Breaking News!

I interrupt my 2010 "catch-up" posts to bring you this

wonderful- surprising NEWS.

We have received our referral.

It was completely unexpected.

God's timing is perfect.

IT'S A BOY!

We are completely head over heels in love.

Meet our son.

John Alexander Thomas.

"Alex"

More to come soon....I promise!

A 2010 catch up post - Part 1

Spring Break 2010

Washington, DC

End of School Year Concerts....Goodbye 1st and 4th Grade!

Olivia and her 1st grade teacher.

Bailey and her 4th grade teacher.

Violin Concert

Piano and Voice Recitals

June 29 and September 17th

Two very special dates in my book!

Bailey turned 10 and Olivia turned 8. Goodness... time is flying by with these two.

For Bailey's birthday, she invited a few friends over for a pool party. The weather did not cooperate, so we headed over to Sports Connection for Laser Tag and games.

Not to be outdone... Olivia jumped on board with a party at Sports Connection for her birthday as well!

June - Annual Outerbanks Beach Trip

It just keeps getting easier and easier. When we began this trip together with our dear friends, Olivia was just 9 months old! Now that the kids are older....we can actually sit in chairs on the beach, have a conversation and enjoy our dinners!

August - Back to School

The girls came up with a new tradition. An "End of Summer" chocolate cake. This tradition will take place the night before school starts. I believe they think chocolate will make it ALL better.

Don't they look thrilled to be up and out the door at 7:00 am?? Where are those big smiles I was looking for? Oh wait- that was me with a big ol' smile. All day to myself. :-)

Hello 2nd and 5th grade!

September - Labor Day Weekend - Folly Beach

We went to Folly Beach with my Mom, my brother and his family. It was the first time that we have all vacationed together. We had a ball! Our children get along so well and we really enjoyed our time together.

My very talented niece, Taylor. She tumbled her way down the beach.

My very handsome nephew, Jacob. This kid cracks me up. He reminds me so much of my brother growing up!

October - Halloween

Twas a week before Christmas...

Twas a week before Christmas,

with much catching up to do.

I had neglected my blog,

without an update for you.

A referral is coming -

we pray next year!

A boy? A girl?

which one is not clear.

We continue to wait,

with hope in our heart.

Our four will become five,

and we're ready to start!

So back to the blog,

where I need to post.

Updates of my family,

which I treasure the most!

All Star Swim Meet - 2010

Bailey and Olivia BOTH made the All-Star team!

One was super-excited. One was super-unsure about it all.

It was an exciting event and our team WON by 20 points.

GO WAVES!

Bailey placed first in breaststroke and second in butterfly.

Look at her go! This girl LOVES to swim.

She is competitive and thrives in a competition.

Olivia placed third in backstroke!

This is her first year on the Swim Team

and she made the All-Stars!

What a huge accomplishment.

This sweet girl of mine is not as competitive as her sister.

During the meet (in tears), she told me

that she did not want to do this again.

It was too much pressure for a 7 year old! :-)

I am so proud of my girls. Both uniquely and wonderfully made!

Adam - a little hero

This sweet boy's name is Adam.

He is the son of our good friends, Greg and Jenny.

Adam came home to his Forever Family in January. He was born with spina bifida. Adam has always been mobile by scooting around.... but never been able to walk. Through therapy, love of a Mom and Dad - plus lots of determination...look at him go!

He is a hero in my eyes. I have never seen anyone with more courage or more determination. He never complains and is always happy, content and very loving. To top it off... he is seriously CUTE. I am complete mush around this little guy.

Just look at that face!

Jenny and I walked the journey of adoption paperwork together. Having gone through the process when she adopted Samantha, she was so very helpful and supportive to me. I had lots of questions! Many days we would meet at the YMCA, hit the treadmill and start talking about our paperchase. We prayed and prayed for our adoptions of Adam and Emily. To see this prayer of Adam answered, humbles me beyond belief.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us...

Ephesians 3:20

I have been amazed by Greg and Jenny's faith. They were called to this adoption of Adam having no idea what all would be involved with his medical issues. It has been and will continue to be a journey of trust. Medical decisions still need to be made for Adam. I ask that you please pray for my dear friends as they continue to seek the best treatments for him.

I am reminded of how magnificent our Heavenly Father is when I look at this sweet face.

In God's most beautifully woven plan...

He placed the most perfect little boy with the perfect family.

Did I mention how cute he is??? You've now seen it for yourself.

http://prayingadamhome.blogspot.com/

Followers?

Hello? Anyone out there?

I ran into a sweet friend at church today. We served together in the Dominican Republic this past February. She said that she had seen my blog, but wanted to follow it and get updates through her blog.

So - I ventured out and added the "Followers" gadget today. All by myself...I might add. I think I even broke a sweat.

If you get a chance, let me know you are there..... :-)

May 16th, 2010

An outward expression of a beautiful - accepting - faithful heart.

Bailey ~ We are so very thankful for the sweet, kind heart God gave you. We are proud of your decision to be baptized and pray that you will always love God ~ with all your HEART, all your SOUL and all your MIND. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

We love you!!!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11