Run for the Sand!

We recently took the time to try something new. Our family took an extra long weekend and went to the beach on an April weekend. Usually we go to the beach in the summer, but this was a nice change of pace. We were really excited to attend Sandfest for the first time ever. I don't think we were prepared for the changes that Port A has gone through since we were last there. So many more things there now. I heard reports that 100,000 people would be on the beach for Sandfest. Another plus, my sister and her family were there vacationing on the island with her in laws. That was such an added treat. My niece was very excited to participate in the sand castle competition this year. It was great to see her build her seashell village. She even won second place and received a trophy. The kids all enjoyed the jumbo corn dogs for sale on the beach. The live music was perfect for the little ACE, he was a dancing fool. It was fantastic to see my sister and how great she looks as the baby boy grows inside of her. We are excited to meet him this summer. Another thing about this trip that was new for us, wildflowers.... we never time a road trip well. Usually the wildflowers are not quite ready or have already peaked. They were wonderful. The sandcastles were truly remarkable. It was a nice weekend.

It doesn't matter how old the boy is... he still tortures the seagulls.

The sandcastle queen herself.

Just a portion of the winning sea shell village.

Nothing better than a jumbo corn dog!

My sister and her family

If I could bottle the joy.... my kids love the beach. Windy, cool, sunny and dry.... never matters.

Our arrival was a surprise to B. she was so happy to see her cousins.

Wildflowers...

The best of both... wildflowers and the beach.....

I hate to say goodbye. But I was so glad to get an unexpected visit with her.

These girls are too pretty.

There's a break in the weather....

I am so ready for summer. The relaxed pace, the warm sunshine, the cookouts and water toys are all a part of my favorite time of the year. The snow has been nice, but clearly I live in Texas for a reason. Anyway... the girls were feeling like a new profile photo for face book, so away we went.

I am always amazed at how beautiful my daughters are. I am sure you will agree....

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.