Grace and Mercy

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   I have taken a long unexpected hiatus from my blog.  As we all know life can sometimes get in the way of taking the time needed to nurture a blog. 2015 has been filled with challenges of many kinds but I think the most important take away, we as a family have, is Grace and Mercy.  When reflecting on the many circumstances, happenings and challenges of 2015, I can see GOD's hands of grace and mercy, bestowing blessing and forgiveness upon our lives.

   
   

   Lizzy finished her final chapter of high school and after careful thought and consideration chose a college and not just any college, Baylor University.  It was with a very heavy heart that I closed that chapter with her and sent her off to find the life GOD has planned for her.  I was extremely blessed to have had the time to focus on her and all of the senior activities that come with graduation and beyond.  This summer we celebrated her accomplishments in high school, her scholarships to college and took quality time with each other to acknowledge that special bond and bring a proper close to that time in our lives as well as look forward to the future.  There were tears this summer as Lizzy put her heart and soul into Baylor Cheerleader tryouts and did not make the team.  Although her heart was broken, she was able to see that when GOD closes a door he always opens one that is better.  It was a teachable moment for both of us, learning to trust that GOD knows whats best for us and that sometimes HE does not give us what our heart desires.   Lizzy has made the transition to college life seamlessly.  She is getting into the groove of her classes, made new friends and is getting involved, as she was chosen to be part of the Freshman Class Community organization.  It is a humbling thing to see the doors GOD is opening for her and her to realize that HE always provides.
   

   

   
   

   
   

   Maddie worked extremely hard all school year and finished 1st grade on target.  As I have said before she is a driven and tenacious little girl.  Although more challenges lie ahead academically for her, she looks at those challenges with a spirit of determination to overcome.  And although she cannot articulate that determination, if you ever meet her, you know its there.  Maddie made the decision to follow in her brother and sisters footsteps and attend Camp Champions summer camp.  She was gone for 2 weeks (and would have stayed for the third week had it not been booked up) and absolutely loved the camp experience, as I knew she would.  It was a time for her to step outside of her comfort zone, gain some self esteem (which Camp Champions is the best at doing) and find her inner champion.  As a camper some of the monumental activities that they do even as young as Maddie is the Lake Swim or in Maddie case a 1 kilometer pool swim.  Its really not about the fastest time or best technique or even about swimming, its about teaching them to overcome their fears, finding their determination and finishing - never giving up.  In true Maddie form, she delivered and delivered well - being the first girl and 2nd all around finisher in the pool swim.  The heart of a champion!!!!  We have started second grade with more confidence than we had the year before which has helped propel her to reading and math levels that we didn't think we would see until the end of the school year.  What an amazing little girl and with all of her qualities I have described she is still a very tender soul, in tune with other peoples feelings.  I know GOD has big plans for Maddie and I am so glad he has chosen me to come along for the ride as her Mother.
   
   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   Mia is 4 now and is such a handful.  Her vocabulary has expanded exponentially.  She is full of sass and personality.  Out of all of my children she has broken the mold.  She is all girl and loves all things that bling, shine and sparkle.  She loves make-up, jewelry and high heel shoes.  I can only imagine the drama that will come with her homecomings and proms.  She has started Pre-K 4 and is doing well in her class and giving the teacher a run for her money.  Mia tends to not take things too seriously and likes to joke and although we have seen some progress with her skills they are now beginning to lag a little behind the class, leaving us unsure as to what to contribute it to - a learning issue or personality.  And as we make the necessary adjustments we pray that she will adjust to the rigors of the classroom and find a learning method that works for her.
   
   

   

   
   

   Christopher is becoming a man, turning 21 this year and has continued his work on campus and is laying a foundation for his future career.  The film club he founded on campus won a prestigious Addy award, both locally and on a regional level, for an advertisement series they did on the Girls Rugby Team.  The advertisement/videos were creative and insightful.  He is very talented and is using the Gifts God gave him and not taking them for granted.  This was the first summer that he did not come home which made me sad knowing that those times have ended, that he is becoming a man and will be leaving the nest for real!!!  He secured an internship which turned into a paying summer job as a production assistant for the upcoming Hollywood film - USS Indianapolis starring Nicholas Cage.  What an amazing experience for him and how amazing that GOD opened that door for him. He has started his senior year at Springhill and he is ever so focused on finishing his senior project, graduating and moving on into his career.  I pray that GOD will bless him with the wisdom and knowledge to know what his next move should be for his life.  I also pray that in the pursuit of success (whatever Christopher defines that as) that he doesn't forget what the abundance of life is (family), to always do something that he is passionate about and never forget to "give back" or "pay it forward".  He has such a kind spirit, I pray that the world does not taint or corrupt that authentic quality about him.  One thing I must mention is that with all of what has happened this year, he has been my hero, stepping up to be a positive male influence in the lives of all of his sisters.  Taking the role as leader alongside of me and for this I am ever so grateful and in awe of his compassion and maturity.

   
   

   

   Keith and I finished our 22 year marriage this year and have moved into a co-parent relationship. Although this has been the hardest thing for me to deal with this year amongst the many other changes happening in our family, I have trusted GOD each step of the way.  I have a wonderful family, great friends and some amazing children that have rallied around me to lift me up.  Life goes on and I am learning that sometimes GOD needs to remix your life - remove people that hinder your growth in the Lord so that you can reach your full potential that GOD has for you.  So at the beginning of my post I referenced Grace and Mercy and I have reflected on those 2 words and their meanings:
   
   Grace is the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. Mercy is Compassion or forgiveness
   
   WOW - I know that I have the unmerited favor of GOD - I look around me and see it through all the blessings he has bestowed upon me this year.  And some things did not look like blessings but through prayer and time I have realized that they were.  Mercy - God is so forgiving of me and compassionate towards those that he loves.  I see GOD's mercy manifest itself in me being able to extend forgiveness and be compassionate to others.  I am excited about what 2016 has in store for me and my children and what GOD will reveal to me while I walk the walk of life with him by my side.  Amazing things to come…….

A legacy…..

My blog is normally a place where I journal about my kids but even though I have not posted in quite a while I felt the need to write about an amazing experience I had today.  In a setting that is normally reserved for tears and mourning (although that did occur) we celebrated the life of my Uncle Bobby Breaux as he left this earth for bigger and better things.  He was the 5th child out of 7 that my grandmother had.  He was raised without a father and very poor.  Knowing my grandmother the way I did, he was the closest in personality to her of all her children (she was an amazing soul - but that is for another post).  My Uncle Bobby accomplished many things in his lifetime, but one thing stood out today as we looked back over the 78 years he was on this earth - He committed his life to being a good son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle to our family.

In today's society we see the perpetual decline of standards, morals and values.  The sanctity of family is lost to many of our upcoming generations.  My Uncle was not one that walked with the grain.  He was a strong Family man, one that committed himself to loving his wife and raising his children in an intact family.  He committed himself to being a champion for his children, no matter their choices or circumstances.  He loved each one unconditionally.  As his children grew and grandchildren came into his life, that same philosophy rang true for each of them, as well as for his sister and brothers, nieces and nephews.

I witnessed each of his 5 grandchildren eloquently speak about their grandfather.  A man who championed each one, was their constant cheerleader to the them and about them to the family.  He encouraged them and was there with them helping as he could each step of the way on their journey of life.  He was a man that valued education, although he was born of a mother who had little more than an 8th grade education.  He encouraged his children and grandchildren to be educated, to make a difference and to be the best person they could be.  He spent quality time with each and every one of his loved ones.  He valued his connection with his family and never took for granted one moment in his family's lives.  The common thread in all of their speeches today, was that he reminded them to never forget about your family - that IT is the most important thing.  That is the legacy he leaves this world - a legacy of strong family values.

How refreshing in this day to find a man who still valued family.  A man who did not take for granted the moments with family (that are seemingly unimportant in the grand scheme of every day life) but are the abundance of life, and he knew it, he lived it.  My grandmother valued those same things and as the old saying goes, the apple did not fall very far from the tree.

Tonight as all of my kids are under my roof  and I hear the littles playing with the big kids, I know that I am blessed.  Blessed beyond belief to have a loving extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, a wonderful mom and dad that I could not live without, an amazingly supportive sister and 4 beautiful and amazing children who add joy to every moment in my life.  I wouldn't give up one moment with my family for anything in the world.  I'm proud to be a part of this amazing legacy called the Breaux family…  I pray for my cousins as they grieve the loss of a wonderful man.  I know I will see him in heaven again one day - what is bound together on earth is bound in heaven…..

Undefeated!

Maddie returned for another soccer season this fall on a new team.  A team of 7 little 7 year olds.  What we knew from the last 2 sessions of soccer is that she was very good at it.  This season revealed just how good she really is.  Maddie is actually unbelievably talented in this sport.  When we arrived at the very first practice - the other parents were high fiving each other when they realized Maddie was on the team.  From there and throughout the season referees, opponents parents, our team parents approached us after each game just in awe of how good Maddie is.  She was scoring up to 18 points each game -  with ending scores for us in the double digits and the opponents team with single digit scores - sometimes scoring nothing at all against us.  Maddie led our little team of 7 year olds to an undefeated season!  It was amazing to watch her!!!!




When I think of this season there are many things besides just kicking a soccer ball that come to mind.  For me, I see a little girl who has a spirit of determination, one that drives her to be the best - to overcome obstacles both on the field, in the classroom and in life.  I see someone who GOD not only blessed with an amazing athletic ability but a dynamic sense of strategy and the ability to apply those strategic goals in the game.  I think about a small baby girl abandoned with medical issues, living in an orphanage that rose from the bottom to her forever family - UNDEFEATED!

You cannot say the word undefeated without thinking about a Savior, who died, rose from the dead for our sins - HE IS UNDEFEATED.  As his children, we are undefeated.  Although Maddie had an undefeated soccer season - her savior continues to prove that he is UNDEFEATED and hence so will she be undefeated.

I revel in the fact of how amazing our GOD is.  I am excited each day to see Maddie grow into the person that GOD intended her to become.  I am truly blessed to be her mom!  What a journey.....

1st day of 1st Grade

Today was Maddie's 1st day of 1st Grade.  She has been excited about moving up to the "big campus" at school and wearing a uniform like the other big kids, and she was so cute wearing it.

Maddie spent the summer being tutored on her reading and spelling skills so that she didn't lose any of that before starting 1st grade.  She is a hard working little girl who is determined to conquer all that stands in her way!  I know that she will have a great year!

As she exited the car this morning - the song that spoke most to my heart while waiting to travel to get Maddie was playing - "Mighty to Save".  One of the lyrics say "He can move the mountains".  It just reminded me at that moment the mountains he moved to get this special little girl home to her forever family.  He has something special planned for her.

Mia insisted that even though she didn't start school until tomorrow that I take her picture too!  Tomorrow is her BIG day in Pre-K3.  Her teacher better get ready! lol

Just Thinking....

There are some days when I am just in awe that GOD chose me to be the mommy of my two precious baby girls.  I sometimes wonder why he connected me with them, what is his plan for these girls and what can I do to help them see GOD's plan for them.  I have learned that GOD sometimes chooses people who are just willing to step out in faith, not always the ones that have everything figured out - THAT's ME!

Recently, Maddie is becoming increasingly aware of conversations around her and about her.  Of course, when we go places with the girls we garner the usual stares, sometimes questions but mostly nice people just commenting how precious my girls are.  This past Sunday, while at lunch, we had 4 different people comment on how sweet and precious they were.  Maddie finally looked at me when we were walking out the door and asked -"I wonder why everybody thinks we are so special"
I had to chuckle and as to not call attention to what is so obviously the reason people are commenting - I responded to her (what I have always told her) is that "they see the same thing GOD sees - that you are a special little girl!"

A customer recently came into my Furniture store when Maddie was there and was enamored with her and promptly asked her - "Oh!, You are so cute - where are you from?"  Maddie quickly quipped back - "Louisiana"!  I think her answer left the customer a little taken aback.

Another of Maddie's observations about our family and who she is - The other day she commented that we have a big family to which I agreed.  Her next statement was a window into how her little mind is working out all the details of who she is and how she came to be in this family.  She said - "Mommy if we buy another kid, we will have to get a bigger car because we don't have any room left."

I say all of this to say that I am finding that the older they get the more they are piecing their story together.  As a parent, I want that journey to be one of understanding and peace - for them to be okay with who they are and know that they are special.  I want them to see that GOD had a plan for their life - that they have touched people and families through their story.  What an amazing parenting journey GOD has me on.  When I look at them I not only see their beautiful faces, I see GOD's handwriting all over them.  It's quite amazing!

I love those girls!!!!!

Summer Fun and all the rest....

Summer is officially here and activities are in full swing.  There is so many dynamics going on in my house it's hard to keep up.  The older kids are in a different phase of their life than the little girls, which leaves me juggling.

Christopher is home from college and is working full time for our Construction Company, whose schedule is 7 - 12's.  He had quite an adjustment figuring out what extracurricular activities he could fit into an already long work day.  After a couple of weeks of trying to work 12 hours a day and go out with friends, he realized that sleep was more important and the money accumulating in his savings account was better than hanging with his friends.  He has a list of things he wants to purchase with his summer earnings.  I think he finally has realized that he is growing up and that with that, work is a large part of it.

Lizzy and I went to Destin, Florida for Cheer Camp and Competition.  This is her last cheer camp of her high school years.  It was bittersweet as the journey through senior year has already begun.  From cheer camp she went straight to Camp Champions in Marble Falls and will be there until July 3rd.  I must say at least 3-5 times a day - "I sure miss Lizzy"!!!!  When she returns, her and I will take a quick girl trip to Cancun and then back for Senior Pictures.  I'm soaking up every moment with her that I can.

Maddie likes to be busy - so busy she is.  We are continuing her tutoring for reading and spelling over the summer.  Two days a week she is working hard to maintain and grow her skills that she worked so hard for in Kindergarden.  She recently participated in Basketball camp.  The camp held a small showcase game for the Kindergarden students attending the camp to play and show off their skills.  Not surprisingly, Maddie scored 4 of the 8 points our team made, had 2 steals and was the only girl that could dribble and work the court!  If anyone knows me - they know I am over the moon excited that I might have another basketball player on my hands!!!!  Soccer camp was next and she didn't disappoint!  She was the youngest and 1 of only 3 girls in her age division and that did not stop her!  She ran, she kicked, sometimes was knocked down but got up and kept playing.  She's tough and you can see the true uninhibited love of soccer!  She has 2 more soccer camps planned for the summer and she can't wait.

Mia, sweet Mia.  She is just enjoying sleeping late and getting to take our time getting to daycare.  She will attend swimming lessons next month and I was worried about how she would fare or more importantly how the swim instructor would. She has been reluctant to swim in our pool until recently.  She would cry and want you to hold her while in the water.  Then she had a breakthrough.  A well-fitted floaty device, a few minutes getting used to it and she is a swimming fish!  Both girls spend many afternoons playing across the street at my parents house in the driveway.  Chaulk drawings are scattered all down their driveway and my mothers flowers are often picked and worn as hair decorations.  They are having a blast.

Enjoying a little slower pace than during the school year.  Happy summer everyone.

Character....

When I was young and a new mom, my initial thought of my parenting responsibilities were that of making sure that my babies were fed, dressed and went to school when it was time.  I have learned through many years of parenting, parenting teens and adoptive children, that my job is so much more.  At times, it involves guiding my children through some of life's most difficult moments and helping to shape their character.

Recent events have made me think hard about my character as well as my children's character.  One thing I have discovered about myself is that I am secure about who I am and who the Lord has molded and shaped me to be.  I hold firm to my beliefs in the Lord and rely on his guidance to direct my path.

Each one of my children are so different in their personalities and their character develops as they grow into the person GOD wants them to be.

Christopher is an adult - at 20 he is navigating college life and figuring out what his life path will be.  I stand back and look as he makes decisions that affect his future and although he has had some missteps, I am one proud mom and feel confident that he is heading in the right direction.  Over dinner recently, we had a discussion of how he would discipline his children (when that time comes) and it remarkably  aligns with how he was raised - Oh to his dismay....  As a 12 year old I can remember him saying he would do things so differently when he was a grown up.

Lizzy is beginning her senior year and as we all know girls can be mean and unchristian like and she is dealing with some of those challenges with her friend group.   She is also navigating those same friends heading down a dangerous path that she knows she does not want to be part of.  I continue to encourage her to be true to herself and to follow what she knows is the right thing.  I see her making difficult choices - but always choosing the right path.  I want her to know that GOD gives us life to live it abundantly and that no one person or group of people should be able to steal her JOY.  That challenges and struggles mold us and shape us into who GOD wants us to be.  I trust that through the next year she will be redefined, molded and shaped into the young lady that GOD wants her to be as he prepares her to go to college.

In previous posts I have referred to Maddie as tenacious and determined.  I pray that those qualities continue to shape her character.  As I listen to her through day to day conversations and interactions I hear a little bit of "her story" coming out as she claims it as her own.  Recently she was talking with her cousin, who is the same age, and Maddie told her that she lived in China when she was a baby and that I had to take 3 airplanes to go and get her".  That's the first time I've heard her put what she understands of her story into words.  I know that as she grows she will continue to communicate her story and as her understanding grows she will have more questions about it.  I continue to pray that GOD helps me know the right answers to her questions and when I don't have the answer, he will give me the tenderness and compassion to help her deal with the void.

Mia sweet Mia.  Mia has such a sweet and loving character to her.  I am anxious to see who she will become but want to treasure each moment of her being little that I can.  One thing everyone knows about Mia is that she loves her Momma!!!!  and her Momma loves her.  I think all moms treasure the youngest child - as they know it is their last, the last time you get to rock someone to sleep, the last sweet baby kisses, the last "first steps", etc.   She is growing up too fast!