Family Day

Last Sunday Jim's work had a "family day" where all the family members get to come to a picnic and meet everyone. Thomas loves playing with his friend, Taylor. Her Daddy works with Jim, so we see her a lot. Thomas loved playing on the playground equipment, eating carne asada and hitting the pinata. He discovered that if you throw sand up, it lands on you.......that's why a bath felt good that night. Fire season has started and Jim is already in Arizona on a fire. Thomas isn't quite sure where Daddy is and asks about him often. He's too young so I just tell him "Daddy's at work." I know he's going to be so happy when Jim gets home in 2 weeks. I'm use to the wildland firefighter's wife life, and now Thomas is learning what it's like to be a wildland firefighter's son.

Ready, Swim

We only have 1 more swim lesson left at swim school. Thomas has learned so much especially not to be afraid of the pool. He can swim underwater, float on his back and hold his breath. We have learned a few things to continue teaching him in Grandma & Papa's pool.

Daddy was coaching him.

He loves to float on his back.

Relaxes so much he closes his eyes!!

Agh.....back safe on the side.

Love their farmer tan arms!!!

Go fish, go!!!

Playing at Grandma & Papa's

Thomas, as you have read before LOVES to play at Grandma & Papa's house. He loves playing outdoors where he can play in the dirt or with Papa in the garden. However, the thing he likes the most is............

After playing at their house, Grandma usually has some tasty treats and some cold drink, too. So blessed to have them living close by.

An answer to prayer

Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone,

But still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute,

You didn't grow under my heart

but in it.

Today is a day, I never thought would come. I cried so many years as my heart hurt for the child we didn't have. I wondered what it'd be like to have a small voice say "Mama". I cried because everyone else felt joy, but all I felt was sadness. Thankful for my Mother and my Mother-in-laws, but sad to know that I wasn't a Mother. I never ceased my praying, although it felt like God wasn't listening to me. Last year, I never thought I'd be able to experience being a Mom on "Mother's Day".

This year, I am feeling very thankful for the blessing that God has given to us. I am thankful that each morning I wake to the sweet words of "Mama" and a smile from my son. I look back at my many prayers, and see that God wasn't ignoring me, but preparing me for this special child. Thank you Lord Jesus, for the miracle of Thomas.

I also pray for the women, who aren't Moms. I understand that pain and I pray that God will wipe every tear and hold you tightly. The pain of infertility is very hard to understand.........it's a loss hope, a death of a dream and a emptiness in the heart. I pray that somewhere a woman is crawling up into the Father's arms of comfort.

My Mother is a special woman. Very compassionate, very humble, and always has words of encouragement. She never complains about not having enough for herself. She always puts her family first. She prays for her children. She comforts her children, when sad. And smiles with them when they are happy. I pray that I will be as good of a Mother to Thomas as my Mom is to me. I am so blessed to have her in my life. Thomas is even more blessed to have her as a Grandma.

I am thankful for my husband's birthmom that she chose life. She made a decision to put him up for adoption, knowing that was best for him.

I am thankful to his Mom & Stepmom for raising him. They are both full of so much love and sweetness.

So on this day, I can say that I am thankful for my Mothers.

I can say "Thank you, Lord for answering my prayer."

Adoption Goes to Trial

SW called to let us know that the today's hearing was over and the BM's parental rights have not been terminated, the adoption will now go to trial.  The trial is set for July 1st and a preliminary hearing next month.  The preliminary hearing is to ensure everything is in order for the July hearing since the BM is not happy with her court appointed attorney and will be hiring her own.  The SW was unavailable for questions as we got the info via voice mail so we are unsure as to the issue with the attorney and if this affects us in anyway (don't think so).   As always, keep us and Thomas in your prayers...

Jim

How do I fly this thing, Papa????

Today Thomas got to go visit his Papa at the airport. My dad flies in a spotter plane over fires. We got to the airport in time to see Papa's plane landing. Thomas was so excited and kept waving at Papa. When he got out of the airplane, Thomas kept looking for him. All we could see was his legs because he was standing on the other side of the plane. When Papa walked over to Thomas, he got so excited and had a huge smile on his face. When we go back to visit with Papa at the airport, he told Thomas they get to share a popsicle (from the special freezer). Thomas absolutely adores my dad and loves being with him. We are so blessed to live close to my parents and Thomas gets to be loved by them, too!!!!!!!!!!!

***Tomorrow at 8:00 is the court hearing to terminate birthmom's parental rights. Please be in prayer that the judge and attorney's will see this is best for Thomas and come to a mutual agreement.***

Garden Day

Yesterday was an absolutely perfect Spring day. To top it off, Thomas has gotten to meet his cousins, Aunt & Uncle, too. We all were at my parent's house yesterday working in Papa's garden. Lots of yummy things have been planted so far. Corn, pumpkins, watermelon, squash, bell peppers, green beans, radishes and a couple tomato plants. Can't wait until we can start picking and eating some things (yum, yum). Thomas loves playing in the dirt and especially the water hose in the garden. Uncle Jerry (my brother) showed him how to drink from the garden hose, and had lots of fun playing with his dump truck/tractor, too. Today is a family day to celebrate my neice's 5th Birthday. It's nice to be a family again!!! Wish they didn't have to live so far away. Thomas loves his cousins and gives them hugs when they play together.