Adoption made me proud

Well, It happened. My little guy turned 10 today. I can hardly believe he is ten years old. When we saw his sweet face... that quiet little two year old boy.... was small and fragile. His eyes were full of stories, and his mouth held only a few words. We honestly wondered if he was human.... because he was absolutely perfect. The first two years of his life were full of circumstances and situations that no child should ever have to experience. The lessons that he learned in those two years left scars that may never heal. Hard to believe that experiences that a child has before they are three years old have such an impact on their life, but sometimes it happens that way.

I have always been inspired by adoption. I know it is a story that weaves in and out of the lives of many people I know, and those that I don't know at all. Each story different in its own way. Our story is perhaps like many others. Complications with the delivery of my twin girls, five years earlier, resulted in a hysterectomy. I was blessed to escape the operating room alive. And as the time approached for the twins to start school..... the yearning took hold. I needed, I wanted, I longed for another child. I prayed and prayed and cried and begged God to bless us with a son. We fostered seven boys over the course of three years, all in hopes of adopting a son or two. The joy as each child entered our home, paired with the devastation of their departure was almost enough to destroy me. When we received the phone call about our boy... I couldn't allow myself to accept that what I had prayed for was about to happen.

This boy, was mine. This boy, was the one I prayed for. God had heard. God had answered my prayer. When we stood in that courtroom to finalize the adoption, I felt a peace. This amazing boy, was mine.

Things do not come easy for my boy. He struggles in school and still bears some of the "scars" from those two years before I saw his face. But I can say this. The old soul, the little "jesus" that I see in his eyes..... has the power to teach me.

God's provision

God's timing

God always hears me

every word we say to one another matters

contentment is possible

Adoption changed my life. Adoption gave me my boy.

The boy he is today....

is a great picture of the man he will be tomorrow.

And my heart is proud.

I love you son.

Happy Birthday.

Everyone loves Christmas Pictures

I can hardly believe how fast little ones grow. Kate and Will have certainly changed since last year.....

Somebody got some new glasses.

Mr. J has been wanting glasses for two years. He finally got the school nurse to do a vision screening to convince me he needed them. I have to admit... he does look darling in them. Today was his turn for his own portrait session. He lasted about 30 min. I knew I already had some good shots... so we turned the car toward the house. He is the boy... and we love him.

Just for fun....

This weekend I needed a little camera time. My poor girls... I drag them everywhere and tell them to smile. I tell them it is their own fault... They are just too pretty.

My camera, my love

I have had the opportunity to use my camera a lot lately. It seems I am grabbing it as I go out the door more often these days. It is so gratifying to look through the viewfinder and see an image that makes me catch my breath. A moment in time that I can keep with me just a while longer. I thought I might share a few of those moments.

My camera, my love.

Maybe a little too ambitious

Well, after feeling crummy for so long.... I decided this Saturday it would be great to have a family outing that consisted of something other than a trip to Walmart or to eat. I saw this video on the Star-Telegram's website of new trails opened up at Eagle Mountain Lake Park. I thought it might be a great adventure. The kids seem to enjoy hiking and exploring when they go to camp, so why not.... I thought the chance to take my camera along might prove to be a creative opportunity as we explored the area around the lake. So after looking like the day was going to be a wash, we got a late start, but nevertheless.... we did make the trip. This is a long post... but I couldn't pick just a few favorites....

always fascinated by windmills.

The colors found in nature are often so vibrant. this rock has the perfect shade of green moss.

The view was fantastic.... the energy it took to get to this point... well, let me say we were all wiped out and ready to quit.

This was one of those moments like you see in the movies... where the trail opens up into a clearing of sorts and it is breath taking.... I loved the way the trees all curved as the domed ceiling of a special room deep in the woods. I did lay down on the trail to get the perspective I wanted.... I think the two guys that passed us thought I was hurt....

As fall begins to lightly dust the leaves with color, I am blown away by how beautiful the leaves are... each leaf has its own pattern and beauty.

I was captivated by the pattern of the lichen growing on the side of this tree. It reminded me of light and delicate frosted flakes.

The grasses were hypnotic as they swayed in the gentle breeze.

And try as I may...... I always end up photographing my children. They are always my favorite subject.

A nice man offered to take our family photo, he actually did a good job... although he acted like he had never used a camera before.

The signs as we entered the park illustrated the animals that we would likely see on our hike.... but this little man.... never was quiet long enough to see anything. He scared everything away.

My favorite of Pay.....

My favorite of Madi. My girls love the old trucks.... Thank you Twilight...

Hands down.... great day with the camera!

A Presentation and a peek at the beach

Well the presentation in Houston wasn't exactly what I expected. I was told the room held 150.... and in actuality... 20 came! Oh well. My presentation was compelling and interesting. Just ask Scott... he decided to come along on this trip. My mom was so wonderful to keep my kids... even with dad out of town. My friend Christi helped with my dogs... and away we went. The presentation was over around 2:30 and we took our chance and shot down 45 to Galveston. Normally we don't get the chance to see the beach but once a year. This was a quick afternoon. I did get to feel the toes in the water...the toes in the sand... and hear the waves crash around me. There is no sound that equals.

My presentation.... promised mom we would take a picture

The beach..... breathe it in....

Dinner at Landry's. I really loves eating dinner while looking at the waves roll in one after another.

Scott was maybe the quietest on this trip than I ever remember him being... very reflective and quiet.... what's up with that?

These remind me of the damage that this area had as a result of hurricane IKE just one year ago. There are so many reminders of the strong waves and high wind and water. I thought they were a reminder that the sea is living and breathing.... with rises and falls..... chaos and peace.

Everytime.... the patterns in the sand as the waves lap against the shore.... it just amazes me.

I always love to see a bird, just a bit different from the rest. And watch them search for the next little tiny fish.

Wow.... it is all we could say.... and imagine.... how that water must have been so powerful....

Even though we were only on the sand for an hour or so...... it refreshed my soul. It only took a few moments and the stress of work and health and all of my thoughts and fears.... melted away.... and It was just me and the sea....

I hope to see my good friend again soon. It is shame we only get together once a year... in summer.... maybe i need to visit the sea more often.