Responsibility and choices

Last year a student came and told me she was pregnant and had an appointment to have an abortion, but that she was reconsidering her decision. As I tried to talk her out of the abortion, I silently implored God that He would give me the words to say. I am very sad to say that it now appears that she did have the abortion.

One of the things she said during our conversation kept going through my mind today. When I suggested that she consider giving the baby up for adoption, she said, "oh, I would never do something so irresponsible." After I managed to pick my jaw up off of the floor I asked her what she meant. She said, "If I'm not going to raise the child myself I won't have it, that would be irresponsible." I told her I didn't think that was irresponsible at all, but rather that it was a gift to the child and the adoptive parents. She said, "Oh, I know. I just want to take care of my problems myself. " I was stunned into silence at this "logic". I mean, what the freak is that about?

This conversation was on my mind, because today, my sister and brother-in-law legally adopted my niece. It was a very, very happy day for my family. I am so thankful that my niece's birth mother didn't think of her as a problem to be taken care of, because she is a gift to my family to be certain.

Welcome to the family, Peanut!

Wow

Wow, a laptop with actual visible letters on the keys! And a power cord that doesn't need to be held very gingerly and at a specific yet ever changing angle in order to work! WooHoo! (and a thank you to my parents for their contribution toward this for Christmas).


While I'm posting photos, here's one of my niece opening a gift from my brother and his girlfriend.

And here's one of my "other niece" (my brother's great dane) playing with my gift to her. She is getting even bigger. She jumped up on me and with her paws on my shoulders her head is above mine.

Thanksgiving

I meant to post this yesterday, but I got home too late. I wanted to take a minute to be thankful to God.

-I am thankful for His grace and mercy, and for sending Jesus to save me.

-I am thankful that He is faithful and has always made a way for me.

-I am thankful for a loving family and friends.

-I am thankful for my home and all that He has provided for me.

Yesterday, I went to my brother's house for Thanksgiving dinner with my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, an aunt, my brother's girlfriend, and my brother's 70lb great dane "puppy" (referred to as the "grand-doggy" by my father). We had a lovely time. The meal was wonderful (my little brother is a fabulous cook) and the fellowship was even better.

A self portrait by my niece

More photographic stylings by my niece....isn't she talented?

The "puppy"

I'm Sorry...

I'm sorry. I know I have become one of those annoying people who thinks their niece (nephew/son/daughter/grandson etc. etc.) is the cutest and sweetest child ever. But, c'mon, look at her.






And here are some self portraits she took herself.

Dear New Jersey

Dear New Jersey,

Why is your road signage so bad? Do you enjoy getting non-New Jersey people lost? I think you do.

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After a long weekend away from home it was a good day today to make some soup....



....and talk to my niece on the phone. Isn't she sweet?

I'm In Love!

This is my soon to be adopted new niece (or her back at least...gotta protect her anonymity). I am head over heels in love with her already! I am so besotted that I bought this digital camera just to take pictures of her. She is 2 1/2 years old and sweet and curious and active. She is a climber and is giving my sister fits by climbing up on precarious pieces of furniture as soon as my sister turns her back. This amuses me to no end...is that wrong? :) Heh