Living the Dream

Do you ever look at your life and think, "I really had no idea I'd someday be living this life?"

How can we know, really, what we'll be doing? I look at my kids today, and I wonder how they'll turn out. I remember when my oldest was 8, he wanted to be a Forest Ranger. From there he wanted to be an Air Force pilot. Then he turned to Civil Engineer, and finally, he's nearing a degree in hospitality. He wants to manage a resort somewhere in the boon dogs. So, it's not quite a Forest Ranger, but close to his heart, still, because he loves being in the outdoors away from it all.

I wonder how my next son will turn out. He's got so much talent in him. And a heart for others. I remember when he was little, he would go up to strangers and ask them if they knew Jesus. There's so much out there for him, it will be interesting to see where it goes.

There's B-boo. From the time she was itty bitty, she made her own fashion statement! We laugh at her whenever she wears matching socks because she just doesn't normally. Things have changed for her so much in the past two years. She has a new passion for Forensics (and not the debating kind)…yuck. We laugh and tease her that she'll be the best dressed forensic scientist that there is! She's the one that seems to have it all planned out; it will be interesting to see what happens!

Next, there is the Smart One. The boy thinks too much. He can figure things out in his head. He loves to just sit and think things up; figure things out. I remember when he was four, we were working on our house. Hubby was trying to pop up tiles and having a hard time getting to them. The Smart One just watched him for a bit, and then said to Dad, "If you turn it around and move over here, you'll get them out easier." Dad did; and it worked. He was amazed at the common sense in such a young child. His fine motor skills are amazing. He can make the tiniest origami things I've ever seen! He says he wants to invent something. He loves math and science; and drafting. I wonder what he'll end up coming up with!

Then there's the Drama Queen. I wonder how long it will take her to figure something out! She has a passion to try out everything in life! She loves, loves, loves to sing! And to dance. And she talks of becoming a doctor. And she wants lots and lots of children. And she'll probably try to do it all!

My son once asked me if I was doing what I wanted with my life. I told him that even as a little girl, I always wanted a big family with 8 kids and a home to go with it. I don't have 8 children, but we're certainly close to it!

I had no idea I'd learn to cook around food allergies, research endometriosis, restless leg syndrome, Celiac disease and Reactive Attachment Disorder; become a nurse, doctor, vet, home school mom, chauffeur, foster aunt and much, much more!

I had no idea of the pain I'd feel when they hurt or the joy I'd feel when they smile.

Of the skip in my heart when I see hubby, even after years of marriage.

Hubby and I were talking last night about where we are. Sometimes we look around and think, "I didn't see it happening like this." We may not have fancy cars and a room for each kid, but God has definitely filled our dreams. We have the big family; the foster children, the loving home; wonderful children, great friends; joy. He's given us all we've needed and more. And that's what I look forward to for my children.