Nothing so sweet....

"God made us cousins because He knew our mom's couldn't handle us as brothers."

--Unknown

The more...

The more we are with my sister and her family, the more guilty I feel.

Reese not only loves and adores them, but they love and adore him right back.

Who knows if we will ever have the opportunity to adopt again?


If it's in God's plan for us, JoeJoe and his siblings will be as close to siblings as Reese will ever have.

And it hurts to take him away from that.

So for now, I'll just think about planning JoeJoe's beach trip...

"Cousin to Cousin, we'll always be. Special friends for the same family tree."

-- Unknown

Hanny Manny and Mr. Lopart?

Handy Manny and Mr. Lopart?

What do you think?

"I doubt whether the world holds for anyone a more soul-stirring surprise than the first adventure with ice cream."

--Heywood Broun

A BIG.......

....sigh of relief is what I am breathing...

WHEW!

Ahhhh....deep breath.

We closed this morning at 8:30 on our Abilene house.

After about 20 minutes, we were done. Then, to the dreaded lobby to face the new owners.

Here's some background:

We had the most adorable first house a couple could have.

Built in 1919.

Completely redone but with all the character intact.

Saw the new homeowner at closing and has ruined that image ever since.

She was not someone interested in keeping my house so, so cute.

I've got proof...I've driven by.

So, you can sense my anticipation about meeting another couple who could possibly destroy my home.

The place I raised Reese for 2 years.

The house where I wiped tears, blood, mud, food...the house I held and rocked him, the house I read to him, played with him, grew with him...the house where Garrett and I shared more dreams, more tears, more love...

We rounded the corner to meet a husband and wife in, I'd say, their mid - late 50's.

They stood, shook hands and exchanged hugs.

The first words out of the mans mouth...

"We promise to take good care of your home...we promise."

Thank you Jesus, for leaving my memories of Abilene and a lot of what I hold dear to be sweet. Those people will love that house and enjoy having their grandchild running through the rooms, just as Reese did before.

And now, I'm ok with leaving, because I know someone is going to love my house just as much as I did....

Passing through...

2249 Elmwood Drive is only a memory now...

We are currently with my sister - for 15 days.

These two little boys couldn't be happier.

They squeal like little girls from the moment they wake up until the moment they go to bed.

I don't know what it is, but I love that they love each other so.

2006 Lakeville Drive is our next stop...

Until then, I'm enjoying the last days with my sister, brother in law, and nephew...