Thursday, April 26, 2012

THE MIRACLE THAT IS...

Yesterday, before we left for the court house...I had a period of time where Brady was down for his nap and everyone was out running errands, so I was alone.  I allowed myself to reflect on the past couple years of my life and to recognize the tender mercies afforded me by a loving Father in Heaven.  When I was really little I remember knowing exactly what I wanted to be when I 'grew up'. A mother.  I wanted a BIG family.  I grew up with 7 siblings and lots of foster children and so there was daily choas, but I loved it and I wanted that for my family.  


After I was married we started having children.  My pregnancies (unfortunately) were very difficult for me, but that didn't deter me one bit.  The minute Kayla was born I looked at my husband and said, "I want another one".  So I did, 14 months later.  And then another and then I had Ben.  My life changed...but it was a GREAT change.  One that I never would have expected but am so grateful for that experience.  I tried to have more children, and after Ben was born we tried for years.  Finally 7 years later I was pregnant.  After a hard fought battle with my pregnancy (severe morning sickness, ports, TPN, kidney failure, IV hydration and meds) I lost the baby at 20 weeks.  It was pretty earth shattering for me, BUT it didn't knock me down for long.  The following year I was able to get pregnant again.  It was another hard fought battle, much of the same as the year before...except this time I lost the baby at 16 weeks.  And then a month later I lost my uterus.  And that meant no more children.  It was pretty devastating because I knew in my heart that I wanted so badly to have more children.  It knocked me down for a short period but then I was back on my feet resolved to the fact that just maybe my dream of a "big" family wasn't to be.  The following year I lost Ben.  We went from 4 children to 3.  That was so painful and so sad for me.  But again, I know that I am not in charge...my Heavenly Father is.  I may not understand all the 'whys' but I know that He does and I have put my faith in His plan for me. 

So after Ben passed away I had this drive to become a foster parent for medically fragile children.  It wasn't an easy process and many times I felt like giving up.  But I was being prompted to continue, and so I did.  It wasn't until August 24th, 2011 that I finally knew WHY.  That's the day I received the phone call for Brady, the day that changed our lives forever.  Not a day goes by where I don't think of the miraculous circumstances that led Brady to our family.  And when I think about it I get teary.  Brady has brought so much joy and healing to our home and that in itself has been such a blessing! How lucky we are.  And for this I will be forever grateful.
Love you Brady Boo! 
xoxo

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

THE DAY WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR....

Today it became official.








Thanks to all of our family and friends that came out to support us.  We feels SO blessed!

Friday, April 20, 2012

FROM CLEAN TO DIRTY

We started off clean...really clean.  But there was too much fun to be had.  Lots of things to taste and lots of dirt to play in.  













It's a good thing he loves his baths...

Thursday, April 19, 2012

KALEB'S LACROSSE

This is Kaleb's first year playing Lacrosse.  He has patiently waited for years to play...because the leagues under high school play on Sunday's.  Because he's never really played he volunteered to be goalie.  Turns out he's REALLY good.  The JV team are 3-1 and Kaleb is a big contributor to their success.  AND he loves it.








 (Beautiful save Kaleb!)


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!!!!







41 years young!
(thanks to Aaron and family for coming up and celebrating with us)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

8 DAYS...

...Until the adoption is final.
I get to spend my days (and nights) with this cute face.
 He has brought such joy and so much love into our home.
Not a day goes by when I thank my Heavenly Father for this beautiful gift to our family.
 And even though we already know he belongs to us, I'm excited to have the state recognize it too.
Only 8 more days...

Monday, April 16, 2012

STEVIE AND SOFTBALL AND SPECTATORS

Brady and I love going to the kids games...I love watching and he loves playing.  This particular game Stevie wasn't playing because she jammed her finger pretty good in her basketball tournament over the weekend.  She was helping to coach first base but we cheered for her anyway!
Brady loves being outside and playing in the grass/dirt.
He's all business until I pull the camera out...
and then he wants to eat it.
Cute Brady and his chubby feet.
I do pay attention to the games...at least part of the time.