For twelve long years, hope has been my constant companion. Sometimes it was far away and sometimes very close, but it's always been there, somewhere. And yet, right there, mirroring this hope was constant doubt. Many times I doubted we would see our wish fulfilled and sometimes I despaired. And yet, I knew, some still soft voice kept telling me, "he's waiting, be patient." Now I know that my faith wasn't misplaced, for certainly, we were destined to be Jacob's parents, and he was destined to be our son. When I held him in my arms for the first time, I'd never felt anything that fit so well or felt so right. He's growing and that 'fit' is changing, but it's still just as right as it was the first time. He's my boy!

Welcome Jacob!

We are so pleased to announce that we've adopted our beautiful son, Jacob Aaron. He's healthy and happy and we're over the moon. Lots more pictures to follow.

Yay! I just can't wait. We're going to my sister's house for Thanksgiving. This is such a special holiday to me. The smells and sights of autumn, combined with the delicious foods makes this a really special time to me. Not to mention, my birthday often falls on Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has as much fun, love and companionship as we will this year.

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This is a picture of my dad when he was a very young man picking cotton in a field somewhere in central Texas with his father and siblings. He was always a hardworking person, who learned at a very early age that nothing comes without effort. My Aunt Cokie (Daddy's sister-in-law and the keeper of Ray family history) sent this picture to my mother in a birthday card last week. I lost my dad when I was very young, and even though I have many fond memories, this picture really helped me to realize how little I knew of who he really was. I wish so that I had been able to know him as an adult. I remember him as a fascinating person, with terrific stories about growing up in rural Texas in the 30's. He loved to fish and hunt and he was a fantastic, naturally talented albeit untrained musician...