Tomorrow we will gather with friends and family to celebrate all that God has accomplished this past year in Hope's birth, the adoption finalization and the blessing that comes with having her in our lives.
So many times over the past year God has allowed us to share our story with friends and strangers alike. Whenever I speak of it I'm reminded of the learning lessons, the joy, the fear but most importantly the Power of God to accomplish what He did in our hearts and those involved.
In the midst of all the details, party planning, preparation I sat down to rock my little one to sleep this morning for her nap. I held her tight and ask God to never allow me to be too busy to do just that. And that is to take the time to cuddle Hope, rock her, kiss and love on her but mostly never let me grow weary of praying for her.
For that is where the story began, with prayer and God responded by saying "Trust, o my soul, in God alone; for your Hope will come from HIM.
FYI
Please know that "Your Presence is Gift Enough".
However, we've decided to place a baby bottle by the front door for those who would like to make a donation to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. The name is Heartbeats of Licking County. You may give change, cash or write a check. All monies in that bottle will be donated to help further the purpose of encouraging birth moms to choose life.
Our daughter is very blessed and we really would rather gifts be given to this ministry that has blessed our lives so incredibly.
Thank you!
This fun was a part of our rest last Sunday. HVN got this really cool bubble machine for her birthday and she loves it. There was a cackle with each bubble as we sat out on the lawn, with a blanket of course since she still hates the grass.
I remember when the twins mommy and daddy went through the hurt of infertility and now they have beautiful 10 year old twins! We spent some time with them this weekend and they loved all over my beautiful girl!!!!
Can you see the huge fish tank in the background? Rick wispers to me and says "HVN really wants to go to Bass Pro today, what should I tell her"? Thats a good one, huh? She does like the fish so we took an afternoon and went to BassPro, its one of our favorite stores!
It has to be one of the sweetest times to watch Rick sit on the floor with Hope and teach her how to pretend "cook". She stirs that bowl, presses the button to the blender so it spins, turns the oven knobs, shakes the salt shaker and doesn't care what she gets on the floor.
The presence of family and friends is the greatest gift ever. We are fortunant that many celebrated all that God had done for our family over the past year. This party was not just about HVN turning one, but a celebration of God's provision. Hope loves her new gifts and we are extremely grateful.
I placed the one candle on the cake and the tears started. I can't belive she's 1 !!! She really enjoyed her chocolate cake and said "hmmmmm"!
Not only was this party about HVN's 1st Birthday, it was a celebration of all God had accomplished this past year. In lieu of gifts we ask friends to donate funds to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, we collected over $300 and sent it on to OH. You'll see in these pictures that HVN was also blessed to receive many gifts from those that love her.
I snapped this on our one hour delay. from FL to VA.I think this is who she fell in like with last week. Kyle gave her much attention and she ate it up. He told her he would be there to protect her form all those boys...she's gonna need it. Second thought her mommy and daddy pack so maybe not!!!! LOL !!!!
She picked up the hotel phone and said,"DaDaDaDa".
One picture here is of Daddy dancing with HVN tot he YMCA song at Hard Rock and the others are on the VIP Tour. HVN was sitting in John Lennon's "thinking chair" that he used to write songs. The tour guide said she was too cute not to have her picture on the thinking hair. The other is of the Student Leadership University Girls, that HVN and I loved out time with!
