Balancing Parenting: Navigating Cell Phone Use with Adolescents

In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, Brady & Andrea discuss their ongoing journey of balancing relationships and maintaining standards with their children, especially around the contentious issue of cell phone use. They dive into their decision-making process regarding getting their children phones, the importance of responsibility, and the challenges of integrating new technology into their home. Highlights include the unique dynamics with their adopted children, the benefits of monitored phone use using the OurPact app, and the lessons learned along the way.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or would like to get involved, please visit rods.org to learn more.

Bonnie Hilton, a licensed clinical social worker and advocate for adoption, shares her personal adoption journey and the importance of family and faith in the adoption process. She emphasizes the need for flexible expectations and patience when bonding with adopted children. Bonnie also discusses her book, 'Gathering Israel's Children,' which shares adoption stories from different families and highlights the tender mercies and joys of adoption. She encourages families considering adoption to start moving, do research, and seek support from others who have been through the process. Bonnie hopes for more positive adoption stories and a streamlined and affordable adoption process in the future.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to learn more information on how to get involved, or meet waiting children.

Our First Family Road Trip as a Family of 13

On this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, we share the experiences of our first major road trip as a family of 13. We discuss the logistics of traveling with such a large group, including how Brynlee flew to make space, the dynamics during the drive, and our strategies for feeding picky eaters at fast food restaurants. Our journey took us from Las Vegas to San Diego, where we navigated interesting encounters and challenges, such as finding hotel accommodations and handling potentially stressful moments. Highlights include Cooper throwing the first pitch at a Padres game and all the fun activities we did together, creating lasting memories and building stronger family bonds.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, getting involved, or wanting to meet waiting children, please visit us at rods.org to learn more.

Adoption Advocate Megan Zars on Embracing the Journey of Adopting a Child with Down syndrome

In this episode of the 'See the Miracle' podcast, we welcome Megan Zars, a wife, mom, advocate for adoption and Down syndrome, and nonprofit marketer. Megan shares her heartfelt journey of growing up in a family deeply involved in fostering and adoption, which inspired her own decision to adopt a child with Down syndrome from India. Megan discusses the process, hurdles, and joys of adopting Ami, a 19-month-old girl who has forever changed their family. The conversation also touches on the importance of support systems and the meaningful relationships between Ami and her biological and adopted families, making it evident that even amidst challenges, love and advocacy prevail.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, looking for resources, or wants to get involved, please visit rods.org for more information.

Episode 101: Celebrating Milestones and Transformative Experiences

In this milestone episode of the See the Miracle Podcast, Brady & Andrea reflect on surpassing 100 episodes and recount the remarkable experiences of their adopted children, Sandra and Rocio, during their recent adventures. They delve into the girls' transformative time at young women's camp, overcoming language barriers and stepping out of their comfort zones. The episode highlights personal growth, spiritual awakenings, and the continuous journey of bonding and adjusting as a family. Brady and Andrea also share touching moments, such as Rocio's decision to be baptized and her impressive progress in managing emotions, demonstrating the importance of community and support in fostering positive change.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved with the RODS Heroes mission, please visit rods.org to learn more.

Embracing the Call: Adoption, Faith, and Overcoming Challenges with special guest, Angelina Howard

In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, hosts Brady Murray and Andrea Murray welcome special guest Angelina Howard, an adoption advocate and mother of five. Angelina shares her profound journey of adopting Moses, a child with Apert’s syndrome from Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her Ukrainian roots and childhood experiences with orphans, Angelina delves into the challenges and blessings of adoption, particularly embracing children with special needs. Her inspiring story underscores the importance of saying 'yes' to what God calls us to do and the transformative power of unwavering support, faith, and determination.

If you or someone you know feels inspired to adopt or get involved with the RODS Heroes mission, please visit rods.org to learn more and meet waiting children.

In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, hosts Brady Murray and Andrea Murray welcome Brian and Kristen Wood, known as the Wood Crew, to share their extraordinary adoption story. Married for 16 years and parents to six children, the Woods have adopted three children from different countries within a short period amid significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss their journey through international and local adoptions, the complexities of fostering children with special needs, and the unwavering faith that propelled them forward. The episode delves into the emotional highs and lows of their experiences and offers advice for families considering adoption. Through heartfelt discussions, the Wood Crew inspires listeners by showcasing the beauty and potential that come with embracing adoption and foster care.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to learn more information.

In this episode of See the Miracle podcast, Brady and Andrea discuss the first week of summer and various family updates. We reveal that the podcast brand has evolved, now closely associated with ROD's Heroes. We also share exciting summer activities such as their kids participating in a run club, the expansion of Heroes Club, and Andrea's Mother's Day gift—a relaxing getaway with friends. Brady recounts his solo parenting experience with their 11 kids, highlighting a memorable trip to Bear River for bridge jumping and visiting 'Napoleon Dynamite' filming locations. Additionally, we talk about their children’s accomplishments, like Sandra applying for a job and Jhon's improved confidence.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org and find out how you can get involved or meet waiting children.

In this episode of the 'See the Miracle' podcast, we celebrate significant family events that marked the month of May. The primary focus being our daughter, Brinley, and her high school graduation and the accompanying emotional turmoil our family experienced, especially our recently adopted children from Colombia. We share personal anecdotes about the challenges and growth that come with these life transitions. We also share fun updates on our podcast, ROD's Heroes, and Conquering Your Clownfish.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved with the RODS Heroes cause, please visit rods.org to find more information.

On this episode, we follow our family's Mother's Day celebration, including challenges around parenting adopted children, handling cultural differences, and creating fun memories together. We share experiences from a fishing mishap, a chaotic McDonald's order, to reflections on building relationships and progress in therapy with our adopted daughter. Despite differences, we focus on understanding and acceptance, ending with gratitude for our family's growth and upcoming summer adventures.

If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org for more information on how to get involved and meet waiting children.