Two For One Special

I have a couple of things to post, so I decided to do a two for one. I've been meaning to post these first pictures for several weeks now, and I am finally getting to them. I have loved Steven Curtis Chapman's music since I was a teenager. I don't think he has written a song that I don't like. Many of them are rock-n-roll God songs, so that is a big plus. :) Now, Maddie and Ella have become big fans as well. In fact Maddie has his latest CD, This Moment, and listens to it ALL the time. From the moment I first heard Cinderella, it became an instant favorite. Although, I will say that it took Eric and I both at least 20 times before we could listen to it without crying. Eric might try to say that isn't true, but believe me, there were some tears shed over this one. He might act like a big bear, but when it comes to his girls, he is all mush! Back in March SCC came to Chattanooga. The local radio station had a contest for dads to be able to take their "Cinderella". Eric entered, but didn't win. The day of the concert, they did several give aways, but none of us could ever get through. That afternoon, my awesome sister called the radio station to see if they were going to give away anymore tickets. The DJ told her they were not, but he had 2 more tickets that had not been given away. He told her she could have them if she wanted them. How awesome is that?? Being the incredible person that she is, Jenny gave Eric the tickets so that he could take Maddie. That was such a sweet blessing from God, so I had to share it.

This is Eric and Maddie right before they left on their date.

Eric bought Maddie, Ella, and Jenny "Cinderella" shirts from the concert.

OK, switching subjects, I have to give a plug to my awesome friend Terri. She owns That's Sew Cute . The stuff she makes just amazes me. She made this fabulous journal for me. Isn't it great! And, don't you recognize the fabric?! She had this fabric and when she saw it on my blog, she decided to make this for me. Now I have a place to write about all the seasons that God takes me and my flip flops through. Thank you so much Terri!!!

Quote for the Day

Sometimes riding in the car can be enough to drive a person crazy, and I am with my friend Shana, silence is golden. But, there are times when I get to be a "fly on the wall" and listen in on Maddie and Ella's conversation. Those times are precious and I wouldn't even trade them for silence. Today was one of those days. Maddie had asked to listen to a Steven Curtis Chapman CD. She and Ella discussed all things Steven Curtis Chapman and sang along to the first song, Dive. When it went off, Maddie said to Ella, "That song sounds kind of churchy, but it's not. It's a rock-n-roll God song."



Now I don't know about you, but I love a good rock-n-roll God song!

God is Faithful

Thank you all for your prayers! They were heard and answered. Our meeting yesterday could not have gone any better. We are back on track and all of the concerns and fears that we had have been put to rest. The paperwork for us to sign our rights over should be ready this afternoon. Ethan can then go back to Mary, and we can all let out a huge sigh. This has certainly been a journey. Like the song on my previous post says: we wouldn't go back and change anything if we could. I have seen moment after moment when God's hand was so very evidently at work. He has been so faithful. And, I will forever be grateful.

Just a Few Words

I just wanted to do a VERY short post and ask you to pray. To make a long story short, we have hit a bump in the road in our process to place Ethan back with his grandmother. I know that God is faithful and He will continue to see us through. We have a meeting with our lawyer Monday morning at 9:00am. Would you please pray that it will go smoothly and that God would be in all of the details. Thank you soooo much for being with us on this journey.

Sunrise

It may be cold outside, but the sun has risen on the Hildebrand family. God has brought us into a new warmer season. To Him be the glory! After much prayer, Ethan is going back to live with his grandmother. It wasn't an easy decision, but we know it is the right decision. We thought when we brought him into our family that he would be with us forever. We know now that wasn't how God planned it. He brought us all through these two years for a reason. My best friend, who knows me about as well as I know myself, called me after hearing this song last week. It says how we feel better than I could ever put into words. Please watch it, and know that whatever trial you are facing WILL come to an end, and God WILL use it to bring you closer to Him. As she says in the song, we can't know the morning if we know not midnight.

I love you all!

Shout to the Lord!

I am a huge American Idol fan. We have watched every season. In fact, every Tuesday the "20's" from our church come hang out and watch. In case you aren't a fan, on Wednesday, they did a show called Idol gives back. At the close of the show, the remaining contestants sang, Shout to the Lord. Let me say that again, they sang SHOUT TO THE LORD! That night they sang my shepherd instead of Jesus, but last night they sang it again and this time sang it the right way! I don't know who made the decision to sing this song, but boy did they get it right! May God get the glory!!! You can go to the website www.americanidol.com and download their performance. Wouldn't it be incredible if that were the most requested download from the show?!

A Trip to the Masters

On Monday, Eric and I and two of our good friends went to the Masters practice round. Golf is REALLY not my thing, but it REALLY is Eric's, so he wanted me to go and experience the Masters with him. That is why I was the only girl with 3 guys. To be totally honest, I was dreading going. I just knew I would be miserable. I knew we would be walking and standing all day watching a game that doesn't interest me in the least. I must say; however, I was pleasantly surprised. Except for it being cold, it really was a fun trip. I am glad I went and now I'm caught up for 20 or 30 years. :) Just kidding, I probably would go again. Here are some pix from the trip.

This guy was parking cars. Does he not look like Randy Jackson?? The guys had to have their picture made with him. He was a good sport!

Here is Augusta National. This is the club house.

Eric could tell you what hole this is, but he isn't here, so you'll just have to guess. :)

Now, even I know who Tiger Woods is. I got several good pictures of him, plus several other guys who's names I do not know. That was pretty cool.