Happy Easter

Shiloh's Easter sweater that Grammy made. I had one when I was about her age. On the back each bunny has a little cotton ball as their tail.

Easter egg hunt at Dale and Laci's

Good Times

The Chef

We included crayfish this year. Surprisingly, they tasted okay, and I'm not a big seafood eater

Low Country Boil

All dressed up and nowhere to go

Ready to go find eggs in the front yard

Strawberry picking

Another Update

Today on Facebook my cousin reminded me that I have a blog (I'm only half kidding), so I thought I'd come back and do another update.

I turn 30 on Friday. I've never been one to stress over birthdays. I've always felt younger (less mature) than my actual age. Plus, as long as that first number is a "two", who really cares?! Having said that, I feel the need to admit that I did spend a week not too long ago having a mini-crisis about turning the big 3-0. I am happy to report that I have come to terms with my impending birthday, or I'm just not thinking about it anymore. Either way, all is well again.

I can't mention my birthday without also mentioning our annual Low Country Boil. This will be our third year hosting it. One of Richard's close friends from high school (who also lives in our neighborhood) turns 30 the day after me, so three years ago we decided to have a joint birthday party. Brandon (the friend) requested that a low country boil be included that first year. Everyone enjoyed it so much, we've done it every year since. It's definitely a day that we all look forward to.

Saturday will be the boil, and then on Sunday my sisters will be arriving! Adrienne is driving down to N.C. tomorrow, then Adrienne, Andrea, and the kids will be driving down to Georgia on Sunday. Shiloh is so excited to see her cousins, and I'm excited to see them all. It's rare that we have a full house, so I'm looking forward to it.

In potential adoption news, no decision has been made at this point. I just keep telling myself that no matter what we'll definitely know in a month. The baby's due date is April 28th, and the first two were born within a couple of days of their due dates. I've been praying for K as she makes this decision. I know she's very torn, and very confused right now. As hard as all of this waiting has been on us, I know that what she is going through is much worse.

Continuing on the topic of adoption, it appears we might have a second option if K decides to parent. It's too early to go into details, but this option would be a little different. This other potential situation has me feeling excited, scared, grateful, nervous, and ecstatic about all of the possibilities that come with it. At this point though, it's all talk. Richard and I are both in agreement that Shiloh's sister comes before this second situation.

And that's what's new with us. I'll leave you with a picture of Richard and Shiloh from our church East egg hunt this past Sunday. Enjoy :)

Here's What's Up

I signed Shiloh up for preschool last week. She's not excited at all. If you ask Shiloh if she's going to school in a few months, her response every time is a very adamant, "NO." She would rather stay home with me. If you ask me, my response is a somewhat excited, "Yes!". Yes, I'm the bad mom who is actually kind of excited about my daughter going to school. Now, don't get me wrong. I will be crying the morning of August 27th. Heck, I teared up just telling Richard about registration. I'm sad that my child is old enough for preschool, but, man, those mornings to myself will be great.

In other news (I don't think I shared this on the blog), my sister is pregnant again. Andrea will be having another boy in early June. Andrea and Daniel were happy with the news. Everyone else wanted another girl. They said they couldn't handle another Camryn. I see where they're coming from. If we ever did adopt again, I'd be tempted to wait for a boy.

In adoption related news, we had our yearly visit with Will's family a couple of weeks ago. He turned two on the 26th. He's a cutie. Will and Shiloh have the same eyes, nose and smile. He also has chubby cheeks like Shiloh used to have. He has Kim's dark hair, dark eyes, and his skin tone matches hers perfectly.

In other adoption related news, some of you may remember that Kim is pregnant again. She found out in December that she's having another little girl. We found out in December that she's considering placing again. She still doesn't know what she's going to do. I'm trying to be patient because I know it's a huge decision, but I wish she would give us some indication as to which way she's leaning. Richard is smart. If you ask him, she's keeping the baby. He has himself convinced that her plan is to parent. This way, he has nothing to think about. I, on the other hand, can't do that. I know for a fact (as does he), that she truly does not know what she is going to do yet. My brain won't let my think otherwise. I wish it would. It would make all of this a lot easier.

Checking In

We're still here!

Let's see... I believe the last time I posted anything was shortly after Camryn's birthday, so you've missed a few things. Here are some pictures to catch you up :)

Shiloh's teeth could not look better :)

Richard and Shiloh started work on their first album together ;)

We spent Thanksgiving in Michigan with Richard's family. Richard and Blake came out to Target with us on Black Friday

On the way home we stopped in Ohio to visit Great Grandpa and...

Gigi

Shiloh got her own Christmas tree

Silly showed up at our house

Shiloh had her second dance recital. This time her friend Tristyn was also in it

Grammie came down again

And we were there, of course

Lee, Laura, and Ella came to visit from Alabama

And we all went ice skating together (Shiloh and Richard's first time)

Shiloh and I went to see The Nutcracker at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta

Santa came

And Shiloh was happy

We went to NC for Christmas with the Outens, and Grammie and Grandpa

And then we had a nice, relaxing, lazy Sunday

And today is our 9 year wedding anniversary!

Do Not Fear

Be not afraid. Have no fear. Fear not. Do not be afraid

I'm currently in the middle of the Esther Bible Study by Beth Moore. Two weeks ago we had a lesson on fear. According to Beth Moore, the number one commandment in the bible is, in more words or less, "Do not be afraid". She asked us to think about what a life without fear would be like. This was huge for me. Since I could never do her words justice by trying to paraphrase them, here is a quote from her...

"The most critical breakthrough of faith you and I could ever experience
is to let God bring us to a place where we trust Him-period.
We don't just trust Him to let us avoid what we fear most. We determine
to trust Him no matter what, even if our worst nightmare befalls us...
Our only steadfast defense against life's certain uncertainty is
unconditional trust in a Savior who loves us more than His own life."

I want to believe God, not just believe in Him.

Eh

We had a good weekend. Happy Birthday, Dad!!

(There, I blogged)