Just Like Her Sister

I took the above picture because it looks like something Raegan would do. In fact I thought Raegan had done this until she came in the room and asked who lined up the horses on the Cars book. Then I realized that Karis had done this while she was playing alone in the living room. It was so cute to me because Raegan used to ( well still does) the same thing- lining up animals all in a neat row. This past week or so Karis also started pointing to things ( everything) and saying "what's that?". I always loved when Raegan did this and was sad when she stopped. So when Karis started saying it it was like music to my ears. It is fun to see how Karis is like Raegan and brings back memories of what Raegan used to do when she was Karis' age. They grow up so fast! And it's fun to see that even thought they are not biologically related they are still very similar in a lot of ways. It's also nice to see Raegan and Karis playing together more and more. They still fight and Karis is starting to put up a pretty mean fight these days but they also will go off together and play for longer periods of time. A lot of the time they are getting along when they are doing something they aren't supposed to be doing but these days as long as they are safe I let them play as long as they are getting along. I am confident they will be best buds before long :).

School's Out for Summer

Today was Raegan's last day of preschool for the year. They had a closing ceremony that I went to. I was planning on taking pictures but the other parent's were way more aggressive papparatzi's than I was so I only came away with one not great picture or Raegan holding her certificate. But anyway Raegan had a great year at a new school this year and she is looking forward to going back in the fall for one more year of preschool before ( gasp) kindergarden ( this mommy is definitely not ready for that yet!). I am actually looking forward to the summer with her. Even with her in school just 2 mornings a week it doesn't give me that much time to spend time with her and teach her myself. I am excited to do lots of fun activities before she heads back in the fall! We are so proud of Raegan for doing such a great job and being such a well behaved student this year!

Mother's Day

Every year when Mother's Day rolls around I am reminded of how truly blessed I am to be a mom. And not only am I am mom but I get to be mommy to two wonderful, beautiful precious gifts.. Being a mommy is a tough job, a tiring job but it is the best job and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Today it was nice to be able to go have a little time to myself and to not have to cook dinner and to be given a few gifts like a new vacuum  (yes I know I must lead a boring life to be excited about a vacuum) but I have already been given the only Mother's Day gift I ever need, the chance to be mom.  I am so thankful for the women who gave us the gift of these precious lives. Today I pray for the women who were mothers to my daughters before I was that they have peace in knowing that their children are loved, cared for and cherished. And today I also pray for all women who are waiting and longing to be a mom for the first time but I especially pray for the friends I have met recently who are on similar paths that I was on through infertility and adoption. I know that this can be a really great day for people who are already moms but it can be a really tough day, a hurtful reminder to others who are still waiting to hold their dreams in their arms. I lift these women in prayer today and pray for them to have peace and comfort as they wait. Today I was reminded once again of God's great love and His perfect plan that He is unfolding for my life and I am so thankful for the precious gifts He has given to me. And today I am also very thankful for my own mom who has always loved me, supported me and given selflessly to all of her children and grandchildren. She is a wonderful example of a Godly mother and I am so thankful for her.