Surprising Baylee

Thus far, the Yourees have yet to pull off a surprise as "epic" as the one that happened last weekend.

Let me set it up for you.

We're hoping to grow by one, meaning our little Civic Hybrid is feeling smaller and smaller (especially when 3-year-old feet kick against the seat). And we happened to know a gal, who's had a difficult year and could use a car. So, we decided it was time Baylee, our niece, inherited the Honda.

Oh, we've planned this for months. Along with the help of the Johnsons, we've prodded and pushed for her to practice that driving and secure that license. Perhaps, there was a little resistance from the teen. Ahem. But if she'd only known . . . .

With license procured and many successful driving ventures, it was time. This all went down the Saturday before she started her senior year of high school. (Fun way to kick off the school year, right?)

The Johnsons told Baylee they were taking her on a surprise shopping trip, leaving early that Saturday morning. She had no idea where they were going . . . and she HATES shopping. So after driving for three hours, they stop for lunch.

Bryan, Anna, and I just "happen" to be at the same place eating lunch.

When Baylee saw us walk in, she looked stunned and confused. Hahahaha. Her face got red as she kept saying, "What? What? What?"

We told her it was a surprise lunch date before her big senior start. She clearly felt confused.

Then after lunch, I gave her this gift. And here's what happened.

She paid for the car. I mean, we weren't giving it away. Teehee. Here are pics from the exchange:

Driving off into the sunset with her new "baby." Speaking of baby, I brought mine home in that car; so, Baylee you better take good care of it. :-)

Still Waiting for that Phone Call: Our Second Adoption Journey

Just a few days ago, I presented a seminar on the topic of what the Church can do to care for orphans. My last point was this: God creates families. It's His business.

I really do believe this. I believe God is sovereign. I believe God creates families with detail and care and precision.

But my mother's heart has waited for 10 months for a second baby, and my mind is fighting--a losing battle--to think on what is true. I'm weary of waiting. I'm scared of the "what if." I am forgetting what I know to be true thanks to fear.

On the Fort Worth Moms Blog today, you will find my latest posting, aptly titled: "Waiting to Adopt . . . and Waiting and Waiting. This is an update about our adoption journey and a glimpse into what it feels like, at least for me, to be waiting for baby. I think it really applies not only to the wait for adoption, but also for any woman waiting for a child. Pregnancy blood test or agency phone call--waiting is so, so, so hard.

So if you see me, just remind me: God is sovereign. God creates families. God loves me.