Colorado Vacation 2010

Hope's kissing cousin graduated from the Air Force Academy this week and we wanted to be there, so we made a vacation out of it. More pictures to come soon!

"Congratulations Daddy"

Rick has completed his Masters Degree, HVN and I are very proud of him and thankful that we will have much family time given back to us. Long nights of studying have consumed us, however Rick always made time for us. He earned his Masters in Religious Education and now is ready to begin his Doctrate...but not anytime soon. Congratulations honey, we love you!

HVN Makes Her Own Kind of Music!!!!

On Tuesday, HVN had a harmonica in her bed, when she woke up from her nap she played it instead of calling for me. I was in the room next door and also have a harmonica so I played mine and we went back and forth several times while being in two different rooms. It was so adorable to me as I knew we were communicating and I loved knowing HVN knew I was communicating back to her. When she was ready to give in she let out a giggle and I went in and loved all over her. It was so very sweet...thank you Bonnie and Kindermusik...HVN loves her tunes!!!

My Girl...Lov'n Her ChocoPop

This was too cute not to snap!! We had a jammy day today, however after her chocopop she had to be changed before naptime. She is all girl and loves choclate, but it has to be given mid day, it doesnt work well after dinner and near bedtime. She was licking away and would not share often. Its so fun to watch her with sweets, after each bite she giggles and does a hmmm...mmmm!

It Was Once Again a Happy Mother's Day!

Each morning I awake to an energetic sweetheart that is full of life and surprises. HVN is at a stage of needing constant attention, direction, education, love, patience, praise, correction, a ton of hugs and kisses and I love it all.
Today my heart was reminded that all of this is a privilege to me. I'm privileged to be loved by a Savior who bestowed on me the blessing of being called "Mommy" by a child I love so dearly. What a great honor it is to have this title that I had so longed for for years.
The day did not go by as I recalled and gave thanks for our birth mother. I remeber several things along the way of the adoption process that she shared with me that often comfort my heart still. I praise God for the life she chose to give to HVN, she's a rae of sunshine and blessings each day. "Thank you Lord for our birth mother and her family that stays near to our hearts".

A Special Wedding at Maymont

Why Do They Grow So Fast???

I so often wish I could freeze time and keep HVN small and protected. She has a such a sweet disposition that shines in her eyes each day. She and I love to take walks around the driveway, water the flowers, swing, play ball, pick up stick and rocks and the list goes on. But one of the things HVN continually points out is the airplanes flying over head, we're not far from a small airport and she hears and points out each one even when we're inside. Now when she does it I say. "yes Amelia....there goes another airplane." She's fascinated with them. I took these shots today as we had a lazy Sunday afternoon while Daddy was finishing up school work. I appreciate how the Lord uses His beauty and the things around us, especially children to remind us of His goodness. HVN shirt is a also a huge reminder as it says..."I know I'm special God don't make no junk." I know that's right!!!! (thx N family for the t-shirt).