Dear Girls,

To our dear daughters E and F,

Not sure if you even know about us yet, but you're so a part of our world.  Drew asks to see you almost daily on my phone.  Your pictures are framed in our kitchen.  And we pray for you daily, at least!  Your room is getting ready for you.  It's been hard for me to work on because it makes me miss you so much.    Tonight Carson's prayer made me tear.  He prayed that all the bugs that carry bad diseases would stay away from you.  Can you tell we've been talking about Africa?  And Malaria?

We got more books last week and we're trying to learn a few words that we hope you will also know.  It makes us feel like we are doing something as we wait for you.  We were submitted to court almost five weeks ago.  Each week I desperately check my email every five minutes on Tuesday and lately Wednesday!  I can't wait to know when we will get to hold you both in our arms.  E, I wonder how you will react.  Will you be hesitant?  Will you know what's going on?  I'm betting so, it doesn't seem like you miss much from what we know about your cute personality!  Little F, I know you will be scared.  We pray for your little heart every night.  For protection, for comfort, that God would wrap you up in His big arms...  After all, He loves you both so much more than we ever will.  And that's hard to imagine!  I'm so glad you're both growing and getting healthier.  We love looking at how you are changing. 

This time is changing us too.  It's teaching us more about waiting.  And about being more thankful.  About appreciating the little things.  We CAN NOT wait for you to be here.  We can't wait to see how you fit perfectly into our family.  How you will spice it up.  :)  But most of all, we can't wait to tell you and show you how much you are loved.  You are daughters of the King!  Have a wonderful Sunday, beauties.  We are coming soon.

Mommy and Daddy

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday.  He's 6 or 7.  :)  My kiddos all had to call him on facetime and sing Happy Birthday.  I LOVE facetime!!  So much easier than skype.

I have the best Dad and the best Papa to my kiddos.  He's fun, caring, smart, loving, and loves God.  I couldn't ask for a better Dad.  The crazy thing...  he didn't really have a Dad growing up.  His Dad (my Grandpa Zumbrun) died from the effects of asthma and epinephrine when my Dad was only 5.  He still has stories to tell us about the convenience/gas station that my grandpa worked at.  How he would pick up the phone and tell the operator, "I want to talk to my Daddy."  And she'd get him!  My Dad is and was an amazing Dad.  He loved to tell us stories of Tinkum and camp Whitley.  We LOVED them.  Just that touch of suspense that kept you hanging on.  He also loved to sing to us and pat us.  I still love it.  :)  My dad, though a very busy doctor, never (really I mean NEVER) missed a game or activity we were involved in.  We always knew he loved us, and he told us regularly.  I never knew any different!  He was and still is committed to my Mom.  What a gift for us kiddos.  I always knew/know I can count on my Dad.  He's a man of integrity.  One very vivid memory I have as an adolescent is of waking up and knowing that I'd find my Mom and Dad on their knees praying for us.  I didn't realize yet how rare this is.  He loves my kids and they love him.  He loves to play tickle monster still.  And they laugh until they can't breath.  I remember that too.  He and my Mom still pray, and if they tell you they are praying, you better believe it happens.

Dad, I know I've told you before, but THANK YOU.  Your actions and your love for the Lord and for us mean more than words can express.  I love you.  Thanks for being you and for being real with us.  Happy 67th Birthday!