Day 2,972

The Second Year With Our Bubba

Two years ago, the most personable, talkative, adorable, freckle-faced redhead took our last name and changed our lives forever. Oh Bearett, what a treasure you are to us. To be apart of a story so much bigger than ourselves, to have been honored with the privilege to raise you in love as we shepherd your heart toward the King, we couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding pursuit. This year, as we celebrated our second Adoption Day, I had to take a step back as I considered your costume, recognizing the weight behind my role as your mommy. I pray that we would continue learning quickly, with more clarity, and in abundance, the love of the one Good Shepherd in order to better faithfully lead, deeply nourish, relentlessly protect, fully cherish, continually redirect, and love unconditionally the soul we’ve been charged to shepherd. How fitting then, your costume! What began as a sweet idea for you to enjoy with your sisters, turned into another dear reminder to tend my little Bearett sheep with the image of Christ before me always. Son, I love you more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for constantly pointing me to my own reality as an adopted child of the King. We say it often, “How blessed you are that you have the opportunity to be adopted not once, but TWICE!” We pray daily that that’s the great joy and reality of your life. I love you Bearett John (Bubba, Bubbie, Bub, Bear, Brother) Conley!

The shepherd with his sheep. 

So much more than just a costume. 

I love you, Conleys. 

Ah, what an honor it is to be their Mama!

Thumbs up for sure, girls!

We donned our much anticipated costumes and with great smiles and many giggles, headed to our most fun EVER Harvest Festival at church!

But not before first stopping by Mrs. Angela’s and thanking her with love and kisses for making ALL our costumes!!! We love you, Mrs. Angela! You did such a perfect job and everyone was quick to admire your work!!

And in true Bearett fashion, we walked through the gate and not five seconds later, he had cotton candy all up in his face. 

We kindly removed said candy from his face, reminded him that we hadn’t even eaten supper yet, stole him away for a family picture, and then sent him on his way to the hotdogs FIRST, and then finally, he got ALLLLLLLLLL the candy his big huge eyes desired. Sometimes, we’re still in Shepherding 101 ;)

She followed suit, just like any good sheep would!

The best night ever! They all had such a fun time and we are so thankful for a church that does this day well. We love you, CBC!

And finally: sorting time! 

You all know, you mustn’t keep chocolate in the same bag as fruity stuff, right? Rookie stuff. Teaching ‘em young...and stealing the best candy while it happens. 

She doesn’t even know what chocolate is - she’s munching on a wrapped up Milky Way - and yet somehow, she knows EXACTLY how big a smile it puts on your face! Oh, happy day!