Thank you Lord for creating me. Thank you for forming me in the image of your son, Jesus. Thank you for creating a plan for my life, a plan so much bigger than I will ever understand. Thank you for each one of the beautiful children you have entrusted to me, and thank you for loving them even more than I do, which is still so hard for me to fathom. Thank you for bringing a soul mate into my life, to share joy and pain with, but who is always here for me. Thank you for all the many people you have brought into my life. I can't help but look at all the people who sent me birthday wishes today, and think how many of them I would have never known, had you not taken me down this path. Thank you for helping me to see blind faith. For giving me that confidence that I don't know what the outcome is, but I trust in you for it. I just feel very grateful today for my life. A life that hasn't been what most would call happy, that has traveled hundreds of miles down some really tough roads, but is completely beautiful because it's mine, and I'm traveling it in God's will. This birthday brings some tears, but of joy, because I know that this life I'm living, the one God gave me, and planned out before the world was created, is being lived to glorify Him, and I'm pretty happy doing just that! Lord I pray I can continue down this road, shining for you (and maybe sparkling a little too!)
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
We met while working together at Old Navy in 2002. After 3 tries Carly finally agreed to a date and the rest is history! We are the very proud parents of 5 amazing children. Richard works full time at the regional level for Old Navy. Carly works full time as an elementary school counselor and loves to crochet...when she finds the time. We both welcomed Jesus into our hearts in 2008 and life has never been the same since!
Noah
Noah is our 13 year old son. He has a love of all things Legos and is starting a fascination with Star Wars. He currently wants to be a kindergarten teacher when he grows up (but only after he is the first human on Mars)! Noah has a huge heart and always wants to help in our family's efforts to raise money for different cancer charities.
Ellie
Ellie is the first of 3 girls, and has paved the way for all the Blaine Princesses. Ellie was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Pineoblastoma, a very rare brain cancer. Ellie adored all the princesses and the color pink! She had a huge smile and adorable dimples that could make the world a better place any time of day. Ellie's battle with cancer ended December 22, 2013, just before she turned 3. Ellie lives on in the hearts of the many lives she touched in her 1061 days. Because of her, we are always Princess Strong.
Sarah-Grace
Sarah-Grace (aka SG) is our 8 year old daughter who was born almost 2 months after Ellie's cancer diagnosis. She was our calm among the chaos that our world had become. In fact for the first 9 months of her life she was the most easy going, calm baby. And after Ellie passed away, this little lady took over full force! She is now sassy, energetic, and in no way the girly girl her older sister was! This girl is full of emotion and loves and plays hard! She will one day move mountains I have no doubt! She keeps us moving and laughing and continually teaches us to take a deep breath!
Lulah
Lulah is our 7 year old daughter. She is named after her big sister Ellie, who we sometimes called "Ellie Lu". She makes the funniest faces and is brutally honest, but has a heart for Jesus! She's a goof and always makes us laugh! She is a constant reminder of God's grace.
Stori Anne
Stori Anne aka Baby Cinco is the last of the Blaine girls. She is 3 and INDEPENDENT! She has so many of Ellie's mannerisms, you just can't help but smile and thank God for these drops of honey! Her name reminds us that God has given us a special story to share with everyone around us of God's grace and provision.