{the parents}

The parents. Those that raise, teach, discipline, guide, nurture and most importantly... love. 

But as similar as they all might be, they are all still very unique in their own way. Some stay home to raise their nest. Others have to work to provide and are lucky if they can tuck their kids in bed. Some are strict and discipline on "every little thing", while others are a bit more lax and let things by.

What kind of parent will I be!?

K & I have joked and said that I am going to be the strict mom. If our child brings home a "C" on their report card ~ they will be grounded without a doubt! Where as K will say, "as long as you tried" your best, it's ok". But every situation is unique. Every child is their own.

For us, we don't know what kind of situation we will be faced with. The children that come into our home will need different things. Some may be tougher to parent than others. But all the while, they will still need that one common thing... love. 

But there are a few things I hope we do as parents......

 I hope we can share with them the memories of their heritage.

 // The rows of trees in the background were planted by my grandfather and great grandfather. To this day, they still stand.

// This is the farm where my mother and her sisters grew up. It was passed down from my great grandfather to my grandpa Charlie.

I hope we are able to let them create lasting memories with family.

May we teach them the value and love of a sibling. 

  "If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together ... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem & smarter than you think. Even if we're apart....I'll always be with you." ~ A.A. Milne

I hope they will know that even with the frustrating days, busy days and
crazy work schedules, they always come first.

   When they feel broken, ashamed, helpless, alone ... 
I hope they will feel in their hearts the love that we will always have for them.

Above all else, we will raise them through the love of our Father. Through continuous guiding, kind words, an overflowing forgiving heart. Even now, praying for those will enter our home.

At the end of the day, I just want us to give the children the best we can possibly give them. I want them to have a life changing experience while with our family.

Proverbs 22:5 (The Message) - "Point your kids in the right direction - when they're old, they won't be lost"

// B