Our Babies Turn 10 Today!!

Where has the time gone!?! I don't feel any older (well at least in my mind). And yet. Our babies have turned 10 today. How is that possible? I used to laugh at people who said time starts to fly when you get older. And I think this is the first year that I have really started to believe that. 10. Un. Be. Lievable.

This time 10 years ago, I had just gotten on a plane after hours of trying to decide whether to leave or not. Amy was in the hospital and Dr. Presley said it would be at anytime. She just had to give them word that she couldn't go another minute. Yes, she was only 32 weeks but it'll be okay. God's in control and God knows when those babies will be born and the journey that lies ahead. From the time I stepped on the plane to the point of getting off the plane and turning my phone back on an hour later, our world was forever changed. God brought Blake, Tanner, and McKenna to us.

I say us because I don't think the thought has ever entered Carey and Amy's mind that these children were given just to them. This journey has affected many lives and they have graciously been willing to share these 3 miracles with those in their world. The names are countless who have been impacted by these 3 individuals that God created.

Oh the memories that 10 years hold. The laughter laughed. The prayers said. The tears cried. The sleepless nights. The diapers. The bottles. The books read. The games played. The miles travelled.

Today we celebrate you!

Blake: I celebrate you today because of the smile you bring to my face everytime I think about you. I love snuggling with you and just talking. I love how you know exactly what you want. I love how you see in your mind exactly how things should be and set about to make it happen. I love that Christmas will never be the same after being a part of the Dean Christmas Production. God has amazing plans for you and I can't wait to see what they are. Pursue God passionately. That's really all He wants. He'll make the rest happen as you run after Him and let Him fashion your character. He is creating a leader in you. Don't let others dictate to you who you are in Him!

McKenna: I celebrate you today because even now I can close my eyes and hear your laughter ring in my head. I love how you love your brothers. I love how you look at your Daddy with adoration. I love how you are your Mama's helper. I love that we both LOVE to play games for hours and hours on end. I love that without realizing it, you taught me to be a princess. God has formed your heart with such confidence that even at 10, you know you are a Daughter of a King! You are going to change the world, little girl. Always remember where your true beauty comes from. Stand strong knowing Whose you are!

Tanner: I celebrate you today because of the eyes God has given you . . . they are the same color as mine . . . and I love how you "smile" with them. I love you because you give me great hugs—always. I love how you weren't that excited about being a big brother and yet God has given you two a special bond. I love how you see the good in people. I love that you love to play soccer. I love that you love to read. I love how when you set your mind to do something, no matter how hard, you will accomplish it. In addition to the beautiful eyes God has given you, He has also given you spiritual eyes to see people on a deeper level. Don't ever let opionions of the world cloud that vision. It is a special gift.

Thanks for letting me be your Awa. I love you. Happy Birthday!