Everyday with Isabella Faye

Forever Family Day

2011-12-20T14:00:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I posted...a long while! Isabella Faye is growing into a beautiful, funny, charming little lady of 4 years old. There are so many pictures and stories, too many to try to catch up...so, I'm starting fresh. For today, a photo from Forever Family Day. John was fresh off gallbladder surgery (only 2 days before) but determined to celebrate our special day, commemorating the 3rd anniversary of Isabella Faye's arrival home from Guatemala. We celebrated at Isabella Faye's choice, Olive Garden. Isabella Faye got an Olivia 2 in 1 play set, which elicited a day full of singing the Olivia theme song!

The Hungry Dancer

2011-05-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

Soccer

2011-05-07T22:05:00.002-05:00

Beach Vacation 2010

2010-12-14T21:20:00.004-06:00

I scream, you scream...

2010-09-15T21:50:00.004-05:00

we all scream for ice cream!!

Happy Third Birthday Isabella Faye!

2010-09-05T15:27:00.002-05:00

This digital scrapbook generated with Smilebox

Time Out!

2010-06-26T13:25:00.000-05:00

When Isabella Faye is mad at someone who is in the car with her, she puts herself in time-out...

Mom

2010-06-24T16:29:00.001-05:00

I wish the elder Faye could have known her spunky, fun granddaughter. I'm sure she watches over her from Heaven. Oh to be even half the mother she was! I miss her terribly, worse now than ever. I need her here to guide me, help me with this mothering thing, for which I feel so inadequate.
But I trust God to keep ever fresh in my mind the kind, witty style of parenting that my easy-going, infinitely patient mother possessed. And I trust that her legacy will live on in my sweet Isabella Faye, who carries her name.

Peaceful

2010-06-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

So sweet!

2010-05-12T12:32:00.000-05:00

That Face...

2010-05-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

reminds me of God's faithfulness, compassion and unfailing love.

Dancer!

2010-05-02T11:47:00.001-05:00

Isabella Faye's new PJ's came with a tutu. Ridiculous cuteness ensued shortly after IF donned the tutu!

Chloe

2010-04-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

This beautiful little baby beside my sweet girl is Chloe. IF and Chloe met at church and Isabella Faye felt an instant connection with her. She played with her, fed her, sang to her, defended her and talked about her constantly.

Chloe's Mom, Shelley was my Worship Pastor so the two girls spent lots of time together, as well as Chloe's adorable older brother Micheal, while we rehearsed.

When Isabella Faye found out that Chloe was moving and wouldn't be able to play with her anymore, she cried...and cried...because Co-EE is my best fend!

Chloe is a precious baby girl, sweet and giggly and super cuddly.

We miss her lots but we're thankful for her Mom and Dad's awesome new jobs that put them closer to family and home much more with their amazing kids.

FFF: Black and White

2010-04-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is Black and White. And, although I know Hannah meant black and white photos I couldn't resist putting my own spin on black and white...

as in, my favorite animals-penguins!

those little guys and gals are so cute!

I really want one...

and so do they!

For more Favorite Foto Friday Fun, click below!

Spring Break '10:The Reds

2010-04-21T11:27:00.009-05:00

This year for Spring Break we took a long weekend trip to see Aunt Betsy and family in Cincinnati. Daddy was coaching at a tournament and couldn't go but Aunt K and the boys did!
Isabella Faye is a wonderful traveler and had a great time, though she did miss Daddy and I did too!
Hubby was thrilled to hear all the details of our trip (IF and I LOVE details!)and we are excited to take him back this summer!

The game was during IF's nap-time. She didn't let a stadium full of screaming fans stop her from sleeping from the bottom of the 2nd inning to the top of the 8th!

What a beautiful sight!

Fellow Reds fans...and a few (stifling vomit) Cardinals fans...

1st Base Coach Billy Hatcher and one really lucky kid!

Just a little tribute to Bronson Arroyo, my FAVORITE Red!!

Bows!

2010-03-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

I watched Bubby and Car-Car the other night while Sagie and Aunt K went to baseball practice. They had lots of fun...

Our Church's Easter Party!

2010-03-29T20:23:00.004-05:00

Saturday Isabella Faye and I attended our amazing church's Easter Egg Hunt. IF had a blast and has talked about it ever sense!

IF about to get her hand painted. We paint hands because if its on her face and she can't see it...she gets ticked!

Watching intently as our sweet small-group leader and her adorable daughter painted her hand.

The finished product: a fuzzy chick!

Holding Hoppy the rabbit.

She was so careful!

She even baby-talked to her...so sweet!

Bounce House!!

Cheese Mom!

I not cry! I not scared!

Last year IF screamed and refused a picture...this year, she was in love!

Making a necklace at the craft station.

Dinner with Nanny

2010-03-28T21:57:00.000-05:00

That Face!

2010-03-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

FFF You Pick!

2010-03-26T15:48:00.004-05:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is You Pick! I so love this picture. The back-story is that this dramatic speech was about her love of cheese dip at our wonderful local Mexican restaurant!

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is You Pick! I so love this picture. The back-story is that this dramatic speech was about her love of cheese dip at our wonderful local Mexican restaurant!

Will

2010-03-19T11:36:00.007-05:00

I've known since Isabella Faye has been home that she is strong-willed. About six months after she was home, I decided that I would break it. I determined that strong-willed equals bad, wrong, needing over-the-top discipline. I assumed she had developed this due to lenient parenting because we were just so thankful she was home and going overboard to help her attach and feel secure. Then I blamed her caregivers, thinking they weren't hard enough on her. Then I blamed her diet, the weather, teething and on and on until finally, a few nights ago, I decided it was all my fault. I must be the worst parent ever. I screamed and cried and begged God to show me what I was doing wrong.
The next day, I began to seek advice from trusted parents, and read and read. Then I began to pray.
What God is showing me is that Isabella Faye's will wasn't made, it was born. No one is at fault, because nothing is wrong. God created Isabella Faye with that strong will and he knew when he created her that she was to be our child. Obviously, he thought we were up to the challenge.
That's another thing, Isabella Faye's strong-will is not a problem to be solved, its a challenge to be won! Hubby and I, as her parents, are not charged to Isabella Faye's will, but to it, shape it. We are to foster an environment where she can learn to control and use her strong will for good. I am realizing that there are so many good things about being strong-willed. Imagine what a force for our Heavenly Father my little girl can grow up to be - strong willed, undeterred from spreading the message of His salvation and unconditional love; strong-willed, passionately seeking to be the wife, mother, employee, friend that God has called her to be; strong willed to face the tragedies of life with determination to survive and become better, stronger, wiser through them.
Oh how wrong I've been but oh how His grace is sufficient! Isabella Faye will not be forever scarred by my misunderstanding of who she is. God will see to that.
Now I start anew. This is not to say that I won't correct and punish her when she needs it. I will have to be firm, steadfast, diligent, creative. But I will punish her with understanding when I do...praising my great God, our perfect Heavenly Father. God sees the future and He knows what lies ahead for Isabella Faye. He knows that this little girl needs this strong, independent, determined will and I thank Him, praise Him for equipping her now.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-16T21:38:00.004-05:00

This morning when I was searching for a recent picture of IF wearing green I giggled at this one because, even though she is only wearing a little green in her bib, she's scarfing a plate of salad! Odd the things that make a sleep-deprived momma laugh!

What I Need You All To Know...

2010-03-11T13:44:00.000-06:00

Hubby and I were talking the other night about how sometimes people act like having an adopted child is some sort of consolation prize. Like, since we couldn't have biological children we got one of these. Or, like, its nice we've done this, but aren't we gonna have...oh, my four most hated words, gulp, one of our own.
What I wish people understood is that Isabella Faye isn't our second choice. Adoption wasn't our Plan B. Both Hubby and myself have known since we were children that we would adopt. One of the things that drew us together was our passionate desire to adopt our children-all of our children.

I have, since I was young, taken Matthew 25:40 as a command (for me) to adopt. I love this translation of the verse from The Message Bible:

Then the King (Jesus) will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' Matthew 25:40 ~The Message.

Now God may not have called everyone to adopt, as he did Hubby and myself, but call us he did-to a life of joy unspeakable...to another land, to an incredible people, to a grieving but resolute birth mother, who didn't want her daughter, our daughter, to be overlooked or ignored.

I am thrilled for those families whom God has called to give birth to children. When my friend Tonya was pregnant with her adorable red-haired baby boy, I asked gazillions of questions. I was utterly fascinated and listened with rapped attention to every symptom and story. I was overwhelmed as I watched her tummy grow, knowing that there was a human life inside her. It reminded me yet again, of how amazing God is. God called her to give birth and she has, to two handsome sons, either one of which would make an awesome husband for my sweet girl someday! :-) So, those of you with biological children, please don't think I am being critical of you! What you have done is a beautiful, incredible miracle of God.

But what I need you all to know is that for us, adoption was our first and only choice. Isabella Faye is not our consolation prize. She is not Plan B. She is our loved, adored and chosen gift from God.

Adopted for life and death

2010-03-11T12:41:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I know I gave you a reading assignment yesterday but seriously, you've got to read this amazing story.

Its one of the most profound things I have ever read...

Seriously.

I don't want IF to be happy...

2010-03-10T11:56:00.003-06:00

Before think I've lost my mind, click here to read an amazing post I wish I'd had the wisdom to write!

You never know...

2010-03-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

where you might find Isabella Faye!

Mommy Isabella Faye

2010-03-04T19:59:00.001-06:00

Picking my battles...

2010-03-03T08:00:00.003-06:00

Yes, this is the baby in my panties...

Yes, she is sitting in the refrigerator...

Yes, I am crazy...but sometimes, here in the midst of the terrible two's, I pick my battles...and sometimes, when I don't pick one...things get pretty silly!

Kiss, Kiss!

2010-03-02T13:40:00.000-06:00

Resist this, I dare you to try!

That sweet face!

2010-03-01T10:53:00.000-06:00

My dream come true has a dimple on each side, the most perfect little white teeth and chubby cheeks that are impossible not to kiss...a bunch of times a day!

So I do!

If I had a penny for each time I'd kissed those cheeks, or that forehead or that sweet little button nose...well, I'd be a stay-at-home mom living in a castle! :-)

The other day hubby was kissing her cheek and saying he was getting all my kisses. I pretended to be horrified at which time she smiled sweetly, pointed to her other cheek and said here Momma, other one!

BFFs

2010-02-27T08:25:00.001-06:00

The other night we were playing at Aunt K's house. I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs when I heard my favorite sound of two kiddos giggling like crazy. I looked up to see this:

FFF: Fav Feb Foto

2010-02-25T21:56:00.008-06:00

This week's theme was Favorite February Photo.

one more Daddy, peez!

Home Longer Day

2010-02-14T20:29:00.000-06:00

Today marked one day longer that Isabella Faye had been home than she wasn't. We donned the day Home Longer Day and celebrated with a yummy lunch at our favorite local restaurant after church and a new movie for sweet girl.

It was a profoundly healing day for me. I have dealt with much bitterness since Isabella Faye came home. I have been so angry that we missed so much of her early life. I have been jealous of those whose adoption went more quickly and seemingly more easily. I have complained of her growing up so fast when I missed so much of her being little. There has never been a time when I have taken for granted that she is even home at all. With all the changes in Guatemala toward the end of the adoption, there were many times when we wondered. I know it is a miracle of our Heavenly Father that her adoption was completed. But, still, in my humanness-I long for those months we missed.

Yesterday at church as I worshiped, God brought to my mind this thought: I carried you through fifteen months of sorrow, to fifteen months of absolute joy!

In a terribly low time in the adoption my best friend, the famous Aunt K, who had survived an anguishing foster care adoption, told me: I've always thought the harder the fight, the deeper the love.

How right she was. I can't imagine loving this girl any more.

He carried me from fifteen months of sorrow to a lifetime of absolute joy...

I so love snow days!

2010-02-09T12:24:00.001-06:00

A glimpse of the future

2010-02-06T22:57:00.000-06:00

Isabella Faye's future boyfriends don't stand a chance! It'll be chaperone Carter in the front with her and the boyfriend in the back!

Dedicated Daddy

2010-02-05T22:52:00.000-06:00

Future Construction Foreman?

2010-02-04T22:50:00.000-06:00

With more than a little bossing on sweet girl's part, she and Daddy made this amazing village. They love blocks!

Lounging!

2010-02-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

Bubbles

2010-02-01T19:49:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I know I post a lot of bath pics...but she's just so darn cute covered in bubbles!

Playing in the snow!

2010-01-31T19:42:00.001-06:00

Am I am parenting genius or what?!? When Isabella Faye became very upset that I wouldn't let her play outside in the snow...in the wind, snow and darkness...I gathered her some snow and let her bring it in. She was beside herself and played for an hour in the tub.

My dream come true...

2010-01-30T19:27:00.002-06:00

...a daughter who loves to clean!!

SNOW!!!

2010-01-30T09:59:00.002-06:00

FFF Our Choice: I love Paula Dean!

2010-01-29T18:18:00.001-06:00

Silly Girl!

2010-01-23T15:01:00.001-06:00

Snow Days!

2010-01-14T23:15:00.000-06:00

Faye-Faye loves her bath time!

2010-01-13T22:47:00.000-06:00

Gum Chewing Girl

2010-01-12T18:18:00.000-06:00

Any block...anytime!

2010-01-11T18:11:00.000-06:00

Play Doh Party

2010-01-10T17:54:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-01-09T17:45:00.001-06:00

Daddy's birthday was the last day of the year. I've been a bad blogger and just got around to posting pics from this blessed day. Unfortunately I forgot to take the camera to Daddy's birthday dinner, but I got a couple shots of him opening gifts!
Isabella Faye loved helping me shop for gifts for him. She loves her Daddy and even sang him her Daddy Song. Daddy hold me, Daddy hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me. The End!

FFF-Grandparents

2010-01-08T15:18:00.005-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is Grandparents. Isabella Faye's grandmother died when I was 11. She was the most amazing woman who battled a terminal illness with grace and dignity. She was my very best friend. We did everything together. In the eleven years we had, she taught me to cook just about any breakfast imaginable. By 5 I could microwave bacon and by 9, I could cook a complete breakfast by myself. (Too bad she didn't have time to teach me lunch and dinner!)

Mom taught me so much about so many things, without me even realising she was. Even now, as I parent my precious baby girl, I am reminded of things that Mom said and did. She taught me patience, grace, manners, thoughtfullness and how to read, write and sing. She was the kindest, funniest person I have ever known!

I miss her so much and so many times feel lost without her help as I try to be the parent I should be. If I am half the parent she was, my daughter will be in good hands!

When choosing a name for our child, Hubby and I knew from the beginning we would use Mom's name, Faye.

Isn't it so God that Isabella Faye is just as spunky and hilarious as my sweet Mom was!

I wish I had more pictures of me and my dear momma. Unfortunatly, most were destroyed in a fire. Thankfully, God has etched her face in my memory and her legacy lives on in the sweet little girl who bares her name and her spirit.

This one's for Aunt Bebby!

2010-01-02T20:46:00.000-06:00

BFF Betsy can't get enough of IF in her pink and black from her recent photo shoot with the gals at Simply U Photography.

The outfit is compliments Aunt B...she is so good at finding the perfect outfit for IF! I have yet to have to buy a special occasion dress for sweet girl...Aunt Bebby doesn it for me!!

MIssing the Snow

2010-01-02T10:52:00.000-06:00

Isabella Faye: I no (snow) more Mama...

Me: I want more snow too Faye-Faye.

Isabella Faye: I slide Daddy.

Me: It will snow again next year and you and Daddy can slide bunches more.

Isabella Faye: Yes, morrow (tomorrow)

FFF-Favorite Holiday Pic

2010-01-01T17:11:00.003-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is Favorite Holiday Picture. It was very hard for me to choose just one photo. The very fact that there are pictures to post overwhelms me! Even thought this was her second Christmas home, there were many times throughout the holiday season that I was awed and moved to tears or laughter or to grab my sweet girl and kiss her chubby cheeks! I adore this girl and seeing her eyes full of joy and excitment made this my best Christmas of my life!

FFF-Christmas past and present

2009-12-31T21:06:00.003-06:00

Hapy Birthday Jesus!

2009-12-31T20:39:00.003-06:00

On Christmas eve Isabella Faye and I baked a cake for Jesus birthday. On Christmas day we iced it and added sprinkles. Oh what fun IF had singing happy birthday to our great God, born as a precious little baby!

Isabella Faye's favorite present

2009-12-30T20:39:00.003-06:00

Isabella Faye is obsessed with baby dolls right now. She is such a sweet little momma. I searched high and low for the perfect Hispanic baby doll and finally found it. Daddy and I were so excited that we had trouble not letting her open it early!

Just as we had hoped, IF loved it and has played with her baby, which she named Two, almost constantly since Christmas.

Scenes from Christmas 09 part #3: little drummer boygirl!

2009-12-29T20:22:00.000-06:00

Scenes from Christmas 09 part #2

2009-12-28T20:11:00.001-06:00

Scenes from Christmas 09

2009-12-27T20:06:00.001-06:00

Happy Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T00:01:00.002-06:00

More from the gals at Simply U Photography.

Candy Cane Love

2009-12-19T23:51:00.002-06:00

IF had her pictures made by the wonderful ladies at Simply U Photography once again. We began with them last year shortly after IF arrived home. They do an awesome job with sweet girl. Here's just a taste of the many wonderful pics...more to come...

Shaving with Daddy

2009-12-13T13:50:00.002-06:00

Baby girl loves to be just like her Daddy! Yesterday morning she just had to shave with him. So, he gave her some shaving cream and a razor (with the cover on it, of coarse,) and they shaved away. She was delighted!

Christmas Parade Fun

2009-12-06T13:06:00.002-06:00

3 coats

1 blanket
1 pair of tights
3 pairs of socks
1 hat
1 hood
1 scarf
2 pairs of mittens
2 pairs of pants
4 shirts
2 pairs of shoes

One wonderful Christmas parade for Mommy and Baby!

Yummy Thanksgiving at home

2009-11-29T17:33:00.003-06:00

Each year we travel to my Grandma's and Hubby's Moms to celebrate thanksgiving. But, now that we have baby girl, I wanted to start a tradition at home. So, we invited Aunt K and the boys and prepared a feast!

Thanksgiving Morning

2009-11-29T17:25:00.002-06:00

IF was up most of the night before Thanksgiving. (She doesn't rest well these days.) Daddy hoped she could rest in his lap. Sweet baby slept two hours there. Poor Daddy sat so still worrying he would wake her!

FFF-Thankful

2009-11-20T06:47:00.007-06:00

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalms 69:30 TNIV

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

What's not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we're living for

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we're living for

Sing, Sing, Sing ~ Chris Tomlin, et. al

Oh Christmas Tree!

2009-11-17T22:41:00.000-06:00

Forever Family Day 2009

2009-11-13T22:38:00.009-06:00

Children are a gift from God.
Psalm 127:3-5 NIV

November 13, 2008

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
~Matthew 18:10-14

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. ~Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14

November 13, 2009

Happy Forever Family Day little one.
There is no end to our love for you.

We Packed for Home

2009-11-12T11:17:00.004-06:00

We Packed for Home.

HOME

where Daddy waited.

Praying for Poe Poe

Isabella Faye's grandfather

Hubby's Dad.

As his life with us was ending

Isabella Faye's was just beginning.

Grief stricken

shell shocked

beside myself with

joy

jubilation

relief

gratitude

fear

bitterness

love

laughter

peace...

we packed for HOME...

One Year Ago Today: Nana

2009-11-11T11:19:00.004-06:00

This post is from one year ago today.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Much on my heart...

Today we went to Antigua (which I love) with our wonderful angel Henry (more on him later) and Nana Janeth, Jenifer and Abby. We had a wonderful day! We saw a coffee plantation and learned (from the owner!!) all about the process. Grammie and Nana sampled some coffee and I took their word for it!! (I don't like coffee!) But, we got Daddy some coffee and we can tell him just how and where it was made!

Then we went to the market! Oh...the market! It is wall-to-wall stuff! We got some souvenirs for friends and family and I learned a thing or two about bargaining!

After that we toured two amazing churches. Both were damaged by earthquakes. I love church buildings. I know that God is everywhere...but there is just something sacred, holy and right about a church. Oh these two, even in their altered states were exquisite. There was much on my mind today. I think almost constantly of my father-in-law so very, very sick and getting worse with still no diagnosis, so no real course of treatment. I think of my husband, who needs us to be home, with him...to comfort him. I think of Nana and her family as they have to say goodbye to Isabella Faye, who they love like their own. I worry about how expensive this adoption has been. I think of this journey...all the angels along the way. From all my dear new friends, to the bond that has grown even deeper with old friends, to all the miracles along the way, the ups and downs, the tears and laughter...and I am overwhelmed. So, in one of the churches, in the sacred home of countless worshipers, believers in our great God and his miracles, as the others looked around, I took a quick moment to ask for a few of my own! To the Lord I said, "please fix it all."
In that simple prayer, I asked for healing of my father-in-law on this side of Heaven, for my husband to feel my love and strength from afar, for perfect peace that passes all understanding for Nana and her family, for financial blessings to pay all this off and forgiveness for any financial shortcomings in our life, for blessings on all who have made this adoption journey easier, for my daughter, my laughing, smiling, high-tempered, energetic, funny, ketchup-eating daughter, named for my Mother!

I am forever changed by this day, which was so much more than just a site-seeing adventure. I thank God for Nana and her family. I got to watch Abby and Jenifer today with Isabella Faye and they adore her. They are so kind and respectful, caring and funny. I wish I could take them all home with me! Watching Nana and the girls with Isabella today, I found myself thinking of what it means to be a Christian. Surely giving her whole heart to a child you know is leaving, knowing your heart is gonna break but with reckless abandon loving them anyway, is what Jesus had in mind when he taught about love. I am in awe of their selfless, perfect love for my child. May we all strive to love with their abandon.

My dear friend Amy left this comment that day:

As I read your post, I thought of a new song out by Big Daddy Weave, "What Life Would Be Like." The chorus says...

He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus life thru you and me

Today, Jesus lived through you and through Nana as you shared a day in the life of your daughter, named for your mother. What a beautiful picture. Praying you all the way back home!

I miss Nana Janeth and her family so much. I think daily of them as I know they are missing Isabella Faye. One year later, I still haven't been able to formulate words to describe the level of my gratitude to Nana for all she did for my sweet girl, and for us, with her constant contact throughout our process.

Like the words of the song above, Nana let Jesus live through her in all she did for Isabella Faye and for us. Bless this precious woman and her family.

Embassy Day Anniversary

2009-11-10T11:24:00.004-06:00

One year ago today, Isabella Faye and I got up early, dressed in new outfits, just for the occasion, and headed to the US Embassy in Guatemala to complete the final paperwork making her adoption complete!

FFF-Black and White Beauty

2009-11-06T11:19:00.005-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is Black and White Beauty.
This first picture was taken on one of the very best days of my life. It was my second visit trip. Isabella Faye had arrived early that morning and we had spent a wonderful breakfast together, I had given her a bath and we had played together before I rocked her to sleep. I remember that morning like it was yesterday. Oh the love and gratitude I felt! She was so soft and cuddly! I love this picture so much and when I read the theme was black and white, I immediately pictured this image in my mind and turned it black and white for the post.

This pic is from this summer but I love how it so captures sweet girl's spirit. She is such a precious gift from my Father...a constant reminder of His unfailing love.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T23:39:00.003-05:00

Paula Dean, Ninja, Soccer Player, Baseball Player and Anakin.

Paula Dean taking a break from trick-or-treating to cook at Grandma Graham's.

Trunk-or-Treating or Fun with the Faux Fam!

2009-10-31T14:42:00.004-05:00

Last night we went with Aunt K (faux sister) and the boys (faux nephews) and Ga Ga (faux sis-in-law)and Jaz (faux niece) to Trunk or Treat at church. The weather was rainy so the festivities were held indoors. We had a wonderful time and a yummy meal afterwards.

Favorite Foto Friday-Multi-tasking

2009-10-30T11:23:00.006-05:00

Who says men can't multi-task?

Petting Zoo

2009-10-27T16:01:00.001-05:00

All was well until a rabbit ~~talon~~ punctured Mommy's hand!

Its the Great tiny Pumpkin IF!

2009-10-26T05:48:00.005-05:00

Saturday we went to the local orchard for some fall fun with Nanny. Our day began with a hayride to the pumpkin patch.

On the hayride to the pumpkin patch (in Mommy's lap.)

On the hunt...

decisions, decisions...

here it is!

I love my pumpkin!

Victorious and on the way back!

Check out the blog again for more Orchard fun!

Pics by Aunt Di

2009-10-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

Pics by Aunt Di

Happy Birthday Jaz

2009-10-21T18:54:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Jaz, we love you!!

Photos by Aunt K

2009-10-20T21:04:00.002-05:00

Fall Festival Fun:Hand Painting!

2009-10-18T16:00:00.001-05:00

International Festival

2009-10-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

FFF-Orange!

2009-10-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

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This week's FFF theme is Orange. This pic is one of my favorites of Isabella Faye. It was from Halloween last year, when she was still in Guatemala. I had sent the outfit down and Nana Janeth was so sweet to dress her in it and take pics for me.

We have a new FFF host. You can click the button above to go to Hannah's blog to check out more FFF fun. Hannah is our new host. Say prayers for the creator of FFF and former host, the wonderful Sarah, and amazing Mommy and blogger.

Hero or Royalty?

2009-10-15T18:35:00.003-05:00

Super Toddler?

Queen Isabella? Where's Ferdinand???

More beach cuteness!

2009-10-14T16:15:00.000-05:00

Napping on the beach!

2009-10-13T16:13:00.000-05:00

Snacking on the beach!

2009-10-12T16:08:00.002-05:00

My beach babes

2009-10-07T21:54:00.000-05:00

More Gulfarium

2009-10-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

The Gulfarium

2009-10-07T21:48:00.002-05:00

Missing

2009-10-07T21:46:00.001-05:00

We miss you Aunt K and boys! Praying you are feeling better Sagie!

Vaca day #3

2009-10-06T21:41:00.000-05:00

Vaca day #2

2009-10-05T21:35:00.000-05:00

It was rainy today so we spent the afternoon at the outlet mall and then went out to eat with Uncle Jack and Aunt Sheri and some other folks from our hometown. The food was yummy but then I had an allergic reaction!

We have arrived!

2009-10-04T21:31:00.001-05:00

We have arrived!

IF was the best little passanger ever!!! She didn't have a single meltdown on the long drive to the beach!

When we arrived we were starving and after we checked in to our awesome condo, we went out for supper.

We are very sad to share that Aunt K and the boys weren't able to join us. Sage got woke up very sick with the flu, and they had to stay home. Please pray for sweet Sage for a quick and complete recovery. We miss them already!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T11:47:00.000-05:00

The Growling Giraffe

2009-09-24T03:00:00.001-05:00

Daddy Love

2009-09-23T14:20:00.000-05:00

Daddy Love:

Sitting in the recliner drinking chocolate shakes and watching Fox News!

Daddy's Bib

2009-09-22T21:21:00.002-05:00

Daddy was trying to encourage IF to wear a bib...hilarious!

Sunsand bathing

2009-09-22T19:26:00.003-05:00