All of you adoptive moms out there know how drawn we are to a homecoming at an airport. This weekend, Josie-Tatum and I were blessed to join my friend Joli and her three (soon to be four) children on a trip to JAX, where the newest addition to our adoption community came home from China. We welcomed home Ava Laurence, but my batteries died before she stepped off the plane.
I don't think we'd been home from China more than 4 weeks with Josie-Tatum at the age of 15 months when someone said, "I think she's going to be a gymnast." JT has lived up to our expectations, wowing many in the gym since she was 4 years old. Unlike her baby sister, she shies away from public attention. This was the first time in three years, I have been able to convince her to join her friends in a exhibition at our local Fall Fest in our hometown.
When we arrived at the park, I was with Josie-Tatum, encouraging her, while Whitney and Joli were keeping an eye out for Ellie. As the dads were setting up the mats, I looked on the "stage," and there was Ellie joining in the cake walk. I watched her walk around the circle, with Whitney by her side, emotions brewing, and the music stopped. When the number 3 was called, guess who was on number 3? And, the crowd cheered for Ellie. The cake, home made by a precious lady in our community was a blessing, but the joy that came from seeing others in our community glow when Ellie won was priceless!
I am a weepy mommy when I am considering all the LORD has done for me. So, while I watched Josie-Tatum finally face her fears and perform in public, I found myself choking back tears, even watching some of the other girls from the gym when they perfectly completed a stunt I know has been difficult for them at practice this week.
Following Josie-Tatum's exhibition, we enjoyed amusements at the festival. After hopping off the giant blow up slide, Ellie spotted ponies. She often talks about horses and ponies, but I don't think she's ever been on one. When doing a lot of walking in public, Ellie still uses her crutches....Well, she took off....before she had both crutches. She left with only one, and I'm now thinking she only needs one. Can you sense the motion in this photo, see her hair swinging to one side?
Josie-Tatum then surprised me with her desire to climb the rock wall, the same child who was afraid to turn cartwheels in front of an audience wants to climb, I don't know, 20 feet or higher into the air. OH MY!!
And, of course, we had to ride the train. (Did I mention that Regan joined us? Please continue to pray for her twin brother's kidney transplant!)
And, we ended the weekend with a birthday party for my Aunt Shug and my mama. (BTW, Aunt Shug has a "real" name. My Grandpa Tatum gave a nick name to his baby girl, Shug, short for sugar.) It was yet another blessing to spend time with my extended family on Saturday evening.
My Aunt Nancy called her sisters guardian angels, and gave them accessories to match their description. Here are my mom and her angel sister, who is named after our favorite all natural sweetener!
oSo, do you think I look like my mom?
5 comments:
Glad you guys had a great weekend. Looks like the Pecan Fest was fun.
Amy
Yes! Robbie, you look like your Momma!!
Josie Tatum is a GORGEOUS girl!! Way to conqueor your fears JT and great job on your gymnastics!!
hollym.
What joy-filled pictures! Your family is such a blessing. Yes. You look like your Momma and that's a compliment.
Boy you and mom do look alike! I love those pictures and the pony ride looks fun! and WWOOWWWW look at JT climb!
I didn't realize JT was performing. You should have called!! I am so glad she did well. I am also sorry I missed it.
Post a Comment