An Evening in the Garden

Mom, Sis and I spent a relaxing Friday night at Crosspoint's annual ladies dinner. Of course, I forgot my camera, so I have to use phone pictures. But I guess bettter than no pictures at all, right? We had a delicious dinner(catered by Andre's who, I might add, also catered our wedding) and were served by the awesome gentlemen of Crosspoint. Our deserts were amazing cake pops and chocolate covered strawberries that also served as table decorations. Then, we were blessed with a sweet worship time by Shannon Wexelberg. She said something that really stuck out to me as she spoke about her and her husband's journey through infertility and then, adoption. She said "God's delays don't always mean God's denials." She also sang a song that she wrote during their ten year wait for a child. This song really spoke to me as we anticipate a long wait for our second adoption.

In the Waiting

Words & music by Shannon J. Wexelberg (BMI)

I’ve tried to be strong

Is there something I’ve done wrong?

Cause I’ve been waiting here so long

You see each tear

As the months have turned to years

For some reason You must want me here

I can see You’ re breaking up my fallow ground

In this season of such barrenness, Lord, I have found

You are in the waiting

In that moment of my life

When my faith and hope collide

While my heart’s anticipating

How and when You’ll move

Oh, that’s when You prove

You are in the waiting too

So, plant Your seed

‘Til it’s living, Lord, in me

Make me all You want me to be

Unveil my eyes

If I’ve exchanged the truth for lies

Give me faith so I can see

The work that You began You will complete in me

I don’t have to understand the place You’re keeping me

You give me water in the desert

You lift me up on eagles wings

So from way up high, I can see my life

From Your view of things

Though I’ve cried out for an answer

I believe that I can say

Thank You, Lord, for every answer You've delayed

Princess

This sweet little boy informed me this morning that I was his princess and simply melted my heart. I said, "Buddy, will Mommy always be your princess?" and he replied, "Yes, Mom." (It just makes me crack up when he calls me Mom these days and sounds so big.) I wanted to remember this day, so in about 12 years when he has his first girlfriend, I can remind him that I am his only princess.
I also can't get over how big he looks in his car seat! Here is another sleeping car seat picture that I love! You know they are really asleep when the head falls down.

Conference Champs

Todd's exact text to me:
"Winner, winner, chicken dinner!! Conference champs!! Scored 200 points to second place at 137. 

I am so proud of Todd and the other coaches at Hillsboro. They are the 2013 conference champs! Alex Rouggly was the new head coach this year and called Todd his "right hand man". I think those two have texted more this season than Todd and I do in a year! But in all seriousness, I am glad he enjoys coaching and am grateful for the extra money it provides for our little family. I must say my man looks good in BLUE!

Baby Chicks

Every year, the kindergarten classes at Pevely watch eggs hatch into baby chicks in the spring. Today, Camden came to school and got to see the ones in Mrs. Coleman's room. He loved them, especially this little black one even if it did poop a little on his pants. (Honestly, Camden probably scared the poop right out of the poor thing!) :)

Celebrating in Grafton

This weekend, we headed back up to our my favorite winery in Grafton with the Bates'. The weather was a little chilly when we first arrived, but it warmed up nicely for the afternoon. The funny thing about going with the Bates to Grafton is that Renee and I like the Grafton Winery and the boys like Piasa Winery which is conveniently right across the street. But it works out well for us.
Todd has always been curious to try the Piasa Challenge (which is to eat their Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger times three in less than an hour) and decided this was the weekend! If you eat the burger in less than an hour, you get your name on the wall. If you eat the burger in less than 30 minutes, you get a free t-shirt and if you can eat it in less than 15 minutes, it's free. Well, he got all three! Matt was his official time keeper and he did it in 12 minutes and 40 seconds. I think I am supposed to be proud? Personally, I feel it's kinda gross-maybe it's a guy thing. But hey, the burger was free and he got his name on the wall and a free tshirt. So, he was happy and here are the pictures to prove it. U

After the winery, we ate dinner in St. Charles and had a little fun at Ameristar. Renee was able to get a free room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the night. It was a fun way to celebrate 9 years of being married with our best friends. (They are celebrating 18 years of wedded bliss this year!) 

Look, Mom!

Camden is so proud of himself! He can finally buckle himself in his carseat. I love how excited he gets over the little things.

Oh, How I love this kid!

There are moments when my heart is so full-I can hardly stand it! Last night was one of those moments. Camden did not get a nap yesterday and that caused a few issues at bedtime. When I was tucking him in after singing and praying, he looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I am sorry that I didn't get in bed for you." I couldn't believe it. I was so proud of him and I told him that. Then, he says," And I made God happy too." I almost cried! He is such a sweet boy!