God has been gracious to us and has been with us through our journey of love and life. He has carried us through some of the most difficult times and has given us joy in the midst of sorrow. He has also been loving and given us abundant blessings. Most importantly, He has provided us with faith. May we share that faith with others.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Today my Mom and I took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. We left Detroit at 10:30am and arrived in Charleston at 3pm after stopping in Atlanta for a very short lay-over. We are staying at the Blue Green Resort, Lodge Alley Inn. It is located right in the historic district between the art galleries and restaurants. We started our day by walking around town. We tried to go to one of Mom's favorite galleries, but were sad to learn it was closed. We then went on a carriage tour, which was a great overview of the historic part of town. We ended the evening with dinner at SNOB (Slightly North of Broad Street). The food was fabulous and the atmosphere was so great, authentically Charleston.
This January we have experienced some strange weather. The weather alternates from cold to warm. Usually, the kids play in snow this time of year. We've actually been able to visit the playground. The kids went back to school after Christmas Break and are so happy to see each other when they get home from school. One of their favorite things to play is dress up. They go on all sorts of adventures. Liam started basketball with Upwards Basketball. He does well at practice. He's getting better at games and is gaining confidence. One of these days, he'll actually handle the ball during a game. Liam had his Karate Banquet. He earned the teamwork award and a trophy. Lilly also earned a participation trophy. Sometimes, she gets to participate at practice with Liam. Lilly got her hair cut and donated it to Wigs For Kids. We also celebrated Chinese New Year. The kids made some lanterns to replace the ones that got ruined. Lilly helped make our rice crispy treat dragons. The kids were excited to get money and chocolate money in their red envelopes.
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27
From the moment they placed you in my arms you snuggled right into my heart. Anonymous
I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be. Robert Munsch
Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Douglas MacArthur
God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 14:9
Liam Everett
newborn
three months
six months
nine months
one year
fifteen months
eighteen months
twenty-one months
two years
three years
four years
five years
five years
six years
seven years
eight years
nine years
ten years
eleven years
twelve years
thirteen years
fourteen years
Lillian Rae
about three months
about six months
seventeen months
nineteen months
twenty months (Gotcha Day)
two years
three years
four years
five years
six years
seven years
eight years
nine years
ten years
eleven years
twelve years
Intense love does not measure, it just gives. Mother Teresa
LUKE OLIVER
four months
five months
seven months
one year
thirteen months
seventeen months
twenty months
two years
three years
four years
five years
six years
Important Dates for Lilly's Adoption
3-20-12 - Began the Adoption Process
4-10-12 - Formally accepted into CHSFS Jade China program
Dave and I have been married for 20 years and together for 26. We were high school sweet hearts. We are the parents of identical twin sons, who are in Heaven. We are also proud parents of our adopted children Liam, Lilly and Luke. We have learned through life's experiences to trust God's timing and plan. We live by faith in God's grace.