Six years ago today I.....

had one sweet little boy....
was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first little girl....
felt my world crumble as we were told there was no heartbeat....

my first daughter was gone. Before we even got to say hello, we had to say goodbye.

A lot happened in the first little while after that moment. We were left to pick up our shattered dreams and lost hopes. I don't remember a lot that was said or done at that time. But I still remember the sorrow and seeing my sweetie cry. I remember the confusion on my 3 year olds face as we told him that his sister went to live with Jesus. I remember not crying, not sure if it was shock or what, but the first time I cried was when I saw the tears in my 15 year old sister-in laws eyes. She was so excited to have this baby carry her name and now it was gone.

Some said "Time heals all wounds," others said it was "meant to be." Finally a stranger (who is now a dear friend) said, "Time is wasteful...it's Love that heals the pain. With the knowledge of Jesus being resurrected and having an eternal family." Six years later I say she is right. I had no idea what my loving Father in Heaven had in store. So the tale begins......

By Addison's 1st birthday we were blessed with the love of a sweet 4 month old baby girl, whom we desperately hoped to keep. (look at those cheeks)

and our sweet now 4 year old Tanner.

By her 2nd birthday we had 6 month old Matthew....

Had just finalized adopting Adylin....and One jumped to three in the blink of an eye.

Her third birthday was craziness with a 1 and 2 year old......and Tanner was 6....oh my.

Fourth birthday was crazier awaiting the arrival of #4.

By the fifth birthday we had Tanner at 8, Adylin at 4, Matt 3 and Bennett almost 1.

And just to show that God has a sense of humor or Addison is behind the scenes busy as a bee. This Sixth Birthday brings Tanner at 9, Adylin at 5, Matthew 4, Bennett almost 2 and #5 (6 if you count Addison) coming in December. OH MY!!!!

Now for the fun. We had a GREAT day. We did lunch with Davis' fam....gotta love Labor Day. It was super fun because Addison's birthday fell on Labor Day again. For dinner we took the kids to Cafe Rio (I was craving it.)

What's up cool dude?!?! LOL

Ah man Ady girl, you are something.

Bennett oh Bennett, how'd you get so blonde?!?!

We made dinner simple so we could top off at Leatherbys.

MMMMM, my favorite, was over heard by this one......sorry it's crooked, he wouldn't smile and I was getting tired of asking.

Oh Benno, Oh Benno, how'd you get so cute?!?!?!

So to sum up this long post. Six years later we've had TONS of LOVE brought into our family. Some one said there would be a day that I look back and be grateful for Addison and the trial that she once was. I do know that I have a loving Heavenly Father that knows so much more than I do. I know he knows the spirits that are meant to be in my home even if only for a short while. For that I am grateful.

We love and miss you sweet girl. Happy 6th Birthday.