Blessings and Raindrops

seeking joy in the midst of the ordinary

2012: a year to celebrate.

On Saturday, we left this gorgeous weather…

for this gorgeous sunshine…

We put the boys to work…picking fresh lemons and oranges this morning. 

After a really looong drive, we made it safely to Florida and are settling in and slowing down.

I was incredibly grateful for one snowfall before we left for our trip and loved that we delayed our departure by a day to enjoy the snowy afternoon together.

Now, as I sit here by the pool on this last day of 2012, I thought it would be worth taking a moment to reminisce on all that occurred this year. It really was an incredible year, after all.

My Top Ten Unforgettable Moments of 2012 —

10) Starting this blog. This has been an adventure in and of itself. I’ve loved every moment and treasure the memories captured in this little online space.

9) Sharing the most incredible weekend with hundreds of adoptive mommas… worshipping our God and creating life-long friendships. Hearing truths full of love: “Precious, daughter, you are my treasure. All you need to do for me is be a light. Be My light. Bring My light into the darkness in this world.”

8) Picking up and moving a 100-year-old house to our “farm” in order to create a relaxing getaway for our little family. Full detailed post to come on that craziness…
7) Celebrating my little guys turning TWO. They are growing up before my eyes and it is such an honor and privilege to be their momma. I still can’t believe how blessed I am with these two little munchkins.
6) Standing by my baby sister’s side as she married the love of her life.
5) Announcing our adoption plans with family & friends. The support has been overwhelming and we are full of gratitude for every prayer and word of encouragement.
4) Watching my boys dig in the sand and splash in the ocean on our beach getaway. 

3) Launching Bayt Boutique to raise money to bring our girl home. I have watched in awe as God has provided again and again for this adoption.

2) Quitting my job to stay home full-time with my boys. A blessing that has been a long time coming and happened at the perfect time: one week before signing our referral paperwork.


1) Seeing our daughter’s face for the very first time. At an unexpected time, in an unexpected way. I have fallen head over heels and she already has her daddy wrapped around her finger. We are longing to hold her in our arms.

It really is hard to narrow down all of the incredible, unforgettable moments of this past year. I have been stretched and challenged. I have stepped out in faith even when tempted to hold back in fear. I have loved unconditionally. I have ached and longed desperately for our girl. I have felt unimaginable peace in the midst of the pain. I have seen glory. I have witnessed miracles. I have understood that true freedom accompanies the truth that Jesus’ love for me is unending. His love for Dave is unending. His love for Ben is unending. His love for Nathan is unending. His love for “S” is unending. I am unshakeable when armed with the knowledge and fullness of His love.

Looking forward in hopeful anticipation for all of the wonder and joy to come in 2013!

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