I'm not sure how I feel about trips down memory lane. I used to keep every card I or the family was given. I just stumbled over the boxes while decluttering and figured Id go through them one last time before I threw them away. There was the first card Id ever gotten from my mother, I was 21. Those awkward words written by someone whom I should have known so intimately. The many cards that followed over the years......I try to learn who she is. Its been almost 5 years sense we've spoken to each other.....to much damage-to much time gone-honestly too much distance to fill, I had to say goodbye. I heard myself laugh the other day and it reminded me of her....how can we have the same laugh, that's not genetic... is it?

I found letters from old church friends, such a tight bunch we all were. Encouragement, thank you letters. I came across one signed Lila...she went home many years ago, way to early, but in His time.

Hilarious, Silly cards from my dad and step mom on my birthday or anniversary. That was back when we did that sort of thing.........

Congratulations on your new little bundle, too many to count!

I read a card from my husband written 14 years ago, signed Mine. Memories flooded my mind, remembering that he used to call me "mine", how did I forget that? Time I guess.

So, I tuck the letters back in the box....not able to throw them away.

The Lord Provides

Her birth was short and sweet and to the point. Had my first contraction at 1:10am, had 3 more easy contractions after that and I knew it was time. With my history of fast deliveries, I knew she'd be in my arms very soon. Called the midwives and they raced to my house, also knowing how quickly my babies come. Water broke at 1:50 and her head delivered into my hand. Midwives ran in at 1:54 and she was born at 1:55. Thats it! See I told ya, short and sweet and to the point.

She was and is perfect, weighing 9 pounds and 21 inches long.

Her birthday was one of healing, completion perhaps, but not replacement. You see, she shares a birthday with her sister born 1 year earlier. Lost to miscarriage. The days were almost identical. May 7 2010, I woke up, went to the Homeschool bookfair, came home and lost Heaven Grace.

May 7 2011, I woke up, went to the Homeschool bookfair, came home and had Elianna Rayne.

I didnt want her born on that day, but The Lord had her birthday already decided sense before there was time.

Her name Elianna means "the Lord will provide" and Rayne means "Royalty" because she is the daughter of The King!

Alot Can Happen

In 14 months! Its been a full couple of years, some of the hardest Ive lived through so far, but here I am on the other side. A little worse for the ware, but here none the less. The Valley is a place were you are brought to your knees, stripped bare and if you are strong enough to survive you come out the other end into an wide open green pasture. You can see a little clearer and a bit farther.

In all honesty, I miss my old life. The days at the park with my family, watching The guys fish together and Rob pushing the girls on the swingset. I miss it terribly. The hardest part of this whole experience was watching as the Devil stole our families closeness, convictions and peace. But alas he did not get our family. We still have that. Your view will be different if you look through our window today, but we're all still here and I am believeing with all my being and seeing some progress that we will one day have more time to spend together and that hearts will be turned toward one another once again.

So, a years worth of birthdays have passed, all the children are a year older. Devon will get his license in a few months. We are still homeschooling and now have 6 participating. All the children are healthy and wonderful. Rob is still running his mma gym and doing well. It takes up most of his time and energy, but it cant last forever...he is getting older ;-)

I left the best for last! We welcomed another precious little girl into our family on May 7th. Shes perfectly delicious! Elianna Rayne. Her story is sweet and I'll tell it soon.

The header picture is only a month old (July 2011). All of my treasured family. I was SO sick when we took this pic, but I wasnt going to miss the shoot, we hadnt had a family pic done in 5 years and I was determined. So I let everyone dress themselves (including my hubby, lol) pulled my hair back and tried not to get sick in the horrible heat, but I think it turned out just fine.

So, there ya have it. ;-) Talk to ya soon!

Happy Birthday Jordan!

I officially have a second teenager. Happy 13th birthday Jordan. You are precious to me and I am blessed to have the opportunity to watch you grow into a sweet young man!

Sad News

I was excited about the idea of you!
I loved you although I had never met you!
I will miss you always, my sweet little one!

I am sad to share that little Stucker #9 will not be joining our family here on Earth.
I lost her the day before Mothers Day. But she is not lost and I will see her again!

Thanks to all who congratulated us and shared in our joy and also those who have shared in our sadness.

Warning

To anyone who may have received an email from me saying that I was in the UK and needed help, it is untrue! My email and facebook sites were hacked. I am working with the providers to resolve this problem, and contacted the authorities.

Sorry friends for any worries you may have had, I am fine!

Announcement

We are happy to announce that we are expecting our 9th child in November!

Poncho Precious-ness

I made these ponchos for the girls and they are deliciously cute!! If you are interested in getting your own let me know and I would be happy to sew one for your little "red riding hood".