the story of the sugarbean

"The first time ever I saw your face"

This is the story of sweetest little girl you will ever know (to us anyway!). January 16, 2010. That was the day our hearts were healed. We had a meeting set with the guardians of a beautiful 16 month old baby girl. We were so nervous, trying not to get our hopes up because we didn't not want to be hurt, again. We got to the house, my parents went too. We sat and talked and answered questions and asked questions. The family loved this baby very much and they warned us that she doesn't really open up to new people and now that she's walking she doesn't want to be held. They brought Chyndelle (pronounced Kendall, yeah I know! crazy, huh??) downstairs to meet us. Our hearts literally felt they were going to come out of our chests we were so nervous. Her toe nails had just been painted hot pink and once she spotted my hot pink with rhinestones cell phone she got in my lap. We played and talked and tried to relax. Then it happened...she wrapped her little arms around me and held on tight and I will never forget that hug! Even though I was trying hard to keep my defense up all the walls came tumbling down and my heart M-E-L-T-E-D! (Mom just happened to capture this moment with her cell phone, I would post it now but I can't find it on this computer, ugh!) We have tons of pictures of this night and my heart still gets all warm and fuzzy, like right now as I'm typing this!

Since we already had copies of our previous homestudy and background checks it was agreed that we would start visiting right away. The next afternoon after church we took "Sugarbean" to my parents house to play, this was the first of many visits. We had lots of planning, fund raising, researching, updating of paperwork and homestudies, more paperwork, etc. Mother's Day weekend we met back at the guardians (who by the way are now extended family, we still talk, email, visit and will continue to do so, just fyi) home, they graciously hosted a party for us and that night we went home as a family of three! Just in time for my first Mother's Day.

Sugarbean is now Kadynce Grace...Kadynce (pronounced Cadence) means "brings rhythm to life" and Grace means "highly favored" and because HIS grace truly is enough.

It's so amazing how God had this already orchestrated and set in place, we were just waiting on His timing. Although waiting sounds easy, it was not...that's another post, later on. For now, isn't she gorgeous?

We love you SUGARBEAN!

hello from GA

We have officially been here in Georgia for 2 weeks so I thought it was a good time to let you know how we are...

Our moving trip was completely drama-less! You know this is HUGE if you know anything about our past trips :) Both sets of our parents and my little sister helped with the move (couldn't have done it without them!), we were totally unpacked by Monday evening! Our apartment is definitely a change but it's cozy, has lots of storage, the kids room is very big and the patio is nice especially for Miss Kadynce. However, we are still getting used to the noises around us (such as the basketball that was being bounced above us at 6am!!)

Brad is doing an excellent job! He has so much more to do but is making progress daily. Please help us continue to pray for favor on this store, with his employees, new hires and the company as a whole. Kadynce is adjusting very well. One of her first requests every morning is to go bye-bye :) She loves playing on the patio and looking at the birds (and squirrels) in the bird feeder. Paxton is growing by leaps & bounds! He is 12 weeks! He smiles & "talks" all the time. As for me, I'm growing as well, getting out of the house with 2 babies is still an adjustment but we are getting there! I'm working on my bravery and planning activities outside the house :) We had a picnic at a park and got our library cards today.

We haven't found a church home yet but we are looking, help us pray that God would show us where HE wants us planted. (Missing our LWFC tons!!) HUGE thanks to each of you for your support, prayers, help with packing, etc! We definitely miss you but please know that you are MORE than welcome to visit anytime, there is NO lack of things to do around here :)

LOTS OF LOVE,

Brad, Kendall, Kadynce & Paxton