45 Years!

 Forty-five years ago today, a man and a woman changed the course of a little girls life.  Carl Sweatman married Meg Saul on June 25, 1966.  What they didn't know at that time, was that a woman in Wisconsin would find herself pregnant in about 8 years.  And when she would give birth, she would give that baby up for adoption.  That sweet couple would take that little girl to be their daughter.  It was a life changing decision, not just for the couple or for the mother, but for that little girl.

If it weren't for Carl and Meg Sweatman adopting me, I may never have known the love of God.  I may have lived a much more difficult life.  I would never have found Erik and had the four little loves of my life.  I wouldn't be living in this little town in South Carolina amongst some of the nicest people around.

So on this day in 2011, I want to thank my parents for getting married 45 years ago.  And, I'm even more thankful for the example you have set for Erik and myself (not to mention our children) as to how to stick it out even when things get tough.  The dedication to one other is a legacy you have set for years to come.  Thank you for making your home a place that is focused on the Lord.  You have passed that along to me and I pray that I do the same for my kids.

I shutter at the thought of what my life could have been if you had made other decisions along the way.  I love you both so much.  You are a treasure to me.

Happy 45th Anniversary!
Love always,
Carla

Another Hannaism

Last night when Hanna was getting ready for bed, she used the bathroom.  While sitting there she proclaimed, "Ahhhhh, that feels good.  Gooder than I ever thought it would."

Time Flies

This is Hanna on her first day of preschool.

 

 This is Hanna near the end of preschool on Zebra Day.

I cannot believe that in the blink of an eye, my baby is about to finish up preschool and be a kindergartener.  Hanna is quite a bright girl and I can't wait to watch her develop her writing and reading skills next school year.  Next year will be a monumental year in our home.  It will be Hannas' first year at HE Corley and Alysons' last year!  All 4 girls in one school.  I can't even imagine it.  But, I will enjoy it, knowing it will be my only sane year.

I love you Hanna banana!  I am so proud of all you have learned this year.  I have enjoyed every moment with you while your big sisters were in school.  I will miss that time for sure!

Where does she come up with this stuff?

Easter Sunday, we went to my parents for lunch.  My aunt and uncle were in town visiting as well.  We had a terrific lunch and then retired to the living room for some relaxation, easter egg hunts, and just some good ol' fun!  At one point, Hanna says, "Oh!  I farted!  I'm going to wear out my pants!"

Two Birthdays!!!

Oh my!  Where does the time go?  Since the lat time I blogged, we have had two birthdays in our family.  So, here is my tribute to both of these special people:

Erik:  He celebrated his birthday on the 19th.  The poor guy's day was spent working and then when he got home, I left for worship practice while he took care of one very sick Alyson and the other 3 girls.  Not exactly the way anyone should have to celebrate their special day.  Well, he got to go to Myrtle Beach to celebrate a couple days later, so I think it worked out just fine.  So, babe!  If you're reading this, know that I love you.  What an honor to get to celebrate the day you were born!  Next year, I promise to make it more memorable!  Besides, it will be your ___th birthday!  Love you!

Alyson:  So, who would have thought that her birthday would EVER land on Easter Sunday.  I sure didn't, but this year, it does.  She is very excited to share this special day with hers'.  On top of that, she is entering double digits!  It's her tenth birthday.  Oh my!  I can hardly believe it.  Alyson, you are growing up way to quickly.  I am not prepared for all the changes that are going on around us, but I won't let that stop me from figuring it out.  You are a beautiful young lady and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you.  May year 10 be as wonderful as you.  I love you!

Need a Change

I am not even sure what to write at this point, but just need to change my blog so I don't see Hanna's sorry picture below.  It just makes me sad.  So, the update on her is that she is one tough, amazing little girl!  She had her top 3 teeth out today and came through with flying colors.  Last step will be to get her stitches out on Wednesday.  Then, on to healing.  Thank you for your prayers.  That was one of the most traumatic events we've had in our family and I am glad we are on the other side of it and hoping it never happens again!

Have a happy day!

Hanna's Accident

March 24, 2011 ended not quite the way I thought it would.  We were all prepared to head to church.  Meghan was waiting in the van while we waited for Alyson, Kelli, and Hanna to come back from up the street where they had been riding bikes.  I was sitting in the front seat looking up the street as I saw the girls come over the hill.  I said to Erik, "Hanna is bookin' it!"  I was wondering how in the world she was going to slow down, and just assumed she would continue down the street until she slowed and then she would turn around.

As she went behind the van, I turned my head to watch her continue down the street and instead, I caught a sight that I hope soon leaves my memory.  Instead of continuing down the street, she came up on the driveway and slammed into the side of Erik's parked car.  It was awful.  She immediately began screaming as I was rushing to find out what she had done.  Immediately, blood was pouring out of her mouth.

And, here is the part that I really wanted you to read and the reason for the post.  At about the time we were trying to figure out where the blood was coming from, our UPS driver was making his way up our driveway to deliver a package.  This man has been our driver ever since we moved into this neighborhood almost 7 years ago.  He has always been so nice to our family.  In fact, when Alyson was 4, she shared with him that she got new underwear!  He didn't even miss a step.  He congratulated her with a big smile on his face!

Back to the story!  After leaving our package on our front steps, he came back and gently put his arm around Alyson (who was crying and scared) and told her it would be ok.  He stayed for several minutes until it was obvious that we were about to get in our car to leave.  He told us he'd been through a similar situation and knew everything would be just fine.  I was so grateful for this man, a virtual stranger, who stopped to console my child during a time when I really couldn't attend to her.  Thank you, UPS, for hiring such a man!

A huge shout out of thanks goes to Amanda and family for letting us drop the girls off so Erik and I could both go to Urgent Care with Hanna.  You are a life saver!

So, after 4 stitches in her upper lip and a trip to the dentist, she is doing quite well.  We are waiting for the swelling in her gums to go down so 3 of her teeth can be pulled.  Not exactly how I thought we'd get the tooth fairy to visit our sweet Hanna.  Thankfully, that is all that is wrong and she is still with us.

The older 3 girls' were very scared and upset, but the love and concern they showed their little sister just melted my heart.  It is truly a gift from God to see how much they all love each other.