Rebuilding History

I love living in our quaint, charming town. We have great little shops, numerous parks, a bike path that runs along a peaceful creek, and two historic covered bridges. One of those bridges sits right at the bottom of our street. Four years ago our community was devastated when this bridge was destroyed by arson. Well, the bridge was rebuilt and today it finally reopened. Hooray!

You can view all 12 beautiful bridges in our county here.

My Happy Heart

Delaney's first lollipop! YUM!
She spent more time exploring it than eating it. Hannah gave up on her little sister and gobbled both lollipops up.
My parents received a special (live!) delivery. Look at those claws!
Daddy handed out special valentines at dinner.


We gave Hannah a new book for Valentine's Day. My Happy Heart is simply written for small children, but I love the message so much that I want to post it here. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. I wish you love.

Does love come wrapped in ribbons and bows?

Is it something you buy?

Or something that grows?

What is love, do you suppose?

Love is... when you jump and shout

and dance and sing and let it out!

Yes that's love. That's for sure!

And love is something even more...

Love is... three words: "I love you".

And love is something that you do.

Yes that's love.

That's for sure!

And love is something

even more...

Love is... being kind whatever you do...

Like saying sorry if I hurt you.

And love makes up when we fight

Because love forgives, yes that's right!

Love's a gift. Yes, it's true!

Who's it for? ME and YOU!

Love never ends... yes it's true!

The more you give, the more for you!

Yes, love grows! (Boy, you're smart!)

Not on trees, but in your heart!

What is love?

Where does it start?

Love comes from God...

and fills my heart!

"God is love."

1 John 4:16

Added on 2/18: Several of you have asked me about this book. I found it at our local Christian bookstore but here is the amazon link.

Lunchtime fun

After school today, we headed to Burger King to meet our good friends Sue, Emmie Grace, and Nathan. The kids had a blast and even Delaney joined in the fun!

Hannah, "Melissa", and Gram

Since I was still feeling a bit under the weather on Monday, my mom graciously offered to come and take care of we three girls for the day. Melissa is the current name of Hannah's American Girl doll. Sometimes her name is Medina, sometimes Delaney, and once in awhile it's Hannah. Nonetheless, I thought this photo was cute.

Thanks, Mom, for the chicken noodle soup. You are the BEST!!!

China dolls

Most of you know that we were in the process of adopting a little girl from China when we found out I was pregnant with Delaney. We keep in close touch with the families that we were supposed to fly to China with, and they still invite us to their gatherings. One of the families lives right here in our town, and they hosted a party this past Saturday night. Although I was sick the entire weekend, Bryan and the girls were able to go and have some fun. Below is a picture of the six girls that have found forever families with our special friends. The girl in black is 3 and the others all turned one year old late last summer.

It amazes me still to think about this chapter of our lives that has turned out so differently than what we had planned. I am humbled and honored to serve a God who knew me, my husband, and our children long before any of us were born. I always knew that we would one day be parents to children created just for us, but what an adventure it has been!

Friday fun

We spent this rainy morning with good friends. Hannah played with Antonio and Gabriella while Delaney napped and the mommies chatted. The kids had fun, but unfortunately for Hannah, Antonio did NOT want to dress up like Cinderella. Hmmm.

Afterwards, the girls played ball. But, as seen below, Delaney quickly lost interest...