Thursday, April 4, 2013

Snakes, Snails & Puppydog tails!

The most common question we receive lately now that we've been home almost 2 weeks is...

"How are things at you house?"
The answer I typically give?
LOUD!
It amuses me to think back to those early years when Tom and I were first married and it was just the two of us.
(The way we THOUGHT it would always be!)

Then God blessed us with Tommy.


He was exactly what I prayed for!
A beautiful, blond headed, blue-eyed, baby boy! 
He was perfect. 
I was totally over the moon in love with him and in my mind, our family was complete.

Then. God....

Two years ago this month, we saw this face for the first time

and he pierced my heart!

That started our journey to what is now a house full of laughter, and loud noises!

The Lord began to open our eyes to the great need that exists. And, as we became more educated on the orphan crisis around the world, and particularly in China, we learned that there were SO MANY boys waiting to be chosen.
Huh?  
Boys in China?
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, there are many, many boys that are available for adoption, many of whom wait for years for someone to take a chance on them and bring them into a forever family.

Our boys were among those...
The reality is that statistically speaking, 
girls are preferred over boys.
(Can you imagine?) 

It's true!
  And, while each child is treasured by God and equal in worth and equally deserving of a family, they are not chosen equally.
I am so grateful that God gave Tom and I a special heart for boys.

Yes, Boys ARE 
Messy




Noisy



Dirty


Aggressive
 



Competetive





Silly





Hungry



and did I mention....

LOUD?
But, with all that craziness comes some of the most loyal, loving, incredible creatures on earth!

Boys are also...
Talented





Loyal






Hardworking





& Lovable



So as you consider what role God would have YOU play in caring for and defending the Fatherless, stop for a moment and consider the boys.  The world is certainly in need of more
God-fearing, Christ-honoring, Family-loving, hardworking, honest MEN!

Don't you think?
You don't have to be _________
(fill in the blank)
Young
Rich
Athletic
Cool
Super smart
to parent a child in need.
You do have to be_________
 (fill in the blank)
Willing
Loving
Comitted
Firm
Attentive
Patient
Interested
Involved
Invested!
Tom and I are no superheros.
We aren't amazing.
We aren't rich.
We aren't young.
We aren't athletic
and we are not cool!
Well, Tom isn't anyway! (Heehee)
What we are is blessed, called, honored, chosen, and adopted by God.
Ok, and truth be told, a little tired!
But, it is all worth it.
Every minute of craziness! 
Every reminder to "Shut the Door!","Be nice to your brother","Rinse your plate","Brush your teeth" and "Make your beds". 
And all the other 100 things we repeat countless times each day.
All the sacrifice is worth it when you see this:
So give me the snakes, snails and puppydog tails.
Bring on the dirt and the noise and the
sweaty socks. 
We are up for the challenge.
God has chosen us for this task and we are saying YES!
Will you?





11 comments:

Diane said...

As a mom of six boys, I know your heart. Boys are blessings indeed!

Tricia F said...

I love this! I would totally be okay if God gives us only boys... so, far, we're on the right track. ;)

Annie said...

LOVE this my wonderful friend! However, I still do not believe that your house is louder than my house! Hehehehehe:)

Stephanie said...

I love this! (My sister just left today to adopt their 5th son, and I know she agrees with this whole heartedly!)
Would you be willing to let us feature this post on "We Are Grafted In"? (www.wearegraftedin.com) It is a Christian adoption website that seeks to encourage adoptive parents and those considering adoption as well as those with a passion for orphan care and foster care.
If you are willing, I'd just need a brief bio and a picture to use when it is featured so we can direct our readers back to your blog.
Just let me know!
Stephanie

Rylands family said...

Diane, thanks for your comment! I love BOY MOMS!

Rylands family said...

Tricia, thanks local friend! Love seeing your little guy! Can't wait to meet him in person. Angie

Rylands family said...

Annie, You MIGHT have me beat with all those dogs on top of the kid count! Love you! Angie

Rylands family said...

Stephanie, Yes! I would love to contribute to We Are Grafter In! Let me know the best way to get you some info. Angie

The 4-O-7 said...

I love your post! You have a beautiful (handsome?) family. :) We are so blessed by our little guys! I have to add something to your list of things boys are... Boys are the best huggers EVER!

Shauna said...

LOVE this!! We are soon waiting on TA for son #3 and 4(Art.5 pick up Tues.), which will give us 6 blessings! Can't wait for more noise at our house :)! Boys certainly are special!

Tammie said...

I found your blog from another site and have a question about raising funds. Do you have a contact email that you give out?