He's Ours and It's Her Birthday!!

I love how God gives you little blessings that you never would have thought of or planned yourself. It shows just how much He loves and cares for those who are His children. Today is an example of that. Gateon, our new nephew, who was adopted from Hong Kong officially becomes a member of our family in the eyes of the United States government, in his court hearing. Today is also his big sister, Anna's, 14 birthday! How Sweet is that. We love you Anna and Gateon!!

Our Sweet Time Together!

Terry and I had a wonderful time together. I know that lots of people say they are married to their best friend but it's even better when that happens to be true. We have fun laughing together...we find the same dumb things funny!! As we look back on 12 wonderful years together, I can say with all sincerity they have been wonderful. I love to look back and see where God's hand has guided us, where He has provided for us. Thanks Terry for taking the time to renew our love. The greatest gift we can ever give to our children is for us to continue to love each other. Despite the fact that someone decided to pull the fire alarm at our hotel at 2:30 am, this trip was great. That's a story for another day!!

K

Elle-Catherine's first day at work...

Owning your own business is many things: it's hard, it's liberating, it's stressful, it's fun. However, for our children it's something totally different. Owning your own business can mean one thing: going to work with Daddy!! Now, Jackson has availed himself of this privilege many, many times but for Elle-Catherine she hasn't been before now. She loved it; she had a ball. When Jackson found out she was going with him he was excited and told her..."Great, Now I can introduce you to my women!". Yes...he's 5. I'm a little bit worried. What a great Daddy my children have!

Our Anniversary Trip!!

We are 1 and 1/2 days away from leaving on our annual anniversary trip...I'm so excited. We are only going to Nashville but we get to be together, alone, for 2 whole days; I can barely contain myself. I love, love, love, my children. They are so precious to me but I love their Daddy too and I love spending time with him. It's important to nourish the relationship outside of your children because one day the inevitable happens...your children grow up. Terry and I have been married for 12 wonderful years; I never really lived until I married him. He is the best thing God has ever given to me.

Grandfathers and Good-byes

For our family this has been a very hard week...we had to say good-bye to Terry's last remaining grandfather, Papaw. Some parts of it were very difficult, some very sad, and some very sweet and fun. My heart broke as I watched my baby girl cry her heart out at the private family viewing; "She was so sad for her Daddy". However, in the midst of that sadness there was great joy and fun. We got to spend some time with "The McCormick Clan from Florida" and the sweet Kennis family. I was so amazed as I listened to Tommy, Terry's brother, give a wonderful eulogy for their grandfather. Also, I was once again reminded at how close God holds us in His hand this week. Had God not intervened Tom and his wife would have been in China on a mission trip and Terry and I and our children would have been on vacation at the beach. God worked it out that neither of us were gone allowing us to be available for our family. Mamaw and Papaw McCormick had a marriage that lasted 66 years may God bless us the same.

Kindergaten Shots and Teacher lists...

Well today was a big day for our family, we got shots and found out who our teachers were. Elle-Catherine is in 2nd grade and her teacher is Ms. Sheree Combs. Jackson is in Kindergarten and his teacher is Ms. Dana Mead. It's a hard thing to let my babies go to school. I have loved on them at home for the majority of their little lives and now I'm supposed to just give them over to someone else's care for 8 hours a day. It's difficult. I know that they will love it and have great fun as they learn new things and meet new friends...we'll see.

Another special event was the shots. My poor Jackson...he is a great little guy who tries real hard to be brave. He really wanted to bring his special friend "Buddy the Dog" with us but was a little bit embarrassed. So, being the super swell mom I am, I tucked Buddy into my purse and off to the doctor we go. My sweet brave boy sat in my lap and hugged his dog as I hugged him, and then finally I was done.

Tired and Overwhelmed

Have you ever felt like that? Knowing that you were in charge of something important but wondering if you have the talent or wisdom to pull it off. Well, I'm in that place. On of my favorite things to say is "It looks cool in my head; now only if I can get it out of there." We'll see if I can pull it off....pray for me!!!