Miracles

About 11 years ago, before Charles and I were married, he bought me a ring -- a wedding ring. On this ring were 12 tiny diamonds, which were meant to symbolize our desire to have 12 children. (Yes, very ambitious!) Now, mind you, this was long before we even had 1 and before I realized what the years would bring, how my body would handle birth, etc. As the years have passed by, and our total number of children reached 3 -- we had pretty much given up hope of ever reaching our long-lost dream of a big family. It was out of our reach . . . too many children, too little time!

But then, a few months ago, we were called to be Youth Trek Parents. We were told that the children we would be given would become part of our family and that we would love them like our own children, and they would even inherit our last name. They would be OURS! So, as a direct answer to our prayers of the past -- last night, we met our new children and we became a family!

The new van Ormer family

(There are 7 children pictured, Alyssa was missing.)

Osheana (age 13), Bennet (age 12), Charles (PA), Mari (MA), Asher (14), Ethan (14), Brayden (18), Lexi (15), and Rachel (16).

So let's do the math . . . 8 new van Ormer children + 3 van Ormer children =

11 van Ormer children.

That means if I give birth one more time (which is very possible, and VERY likely!) -- we will have fulfilled our dream!

Our 12 children goal does not seem so far out of reach!

It is POSSIBLE instead of IMPOSSIBLE!

We have discovered that if you have a righteous desire -- Heavenly Father will provide a way. He will provide a miracle!

Sometimes it may seem that your prayers go unanswered, but we have to remember that it is God's time -- not our own -- that prayers ARE answered.

Amazing!

----------------TREK FAMILY SORTING NIGHT-----------------

Last night was family sorting night. You could feel the excitement and nervousness in the air. I mean, it was a BIG night! Getting to know who your kids will be is HUGE! Discovering the new family dynamic is really important. We will have to work/pull handcarts together, play together, pray together, etc.

Everyone was gathered in the gym -- the youth on one side, the Ma and Pa's on the other. Then a Ma and Pa would go to a stand and call out their family names, and the kids would come and join their new family. I bet the kids were about peeing their pants, because I know I was!

Right after our family was gathered we went to take a family picture . . . look how cute they are! It is interesting how much I love them already! I just want to know everything about them, and I want them to be happy!

(We were supposed to be in pioneer garb -- I had a skirt, but my shirt is being special-ordered from LLBean. I found a pioneer-ish shirt that is made of a special sun-proof material, so I will not die! I was HOPING to wear a straw cow-boy hat, but this year, girls are required to wear bonnets! Yikes! )

Brayden is our oldest, age 18. Bennet is our youngest, age 12.

We were able to gather for a minute to get to know our family a little bit. We played 2 truths and a lie as an ice-breaker. They all are such good, lovely children. :-)

Ethan (on the far right) is from our ward, but everyone else are from other wards in our Boise East Stake.

So now, I have instantly become the Mother of 11 children, ages:

3, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

I feel the weight of the task beginning to sink in!

One more miracle I have to mention: As some of you know I married Charles for his lovely brown eyes (amongst other reasons) hoping that we might be blessed with a few beautiful brown-eyes children . . . so far each child has inherited my baby-blues. Until now. Last night, we were blessed to inherit children --

with beautiful brown eyes . . .

There can be miracles . . . if you believe.