I see...

We spent this last weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. After a couple of traumatic events (more about that at another time) we had a great time. The kids really enjoyed all of the swimming and other kids stuff they have there. At 8:00 each night they have a Magic Clock Tower show. It includes many animals, people (all which are not real) putting on an animated presentation. We were sitting watching the show when the following conversation occurred:

Addison: "Mom, I see Jesus."

Me: "You see who?"

Addison: "I see Jesus. Right there mom." as she was pointing to something around the clock area.

Me: "Addison, um..."

I then get interrupted by Addison who says, "Wait, is Jesus a girl?"

Here is what she saw:

Jason: "No honey, that's not Jesus. Jesus is a boy."

Addison: "Oh, good, I was starting to get a little confused."

Oh, the joy a 3 year old brings!

Until later,

"Aunt" Christy

My cousin, Christy, celebrated her birthday today. To say that she is loved by my children would be an understatement. They ADORE her! She is never too busy to spend time with them and when I am exhausted or at my wits end, Christy is there to roll around with them, read with them and just love on them. The way she loves my children makes me love her even more. So, to capture my children's love for Christy I had them sing Happy Birthday to her.

Oh, but here is the first one we recorded! Jason and I were almost in tears as we were videotaping it!

Happy Birthday Christy! Hope you have a great one, you deserve it! We love you!

Princess Tea Party Pictures

The girls' birthday party was a month ago, and the pictures have finally arrived!

It's hard to believe that my sweet little princesses are now 2 and 3! Happy Birthday girls, we love you!

The decorations were set,

The cake had arrived,

Two little girls were all ready,

For dress up,

and makeup galore!

Then came the fashion walk,

Where all the girls did a twirl!

Cake time was great,

Addison was so excited to celebrate!

A walk around downtown Grapevine came next,


To show off all their dresses and such,

What a cute looking group,


that helped us celebrate!

Here are a few of my other favorite pictures!

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate! The girls had an incredible birthday!

Until later,

Melissa

Toothless Grin

This little tooth

used to be in this sweet smile.

I can't believe he lost his first tooth. He pulled it out himself (even though it was very loose). His bottom teeth have been loose for about 2 weeks. So, I'm pretty sure the other one will be falling out very soon. He was very concerned with if the tooth fairy was a boy or a girl. I honestly didn't know how to answer that question and said, "It's just a fairy." He was very excited to put it under his pillow last night and wake up with $5.00. I'd be lying if I didn't say it breaks my heart a little. He is growing up way too fast!

Until later,

Melissa

Hope

This week is National Infertility Week. There were many times when I would just lay in bed and cry thinking that I would never be called "mom." Now, all I hear all day long is "mama, mama, mama."

Our infertility journey started about a year after we were married. We had 2 IUI's done, 2 IVF's done, got pregnant with what they thought was twins after the last IVF and then miscarried within 1 week. After that last IVF and miscarriage I remember feeling like a failure. I was heartbroken and saddened. I cried for many days and prayed to God for some guidance. Jason and I spoke about adoption and our mind was made up. This is what God had in store for us, this is what was going to help make all of our dreams come true. Ten months after starting the adoption journey, Isaiah was home. My sweet, precious, little boy made me a "mom." I will never forget the feeling of arriving in the airport at home with Isaiah in my arms. It still brings tears to my eyes. Three months after Isaiah arrived home, I found out I was pregnant with Addison Grace. My beautiful, little dancer that they said I had miscarried and couldn't find a heartbeat, had danced her way into our hearts. Three months after Addison was born, I was pregnant with Kate. I was on birth control when I was pregnant with Kate and I remember sitting in the bathroom crying after taking the pregnancy test because I had no clue how we were going to be able to afford 3 children. Kate is our spunky, loving little girl, who we couldn't imagine life without. Our family is complete, our prayers answered. God is good!

For those of you struggling with infertility my hearts and prayers are with you all.

To my dear friend struggling with infertility (no name needs to me mentioned, you know who you are): You are an amazing person, a loving individual and my thoughts and prayers are with you always. I am here for you every step of the way, stay strong, have faith! Love ya!

And now a picture of my 3 miracles that call me Mom!

Until later,

Melissa

For The Love of Rolly Pollies

They searched and they searched for Rolly Pollies,

and when they were found they ended up in one of their hands.

They all really enjoyed looking for them and finding them, but Addison really loved them!

She loved them so much that she had a handful.

Or a dressful.

She didn't want them to crawl away so she put them on her dress so she could watch them.

She wanted to take them to her room to keep,

but we finally convinced her that they needed an outside home.

So now our large oak tree is home to many new friends,

Who are forever thankful that they aren't spending another hour in a 3 year old's hands.

Until later,

Melissa

Gotcha Day

My Sweet Isaiah -

Happy 4th "Gotcha" Day Isaiah! Four years ago today, you arrived home! I will never forget that plane ride to the US with you in my lap, just waiting to get you home and show you to everyone. I finally became a mother, a mother that got to hold her baby in her lap and not have to return him to his foster mother. Our difficult journey to become parents was over, and all our dreams had come true! Your smile is contagious and your laugh infectious! Mommy and Daddy are so blessed that God chose you to be our son. You are a blessing to this family. We love you!

Isaiah's referral picture:

There were many times I wanted to put him in a suitcase and just take him home!

I love this picture of him!

He has grown up so much!

We love you,

Mommy & Daddy