Zoe Cadence turns 8!

How the time does fly. We all say it, we all feel it, but that does not stop us from repeating it time and time again. Birthdays are one of those times we see it and are reminded so clearly. I told Zoe about the day she was born, a story she loves to hear. The funny thing is, I could recall each little detail as if it happened yesterday. I could remember some of my thoughts, some of the images I had and some of the fears I felt. I am so happy to say, she has exceeded all my expectations and I am very proud to be her mom. I love you Zoe!

I want to go to AFRICA!

My friend Linn is leading a mission trip to UGANDA in April and I want to go! I need to raise the money, about $3,000. I need to come up with some creative ideas I guess. Tyler is going to Europe next summer with People to People ambassadors and we are already fundraising for his trip...that's the only problem. Oh well, God can move mountains and this is something I have always wanted to do, so time to start praying, planning and moving!

I have a driving teenager...weird.

My son, Tyler got his license yesterday. Bittersweet. I am so proud, but it seems each step is a step closer to him spreading his wings. I just want to keep him close. He is so steady and so mild, I know he will do great out there, but to put it simply, I don't want to let him "go" because I enjoy him so much. He makes me smile, he calms me down and gives me a sense of security. I thank God for him every day and I just lift him up and ask the Lord to protect him as he ventures out~

Eseza and Amina

Eseza was the first child we ever sponsored. She is pictured below...Sadly she passes away. We are not sure of the cause at this point. It was very sad for all of us, Zoe especially. For a while Zoe would write letters to her and tuck them away. They used to write each other monthly. Having a child die, that you know and have a connection with, especially when you are just a child yourself hard to wrap your mind around. I was thankful at that point that we have Heaven and could truly feel and relay to the kids that Eseza was no longer hurting and living in poverty, she was dancing with her Maker. Now we have Amina. Amina is a darling little girl from Kenya and we are so excited to start another journey. We found her through World Vision while shopping in the Christian Store this week. Zoe was ready for a new "sister." I could tell by the squeals each time she would read her "bio" on the way home. She goes by and gazes at her picture a few times a day, and sometimes picks it up for a closer look. Amina is going to cost $35 a month with is a small investment for what not only Amina will get but what we will get as well.

Sponsor a Child through World Vision