Another year of Preschool!

I had the chance once again to attend Toby's end of year preschool picnic. While we have decided to keep him in preschool for another year, it is still sad to see another year pass us by!

We had a great time at the park, and enjoyed a nice picnic lunch! Toby loved the slide!
And playing hide and seek with mommy!
He even sent Daddy a little love via text message!
But he did say goodbye to two wonderful teachers! He LOVED LOVED LOVED Miss Michelle and Miss Kathy, but we have chosen to enroll him in the other class at a different time of day to try and switch things up for him. He was getting very comfortable with them, and while they did an absolutely wonderful job with him, I think they were a little soft on him, keeping in mind his adoption and trying to be careful not to harm his attachment or transition! They were just what he needed the last two years, but I think he needs a little challenge and a new classroom and new teachers might just be what he needs!

God is Good!

He did it! Hooray!!

A few weeks ago, we packed up and headed out for Lynchburg, Virginia! After four long years, many late nights and a ton of hard work, Nate completed his Bachelors Degree in Religion from Liberty University! We are so proud, not only for him finishing, but finishing strong, Cum Laude! Here are a few photos from our time at LU!

Toby made sure Woody was nice and safe on the 7-8 hour trip!


I think it was finally sinking in, not only that he finished, but how well he did, when he received his cords!
A little time touring the campus, Nate and Taylor take a moment to check out the soccer field!
Here's what Toby thought of the Baccalaureate service!
Nate's in there, honest!
A great message from Glenn Beck!
A photo of the graduate!
Too cute!
And walking across the stage to get his "degree".
The kids celebrating with daddy outside Thomas Road Baptist where his school ceremony was.
And celebrating with dinner out!



After a busy day, we spent some time with some great friends Scott and Nina Meinke and their children. We got to go to an LU baseball game as well! Then Scott took us on a little tour that included the Snowflex. This thing was unreal! People were snowboarding and it was 80 degrees out, without a glimpse of snow to be seen! It was fun watching them come off the jumps, etc. Drew said he wants to try it next time!
An amazing trip! One I'm really glad we made! But we are SO glad to have Daddy back full time! Now it's wait and see what God has in store!

God is Good!

A letter to my Kaleb

May 11

Six years ago on this day
my baby I would see
As he was placed in my arms I knew
With Jesus he would be.

His precious hands his tiny feet
His eyelids closed so tight
Knowing that there would be no day
that he would see the light.

His perfect lips his precious nose
A tiny body wrapped up tight
I hold him close, I kiss his brow
This would be our last night

As mommy and daddy hold you near
Making memories
Until the time, Jesus calls us home
And together we will be.

How do you explain a love
that seems so quick and brief?
It is God's gift I'll cherish near
while many watch in disbelief.

How can you love when he didn't live
A baby you never got to know?
"He is my child from God" I say
and for that His Grace I will show.

Jesus placed him in my womb for a while
the reason I may never understand
But I praise Him for the gift he gave
As He held my Kaleb in His Hands.

Time may pass and days go by
where tears are less and less
But the love I have for my baby boy
is something that doesn't digress

He'd be reading now, writing too
And math, would he be like mom or dad?
Riding a bike, swimming fast
A fun time by all would be had.

But in heaven you play on streets of Gold
with Homer and Bonnie and Mac
And Grandma Nelda I'm sure is sharing with you
all her stories of life way back.

A time will come when Jesus calls us home
A place many of us long for,
That home is where my heart has been
Since that day in 2004.

Forever and for always
my baby you will be
Kaleb, Mommy loves you
For all eternity!