Pink Snow cones are the best!

Its been a while since I updated. A lot has happened!  I have had technical difficulty so I apologize for the delay.  On August 2,  our family was in Dauphin Island visiting my sister.  We were on the beach. We were waiting to hear from our attorney about our birth Moms ultrasound.  We knew it may be sometime soon but we didnt know exactly when it would be.  As we were enjoying the beach, I was taking pictures for a gender reveal just in case we heard something while we were there.  Joel decided to take the kids for snow cones and I stayed at the beach with my Mom and sister.  I talked to my Mom about how I guessed we would not hear anything because it was already Friday.  I also told her that I had been planning a gender reveal where Isaiah would rap and we would post it to facebook. However, Joel would get the news first.  I wondered if he would do a gender reveal on me.  The timing was just perfect for that conversation because little did I know, Joel was planning my gender reveal at that very moment.  When he and the kids got in the car to head to Island rainbow, he had a text revealing the gender of our baby.  He didn't tell the kids but when they were ordering snowcones, he ordered a special surprise snow cone for me.  When they returned to the beach, Joel was taking pictures of the kids and I knew something was up.  Then he motioned for me to come join them.  He video recorded himself explaining to me that in the cup, which was covered with a paper bag, was the color of our baby's gender.  He told me to drink the snow cone and the gender would be revealed.  I was so excited and nervous at the same time.  As I drank the juice I saw PINK!  Its a girl. I started jumping up and down and screaming before my lips ever left the straw.  Caris my 11 year old patted me and told me to calm down but I was still jumping up and down and was so happy.  the kids were happy too.  Even little elijah said "Yeah a baby sister!"  The video is priceless and I will post it as soon as I can.

Next we celebrate Caris' 12th birthday on Labor day. We went horse back riding. The whole family went. It was a fun outing. The night before, Caris and I went to the late movie about her favorite group, One Direction.  We rang in her birthday right after the movie. It was a fun way to celebrate her last year before she is an official teenager.  UGH!  Im not ready for this! Middle school has been adjustment enough.  ONe step at a time.

Some awesome news is that baby Sam was born and is now home with his parents.  The adoption went pretty smoothly and after a two week stay in Arkansas, they are home adjusting to their new life.  Two down, one to go.  Its such a beautiful  experience to see babies that God put in your heart long before you knew them, here at home with their Mom and Dad.   Babies you have prayed for and details you prayed for come to life.  Its amazing how God moves and works in our lives.  Its personal. He knows us, He hears us and He gives us the desires of our hearts.  It has been wonderful to walk this adoption journey with these two families and its beautiful to see them now, with their babies.

Sams parents delivered our ultrasound pictures and video and a recording of Kaleyah's heartbeat.  That is a precious gift we did not originally expect.  To see her ultrasound photo and hear her heartbeat makes it more real, while still seeming like a fantasy.  Its getting closer and I will have a baby soon. Wow!  Its amazing to imagine.  I dream of dressing her and loving her and brushing her thick black hair.  I search  pinterest for ideas for baby clothes, photos and even first birthday ideas.  I cant wait to have her here.  Although I have much to do in the house to get ready.  I planned to use the month of Septemeber to concentrate on the house. Instead, Ive concentrated on work and being busy each weekend.  Oh well. It will get done eventually.

On the financial end of adoption, we were awarded a $1000 grant recently.  that was such a blessing. We are waiting to hear from Lifesong for orphans and still plan to apply for more funding. We are doing some fundraisers to help support our orphan ministry fund to help all three of our families and any others who decided to adopt in our church family.  I dont mention money to focus on our need but to give God glory for providing for this adoption through many different ways.  He is faithful.  On that we place our trust. Not on the balance of our bank account.

Last we just got back from a fun family weekend. We went to MS to my youngest cousins wedding and that was a fun event.  Visiting with the Stinson's is bitter sweet now.  Its always  good to see everyone but its a blatant reminder that my Daddy is not here and my Grandparents are not here.  However, we always have the Hope of eternal life.  I know I will be with them again whenever Jesus comes to get us or I die.  That will be a beautiful day either way.  After the wedding Saturday night we headed to Monroe, Lousianna to Duck Commander. Joel surprised the kids with this little trip.  We attended church with many of the Duck Dynasty stars.  We wmt a few of them and Isaiah and Caris got a picture made with Si.  We appreciate their show and their Faith which they openly share on the show.  They are the real deal. To see these stars and millionares in church worshipping with their family, is a true blessing.  It was a great weekend.

This coming weekend, I am looking forward to spending time with many adoptive Mommy's at the Unfailing Love conference.  We have 4 of us from church going and my neighbor who is visiting our church.  I cant wait to be encouraged and learn more about adoption and orphan care.  I know God will bless our time together.  Im really looking forward to it.

Oh and tomorrow is national talk like a pirate day!  I've heard that Krispy Kreme is giving away a dozen free donuts to everyone who comes in dressed like a pirate.  I will be pulling together my most impressive pirate costume tonight and head to Krispy Kreme in the morning. Don't be jealous.  You can go too.  Aye, aye Matey!