Thankful for Hope

Hope was still in my belly when this pic was taken:)

Had things happened as I had wanted in the past 9 months, I would have baby Hope in my arms today or would be eagerly awaiting her arrival. Instead, I am left with a strange mix of emotions today as I grieve the baby I never got to hold, yet I carry another life in my womb. As someone who believes fervently in the sovereignty of God, I am confident this is God's plan and is His best for our family. However, that doesn't change that I wonder why?, and let my mind wander to the what ifs.

I got to share our story about Charlotte and Hope with a new friend yesterday, and I was reminded of God's "Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love." (from the Jesus Storybook Bible) Throughout the incredibly overwhelming and, at times, unbearable past 15 months, we have come to know our God's love like never before. He has never ceased to be our comfort and our protection and our provider. So today as I rock between the waves of emotions, I can cling to truth to anchor me! God has allowed our suffering and tears for His glory and our good. We are his children, as are Charlotte and Hope; therefore every moment they were in my womb and every breath breathed were at His command and because of His great love for them and for our family.

Thank you Lord for Baby Hope and how much you have taught our family in her absence. I trust You and believe that the 10 weeks she was in my womb were your perfect plan. I am thankful for the HOPE we have in You that never changes thanks to Jesus. I cling to you Jesus!

^{Hebrews 6:19-20}

¹⁹We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, ²⁰where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Elizabeth the Duck

Elizabeth's Last Day as a Duck!

Oh my! I could go on and on and on about how wonderful Elizabeth's preschool experience was this year! We were incredibly blessed to have Ms. Shanna and Ms. Christi as her precious teachers! They loved her so well and took such good care of my big girl, continually pointing her to Jesus:)

I know they don't keep track of such things, but Elizabeth did have perfect attendance in her first year of preschool. We managed to dodge most of the bugs and her one illness occurred over a weekend, so no school was missed:) Elizabeth, as she chose to be called rather than Lizzie, thrived and was stretched in her new atmosphere. I saw some shyness emerge that I didn't know was there, and her fear of the unknown and fear of failure was evident in a few circumstances like riding a horse on western day, the mass pandemonium of the Easter egg hunt, and new games like egg on a spoon relays. Overall though, I saw my sweet girl being a really great friend to everyone in her class, including others when they seemed left out, responding well to authority, being helpful to anyone in need, absorbing new information, and growing into such an awesome 4 1/2 year old! You are beautiful inside and out Elizabeth Grace Bassett, and we love your more than words can say!

Here are a few of my favorite pics from the year...

First Day as a Duck!

Lizzie and Addie before going their separate ways Penguins & Ducks!

Loving Ms. Christi and Ms. Shanna already!

Western Day! Look at that precious cowgirl!

Sweet duckettes!

I love that smile!

After much encouragement... she DID IT!!!

My Butterfly Fairy Princess was a hit!

Jackpot!!!

Thanksgiving Feast:)

Celebrate! Celebrate! Jesus is Born!

The whole fam came to watch our little gospel singer!

Check out that Gingerbread girl!

Happy Book Exchange!

Super Hero Day~ Meet Love Girl!

Solving the worlds problems with rainbows and love... Oh to be 4!

Love these sweet Duck heroes!

After a squirt of whipped cream straight in the mouth!

My 2 sweethearts!

Happy Easter!

Found one!

Caroline, we love you so!

Elizabeth Hearts Ms. Christi!

Elizabeth Hearts Ms. Shanna!

Lainie LOVED being at school for all of the Duck fun!

The BEST performance of the night at the spring program! Waves of Mercy like you've never seen before! These were their final poses:)

What an awesome book of her hard work all year long! Pretty much a hand print, fingerprint or footprint to represent every letter of the alphabet!!!

Thank you sooooooo much Ms. Christi and Ms. Shanna! Y'all are the BEST!!!

Caroline + Elizabeth = Best Duck Buddies for Life!

Playing Catch Up- February

Whew- I have a lot of catching up to do, so I will begin with February!

February was a crazy month characterized by snow, snow, snow around here! We were home bound for several days and made the most of it! Here are pics to prove our fun:)

We celebrated our Charlotte Jane...

Valentine's Day!

My 28th birthday:)