved. My story is about a REDEEMER that lives. My story is about grace and forgiveness. My story is about the sin in my life that I struggle with every minute I breath and that a Father that will not stop pursuing me. I still wake up every day usually with two beautiful brown eyes staring at me while she whispers "bah bah" wondering how did all of this happen. I know one thing. I was sleeping way to much before they got here. I was wasting to much time that I could have been serving God much, much more.
"He didn't stand a chance with her."
December 8, 2011 Judge Jim Fuhrmeister declared that Joan N. and Derrick K. are to be Joan Hope Reeves and Derrick James Reeves. We can't take them back! It was less than one year from the time we knew about them that they became officially "Reeves". I'm telling you I still can't believe this has happened but yet I can't remember life without them. Daniel, Joan's interpreter at school and "best friend" was kind enough to go with us and explain to Joan what the Judge Fuhrmeister was saying to us. I'm going to do a separate blog about Joan and Daniel because Daniel is also deaf. Daniel has helped me understand Joan better than anyone. He has a special way with her that is beautiful. He "gets her" when I don't. He reaches her, when I can't. Their friendship is beautiful and Daniel is a reminder to me that God didn't accidentally put Joan and Derrick here. He has woven every detail, every relationship these children have perfectly for HIS glory. It's not about what I have done or didn't do. It's all about HIM. That is what people are drawn to. It's not Joan, or any of us. I have a hard time sometimes trying to figure out why all of this is so interesting to people. Those days are when I'm to focused on myself and not focused enough on God's glory. When I focus on HIM, I want everyone to know the mountains HE has moved and let me remind you, HE has moved some mountains. If you don't remember, go back and read the first few entries...oh my, please never let me forget! Back to December 8th...the judge asked me to tell my story...almost immediately I got teary eyed. I was not the only one in the room that was a little emotional. I'm thankful we had Judge Fuhrmeister. He was so kind and gracious to us. It was the easiest day we have had in the entire adoption process. I needed an easy day in the adoption process. Every adopted family needs one easy day. We spent the day together as a family and we were truly thankful for each other.
Joan was the flower girl and Derrick was the bible barer in Katherine and Jonathan's wedding. Derrick LOVED wearing the tuxedo. He looked so handsome. Joan practiced dropping the flowers and walking slowly for about 2 weeks before the wedding. They did great! Derrick thought about backing out about 5 minutes before they were to walk down the aisle but he did it and he did great! It was amazing to think where they were that time last year as they came down the aisle. The mountain that God has moved in their life will bring me to tears every time. It was Katherine's faithfulness that started a chain reaction for God's kingdom. She met them in Uganda and felt lead to pray for Joan's "healing". Katherine and Jonathan are very special people to our family.
We have celebrated Laurel's 16th birthday! Oh my! I'm so happy to have someone else that can drive in our family. Laurel is so responsible and she has a servant's heart so I can't wait until someone has waited until the last minute to do a project and she can go to Hobby Lobby by herself to get the supplies! She can drive herself to tennis. She can pick Coleman up from wrestling...the possibilities for me are endless!!! Happy Birthday Laurel! I love you very much and I couldn't make it without you!
Let's not forget our "rastling family". I think "rastling" is a little better than dog fighting. However, Coleman is very good at it. I get sick at my stomach almost every time it is his turn but again, God has used it in my life to draw me nearer to HIM because every time Coleman wrestles, I am praying that no one gets hurt. Wrestling has taught Coleman to be disciplined in a lot of ways that are healthy. You actually never see anything but respect for each other when the matches are over. There is not a lot of drama among the parents which is a breath of fresh air for me compared to baseball and football. Coach McGoughy does a great job of creating a "team" experience for a sport that could easily be conveyed as an "individual" sport. Wrestling at OMMS has been a positive experience for our family. We are a family in wrestling and I'm thankful for each and everyone of you!
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| Sorry Nanny but I think you are beautiful! |
We enjoyed seeing The Reeves for a night. They got to see Coleman wrestle. Going to those matches is a way of saying "I love you" because they are so long...usually.
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| She loved the present he gave her the most. He picked it out. |
The pictures above are a glimpse into our Christmas morning. It was a great morning. We had to take some time and explain that our new kitchen set was for everyone, not just one of us. We couldn't eat all of the candy from our stockings for breakfast...even though we tried by sneaking it. It sounds cliche to say but I really feel like everyday at my house is like Christmas. That is how I feel this year. I have celebrated the birth of Jesus more this past year than I ever have. I am praying that I grow even deeper with my relationship with HIM in 2012. I pray that I will choose to obey HIM more. It is a choice HE gives us. We don't have to obey. I pray that my motives for serving HIM will be pure and not self serving. I pray that I will serve with a joyful heart. Otherwise, I'm serving myself, not HIM. I pray that I will be an example to my children as I care for "God's flock, not my flock and that I lead out of an eagerness to serve, not obligation." Thank you for reading all the way to the end. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
In His Grip,
Amiee
