Strangers

We never met

We never spoke

We never had any interaction

But somehow 

You have sent my heart 

Into a solemn state

You have sent my mind 

Wondering and sad

I had high hopes

I had expectations

I knew you could be better

I knew you could be what he needed

I often said bad choices 

Do not make bad people 

And I still believe you were good

I still believe you had love in your heart 

And you had love for him

My heart aches for those

Who love you

Who long for you

Who miss you

I may have never met you

But I have loved a part of you

Because of this 

I will pray for you

Pray for your family 

And hope that God knows 

You as the child you once were 

And you are waiting by the gates 

Looking over your sons 

Anna's Challenge accepted and achieved!

Today was an awesome day for Anna! 

It was the big drop off day at Cincinnati Children's Hospital! 

She started this challenge with a goal of 100 games 

she ended it with 207 games,

$350 in I tunes gift cards,

 

26 toys and art sets and 25 puzzles 

 and 25 new Disney store stuffed animals~

We loaded Papa's truck with everything and headed to the hospital this afternoon.  

She was so excited when 3 news crews showed up with cameras!! 

She and Wy helped load the carts and we took pictures with the Children's hospital staff. 

We were able to take all of the games in and talk with the Cincinnati Children's Staff about her donation and take pictures. 

Then Anna and Daddy were interviewed for the news~

The outpouring of support for Anna, our family and this challenge have been amazing!! So proud of our girl for the amazing little person she has grown into! 

So excited for her that her story is now out there for everyone to see and hopefully be inspired to do good~ 

Here is the article written up and look for her on the news tonight at 10 and 11 on Channel's 9, 12 and 19! 

 http://www.wcpo.com/web/wcpo/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/annas-challenge-delhi-third-grader-donates-hundreds-of-games-toys-to-childrens-hospital

Here is a special little Thank you from Anna~  

https://youtu.be/_cy-8xoR7II

It's not too late to donate! If you would like to help Anna continue her challenge you can donate iTunes gift cards directly to Cincinnati Children's Hospital! Let them know you are donating as part of Anna's Challenge. 

Thank you all so much~~  


If you want to see where it all began here is the beginning of her journey...
http://emmandconnorpoems.blogspot.com/2015/03/brave-little-one.html 

Little pink ruffles

This little pink ruffle outfit may look like any other pink ruffle outfit. But, it isn't. This is the one outfit I bought months before Sam was born.

I was at TJ Maxx with my dear friend Adrianne and Meech. I saw it, on clearance of course, and put it in the cart. As any baby loss mom knows buying things for your baby is hard. Even if you want to believe they will someday wear it, history has been written different for other babies. This little pink outfit was my way of telling myself that it was going to be okay- my baby would be okay. This little pink outfit was only $3, but the significance of me purchasing it was worth so much more. 

Can't believe she is already big enough to fill out this perfect pink outfit. My perfect girl. God is good. 

Happy Birthday Papa

Today is a very special day. 68 years ago one of the greatest people I know was born. 

He is a proud Vietnam Veteran. A proud Mason and a jack of all trades. He can do and fix anything with ease and expertise. 

He is a loving husband...

And a cherished father.

I have been a daddy's girl for as long as I can remember. 

I am proud to call him daddy

I am so thankful that he is the papa to my kids.

He has loved all of our kids no matter how long they were with us.

Not every family is blessed to be as close as we are and to see each other as often as we do. 

I thank God each day for this amazing man in my life. 

Happy birthday Papa.....

We love you! 

Mother's Day

 I started my journey of motherhood almost 10 years ago when I was pregnant with Anna. Now ( I assume what is) my last baby is laying on my chest sleeping. 

 Each child in my life has changed me so significantly. This Mother's Day I am so blessed to have my 3 miracles with me.

As I think of the path each of them laid in front of us and how they came to our family it amazes me.

How God knew that the children who call me mom were meant to be my kids.

The kids who once called me mommy

were meant to be someone else's child.

And the kids who I carried,

who could not survive on this Earth, were not meant to remain in my arms. 

I may seem to be a mother of 3. But, in reality I am a mother of 5 children. 1 tiny baby lost very early and foster mom of 2 sweet boys. Last Mother's Day I had 3 children who called me mommy and I had no idea that the lord would bless me with another baby of my own. The turn of events in the past year were so completely unexpected.

I feel so blessed to have ended up where we are today. 

As we celebrate tomorrow I will be with my 3 amazing babies and my wonderful mom. Couldn't ask for much more than that.