wORDLESS wEDNESDAY :)

2nd Referral-versary!

April 14th marks the anniversary day we saw our youngest daughters face for the first time!

At the time she was said to be a three year old, we would later know she was already 4.

None of it is a surprise to God, however.

God formed her body and knew her name before time began.

And the very day she took her first breath was ordained by Him.

We rejoiced to finally see the one we had prayed for for so long.

Her big brown eyes were beautiful but also tell a story of hurt & loss.

It's been two years since we peered into the eyes of our daughter,

in the only 2 pictures we received.

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T's been home with us for 21 months.

And each day we still see a hurting little girl,

desperate to belief she's HOME,

but scarred from a past that told her too much... 

nothing is forever.

loved ones go away.

only trust in yourself.

bad things happen.

your worthless.

love is temporary.

and the list goes on and on.

___________________________________

We will continue to pour love into her.

To speak God's truth to her.

And do all we can to break down the barriers that prevent her from accepting our love & care,

and rather has her fighting to not let herself get hurt again and pushes us away with mighty force.

We will unwaiveringly continue to work to build trust in T, that one day,

prayerfully, will open her up to wholey receive love & know true joy.

______________________________________

Today, we celebrate the family God uniquely knit together,

for His perfect plans & purpose.

And trust in His unfailing love for each one of us.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you HOPE and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

wordless wednesday :)

Easter 2012

Easter was very good this year! Erin & I got to help serve breakfast at church, we spent time with family, and celebrated the resurrection of our King!

To serve breakfast we had to be at the church at 7:00 am, so that meant waking up early and getting dressed up. Although it was early, we had a blast doing it. The youth set, served, and cleaned up for both breakfast hours and are very grateful for the donations we received. Everything that we earned will go towards our funds for Nationals in June/July. :)

After breakfast, and church we headed to my dad's parents house. We "take turns" with who we visit each year, and we really enjoy it. This year for Easter, the boys got baseball bats and balls. They brought them over to play with after lunch, and everyone got involved.

With my dad being the youngest out of the 4 kids in his family, our cousins on this side are much older. It was fun seeing siblings, boyfriends/girlfriends, and even the big boys (aka: uncles, dad) play in the yard.

We also tried taking a few family pictures like we always do on Easter, but the sun was a little bright and we didn't try a round 2. So these will have to work for now.

Fail :)

Hope everyone else had a blessed Easter!

~Michlyn

he's got character

Tuesday morning, DJ and I had the priviledge of watching J. receive his second

"Character" award for the year.

Award or no awards, we are so proud of the person J. is growing up to be :)

He's kind.

giving.

compassionate.

a good friend, brother, son.

and so much more.

But there is something about others recognizing a little of what you think makes your child wonderful!

In the beginning of the year he received the "RESPECT" character award.

A month ago, his classmates voted him student of the month.

Tuesday he was presented a "SELF CONTROL" award.

~~~~~~~

And I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to 'GUSH' over our awesome J!!!

We love you Buddy - You've got lots of CHARACTER!

xoxo

sleepy head

S. had a  somewhat restless night Tuesday.

But he maneuvered through his day well.

And promptly fell to sleep after his school day.

He slept the 20 minute ride home.

(among the noise of his siblings) 

It was just enough to energize him again.

And he was up and going...

~~~~~

Now if I could make a  20 minute cat nap be enough for me to feel re-energized,

to hit the floor running full speed ahead, to the days end.

~~~~~~

God equips each of us with our own unique gifts, that's for sure :)

Have a happy Thursday Friends!

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us... let him do it cheerfully."

Romans 12: 6 & 8

W is for winner!

Saturday marked our AWANA clubs, second annual "Pinewood Derby"

All week long, the boys worked at making their cars, along side Dad :)

S. set out to make a camouflage hummer truck.

J. made a batmobile type race car.

Both looked AWESOME!

Of course, thanks to Dad, who put in lots of time, energy, patience and creativity of his own.

~~~~~~~

J and S both came away with 2nd Place trophies!!!

All three boys couldn't be more proud!

Way to Go Boys!!!

~~~~~~

The sweet icing on the cake...

DJ came home in deep thought about the days events.

He summed it up...

"This is what life's all about. Spending time together, in search of the simple victories. Not the latest and greatest toys, driving new trucks or cars but days like today!"

He also posted this verse;

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:21

I can't think of any thing to make a man more handsome :)

And he's mine!!!