In The Still of The Night

As I feed Ayla in the still of the night, rocking in my Mother's glider - I am blindsided. Very much like a big wave in the ocean that sweeps you off your feet without warning.

I soak it all in, relishing in the moment as I reflect on the onslaught of emotions stirred up in this chair. I gaze on this sweet little angel in my arms and praise God for breathing life into her, through the miracle of science, ultimately ordained by THE CREATOR.

I cry.

I cry...because the gratitude in my heart is overflowing.

I cry...because the wonder of this moment overwhelms me.

I cry...because I am sitting in my Mother's chair and I miss her terribly.

I cry...because she and Daddy are not here to see, to hold and to love Ayla.

I cry...because Ayla will never know her Great-Grammie and Grandad.

I cry...because I know HE has allowed them to see Ayla from heaven. (but selfishly I wanted to see them see)

I cry...because I can just imagine how excited they are to know that Sarah took their chair and transformed it into this precious heirloom to be handed down to Ayla someday.

I cry...because my Almighty God has granted Sarah's desire to have a child of her own.

I cry...for the struggles Sarah went through to get here.

I cry...because of the way God used her struggles to make her walk with the Lord much sweeter and stronger.

I cry...because Sarah has grown into such a precious young woman and a wonderful little mother.

I cry...because I am so proud of her.

I cry...because my heart is overflowing with gratitude for all four of my precious grandchildren - Natalie, Parker, Sawyer, and Ayla.

I cry...because I am reminded of all of you sweet women out there still waiting for God's answer to your dreams. I say a prayer for you.

I cry...because that's what women do - in the still of the night.

♥Sneak Peek♥

I just couldn't resist putting a few of Ayla's recent 3 month pictures up. Michelle Fowler does a super job!

I cannot believe that little Ayla is already 3 months old! Just like I can't believe Natalie is in Kindergarten, Parker is 3, and Sawyer is 4 months old! (their pictures coming soon)

Really, how much better does it get than to have a great husband, 2 wonderful kids and 4 precious kidlets???

Enjoy!

Honkin' Headpiece

Aaahh...it all makes sense now. This is looking familiar!

Fall Tutu

Hey! Whatcha lookin' at?

The pictures below hold very dear sentimental value for me. After my mother passed away, I had to do the "unthinkable" task of going through every box, drawer, cabinet, closet, etc., that one must do when they lose a loved one. It was such a bittersweet time...shedding lots of tears with some laughter mixed in - like when I went through her kitchen and found recipes stuck everywhere, written on anything and everything from paper napkins to pieces of junk mail. (and yes, I kept every single one, oh yes I did) One day as I was going through her bedroom, I tackled the cedar chest at the foot of her bed. It was a treasure trove of wonderful memories and heirlooms. In one box I found several items from my "babyhood". The crocheted/knitted (?) w/embroidery accents, blanket below was mine. (that was a mouthful) I'm guessing it was made by my mother or her mother. It had rust stains all over it, and some of the stitching had come loose, but I worked my Oxy-Clean magic on it, mended it, and tucked it away, as we anxiously anticipated a successful IVF in the future for Sarah and Stuart! VOILA!

Ayla and Her Rose

The baby quilt in the pictures below is another treasure I found - sewn by my paternal grandmother. She also made me an identical full-sized quilt, which I still have! How special to have this piece of my Daddy's mother to pass down. I couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed when I saw these pictures, thinking about how much Mother and Daddy would have loved Ayla and how excited they would be to see her using these treasures from long ago.

I'm Just Too Stinkin' Cute!

...and Maybe Just a Little Hornery

What a blessing!

Thank

you

Lord,

for my precious family!