Never Once

I remember when I was pregnant with Elyanna and the day we found out that she was a girl.  We had sweet Lydia and I really wanted a sister for her - I prayed for another girl and there she was on the ultra-sound.  We decided to name her Elyanna because it means "My God has answered me."  I love how with sisters they do so much together and they are best friends.  Even though they are so different, at the end of the day - this is their best friend. 

In our home we encourage and insist  - you can have other friends but there is no one that will take the place of your sibling - these will be your best friends for ever.  This is the way I was raised.  My brother Tim is one of my best friends - he has been there with me through so many ups and downs and he married Tawny, who was and is now one of my bestest friends.   I love family.

And of course there is my amazing wonderful husband.  God brought him into my life at a time I thought there was no hope for a husband.  Jaime has been my best friend, my love, my shoulder to cry on and the one who makes me laugh.  He is the love of my life!

Ultimately, though all these "friends" could go away - there is One who still remains and will always remain, Jesus.  I heard this song "Never Once" by Matt Redman at the Women's Retreat and it keeps ringing in my heart.  The words are so powerful.

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we've come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Verse 2
Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You've done
Knowing every victory
Is Your power in us

Pre-Chorus
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Chorus 1
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Repeat Verse 2
Repeat Pre-Chorus

Chorus 2
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Bridge
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Ending Chorus
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

c 2011 ThankYou music, worshiptogether.com

I just love the words...Never once did we ever walk alone, Never once did You leave us on our own.  You are faithful, God, You are faithful.

He is so faithful...Thank you, Lord, that You are always with us - no matter what - and that You Are Faithful!

Sweet Adelai turned 4!

Our sweet Adelai Susan turned 4 on September 22nd.  She had been asking and asking, "My birthday coming up?"  I kept and saying pretty soon - but time to a 3 year old has no real meaning.  We tried figuring out what she wanted to do - what kind of party etc.  The few things we go out from her was - Chuck E Cheeses, Red Robin and a party at home.  I think we accomplished it!

Birthday Girl in her Boots

In the Totey home (passed on from my growing up) we don't just have a Birth Day - we celebrate Birthday Week.  This way it is spread out and we are able to fit in all that we want to do. 

Carousel

Adelai is such a sweet girl.  She is very independent yet doesn't really like to be alone - probably because she is the 3rd child. She is getting so big wanting to do things on her own and sometimes I have to be patient realizing that when she does it she is learning and it doesn't have to be perfect.  Just a little while ago she prayed for dinner all by herself - she prayed that she wouldn't be sick and that sisters and baby Will wouldn't be sick.  So sweet.  It makes a Momma proud to have your children pray all by themselves.

She is an amazing present opener.  She shakes with excitement to open them up, and is so expressive when she see what it is.  No mistaking what she feels - it is great.

Birthday Cupcakes at Uncle Tim and Aunt Tawny's

Snow White Doll from Dad and Mom

Silly Sisters

 

Party at Home

 

 

 

When Adelai was 2, I wasn't sure we were going to make it through...She is so independent and strong willed but even in the last 2 years it has become easier.  She had learned how to communicate and now she doesn't get as frustrated.  I love having her around and she is my little buddy now that the older 2 are in school.  How I love this sweet tiny little girl - someday she is going to take this world by storm and no one will sway her from what and Who she believes in.  I am honored to be her Mommy.