tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post867683332426597483..comments2024-01-20T01:16:06.485-07:00Comments on A Road Less Traveled: Random thoughts about my day that you really just don't need to know...Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07785457966417796924noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-22488601154901294792008-09-29T08:15:00.000-06:002008-09-29T08:15:00.000-06:00Your comment on not wanting to play dolls made me ...Your comment on not wanting to play dolls made me smile. I am completely the same way! I could dress the barbies for prom over and over and over, but when it actually came time for Ken to pick them up for the date...I had no idea what to do. All I ever did with my playhouse was rearrange the furniture. I loved the "setting up" part, but never acting out parts. <BR/><BR/>And as far as big families vs. small families... you can't compare families to families. I know plently of only children that are completely screwed up! The fact that you and Jer take time for "daddy dates" and "mommy dates" will ensure your kids feel like they get special attention! That is one of the most amazing, selfless things you two do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-56949637134491483422008-09-28T13:03:00.000-06:002008-09-28T13:03:00.000-06:00Christianne, I loved this post. I sure do miss yo...Christianne, I loved this post. I sure do miss you. I have really been struggling with the same thoughts lately. You and Jeremy are amazing parents and have an amazing family. I was just telling a friend about how amazing you are yesterday. <BR/><BR/>I have been following Graci's progress and I am so excited things have gone so amazingly well!! <BR/><BR/>Just for the record, I have a horrible imagination and hate playing dolls. I never enjoyed it even as a kid. <BR/><BR/>We sure do miss your family.McKenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03844778769468696699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-21052042892963410862008-09-27T22:07:00.000-06:002008-09-27T22:07:00.000-06:00It is the random thoughts that become so precious ...It is the random thoughts that become so precious in the years to come. We love you for all you are sharing with us and doing for your family. After listening to Women's Conference tonight, you are creative and compassionate and an example of what womanhood and Relief Society are all about, Christy. Don't worry about not wanting to pretend because you are creating the impossible along with Jeremy. You are always in our prayers. LoveDnD Gibbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11699738822065751296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-84179406096798234572008-09-27T09:43:00.000-06:002008-09-27T09:43:00.000-06:00I just wanted to add that small or large families ...I just wanted to add that small or large families are what you make them. Each couple has to make that decision based on prayer and good judgment. I believe the Lord knows what is best for each family and will guide us in those decisions.LaRitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17152559886655157018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-30702739493286068972008-09-27T09:36:00.000-06:002008-09-27T09:36:00.000-06:00Dear Christianne, What a wonderful post. You cam...Dear Christianne, What a wonderful post. You came from a family of five and I believe you all felt loved and accepted. We were not perfect parents, but I hope,in part, you want a large family because you find such happiness in knowing and loving your siblings. You all strengthen each other. I believe your capacity to love and nurture grows with each child. And, should you every choose to have more children, you will be blessed with that capacity. Can you imagine what Elli's and Graci's lives would have been like had you not been inspired to adopt them? I believe your entire family, including your extended family has been so blessed from those decisions. I know it's not all a bed of roses, but neither is any family. You have exhausting, frustrating days, but you have beautiful, wonderful days blessed with tender mercies and tender moments. All things are possible if you have the Lord as a partner, and I know you do. Much love from your grateful Mother.LaRitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17152559886655157018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-8615600233410824062008-09-26T09:29:00.000-06:002008-09-26T09:29:00.000-06:00With my most recent baby, I was on bedrest for fou...With my most recent baby, I was on bedrest for four months--two of them in the hospital. The twins were two and a half. Over a year later, when we moved to a new house, they started to tell everybody the story of how their mom had to live in the hospital for a while.(I think because they were feeling anxiety about the move.) So I worried about that.<BR/><BR/>Fast forward to this week (a year after the move) and something came up that made me tell a story from the time in the hospital. I said, "Remember when you lived with Grandma, and I stayed in the hospital?" Not even a flicker of recognition crossed their eyes.<BR/><BR/>I'd also like to remind you that judging the balance in your life at a time when you have a hospitalized child is maybe not the best cross sample (my cute friend). You're doing a noble, brave, and beautiful work by nurturing the family that you have. Stay with that feeling.Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312100795205421277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-55255668652088138592008-09-26T08:00:00.000-06:002008-09-26T08:00:00.000-06:00Hi Christianne, I Loved this post! You are so not...Hi Christianne, I Loved this post! You are so not alone in your thoughts. I've had several tell me how they were "jipped" on their childhood because they were from a big family, and I am sure you are one of the lucky ones to hear unsolicited comments everywhere you go. I have had those moments when I wonder if my kids will have those negative feelings because I could not give them all the attention they maybe would have gotten from being in a smaller family... especially the older kids. However, they have each other, and that is a huge blessing in their life. <BR/><BR/>When I was real sick for almost a year a few years ago, I had feelings of guilt and discouragement at times as I looked at other moms who were able to do so much more with their kids. Our kids grew during that challenge and learned things that have added to who they are today, just as Don and I did. <BR/><BR/>We just keep doing our best, take care of ourselves and nurture our marriage and hopefully it will all turn out. We can't go wrong if we are following the Spirit, and Heavenly Father will make up where we fall short.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing! It's good to hear Graci is doing so well! I think I need to eat more grapes and less cupcakes, too!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02215655513561849426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157077173425697905.post-49932142763401274692008-09-26T06:26:00.000-06:002008-09-26T06:26:00.000-06:00Good morning Christanne - have a heaping cup of 'r...Good morning Christanne - have a heaping cup of 'reassurance'! Having met and hung with three of your brood and your spouse - ya'll are doing just fine in the mom business! The boys and Graci are just a true joy - I'm sure the rest of your 'quiver' are as well. You only problem is that YOU feel like YOU aren't spreading yourself around enough - well - that's (in part) why it take two parents (it even's the odds a little) - and - if you don't save a little of yourself for you - then there won't be anything for anybody (ponder that for a while and it will make sense!) <BR/><BR/>The proof of any recipe from any kitchen is how the meal turns out. Comparing that to child rearing - from our chair it looks like your 'recipe' is a good one!!<BR/><BR/>Hugs to all ya'll - and so glad that Graci is progressing so well!<BR/><BR/>aus and familyAushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02740211277947404999noreply@blogger.com