For this child I prayed

I saw this in a church bookstore catalog and loved everything about it. I love the title, the picture, the emotion, etc.

I'm praying today.

Prima Ballerina

Gracie's recital was Saturday. It was the crowning jewel on an exciting girl's day. The boys had gone camping overnight Friday night for Father's and Son's campout so Gracie and I lived it up. We woke early Saturday morning and went to breakfast with our neighbors who were also boy-less. On the way home we stopped at the nail salon and got our nails done!

I digress...

So here's a few photos until I can get some sleep and add a few more. Enjoy!

(second from the left)

Look at those beautiful blades (drill team hands)! *I'm so proud.*

the State

Waiting for an adoption situation has played with my lack of patience, so Ryan and I began exploring other options. We decided to look into the State's Foster to Adopt program and started by talking to my aunt who is a great example of love. Aunt Debbie has adopted 7 of her 12 children through the State's foster to adopt program! Talk about an expert.

She had so many great things to say about the program and brought to light a bunch of things I had never considered or thought about. It got me excited, so...tomorrow we will attend our first orientation meeting. I've learned that there are two orientations for this program. What I'm most excited about is that we will be actively doing something to find our family member(s). As far as I'm concerned it will only be more blessings from here.

I keep thinking back to the feelings that touched my heart when we were first talking about adoption. I know that there is a child who is meant to be with us. I know that it will eventually happen. I just wish I knew how and when....

Oh- and we moved Tanner and Braden into a room together. They now happily share a bunk bed which freed a room for our next family member. Now the question is what color will the walls need to be painted?

This message makes me teary. What a great perspective. I wanna be like Nie.

NINE YEARS!

We've been married for nine years!

I have been in a relationship with Ryan for thirteen! It doesn't seem like it's been that long and then we look back through the things we've got to experience together and there's been so much! I'm so grateful that Ryan is my husband. I don't think anyone else could do what he does as my husband, father of our kiddos, and my greatest supporter.

I love May-day and I love Ryan who continues to put up with me and looks like he loves it as he does!

I asked Ryan what our 10 year anniversary will include. I tried to pull a fast one on him by suggesting that the 10 year anniversary is for diamonds. He didn't fall for it though... DARN IT!