My Baby is 5!!!

My baby Lila Jewel, turned 5 on the 25th! I can't believe it. A few days earlier we took two girlfriends out to a movie and dinner at Spangles. We then had a family party on Sunday and on Wednesday, we went to Muncher's for some yummy donuts and then took her to school. I just love her so much. A cute story: Our friend brought Lila home from school that day and it was a warm day and she had on her big, puffy coat and she looked at Mr. Lorenzo and said "I think I am having a MELTDOWN!" He had to tell me that, because at his house they always say that, except they mean it when someone is having a bad day. Lila hears mommy say that too! Also, notice my new grandbaby!! Titus Jo-Jo Avila. He is a beautiful boy with all the parts. Lila asked for him, but I don't think she knew what she was getting, because when she saw his parts she said "That's inappropriate and I don't think I want this to be like that." She loves him now and takes really good care of him. She also got a doll that goes pee and poo. She calls her "Baby Potty Doll".

Cool story

I got a story in my email this morning about a family waiting for their son in Ethiopia and how God's timing was perfect. Their verse was:

"But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place.
It will not be late by a single day."
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)
This greatly encouraged me and their son's name was Beniam...which is so cool b/c the boy that I feel in love with was named Beniam. He has a baby brother too and I felt he was supposed to be our son, but I know that what God wants from me is to specifically pray for little Beniam and his brother. So for 2 years I have been praying for them. I then clicked on their video and watched it. The first date they give is Lila's birthday, the second is Titus' birthday. So when they found out about their son, our son was just coming into this world! HOW COOL! I just had to share how God encouraged me today! Keep praying that we pass on April 22!

Court Date!!!

We got a court date for April 22nd! It is far off, but at least we have a court date. We found out right before we headed off to the airport to see our good friends bring home their new daughter. Seeing them come home was a beautiful experience. About 30+ close friends and family were there to greet them and everyone was crying tears of joy! WOW! It truly was an amazing experience! So, for us, if we pass court the first time, possible travel would be May 18-May 25. This would be over Alex's 10th birthday, our 10 year anniversary and we would be bringing him home days before his birthday, May 29th! Just in time. I thought it was cool, because just last week I was talking with my girlfriend about it and she said "Julie, I am going to pray that we get him home before he turns one!". Isn't God cool?! As always, we appreciate your prayers that we would pass court!

Haley's First Date

Haley and Daddy went to the Lawrence Park and Rec's Father/Daughter Date Night this past Sat. They had so much fun, even though Haley would have preferred more ballroom dancing! The theme was Mexican fiesta and they had Chipotle' brought in and every girl got a flower, a corsage, a 5x7 photo, and a bag of candy. A few nights before her big date, Alex, Haley and I were driving and talking (valley-girl style) and I asked Haley what she was going to do on Sat. This is what she said..."So like, I am going on a date with my boyfriend! And we are going to dance! Well, actually, I like have a baby (Cadie Joy), so I am like married..." She is so cute and such a princess. Nana Ketchum gave her a gift certificate to get her nails done, complete with 2 flowers/rhinestones on her thumbs.

Tan-Tar-A

We went to Tan-Tar-A with Nana and Papa Ketchum a couple of weeks ago, before Vince started his 17 week outage. The outage is when the plant shuts down part partially so that they can perform maintenance and any projects they need to do. Vince is the outage manager and he is going to be working A LOT till the end of May. UGH! So, we decided to take a vacation.

More Christmas

More Christmas Pics. The one of Lila is when she is opening up her real SKATEBOARD from Uncle Chris. I told him he will be setting her broken bones for free when she gets hurt on that thing. She was so excited when he got it and she just HAD to take it with her to show and tell at the Giving Tree. The teachers were amazed that someone would get a 4 year old a skateboard...but then they found out her Uncle got it for her and it all made sense! Did I tell you Vince and I are grandparents???? Meet Cadie Joy. That is how they spelled her name on her gift certificate. Isn't she beautiful? Looks just like her mother Haley.
We also received beautiful gifts from our girls. Lila gave us a stepping stone, Haley made mommy some beautiful jewelry, and Alex made us some incredible stationary!

December in Review

Sorry it took me sooooo long to update this. I have pics from Alex at her choir concert. She sang a beautiful solo. This is a wonderful Christian home school choir that sings beautiful praises to God and it is so precious! Christmas at Grandma Black's and Papa and Nana Ketchum's.