{Smiles} I Heart Faces!!

Sunday Snapshot {Our Miracle #3}

All children are a miracle and a gift from God, but we feel so blessed to have Ainsley in our lives.  I know many of my regular readers know "our story."  But I love to share it because, it is such a story of God's faithfulness and perfect plan!  We really have very little trouble getting pregnant the first time-we decided to start trying and about 6 months later Ethan was on the way.  When Ethan was about 18 months old, we started trying for #2 and that is where our story really becomes God's story of faithfulness.  After almost a year, we were finally pregnant again, but we lost that baby soon after and I was devastated.  We pressed onward, doing everything WE could to make another baby, but nothing.  So WE decided to turn to doctor's for help, 2 years of treatment later WE had done it!!  We made a baby not the old fashioned way, but with the help of some incredible science and doctors. 

Disclaimer:  Please don't take this wrong, I truly believe that God has blessed some with the knowledge and expertise to help others grow their families, in this way.  And it is a MIRACLE, for sure!!  It just was not the WAY for us.  And, we did not realize it at the time.

Anyway back to the story, we were successful at IVF with the one and only embryo we had, but again we lost the baby.  This is where I really entered into a dark spot in my life.  I was so angry with God.  So angry that WE had done everything WE could to make a baby and He had taken it all away-AGAIN!!  It was a long 3-4 months after that.  But then it all changed-instead of US doing it, instead of doing all WE could, WE took a leap of faith and decided maybe OUR way was not the only way.  We turned it all over to God and that's when the miracles started happening!!!  We signed on with America World in May of 2006 and began our paper chase.  After 6 short months we were logged into China's system, and a just 7 months lately we were looking at the face of our daughter (miracle #2.)  Then 4 months after that we were holding her for the first time.  I am so incredibly grateful that God took us on that journey, the journey to our sweet Charlotte.  It has changed us and our family so much!!  Now here is a little seed most do not know, about 3 weeks before we left for China, I once again had a miscarriage.  I thought really are you serious?!?  Why?!?  In some ways I think it was God showing me that yes, HE was still in control, and yes I could still get pregnant.  So off we went and the next year was filled with everything Charlotte.  And then 14 months later, I could hardly believe it but God was giving us our Miracle #3.  I was pregnant!!!!  It was very hard to be excited at first, I really kept waiting for it to all be taken away.  But God was faithful and gave us so much more than we could have ever thought or imagined.  If it had not all worked out this way, we probably would not have Charlotte in our family.  This was HIS design all along, and there was nothing WE could do to stand in His way.  Our family is such a picture of his PERFECTION!  WE are so blessed and can't wait to see what else God has in store for our growing family. 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, "to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21

Sunday Snapshot: {Family Time}

I know it is Tuesday; this post is a couple of days late.....

To say that I have had a stressful last couple months would be an understatement, and I can't really go into detail about it yet.  Prayers are appreciated, but it is all putting such a strain on life.  Sometimes you just have that feeling that you want to move far, far away (with my hubby and kids of course, they are not the cause of the stress; they are my real true delight.)  So on Friday, after having such a hard day we packed up the kids and headed to a local park for a picnic dinner, time on the playground and a walk around the lake.  It was so nice to just concentrate on being a family, and enjoying the outdoors.  It was a welcome change and I felt so much more rejuvenated.  We did stop at Sam's Club on the way home, so still a little work, but it was a wonderful evening.

Ethan spent his time, practicing his soccer tricks and juggling.  And it paid off, he won the juggle off at practice on Monday-go Ethan!!!

Daddy and Charlotte had fun on the slide.  Charlotte just thought that Daddy was so silly for sliding down himself. 

Then we went for a walk and Mommy made Ethan and Charlotte pose for a photo op.  Charlotte was happy to and Ethan was not so into it, but that's okay this time.

And Ainsley, she was her usual cute, happy self!!

I have a beautiful family, and am so blessed!!  I may have some exciting news soon so stay tuned :)

Having Fun with Lightroom

So this moring, I decided to download the trial version of Adobe Lightroom.  I knew once I played with it I would WANT it, so I had been putting it off.  But after seeing some shots on another blog, I could not resist any longer.  I LOVE IT!!!  (hint, hint, honey-mother's day is around the corner!)  Anyway look and see what you think.

Before:

And after using the Lightroom Presets.......

This last one is my favorite.  Isn't it just beautiful.  And I took it in our flower bed-love it!!  Of course she is a great model...

It's Springtime...

It is spring, and I got such great Easter Shots I decided it was time to spruce up my blog a bit.  Let me know what you think-leave me a comment if you would.  And check back soon as I am close to starting back up in the blog design biz and will be having a giveaway to kick off my grand re-opening!!

Happy Spring!

Sunday Snapshot: Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter everyone!!  We had a wonderful day with family and a wonderful worship this morning.  I love Easter!!  Hope you all had a great day too.

Thankful Thursday

1.  So thankful in these hard financial times that God provides for our family.

2.  Thankful that my aunt and two cousins are coming this weekend for a vist, always lots of fun.

3.  Thankful for good friends who listen to me go on and on about the same things all the time (thanks Gina!)

4.  Thankful for my beautiful children, they always make me smile.

5.  Thankful for my caring and helpful husband!