It's Official! She's Ours!

Well the six months have come and gone. Today was our court date to make things official. Macy is now ours for good!!! Yeah! We can definitely call her an Hebert now. It started out being a crazy morning with the weather. Schools were opening two hours late and I wasn't sure if we would still be in court today but everything went well and smooth. I will have to say, from what I have heard about other adoptions this was the fastest and easiest one by far. Macy is the best baby ever. She is the most calm and laid back baby I've had. She has slept through the night since she was one week old, sat up alone at four months and is now crawling at six months and eating real food. I hope Macy knows how loved she is and how blessed we are to have her in our lives. Macy we love you very much and are proud to call you our daughter!



This is the judge that made it all official.



After court we walked across the street to Pucketts for a celebration breakfast. Several of our friends joined us there. Thanks guys for being there! I know what kind of day it was and you were all able to put your errands on hold for a few hours to be with us and let us know that you all really care. Thanks again, that means the world to me.



This is Macy during most of the breakfast. One day she will know how special and loved she is by everyone but for now she'll just try and get some sleep.



This is Jason and our attorney Ned. He did a wonderful job and we appreciate all the hard work he did. He definitely went above and beyond anything that he had to do for us. Thanks for everything.



Here is a picture of my sweet friend Laura and her baby that is Macy's age. I know they will be great friends.



This is a picture of my dear friend Kristi with Macy. Macy may actually grow up a little confused by thinking that she has two mothers since when we are together Kristi just loves to hold and love on her. I think she is actually just positioning herself to one day become Macy's mother in law. Kristi thanks for coming out in the freezing icy rain to help make this special day even more special.

Our Sweet Angels Birthday

Today is our sweet Mary Owen's 5th birthday. I know she is in Heaven right now having a party but I am so sad I'm not planning one for her. It has been 3 years since we lost her but it seems just like it was yesterday. I don't have the words to describe how much I miss her. I think about her all the time and my heart aches to hold her. My parents were here this weekend and we started out the day going to the grave and decorating a Christmas tree for her. This is something we've done every year then we send balloon up to Heaven for her. Madison wanted to send a family picture and a letter to her so we tied it to the balloons and watched it fly up in the air. We have great friends who always make sure we are not alone on these special days so we went over to their house for dinner. Thanks for making this day a little better.


If tears could build a stairway,
And memories were a lane.
I would walk right up to heaven,
To bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye.
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knows why.

My heart still aches in sadness,
And secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.

You and angels around Gods happy throne,
I would have held you closer if I had known.

Happy Birthday sweetheart. We all love you and miss you very much.

How Would Jesus Want Us To Celebrate Christmas?

This video really makes you stop and think about how crazy we all get with getting and giving gifts and then you watch this video and you feel dumb when there are people in this world that just need water or food. I hope this makes you stop and think again about the true meaning of Christmas.

*** To hear the sound with this video you will need to make sure that your speakers are on and will also need to press pause on our music player down on the left hand side of our page prior to pressing play so that you can really enjoy it.

The Real Grizwald!

This is a great video, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I think it brings out the Christmas spirit (or kid) in us all. You will need to press pause on our music player down on the left hand side of our page prior to pressing play so that you can really enjoy it.

Basketball Star!

She may look like a Pro Player but this is the first time Madison has played in a basketball game!

This is Madison running the court with her good friend Rebecca.

Husting for the loose ball.

Making the attack plan.

Here we go again!

How we spent our Fall Season.

The kids working on their Jack O Lanterns.

Lots of work but tons of fun.

I may have really huge feet but I am really-really cute!

I'll take these two Mom.

Introducing Iron Man, The Astronaut, Monster Girl and Puppy Dog.

Two Sweeties with lots of Sweets!

The Kid Crew - Madelyn, Macy, Maddox, Abigail, Morgan and Madison.

The girls spending some time with Flat Stanley.

This tent is for kids only!

Morgan, Maddox and Abigail having some fun with their Gran.

Sweet Abigail's 2nd birthday!

Another Amazing Story!

I was at Kristi's house Thursday but had to leave early so I didn't get to hear all of her story. The short time I was there she was such an inspiration to me that I wanted to get her message out to all of you. I have borrowed a dear friends post to tell her story. I could not have said it any better.


Let me introduce you to Katie. She is a 19 year old passionate girl from Brentwood, TN who has spent the last amazing year of her life in Uganda caring for hundreds of precious children. She went on a whim and a call from God last year after she graduated from high school. She not only teaches school to 150 kids, she has 10 kids in her home in Uganda that call her "mommy". She is home in the US for a few months before she heads back to her children and her life there. She has seen first hand the impact that Christ,food,love, school, and education has made in these kids lives. Now, as she is back home for this short time, a few of us are coming together to help her reach her goal for these kids. She has quickly realized that she can't do this alone. She needs people here to sponsor these children. She has 150 kids and has 44 of them sponsored for the next year. Visit Katies Blog and get inspired. Her stories are amazing and inspiring. Contact her to see how you can personally sponsor one of these precious children.


Gwen O (with her new interem care baby), Katie, Kelly


Katie at our get together today talking of her experiences in Uganda. She told one story of a 4 year old, 20 pound little girl that was left to die from Malaria because her family thought she was cursed. When Katie found her she immediately took her to the Dr who said she would not make it through the night. She had 107 degree fever and was dieing. Katie said she has never known what it was like until then to "Pray without ceacing". She prayed for that little girl all night long as she lay beside her in her bed. She would wipe her head off with a cool rag throughout the night and pray some more. Well this little 19 year old, with a miracle from the Lord, nursed this baby that was left for dead back to health. When she tried to return the healthy child back to her family they were furious with Katie for trying to return a "cursed" child. As she and the child both left in tears, that was all she needed to hear and she took that child home with her and Katie had her newest child that now called her "mommy".Stories like Katies as well as the stories of adoption that have come from these amazing women that God has placed in my life just keep me so in awe of God and all His wonder and Blessings.


This is baby Macy for those of you who remember me posting of her amazing story several months ago. I just absolutely love this child. God let me cross paths with her birth mother who was going to leave Macy in the hospital and then walk away. This mother intrusted me enough to let me lead her to this child's family that God planned for her from the beginning of time. God spared this beautiful, sweet little miracle from ending up in the system that thousands of babies end up in each year and just get lost in the shuffle. All because two people crossed paths.


Macy and her mom, Angie.


Of course, I had to sneak a pic with her.


Picture, courtesy of Nathan.


Suzanne,(holding one of hers) who has 4 biological kids and two domestically adopted children.


Tracy, with Levi who is from Ethiopia. She is wanting to go back for more.


Many thanks to Kristi for hosting a fantastic morning get together. Nathan had a blast running around with his cousin, Hal. Let me give you a quick run down of some of these amazing women in this picture. Kristi (has 4 bio kids and is adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia) Charlene (has 3 bio kids and is waiting for her baby girl from china), Tracy(has 2 bio kids, 1 from ET and is going back for more),Katie(has 10 kids in Uganda that call her mom),Gwen (has 2 bio, 2 girls from China, and is going to ET for 2 more),Suzanne(has 4 bio kids, and 2 domestic adopted boys),me(my 5 bio and 1 from ET). I love all these women because we are all alike. None of us are super moms, none of us have it all together, none of us went into this knowing anything about adoption or what God was calling us to. We all can say the words "I was scared", "I've thought about adoption" and we all can say, I said "YES" to it. Is it life changing....Yes. Many lives changed for the better. Is it a step of faith.....Yes. But thank God we only have to take the first step and He carries us the rest of the way.

Our Gatlinburg Getaway!

Never Tell was the name of the beautiful cabin we rented this past weekend in Gatlinburg TN.












This was Madison holding a bird at the Christmas Village and below is a picture of all of us.

We went to a place called Kid Country which was lots of fun. It had lots of kiddie rides that were perfect for our kids.







You can't tell but Jason and Madison are on this go cart . They had lots of fun going fast around the track. In fact they started in the last position and passed everyone to take first place. Morgan was going to go but decided he would wait until next time.



Madison and Morgan in the big red tub that was in our cabin. They both saw it and could not wait to climb in. Maddox got in but then decided he wanted out.







The arcade game was the most fun. We all enjoyed playing these old games.

We all had so much fun on our fall break. The weather was cool and it was a relaxing family time away from home. Now its back to school and our normal routine of life.

Making Pumpkin Playdough!

Tonight we decided to make pumpkin playdough. Madison had been asking me to make some and I thought now would be a good time. We made it last year but I think Morgan really enjoyed it this year. I love the smell of it and I hope they will have fond memories of us making this every fall.

They both took turns putting all the ingredients in and then watching it take shape.

They loved kneeding the dough and putting their fingers all in it.



Here is the finished product. It last forever and Madison loves giving some to all of her friends. Here is the recipe if you want it.

5 1/2 cups flour

2 cups salt

8 teaspoons cream of tarter

3/4 cup oil

1 container of pumpkin pie spice ( 1 1/2 ounces)

orange food coloring (2 parts yellow & 1 part red)

4 cups water

mix all ingredients together. Cook and stir over medium heat until lumps disappear and begins to pull away from pan. Kneed dough on floured surface until smooth. Store in airtight container.

I hope you all enjoy this and happy fall.

Our Anniversary!

October 9, 2000

8 Years and Loving It!

Happy Birthday to Me !!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a great day. I first met my friends Julie and Kristi and all of our children at the park to play. It was a beautiful day, I love that my birthday is in the fall as it is my favorite season. We then went to eat at McDougals and sat outside. Everyone had lots of fun.

I see lots of pictures of Julia holding Macy but I think this might be my favorite. Macy loves Julia and can't wait to be friends with Lucy.

When i got home from lunch Jason my wonderful husband had these beautiful flowers and the sweetest card for me. He knows I love fall flowers. Thanks honey I love them!

We then met our good friends the Johnson's and the Joyner's out in downtown Franklin at the Mellow Mushroom for dinner. I love going to downtown Franklin.It is a very cool place to go and shop and hang out.

Here we are after dinner in the square having delicious cupcakes form the new gourmet cupcakery that just opened up downtown. They were wonderful and we all enjoyed them. Thanks to you all for making my day so special.It was truly a great day.

Maddox's First Birthday!

We are happy to announce that our sweet baby is now a one year old! He had a great party with his family and friends by his side. Maddox celebrated his birthday by walking which was the earliest of any of our children. He is moving so fast these days. There is no stopping him now!

Hey this thing looks pretty cool!

Lets say a little blessing everyone!


Using my good manners!

Forget the manners! This stuff is good!

Got Milk?

2040 World Summit!

I wonder if Maddox would notice if I took one of his new toys on long term loan?

Birthday Party and American Girls

This weekend we went to Atlanta to my niece's 6th birthday party. Happy Birthday Madelyn! My parents and grandmother were there and we all had a wonderful time. It was good to see my family I've missed seeing you all. Madelyn had a backyard birthday bash which was so much fun.

This is my niece on her 6th birthday. We love you.

Here is Morgan with his Hannah Montana party toy.

This is my sweet grandmother holding Macy. This is the first time they have gotten to see each other.

Here I am holding my adorable niece Abigail and my cutie Macy.

I just had to put this picture of my baby boy Maddox.


This is my dad (Grandaddy) with Maddox and Abigail.

Morgan (2) and Abigail (21mo) are at the perfect age for playing together and love being cousins and hanging out together. We left them at home with the daddies and all the big girls went to the American Girl Store for dinner and to pick out dolls and accessories.

Here we are having more birthday cake to the American Girl Store.

Here is where you take your doll to have her hair done, we had to wait a while because there were lots of dolls in line to have their hair done.

And finally after many, many hours we were on our way home. We had a wonderful weekend and tons of fun. Thanks for having us and I know we will never be able to come back without a trip to the American Girl Store.

Back to School!!!

Madison started back to school this week. This was good for her because she was getting bored. It makes me sad because I miss her around here. Morgan keeps asking me why sissy had to go to school. I think he will be excited to go back to the day-school again this year. We haven't done much around here, I have been trying to get my house organized again (cleaning out my closet's) and we had dinner with my good friend Kristi last night. She made chicken and dumplings and tons of sides. Her food is so good. I love it every time we get to go over there. Thanks for having us.

Bringing Home Macy!

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."(Proverbs 24:12)

We are proud to introduce Macy Dubreuil Hebert to the world! This journey started for us a few years ago. We both had the feeling that if we were ever in position to save the life of a child we would do so wholeheartedly and without reservation. We feel that God's plan for us is very simple. He wants us to honor him, love each other and share the many gifts he has given to us with those who are less fortunate. We spent a great deal of time praying for God to lead us in the right direction. We knew that if we were faithful and willing to lay our lives directly in his hands he would show us our path.

A couple of months back we both started feeling like something big was coming for us. We could not have been more surprised the day a friend called us and said that she knew of a child that was going to be born shortly and was desperately in need of good parents. We spent that night talking and praying. It was very clear that this was the sign we had been waiting for. It almost seemed as though God had placed our fifth child directly on our doorstep.

There were several hurdles that we had to overcome during the process of bringing Macy home but I can tell you that seeing the smile on this little girls face when you hold her makes all of those hurdles seem insignificant. We feel strongly that when God calls on you to act you do so without question. God gives us all the ability to embrace him by sharing the love and grace that he rains down upon us each day. We cherish the fact the he chose us for this wonderful opportunity. He knows that we will give her the unconditional love that she deserves. Our children adore her and already treat her as their own. We could not be more fortunate to have her in our lives. Thank you God for this new blessing!

Blessings, Fear and Tragedy

My name is Jason. My wife Angie and I live with our beautiful family in Tennessee. If you have read the “Our Story” section of this blog you will see that we have five children. We are a family that is completely rooted in our faith in God. While we feel that we are extremely blessed we have also endured more pain in the past few years than should be humanly possible. Through it all we have held together. This blog will tell our story.

On Tuesday July 26th 2005 the greatest fear that my family could ever have came true. My wife Angie who was eight weeks pregnant had taken our two daughters Mary Owen (Nineteen Months Old) and Madison (Four Years Old) to a play at a friend’s home with their two daughters. Our children were all happily playing together when Mary Owen collapsed. She was not breathing or responsive to the screams of my wife. An ambulance was called and arrived on the scene within minutes. Noticing the critical nature of my daughter’s situation they rushed her to Vanderbilt Children's hospital in Nashville Tennessee.

I received a call at about 1:30 pm from the friend telling me what had happened to my baby girl. They told me that the ambulance was in route to the hospital and that I needed to get there as fast as I could. Upon my arrival at the hospital I found my wife standing beside our daughters still body. Doctors and emergency room staff were racing around in an attempt to resuscitate and save our little girl.

Initial tests suggested that there was bleeding within Mary Owens brain. Over the next several hours the doctors and staff attempted to relieve the pressure in our daughter’s brain that was caused by the bleeding. They were unable to save her. On Wednesday July 27, 2005 with family by our side we held Mary Owen in our arms while she went on to be with God.

This earth shattering event could have been prevented. The ruptured blood vessel or AVM (Arterioveneous Malformation) was caused by a condition called HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia). This is a hereditary condition that also afflicts my wife, daughter Madison, son Maddox, mother in law and sister in law.

My wife was treated for this condition during her pregnancy with Mary Owen. She had an abnormal blood vessel in her lung that was treated and cured. We had our four year old daughter Madison screened for this condition in 2004. The screening found that she had a 16 centimeter abnormal blood vessel in her brain. This was a sizable AVM that would require surgery to reverse. Mary Owen had been screened back in December of 2004 and the findings were the same. Mary Owen had a 6 centimeter abnormal blood vessel in her brain. We were told by our doctor that the size of Mary Owen’s AVM was insignificant and that they only recommend treatment for abnormal blood vessels that were greater than 12 centimeters in size. We were relieved to hear this news. We thought at that time that we would only have to focus our efforts on treating our older daughter Madison.

For Madison’s treatment we were referred to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto Canada. We had been working with the hospital and our insurance company for the last several months in an attempt to get care for Madison. We were initially told by our doctors that there was no need to rush into Madison’s treatment. They said that we had plenty of time to set up her care. These are the same doctors that told us that Mary Owen would not need any care for her AVM. They were wrong, and now she’s no longer here with us. We knew that we needed to expedite Madison’s care while also being careful with her emotional well being as she had watched as her baby sister collapse. We were not sure how to explain to her that she would need care for a similar condition.

We knew with Mary Owen’s passing we had no time to spare in getting Madison to Toronto for her operation. We had people all over the world praying for our daughter. Angie and I were an absolute wreck. We told Madison that we were going to Toronto to take her on a trip to Niagara Falls. So that she would not be scared by going to the hospital I also told her that we were going to visit a doctor friend of mine while we were there and that he had some really cool band aids that he could put on her knee which she had recently skinned up in our driveway. I did not want to lie to her but I felt that I had no other choice.

When we arrived at the hospital we were greeted by our doctor. As I had already talked to him about the story I told Madison he immediately talked to her about the boo boo on her knee. They then gave her some medicine that would make her go to sleep in preparation for the surgery. A feeling of complete terror washed over us as they wheeled her away. Even the fact that she was in the care of the best doctor in the world for this type of procedure was of little comfort. We started praying and pacing. Then suddenly I realized that I had not brought the cool band aids that I had bought to put on her knee in the recovery room with me. I thought “How could you forget them”? I was thinking totally irrationally. I told Angie that I needed to run down to the gift shop to get some so that Madison would not know that I had not been truthful with her. Angie told me that I was acting crazy but I still left to hunt for them.

The band aids were very hard to find. Once I had them in hand I raced back to the elevator to go back up to the floor where Madison was having her surgery. Just as I got to the elevator Angie walked out. Her eyes were filled with tears. I was stopped in my tracks and stricken with fear. I heard her tell me “She’s Gone”. I panicked and felt like I was going to faint. Noticing that something was very wrong with me she grabbed me and asked me if I was ok. She looked me straight in the eyes and repeated what she initially said to me except this time I realized that she did not say “She’s Gone” she said “It’s Gone”. I asked her to explain what she was talking about. She said that the doctors had started the procedure but stopped when they noticed that Madison’s AVM was gone. We raced upstairs and the doctor and his assistant took us in a room to talk. He looked shocked. He told me that in all his years of practicing medicine he had never seen anything like this before. The AVM that was so great in size was completely gone. He said it actually looked like there was never one there even though all of the tests and imaging had conclusively confirmed that there was. I knew right then that we had received a miracle from God. God had healed our sweet Madison. There is great power in prayer and we have seen that power first hand.

Three years have passed since all of this has happened. Madison is doing great. We have since been blessed to add our sons Morgan and Maddox and soon to be adopted daughter Macy to our ever growing family. Even with all of these blessings around us we have still had a very difficult time dealing with the fact that she is not here but we know that we will all be with Mary Owen again. Until that day we will take care of one another making sure that we are humble, thankful and faithful for the amazing blessings that we have received. This is Our Place of Grace…