I Am Back!

It is hard to believe it has been 3 months since I last blogged! It has been a very busy summer with much going on. Here is a small recap of our summer...

We were blessed to have a visit by my parents...

and my grandmother who stayed for a month...

the reunion of AJ and his daughter given up for adoption 18 years ago

A fun visit from our good friends, the Avants...Hey Taryn! When ya coming back?

Nicole, a good friend, came and stayed a week. We payed her to dress up like a cow with us for Chick-fil-A's free food if you dress like a cow. Though embarrassed, she had fun...right Nicole!!!

We had people stopping in here and there for a quick "hello".

We have traveled to South Florida...my hometown

to visit family and my god-daughter, Alyssa.

been back to Louisiana a few times, one being for the birth of a good friends son! Welcome Jacob!!!

We have explored a little of Texas and somewhere in there we have cut our grass...


managed to continue to educate our children, spent time in the hospital with Zechariah who had pneumonia, lost a few teeth, and make sure we still had our family devotions.

It has been busy but things are settling down and I hope to be blogging again!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY

KATIE FAITH!!!

Today our Katie Faith turns the BIG SIX!!! It seems like yesterday she was born and I was changing her diapers, nursing, and excited to see each new stage she reached...crawling, first teeth, first steps......

11months:

19 months (with her crazy hair):

The years are passing by quickly...




2 years:

but joyful ones they are...

3 years:

A few tidbits about our Girlie Girl:

Nickname is Katie Bug.
Loves to wear dresses.
Favorite animal is a pig.
Loves to be with her siblings and gets upset if she has to sleep or play alone.
Is learning to read and can now sound out simple words.
Prays almost everyday to live on a farm and have a pet pig named Wilbur.
Favorite food is pizza with extra sauce.
Likes to color.
Just learned to ride a two wheeler...on her own.
Likes school.
Favorite colors...blue and pink.
Loves to wear pig tails.


Some of my favorite things things about Katie Faith are:
Her helper's heart....... She will offer to help me cook, clean, take care of her little brother, and change diapers...even when she has free time.

Katie Faith perseveres in tough times. When she is having a hard time with something, she will often keep trying, even through the tears, until she accomplishes what she is trying to do.


Her smile. Katie Faith has a smile that brings joy to ours and many others heart. It is not just the smile, but the spirit behind the smile that comes out in her smiling eyes . One of cheer and a warm sweetness.

Recent:

Katie Faith is very excited today being 6. It is a special day for now she is allowed to use a knife. Something she has been looking forward to all year long. And she has informed us she now wants to be called by her real name...Katherine.

Our Dearest Katherine,

We love you and are proud to be your parents. We commit our lives to raise and train you to be a Godly lady who has "Pure Faith" just like your name means. We know we fail you in this task at times and appreciate your faithfulness in always forgiving us cheerfully. You have an inner strength about you that we pray you will use for the Lord in perseverance in serving Him for His glory. We love you and pray, as you grow this next year, it won't only be in size, but in the Lord.

Happy 6th Birthday!
Love, Daddy and Mommy

Happy Memorial Day!!!

I want to give honor to those who have and currently serve our country for our freedom!

My grandfather...Bob Smith...August 21,1935-March 22,2009

Served in the Korean War.

My father...Charles

Served in the Army.

AJ's grandfather, Joe Zachery, served as a "Frog-man" (predecessor to the SEALs) in the Navy during World War 2.
My Uncle Harley, served in the ARMY in Vietnam.
To William, Chad, Perry, John ( Cinnamon's husband), Lori, and to all the other brave men and women who have served in this nation's military, thank you.

I would like to acknowledge the wives and families of those who have loved ones that currently serve and have served. I thank you for your sacrifice of time and heartache of being without your loved ones while they serve and fight for our freedom. You are truly heroes to me.

As we celebrate with friends and family today, grilling, watching movies, shopping, I ask all of you to pray for a dear wife and mother in Georgia. She lost her husband in Iraq 2 1/2 weeks ago. Please pray comfort and peace in this difficult time.

Thank You All for your service.

We thank God for the freedoms He has given us, many times at the expense of this countries greatest.

We salute you this Memorial Day!

Booked-18 1/2 years later

The first week I met AJ, before either one of us knew 2 years later we would be married, he told me about a little girl.

She was tiny. Dark hair. He gave her one of her first baths.

She was not very old when he first saw her, and she was not very old when he last saw her.

This little girl's name was Rachel. And she is his daughter.

AJ & Rachel Holding Hands

She was born September 23, 1991.

AJ was overjoyed to see his daughter, yet sad. The biological mother felt it would be in the child's best interest to be placed in a loving home through adoption. AJ fought to keep her, but in God's providence, he lost the battle.

It was an open-close adoption. AJ's parents would occasionally receive pictures of Rachel, now Stephanie Joy. Such a pretty little girl. Always looking so happy. AJ and I would sit there and stare at her picture. She has "your eyebrows" I would tell AJ. "She likes music like you."The sadness in his eyes would give away. Though he would not speak of his hurt.

AJ did not talk much about Stephanie. The pain was so deep of losing her, he buried this pain and turned it into anger. When he did talk, it was always with the undertone of desiring to be with her. He was angry at many.

During these years without Stephanie, God worked in him. It was a slow process and still is, he still has anger, but there is forgiveness in his heart.

AJ confesses that, though he desired to raise his little girl, it was in God's perfect plan for him not to. Though it has grieved him, he rests knowing God ordained this for a reason unknown to him, and all he can do is trust. Trust in a great God who does ALL things for His purpose and glory.

Through the years, we have searched for Stephanie, with no success in finding her.

"If only I knew where she was...if I only knew..." he would say.

I asked him once what he would do if he found her whereabouts.
AJ replied he didn't want to disrupt her life, but would be tempted to go where she lived to "just see her". See her move, maybe catch a glimpse of her smile.


I asked AJ if he ever planned on contacting Stephanie, through the adoption agency, when she turns 18 years old, but fear gripped him with the thought of being rejected by her. Why would she want to know him? She has a good life with a good family. He was "just the guy who did not want me".

I encouraged him never give up hope. He would get to meet her one day. With much doubt, he prayed this would be true.


And then...one day...last July...I got a call...

"Christine...Christine." AJ says breathless, "Stephanie has requested to be my friend on Facebook."

"What!!!????!!! Really?"

"What should I do?" he asked nervously.

"Well, accept it!!!"

He did.

They began corresponding through e-mail, getting to know each other. Favorite foods, colors, movies, animals.

AJ has been like a kid in a candy shop since...excited! Speaking and thinking of her often. Looking forward to the day when they get to meet.

The day they meet...

Today, AJ booked a ticket for Stephanie to fly down here to Texas, June 21st, to reunite with her...18 1/2 years later.

AJ and I are thrilled to meet Stephanie Joy. The children are excited to meet their big sister. We are all anticipating the visit. The kids are already discussing who she will "get" to sleep with. Rest assured, she will have her own room...


So where do I fit into all of this?

From the beginning, God gave me a love for Stephanie. I would spend nights thinking, praying for her. Wish her a "Happy Birthday" wherever she was. Wonder what she was doing......I love her deeply in my heart. Always longing for the day to meet this "special little girl" I first heard about that first week in knowing AJ.



AJ and I are nervous. Full of anticipation and questions... "Will she enjoy her time with us? What will she think of us?..."

But in the midst of the excitement, I can't help but to dream of June 21st......

Stephanie walks down the terminal...AJ sees her...their eyes meet for the first time after 18 1/2 years...and AJ is finally able to take Stephanie in his arms, holding his "little girl" once again...

Wordless Wednesday: Ferocious "Cheetah"!!!

It's Not To Early

Tears stream down the cheeks.

"Where has the time gone? My babies are growing up so fast! It seems like yesterday they were born. Tomorrow they will be getting married. "

Kaylyn ( @ 14 mos.)

Don't dry up those tears and start thinking of something else, begin thinking about the day they will wed.

What do you want to see? I'm not talking about a pretty white dress and a nice tux, the brides maids colors.......what is it you want to see in your child, and in their future spouse?

It's not to early to think and ponder on these things.

I want to see a groom who loves the Lord. He is ready to take the responsibility of headship over his bride from her father. A groom who will sacrificially love his wife as Christ loves the church. A gentleman who treats his bride like a lady. Caring for her, sensitive, open to communication. A man committed to prayer. A sense of humor. Trustworthy. Teacher to his wife in the ways of the Lord. Humble. Forgiving. Respected by those who know him. Not easily angered. His house is open to visitors. He loves others. Exercises patience. A groom whose faith will not waiver.

Caleb "E" (@ 2 yrs)

I want to see a bride who cherishes the Lord with all of her heart. She is ready to receive her groom to be her head, willing to submit to him. A bride who will rejoice in caring for her husband, a keeper of the home, cooking, cleaning, washing, with joy knowing she is honoring him. She is not a gossiper, but one who encourages other ladies, young and old, to be more like Christ. Honest. Quick to forgive. She is a prayer warrior for those around her. Patient. Full of hospitality. A gentle and quiet spirit.

This is what I want to see at the wedding for my children.

But with this comes much responsibility and training. Many tears and prayers.

Hours upon hours of training our children to fill the roles as God has intended for groom and bride. It will take much patience when I see them not portraying the characteristics of godliness. Persevering when I feel like I have failed. "How do I teach patience when I just became angry at my child and yelled at him."


Katie Faith (@ 2 yrs.)
Hours in the kitchen learning the tricks of cooking...and cleaning up.

Allowing that sense of humor to come out in a joke that is not funny to me, but cracks my child up.

Working together to get a grass stain out of the jeans, and how to properly clean the toilet.

Teaching the son to be a gentleman by opening the car door for his mommy.

Encouraging a time of quietness with Lord in prayer. Leading by example. Allowing my children see me pray and read God's Word.

Training in fixing things around the house, changing a tire, cutting the grass.

Memorizing scripture so the Holy Spirit can prick the heart and encourage the weary soul with these verses ingrained in their minds.

Allowing friends to come over and play. Giving their friends first choice on the game to play, or first choice in the color of cup they would like to use. Ways to start teaching on hospitality.

Elijah ( @ 8 mos.)

We parents have much to train our children in.

But what about their spouse. What do we do about them? We may or may not know them, this does not matter, for our Lord knows who they are.

So we pray.

We pray for their parents. For God to grant them wisdom in raising our future daughter or son-in law. We pray the Lord will work in the child's heart and grant them salvation at a young age, to avoid the many temptations in the world. We pray for the Lord to guide, protect, and prepare them for our child. Pray the family will have a home full of joy in the Lord.

I encourage you,the next time you look at your little one, growing up too quick, shed those tears of missing the younger days, and then get down on your knees, thank God for these precious moments, and then pray to our Lord for guidance raising this little one in training to be a lady or man.

For it's not to early.

................Tears pour down the cheeks................

"Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms, calming your cry. Now I sit here in church at your wedding," so I imagine...sob.
Zechariah (@ 9 mths)

Then I glance at my child's spouse...with tears in my eyes, knowing I have prayed for this spouse for many years. Since they were a babe. Rejoicing in this answered prayer.

Both are dressed up in their pretty gown and nice tux, but all I can think of is the many years I have prayed and looked forward to this sweet time of union between the two.


Lord, help me in raising my children. Give me discernment. Use me to reflect you in spite of my failures. Forgive me each time I show them something not like you, Oh God! Use me in their lives for your own glory. I pray for my future daughter and son-in laws, draw them unto you, prepare their hearts to be a godly spouse. Give me a love now, for my daughter-in-law, my future son-in-law. Thank you God for the precious moments you have given me with my little ones, I look forward to seeing them grow up, and Lord-willing, become a son and daughter that will honor you in their role as a husband or a wife.

Zechariah Turns the Big 1 !

Our Little Zechariah turned 1 years old March 4th. He is our "miracle" baby as someone calls him.

When I was pregnant with him, at 11 wks., my dr. informed me that there was something wrong with my baby. Read here for my thoughts and feelings on this. At 15 weeks, it was determined our baby had Down Syndrome because of having strong markers pointing to it.

AJ and I embraced in the fact that our God had blessed us with a "special" child. We were humbled that our Lord would find us worthy of raising a child with Down's. We looked forward to meeting our blessing, and that we did, on March 4, 2009.

Early in the morning, as I went to the hospital to be prepared for my c-section, I remember the excitement of knowing I was going to hold my wee one. I prayed for his/her safety. I prayed for strength to endure any difficulties or problems that may occur in the delivery. My doctor had informed me that he had scheduled for NICU to be there to assist with the baby.

As I was being worked up by the nurse, she mentioned the Down's, and then apologized for bringing it up. Oh, to the contrary! I explained to her how excited we were and knew God placed this little one in my womb perfectly, to His liking.

As I laid in the operating room, with AJ and Mrs. Pat (who is very special to me and who has been there for the births of my last 3 children), I felt an incredible peace. The atmosphere was a joyous one, besides my almost fainting and vomiting...

At 7:23am, I witnessed, by a mirror, the dr. pulling out the baby - a boy! I saw before he told us. The next words to come out of his mouth, "He looks healthy. I don't believe he has Down's."
After a brief glimpse they whisked him away to a separate room check him out.

Down's or not, it didn't matter. My heart was thrilled to see my newest blessing...Zechariah David.Zechariah, meaning "God has remembered", and David ( "Beloved")...named after the great man in the Bible who loved God with all his heart.

1 day old:

3 days old:





6 weeks:At 7 weeks, our Zechariah had a little fever. After a visit with the dr., he admitted him into the hospital to be monitored over night. After 2 weeks of ups and many downs we were discharged.

It was a rough 6 months dealing with his pertusis, but Zechariah proved to be of strong character.

4 months:

6 months:

Our chubbiest baby!

He continue to grows in personality each day. Calm and easy going. He first sat up at 61/2 months, began crawling at 10 months. He doesn't have a "normal" crawl, he kind of scoots on his bottom while pushing off with his leg.

9 months:

Zechariah prefers small quarters while sleeping. He prefers to sleep in a closet than in a room. When we go to a hotel, we place a blanket on the floor of the closet, shut the door, and he is happy. Just last week he left our closet to sleep in his crib for the first time. He is adjusting ok, but was quite content when he took a nap in the closet this afternoon! :)

He loves his diaper changed. From the time he was a week old, if he was crying, I learned when I acted like I was changing him he would stop crying. Now, he kicks with excitement when we change him. Cute it is, but a challenge!

Favorite food...dog food. Anything else...he could leave it. He never would eat baby food ( don't blame him), likes graham crackers ok, and bananas sometimes, but other than that, he is not that interested(Since I began this post...over a week ago...he has explored with oatmeal, beans, and potatoes, actually taken more than 2 bites!).

He is fought over by his siblings on who gets to take care of him. I encourage them not to quarrel over him and try to remember whose turn it is to help out.

Zechariah used to hate bath time until he could splash and get me all wet. Now, he has a ball!

To celebrate his 1st birthday, AJ prayed for our son and his life to come...

and we gave him his very first banana ( we don't do cake until the age of 2.)......

He likes our animals and I can often find him next to the rat cage "talking" to them. When outside, he loves the dogs. You think we should get him a goat?

Favorite toy is a pencil ( not sharpened) or pen, and paper.

It is hard to vacuum with him around as he loves to chase it!

Nicknames...Zecharoni (thanks Elijah A.!) and Cracker Zech.

Zechariah can be very serious, likes to observe his surroundings, and has a cute giggle and laugh. He truly is a blessing!!!

My sweet Zechariah, from the time I learned of you in my womb I have loved you greatly. I take pleasure in calling you my son. I pray you will have a love for our God we serve and be a servant unto him. I look forward to watching the milestones you will make this next year and enjoying them moment by moment. Mommy loves you, Zecharoni!!!