Adoption

Eternal Families

On June 3rd 2009 Rick and I took Natalie to the Orlando Temple
to talk to her about her adoption.
Rick knew exactly where we would have this talk, the white bench across from the temple.

Every time we would go to the temple he would look toward the bench and say "Linda it is time"

One memory I'll share is when Natalie was 7 months old, a state worker came to get her from the preschool. Katelyn had told me about this sweet little girl at the Pre-school, and on this day I had

just happened to stop by and was holding her when they came.

She looked right into my eyes and held on so tight it was hard for them to pull her away.

In that single moment I prayed " Heavenly Father if you will trust me with this child, I will teach her of you and your son". Its so hard to explain , this all took place in seconds but I knew he heard, I felt it.
Soon afterward

Natalie was placed with us as a non-relative placement. If you know much about adopting from the state of Florida,

That just does not happen.

Well everything fell into place and the adoption was final and Natalie was sealed to us in the

Salt Lake Temple!!!

Rick has 5 children ,I have 3 children and together we have Natalie. She completes us!
The greatest joy, is knowing that even after this short life, we will be together again forever!

This is a special girl and she knows who's daughter she is

Heavenly Fathers and he loves her!

Nauvoo 2009

We just had a wonderful time in Nauvoo, the weather was perfect .

To stand in front of the temple as the sun was setting was priceless.

Here is Rick in amazement at this wonderful statue of Joseph and Hyrum.

This is a view of the Temple from our room.

I'm so glad we made this trip,

Nauvoo con't.

Okay , so these are all senior missionaries,

This is after a full day of work they are singing and dancing .

Wonderful example, Strong Spirit! Loved it!!!

All the youth 12 and under were in this fun outdoor parade. Natalie only did this because one of the coolest sister missionary asked her.

This is the hat she made for the parade "sunset by the Mississippi"

Natalie making a rope! She was so into this.

Braves Game

Here we are way up in the stands, I'm trying to watch the game and smile for a picture.
Didn't work so well..

During the 8th inning, we moved down and got these great seats!

The Braves vs Philly, the braves won in the 10th inning!

Was very exciting , can't wait to go back to Atlanta .

GO BRAVES!!

This is Natalie when she wasn't sure we were getting in, But.... we did!

Happy Birthday Jayden Parker Wise

Can it really be 2 years ???
This is a very special Boy,
Have you ever taken a peek at him during a prayer?
Even a very long prayer he will have his arms folded and his head down,
his eyes are squinted tight together well , at least one eye.
He knows his primary songs and loves going to primary each week.
He likes to visit the temple and recognizes Jesus!
What more could a Grandma want ?
Jayden is the very Best big brother I've ever seen.

Of course after all this bragging things could change a little ,
you know he is 2 now, and he was born on the 4th of July.
maybe this year he'll be a firecracker!
Oh well , come what may and love it!


Mommy and Jayden
He loves his cousins so much!

cute , even without hair!

I love you Grandma's big boy!

fun on the 4th of July!

Pa Pa and Macie-Kate
going down the slide!

The pool at the Grand Cypress was allot of fun, Michael & Katelyn were here for the weekend & they invited us for the 4th! We had a great time. The slides were the big hit for the day.

Payton would say "last time" after each ride she loved it.

Natalie, Rick & Katelyn were great at taking the kids down the slides. Who said Pa Pa is old???? He was the Best! Katelyn loving on her little fish!

A family who rides together stays together!

Dinner by the River

Natalie , Katelyn , Macie & I had a great time having dinner by the river and afterwards

Macie & Natalie got to feed all the catfish! The food was so good, the weather perfect!