Happy Birthday, John Whitten

Yesterday we celebrated our John Whitten's second birthday! We had family over last night for dinner and yummy cookie cake! My favorite part of John Whitten's birthday party was when John Whitten tried to hug Uncle Mark through the computer (he and Rachel skyped us during the party). It was the cutest thing I have ever seen and it just makes me so thankful for all of the extra effort Mark puts in to make sure that he is always apart of his nieces and nephews lives even though he lives so far away.

 It is hard to believe that two years have already gone by since we welcomed our baby boy into this world. There is not a day that goes by that Shaun and I are not overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance to raise this amazing little person. We simply cannot praise God enough for creating John Whitten to be our son, and pray everyday that we are raising him in a way that is glorifying to Him.  John Whitten has opened a whole new world to us over these last two years, and we have loved getting to experience life with a rough and tumble boy in our home. 

John Whitten,

You have no idea how proud your Daddy and I are of you. You have gown so much over this last year, and have reached so many milestones. Your speech has really taken off over the last three months, and we love to listen to you jabber on about anything and everything. You are the pickiest eater, but you will never turn down a sweet treat (just like your Mommy). You go through two gallons a milk a week, and eat a TON of yogurt-it's your favorite. Lillian is your best friend and you both play together so nicely. You are perhaps the most kind little boy I have ever known, you can tell that you have a real sweet and gentle spirit about you. I could go on and on about you sweet boy, but the main thing that I want you to know is that you are loved. You are loved more than you will ever know!

LV,

Mommy & Daddy

My BIG boy! 

our attempt @ a family pic

John Whitten was so cute blowing out his candles.

 John Whitten and Mommy

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to sever others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

Pre-K, Soccer And Haircuts!

WOW, it has been a hectic few weeks in the Hays' home! Lillian started pre-K back at her school and has loved every minute of it. She likes to, "hang out" with her teacher Mrs. Millie a lot, but she is getting more and more comfortable with her new classroom and classmates every day. She is going three days a week, and that is enough for me. I already am having panic attacks about next year when she is in kindergarten and will have to go FIVE days! We love her teacher, Mrs. Millie, and feel very blessed to have been placed in her class this year. I know that Lillian will learn SO much from her. 

first day of 4 year old pre-k!

Lillian has also been enjoying soccer at Asbury! Shaun is one of the assistant coaches and having him on the field with during practice has really helped her get comfortable fast. She is actually really good, I think, but just needs to find her confidence. We were suppose to have team pictures and our first game last Saturday, but as we were taking pictures inside it started pouring down rain outside. They tried to let us wait it out, but the rain just wasn't letting up. So our first official game will be this weekend! Lillian is really excited! 

Last weekend Lillian got a haircut! It was only her third haircut in her entire life. I had gone to get my hair cut and when I came home Lillian started bawling crying after she saw my hair was short. Apparently it was devastating to her because we did both have "long beautiful hair more". I really didn't expect her to react like that, and I felt really bad when the tears started flowing. Shaun told me that I should just take her and let her get her cut a little shorter. So, reluctantly, that is what I did. I LOVED her long hair, but she wanted it short like mine. I figured that it is just hair and will grow back, so why not. WHY!?! I was so sad when the stylist started cutting. Lillian was really excited and so proud of her new due! Shaun was a little shocked to say the least. He did not expect to see SIX inches of his daughter's hair gone when she came home. But the main thing is that Lillian likes it. Mommy and Daddy are still crying over it, but she is happy. 

Before...

Lillian telling the lady what she wanted

After!

A little adoption update: Things are moving along and we finally finished with our profile. We just have to let our social worker review it before we have it published and turn it in for birth mothers to view. We also will start doing our foster parent classes this month. This will make us eligible to inquire about older children that are already in the foster system. Shaun and I have been amazed and overwhelmed with the support that we have received from so many friends and family members. We know that our baby/child will be immensely loved by many people!

Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will ifnd. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you.

Matthew 7:7

John Whitten In A Nut Shell

This sweet boy

LOVES his Mommy,

likes to keep one piggy painted like his sister,

could color for hours,

falls asleep every day looking at a book,

will fight his sister for a chance to wear her dress up shoes,

and loves our puppy Jack to death. Literally, John Whitten's "love" might result in our poor dogs death one day.

John Whitten, you are greatly loved.

Happy Birthday, Bev!

Sunday was my Grandmother's 78th birthday! I do not even have the words to describe how much this women means to me. She is simply an amazing person and I am beyond blessed to have her in my life. I am so incredibly thankful that Lillian and John Whitten get the opportunity to know and love Bev. She is an amazing example of God's endless love and forgiveness and I am so proud to call myself her granddaughter. 

Lillian and Beve

Lillian, Beve and John Whitten (he was very concerned about the candle)

Above all, keep your love for one another at full strength...

1 Peter 4:8

Prayers For Her Daddy

On Friday we were driving down hwy 280 when Lillian said to me, "Mommy I want to say a prayer for my Daddy to have a good day". This didn't really surprise me because we usually say a prayer together for Shaun every morning as we drive down the road to which ever various play date we have that day. Usually I say the prayer, but more and more lately Lillian has started saying them. This was her prayer on Friday:

"Dear God, thank you for all of our blessings. I love you God, and hope you have a fun time today. God please help my Daddy have a great day at work...God please don't leave his side, I love my Daddy so much a don't want anything to ever happen to him. Thank you God for how hard my Daddy works for me and my family. I love you God. Amen"

I have listen as Lillian's prayers have matured over the years, but what stuck out to me on Friday when she prayed for Shaun was when she said, "God please don't leave his side". This was the first time that Lillian had ever acknowledged God's physical presence in a prayer. Before she had always spoken to Him as though He was far off in a distant heaven, but never had she prayed in the context of Him being physically by our side. My heart lept inside as I realized a a spiritual milestone this was for her. Too often I think that we forget God's physical existence in the world, so it made me extremely happy to listen to my little girl not only acknowledge Him but she called on Him to be with her Daddy during his day. She called on Him... All I could think about is after that was Psalm 55:16.

As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me.

Psalm 55:16

Meet The Teacher And Back To School Play Date

Yesterday we had open house at Lillian's preschool and got to meet her 4-k teacher, Mrs. Millie! I was so excited when I found out that Lillian was going to have Mrs. Millie as her teacher this year. She is an amazing person, and really loves her kids. She does carpool every morning, so Lillian interacted with her a lot last year and knew exactly who I was talking about when I told her that she was going to have Mrs. Millie as a teacher this year. She was excited! I was happy to see that she had one other little friend from last year in her class this year. Our sweet girl told Shaun at dinner the other night that she was "just a little bit nervous" about starting a new class with a new teacher. I am sure that in classic cautious Lillian form, that she will be a little hesitant the first few days but that she will be comfortable before we know it. I am excited about all the fun field trips that are planned and the school programs that we will get to attend this year. I just cannot believe that next week I will be sending my sweet first born to four year old pre-k next week! 

Lillian and Mrs. Millie

her goody bag from Mrs. Millie

I thought their folders were SO cute!

After Lillian's open house we headed over to our friend Jenny's house for a back to school play date! Lillian and John Whitten had so much fun bouncing in their bouncy house and coloring with side walk chalk. Lillian also had a blast playing pirates with Eli Ellison and Catherine. I cannot believe that the summer is over and that our kiddos are heading back to school for 4-k and 3-k! This time next year I am sure a group of us will all be crying at our back to school play date as we get ready to send our "babies" to kindergarten. 

John Whitten on the slide

John Whitten, Lillian and Eli

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

James4:8

Soccer Practice

Last Thursday we had Lillian's very first soccer practice. She had been really excited about it, and Shaun and I made it a big deal by letting her go and pick out new shin guards, cleats and a soccer ball (all of it being pink of course). Lillian, John Whitten and I stopped by Edgar's for a pre-practice snack before we headed across the street to the soccer fields for practice. I could tell that Lillian was getting a little nervous when we pulled into the parking lot. She wanted to know where her friend Clara was (they were running a little late), and told me that she didn't want to start practice until Clara got there. A few minutes into practice Lillian started to tear up. Shaun and I both talked to her and soon she felt comfortable and was ready to go! I actually have to say that I was surprised at how good she did. At least I thought she did really good. She is really good at dribbling the ball and has pretty good control. She was laughing and running all over the field by the end of practice and I was so happy that she had a good time once she settled in. 

My sweet girl is a cautious soul and it usually takes her a little while to warm up to any new situation. I am sure that this quality will serve her well in life. And I have to admit that I am relieved she does not have her Mama's leap and then look attitude about life. 

I am excited to see how this weeks practice goes and to see how her first game goes on September 8th!

I like to think she's a natural...after she got past the crying

she takes instructions very seriously 

 SCORE!

coach Shaun

listening to the coach after practice

 Lillian and her bff, Clara

 Lillian,
I am absolutely blown away by the amazing little girl you have grown into over these past four years. You have such an amazing heart and care so much about other people. You are truly a kind soul, sweet girl. Your love for God is undeniable and your Daddy and I are amazed at how He has grown and matured in your heart. We are so in love with you Lillian, and praise God everyday for your precious life. We know that He has, "began a good work in you" and simply cannot wait to see where your life takes you. 

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6