A Heart Remembers

Nevaeh and Sam on adoption day - Her caseworker as a foster child
Nevaeh giving Sam a rose during her Christening/Dedication Ceremony

Now, over two years since the above pictured events, Sam surprised us with an unexpected visit today. I, regrettably, was away working. But Nevaeh declares that she had a really great visit. She shared with me how she told Sam her story of how she arrived in our home. And then she said that Sam added to her story.

I asked Nevaeh if she remembered Sam. "Sure," she replied. "When I looked up into the sky, I could see her face in my dream!"

I am amazed at how the heart truly never forgets the face of love!

And I believe that Nevaeh is a part of our family because of Sam's love, work, tears and prayers!

A little cowgirl - not quite two
Look how much she has grown in just a few short years!
She is now 4 1/2.

She is a blessing beyond words and we can NEVER thank Samantha for......WOW! Everything!

Surprise!

We all have dreams and wishes of varied import and it is always such a delight when such becomes reality. Knowing that Mark has always wanted a Siberian Husky, when the opportunity presented itself, my oldest son, Daryl, and myself could not resist making this dream come true.
Meet Shtiya Sakari
Daryl did some research and carefully selected what he felt was the perfect name for this sweet little girl.
"My Sweet Strength"
I think he was right.

Mark was deeply touched and ecstatic and these two have been forming their own unique bond.
I'd have to say, she has been one of the best kind of surprises!

All Little Boys Grow Up!

Happy Birthday, Daryl!! Where have the last 19 years gone?

I love the young man you have become and I am so proud to call you my son!

I can't imagine my life without you in it. You have truly been a blessing to our family.

I don't know WHY I feel so surprised to find us at this place....what was I thinking?!

ALL little boys grow up!

Our Baby Girl is 4!!!!

Instead of a huge party, Nevaeh wanted to spend the day with her best friend Livie at Chuck E Cheese for her birthday.

Double trouble!

Striking a pose

With their earned prizes

Out for chinese with the dude!

Nevaeh's favorite food for her birthday lunch.

Nevaeh Re' is 4

Awesome decorations

The birthday girl with her cake just the way she wanted it to be.

Chawlie is her nickname.

With Daddy

With Mommy

GOTCHA!

...aaaaaaannd she got him back!

Nevaeh with the gift from her brothers.

Daryl was still away in college at the time so he is not pictured here.

Seasons

There are seasons in our lives in which it seems as if life sucks us up into the vortex of some violent whirling storm of water, fire or air and we somehow survive to live another day. It has been such a season for us and as you consult the date of our last post, you verify the passage of time. So much water has passed under the bridge since last we met. As I pause to take stock, I am relieved to discover that my family has remained unscathed and we are, in fact, doing well.

It is our hope that once again, we can meet here more regularly and perhaps even manage to catch up a little.

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die;

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, And a time to lose;

A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

A time to tear, And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

A time to love, And a time to hate;

A time of war, And a time of peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

May you find peace and contentment surrounding you in whatsoever storm you find yourself.