Labor of Love

You might recall that I smocked this purple bunny dress for Virginia Grace to wear for Easter. We had believed we would be in China by then. Today was the first time she's worn it. To be honest, it's not my best work and I had so many cuter outfits for Grace to wear that we'd gotten from friends and family. But I got it out today because I had worked hard on it. And it ended up giving me so much joy to see my daughter wearing it. It brought back the memory of praying for Grace with each stitch, wondering if we'd ever really see her in person, and hoping desperately for the day to arrive soon when we'd receive our travel approval and begin booking our flights. I have to say it was surreal to look at the detail of the dress, and then to look up at the smiling face of the little girl wearing it. That dress took time and hard work (and it's really not all that cute), but it's a beautiful reminder of how far God has brought us in the last few months.

Sorry for overdoing it with the pics, but I sometimes love to see a whole sequence of pictures

together because it's so humourous to see the range of expressions. :)

Hiding his face to communicate he's done with the pics. :)

The REAL labor of love I want to discuss is that of my husband. It's been a big weekend with his birthday yesterday and Father's Day today. But it's been easy to devote a weekend of celebration to him and for him. The guy works hard. At everything. In his career, as a husband, as a daddy, as a bible study teacher, as a follower of Christ, as a brother, as a son, and as a friend. He's committed, selfless, and loving, and he is a man of the highest integrity. Sometimes I am even embarrassed because I want to cut a corner and he challenges me to do it right. He's a far better person than me. And his life isn't easy right now. He works long hours at the office only to come home and work a few more hours helping me with the kids and doing a few things around the house. With a demanding profession and a never-ending flood of deadlines, he still comes home to spend time with his family, even if it means heading back to the office after the kids' bedtime to work until 2 am. The amazing thing is that he does it without complaining or moping. And I know it's because he loves us. That's a love to honor and celebrate!

Happy Birthday AND Happy Father's Day, Scott!! We love you beyond measure and recognize all you do for us!

Love,

Kelley, Carter & Virginia Grace