Real Life Love Story

July/August is a big time for our family...it's how it all began really.  Our anniversary is August 2nd, then our first children came home in July and one of our daughters has a birthday in July.  CRAZY months...and crazy blessed.

Love stories can be so magical and make you all fluttery.  I should know, I'm an expert of love stories.  Since a young girl, I've watched every fairytale/romantic comedy, poured over pages of Jane Austin novels and memorized every line of the most famous love songs.  It's something most girls do as they grow up.  It's in our DNA, right?!?!?  Longing for the one to come in and sweep you off your feet. But the reality of these love stories is just that...reality.  After the sweet song fades over the dreamy couple kissing in the park...real life happens.

It's where the bills add up, arguments over dirty laundry and long days leave us feeling less than magical when we come home to our significant others.

That's where real love stories prevail. It's where the butterfly feelings that create that first magic develop roots into something that can last the fiercest storms.  Don't get me wrong. I still love the romance and my husband still takes my breath away.  But underneath that there is now more.

It's grown by the bearing together, talking through the hard moments and living life together through the seasons.  When I think hard on what makes me love Scott, I see a very different reel of moments playing than I ever thought.

I see the long flight and bus ride to our resort on our honeymoon.  Me terribly sick with a sinus headache, feeling much less like the blushing bride I was going for.  He was patient, caring as he found me (crack laced) Mexican cold medicine and nursed me back to health.  We spent our first night at our gorgeous resort not canoodling in the moonlight, but me passed out from the medicine and him watching tv as he rubbed my head.

Through tear stains, I see the image of late night talks where we worked through disappointed expectations and hurt feelings.  I can see him holding me close...accepting me even though I made mistakes.  Forgiving me when I said hurtful things.  Though, these don't seem like moments you want to remember, the end results of resolution and knowing he will stick with you through it all is the best romantic high of all.

I can see him in the faint light of 3 in the morning changing a diaper of a newborn who doesn't want to let me sleep.  This after he's worked all day, helped with the older children and still has to get up in a few hours. He sacrifices all the time to make my life a little easier. This dying to self to serve me is grander than the most expensive bouquets of roses.

The best moments in my highlight reel weren't as pretty or magical as the ones I pictured years ago. We are not gussied up in most of them (to be honest...I'm probably dirtied haired  and in spit up covered pajamas).  They aren't images of fancy dates or long walks on the beach.  They are made up of late night laughter after children are sleeping, stolen kisses on last minute planned date nights and moments of sheer clarity where I know God has made this man to walk alongside me during this life.

I'm grateful for the wistful, romantic moments we've had, just as I am for the hard, real life grit that makes our relationship what it is. I'm blessed to have shared FIVE years with this amazing man and I would not write our love story any differently.  It might not look like a Meg Ryan movie or be as dramatic as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice, but it's glorious.  It's life-giving.  It's passionate.  And it's fun.

Happiest Anniversary to my love, best friend and partner in crime.
I love you.

This is my favorite recent love song...

Story of Love by Mandi Mapes

I see your smile
And it’s so much sweeter 
After all that I’ve been through
And when we laugh
I get a glimpse of forever
And I praise God that I found you

And anytime someone asks me
How it all unfolded I’ll tell them
Such incredible chances
Make for marvelous love.

Just like the sun lights up the moon
This love is a reflection
Of more than just me and you
Our lives were less than ordinary
And while I couldn’t see past tomorrow
God was making history

Oh my, what a beautiful story of love.  

Unexpected mercy
Is the greatest thing to find
When you’ve been broken many times
My soul found joy
And for the first time in a while
I felt singing

Isn't she lovely....

This is an overdue post for my oldest gal.  This mommy is having a hard time realizing her babies are growing up.  Because Leland was already a toddler *little man* when we brought them home, she was in all actuality my first baby.  And now she is FOUR!

This is for her.

 ***********************

Here is a picture of you, Miss Evy on your first birthday ....not even a week after I met you.

I cannot believe this isn't how you still look.  

You will always be my short little firecracker.  You were so tiny, but so powerful.  I had never met a 1 year old that could climb or do the things you could do.  You kept me on my toes and still do. 

Now instead of climbing the furniture, you are climbing trees.  You are the perfect blend of girly girl who loves to dress up as a princess and also play in the mud digging for worms.  To be honest, I often find myself caught in another time watching you because you remind me so much of my childhood.  I see you and your sister playing dolls or putting on a show for us on your make believe stage, only to remember your Aunt Gigi and I doing the very same things.  Your little bare feet running through the yard and Cinderella dress swishing as you go, makes me happy.  You enjoy life and live every minute to the fullest.  You are always the life of the party.  We cannot keep you from singing some song *most of them your own creations* and everyone you meet gets that sparkle eyed smile of yours.  I worried how you'd respond to not being the baby of the family when we brought your sister home, but you quickly picked up the new role of mothering her instead. I love that you love people.  You care for them, worry over others and enjoy being around people.  I could not be prouder of you, my spunky girl!

Thank you for making my life so sweet and letting me relive childhood all over again with you!

the morning of your 4th birthday

Happiest Birthday, Evy Elizabeth!

**************

Here are a few pictures I took for her "Tea Party" themed birthday.

I added Liv in a few because I'm going to put one in their room! : )

3 years....oh my!

It's crazy to think that 3 years ago I became a mother.  It wasn't how I expected. My water didn't break in the middle of the night. I didn't need to call my doctor. No one rushed me away to the hospital. My husband wasn't even actually with me.  No, I didn't spend hours in labor or have a swaddled newborn thrust into my arms after birthing them.  My motherhood experience started at McDonalds.  Seeming perfect, right?!?!?  Ha!

I remember the days after getting the call.  Planning, making sure I had a few clothes in their right sizes and mostly praying.  As most new mothers, I was very anxious.  Unsure what to expect. I prayed. A lot! Asking God to help me...unsure of this task in front of me, but wanting it with every fiber of my being.  What if they hated me?  Cried when I took them home? But at last, I was there. Parking my car and looking through the playplace windows.

I saw what seemed to be a whiz of a boy (sort of think Flash from The Incredibles) whirling around the room.  I'm pretty sure I didn't even get a great look at his face until I gazed at it through the rear view mirror on the way home as he was finally strapped still.  : )  But I do remember as he ran past me giggling thinking, I never heard a sound so sweet before.  I can also squeeze my eyes real hard and picture her tiny face.  The big brown eyes gazing at me, her puffy little cheeks and the sweetest little fountain of hair held by a small bow on top of her head.  I remember picking her up for the first time....so confused about what laid ahead, but knowing our lives would never be the same.

It's hard to remember those first days and I will not lie.  Unlike, the hazy yet quiet sweetness of bringing home a newborn, our beginning was tough.  Adoption is a beautiful gift born out of a tragic loss.  We do live in a broken world, scared by sin.  Adoption shows those scars, but just like the world Christ comes in with rays of hope.  Good things, joyful hearts and bonds that only He can forge are the other side of those scars.

Isaiah 61:3 says...

to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

I like to think that is the story of us.  My ashes of my sick heart because of hope deferred...their ashes of a childhood torn apart was made into a beautiful headdress that is now the Thompson family.  I will never forget the pain in waiting for children, or the struggles of our adoption because to me it only increases the delight and glory of the power of our God.  He took a sad, childless woman and two children without a home to make them whole as a family.  That is the beauty of adoption...taking something broken and making it whole. That is what He did for me through salvation.  I was broken, sinful and stained by this world around me.  But PRAISE to HIM for not leaving me alone.  Instead, through the sacrifice of His son, He adopted me. Made me His child.  Made me whole. A sweet  friend got me this necklace and it says it best in why we wanted to adopt...

we love because He first loved us.

1 John 4: 19

So happy "Gotcha Day" (back on July 18th) to our first and second born children.

July 2010

June 2013

I puked in Kmart's parking lot.

So that title pretty much sums up my life lately.  I puke a lot or I feel like I'm going to puke a lot.  I'm trying to stay positive because it's a blessed reminder that God is sustaining this new little being in me.

But.

It's hard. I'm tired.  I'm grumpy.  I can't think.  What was I saying?  Oh yea, I can't think.  SEE!!!

Besides Kmart the list grows with trash cans, our drive way, toilets across this town, my hand and even my sink while brushing teeth.  Yep, I've barfed pretty much everywhere.

That, constant nausea and feeling like a Mac truck ran over me has gotten me a little down.  My doctor was going to put me on Zophran to help with the sickness, but as fate would have it my insurance wouldn't really cover it.  WHATEVER!!!  I'd like one of my insurance CEO's to feel like I do and try to keep up with a house and three children. I'd like to see them throw up in a Kmart parking lot. This is just a tough season, I know. I hate to say it because I'm completely thankful for this baby.  I cannot imagine our family without her or him.  I just wish I could fast forward through the next seven months.  Ok... I promise this is the last of the pity posts.

Thank goodness I have good help....

Rainy Tuesday

It's just a random, rainy Tuesday.  No real big agenda or events on the docket.  My girls are downstairs watching some cartoons and snacking as I try to pound out some photo editing.  Even as I try I cannot contain my thoughts.  My brain itching with provoking details of the last few days and my heart seeping with emotions that will not turn off.  So I come here... well, after I went to Him.  He most always gets my first drafts...my bare heart.  But then I turn here to share whatever urgent thoughts occupy my life.  They like a child waiting in line for something they are most excited for.  They can't help but to nudge forward, push past others and jumping in their pants for their turn.  So here I am.  Wishing yesterday was different, but glad it wasn't.

You see I had a little scare over the weekend regarding our newest little that is growing deep with in my womb.  It flooded most of my every moment with anxiousness and fear as I waited.  It's a frightful thing to wait for something bad.  My nurse had reassured me on the phone Saturday, but gave me warning signs. It's amazing how in tuned with your body you can be when you are waiting for it to do something.  Every bump and twinge makes your heart sink.  Sunday singing at church was most emotional as I was proclaiming Christ's power, my burden was slowly lightening to Him who carries us. When I experienced one more symptom yesterday morning, I called again.  They asked me to come in to make sure everything was ok.  My stomach was in knots and the fear of the unknown was fresh. I was trying to prepare myself for whatever the appointment held.  Because it was short notice, I went alone. Which I think was best.  I'm always more worried and emotional with others who are feeling the same things. My doctor checked me first and calmed most of my fears assuring me that I had an infection that was causing my symptoms.  I tried to relax. To let my guard down.  My hearts had walls ten feet tall between me and this little blessing.  They crumbled away with ease as I saw a little bean, healthy and alive. Release.  That is what I did. I released the pent up tension from the entire weekend with a long deep breath exhaled. I thanked God for this blessing.  I know how different this very moment could have been.  I have had friends and family members experience a very different outcome.  My heart breaks for them.  For the loss. It's so real.  It's just as real as the loss experienced yesterday in Boston.

As I was rejoicing to the sound of a sweet heartbeat, not even an hour later lives were forever changed. The booming sounds and screams will forever live in my brain after watching the news.  Lives lost, bodies wounded and souls left trying to sort out the aftermath of a sinful world.  A world that doesn't make sense and comfort that cannot come from by easy Sunday School answers.  It's raw. It's real.

It's just as real as my sister's amazing f-i-l whose body has been devastated by another attack.  Cancer. I really hate that word.  This weekend they were told that his cancer is very progressed and it's terminal. My heart ached as I knew they were suffering.  Trying to make sense and work through their emotions of what this will look like.  I do know this man loves Jesus and has no fears about what his eternity will look like.  

I guess that's it. Isn't it.  How we live, struggle through fears, handle trials and even face death is all the same way.  We either hide from it (though that cannot last forever) or face it.  I'm thankful that I'm not alone.  I will not walk this world by myself or face tough decisions without help. When I'm surrounded by devastation and there seem to be no answers...there is one who I can turn to.  Just as I sang through tears Sunday morning with an anxious heart, these lyrics are always true....

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

No matter the circumstance. In joy, fear or even death. I can say with certainty that Jesus commands my destiny and I'm safe in His hands.

Praying for those who've lost their sweet babies.
Praying for Boston.
Praying for my sister's family and all those hurt by Cancer.

One little Easter card...

that shares the small little change that will forever impact our family!!!

So excited.

The Birthday Bash (only a month late)

Well, better late than never. 

Here is Miss Livingston in all her FIRST birthday glory.

It was quite a party and she had a blast. 

We had it at our church's play place. 

This was her invite:

 I tried to have foods for the kids and adults. 

 This is her smash cake and then the cupcakes we had for everyone else. 

 I got cheap Valentines decor and supplies after the holidays so we went with a Sweetheart theme.

 Our family!!!

 You can see the smash cake better here...ombre style. 

Thanks, Aunt Nina!

 Big sis getting her grub on.

 Hey Uncle Scott.

 These cupcakes were soo cute.

 And they tasted good too.

 The whole table view. I just used brown craft paper and red burlap ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

 The kids table. I loved how the little gift bags turned out. 

 Mommy and the birthday girl.

 I knew the older siblings and cousins would play, but I never knew how much fun she'd have. 

 Big brother taking some time for his baby sis.

 Opening presents.

Daddy and Liv... he's trying to keep her from grabbing the candle.

 And here comes the cake.

 I think she likes it.

 Forget using my hands, I'll just dive right in.

 HaHa! : )

This is my fav!

 Nana and Papaw with their girl.

 Papa and Key with the birthday girl. 

 Grandaddy Jeff, Daddy and Liv.

 Aunt Lynn and Liv.

 Grandaddy Herman and Granny with worn out baby.

You can tell this is near the end of the party.

Aunt GiGi and Livingston.

Wish I had gotten everyone else, but I was a little busy. 

I should write another post on how traumatic this party was on me. 

The important thing is that we celebrated the precious first year of our girl 

and believe me she PARTIED HARD!