A loss for words....

For some reason I am at a loss for words at what to say about the tragedy that struck Steven Curtis Chapman & his family. I haven't posted about it & it isn't because I didn't want to, it is because I just feel again.... at a loss for words.

I suppose that we feel so connected to him because his story is like ours. The bond in the adoption community is SO STRONG & I think it is because we ALL know that it is NOT an easy process, so when you meet or see someone that has adopted it is like an instant camaraderie. They KNOW, they get it. They understand the MOUNTAINS of paperwork, they understand the wait, that at times is PAINFUL, they understand the feeling of going to a foreign country...the excitement...the nervousness.....the JOY! I am just sad for the Chapman family & what they are going through, I could never imagine the pain. I pray for them whenever I think of them just so if by chance they feel a little peace.

His music has always been inspiring & we have listened to him for a long time, but he is also one of THE BIGGEST advocates for adoption & he trys to spread the word about adoption wherever he is. He let us (the world) into his life & shared his adoption stories with us & he didn't have to, but he did because he has a passion for it. Below is a song that he wrote for his two youngest daughters of course the youngest being Maria.



***pause the music at the bottom if you are going to watch this video****


"Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman
lyrics below...

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of her dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I danced with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I danced with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

We are so loving the warm weather & I really think it is here to stay! Yipee!!

We had our neighbors over about a week ago for a cookout & we had the best time. Now, we have lived here for almost 6 years & this is the first "official" time we actually had them over (I know we are bad people) We play outside together all of the time & we have been to their house, but WE just hadn't had an official dinner party! And our girls love each other so much & have so much fun together! Lilee really didn't want them to leave!

Here they are jumping on the couch, I know we are crazy, we actually let Lilee jump on the couch (how else will I get new furniture) hahahahaha








We were out & about the other day after Church so we took some pictures of course of our favorite subject!!!


Checking out the new tree with Daddy!



Of course Elmo had to hog the camera



By my Mother's Day Rhododendron



Smelling the butterfly flowers!


She actually saw a butterfly!



Momma's girl!



Have I ever said just how much I love this little girl?

My Sunshine

This little girl is such a sunshine....








Terrible two's??? What terrible two's? Our little sunshine is an angel! Hahahahahahahah~ Hard to believe something this sweet could be such a fireball at times isn't it!!

Panda Pal Playgroup

We had playgroup on Saturday & this time we met at the zoo! It was so much fun. The only thing is Lilee was fine when we were waiting to get into the zoo, but once we started in the gates, she FREAKED out....we aren't sure if she thought the animals would just be roaming around or what, but once we got in & she saw a few of the animals & that they couldn't get out, she was okay!


The gang ready to go!


This was the first animal & Lilee thought it was hilarious that the "Rhinosour" was drinking out of the rain puddle


Yes we were that close & Lilee actually thought it was so cool to see the "Raff's" that close


Between the "Raff's & the "Elfunts" it would be a toss up to which was her favorite!
Watching so intently!


What a difference....
Mommy & Lilee 2008


Mommy & Lilee 2006!

What a big girl


Our girl driving already!


Uh Oh, it looks like Lilee started something!
I'm outta here!

Another Wow of a difference (my two VERY favorite people)
Daddy & Lilee 2008

Daddy & Lilee 2006

Scary Gorilla face!


I guess she needed a ride somewhere!


Lilee & two of her Panda pal friends!

The shirt & the end!!!

Mother's Day Weekend

We hope everyone had a great Mother's Day! We did :D Even though the weather was not cooperating! We didn't take our traditional picture in the garden because of the weather, but we will be taking it this Sunday (we will still have on our Church clothes)!

Saturday was Zaiah's birthday party & fun was had by all!



Having a little birthday cookout picnic...inside!



It's time for the birthday boy to open presents!


So, when is my turn to open presents???


Really, all I want to do is help!



Shoot, I think he is on to me



Everyone wants to help!!


The Cake!



Yummy is pretty much all she kept saying, and she doesn't even really like cake!



Our pretty baby who will be three in a month!!

(A little side note)Lilee & Zaiah are only a month apart, since the moment Zaiah saw Lilee & vice versa they had an INSTANT bond, I mean INSTANT it was the wildest thing EVER! We were even video taping their first meeting at 10 months old. Lilee constantly talks to Zaiah on her "cell" phone, in the car, in her bed at naptime & bedtime, when she is in her playroom, it is really very sweet. It is the neatest, most heart warming thing to watch these two together & it is another reason (one of many) that I think that there is a Divine Power working when people are matched with their children!






After all the birthday fun, it was on to Eli's baseball game!




Eli at bat & he got a hit!!! Way to go buddy!



Of course what day at the ballpark would be complete without a few slides!



Hey what for me! (that is a new saying around here)





Whoa! I don't think I will do THAT again!


I'm sticking with the swings!



What day would be complete without a Ring Pop! (Her very first at that, I know...mean Mommy)!

We had such a great weekend, I love this time of year & I love spending time with the family!