Our Latest Journey

For years, perhaps even my entire life, I have felt a pull towards adoption.  I thought that maybe God gave me that desire because I wouldn't be able to have children.  Well two precious babies later that is not the case.  Yet the desire for more children and the pull towards adoption remains.  After years of talking with Travis about it, processing feelings, fears, and finances, we want to step out in faith and love on the fatherless. 

Once we agreed to take the next step, we questioned what would that look like? Would we go the international route?  We have both been to China and seen the desperate orphans there.  We have seen friends adopt here locally.  Our next door neighbors opened their home to foster children - both for a short amount of time and for a permanent adoption.  We have seen first hand the heartache and the blessing fostering can be.  More than that, it has had an impact on my daughter and I stand amazed at her heart.  

I found this paper in her English book one afternoon...

When asked what dream does she have in her heart, she replied, 

I wish to be a foster mom one day and take care of babies.

I saw our six year old extend love and friendship to every child who walked through our neighbor's front door. 

Because of her beautiful heart, and the Lord prompting ours, Travis and I feel moved to take the next step to become certified foster parents.  We have completed the paperwork, training, and home study process.  We are praying that this summer God would knock down the walls in our own hearts in order to supernaturally love whoever He calls us to care for.  Just like our daughter has.  

Beautiful Ballerina

Our girl has fallen in love with dance! 

She is always dancing around the house and at the urging of a friend I signed Lucy Mills up for a minimester - which is a six week session of classes to get a taste of what the dance year is like.

After one class she was hooked. "Mama, I'm going to dance here until I'm 22," she said. 

Ms. Leah and this little class of four ballerinas had such a sweet time week after week. 

Can't wait to sign up for a year of dance! 

Baptisms

Both of our children have always expressed a love for God and a desire to learn His ways.

On December 8, 2016 Lucy Mills asked her daddy if they could walk down the front of our church and talk to Pastor Mike about being baptized.  Travis took her hand and they went and sat together on the first pew, just below the white lights on the sanctuary Christmas trees. They held hands and Travis prayed alongside Lucy Mills that Jesus would come and live in her heart.   I was a witness to their precious words and this holy moment.

For over a year before this Lucy Mills expressed a desire to be baptized.  She knew she believed in God, she loved him, and she wanted to be baptized.  

After Lucy Mills prayed with Travis, McClain too said that he believed and wanted to be baptized.  To be certain that this way each child's personal decision I took them to sit down and meet with our churches' children's director.  Maegan went through an wonderful description of how we are sinner's and Christ took our place. This was a decision both children were ready to make. 

On February 26, 2017 Lucy Mills and McClain were baptized. 

Very thankful for a family and a church that supports and shepherds our children's spiritual growth alongside us. 

A Little Bit of Life Lately

This marked our third year of homeschooling and I think our best yet.  Lucy Mills and McClain love to learn and I am enjoying the journey right alongside them. 

On Fridays we shuffle piano lessons and getting our school work done in the morning.  

Time at the library getting books of interest, books that correspond to what we are learning, and audiobooks to listen to in the car. 

Our afternoons are spent with friends and the neighborhood kids.  Oh the memories our two are making on our cul-de-sac are priceless. 

They are outside all afternoon long. 

For my 36th birthday we enjoyed a fun date night out with some of the sweetest friends.  

Very thankful to be doing life alongside these great couples. 

Another library trip to captivate our minds. 

McClain is in his 3rd baseball season (first spring season).  

While brother is at the ball field, Lucy Mills has been enjoying ballet classes. 

Spring breakin' it at the beach! 

So glad I caught this sunrise moment of Travis with Lucy Mills.  She has started asking him to go for early morning walks - just the two of them.  I love seeing their sweet father/daughter time. She has the best daddy around. 

Easter Sunday smiles. 

The neighborhood gang profiting from their lemonade stand. 

In April we celebrated Travis' and Grandaddy's birthdays in Durham.  

McClain had a great first year in karate.  He is an excellent karate kid and received 2 medals and 2 belts this year. 

That's a taste of life lately!