We went to court this morning to listen to the proceedings concerning Morgan. Her materal aunt, Bonnie, was there along with "the team" that includes a case worker and her supervisor, Morgan's attorney, and the CASA worker. It was a full courtroom and Bonnie's presence made us very nervous. I introduced myself to her, but she was uninterested in talking to me. That's ok. She can love me later.
We were prepared earlier this week that today's proceeding would more than likely be postponed until January and not to expect much. To our surprise, the judge stuck to the plan for a merits hearing. The District Attorney called the case worker to the stand to testify about the danger Morgan experienced in the care of her parents. Since neither bith parent showed up for the hearing, the judge terminated all parental rights.
Several hours have passed and I am still surprised it happened so quickly. Kim and I will meet with a different judge on December 17 at 8:30 to testify to our desire to adopt Morgan. We had hoped to wrap up the adoption before the end of the year, but the adoption attorney says it will more than likely be the first part of 2009. For now, we are incredibly thankful to be a few steps closer to making Morgan a permanant member of the family.
Bonnie immediately left the courtroom after the termination and I did not have a chance to speak again. I don't know if we will see her again. We offered the social worker a goodwill gesture by saying we were willing to send Bonnie a picture of Morgan and McKenzie once a year with an update on how they are doing. I hope she will take it. I can't imagine how hard this situation is for her.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October Days
It was a beautiful day with cool temperatures and the bluest sky. I picked up the children from school and let them play in the cul-du-sac until the sun went down. I sat on the front porch with Morgan watching Madison and McKenzie ride bikes, scooters, drive their jeeps and then finally "cook" for us. They each played with their kitchen sets. Here they are preparing a feast. I wish you could hear what is being said in these pictures. Kim and I nearly died with laughter when Madison called for her saucier.
Even Noah a.k.a. Bubba found something fun to play with in the garage. We could seriously put him to work in the yard!
Morgan had fun watching the girls. She was too busy to drink her bottle!
Maddie's jeep that holds 2 people ran out of juice and they were forced to use McKenzie's Dora jeep that only holds 1 person. Madison convinced her they could both ride, which is quite a change since Madison usually insists on driving. Well look out, McKenzie is in control!
It was a great day and the girls actually went to bed early without too much of a fight. Kim and I actually were able to watch some TV together. Wow! We watched this show on Discovery Health about normal women, as opposed to the ones on the cover of the tabloids, giving birth without knowing they were even pregnant. One lady thought she was beginning menapause and then found herself on the floor of the bathroom in the middle of the night with an even bigger problem. It was hysterical.
I love this time of year and I love my family. I can hardly wait for everyone to get home in the evening. Life is sweet. And I am truly blessed. Good night!
Even Noah a.k.a. Bubba found something fun to play with in the garage. We could seriously put him to work in the yard!
Morgan had fun watching the girls. She was too busy to drink her bottle!
Maddie's jeep that holds 2 people ran out of juice and they were forced to use McKenzie's Dora jeep that only holds 1 person. Madison convinced her they could both ride, which is quite a change since Madison usually insists on driving. Well look out, McKenzie is in control!
It was a great day and the girls actually went to bed early without too much of a fight. Kim and I actually were able to watch some TV together. Wow! We watched this show on Discovery Health about normal women, as opposed to the ones on the cover of the tabloids, giving birth without knowing they were even pregnant. One lady thought she was beginning menapause and then found herself on the floor of the bathroom in the middle of the night with an even bigger problem. It was hysterical.
I love this time of year and I love my family. I can hardly wait for everyone to get home in the evening. Life is sweet. And I am truly blessed. Good night!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Love x 3
It has been a very productive weekend at our house. We FINALLY sorted through 10+ boxes of baby clothes to determine what we need, what we've outgrown, what we still need, and where to put it all. In addition to the clothes, we also assembled the IKEA dresser for Morgan's room and the crib. I love IKEA, but not a big fan of the self assembly. The nursery looks great and I feel so much better now that clothes are in the drawers and in the closet. In case you're wondering, Morgan has been dressing out of the giant laundry basket in our bedroom where she still sleeps. Kim "thinks" she needs to stay in our bedroom until she is 6 months old and out of SIDS danger.
Here is Morgan posing in her new crib. Of course, she can't sleep in it yet, as per Mama:)
You know Madison and McKenzie had to get into the picture, so here are my three babies in their brand new matching pajamas.
I think the crib turned out beautifully and I love that it can convert into a toddler bed. Here is the big picture of the crib.
As part of our usual Sunday night routine, everyone spent time in the bathtub and then I did 3 heads of hair. Yes, even Morgan had her hair done tonight. Her tiny pony tails aren't easy to see in a photo, but I wanted everyone to see Madison looking like Mama, who often wears a baseball cap on bad hair days. It touches my heart to see my children loving each other. Today at the park, I watched Madison push McKenzie on the swing without any prompting. And tonight, Madison held Morgan so tenderly for quite a while.
We are so blessed.
Here is Morgan posing in her new crib. Of course, she can't sleep in it yet, as per Mama:)
You know Madison and McKenzie had to get into the picture, so here are my three babies in their brand new matching pajamas.
I think the crib turned out beautifully and I love that it can convert into a toddler bed. Here is the big picture of the crib.
As part of our usual Sunday night routine, everyone spent time in the bathtub and then I did 3 heads of hair. Yes, even Morgan had her hair done tonight. Her tiny pony tails aren't easy to see in a photo, but I wanted everyone to see Madison looking like Mama, who often wears a baseball cap on bad hair days. It touches my heart to see my children loving each other. Today at the park, I watched Madison push McKenzie on the swing without any prompting. And tonight, Madison held Morgan so tenderly for quite a while.
We are so blessed.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
O Happy Day!
I have wonderful news and I can hardly wait to share the story with our friends and family. On the way to the Fudrucker's fundraiser for Madison's school last night, the social worker called on my cell phone. She had just finished a meeting with her supervisor regarding our case. It is now the Department's position that Morgan should stay with her sister in our home and we should immediately proceed with the adoption process despite the maternal aunt's willingness to help in the situation. The CASA worker, attorney for the baby, and now CPS stand together in recommending to the court that Morgan be adopted by her foster family and stay with her sister.
Kim and I immediately burst into tears! We are so happy and so blessed to have this baby in our lives. I give thanks for all 3 of them daily. It has been an exhausting week and I only wish the case worker could have held this meeting before letting me in on the news about the aunt. Such is life. What can you do?
Kim and I immediately burst into tears! We are so happy and so blessed to have this baby in our lives. I give thanks for all 3 of them daily. It has been an exhausting week and I only wish the case worker could have held this meeting before letting me in on the news about the aunt. Such is life. What can you do?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Adoption
Whether you conceive or adopt, aquiring a child isn't always easy. On one side of the spectrum there are my parents who conveived me while using multiple forms of birth control. On the other end of the spectrum, you have my friend, Brandy, and her husband who have spent the last 1+ years working with a fertility specialist to create a baby. While Brad and Angelina can dash over to Vietnam to adopt a baby with little effort or complications, the rest of us who chose to adopt travel a rocky road filled with emotional land mines.
Kim and I are working on adoption #3 and none of them have been easy for reasons that have nothing to do with our being a gay family. There is so much uncertainty in adoption because anything can happen that changes the entire picture. With Madison's adoption, the process lasted almost 2 years (1 month shy of 2 years). With McKenzie's adoption, her case slipped between the cracks and required a tremendous amount of follow up and diligence on our part. If it weren't for our kicking and screaming, she would still be stuck in the system. It makes me sad to realize the number of other children in McKenzie's place, whose case has fallen between the gaps of overworked and underappreciated workers. I learned patience through Madison's adoption. My faith carried me through the process. I learned the art of advocacy through McKenzie's adoption. I was not going to let anyone forget about this little girl.
And now my baby Morgan. I have always known in my heart that Morgan belongs with us. I know in my bones that we were destined to be her parents. I know that Morgan is meant to be with her sisters. I remember wondering if Madison should be an only child or if someday we would have a sibling for her. I worried about a large age difference because Maddie was growing up and there didn't seem to be any prospective siblings. Now I have 3 daughters who are exactly 3 years, 3 months, and 2 days apart from one another. If that isn't a greater plan at work in my life than I don't know what is.
Yesterday I received an e-mail from the baby's case worker that a maternal aunt wants to adopt her. All of my fight and faith disappeared and I crumbled upon hearing the news. I thought this was suppose to be a "slam dunk" adoption and now there was a new consideration. My first thought was of Madison and McKenzie, who would be devastated if Morgan left us. Devastated is an understatement. Morgan is their baby. I cannot imagine any of them without the other 2. I spent most of the day crying, despite the calls from members of her "team" telling me the odds are definitely in our favor. Intellectually, I know the odds are in our favor. Emotionally, I cannot imagine not having Morgan in my arms.
Making the day even worse was keeping this information to myself until Kim came home from work. I didn't want to ruin her day when she had to be productive in public. I picked Madison and McKenzie up early from school and left them with wonderful friends while I broke the news to Kim. We were able to spend a few hours together processing the information. It was just what we needed.
I hate being in limbo. I hate not knowing what is going to happen. I hate not knowing where I stand. Such is life. There are no certainties that I know of. There are very few guarantees. What I do know for sure is love. I know that God loves me, my children, and our family. I know that I was created in love and that Morgan came home to love. I trust love. I know I would do absolutely anything for this child whose birth family could not. I know that I will fight like the mother bear I am to ensure Morgan's best interests are considered at every point because I love her more than I love myself. I know the next week and a half will be long and it will be love that gets me through it. I know when I walk into yet another court room on Halloween morning that I will do what Rev. Ken Martin taught me well to do and that is to speak the truth in love, relentlessly.
After such an exhausting and emotionally draining day, God showed me how sweet, how funny, and how precious life is. Kim was able to get Morgan to "dance" as she dressed her for bed. We laughed until we cried and then finally thought to grab the camera. By the time I found the camera, the dancing had calmed down a bit, but here is the sweetest thing I have seen in a long time. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Kim and I are working on adoption #3 and none of them have been easy for reasons that have nothing to do with our being a gay family. There is so much uncertainty in adoption because anything can happen that changes the entire picture. With Madison's adoption, the process lasted almost 2 years (1 month shy of 2 years). With McKenzie's adoption, her case slipped between the cracks and required a tremendous amount of follow up and diligence on our part. If it weren't for our kicking and screaming, she would still be stuck in the system. It makes me sad to realize the number of other children in McKenzie's place, whose case has fallen between the gaps of overworked and underappreciated workers. I learned patience through Madison's adoption. My faith carried me through the process. I learned the art of advocacy through McKenzie's adoption. I was not going to let anyone forget about this little girl.
And now my baby Morgan. I have always known in my heart that Morgan belongs with us. I know in my bones that we were destined to be her parents. I know that Morgan is meant to be with her sisters. I remember wondering if Madison should be an only child or if someday we would have a sibling for her. I worried about a large age difference because Maddie was growing up and there didn't seem to be any prospective siblings. Now I have 3 daughters who are exactly 3 years, 3 months, and 2 days apart from one another. If that isn't a greater plan at work in my life than I don't know what is.
Yesterday I received an e-mail from the baby's case worker that a maternal aunt wants to adopt her. All of my fight and faith disappeared and I crumbled upon hearing the news. I thought this was suppose to be a "slam dunk" adoption and now there was a new consideration. My first thought was of Madison and McKenzie, who would be devastated if Morgan left us. Devastated is an understatement. Morgan is their baby. I cannot imagine any of them without the other 2. I spent most of the day crying, despite the calls from members of her "team" telling me the odds are definitely in our favor. Intellectually, I know the odds are in our favor. Emotionally, I cannot imagine not having Morgan in my arms.
Making the day even worse was keeping this information to myself until Kim came home from work. I didn't want to ruin her day when she had to be productive in public. I picked Madison and McKenzie up early from school and left them with wonderful friends while I broke the news to Kim. We were able to spend a few hours together processing the information. It was just what we needed.
I hate being in limbo. I hate not knowing what is going to happen. I hate not knowing where I stand. Such is life. There are no certainties that I know of. There are very few guarantees. What I do know for sure is love. I know that God loves me, my children, and our family. I know that I was created in love and that Morgan came home to love. I trust love. I know I would do absolutely anything for this child whose birth family could not. I know that I will fight like the mother bear I am to ensure Morgan's best interests are considered at every point because I love her more than I love myself. I know the next week and a half will be long and it will be love that gets me through it. I know when I walk into yet another court room on Halloween morning that I will do what Rev. Ken Martin taught me well to do and that is to speak the truth in love, relentlessly.
After such an exhausting and emotionally draining day, God showed me how sweet, how funny, and how precious life is. Kim was able to get Morgan to "dance" as she dressed her for bed. We laughed until we cried and then finally thought to grab the camera. By the time I found the camera, the dancing had calmed down a bit, but here is the sweetest thing I have seen in a long time. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Birthday Parties and Cinderella
Last night we attended a birthday party for the twins in McKenzie's class at Mt. Sinai. It was held at a local park and the spread of food, which was prepared on the spot on a grill, was impressive. There were dozens of cousins and family friends in attendance. When it became too dark to see, we left after having a great time and fabulous food. I was expecting the regular birthday fare of hot dogs and chips, but Stephanie and Tim had ribs, chicken, hot dogs, the greatest potato salad I have ever tasted that was hand prepared by Grandma Cookie, baked beans, and castle birthday cake.
There was a face painter by the name of Kiwi the Clown, who we will be in touch with for our next party. The girls looked beautiful!
There was a pinata, which explained why my purse weighed 50lbs when we tried to leave the party. CANDY!
The playground was great. Here is Madison on her favorite piece of equipment.
The food, as I mentioned, was fabulous. Kim was very impressed. We all enjoyed dinner, except for Morgan who stuck with formula.
Today we visited the Scotish Rite Temple Children's Theater for the production of Cinderella. I have wanted to take the girls for years, but it has never worked out. The girls loved it! We had so much fun! Our neighbors even came with us to make the afternoon even more fun. The children sat around the stage and were invited to take part at different times. It was a great experience and we will definitely go back.
Madison and McKenzie stood in line for autographs, like this one from Gus the Mouse.
Of course, Morgan was thrilled when we came home. Here she is, always with a smile.
There was a face painter by the name of Kiwi the Clown, who we will be in touch with for our next party. The girls looked beautiful!
There was a pinata, which explained why my purse weighed 50lbs when we tried to leave the party. CANDY!
The playground was great. Here is Madison on her favorite piece of equipment.
The food, as I mentioned, was fabulous. Kim was very impressed. We all enjoyed dinner, except for Morgan who stuck with formula.
Today we visited the Scotish Rite Temple Children's Theater for the production of Cinderella. I have wanted to take the girls for years, but it has never worked out. The girls loved it! We had so much fun! Our neighbors even came with us to make the afternoon even more fun. The children sat around the stage and were invited to take part at different times. It was a great experience and we will definitely go back.
Madison and McKenzie stood in line for autographs, like this one from Gus the Mouse.
Of course, Morgan was thrilled when we came home. Here she is, always with a smile.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
I love Fall!
I love this time of the year! It has always been my favorite. Enduring the Texas heat all summer long makes me appreciate the slightest temperature dip. We are experiencing cool nights (60's) and pleasant days (80's). The jeans and long sleeves are finding their way out of closets and drawers and it is wonderful.
Madison and McKenzie had a "sleepover" in the living room last night in front of the TV. They made a giant bed for themselves on the floor and stayed up late watching The Game Plan. I woke up at 2:30 this morning to go to the bathroom and found them sound asleep and the TV on. Thankfully, the national anthem wasn't playing, which would have totally freaked me out and we would have prayed together until dawn or something. It was a very sweet scene.
This morning we drove up the street to Grace Presbyterian Church to explore the pumpkin patch. McKenzie picked out a pumpkin for Morgan that is super small. Then she found one for herself that is slightly larger. Madison found just the right size for her own pumpkin. I don't know that we'll actually carve these. Aunt Lisa and Karen came over last Sunday afternoon to carve a giant pumpkin with them. Maybe we will paint the ones we bought this morning. I am very excited about Halloween this year since I will be able to take the girls trick or treating for the first time in two years. The costumes have been selected and neighborhood plans are being made for a pre trick-or-treating party down the street. I am so blessed. My children make my world a much better place.
At the moment, McKenzie and Morgan are napping while Madison eats a bowl of soup. FYI, Madison loves soup year round, regardless of the temperature. We will go to a birthday party later this afternoon at a local park where there will be a clown. It could go either way with the clown, but I am hoping for the best. I hope you enjoy your day!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Mommy Referal
Having a child talk on the phone long distance to grandparents, or anyone, isn't always easy. Kids are so easily distracted and lose the conversation thread along the way, making a phone conversation challenging at best. Since our families are long distance and talking on the phone is the only way to communicate with the grandparents, we work hard on phone skills with Madison and McKenzie. Often times, we "feed" lines to them to repeat to Nanny, Pa, and Grandma.
"I played basketball today ..."
"I love you Nanny ..."
"I miss you Grandma"
And then something special happened last night. McKenzie had an actual conversation with Dad/Pa on the phone last night. I didn't have to feed one line to her. She shared what was on her mind and Dad understood. And then she said the thing that brought me to my knees and I will never forget. McKenzie, unprompted, said to my dad, "My mommy is the best mommy in the whole world."
Tears sprang to my eyes and I couldn't catch my breath. McKenzie was beaming and I felt so proud. And so relieved that she was uneffected by my constant yelling to "hurry up!" or "keep your hands to yourself" or "Mommy needs a time out" or "BE QUIET!!!" While I beat myself up for yelling or being impatient, McKenzie just loves me. Isn't that amazing? While I count my shortcomings as a mother (don't make me list them because I don't have that much memory on my computer!), she thinks I'm the best mommy in the world.
I am still blown away by this sweet little statement from my sweet little girl. Not only did she have her own original thought and share it with someone else, but she she also expressed love verbally. McKenzie came to us with very few words in her vocabulary. I thought for sure we were dealing with major developmental delays based on her language skills. She had been neglected for so long and had mastered the art of hiding her light. I worried those first few months about her ability to attach in a healthy way.
For all the pain she lived in the first year of her life, my baby is ok. McKenzie talks all the time and her vocabulary increases weekly it seems. She is a loving, happy little girl and I am proud to be her mother. I cannot imagine my life without her.
On a side note, I really needed her to say or do something wonderful since she came home from playing next door Sunday night with fingernail polish in her hair. Do you even know how to remove fingernail polish from hair? I ran through the motherly check list of peanut butter for gum, etc but nothing came to mind for fingernail polish except for fingernail polish remover which can't possibly be good for hair. Just in case this ever happens to you, please remember a healthy combination of Pantene and prayer will eventually get it out. And you will need the prayer part when your older child defends the entire situation by saying, "At least it is sparkly." Help me, Jesus, was my only response. As always, He did.
"I played basketball today ..."
"I love you Nanny ..."
"I miss you Grandma"
And then something special happened last night. McKenzie had an actual conversation with Dad/Pa on the phone last night. I didn't have to feed one line to her. She shared what was on her mind and Dad understood. And then she said the thing that brought me to my knees and I will never forget. McKenzie, unprompted, said to my dad, "My mommy is the best mommy in the whole world."
Tears sprang to my eyes and I couldn't catch my breath. McKenzie was beaming and I felt so proud. And so relieved that she was uneffected by my constant yelling to "hurry up!" or "keep your hands to yourself" or "Mommy needs a time out" or "BE QUIET!!!" While I beat myself up for yelling or being impatient, McKenzie just loves me. Isn't that amazing? While I count my shortcomings as a mother (don't make me list them because I don't have that much memory on my computer!), she thinks I'm the best mommy in the world.
I am still blown away by this sweet little statement from my sweet little girl. Not only did she have her own original thought and share it with someone else, but she she also expressed love verbally. McKenzie came to us with very few words in her vocabulary. I thought for sure we were dealing with major developmental delays based on her language skills. She had been neglected for so long and had mastered the art of hiding her light. I worried those first few months about her ability to attach in a healthy way.
For all the pain she lived in the first year of her life, my baby is ok. McKenzie talks all the time and her vocabulary increases weekly it seems. She is a loving, happy little girl and I am proud to be her mother. I cannot imagine my life without her.
On a side note, I really needed her to say or do something wonderful since she came home from playing next door Sunday night with fingernail polish in her hair. Do you even know how to remove fingernail polish from hair? I ran through the motherly check list of peanut butter for gum, etc but nothing came to mind for fingernail polish except for fingernail polish remover which can't possibly be good for hair. Just in case this ever happens to you, please remember a healthy combination of Pantene and prayer will eventually get it out. And you will need the prayer part when your older child defends the entire situation by saying, "At least it is sparkly." Help me, Jesus, was my only response. As always, He did.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Morgan and the Cereal
Morgan will be 5 months old on the 16th! I can hardly believe how much she has grown, especially after being away for several days! She is more and more resembling Maddie "the bowling ball" at this age. Her head control is improving and she is increasingly more vocal. Morgan loves to watch her sisters dance and play, she thinks Mama hung the moon, and loves to wake up in the morning. Even in the dark, I can see those gums smiling back at me when I pick her up from the crib.
Kim tried her on cereal the other night, which is always funny to watch. Morgan wasn't sure to do with it, but eventually ate a good portion with tremendous patience on Kim's part. Here she is eating cereal for the first time.
When I downloaded this video, I discovered some pictures I failed to post for the grandparents. So, here are Madison and McKenzie at the Chisolm Trail Chuckwagon Day held in Georgetown, TX. It was a beautiful day and we brought some friends along for the fun. We watched various teams compete for the Chuckwagon prize of several thousand dollars. I was fascinated by the equipment these folks carried on a chuckwagon! The kids liked watching the people cook on the open fire. Kim and I have watched these competitions on the cooking channel before, but had never seen anything in person. A cowboy offered our hodge podge group of friends (3 white women with 4 black kids and 3 Hispanic kids) a biscut that I am convinced was left over from the original Chisolm Trail in the 1800's. It was the hardest thing I have ever bitten in my life.
The girls were able to ride some horses around a small trail. They had a ball!
Kim tried her on cereal the other night, which is always funny to watch. Morgan wasn't sure to do with it, but eventually ate a good portion with tremendous patience on Kim's part. Here she is eating cereal for the first time.
When I downloaded this video, I discovered some pictures I failed to post for the grandparents. So, here are Madison and McKenzie at the Chisolm Trail Chuckwagon Day held in Georgetown, TX. It was a beautiful day and we brought some friends along for the fun. We watched various teams compete for the Chuckwagon prize of several thousand dollars. I was fascinated by the equipment these folks carried on a chuckwagon! The kids liked watching the people cook on the open fire. Kim and I have watched these competitions on the cooking channel before, but had never seen anything in person. A cowboy offered our hodge podge group of friends (3 white women with 4 black kids and 3 Hispanic kids) a biscut that I am convinced was left over from the original Chisolm Trail in the 1800's. It was the hardest thing I have ever bitten in my life.
The girls were able to ride some horses around a small trail. They had a ball!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Mississippi Belles
Two of my favorite people in the world are expecting twin boys! Sarah and Kim live in Atlanta and are expecting not 1, but 2 miracles in January. To celebrate we hosted a baby shower in Hattiesburg with the gang from high school. This was the perfect excuse to get back to Mississippi since it has been almost 2 years since our reunion.
I loaded Madison and McKenzie into the car early on a Thursday morning and started the 11 hour drive to Hattiesburg. The girls watched movies, played with toys, occassionally argued, and finally slept. We rolled into the driveway of Mollie and Scott's beautiful home and I thought I would literally kiss the pavement! I was exhausted and running on pure adrenaline.
Madison has visited Mississippi with me on two other occassions. Both times she made immediate friends with Mollie's daughter. I am touched that my child is now buddies with the child of my childhood friend! McKenzie, as usual, followed Maddie's lead and became fast buddies with Abby. Here they are playing dress up. Please note McKenzie has a dress on that is now tucked into the leotard with high heels.
It was on the first night of my visit that I realied I left the battery of my camera plugged into the wall at home. I was in total shock. This was a huge weekend filled with friends I haven't seen in years and I left the battery at home! Of course, the camera was in my suitcase, but it was totally worthless without the juice! I did attempt to buy a second battery in Hattiesburg, but I couldn't find the right kind. The next best option was a disposable one and I actually came home with 4 pictures. The other 20 something photos were taken courtesy of Madison. So, if you need to know what is on the inside of Maddie's nose, give me a shout. I have several snap shots.
Friday night I left the girls at the parent's night out at Parkway and met my best gal pal, Jennifer, at my favorite Crescent City Grille and her beautiful children. I have met Evan once before, but this was my first time to meet the lovely Lila Ann. Evan is 100% boy with lots to say. He sat next to me at dinner and I fell head over heels in love with this precious soul. We colored pictures, shared french fries, and heard all about life in Petal, Ms. Lila Ann, on the other hand, looks like she was spit from her mama's mouth like a watermelon seed! I mean, was anyone else involved in her conception? Lila Ann is a mini me of Jennifer, including the attitude. She is absolutely adorable!!
Saturday brought the baby shower for Kim and Sarah. I saw friends I haven't seen in years, including Sarah! It was a wonderful day and the girls had a ball with Annie, daughter of Jeramy. On a lighter note, Madison and McKenzie thought Annie would sing at any moment. The shower began at 11 Am and once the guests left, the hostesses and a few husbands spent the afternoon catching up. #1 Husband John Bishop took us on a boat ride of the lake, where Madison and Annie were allowed to drive the boat. I knew in an instant John was creating a monster in Madison. She loved it! I am still waiting on the shower ladies to send me pictures since the camera was without power. It was a fabulous day and worth the long drive to Hattiesburg. We got home to Mollie's late in the day and all 3 of us collapsed. So much fun!
On Sunday we attended church at Parkway. It was great to be back and see so many old friends. It was an emotional experience to sit in the sanctuary and think of all the memories made in that room. The stain glass window that dominates the sanctuary has been witness to so many profound moments in my life. It was in front of that window that I came to know God and where my faith began. The church is growing and changing, as it should. It is hard to watch pieces of your childhood change. The window remains and that is enough for me.
Sunday afternoon we attended a church picnic where I was able to see even more friends. The girls participated in a semi triatholon that included a tricycle race, run with a cup full of water, and two legged race. They had so much fun. After the race, the crowd of 200-300 people gathered around a PA system where Debra Topp asked the kids who would like to bless the food. Madison raises her hand and as Debra asks the crowd to bow their heads, Madison takes the microphone and launches into the pledge of allegance. Without missing a beat, the crowd jumps to their feet with hands of hearts to recite the pledge with her. It was classic! I only wish I could have caught it on video!
Madison and McKenzie had a great time with Abby and many other children. Here they are enjoying some of the goodies prepared by the hands of fine Christian women.
I loaded Madison and McKenzie into the car early on a Thursday morning and started the 11 hour drive to Hattiesburg. The girls watched movies, played with toys, occassionally argued, and finally slept. We rolled into the driveway of Mollie and Scott's beautiful home and I thought I would literally kiss the pavement! I was exhausted and running on pure adrenaline.
Madison has visited Mississippi with me on two other occassions. Both times she made immediate friends with Mollie's daughter. I am touched that my child is now buddies with the child of my childhood friend! McKenzie, as usual, followed Maddie's lead and became fast buddies with Abby. Here they are playing dress up. Please note McKenzie has a dress on that is now tucked into the leotard with high heels.
It was on the first night of my visit that I realied I left the battery of my camera plugged into the wall at home. I was in total shock. This was a huge weekend filled with friends I haven't seen in years and I left the battery at home! Of course, the camera was in my suitcase, but it was totally worthless without the juice! I did attempt to buy a second battery in Hattiesburg, but I couldn't find the right kind. The next best option was a disposable one and I actually came home with 4 pictures. The other 20 something photos were taken courtesy of Madison. So, if you need to know what is on the inside of Maddie's nose, give me a shout. I have several snap shots.
Friday night I left the girls at the parent's night out at Parkway and met my best gal pal, Jennifer, at my favorite Crescent City Grille and her beautiful children. I have met Evan once before, but this was my first time to meet the lovely Lila Ann. Evan is 100% boy with lots to say. He sat next to me at dinner and I fell head over heels in love with this precious soul. We colored pictures, shared french fries, and heard all about life in Petal, Ms. Lila Ann, on the other hand, looks like she was spit from her mama's mouth like a watermelon seed! I mean, was anyone else involved in her conception? Lila Ann is a mini me of Jennifer, including the attitude. She is absolutely adorable!!
Saturday brought the baby shower for Kim and Sarah. I saw friends I haven't seen in years, including Sarah! It was a wonderful day and the girls had a ball with Annie, daughter of Jeramy. On a lighter note, Madison and McKenzie thought Annie would sing at any moment. The shower began at 11 Am and once the guests left, the hostesses and a few husbands spent the afternoon catching up. #1 Husband John Bishop took us on a boat ride of the lake, where Madison and Annie were allowed to drive the boat. I knew in an instant John was creating a monster in Madison. She loved it! I am still waiting on the shower ladies to send me pictures since the camera was without power. It was a fabulous day and worth the long drive to Hattiesburg. We got home to Mollie's late in the day and all 3 of us collapsed. So much fun!
On Sunday we attended church at Parkway. It was great to be back and see so many old friends. It was an emotional experience to sit in the sanctuary and think of all the memories made in that room. The stain glass window that dominates the sanctuary has been witness to so many profound moments in my life. It was in front of that window that I came to know God and where my faith began. The church is growing and changing, as it should. It is hard to watch pieces of your childhood change. The window remains and that is enough for me.
Sunday afternoon we attended a church picnic where I was able to see even more friends. The girls participated in a semi triatholon that included a tricycle race, run with a cup full of water, and two legged race. They had so much fun. After the race, the crowd of 200-300 people gathered around a PA system where Debra Topp asked the kids who would like to bless the food. Madison raises her hand and as Debra asks the crowd to bow their heads, Madison takes the microphone and launches into the pledge of allegance. Without missing a beat, the crowd jumps to their feet with hands of hearts to recite the pledge with her. It was classic! I only wish I could have caught it on video!
Madison and McKenzie had a great time with Abby and many other children. Here they are enjoying some of the goodies prepared by the hands of fine Christian women.
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