To Know Her is to Love Her...

Our precious girl is turning 14...I can hardly believe it is possible. I know we certainly didn't do anything to be blessed with such a wonderful daughter, but God gave her to us anyway. It is an absolute pleasure to watch her grow into such an amazing young lady. Happy Birthday Delaney! We love you so much!

This is the Kind of Daughter I Have

Yesterday Delaney went to the mall in the afternoon with a friend. Just a bit ago she told me she had a going away gift for me and presented me with these:

She is the most thoughtful, loving, caring daughter I could ever ask for. I feel very, VERY blessed that I am her mom.

Real Life Marches On

In the midst of planning an impromptu trip to Ghana real life has marched on. Delaney was busy last week with dress rehearsals and three shows of "Beauty and the Beast". It was a great performance and I am always amazed at the quality of performance these kids give. Bravo Delaney!

Keaton also started his first year of soccer. He is not a "sports guy" so to speak, but I am proud of him for giving soccer a shot. He had his first game yesterday and we were so very proud of him. He was nervous at first, but settled in quickly. He is generally reserved, but always willing to at least try. He really seemed to enjoy himself once they got going. Way to go Keaton!

Lord willing, I am outta here on Friday! There is just the minor detail of needing my visa/passport returned to me. Saying lots of prayers for that to come through.

A Beautiful Day

It was absolutely gorgeous outside today - in the 80's, breezy (OK, really breezy), and sunshine. It was pure heaven! The crab apple trees lining the streets are in full bloom and because of the strong breeze, the petals were flying all around like snow. Some lawns were actually pink with blossoms. The air was thick with the floral perfume of the crab apple blossoms and lilacs. Beautiful!

A Milestone For My "Baby"

Our sweet girl Delaney turned 13 today. Where did the time go? How did I become a parent to a teenager? It really feels kind of strange.

It seems it was just the blink of an eye ago when I was sitting in Urgent Care bawling my head off because I just found out I was pregnant with her. Our doctors told us it would be highly unlikely that we could ever conceive a child because we both have fertility issues. I had been on Clomid for sometime trying to get pregnant when Jeff's report came back that he also had some issues. We were told to give up and go home until we could schedule surgery for him. About a week later I ended up in Urgent Care because I thought I had one killer bladder infection...turns out the bladder infection was my sweet girl Delaney.

I could go on and on about Delaney and what an amazing person she is. She is compassionate and kind, goofy & lighthearted and loves the Lord. She is growing into an amazing young woman and I feel privileged to watch her grow and mature.

Happy Birthday Delaney!!!

Solo & Ensemble 2009

Yesterday was solo & ensemble for Delaney. We had to be at the school at 7:45 for her to warm up with the group. The first piece was called A-Rovin' (Sea Chanty) and was played with a flute choir.

She was scheduled to play her solo piece, Gypsy Voyage, at 11:32. We showed up early and since there was a lull at that time they asked if she wanted to go ahead and play. She was a little surprised, but agreed to play right away. The judge had very good comments about her performance.

We hung around after she was done and listened to some of the area musicians play including a jazz ensemble while we waited for the results. There were so many talented kids there.

Middle schoolers could receive a rating of 1, 2, or 3. Delaney received a 1 on both of her pieces. Way to go Delaney!

Born to Lead

As if we needed any more reasons to be proud of our girl! Delaney came home with a leadership award presented to her by her ESS teacher. This distinction was for her "community spirit and outstanding leadership". We love you and are so proud of you for being such an amazing young lady.

The Week in Review...

The BIG NEWS is...Mr. B has started pooping on the potty! OK, I know that's not a great way to start a post, but I am so excited! Yeah Mr. B!!!! This event is a sure sign that God does answer prayer.

Big Sis D started tennis this week. With her transitioning to middle school a whole new world of opportunities has opened up to her & she decided to give it a try. We know absolutely nothing about tennis, but I suspect we will learn quickly. She has her first match September 9th!

K-man went to his school open house this past week. He was excited that his former kindergarten teacher has moved up to second grade & he has him again. Yeah! We are all happy about this news.

And a sure sign of school starting is a trip to the fair. We had lots of fun, but everyone was worn out at the end of the night. It's been a good week of fun & relaxation as we gear up for another school year.

Fun on the merry-go-round

Petting the fainting goats

Checking out the farm equipment

Delaney & Keaton on the big swings

Keaton racing

Spinning and spinning

On the big tractor

More tractor fun