Giving Her Away

This girl, now a beautiful woman,

is one of the most dear treasures that my husband and I have been entrusted with 

on this earth. 

Last month, we had the privilege 

of giving her away, 

to the man of her dreams.

 I feel so incredibly blessed that my daughter and I have had a close relationship, a bond that has grown more secure and deep over each joy shared, with each phone call home while being so far away and feeling homesick or facing critical challenges, with the moments that only a good cry would help, or a prayer session that was badly needed, 

over coffee, pizza, 

singing loud in the car, births & deaths, 

and God moments...

these all have formed us 

and I wouldn't trade even one, 

for it has made us who we are, and I feel, 

it is so good. 

 I am grateful. 

I cherish this woman. 

Who is this man, that has captured her heart?  Is he good, will he protect her, will he encourage her to go hard after the Lord, will he cherish little things like giving pretty flowers, and remember special dates? Will he listen, and laugh, and talk, give her space when she needs it, 

will he love her only after the Lord...

with all his heart?

This man, this new person that will now stand by her side, as her dad, 

with a tear in his eye, 

slowly steps back and lets her go...

This man, we can say "yes!", for he is that gift from God that we have prayed for, ever since this woman was a wee babe in my womb, to be the "one" that was created for her. 

This new union, 

brings so much happiness to our hearts.

It has caused our big beautiful family to grow a bit more.

We have endured, loved, added, fought, cried, rejoiced and overcome.

Now...we celebrate, this sweet 

coming together. 

...and we rejoice in a new family formed, a new friendship which has started the process 

of growing long lasting roots.  How blessed we are to have these wonderful, 

God-loving and fun people in our lives!

The Joy of the Little Ones!

And we love a good party! 

We have fun, this family, with loud laughing, hugs, and just being down right crazy.

And when it's come to an end, 

rather, just a new beginning, 

we can smile, because we know that what we have been given, is rich and full of a special kind of love, that only seems to get 

better with time.  

How blessed we are!