Letting Go

Today's the big day. Dawn is moving. As much as I've struggled with this whole situation, I am finally learning to let go and leave it God's hands. This morning as I drove her to school, she said, "Momma, when God comes in your heart he never leaves right?" That one statement comforted me, and let me know that we had left a mark on her little heart. That we had taught her the important things. Even as I cried after I dropped her off, I felt a peace that I hadn't yet felt, like God reached right down, and said everything's going to be alright. Though we will still see her, today marks the end of her stay with us, and the end of my role as her mommy. And though we don't know what God's plan is for her, God knows. Habakkuk 2:3 says, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak......"

Our Little Wordsmith

It always makes us laugh to listen to the words that Caitlyn uses. Ever since she started talking, she's been trying to out new words on us. I still remember at barely three, her saying that something was "hilarious." Occasionally, she's not even sure what they mean, but she tries to use the words anyway. Recently, we were at a friends' for dinner, and she informed the other kids that it would be "more appropriate" if they put their napkins on their laps. Her new favorite phrase is "so totally cool". Caitlyn's large vocabulary is probably a result of her being an avid reader. We also have never talked "baby talk" with her, and I think that has made a difference too. John David has recently started this same habit. Instead of just saying that he's hungry, he'll say that he's "really" hungry. Then when you question him further, he'll state, "I'm serious. I'm really serious." I love listening to the kids talk. Corey's vocabulary and speech have greatly improved over the last several months. And even though most people still can't understand him, we understand him fine at home. The kids are so honest about their emotions, and have such passion about things. Some of my favorite moments are spent listening to the random thoughts of the kids. Now that Caitlyn is getting older, you can really have some deep conversations about life with her. Everything is so simple to her, so black and white. Sometimes I think she's smarter than I am. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

What's New With Kylie?

Kylie has gotten her purple belt! This picture was taken yesterday afternoon as she proudly showed off her new belt. I think she's more excited about this one than the others, probably because it's purple. Kylie has really grown up a lot lately. She has really mellowed out. She is still a ball of energy, but has many more quiet moments than in the past. Almost every day, she wears this black leotard. She alternates different color tights, but the black leotard has become a permanent piece of her wardrobe. I'm not sure what draws her to this particular leotard, but for now it is her favorite. I of course make her wear real clothes when we leave the house, but when we're at home the leotard stays on. I have to secretly wash it when she's sleeping!! Kylie has always had this fascination with bugs. She's not afraid of much, and she's discovered that the other little girls are, especially at church. She enjoys chasing them around, dangling a Daddy Long Legs from her fingers. She's laughing hysterically, while the other girls are all screaming. We've also noticed that every time the kids catch a bug or a small frog, that Kylie is always the first to say it's time to let it go. Even after they've played with it, and it isn't even alive anymore, she still is the one that marches out the back door, and lays it gently in the grass. Our little fireball is turning into a very compassionate little girl. Just because she's not as emotional as Caitlyn, sometimes I think we forget how deep her feelings really run. Out of the blue, she'll say something thought provoking, and we discover that she's contemplating deeper emotions and thoughts than we realize. I don't think Kylie is in any danger of losing her fireball side anytime soon though. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

New Blog Layout

If you haven't viewed our blog page in awhile (due to receiving posts via email), come check out the new layout! I changed some things around. Hope you like it!

Andrea is Bloggin!

Due to my grand example, :) all the other McKay's have been sucked into the blogging world. The latest? Andrea is now blogging. To see her blog, use the URL below. Anytime you want to see what's going on with the other McKays, just go to our blog page (scroll down on the right), click the links I have provided, and they will take you directly to the other blogs. Don't forget, if you receive the posts via email, just click on the picture of John David next to the title to come directly to the blog page to view videos and slide shows. Enjoy!

http://www.amckayonline.blogspot.com/

Dawn's Moving Day

This weekend has been one of the most insanely busy weekends we have had in awhile, but we have survived! Every year our church holds an all day ladies meeting. It is a huge production, and requires tons of planning. Jeremy and I spent many hours decorating, and then participated in the music and skits. It was a lot of fun, but tons of work. In the midst of all that, social services called and said they found a placement for Dawn, and she was going for a visit over the weekend. Although I had already processed many of the emotions I have had regarding this situation, it all kind of hit me when the call came. I had to tell her, and that was extremely difficult. There were definitely some answered prayers though! She responded much better than I had anticipated, and her new foster mom is someone I already know! Her visit went well this weekend, and we are all going over there for dinner tonight. She will move on Wednesday, and I am praying hard that it will go smoothly. I know this is the right decision for Dawn, but it doesn't make it easier. We love her, and she will be missed. We are soon to be a four children home. :( On a happier note, we will still get to see her, and Corey will still see her every Tuesday at visitation. Corey is handling it all very well, and actually is enjoying the break from the tension due to her behaviors. Continue to keep us in your prayers. I've got some cute stories about Kylie to post tomorrow. Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.

Alll I Want For Christmas........

It looks to be a classic Christmas song for Caitlyn this year. Most likely she'll be missing her two front teeth for Christmas. One is extremely loose and the other is well on it's way to coming out as well. She's been wiggling with a fury! She also has another tooth loose on the bottom! I feel like we are the brink of a new era in our family. Having a child that's old enough to be loosing teeth means we have graduated to a new era of parenting. I have to admit that it is bittersweet. Notice Caitlyn's shirt: Girls Rule Boys Drool! :) Love you all, and thank you to God Almighty who has for now blessed us with these.