Tribute to Daniel

When we traveled to China earlier in the year we met so many different families adopting children. We met one family in particular, The Murphy's from Florida. They were adopting a beautiful little boy named Daniel. We instantly feel in love with Daniel and this family.

Daniel recently had heart surgery and we have been following his progress and praying for him daily. I am deeply saddened to find out today that Daniel went to be with Jesus last night. My heart and mind cannot comprehend the sadness that this family must be feeling losing their precious Daniel. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Candid Pictures

Just wanted to share a few recent candid pictures of Maddie. Her personality is definitely coming out and you can see it in these pictures. Enjoy...

A Family United

Since we have arrived home with Madelyn I have been amazed at one little girl's ability to unite a family. She is seemingly unaware of her impact on this family but all of us are quite aware. She has brought such joy to our immediate family and those of my father and mother. Such that my father expressed just this morning that very sentiment. She makes us all a little happier and has brought us even closer.

I began to think about that a little deeper this morning. I realized that one small child from china has brought 2 sisters and their families closer and visits with each other more frequent. That this same child has united an estranged family and brought a little peace to their inner family turmoil. Brought together relatives that live far away and those that we had seen little of in many years. She has changed the face of our family, increased our territory and enriched the lives of many. We see things a little differently now and are truly blessed that GOD has allowed us to be part of this special little girls life.

It is truly amazing the impact that one little child can have and not even realize the gravity of what she is doing.

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day was unlike any other I have ever experienced. It was filled with emotions at both end of the spectrums - joy and sadness.

I was able to enjoy the day with my mother - expressing how much I love and need her in my life. And for the first time in a long time have her reciprocate and participate in the days activities.

I also enjoyed every moment with my children - all 3 precious individuals whom I love more than life itself. What a wonderful GIFT GOD has given me - allowing me to be a mother to my 3 beautiful children. Having all 3 children with me this Mother's Day filled my heart with joy! We started the day with a wonderful church service where Maddie was behaved for the entire service and my mother only cried once during the singing of "Hail Mary/Gentle Woman". My sister's family and my Aunt and Uncle joined us for a wonderfully prepared lunch at a local homestyle restaurant - no one had to cook or clean today. We finished the day with 3 games of bowling at the local bowling alley. It was quite comical, as always with my son trying trick moves to try and make a strike. This was Maddie's first experience with bowling and of course she LOVED it. She is so pleasant to be with and is up for anything we do.

Then comes the part of Mother's day that was filled with sadness. We buried my 6 day old niece today. It was Keith's brother's 1st child. To see the anguish and sorrow on that mother's face - To hear her cries to GOD of "Why". It was more than my heart could bear. It is so hard to make sense of such a tragedy to any family. I have prayed for Keith's brother and his wife all day - that they may find comfort in the Lord. What a difficult day for that Mother and for me to even see a glimpse of that kind of pain and sorrow.

I am also reflecting on that mother in China and what her thoughts are today. I wonder how is she feeling, is she thinking of that sweet baby she so unselfishly gave up for a better life. I pray that she knows that her little girl is loved, happy, and healthy - and has a family that is not only grateful for the wonderful blessing of joy Maddie brings to our life but grateful to her for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of Maddie's life.

I am soaking up the last little moments of today - of Mother's Day - of a day that celebrates the greatest gift of all - that little thing that gives me purpose in this life. I am so thankful that I am a MOM.

As I am typing my children are cleaning the kitchen for me - I love this day!

I hope all you Moms had a GREAT MOTHER'S DAY!

New Stuff

There is a lot of "new stuff" in Maddie's life over the last few months. Some bring her great joy and excitement and others, well, cause her a little aggravation. Here lately, the need has arisen for some more "new stuff". It's has gotten very warm here in Southwest Louisiana so, of course, we need a new bikini. She likes the bikini - the swimming pool might be a different story. We haven't gotten there yet but we will be bringing her to the pool soon enough wearing her new digs... Now that we have a little more daylight in the afternoon's, Maddie absolutely loves to play outside. She wants to either "jump jump" on the trampoline or kick the ball with the big kids (Keith included). Just being outside brings her much joy. That also brings another opportunity for Maddie some new stuff. I bought Maddie her first bicycle. It took her only a moment to get the hang of peddling and off she went. Up and down the driveway. She even joined some neighborhood kids up and down the street. She loved riding it and didn't want to come inside. She is sure to enjoy summertime...

An update to my last posting regarding our recent trip to eat and dance to the French Band at Larry's French Market. I was skeptical at how she would react to the loud music, as our table was positioned right on the dance floor. The music started playing and she was a bit shocked and just listened. My dad and I got up and danced immediately (as we always do) only to look over after a few rounds around the dance floor and see Maddie crying. I ran and got her and she danced with us for the rest of the song. From that moment on she was hooked. She asked to dance every song the band played and did not want to leave the dance floor until the music had stopped. She had a blast! And we all had a blast watching her. I knew she was cajun!!