RECKLESS

 I have wanted to share about my tattoo that I got a couple months back. I know I don't have to  explain or share why I got it but to me it means a lot to me.

People having tattoos makes me curious of why they got them and what they mean to them. You may see someone who looks like they would never have one and then find out they do and it's hiding. Trust me when you look at me you might think she is conservative and would never get a tattoo! I truly felt strong about this marking on my arm because that's what it is a a MARK  that means something in my life. Living recklessly, not about not following rules and doing what I want but living that way for GOD.  To take out all my comforts and my fears and not worry about consequences that might get in the way. So I decided my arm where more people would see it and my self but something someone would hopefully ask me aout and I can share it with them.
Seriously taking a look at me I am far from the cool factor I mean I have six kids and am on way to a passenger van. But this tattoo took me out of my comfort zone something I never thought I would do. I always thought about it  I wouldn't do it. I would think of me at my daughters' weddings in my Mom of the Bride dress with tattoos on my arms and it didn't seem pleasant, but it all changed. 
This MARK will forever be apart of me faded even wrinkly but it means my whole being in life that this life is for God and I will put my best to live that way. The verse Ephesians 2:10, yes it doesn't say anything about being Reckless but the verse fit so well in this mission that we are living and got me through a lot it seemed best fitting.

                   For we are God's handwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God      prepared in advance in advance for us to do.

If you truly belive in him and TRUST him what you go out to do for him will turn out well even if you think it isn't. I am living proof of that.  Now this post isn't on here to say you have to go get a tattoo to make reminders in your life. This one is just one of my MARKS that will be a daily reminder. And  it looks tough right???...lol

Why Date Your Spouse?

 What does dating your spouse look like? Sounds crazy because you are already married, it shouldn't be crazy at all. Hopefully dating your spouse is something you already do or plan to do when you are married.

 Now Ty and I's life has changed over these past few months adding more to our family meaning we are taken over by children.

Our everyday life is soaked up by 6 little people who need us for different reasons.

Having children when you are married will change a whole bunch of things to your marriage.

Now do you remember you and your spouse before you guys were married?

Oh all the work that you went through to impress the other one with the way you looked, the things you would say! The many dates you two went on together and enjoyed each other because during that time things may have been a little simpler. Now I know some people before they get married might already have children who are brought into the relationship in the beginning, that is fine you two still dated.

We go on the dates because we want to be with that other person and do something together what ever it may be on your date.

As marriage and having kids go on, the changes happen. Now what started just as you two has blossomed to a family 1, 2 or 3 or more kiddos. Then the focus changes on what used to be to your spouse now to other things.

Now I don't come from parents who have been married 20 plus years, my parents are divorced and both have remarried one more than once. So my up bringing isn't what has showed me how important marriage is. God has taken the reigns on that one and my husband. I am as guilty as any Mom when putting my kiddos before my husband. I have learned a lot in these couple years having multiple kids. We have learned real fast that our focus changes in  a second if we are both not on the same page. Meaning our kids will come first before our marriage if we lose focus.

So that is what brought me to the question Why date your spouse?

Because it started with you two first!!!!!

You and your spouse are who  carry this legacy through your family. 

Our kids feed off of our moods and if it is off with your spouse it is off through everyone.

I see way too many marriages put there kids before themselves because of feeling guilty.

Feeling guilty only tells your kids that you love them first before your spouse.

Too truthful maybe, but it is true. I am guilty of this at a time or two.

I have learned that by putting my kids before my husband makes a wedge for both of us and that is wrong. 

So here are some things we have come up with to not loose focus on US.

Dates will happen every other weekend and we are so thankful for our new babysitter.

Praying more together

Devotions together.

Making it a priority putting our dates in the budget because you know we have 6 kids and we have to pay our sitter well...lol

If you don't make something a priority it wont happen. Your spouse should be a priority. 

Say "YES" more often ladies... you know to what :)

I can tell you from experience that when things are in line with us the house is in line too.

I know as Moms sometimes we get caught up in Mom too much before we get caught up in being wife. Ladies if your husband isn't planning the date then you plan it. 

Trust me he won't be sad when you have a babysitter lined up and are all dressed up for him.

  When your kids leave the nest your spouse is still there.

Build that relationship because when its just you two you don't want to be strangers.

 

 

 

My First 5k

Trying something you have always been afraid of makes a big difference.
 I was that girl that always said " I can't run its to hard".

 Until the beginning of this year when I decided I was in bad shape and the loss of the boys caused me to gain unnecessary weight from stress eating. I didn't want to keep feeling tired and eating horrible. I took being small for granted and treated my body like crud. Everyone my whole life has told me how little I am or was but on the inside and the outside felt different. So I tried a program called Insanity it kicked my butt. I did the program for the 30 days and got into some great shape but I couldn't watch a video everyday. So I thought I would try running my first run was a half of mile and it felt like 100. The next day I went a little farther and everyday after that.

Realizing I was truly enjoying running weird I know but I do. Until the day I reached 2 miles I literally jumped up and down and Ty was so excited for me. Ty has been my biggest fan he works so close to home so I have been able to go when he comes home for lunch. Him being that close has been a huge help to me being able to run. Also friends and family have taken time to watch the kiddos so I could go run and still do. I have always seen people running marathons 5k and never thought it would be for me. That all changed when my sister in Law and I both signed up for our first 5k. We ran the super hero run supporting Casa who court appointed workers for young kids in the  foster system. Sissy and I aka (Sara) were both so excited and nervous for the run not only because it was our first run but it was up hill. We did the run we both rocked it, there is nothing like running with people for a cause it is the most adrenaline rush ever. Running to the end of the top of the hill to the finish line I cried. Seeing all the family there cheering you on is such a rush. During my whole journey with working out and running I have always admired a friend who has worked really hard to where she is. She didn't settle with being the way she was. Her name is Elisha and if know her already or haven't met her she will make you want to change. Her excitement and attitude towards a healthier life style is contagious. She has been a huge encouragement to me with running and working out. She does laugh at me I know because I have 6 kids she thinks I am crazy. It can be done with 6 kids I am a testament to that I know my husband works close but even if he didn't I would go when I could.Ask to ask that friend family member to watch your kiddos for that 30 minutes or less. I'm telling you people who see you wanting to be healthier and live that way won't say no in being there to help you achieve that.  You have to really want something to do it. Elisha has a blog  www.runelisharun.blogsot.com you can go visit her and see her transformation and what she is up to. Writing this blog isn't to point out what you aren't doing but to encourage you to what you can be doing. I challenge you this week with great weather to eat new healthy thing you haven't wanted to try. Go on a run,walk do some exercises I promise you, you won't regret it . Just think that run, walk or exercise you are already way ahead of that one person who is on the couch. Your body will thank you for it.
At 30 years old I am in the best shape of my life and I know my kids and husband thank me for it, I have way more energy and my moods are so much better and I'm not too tired for them.
Keep me posted and let me know what you tried you can't do anything wrong if you try.

Just wait on Him!!!! He knows what he is doing!

I Know I said it in my blogs before the time I will say we are ADOPTING!
Well THE NAPIERS are ADOPTING, not one not two but three precious boys.

Yesterday was the phone call I was waiting for the courts were deciding to terminate parental rights. Which means our boys are orphans to the state but adoptable to our family.

The phone call first came and I was told it would be continued which I wasn't shocked, bummed but it wasn't anything we have been through far worse. Then I found out it was continued to a different time. So it made me stop and just talk with God. I told him whatever his plans were we are still going to take in orphans even if its not supposed to be these boys that I trust him with this whole situation. So I took a nap yes this mama of 6 took a nap while all the other little's slept.

I woke up to the phone it was our county worker and she said " Michelle Termination of rights" I cried I couldn't believe it. I We have been in this process for two years and never have we ever been this far. The first words I heard is just wait on me I told you I knew what I was doing.

God had this all planned everything we have been through the ups the downs the pure HELL.
He knew all along these boys were coming and of course we didn't see it. Now we do my three precious boys who will melt your heart they are very loving and very curious and tend to be naughty at times. We are all going through this process together. They call me "MOMMY and at first everyone was Mommy but not now they are getting to be familiarized that we are Mommy and Daddy and they have 3 sisters who love them like no other. They will be Napiers and will forever be apart of this family. Yes this process was so fast compared to before. But we are done comparing this is NOW  this is our story now and we will be a family of 8. Crazy for me to think I am a Mama to 6 kiddos and I can't even describe the feeling to you. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have 6 kiddos but God did. I got the phone call our case in in adoptions now.

This journey has only started and will get harder and easy at different times but Gods got this in the palm of his hands and we SUBMIT our lives to him. ALL this to the GLORY OF GOD! We don't take any credit for what we are doing because it is through him we are able.

SO yesterday was the day the day we could start fresh we could take our boys to get haircuts.
I was filled with excitement to be able to see their sweet beautiful faces they did so well. Barry the barber was so kind and was patient with them. Here our pics of yesterday.

Psalms 46:10
       BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.

Averee Bella...

She is 7 my second baby girl who made me a mommy again:)
Averee was 8 pounds 1 ounce.
She has the sweetest smile.
She is the girl that will be in the mud hole with the boys and in the same day playing barbies and dress up.
Averee would give you the shirt off her back.
She will  let you know something about yourself you don't want to hear. We are working on that one(Tact).
She is my girl who will bring bugs on the house and not tell me.
She has brought unknown dogs into the home too.
Averee loves God more than anything in this world.
She has a huge compassion for orphans and the least of these.
If you want a hug she will give you one.

What she said that would make her birthday the most special is to keep her brothers.(praying)
She can make you laugh in 3 words.
She will try anything once.(Lord Help us)
If you know her you know she is not shy.
Twix are her absolute favorite.
She would rather drink water than anything.

         This girl is one of a kind and we are so blessed to have her. She has had some struggles on the way and we are getting through them. Her heart is so big she can't even size up to it.
                                          Thank you God for our precious Averee...

A trip with 12 kids...

So for some of you who may not know. Tyler and I have some really good friends who also have 6 kids. 5 boys and 1 girl:) And yes all our kids are the same age starting from 10 and under.

 Our friends live in Arizona and we absolutely love it there. We made the 8 hour drive with 6 kiddos and it turned out ok. We split it up in 2 days and that helped. We spent 5 days with them they have a house where its ok to have 12 kids in it not like we could ask them over with there 6 kids.lol.  It just works to be able to have our families there in one roof together. A big part of the trip was because I was going to go see one of my favorite woman Beth Moore. If you have never seen or heard of her, look her up her passion for God is contagious. I was so looking forward to this trip because it was a only Mama girl trip. Let me tell ya there were 2 excited Mama's to be going over night, shopping yummy food and girl time. As Moms we need to do this it only makes you a better Mama. It is also good for your kiddos to know Mama takes care of her self and its ok.

My girlfriends husband was on a business trip so he was going to be gone for part of the day while we left for our trip. So that meant one thing Tyler and 12 kids....He was very ok with this. Even letting my friend know to have her 2 older boys to stay home from school to hang out. Yes I know crazy right! You have to know my husband to know that this kind of stuff doesn't phase him. Sure it was hard and he may of lost our 2 year old for 5 minutes but he did it. A great job he did too...

Beth was just fantastic she spoke on being MARKED and what marks and scars do you carry and have you let your wound turn into a scar? It was truly such a blessing to be with Christina and her Mom Candace aka (NANA). these two woman have left a mark into my life.

I cherished this trip I think so much because we were with a family who gets it and lives it.
6 kids don't scare them just like it doesn't for us.Yet either of our families are perfect and we share our struggles and don't judge because we get it. Not to many people will get when you turn your life from what used to be normal. This calling for adoption is a full time ministry. Some might say well you wanted more kids, not true at all. If Ty and I wanted more we would have them ourselves.
We submitted to a calling into our lives from God. With Submission comes suffering too. A loss of what our old family was like,the easy way life was,t he hardships of what Tyler and I deal with each-other. We do our best everyday managing our family everyday we fail. Yet his grace is there and he brought us to this and will guide us.

          Our friends deal with same and different struggles and we pray for them we can relate.
                 God tells us we aren't excluded from suffering but he will be there with us.

I know God puts people in our lives for a reason and this family is in our lives for a reason. A friendship that's life lasting and honest giving. Remember you can be leaving a mark on someone and not know it. Being honest with your life will help someone else that is a guarantee.

   You can follow our friends and there journey at www.thelanggangloves.com

                                                                    Romans 5 3-5

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Adoption It effects Everyone....

So we are in a long haul with this adoption process. We have and been through every possible circumstance. But then there is the case we are in now and it is going fast.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought this is the road we would be on. The boys we have will be potentially ours. In two weeks is the parental rights hearing this hearing means that the boys will be freed to adoption and will have no more ties to the parents. It is such a sad thing truly is. Sure it may be a Joy for our family but it is loss for the boys either way you look at it. So on that day when rights are terminated, we have four months til adoption.

Our family is definitely  going through the motions with this process some days are good and some are HARD on everyone. Everyone in this family has had  to adjust to what just happened. We gained half our children overnight. With this being said the honesty in me now will come out in what is going on.

One of our girls is really struggling we have seen a change in her since we lost Tyler and Trent  7 months ago. She misses them terribly and now she has to Trust God more than ever if this process doesn't work.

We are 99.9 % that they will stay but we seen the craziest things happen. I didn't really notice her struggle with the boys now until I talked to someone who talked to me about her and they said they noticed a change in her just recently. She then told me its understandable what your family is going through. So as a Mama I  talked to her right away. So we had one on one time and I took her to ice cream and we talked. She did tell me she is having a hard time and that when she tells the kids at school about her new brothers, this one response she got from another kids just speaks volumes of how our society is. A little kid told her it was not good she had these brothers because now there are too many kids and her parents will forget about her and not think she is special anymore.

 A lot for a little kid to say I thought. I talked to her and told her that the decisions our family makes we will get comments, opinions and people will think its weird. The only one that matters is God and he is so proud of you AVEREE for what you are doing. This statement took such a toll on her but I know it won't be the  last. She has the biggest heart I know and right now she is just trying to figure these little people out and I know she just wants everyone else to accept her family and what we are doing. 

Having these 6 kiddos we are finding balance to who needs what from us. The most impacted thing I told her was these 3 little boys have had no parents or big sisters. What a blessing it is that we can provide that for them. At a very young age my kids are learning that this life doesn't revolve around them and that our lives are to serve and love others. I know this struggle we are going through with her is reasons why people won't do this. If we caudal our children trying to make their world perfect we are doing a disservice to them. Big families just have that much more love and unity and LAUNDRY. So this is us right now I know there will be more things but we TRUST him. If more of us truly TRUSTED God with our lives could you imagine what this world would look like. Just not saying you believe him but truly going out on Faith and living it.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

                                                 Proverbs 3:5