what is family?

I orginally published this post December 2013.  It remains, by far, my most popular post of all time.  The video at the end is such a gift to this mama.  I thought I would post it again for those who have become a part of our lives in the past two years and to encourage anyone who is thinking about adoption.  As we head into the holiday season, I am so thankful for each of my five incredible gifts.  

A little over a month ago our adoption agency, CHSFS, contacted us with a request.  The email wrote, "I know you are busy but as the saying goes if you want something done ask a busy person. Would you be willing to be in a documentary?"  Film students at Catholic University were given an assignment to make a short documentary style video.  Two students wanted to make a video about a family who had adopted a child with medical needs.  They contacted CHSFS and asked if they would make the connection. This is where we came in.

We were surprised at the request but immediately said yes.  It sounded like a fun experience for the kids and a great chance to tell our story.  And well, why not.

When we told the kids that someone wanted to make a movie about our family they were equally surprised.  I believe Kody's exact words were, "Why would they want to make a movie about us?"  But they were so excited and began to tell everyone we knew that they were going to be in a movie.  The morning of the big event the kids started counting down the minutes until the film crew planned to arrive.  I was just hoping that once the moment was upon us everyone would still want to participate.

 It really could not have gone better.  The kids loved all the equipment and loved even more that they got a chance to try out the camera.  And the unplanned bonus of the day, Nana happened to be there to help out.  The students who visited were great with the kids and made us all feel very relaxed.  I hope they had a good time.  Although after spending an afternoon with our family I am sure they enjoyed their single life a little more that evening.

Thankful for the fun opportunity and thankful to now have this awesome video of our team.  The blessings just overflow.

 Family Is What We Call It from Margi Hughes on Vimeo.