A Blessed Weekend

by Steph // Monday, April 10, 2017 // Comments off

This weekend we had the huge privilege of having our grand babies with us for three nights!

David and Kayla were away for the weekend completing the training that is required for the adoption of their little girl.

In the midst of the blessed busy, I did not take many photos!

The ones that I did take are not the best either!

But – they represent the wonderful memories we have of our weekend!

Blake and I both commented as the weekend came to an end that all of the cuddles with our precious grand babies made us feel closer than ever to them!

I was putting photos on Instagram stories, maybe for the grand babies Mama and Daddy’s sake!

Our realtor even showed the farm on Saturday morning!

That’s how we roll! Crazy, crazy times!

We took a drive during the showing – in two separate vans – and some littles had naps.

The littles and the babies are the BEST of friends.

You all, it is SUPER sweet to watch these four together!

Clyde likes Curious George.

His NaiNai did not like how he would choose to watch it!

Trucking runs deep in our family. Smile.

The babies have a fan club!

The weekend went fast.

Too fast!!

We have plans to see these cuties again very, very soon though!

I think I can make it until then.

I think I can.

What a blessed weekend!!

Hope you all had a blessed weekend too!!

Our Newest Five Year Old

by Steph // Wednesday, April 5, 2017 // Comments off

In the adoption world it is said that you can see great change in an adopted child once that child is home longer than they were not.

Lately we have been watching and reflecting upon our sweet baby, Eliza Claire, and it has been like a switch just flipped one day.

All of the things we have been working SO, so, so hard to overcome – they are being overcome.

All of the love, words, and therapy we have patiently been pouring into Eliza are suddenly showing GREAT reward.

We have seen progress all along the way – but now?

The switch has flipped.

Just look at her!!!

Our sweet girl is using words for things that would send her into a spin before.

Things like heading outside with her brothers – where something would set her off – and then I would soon hear the screaming and go running.

She is heavy and it would take all I had to carry a screaming, flailing child back up to the house.

Now, she heads out, and soon I hear the door open and close again and she is back.

She takes off her boots and coat, puts them where they belong, walks into the kitchen, squeezes my leg and says, “Mommy, it was just too windy out there today! Can I help you instead?”

OH MY HEART.

WORDS. She ALWAYS has WORDS.

How we have worked for those WORDS!!!

My sweet girl squeezes my leg dozens of times a day.

She climbs into my lap all day long.

She leans in for kisses.

She LOOKS ME IN THE EYES.

On her own accord.

Please understand, I will never be one to say “we have arrived.”

We know the journey we are on!

And we are humbled and SO thankful the Lord chose us.

We are so excited to watch the Lord write the rest of our Eliza Claire’s story!!

Give a shout of praise with us, will you?

We love you, Jesus, and praise You for all you have done!!

Happy Birthday, Lane Stevan!!

by Steph // Sunday, April 2, 2017 // Comments off

Today was Lane Stevan’s birthday!

He turned NINE years old.

Cliché to say, I know, but how did that happen?!

Time seems to be slipping away!

Sticking with tradition, Lane picked a meal for his birthday party.

He chose chicken fajitas, guacamole and chips, and cornbread.

Good choices, buddy!

We invited these celebrities and their two adorable children to the party!

Good fellowship and good food are two of my favorite things!

How about you all?

After lunch, Lane wanted Kayla to open her present first!

Kayla’s birthday is on Saturday, but we will not see her that day because she will be out of town!

Then it was time for Lane to open his gifts!

He was so excited!!

For dessert Lane asked for a chocolate layer cake with vanilla chocolate chip icing.

His big sister did not disappoint!

We went to early church today, so we were home by 10:30 and then spent the ENTIRE day enjoying just BEING together!

One last photo to end this post!

A beautiful girl whose birthday is in six days, and another beautiful one whose due date is in eight weeks!

GAH! I cannot wait to meet our grand baby!!!

Mr. Lane Stevan, you are such a precious gift!

We are SO thankful that the Lord blessed us with your birth! You have one of the biggest hearts I know! We truly believe the Lord will use you greatly!

Happy, happy birthday to you, Lane Stevan! We love you to the moon and back!