the life of an adoptive family...

A conversation took place in our home today that sounded like this--

8 yo dd asks, "Mom, when are you going to FL?"

me, "In a few days."

5 yo dd says to 8 yo dd very matter of factly, "She's going to get a baby."

She completely thought that if I was leaving to go to FL there was only one reason. We explained what I was going for, but it took some convincing. She wanted me to come home with a baby girl this time. ;)

God never ceases to AMAZE me!!!!!

I'm sorry I have neglected to post anything new here! I have been overwhelmed with something the Lord has done to bless me and to be honest I just had to let it soak in. :) You ready for this!?!?!?!?

I started following the amazing Scarlett Lillian's photography blog this past winter. I quickly learned that she loved the Lord and was going through a deep valley in life. Her father was battling cancer. Soon after we started exchanging emails the Lord called him home. My heart ached and still does ache for her in the thought of her losing her dad. I rejoice with them that he is well now, yet have cried for their aching hearts. Through all of it the Holy Spirit laid her family so heavily on my heart. I was prompted day and night to pray things over them that were coming directly from the Holy Spirit. I felt so bonded to a complete stranger...but it was coming from the Lord as He was uniting our hearts to each others. We exchanged numerous emails and it was always my honor to keep her covered in prayer. I dreamed of one day making enough money with my photography that I could attend one of her workshops and get to hug her in person. Well, the Lord moved in ways that completely blew me away!

A couple weeks ago I received an email from her asking if I wanted to come second shoot a wedding with her. I was certain that the email was sent to me on accident, until I read something in there about being busy with moving, etc. I thought, "is this for reals?" I called Matt and talked a mile a minute telling him what I just read. My heart was racing and I couldn't believe it. He said very calmly that it was pretty cool and he'd look into getting the time off work so I could go. As the day went on I further convinced myself it was a mistake. She had launched her new website that day and her email crashed...so I was sure it came to me as an accident. I sent Scarlett a message on Face Book explaining how I completely understood she was having email glitches that day and I received an email asking to second shoot for her. I wanted to "reassure" her that I knew it must have come by mistake and that I didn't want it to be awkward for her to have to tell me she wasn't really asking me to come. Well once again, much to my shock...she wrote back "you silly! yes, Laura, i want YOU to come!"

I have been completely overwhelmed and humbled with how God works in ways we could never ask or imagine. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity that I can hardly stand it! I'm a mom, people! This stuff just doesn't happen to me. I'm used to staying home and being with the kids...which I LOVE! I teach them, I love them, I guide them, We clean, We cook, We laugh, We dance...but I don't ever get on a plane to fly somewhere by myself. Know what I mean!?!? We aren't the traveling by plane sort of family...well except for the time we got to fly to FL to get our baby boy!!! We go camping. We once in awhile do a get-a-way to a hotel. I've never had a pedicure...no wait, I did have one once at the beauty school, but the girl kept telling me about how her boyfriend beat her up. strange. We live off Matt's income in order for me be to be home with our kids...so those things go to the back burner. And I'm completely fine with that. I'm a dreamer and dream of stuff like this...but I want to be here where God has called me.



I guess that is why I'm so humbled that He is blessing me with this amazing opportunity. You can imagine how excited I am! I've had some intense moments of being flooded with fear and doubt. I know I am not qualified to shoot with such a talented photographer. But I also know that this entire thing is coming from the Lord. I am going in His strength and my confidence is in Him...not myself!

So yea...in a week, I'm letting down the ol' pony tail and getting on that plane to go do this thang!


(photos used with Scarlett Lillian's permission)

Goodbye 7...Hello 8!!!

HapPy BiRthDay to the world's greatest 8 year old!!! I love being your mommy! You bring me so much joy! :D