Preschool Graduation

Lauren's first graduation! When she went across the stage to receive her certificate, she was asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Her answer, "a policegirl"... Love you Lauren and mommy and daddy are so proud of who you are.

Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day...For 35 years this was a day I celebrated my mom (and still do of course), but there were years when there was a sting associated with this day. A reminder that as the years passed, I was not a mom yet. Despite prayer, God said 'no', despite painstaking paperwork and waiting, we still had an empty crib in our home, year after year of people asking "Do you have children" and I would smile and say, "no...not yet".

 Today, there is something amazing beyond words to celebrate this day for the third time. As she looks at me and smiles, as she often will just off hand say, "Momma...I love you", I am filled with a joy only a mom knows. She has changed me forever. I find myself being brave when I would have shrunk back in the past. I care less what other's think and more about doing what is best for my girl. I am so thankful for her love. I remember before she was home with us, social workers and the like would remind us that there was a chance she wouldn't "attach" to us or that she may have difficulty opening herself to love or be loved. I prayed God would allow her to love me, wow, has He blown me out of the water by her love. She is one of the most loving people I have ever known. Her love has broken the walls around my heart like noone else.

 Danny and Lauren took me to my favorite restaurant after church today. Due to the hectic schedule recently, they hadn't had a chance to get a card so they sat across from me instead and told me what they loved about me. Lauren looked up at me and said, "Momma, when I'm not with you it's boring...I love to be with you... and we laugh and have soo much fun together. You're the best mommy ever...".

 It's true...Good things come to those who wait.

 Happy Mother's Day!