O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

My family has an incredible group of friends that come and walk with us each year in the March of Dimes walk.  This year I was disappointed with myself because I had so many things going with the adoption, Noah's graduation, and work, that I wasn't truly able to put as much time into it as I normally do.  This is one of the biggest things that I get to do for Magdalena, and I truly felt like I failed.  It might not have been obvious to everyone, but I could tell.  But this year was one of my favorite years because I sat back to think on the day I realized that everyone came to support us and they made it so clear.  Yes, everyone agrees with the March of Dimes and the work they do, but they come to the walk to show us the greatest form of love.  Those that wanted to come and couldn't sent a text.  And this wasn't just for Noah and me, but friends of other members came for them too.  To all of you I am extremely humbled today.  Thank you for pi...

Tonight was a sweet time of hearing the words of our husbands through letters.  It is a tradition that the graduating class write these letters to the wives.  My sweet Noah wrote with love and care.  He did a great job, especially considering he had to fit four years of all that we have been through onto one page.  But within the bag given to me was a painting, and as I soon as I saw it I gasped.  (Seriously, I did!  I am not just using that word for the effect!)  It is a painting of the chapel on campus so that we can all remember our time here while in seminary.  It is a sweet time for so many of us, but Noah and I agree that we are so appreciative of this painting.  It is not only the chapel on campus to us, but it is where we had Magdalena's funeral.  We thought to use the chapel so that we could have a place separate from our church, but, yet, a special place.  When we made that decision we didn't think about the fact that Noah...

It's amazing the days that stick out in your brain, and yesterday was one that will be remembered for all time.  Noah and I have received our official stamp of approval to adopt!  We are incredibly excited that it is hard to put down into words.  We are praying for our the birthmother of our future child, whoever she may be, as she works through so many decisions. There are not more updates on the adoption front until we get the call for a baby!

Last Saturday we took Walt to a local event where cocoons were given it away with instructions on caring/releasing the butterfly.  And, so, we have waited patiently for our cocoon to darken to let us know it is almost time. Then, today our caterpillar officially became a butterfly.  It was such a beautiful process, and amazing to see God's hand in it all.  Noah, Walt, and I enjoyed watching the butterfly learn its surroundings and take a few test flights before flying away.

The butterfly is here! We are waiting for it to get a good stretch, and then we will release it!

Walt and I talk to our caterpillar daily, and as it's cacoon darkens, we know it's almost time to say goodbye. It will become a beautiful butterfly.

I finally got some time with my niece! Walt is so proud of his new guitar! I couldn't get a good picture of the three of us with Walt not wanting to say cheese, but here we are together! Me and my Man

One of my favorite candies comes out once a year for Easter.  Those mini Robin Eggs are my weakness for the entire year.  I can pass up all types of candy for Halloween and Christmas, but as soon as the Easter candy hits the isle I begin to stock up!  Every time I go to Walmart I grab a bag trying to get a stockpile going, but the stockpile is diminished before the summer is up.  This is just one of the many things I love about spring. There is also a newness in the air.  This last month I have been renewed so many mornings and afternoons by sitting on our back patio watching and listening to birds.  Even Walt comes out and notices when the birds are hungry!  Spring and the birds makes me miss my grandmother because she loved her birds, and I am trying to make her proud by keeping all SIX of her bird feeders filled with the best bird food because it is obvious that she took good care of them. Spring is also when I am reminded of second chances. ...