And now there are four.....

It's somethin bein part of a clan....

 it must feel like there is more weight to your anchor......

 Sometimes that weight feels like it's right on your back! Believe me, I know.

Siblings can be so heavy sometimes....

 But they also bring such a gift to your life.......

 You have someone who looks up to you......

 And will always affirm your talents.

 In the words of Sarah "You're such a great artist! Just like me."

 And you have someone who wants you to "check out her moves" so you can affirm her back.

Which you did so graciously through your giggles.....

 These smiles.....

 they are some of the realest smiles we have ever made......

 and all who know him would tell you,

this guy doesn't often make a face so tender....

 Hugging you made him complete.

 And giving you this tape and seeing your instinctive pose with it.....

 yeah, that made my heart explode with stars.....

with recognition.

I know that face.....

 When it was time to leave, you melted into your mom's arms.....

 And I was so fulfilled.

Thank you.

We love you both.

Everything is beautiful.

Dear Emily

Dear Emily,

Yesterday morning was surreal..... I showed Sarah the photos we had of you for the first time and she really studied them for quite awhile. She was truly excited to see you.....

 I told you that if you were ok with it, I wanted to take some photos. 

I did warn you that I had to get your face as we first met  ;)

 God, you are pretty! I could tell from far off that you were gorgeous. Walking towards you was the most tangibly life changing event I have ever experienced. I kept saying in my head "Oh my gosh, that beautiful hair!"

 Awww! You're precious!

 And oh how much we love you too, Cynthia! So so much.......

 We owe you everything......

And I was simply amazed and filled with joy when I saw you and your sister immediately connect.

 All day she's been telling folks about her "teenage sister". She is so proud of you :)

 I loved seeing you take care of Ava when she got hurt. 

 They love you, Emily. I know you love them, too......

 You just got prettier and prettier the longer I looked at you. Sometimes you were talking to me and I had to stop myself from gawking at you! I was so overjoyed inside.....

 I love you.

 And I have given you answers to your eyebrow legacy......

  I cannot even begin to tell you how full this man's heart is with love for you. He has gushed about your beauty, your poise, your graciousness and sweet spirit so much since yesterday.......

 What a beautiful circle this has been, Emily. You are the gift that keeps giving, little girl........

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you a hope and a future. ~God 

Jeremiah 29:11

The Gift

I know I've mentioned on here that we had a little girl 13 years ago.

We were kids ourselves back then and she was adopted.

There's a million more things to say about it but it's not fully my story to tell.

Today we meet her.

Care-ALOT Birthday

It just went on and on for you, Sarah..... you're worth it :)

 A sweet friend made a cake for you that totally blew my mind!

 I wanted to blow your candles out on that cake so bad!!! I love how you make your wish out loud for everyone to hear.... I think you're pretty smart to know that the "wish makers" need to hear it ;)

 And your wish came true!!

 and maybe a lil of mommy's wish, too ;)

 You really loved your gifts......

 especially the photo Jimmy Fallon sent you of your favorite show "EW"......

 Did a little more dancin.....

 And now it's time to take down our Care Bear dream ........

 but maybe just in a lil bit :)

 At least until we can get a decent group pic.