Happy Easter

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.

Grace in her Easter dress, not sure why she wore the black necklas...... Grace got not one but 3 Easter baskets, one from the Bunny, one fromama and this one from Lynds.

the only thing she really asked for was this game, she was very excited that the bunny got it

Dont you love these PJs, her aunt donna gave them to her last year. I want to take her to the beach and get a pic there with them.

School Easter Party & Hunt

That time of year......

What an awesome day that will be. May 1st will start with a birthday breakfast for one of my very favorite people. We'll celebrate Miss Ashlee Gail Compton's birthday, only to be followed by a little horse racing with my hubby!

Another Surgery

We got the date for Grace's next surgery. It will be July 16th. He will be doing more muscle work on her good eye, and another exam. Can someone explain how you get a better exam with the child asleep?

Please keep her in your prayers.

I stand in awe

I always stand in awe of people (particularly women) who have such an intimate relationship with God. They always touch me and renew my faith, a faith I want handed down to my daughter. I want so much for her to grow up knowing God's love and direction for her life.

To name a few of these women, the first would be my sister in law, Donna, at a time when it would have been so easy for her to walk away, she turned to God and I found myself amazed, I never once heard her question God on why he took Devan home at such an early age. I am a God fearing and God loving person, but I cant stand before you and say that I could do the same. I remember going to a retreat with her and being amazed at the women there and so many of them had that intimate relationship with God.

Patricia, a fellow blogger and adoptive mom, never fails to renew my belief in God. Any time spent with her, talking to her, or just reading her words, I always walk away with a peace in my heart.

Then there is another mom and blogger, whom I've never met or even talked to. I stumbled across her blog one day not long after Grace came home. Her blog "Bring the Rain" is about her fourth daughter. She found out early in her pregnancy the baby would not survive, and she choose to carry her to term. It is an awesome and amazing story. And again, I just stand in awe. I haven't checked her blog in awhile, I've been so busy, I don't check anyone much any more. I was surprised to find she is expecting another baby. I am so thrilled for her and her family.

These women and so many more remind me of the person I want to be.

I find in my old age it is best to share my thoughts instead of keeping them to myself.

Happy Easter

Hope you all have a Blessed and Happy Easter.

Gotcha Number 2

Our first glimpse of you

Two years ago today in an orphanage in China, this beautiful little girl with a brave heart was placed in my arms. We knew we loved you before that day, but nothing could prepare us for the love that we felt in that moment. It didn't matter that I didn't give birth to you, I loved you just the same. You turned your daddy's world upside down, and in just a few hours, I knew he would never be the same. Its my hope for you, that you never have any doubts, fears or worries. God's perfect plan took place that day, you are where you belong, this is your FOREVER home, and you are our baby girl.

You gave your daddy the first smile, and you closed your eyes for the first time for a nap safely in your daddy's lap

One Year Gotcha Day 2009

2 Year Gotcha 2010

It was my plan to have Chinese like last year,however the dear hubby thought differently. We had steak in stead, and I actually had all 4 of my kids there. I am so truly blessed.

The Wedding

Better Late than Never,Right. I'm still waiting to get all the pics from them on a disc......hmmmmm

Anyway, we have the rehearsal pics and some from te wedding.

I wanted a picture of the two of us, as we were getting ready to take the picture, his best man, Cole, shot me wih the air zuka? gun thing, ???? Keep looking, you'll see

Then he wouldnt let me move.

These are air zukas or what ever you call them, they shoot out air

His cousin, Amanda

The Groomsman

Fish (James), Cole, Brandon, Matt, Kyle and PaulPaul

How cool are the cufflinks he made everyone, and Lynds let them wear them. Turned out nice

Thanks so much to my Craven/Compton Family for all thier help.

I guess they are never to old to need their momma, even on their wedding day

My Mother

Mother / Daughter

Hair Time

Grandparents / Paul Ray's Parents

Dancing to Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman

I searched for the perfect song to dance with my baby boy to and this is what I found. I did very well through the song, it was just the two of us, but I cried during the whole ceramony.

A mothers song

Tying little shoe laces

wiping off dirty faces

Are just a couple of things

That a mother will do

Mending a broken heart

Is only a part

Of the care and the love

That I've given you

With a Koolaid smile

an a sparkle in your eyes

I wrap you in my arms

and whisper this advice

Be strong, be kind

Be patient and in time

you'll find out, my son

what true love is all about

Be faithful and be true

Show love in all you do

Then you'll know, just how

you make your mother proud

Now, little boy days have passed

and you've grown up so fast

But in my heart

that little boy will never be far

So on this blessed day

theres so much i want to sa

but above all, I thank God

for the man that you are

With a tender smile

and a twinkle in your eyes

I wrap you in my arms

and whisper thi advice

Be strong, be kind

be patient and in time

You'll find out, my son

What true love is all about

Be faithful and be true

Show love in all you do

Then you'll know, just how

you make your mother proud

You've made your mother so proud

I thought this song was perfect and it sums it all up. My darling boy, I am so proud of the man you have become. I love you always.