The First Time I Ever Saw Her Face

Today is our 3rd gotcha day! Wow, has it really been that long, but then again it seems like yesterday when they stepped off that plane and I looked into those big brown eyes and knew I would never be the same. Doug called me at 3:00am to tell me the wonderful news and I remember just laying in bed thinking we really have her, she is finally ours forever. I ask what she was doing and he said she was just setting there looking at him. He said she was so beautiful he couldn't hardly look at her. How could that be, of course I had only seem her in pictures. He was right on, she was so perfect in every way it seemed like a dream. The first thing I did when I saw her was take off her socks. At first I thought how silly that was but in hind sight, that's what all new moms do is check out all the fingers and toes. I had never seen her feet or ears in the pictures Doug and his sister where posting. His sister took her out of her baby pouch from Doug and handed her to me. I remember having that same feeling when they handed me Dalton. Its the best feeling, one I'll never forget.

I know I will never be a perfect mom.

Some times my house is a mess, but I always have time to swing my kids or watch cartoons with them or just hang out.

I may not always do devotion with them, but they know our Lord and Savior and know he is the reason for our existence.

I cant sew a lick, but I sure know how to find a good seamstress if I need one.

I'm not a gourmet cook, but can find the best drive-thru in town.

I know I still fall short, but I am the mother with the qualities God needs me to have to be my kids moms, and for that I am forever grateful.

Happy Birthday Adalyn

Dalton and Lily

photos by Leslie

Leslie got these great shots last night at Adalyn's last gymnastics session. She was so excited for her friends to be there. We had dinner with Leslie and the girls afterwards to celebrate Miss Adalyn's birthday.

I cant believe my baby is 4 today! Where has the last 3 years gone? She is so excited for her party on Saturday, she ask everyday, "how many more days til my birthday party?" When I wished her happy birthday this morning she said "mom, now I don't have to pretend I'm 4!" She asked my mom today what her brain was thinking? My mom said it was thinking about her and she said "well, mine is thinking about you".

A adorable

D divine

A angelic

L lovable

Y young at heart

N naughty & nice

Wordless Wednesday

photo by Lisa
photo by Leslie

Birthday and fun!

The birthday girls

Yummy desserts!

What an amazing weekend I've had! This is one full month and we aint done yet! Friday, my coworkers treated me to gifts and lunch. Saturday, me, my wonderful Mom and Adalyn went shopping for me, thanks Mom! Adalyn did manage to get a few things for her upcoming birthday.

Sunday night we went out with the girls to On The Border and then to Felicia's house for some yummy dessert. Leslie, Noel and me all celebrate our birthday on the same day! We had such a great time hanging out. Thanks to everyone who made this one terrific birthday.

Cookouts and fun

Cynthia invited Leslie and us over Sunday for a cookout. I love this time of year, cookouts, warm weather and hanging out with friends. It just doesn't get any better than that. The kids had a great time playing together and the guys got some golf in. We look forward to many more cookouts with family and friends.

My BFF Rocks

How cute is this apron? Leslie made it for me for my birthday and I love it! She has took to this sewing like a duck to water. Go check out her blog at the cute stuff she's making. Shannan is also another talented chick. I've been meaning to introduce her, check out her blog too. These two chicks got some serious talent in the sewing department. She is a great person, so kind and giving. I feel like I've known her all my life.

Leslie has even got me to sewing. I never thought I would be sewing. I made, with her help, aprons for Adalyn's preschool teacher and helper.

We are going to the game farm for Adalyn's last day of school tomorrow. I cant believe she is through her first year!

Great Bow Give Away

Jeannette from Sara Beth Bows is having another great give away! Her bows are so terrific, I'm sure you can find some that your little princess needs. They would also make great birthday gifts. Scroll all the way down and look at the cute Princess collection clippies, they are only 8 dollars and soooo cute. Adalyn has already picked several out. And this is such a great cause, to help bring another sister home to her forever family. So hop on over and throw your name in the hat and tell her Marla B sent you.

Live honestly

Love generously

Care deeply

Speak kindly

& Leave the rest to GOD

Dalton's 13th Birthday Party

Our Whole Gang

All our wonderful blessings!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Dalton! I can not believe he is going to be 13 on Monday!!!!! I remember my first mothers day like it was yesterday. Dalton was 31 minutes old and I was exhausted, excited and over the moon in love with this little strawberry blonde guy. After he blew out his candles tonight, someone asked him if he made a wish and he said no, my wish has already came true. How could I be any luckier?

We had such a fun time celebrating with family and friends tonight. Leslie was gracious enough to take pictures and put together these wonderful collages. What on earth would I do without her? What a great friend I have.

I'm so thankful that God choose me to be a mother. Being called mom is truly one of lifes greatest blessings.

Dalton won this cute glove

Ok, I know its just a golf glove, but to a proud mom it's more than that. Dalton has been taking golf lessons and won this last night in a competition they had. I was so excited but tried not to embarrass him! I think he was just as excited but a little more reserved, but hey, that's my right as a proud mom right?

Happy Mothers Day

collage by Leslie

Adalyn made this adorable flower pot for me at school yesterday. My mom suprised me and brought her by my work. She was so proud of herself and had to show it to everyone she saw. I hope one day my kids get to know the joy, love and pride I feel for being blessed to be their mother.

Dress up

Liana, Adalyn and Emmy
These cute little princesses are Adalyn's friends from her play group. We hosted in April and thought the girls would have fun dressing up and we where right. I think they could have changed clothes all day. I'm not sure what profession they'll choose but I think they all would make great run way models. They can sure change in a flash.