Happy 18th Birthday, Little Joe

So I am a little late.

Sunday, May 1st, "Little Joe", turned 18 years old. And with it came much rejoicing. Not just for the age achieved, but for a return home.

Little Joe,

Here we are. You are now the "magical" number; yet so much has happened in the last couple of months that has proven this number doesn't mean a whole lot.

I can't believe that it has been 18 years. You have grown into an amazing young man with so much talent and personality given to you by your Creator. I know there are many unknowns in your life that you desire answers to that I just can't give you. But I do know the One who has the answers and is the best guide to impart wisdom into your life. 

I know hard lessons were learned over the past few weeks. Lessons that I could never have taught you. Sometimes life is the best teacher. Oh, how difficult it is as a parent to sit and watch this process, but having an incredible God who hears my every prayer made it much easier. This same God is the one who stands with open arms to all who call upon His name. Praise Jesus!

Many times I watch you talking and I can still see your adorable pudgy baby cheeks and those big eyes that seem to take everything in all at once. I close my eyes and think back to 18 years ago in October when you came into our lives. Oh, my heart is filled with thanksgiving! He gave me a beautiful son who has taught me so much about life and myself. You have taught me how to love better. You have taught me how to appreciate all aspects (and genres) of music and I love hearing your fingers move up and down on those guitar necks.

You gave me a gift this birthday. You came home. I pray as we dance through this next season in life, you will lean heavily on the unseen dance partner. The One who wants your whole heart. The One who loves you more than I do. The One who says, "Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you what great and awesome things I can do."

I love you, "Little Joe." Happy Birthday!

My Cubby Turns 18!

Eighteen years ago, a very special boy was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born far away from my home, but God had a plan to place him in my arms. Not in a hospital. In an airport. Not at birth. At 5 weeks old. The labor pains were effortless at that time, but through the years I have felt those birth pangs. My heart is filled with thanksgiving for this little guy...who isn't so little anymore.

My dear "Hoss",

       Here we stand. Eighteen years old. How fast these years have gone! There are some days I miss my cubby who stood on the table singing his ABC's from the top of his lungs or my little bear who pretended to fish from his daddy's little john boat in the back yard. As I watched you play football this last year of school, I couldn't help but remember you at 2 years old playing football in your little bear undies in the living room. Yup, that was a perfect spiral you threw. Ha! The video plays back in my head so often of those long ago days.

       So much has occurred! So much pain and heartache for you and us, as well as your birth mom. I can only imagine how her thoughts run a muck at this time of year. I know yours probably do too. I don't discount all these feelings and unsure thoughts.

       But I also know and am positively sure that God has planned these events in your life. My heart is filled with gratitude for the decision she made. When you were placed in my arms, I finally felt the feelings that all mommies do. The feeling of overwhelming love. Love that mirrors our Lord's so well. You have brought so much joy to us over the years. Even though the past five years have been tumultuous, God has restored so much, and I cry with tears of joy.

        You have grown into such a strong man. I pray that you would continue to see that your talents and strength come from your Creator. That He is continuing to form you into the man He desires. Whatever comes your way, look to Him. Trust in Him. Seek Him.

         I love you with all my heart! I am proud to call you son!

ZZZZooooooooooommmm

What?!? It is already October 9th???!!??

I miss you friends. We have been CRAZY BUSY!!!! Since my last post, lots has happened. Mostly day to day stuff, mostly home school stuff.  But in between that we have celebrated "Inger's 7th Happy Gotcha Day and her 9th birthday. We have been crazy football fans cheering on "Little Joe" and "Hoss", as well as hitting the E.R. yesterday with news of a concussion on my biggest boy. He is resting well, but eager to be back playing.

In the midst, of this, I often find myself not doing well prioritizing my time with Jesus. I don't know about any of you, but this is one of the first things to get squeezed out of my schedule. I get my mind going on what needs to be done instead of the most needful thing.

Jesus, lead me and help me. I need You more than anything else. At the times I find myself exhausted from just plain foolishness. Give me the strength to make you my priority, Lord.

These are from "Inger's" Happy Gotcha Day.

Fun football!

Happy 9th birthday, "Inger".

Happy 16th Birthday, Little Joe!

Is this the cutest face, or what?

And this? Oh. My. Goodness.

My handsome little man turns 16 years old today. And he still has a guitar in his hands.

I think back on his story, and God's grace amazes me. May 1st of 1998 we were involved in another woman's life going through the process of adopting her little boy. Her due date was early June, but in mid-May she went into labor. They stopped her labor and we visited her on and off in the hospital anxiously awaiting for this precious bundle. But as time went on we began to realize she was slowly changing her mind. So our last visit, "Mr. Cartwright" looked at me as we went up in the elevator and said, "This is probably the last time we will see her. We've got to share Jesus with her, for her soul is more important than us receiving this gift." So we shared the Gospel with her. And left. Never seeing her again. 

Time went on and we were not sure what the Lord was doing in growing our family until the afternoon of October 14th, 1998. We received a phone call stating there was a little boy in foster care in Pensacola, Florida, who needed to be placed in a home in 3 days. On the 17th of October we drove up and picked up our new little son. (We laugh now, because as they turned his carseat around and we saw him for the first time, we thought he was a girl. His afro was so big.)

Then we found out his birthday. May 1st.

We realized as we had been going through the grieving process of the failed adoption another little boy had been born many miles away who would become our son. God's faithfulness shines through again. He never fails. us.

"Little Joe", we are blessed to be your parents. God has used you in amazing ways to change us and grow us. He has amazing plans for your life. You have been blessed with so many talents and abilities. Use them solely for His glory, and His glory alone. Happy 16th birthday!

A Special 16th Birthday

Dear "Hoss",

Today is your 16th birthday. How I wish I could do more than just talk to you over some wires, but this is where we are. This is where God has us. This is the path, we say, "I trust Your plan, Father." My thoughts are going in many directions today. 

I think back on the day you were born. I hadn't seen you or held you, but I knew you had breathed air for the first time. You were being held by another. One who loved you and one who struggled in life. One who didn't have a Heavenly Father to guide her in dark paths. One who had no direction and felt hopeless. One who I am thankful to every day. One who I can guess is thinking of you today, too.

Five weeks later, you were place in my arms, a whopping 13 lbs. My first time at being a Mommy, without knowing the feelings of life giving birth, but knowing the feelings of a full and complete heart. My heart swelled at the love God placed in it for you, Little Bear. (I know you don't fit this description very well anymore, but you will always be my Little Bear.) You spoiled me rotten, sleeping the very first night for 12 hours, and every night after that. You talked and cooed at just 8 weeks, once so loud that while I was on the phone with Auntie Jen, she couldn't hear me. As you grew, and I mean grew, the bond we shared was like nothing I had every experienced. You were thoughtful, kind, generous and so loving from a very young age. Your prayers to God were so amazing. You thought through so much at such a young age.

 I remember well the night you asked us why you looked so different from us...a mere three years old. I, also, remember well your response as we told you about adoption. You became sad. I asked you why you were sad. You said, "I'm sad because I wasn't born in your tummy." I knew at that instant we were Mommy and Son. 

I still know this. You have grown into a handsome young man. You have so many talents and abilities that God has given you. The path we have tread for 3 years now is not the one I would have chosen for you, but I am confident of this: God has you on this path. He is turning ashes in beauty. He is turning pain into joy. He is molding your heart in areas I could never mold. He WILL use this uncomfortable season for His glory. 

Son, I love you. My heart still swells with pride and joy for you. You are my first-born from my heart. You have taught me so much as a mom that I could never learn otherwise. You are my cubby-bear, and will always be.

Happy 7th Birthday, My Little Sweetie!

Dear Bug-Catching, Nature-Walking, Animal-Loving "Inger",

Today is your 7th birthday. You have just about busted out of your seams all week waiting for this day. That's one of the many things I love about you. You are so excitable and your enthusiasm is contagious. You love life. You love God's creation. You make me laugh by all your little sayings and doings. God has given you incredible talents that, I pray, you never take for granted or forget about.

I am so thankful that Jesus placed you in our home 5 years ago. You are a gift from God. He knew this family needed you when he brought us together.

Our prayer for you is to grow up in all aspects. You are a beautiful young lady on the inside at out. But remember, the beauty in your heart and soul is so much more important than the beauty of your person and body. We pray that your love for Jesus will become so strong that it infects all of those around you. We pray that the world will see Jesus in you.

Aim your affection toward Him and He will be all you need.

We love you, silly goose!

Pictures of the Princess Party

Our Princess is 13 today

We've made it. My daughter, who is one of the most precious treasures ever given to me, turns 13 today.

She has grown in amazing ways, but most importantly, her heart is aimed to Jesus, and for this I am thankful.

Today we are celebrating with a Princess Tea. "Marie" and I have been taking in the book, The Princess and the Kiss. We have been using the study guide that goes along with it, and have had some rich discussions. (Those of you with Tweens, ages 8-12, I heartily encourage this book.)

Her cousins and aunts will be joining us later today. We will celebrate her near approach of womanhood. I have come to know the truth behind the importance of character over knowledge. You see, my beautiful "Marie" has so many hidden struggles, yet who she is on the inside radiates all around her. I am so thankful for her.

And later today, she is getting this. SSSHHHHH!!! Don't tell!

P.S. I will post pictures later from our special day.

Birthday Wishes for a Special Young Man

He is 15 today.


I've dreamed of this day. Always thought I'd be with him, but life happens. Thankfully God is the guardian and guide of this life.


Dear "Hoss",
Another year has passed and we find ourselves apart again. I have so many memories, son, of such good times. Of love, affection and your little arms around my neck. I am so thankful for these memories. But you certainly are growing up. The struggles you have as a 15 year old, 6'1", ***lbs young man are struggles others have gone through. So many others. Dad and I continue to hear those stories. But we are confident God is using these hard times to mold you and grow you to be used in a mighty way for Him in the future. The last 3 years have been so hard, but in comparison to eternity they are a drop in the bucket.


Our prayer for you is complete surrender to your Heavenly Father who loves you with an everlasting love. He has plucked you out and called you by name. He has given you to us as a "Cartwright" for a very specific reason. I am trusting you will come to know this reason and place full faith in your Creator.


We leave in the morning to see you. A Christmas we are bound to never forget. New traditions of the Advent. Just so thankful for be able to put my arms around you. Eight months seems like an eternity.


We love you so much, "Hoss".


And I know deep down inside you know this.

Happy 6th Birthday, Inger!

 Happy Birthday, our sweet little nature lover. You bring such joy to our home and lives. Everyday we thank God for the gift He has given us. You are such a beautiful little girl, with a precious heart for God's creation. Our prayer is that your heart will desire to know God, the Creator of all the things you love. He made you and loves you. Happy 6th Birthday.

Our New Addition

Treasure was his name and soccer is his game. "Inger's" birthday is Tuesday and we celebrated with a frog party yesterday. Saturday we went to pick up the gift that "Little Joe" surprised her with. Thanks to our Lakeland friends for supplying him for us.

Ginger is his name now, but we are not sure of the gender of this cute little bird yet. He has so much personality. He plays with his toys all morning and seems to be carrying on a conversation with someone.

You will notice the trepidation in "Inger's" face as Ginger makes the walk up her arm.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Another birthday has passed here on earth while you are celebrating eternal life. To be honest, Mom, I'm a little jealous. I sure do miss you and wish I had another birthday to hug and kiss you. Last night I dreamed about you. I can still see you as if you were just over yesterday. I see every beautiful line in your face and hear your voice. There are times I still think you ARE here and this is all a dream. But I know it is not.

If you can see me and hear my heart, please pray for your oldest Puebla grandson. He is hurting. Remember, the verse you gave me before you went "home"? Well, I made it into a pillow to give to "Hoss" when he was home at Christmas.

Did you know that while he was gone last year at the Ranch he told me the Lord gave his that same verse as his life verse. Now, I don't believe that was a coincidence! God is working. I will not give up on him either.

The One who you are with right now is the One who holds my precious oldest in His hands.

I miss you mom. I love you. I will see you one day.

Give My Savior a hug and tell him how much I love Him, too.

Our Newest Teenager

I hate that word. Teenager....

He is a young man.

"Little Joe" turned 13 today. He is a joy and it is a privilege to be his Momma.

L-Light Hearted; bringing joy to all around him

I- Incredible; in MANY ways

T-Trustworthy; He always follows through on what he says

T-Totally cool; This is a word he would be proud for me to use.

L-Loving; I have enjoyed hearing from his heart in our journal we correspond with.

E-Easy; to be around

J-Jolly; he is always making me laugh

O-Observant; he's the one with the photographic memory

E-Eager to help; does any task to his fullest ability

We love you, "Little Joe".

Happy 13th birthday.

Weekend for the Weak...Hoping For Refreshment

My birthday is tomorrow and my hubby is taking me here.

We are praying for a refreshing weekend worshipping with one of the greatest worship leaders of all time.

And I must not forget being with my favorite person.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

My oldest treasure turns 14 today.

He is missed, but I have a little secret that I will divulge tomorrow!

So for now, we are apart, and this is my heart's prayer.



Dear "Hoss",

Happy Birthday! You are growing (and I mean growing) into a strong man. May your strength not come from your size, but from your Creator.

Your mind is a powerful thing. Your God wants all of it. He desires you be transformed by the renewing of it by His Word.

May your spirit be immeasurably full of His. May He guide you and direct every step. Trust in Him and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He promises to be your light and life. (Prov. 3:5,6)

May your actions be a testimony to the One who fills you. May your hands reach out to the less fortunate in soul to reach them for the Gospel. May your words speak life, not death.




May your eyes only see that which brings Him glory. Aim high to Him. Guard yourself by His Word.





I love you, son. You are mine forever.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I have a very special man in my life....other than "Mr. Cartwright".

This man has been a strong example of Godliness. He has had the privilege and challenge of raising me. He has been through much this year and He has remained strong and steadfast in His love for the Lord.

Dad, Thank you for all you have done in my life. I am who I am because of the Lord's work in your life. You have mirrored my Heavenly Father so well as you raised me to love the Lord. I love you and am so grateful to have a Father like you.

Happy Birthday, "Inger"!

Our sweet little "Inger" turns five years old today. This year my dumplin' has gone through much for her short, little life. Our prayer is that all the Lord has graciously allowed to happen will turn her sinful heart to the Lord. There is no prayer prayed more often than that of salvation for our little flock.

"Inger" has grown into a beautiful little munchkin'. She takes school (Kindergarten) very seriously, and every morning continually asks me, "Is it time for school, yet?" She is learning her letters, sight words and early math concepts. We read Catherine Vos' Story Bible together, and very frequently I am interrupted with, "Momma, there's a 'to' or 'the'". Unfortunately, if things arise to throw our day off kilter, her school is the first to go. But, she will always be quick to willingly do school at anytime of day or night. Boy, do I know this won't last forever, so I joyfully embrace her enthusiasm.

She is a huge fan of the bug population, including animals as well. But, bugs are definitely her love. I have been told amazing facts that she has remembered from days gone by about mosquitoes, bees, ants, etc. Just the other day, she came running to me and was elated. "Mommy, come see the spider in our window. She is guarding her egg sac." Sure enough, much to my chagrin (I do have webs in my screens!!), there was a momma spider doing exactly that thing.

"Inger" brings showers of joy to the Ponderosa. She is a special gift from God.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Little Princess

"Inger" with her best bud.