Layers of Life...

After school {snack}

2012-02-09T17:08:00.001-06:00

We I am not usually a healthy eating snacky type of person.

I should be.

I am working on it....

But, my Littles...

They seem to naturally gravitate towards healthy food choices.

Hmmmm......

This is what they desire for an after school snack:

Yep.

That's right.

Pickles and tomatoes.

Definitely NOT my choice.

I am more of a chip & dip gal....but, I digress.

These two munchkins......

are lovin' these here snack-a-roos!

Shea prefers pickles.

Whereas, Avery prefers "baby" tomatoes.

Oh, the sweet joy of it all!

My healthy snack eating girls.

Perhaps I should follow their example. (?)

Wordless Wednesday {doing the big sister thing}

2012-02-01T11:47:00.000-06:00

Flashback Friday

2012-01-27T16:59:00.001-06:00

I use to do this 'Flashback Friday' quite a bit.....

Can't even remember whose blog initiated this fun event?????

My {big} kids would say it's my age. lol

I think I am just forgetful, right?

Anywho......

Drew and Faith 'found' some pictures of the littles on their phones the other day.

Made me smile.

Big time.

So, I thought I would share.

(Now remember these pictures are from my kids' phones.)

This was taken just days after Avery came home at the end of January 2010.

Apparently eating french fries can be quite exhausting.
(circa early spring of 2011)

Loving on each other.
(circa late spring 2010)

It would be fun if some of y'all share your own Friday Flashback.

Come on now, it's fun walking down memory lane. :)

Won't you join me?

Update: {Somebody} is definitely Not happy

2012-01-26T11:24:00.000-06:00

Finally got the results from Shea's sleep study.

And now {somebody} has a much better attitude.

Good news:
Shea does not have obstructive sleep apnea. The mid face advancement surgery will therefore not occur for a while.

Bad news:
Shea still gets up several times every.single.night.

My mommy instinct tells me she is checking up on me.....making sure I am still 'here' in my bed.

This routine has been going on for years....like about five! ha!

Shea has never been a good sleeper right from the very beginning.

I *think* this began on the day she traveled to Civil Affairs office in Chengdu from her 'home'town.

She had a quite a long ride.....several hours.

I am imagining that she fell asleep on this ride, and when she woke up, she noticed (understatement) that her whole world had changed.

Sleeping, napping has ALWAYS been an issue from day one.

Maybe I 'fishing in air' with this amateur assessment....

BUT!

Anyone who knows Shea knows she is INTENSE.

And!

She doesn't forgot anything.

Even though she was on 26 months when we adopted her.....

Somewhere is her soul, deeply buried, is the trauma she experienced on the day when we met five years ago.

Oh my Shea.

My sweet, sweet Shea.

She is so brave.

So strong.

So loving.

So sensitive.

We will walk through this 'sleep' thing together.

Day by day.

Night by night.

I will love her intensely......completely.

Hopefully,

Eventually,

She will know that I am going absolutely no where.

No way.

No how.

I am here to stay.

No matter what!!!!

Sunday Snapshot {Avery Ever After}

2012-01-23T16:26:00.000-06:00

Two years ago, this lovely little girl entered our lives.

She has completely enchanted us.

We are unabashedly in love with this child.

She is sweet and very sensitive.

Loving and a tad bit bossy.

She is pure delight!

Happy Adoption Day, my dear one!

You are our Avery Ever After.....Forever!

{Somebody} is definitely NOT happy.

2012-01-13T09:42:00.001-06:00

Shea.

Who is deep in thought about her upcoming sleep study.

Which may lead to a major surgery....to open her breathing path.

We *think* she had obstructive sleep apnea.

If this is the case, she will have procedure called: mid-face expansion. A polite way of saying that her upper jaw will be broken and moved forward.

For a while.

A long while.

Shea simply doesn't sleep well.

Like years! For real.

We need this precious little girl to get her sleep!

(and me, too)

So, her anger.

Her fear.

Her frustration.

All really stems to the fact that my darling child was born with a pretty severe cleft palate and lip.

She doesn't understand why.

She doesn't like looking a little different.

She is old enough to realize that surgery IS.NOT.FUN.

Obviously she doesn't 'see' the big picture.

Someday she will.

She says she doesn't want all those stickers and electrodes on her head.

And the wires, well that is just plain annoying.

But, in her most vulnerable moments....

She asks if {this} is the reason.

The reason her China mama couldn't keep her.

Be still my heart.

{Her} new smile.

2012-01-11T14:06:00.001-06:00

My sweet Avery has always had the cutest little smile. (IMHO)

Her smile has always made me smile.

And usually entices practically everyone to smile right back at her.

For a couple of weeks she has had o-n-e wiggly little tooth.

FINALLY, it came out on Sunday night right before I tucked her into bed.

It was copiously 'sitting' on her gum.....just hanging.....waiting to fall out. I was afraid she was going to swallow it during the night. Yikes!

It just needed some help.

I was the so called 'help'! ha!

I barely touched it, and out it fell.

Avery pretty much freaked out.

There was a tad bit of blood.....even a drop gets her into a panic.

Poor baby.

Loosing that first tooth can be quite traumatic, right?

However, once I showed her how stinkin' cute her little tooth was and gave her a big drink of water, she recovered just fine.

She woke up to some cash-ola under her pillow, which made her slightly giddy.

Plus, now she is sporting a brand new, totally enchanting smile.

And YES, I still have my Christmas decorations up!!! :)

Sunday Snaphot: {a Christmas gift/thank you letter}

2012-01-09T16:27:00.003-06:00

This past Christmas my husband's brother and sister came up with a very special and unique gift for Shea and Avery.....

A family ride in a horse drawn wagon!

Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

What was really great about this gift is that we all benefited from it~!

It was a great opportunity for us to hang out together and create some amazing memories....

Dear Auntie Ann, Uncle Dave, Aunt Lori, and Uncle Tom,

Our Christmas present was so much fun! Thank you! It is a day we will always remember.

Like feeding the goats, it was a blast. :)

The wagon ride was completely enjoyable. The sun was shining, the ride through the forest was so pretty, and the laughter and chit chat were comforting.

And, the horses, oh my!

How we loved the horses!!!

They were so sweet and gentle. They were so big! We would love some of our own. (Mom says that will only happen in our dreams.)

Afterwards in the warm and cozy lodge, we loved drinking hot chocolate and munching on cookies and apples. It was the perfect way to end our morning together.

We definitely enjoyed mingling with our cousins....

and getting in some snuggle time with the uncles.

Thank you Auntie Ann and Uncle Dave....

Aunt Lori and Uncle Tommy....

for a simply marvelous and spectacular Christmas present!

It was one of our best days ever!

We love you all so much,

Shea and Avery

Make sure you get a chance to check out the other Sunday Snapshots:

Wordless Wednesday {bowling and eating}

2012-01-04T11:15:00.001-06:00

(more to come in this week's Sunday snapshot)

Sunday Snapshot {Happy New Year with a little Christmas}

2012-01-02T22:46:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!
(Is it really 2012???)

Our Christmas was simply lovely!

We all enjoyed ourselves immensely, and I feel so blessed.

Here is a quick synopsis of Christmas 2011:

A little food....

with some present opening...

equals happy results on Christmas Eve...

(as well as Christmas morning)

Can't forget about the'big kids'...

or the Christmas stockings, right?

And definitely can't forget about the doggies!

Hope y'all had a lovely Christmas with many memories and blessings!

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T16:26:00.000-06:00

The reason for the season:

And this:
A special family tradition of remembering whose birth we are celebrating today!

Hope y'all had a wonderful and a truly Merry Christmas!!

My 'Ugly' Christmas Decoration!

2011-12-20T10:11:00.000-06:00

We all have one, right?

One that others (like husbands) wonder why in the world a particular (perhaps ugly) Christmas decoration is even still around.

Well, here is my beloved, maybe somewhat 'ugly' Christmas decoration:

Truthfully I don't think my snowman is that ugly?

Do you?

He does have a cute-ish face....

Maybe he does looks a little "Tim Burton-ish, Nightmare Before Christmas"?

Maybe?

I won him at a dinner auction several years ago.

I have no idea what my bid was.....

But still, I.won.him.

Last year, I put him on my front porch. My husband was concerned that my snowman would frighten the neighbors, mail man, UPS guy, stray dogs....

Really?

He is quirky.

He is smiling.

I like different.

(my snowman that is, I am totally NOT referring to my husband. ha!)

This year I kept him inside....for his own safety. Wasn't sure if the husband would 'accidentally' move my snowman.....ummm, let's say to the garbage.

Besides, my Littles like him

And they make Mr. Snowman, Tim Burton-ish, Nightmare Before Christmas, look very sweet and not ugly.

Mr. Snowman, well, you're a keeper!

Just had to.....

2011-12-15T09:21:00.000-06:00

I love this picture of my Littles.....

They are not always this sweet and affectionate towards each other.

When they are?

It just too sweet.

It melts this momma's heart.

Sunday Snapshot {seven years old}

2011-12-11T23:38:00.000-06:00

Really?

How can this little girl of mine already be seven?

Why does it seem as though the years just keep going by more quickly than ever?

This year Shea really, really wanted to have a 'kid' party....

We don't usually have a lot of 'kid' parties, but this year I said yes. :)

We had a pottery party (say that 10 times fast!) at our local clay/art studio.

Fun was had by all! (and it was productive).

Observe:

Pottery selection.

Friends.

Lots of paint brushes!

Intense painting.

Some {yummy} cake.

All add up to one happy girl and one terrific birthday celebration and one really cute unicorn! (to be picked up next week)

Happy Birthday, my precious Shea!

I love you more than words can say!!!!

Join in some other Sunday Snapshot fun here:

Sunday Snapshot {Sledding}

2011-12-05T08:53:00.001-06:00

Today turned out to be a great day for sledding.

This is 'Dad' territory.

I take pictures and provide the hot chocolate.

They do the outside stuff!

And they have a blast!

Going down the hill (in our backyard).

Climbing back up the hill....

Falling....

All better!

Up the hill again....

Even the dog gets in to the action.

Look at Bretta go!!

Up and down....

Resting.....

(or being sassy)

A good day had by all!

Join in the 'Sunday Snapshot' fun!!

Wordless Wednesday {Sweet Sisters!}

2011-11-30T09:13:00.001-06:00

five bucks....

2011-11-22T21:45:00.001-06:00

Can go along way.....

My dear friend Stefanie, and her two friends, Diana and Lisa, have come up with a great way to help orphans in China!

Really!!

It's so easy and well, very affordable.

Five bucks, baby!!!

That's it!

Five one dollar bills.

To.
Help.
Orphans.
In.
China.

How? You ask.

Starting on on Friday, November 25 and running through December 23, each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Stefanie, Diana, and Lisa (nihaoyall.com, 1diamond1ruby1pearl.blogspot.com, and thelongroadtochina.com, respectively) will highlight an awesome give-away on each of their blogs.

And all you have to do is leave a comment on one of the three blogs and donate five buck-a-roos to be in the running!

You can even choose which organization you would like to donate your Abraham Lincoln.
Stefanie represents An Orphan's Wish. (this one is very near and dear to my heart)
Diana represents Pearl River Outreach
Lisa represents Half the Sky

All of these organizations are wonderful and have done so much to improve the lives of orphans in China.
Your donation will go directly to the charity of your choice. For every five dollars you donate, you will be entered to win the item posted. You can enter multiple times and heck, you can even enter on all three blogs!

Kinda cool.

Kinda a 'win-win'. You get a chance to win something great while at the same time you get a chance to help make a difference in a bunch of kids' lives in China.

I am excited. Are you?

I can hardly wait to see the donations. I hear they are amazing!!!

Mark you calendars.

The fun begins on Friday, November 25th.

Ya don't want to miss it!!!!

Oh yeah, check out the "Spread the Word" give-away here. (You don't want to miss this either.)

(Thanks Stefanie, Diana, and Lisa. Y'all rock!)

Sunday Snapshot {Sunday Football}

2011-11-20T17:59:00.001-06:00

I am not a big football fan.

Gasp!!!

I mean, it is alright.

I have nothing against it.

Heck, I use to be a football cheerleader back in college and high school. (and yes, that was a really, really, really long time ago.)

However, I am a big fan of family time.

And since Sunday football seems to bring our family together for several hours....

(with lots of shouting, high five-ing, eating, referee grumbling, jumping, cheering, & barking)

I guess I have to say that I am officially a fan of Sunday football/family time!

Oh by the way, this family of mine, they are all BIG Packer fans.

Me?

I just live vicariously through them.

Even the dogs hang with us during Sunday football. Thus the above reference to barking.

Ummm, ya....looks like I am the only one without a Packer shirt. No worries, my oldest son plans on "fixin' that".

Like I said, I'm more into the football thing simply because it brings our family together for a whole afternoon.

This here momma pretty much loves anything that brings us together....

Even if it has to be Sunday football. ;)

One more thing.

These {beloved} Packers are 10 and 0.

Just sayin'.......

Join in on the fun and click below:

*miss you Scott, Stephanie, & Katie!

a little "JibJab"

2011-11-19T17:57:00.001-06:00

I just couldn't resist......

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/Xe5nuzHZPRiMqHUE?cmpid=jj_fb_self_holidays

Wordless Wednesday {daddy time}

2011-11-16T11:29:00.001-06:00

They called me ā yí.....

2011-11-09T10:38:00.001-06:00

....and sometimes 'mama'.

Oh, how I miss the children at the House of Love!!!!

To say that I am a totally changed person is understatement.

Loving on John

My life....
My perspective is forever impacted.

Enthralled with Kalli.

How do I just go back to my every day, regular life? After this?

Playing with Liam and Rylie.

Snuggling with Shannon and John (again).

Enjoying {sweet} Emily!

Getting to know Samuel. Be still my heart!

More Shannon time!!!! *love*

My trip to the House of Love opened my heart to many possibilities.
God IS working!!!
There!
And here,
in
my
heart!!!

Need I say more???

Sunday Snapshot {Grandmama}

2011-11-06T08:47:00.000-06:00

My mom came for a visit recently.

We are always so excited to see Grandmama. And of course, her dog, Sophia. They are a package deal! :)

With Grandmama comes lots of snuggling.

And with Grandmama comes some time for hanging out in the girls' playroom....

Playing a little Princess Go Fish. Cuz, ya know in the household, 'we' wouldn't dream of playing anything else!

(Notice Sophia, the dog, in the background? She is never too far away from the action.)

Pretty intense stuff this Princess Go Fish game is!!

Decisions, decisions.

A quick consult from Sophia.....

Then everyone is back at it!

Thanks Mom for a great weekend!

Can't wait for next time!!!!!

Check out the other fun Sunday Snapshots over at Stefanie's blog.

Wordless Wednesday {morning cuteness}

2011-11-02T09:57:00.006-05:00

Sunday Snapshot {the Princesses}

2011-10-30T23:29:00.003-05:00

Oh, yes they are!

Pretty much 24/7.

So imagine my surprise when they told me they wanted to be Princesses for Halloween.

I mean really?

Princesses?

Come on?

My girls?

Of course, they couldn't be exactly the same.

Shea declared herself to be a Fairy princess.....

Take note: the pink wings.

How about the Fairy 'tude......

Rather cheeky, wouldn't you agree??

Then there is the 'regular' princess.

Princess Avery!

In all her royal sweetness and cuteness!

I don't think there is anything 'regular' about her!

Tomorrow night is the grand event.

The Princesses will make their appearance, gather as much candy as possible, and call it an enchanted night.

Make sure you check out the other Sunday Snapshots:

AOW Visit (courtesy the AOW blog)

2011-10-28T17:31:00.002-05:00

AOW Visits

LeeAnn, the Founder of AOW, and Chris, our Sponsorship Director, spent 3 days with us here at the House of Love in mid-October.

They were jam packed with lots of time with kids and extra hands put to good use!

(LOVE LOVE LOVE all those piggy tails!)

It was wonderful to visit with LeeAnn again and a pleasure meeting Chris in person.

We wrapped up our busy visit with some dinner and chit chat.

Thanks again for visiting and lending us your helping hands for a bit!

A friend's journey to her daughter.....

2011-10-26T08:50:00.002-05:00

My sweet friend, Maureen, is on her way NOW to China to bring home her precious daughter, Molly.

This journey has been incredible!!!

Please keep them all in your prayers as they become of family of seven.

I invite you to read her post, "When God Knocks". Prepare to be amazed!

I am so honored......Really? Me?

2011-10-21T08:33:00.002-05:00

Wow!

I was asked if one of my blog posts could be re-posted over at We Are Grafted In.

Me?

Really cool!

Have y'all had a chance to check out We Are Grafted In?

Amazing!

Informative!

A place where adoptive families can learn and grow together.

Love it!

And, they asked me to be a 'contributor'.

Wow!

Please click here to read my post at We Are Grafted In.

Thanks.

And really, go check them out. It's addicting.....it a good way! :)

"Hand in Hand" ~ Part 1

2011-10-19T09:50:00.001-05:00

I have only been home from China visiting the House of Love (An Orphan's Wish) for three days!

It's been a whirlwind......

From jet lag to catching up on things at home...things at school.....to massively spending time with my Littles.

Re-entry.....gotta love it!

Since late Monday night, I have been ~~obsessed~~ focused on something that completely took my breath away.

Rocked my world.

And once again, caused me to marvel at how our God works and humbly submit to His divine plan......whatever it may be.

Are ya ready?

One of my FB friends posted a story from Half the Sky that featured my daughter Avery and her best friend from her orphanage.

Really!

I was just (innocently) checking my FB before going to bed on Monday night. Typical, right?

Saw the posting and thought, hmmmm (?) this picture kinda looks like Avery.

That's weird. (to say the least)

Started to read the first line.

gasp!

Immediately knew it was Avery.

How?

Her Chinese name is ZuLa.

You don't see that Chinese name very often.

Read the story.

Stunned!

My hands were shaking.

My heart was pounding.

Tears were flowing.

Are ya ready to see how God works?

Hand in Hand

January 21, 2011

ZuLa and ZhuLi were best friends. They always walked hand in hand through the dormitory. They sat next to each other in their Little Sisters preschool classroom. They played and laughed together on the playground. It seemed to everyone that they couldn’t live without each other.

Then, one day, word came that ZuLa was to be adopted. When her teachers started packing her things, ZhuLi sensed that her best friend was leaving and asked, “Where is ZuLa going? I want to go with her.” Her teacher told her that ZuLa’s parents were coming to pick her up because she was going to live in the United States.

When the time came, ZhuLi gazed at the crowd that had gathered around her friend with tears brimming in her eyes. She reached out and held ZuLa’s hand, asking, “Let’s dance together, shall we?” ZuLa nodded and looked at the people around her with earnest appeal. Their locked hands were finally separated, and both girls burst into tears.

It has now been over a year since that bittersweet day. Time has moved on, and ZhuLi has found new friends. But, she has not forgotten ZuLa. When the flowers in the garden recently blossomed, ZhuLi drew them. She explained to her teacher that they symbolized ZuLa and her playing together hand in hand. “One cluster is mine, the other belongs to ZuLa. I want her to know that the firework flowers are blossoming and the fragrance fills the veranda.”

Their separation fills us with sadness. Yet, their friendship endures, and like the blossoming flowers, fills us with hope that one day they may meet again and play hand in hand.

Half the Sky’s Little Sisters Preschool Teachers in Qingyuan.

Well, what do y'all think?

Pretty emotional stuff.

Amazing stuff/

Oh, the potential!!!!

I am not sure where this is going to lead us.

Only God knows.

Of course, I need to find ZhuLi.

One way or another, I hope to find her.

I have already been in touch with HTS.

They are contacting their Beijing office to inquire about ZhuLi.

I am waiting to find out if she is still in their Little Sisters Preschool program or if she has been adopted.

*deep sigh*

I will definitely keep y'all updated.

Oh, and prayers......

They are very needed and deeply appreciated.

Thanks.

Sunday Snapshot: Guess where I am going? Part 2

2011-10-09T08:45:00.001-05:00

Y'all are some smart people! (see this post)

YES! I am going to the House of Love, otherwise known as An Orphan's Wish!!! I am honored to tell you that I will be traveling with LeeAnn, the founder and US co-director of AOW.

YES! I get to meet all the precious children for whom I work!

Yes! I get to love on them!

My oh my, I feel so blessed!

I can hardly wait to meet......

Rylie

Shannon

Kalli

Samuel

Gabriel

Hope

Amy

Maggie

Oh and the list goes on and on and on and on........

And believe you me, when I get back I will be probably talking and blogging about this trip for months.

Months,I tell ya!

By the way, I leave in five hours!!!!!

Guilin, here I come!!!

Click here to join in the Sunday Snapshot fun!

Guess where I am going in five days????

2011-10-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks Angie for the great video!!!

I can hardly wait!

More details to follow......

Sunday Snapshot: Bugs in a Rug - the snack!

2011-10-03T21:38:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon the Littles and I thought it would be fun to make a Halloween treat.

'Bugs in a Rug'

Cocktail sausages....

Potato sticks.....

Pillsbury dough...

Ketchup and mustard.....

We are talking gourmet stuff here.

A chance to be {somewhat} creative.

As well as a trifle bit silly.

The 'bugs' passed the taste test....

With flying colors (and a huge smile)!

I deem this 'project' a success.

Mostly because it was so stinkin' easy! (And the 'bugs a kinda cute....and tasty.)

*Update:

Apparently our chocolate lab liked these as well.

While changing into our jammies, Bretta (the hungry and very naughty) dog ate about 80% of the 'bugs'.

GRRRRRR!

Lucky for Bretta, we all love her.

At least, she left a few for Daddy.

Smart dog. ha!

Check out the other Sunday Snapshots here.

Questions, Questions, Questions....

2011-09-28T17:51:00.001-05:00

"My first momma couldn't care for me? Why?"

"Will I see my China momma in heaven?"

"Do you think I have a brother or sister in China?"

"Can I write her a letter?"

"I guess it is kinda cool to know I have three mommies."

"Will I ever meet her?"

"Did I use a pacifier?"

"What was my first word?"

"Was I a cute baby?"

"Do you think she misses me?"

"Is it because of my cleft palate?"

"Why couldn't I grow in your tummy?"

*Deep breath.*

These are all questions that Shea and Avery have asked me over the past several years. At first, the questions literally took my breath away.

Especially the first one.

I was so unprepared.

Shea was only three and a half when she asked me why her first momma couldn't care for her.

It was utterly heartbreaking.....

We were reading Shaoey and Dot: Bug Meets Bundle by Mary Beth Chapman and Steven Curtis Chapman.

We had read that book many times before.

But, suddenly at that time at that moment....

Shea asked about her first momma.

Shea asked why.

"Why couldn't {she} care for me?"

It brought tears to my eyes. My little girl was three.

Only.three.years.old.

I remember telling myself to breath.

I should have known it was coming. Right?

I was so unprepared.

Now.

These questions?

They are becoming a part of "our normal".

These questions no longer take my breath away.

My heart still aches for my girls.

They are only six and five years old.

These 'topics' are so deep.

So primal.

So part of who they are and who I am as their mom.

Normal.

Normal?

Our normal.

Do I have all the answers?

No.

Will I ever?

No.

Do we ponder the fairness of it all?

No.

I mean, what is 'fair'?

Will it change anything?

Nope.

Adoption is complicated.

Life is complicated.

Bottom line:

Shea & Avery know and trust that they can talk to me about anything.

They know that I love them.

COMPLETELY.

UNCONDITIONALLY.

ALWAYS.

Even better.....

They know they are loved by a God who knew them and formed them before they were born.

They are precious children of God.

They are His treasure.

They are valued by Him.

They will need to hold on tightly to these truths.

Why?

Because I believe the questions will get harder as Shea and Avery grow older.

They will become wiser and more aware of the ways of the world.

The questions will be more complex.

More challenging.

And the answers might be harder to hear.

Harder to understand.

Down right frustrating.

Perhaps heartbreaking.

And I as their mother need to be ready and as prepared as I can be....

For the questions.

Because this is not about the answers.

Not really.

This post is about the questions.

About making sure my little girls feel secure enough to ask these questions.

And that these questions not necessarily define us as a family, but that these questions are just a part of who we are as a family.

These questions are part of:

Our Normal.

Loving {some} Ice cream

2011-09-14T10:57:00.001-05:00

My little girls love, love eating ice cream.

On Sunday, we took a stroll through our downtown area.
It was a beautiful day.
A perfect day for ice cream.

Well, I believe everyday could be a perfect day for ice cream.....

I think Shea and Avery would agree with me on that!

Look how completely absorbed they are in their 'ice cream-ness'!

I think they are in some sort of an ice cream-daze.......

Does it get any better than this?

Apparently it does....

Nothing like eating ice cream with TWO spoons!

May we always be happy while eating ice cream. :)

Sunday Snapshot {Piper.....the puppy!}

2011-09-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

Meet Piper!

She is an eight week old Husky.

Isn't she a-dorable??
I'm in-love.....

She's not mine, though. :(
She is Faith and Jon's new puppy.

However, we are getting to know this sweet little pup real well.....

We are puppy-sitting for the next three weeks.

And we are th-rilled!
Really!

Faith and Jon are moving into their "new" home that they just purchased at the end of the month.
(Which by the way, is only five- yessssss- only five minutes away from this very happy momma.....but I digress.)

So in the meantime, we are ~~baby~~ puppy-sitting....

And lovin' it.

Just look at this cuteness.....

She is drinking from our chocolate lab's water dish,

Apparently her 'little' dish isn't doing the trick.

Bretta, our big ole 'puppy'....

Is pretty 'chill' about the Piper pup:

We definitely LOVE our Bretta!

And we are definitely lovin' Piper.....

And yes, this cutie-patootie has bi-colored eyes.

Very cool!

Check out all the other Sunday Snapshots here:

Three years ago today.....

2011-09-08T12:06:00.000-05:00

.....I saw this darling child for the very first time EVER!!!!

My sweet Avery.....Qing Zu La.

I was totally smitten....
Captivated....
Knew without a doubt....

That I was gonna be her momma!

Love you Avery Lyra Zu La!!

FOREVER!!!!

First Day of School.....ummm, yesterday.

2011-08-30T11:54:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am one day late in posting this! ack!

Yesterday was Shea and Avery's first day of school.

They were excited. (Hopefully the excitement will last.)

We took Avery to her classroom first.

She settled right in. She was planning on learning a lot today! :)

Next stop, Shea's cubbie.

She, also, settled right in.

Both girls has a great day!

After school, I asked Shea what her favorite part of the day was.

She said definitely NOT math.

Alrighty then.

Then I asked Avery.

As I was holding her in my arms in the hallway, she said:

"Right now, with you."

Awwww........

Talk about melting my heart!

School Supplies.....check!

2011-08-26T12:32:00.003-05:00

Shea & Avery are so very excited for school to begin on Monday.

So, they just wanted to 'double-check' their supplies.....
Just in case ~~Mom~~ 'we' forgot anything! :)

Looks like we have EVERYTHING we need....at least for the time being!

Watch out, Mrs. R & Mrs. P....

Here they come!

Operation: clean up playroom

2011-08-24T13:38:00.000-05:00

My Littles are usually very neat and like to keep things organized.

Yes, that might be a tad bit unusual.....
And yes, I feel blessed by this fact!

But something weird happened the other day.

A glitch in their orderly minds and sense of tidiness.

Perhaps the moon and stars and whatever else is in the universe was slightly amiss.

Regardless, I woke up to this on Monday morning.

Yikes!

Gulp.

The door was even blocked.

And this

This book shelf is normally very neatly arranged.

Every.Day.

Thanks to Miss Shea.

The only books lying horizontally on the top shelf are the Madeline books.

Hmmmm.....

I was startled to say the least.

So what happened?

Not sure.

They were up early, WAY early on Monday morning.

They usually play very nicely and NEATLY until about 7:30AM. That is the time they are allowed to come downstairs to begin their {wonderful} day.

*Thanks to an invaluable tip from my dear friend, Stefanie. (Mom of many....so she would know.)
I have put an alarm clock in their room. Showed them what 7:30 looks like. And have instructed them to stay in their room or play room until that magical time arrives. They can 'read', play, listen to music, etc.
This gives me at least an hour to myself (insert angels singing)!!!! And every once in a while, a morning just some to sleep in!! Like this past Monday morning. ha!

Well, whatever happened that morning happened.

Needless to say when Shea and Avery saw my very surprised and bewildered face, they were quick to assure me that the playroom would get cleaned.

You betcha!

Actually this was a good opportunity to purge and re-organize.

Yay!

Observe the newly arranged and cleaned playroom:

Now I feel back to normal. :)
(whatever that is? he-he)

A very special Give Away......

2011-08-11T09:17:00.002-05:00

From the wonderful gals from Wild Olive Tees.....

So Loved: A Give Away to Remember

In memory of {sweet} Esther.

Fifteen So LOVED tees will be given away.

Awesome!

Go here to see how you can be entered into the drawing.

Deadline in August 14th, so hurry!

"So Loved was created to help bring Esther home from China to her forever family. Two months before coming home, Esther passed away from a virus that was complicated by her heart defect. We are proud to carry “So Loved” in our store in honor of Esther, and orphans around the world, so that God’s love will be glorified.

100% of the proceeds of the sale of each So Loved tee will be used to fund a future heart surgery for an orphan in China."

What a great way to spread 'the Love'....

To remember Esther....

To help another little child in China who needs heart surgery!!!!

We SO LOVE ours!

Wordless Wednesday {momma's shoes}

2011-08-10T13:02:00.002-05:00

(Avery was so stinkin' cute walking around in my shoes yesterday....I just had to take a few pictures.)

Sunday Snapshot: {Small town ~ Downtown fun!}

2011-08-08T17:29:00.014-05:00

Recently our rather small 'city' has made some very nice {family-friendly} improvements.

One of which was putting in several fountains into our downtown city block. Notice how I said block. lol

Not only are these fountains pleasant and interesting to look at, they are also kind of like a splash pad for the kiddos.

My kiddos, well....

They love them!

Although, it took one little girl a bit to indulge herself. ;)

Avery, ever the cautious one....

Then there is Shea. Notice her in the background. (above) Totally getting into it!

She took the fountains by storm!

( There's Avery still skirting the outside of the fountains.)

Avery, still very timid and tentative....

Not quite ready to fully commit. Happy and smiling, but not ready to go in full blast.

Wild Child! Errr, I mean Shea, my very 'enthusiastic and unrestrained' child.

(Avery, still on the outside.)

Shea regrouping. :)

Time for a little conference.

Woo-hoo! Goooooo Avery!

Avery knows how to have fun....it just takes her a little longer to get into the swing of things.

Time to call it a day.

Now to find a place to dry off, soak in the rays.....

And simply relax.

Awwww, life when you are only six and five.....

Suh-weet!

Cartwheel fun!

2011-08-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

The Littles were in gymnastics this past spring at our local Y.

They LOVED it.

Shea wanted, no needed, to learn how to do a cartwheel. The girl was obsessed.

The approach.

She's up!

The landing.

Avery, well, she just doesn't quite have the hang of it yet.....

(Gotta love this 'backside' shot.....lol)

Let's try this again.

Not quite there.....

Maybe if both girls try together???

They're up....

Crash!

Let's try it one more time, together....just for fun.

Not gonna happen, is it?

Shea & Avery are signed up for gymnastics this fall.

I am sure Avery will get her cartwheel perfected. :)

Until then.....

She sure knows how to melt my heart with her smile.

Blessed by Adoption

2011-07-29T10:43:00.000-05:00

My {new} bloggy & FB friend is fund raising for their current adoption of their sweet little Max.

He is seriously adorable!!!!!

Karen is selling these really cool car decals. (I just ordered me one!)

Check out her blog and this post to order one for yourself!! :)

Wow! We have been together for a l-o-n-g time! :)

2011-07-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

Happy {27th} Anniversary to my darling husband!

Has it really been *gulp* 27 years?

Oh yeah, baby!!!! It has!

Let's take a quick walk down 'memory lane', shall we?

My beloved grandpa walking me down the aisle.

The Ceremony.

Why does everyone else look so serious?

Me? Cracking a {slight} grin.

Receiving the blessing.

(This is the same pastor who confirmed me.)

Man & Wife

Woo-hoo!

Our {very small} bridal party.

(Photography just wasn't like it is today....

Didn't have a ton of choices.

My eyes are closed; however,

this is the only one I had of the four of us inside.)

Family

(Gotta love the sun in all of our eyes. lol)

Reception fun.

Typical cutting the cake photo!

Our first dance.

Look at me with those 'googly' eyes!

Must be love. ;)

The first day of the rest of our lives!

Well, this 'quick' walk has turned into a journey.

Thanks for indulging me.

Twenty-seven years is a long time. Without God this 'walk' would be impossible. He is the glue to our marriage!

We are blessed! Abundantly!

*************************************************************************************

I actually thought our anniversary was tomorrow.

Oops!

So, no card. Just this post!

Happy Anniversary, Dave!

All my love,

Wordless Wednesday {swimming anyone?}

2011-07-27T07:46:00.001-05:00

That dang corn-on-the cob......

2011-07-23T19:00:00.004-05:00

We all love, love, love corn-on-the-cob here at the ranch.
(Well, we don't actually live on a ranch...just thought that sounded good....)

As we were digging into the delicious yellow stuff tonight at dinner, Shea lost a bottom tooth!

"Look, Mom! My tooth! I pulled it out! The corn. It helped."

"Oops, I dropped it..."

"Whew, found it!"

We were all rather surprised. To say the least. I mean, I knew her tooth was loose. I just didn't realize it was that loose.

This is the third tooth Shea has lost.

It is kinda bittersweet.

Let me explain:

As most of you know, Shea was born with a cleft palate and lip. And quite a cleft palate, I must say.
So far, she has had four surgeries in the almost five years she has been home with us.
We have had a lull....like no surgeries these past two years. (yay!)

Her next major surgery will probably be the bone graft one. This is where a tiny piece of bone is removed from one of her hips to be grafted into her gum line so that eventually she can have implants put in. Yeah, kinda intense.

This usually happens after the bottom four teeth have fallen out. Yep, we are on number three. Only one more tooth needs to fall out, and then I get to call her pediatric orthodontist at Children's hospital....*sigh*
To get the ball rollin'....
The surgery ball rollin'....

Bittersweet.

Shea is so excited her tooth fell out. :)

Shea also knows this is one step closer to surgery.

Bittersweet.

The surgery that is so needed.
The surgery that will help her in so many ways.
The surgery that I am so grateful she can receive.
Because, I know that they are so many kids all over the world who need this kind of surgery and will NEVER get it! *deep sigh*

So tonight, we celebrate all the good things, and all the little things, which we are blessed with!
Tonight, I celebrate!
I have a healthy, happy six year old who lives in a country where this kind of surgery happens.
Tonight, we had some really good corn-on-the-cob! Really good!
Tonight the tooth fairy comes.

Tonight is a good night!

It's VBS time.....

2011-07-18T18:37:00.003-05:00

Oh, how my Littles love VBS!

The singing, the dancing, the arts & crafts, the snacks, the playtime.....

Hanging out with friends who they haven't seen since the end of May...oh, what fun!

And somehow, with all the fun & socializing, their faith and their love for Jesus grows!

Very cool!

These two sweet little girls, who didn't know who Jesus was, are now embracing Him fully!

Again, very cool!

They're silly.

They're giddy.

They're ready to go!

I think we are all going to have a wonderful week!

Yes, 'we'.

I am doing 'Arts & Crafts' for the big kids.

Ha!

Kinda funny.

First, because I am not very 'artsy' or 'craftsy'.

Second, cuz I ~~have to~~ get to wear Panda ears.

PandaMania, baby!

Fireworks....two different perspectives

2011-07-07T11:52:00.001-05:00

My Littles.

So different.

Completely!

Not complaining....just taking note. :)

Shea is not a big fan of the 'noisiness' of fireworks.

This is her third time experiencing a fireworks show.

This is the first year she hasn't hid under her blanket. She always wants to go......just doesn't like the booms!

Avery really and truly enjoyed the fireworks....noise and all!

She was enthralled.

This was her very first fireworks show.

Can you tell she enjoyed it?

Love these girls....differences and all!!

Makes like so very interesting.

Hope y'all had a wonderful 4th of July!

just chillin'......

2011-07-03T15:11:00.003-05:00

Love how comfortable everyone is feeling today.

Love that my daughter-in-law and my oldest son's girlfriend can so easily hang together.....

And, love ~especially ~ how these two ladies can just chill with the Littles!

Coloring
Reading
Crossword Puzzling....(not a real word, I know....but had to make it work with the other two.)

What a great 4th of July weekend we are {all} having!!!

Only 8 more to go......

2011-06-30T20:33:00.002-05:00

Only 8 more sponsors until we reach our goal for our summer campaign:

*A Summer Wish*

Tonight is your last chance to be a part of this incredible opportunity to help make some wishes come true for the children who live in the House of Love.

Sign up to be a General AOW Child Sponsor. Your sponsorship can help us make their wishes come true.

For real!! :)

Plus, you get a free AOW tee!! woot-woot!

Wordless Wednesday {coloring}

2011-06-28T21:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday Snapshot {Shea}

2011-06-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

My {sweet} Shea!

My six-year old daughter who so filled with life and adventure!

Never one to hold back....

Always rearing to go!

Filled with confidence...

Filled with wonder.

Very curious about.every.little.thing.

Oh, how I love this girl of mine!

She can be quite intense.

A deep thinker she is!

Very black and white.

Not a lot of grey in her life.

Although, she can always find an opportunity to give advice:

"Hey Daddy, push Avery {on the swing} like this."

Not that she is bossy or anything. ha!

After a fun afternoon of running, jumping, exploring, ~~telling people what to do.....~~

A refreshing drink of water was clearly in order.

My Shea. *sigh*
Silly girl.

My adorable, fiercely loyal, definitely opinionated, happy, joyful, passionate, ~~controlling~~, and ever-loving little girl!

Check out some other Sunday Snapshots over at Ni Hao Y'all.

Catching Birds

2011-06-24T20:40:00.003-05:00

My Littles just got some butterfly nets.

Pink ones, of course.

Since they were having no luck catching butterflies....

They naturally thought they could catch some birds.

Yep!

Pretty ambitious stuff....

...trying to catch birds in the backyard.

Such silly girls....sigh!

Check out this pose.

I don't know, maybe Avery was hoping a bird would fly into her net. (???)

Oh, maybe one would drop out of the tree??

Nonetheless, there was definitely a lot of twirling and running ~~to scare any smart bird way the heck out of our yard~~ going on to tire out two little girls.....

I guess, we'll call it a day!

*There were no birds hurt and most certainly not caught during this backyard activity. Whew!

A Summer Wish.....down to the last few days.

2011-06-23T10:37:00.001-05:00

Our summer campaign ~ for An Orphan's Wish ~

"A Summer Wish" is coming to an end.

We are down to our last few days.....

We still need 29 more sponsors to reach our June goal of 65 new sponsors!

Would you consider becoming a sponsor?

It is amazing to be part of a child's life in this way.

To witness these children as they grow & flourish!

To see their smiles!

To know that you are helping to make a difference in their lives!

Priceless!

Our campaign ends on June 30th.

Come and check us out!

Click on the button.....

Thanks!

Sunday Snapshot {Happy Father's Day}

2011-06-20T20:03:00.001-05:00

I ~~really had to beg~~ asked everybody to head outside for some pictures for Father's Day.

"People" were not real cooperative.

I am not going to name names or anything....(Dave, Drew, & Faith).....

I just wanted to get some pics for Fathe's Day.

Wasn't asking for the world....just for a few pictures.

Ahem!

So~
Here are ~~the~~ ~~forced~~ some lovely shots from our lovely day together:

Looks kinda painful.

Now they are warming up.

Looks like Drew is almost enjoying himself.

Gotta have one with Daddy and his girls....

And of course, it doesn't take much to get the Littles going!

This Daddy is well-loved and most appreciated!

Even if it is like pulling teeth to get some pictures.....grrrrr!

Check out the other posts at Sunday Snapshot.
Hosted by Stefanie from Ni Hao Y'all.

Wordless Wednesday {measuring Shea's pine tree}

2011-06-15T09:48:00.001-05:00

Father's Day is just right around the corner....

2011-06-14T14:46:00.081-05:00

Here's a Special Gift for Dad!

A special tribute card.

With a special message....

(

An Orphan's Wish can help you honor your father this year!

You will be letting Dad know how much he means to you while at the same time helping the precious children who reside at the House of Love.

Like Liam

And Hannah.

How about Jack?

Help be the difference in these children's lives.

This is the last day to order a card!!!

Click here for more information.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Sunday Snapshot {It's been a year!}

2011-06-13T12:05:00.027-05:00

Really?

A year?

Time flies when you're having fun.

And for these two....

I would say they are having fun!

Lot's of fun!

Happy One Year Anniversary!!!

I'm tellin' you....

I am one proud Momma!

Scott is an amazing husband and son!

Stephanie is a wonderful wife and daughter-in-law!

I pray that the Lord continues to bless these two on their journey of life together!

Love you both!

an unexpected visit

2011-06-10T17:31:00.122-05:00

Isn't it fun to have a secret?

A good secret, of course.

Over Memorial Day weekend, my son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie, 'popped' in for an....ahem.... unexpected visit.

They 'popped' in after an eight hour drive late on Friday night.

No one knew they were coming.....

No one, except me!!!!

Oh, what fun it was to keep this little secret.

Oh, what fun, indeed!

I kept this secret for 24 l-o-n-g hours.

(I am not very good at keeping secrets. Nope, not at all!)

For 24 l-o-n-g hours, the anticipation was bubbling up.

I was so excited at the thought of seeing Scott & Stephanie....

And,

At the thought of how surprised everyone was going to be!

Excited was an understatement.

Finally, a soft knock at the front door....

We were all playing cards or was it Catch Phrase????? Can't remember....

I ~~sprinted~~ went to answer the door.

Family was a-wondering who could be at the front door at 10:30PM?????

My excitement/anticipation got the best of me!

I let out a huge scream.

Startled everyone!

They all came a-running.

Yes, they were all surprised!

How wonderful to see Scott & Stephanie!

We all sat around and talked....for hours.

Such fun!

And, it was only the beginning of a wonderful weekend.....

The Littles with their beloved Scott & Stephanie.

Avery testing out her new wheels.

Almost catching Scott riding Avery's pink scooter.

Such a kid at heart, this son of mine.

Hubby mowing the lawn.

Random shots of Shea.

A group shot before a few games of Bocce Ball.

(Sadly this is the only Bocce Ball picture I took.)

Faith playing around with our dog, Bretta.

The big kids playing Whiffle Ball.

A brief chat with the dog....

"Leave the ball alone!"

The Littles and me....just hanging.....enjoying the afternoon.

We missed having Jon (my son-in-law)......

I guess, some one's gotta work. :(

The weekend was delightful!

This Momma felt extremely blessed!

Lastly.

Cuddling

and

a Cat-Nap after church!

Being hot (already?) & cooling off with some yogurt!

2011-06-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

One 'hot' little girl.....

Hot and ~~complaining~~ exhausted from playing outside.
Cooling down by lying on the kitchen carpet (?) and guzzling some ice water.
Hmmmm, what ever works.

A second "hot" little girl....

Who is very excited to cool down by eating some {princess} yogurt. Cuz ya know it's the Princess in the yogurt that does the trick!

Sunday Snapshot {Wedding pictures!}

2011-06-05T09:26:00.002-05:00

Finally!

I am posting again!

I guess, I have been on a bloggy vacation.....who knew?

My sweet daughter, Faith, and her wonderful husband, Jon, have been married for just a little over a month!

A month!

Wow!

Sometimes it seems like this joyous occasion happened yesterday....

Other times, it feels like this wedding occurred eons ago....

Kinda weird, I know.

We got a sneak peek at Faith & Jon's wedding images....

Their photographers graciously 'gave me' a few images that I could post to my blog.

I just love 'em! Hope y'all do too!

Happy Sunday!

Wordless Wednesday {Dancing feet & a whole lotta running.}

2011-05-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

Sunday Snapshot {Mother' Day}

2011-05-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Love this day!!!

Get to revel in the fact that I get to be a momma!!!

Something I have always wanted to be!

Get to hang out with some of my favorite people....my kids!

Well, most of my kids....

I was able to hang out with Faith, Drew, Shea, & Avery! :)

Got to see Jon (my new & only son-in-law) later...he was working.

Talked to Scott & Stephanie on the phone!

Went to my new favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch!

The day was gorgeous!

Lots of sun...

And lots of fun!

A fun day had by all!

Happy Mother's Day!

(Thanks to all the husbands who help to make this day {extra} special!)

A way to honor Mom.....

2011-05-04T09:29:00.001-05:00

With a little help from An Orphan's Wish.....

Mother's Day is for giving thanks to Mom for all she has given. Show her how much you appreciate her nurturing and affection by supporting a precious child in her name. She'll see you really care when she knows you've provided for "the least of these" with a gift card dedicated to her.

These special cards are available for you to send with your own personal note, or we'll do all the work for you. For a limited time this Mother's Day, we are offering tribute cards to be sent for as little as $15.

Click on the link below to fill out the on-line form and pick your favorite card.

http://www.anorphanswish.org/donate-now/give-in-honor-or-memory

Mother's Day is May 8, 2011.

We will be accepting card orders through May 4, 2011.

Hey Mom, if you are reading this.....

Guess what you are getting this year for Mother's Day!???

A little wedding preview....

2011-04-28T22:15:00.000-05:00

The Littles in their flower girl dresses!

They had so much fun taking these pictures!

A couple of single shots.

A few tender moments.

More fun!

A little love.

Thinking about the big day...

It should be fabulous!!!

With a little help from my friends....

2011-04-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

Faith and I got a little behind on things for her wedding....

The girl is getting married on Saturday. Yikes!

Still have lots to do!

I called on my friends for a little help.

Friends. What would you do without them?

We needed help assembling a bunch of tiny boxes. (161 tiny boxes to be exact.)
Filling them with some candy.
Putting a black ribbon around each and every one of them.
Then putting the name and table number card thingy on as well.

Faith decided to use the favor boxes as seating placements also. Double duty. Smart girl!

We also had to put together the wedding programs.

I became a little panic stricken wondering how we could get this all done by Thursday.

That's when I called on my friends.

They came over in full force.

I told them I would have food & drink. (That probably helped.)

We got it all done!

That night!

In only a few hours!

We even got the kids to help.

Friends!

Gotta love 'em!!

Sunday Snapshot {a little Easter....}

2011-04-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

Shea & Avery were pretty excited to check out their Easter baskets.....

So much so that Shea just had to whip on her new headband......tag & all!

She is also a big 'Madeline' fan!

Avery was thrilled with her 'Kai-lan' bubbles....

and her new duckie blanket....meet 'Rosie'!

Hope ya'll had a Blessed Easter!!

Cuteness X Two

2011-04-23T13:09:00.000-05:00

Y'all thought I was talking about Shea & Avery. :)

They are cute....(wink, wink)...most definitely.

But I am talking about two other cutie-patooties.

Our brand new arrivals at An Orphan's Wish.

Just look at them!

A-DORABLE!!\

Meet Daniel. He has bilateral clubfoot. He is about 16 months old. He needs three more sponsors.
Could you be one of them??

Meet LMR.
This little peanut also has bilateral clubfoot. She is about 16 months old. She, too, needs three more sponsors.....as well as a Western name! If you are her next sponsor, you get to chose her name! Kinda cool.

A quick summary about An Orphan's Wish.....
Founded in 2008.
Staffed by volunteers.
Committed to the caring for some of the orphans in China with special needs.
Located in Guilin where the children reside at the House of Love.

Monthly sponsorships are $35.
Sponsors receive monthly updates and reports on their child and their child's specific unit of care.
**********************************************************************************

I have been honored and blessed to be volunteering for An Orphan's Wish for over a year.
I have seen these precious children grow and thrive as they receive the excellent medical, physical, and emotional care they so desperately need....and deserve!
These children are well-loved! No doubt about it.

We also advocate for these children to find loving adoptive homes.

We strive to use every donation for the benefit of every single child in our care.

Your sponsorship does so very much to provide for these children in every possible way!

Trust me, I have seen remarkable progress for these children.
These children blossom! They are happy! They have beautiful smiles! They play and laugh!
They are in a word - amazing!

I have also seen many of these children find their forever homes through adoption! Talk about incredible!!! Wow!

Ready to be a part of this????

To become a sponsor for Daniel, click below:
http://www.anorphanswish.org/Daniel

To become a sponsor for LMR (and possibly get to name her), click below:
http://www.anorphanswish.org/lmr

To learn more about An Ophan's Wish go to anorphanswish.org .

If you have any questions whatsoever, email me at :
donations@anorphanswish.org

Wordless Wednesday {Hair bows: a creative approach.}

2011-04-20T17:36:00.000-05:00

Sunday Snapshot {Faith}

2011-04-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

Faith.....
about 20 years ago!

How did this little stinker grow up? And so fast?

To think this little girl is getting married in 12 days!!

It really seems like yesterday.....

How quickly the yesterdays become today....

And, somehow my little girl has grown into a woman.

Deep sigh!!!

For real. How does this happen??

Just for kicks....and possibly some giggles.

How about this blast from the past?

Celebrating Faith's first birthday.
October 29, 1990.
My husband had hair.
I had the 90's hair, and glasses, and jeans! Yikes!
Oh, how young we all were!

"I miss my China momma."

2011-04-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

On the way to school this morning, the girls and I had this conversation:

Shea: I miss my China momma.

Me: Really? I am sure you do. I am so sorry.

Shea: Well, I am not sure I miss her.....I just think about her....a lot.

Me: Of course. Whatcha thinking?

Shea: Not sure.

Me: When you think about your first momma, maybe you can pray for her also.

Shea: Pray for what?

Me: mmmmmm, pray that Jesus is watching over her. Keeping her safe and protected.

Shea: Safe and protected from what?

Me: (Now I'm thinking.....I should not have said that.) Just safe and protected, like how I pray that Jesus
   keeps you safe and protected as you go through your day.

Avery: I miss my China momma, too!

Me: I am sure you do, Sweetie.

Avery: Where is she?

Me: In China.

Avery: What is she doing?

Me: Not sure.

Avery: Oh.

Shea: I mean, I really miss my foster momma. She is the one who took care of me.....before you.

Me: Yep. She did.

Shea: She had to take really good care of me because of my cleft palate.

Me: Yes, she is amazing.

Avery: I miss my foster momma.

Me: You didn't have one. (insert smile and small giggle) You lived in an orphanage until we adopted you.
   Nannies took care of you.

Shea: You didn't have a foster mother because you didn't have a special need like me.

   Ummmm, pause.....not sure what to say here...

Shea: But you are still special, Avery!

(Way to go, Shea!)

And then, our conversation ended.
Just ended.

I had tears in my eyes.

The girls.
They started singing with the radio........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the way, it's so true.....
The best, most important, serious, inspiring, conversations with your kids,
seems to occur in the car.....
on short trips to school, the store, the library, etc.
Usually, these talks are unexpected.
They always catch me by surprise.
I think I am getting better at navigating through them. (?)
Oh, these chats, are for the most part - brief.
But, so powerful.
They often render me reeling with lots of emotion and much reflecting.
My girls, well....
They seem to be so matter of fact. So casual. So.....natural to be asking these questions.
I guess this is their norm. (?) This is their 'casual' every day regular stuff. (?)
Maybe on some days....
Today being one of them.

This is who they are.
Children with great loss.
Children who have several mothers.....important women in their lives.....past and present.
Children with the ability to accept and move on....for now.
Children who can still love freely.
Children who know they are greatly treasured and loved.
Children who can feel confident in expressing themselves.
My children.
My regular, every day children who have some not so regular, every day stuff to think about and deal with.
My children.
My amazing children.
My children who have the grace and dignity to embrace their past, enjoy their present, and wait as their future on folds.

What a future it will be!!!!

Sunday Snapshot {Grandma Diane}

2011-04-10T22:16:00.001-05:00

Grandmas.....gotta love 'em! :)

Especially,
when one certain grandma...
makes a three hour trip to be a part of Grandparent's Day at her granddaughters' school!!!!

Grandma Diane was able to see a class science project.

Not really sure what is was......
But, Avery wanted to make sure Grandma saw it.

Grandma was also able to watch Avery sing a special song just for Grandparent's Day.

Then a quick run to see Shea....
(poor Grandma.....she had to keep going back & forth between the girls' classrooms....)

Recite her "S" poem.

And 'break a move'....

It was a busy & fun morning filled with snacks, tours, and LOTS of songs!!!!

The girls were thrilled to have their grandma at this special event.

Oh, how they love her!!!

Thanks, Mom! I love you, too!

Sunday Snapshot {Avery's Birthday....a little late.}

2011-04-03T19:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am posting about my sweet Avery's birthday A WHOLE WEEK LATE!!!

For shame, for shame!

But until Faith's wedding has occurred, I am blaming all my tardy posts on the fact that I am pretty much absorbed with the planning of said wedding and have way too many details to keep track of.....

This little stinker turned five last Sunday, March 27th!

She was so very excited about this day.

She was ready to embrace this birthday with her full heart!

Last year when we celebrated her fourth birthday, she had been home with us for only two months.
She was still in a fog....
She was very reserved, shy, and confused.
She was probably wondering why & how her life had been turned upside down in a matter of one day.
She was still wrapping her head around the idea that she had a new family, a new home, a new language, a new 'everything'!
I know she was trying to figure 'it' all out.

Poor baby.

Yet, here we are....a whole year later.
And, this precious child has given us her heart.
Loves us fiercely.
Without reserve.
Whole heartily!

A miracle indeed!

A whole year later....
And, Avery is lovin' this birthday thang!

From enjoying a singing birthday card ~

To opening some presents ~

To blowing out the candles on her birthday cake ~

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!!!

This momma loves you like crazy!!!

I've been a tad bit busy.....

2011-03-22T23:18:00.000-05:00

For real.

Why?

Planning a wedding.

Who knew?

Obviously, not me!

Am I complaining?

Absolutely NOT!!!!

Just saying.....

:)

Sunday Snapshot {Friends!}

2011-03-21T22:49:00.001-05:00

A while back, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit some very dear friends!

We have moved a lot during our marriage. (Hazards of my hubby's profession.)

As a result, we have been blessed with many friends from all over the country.

This {paricular} friendship began in Texas. (woot-woot!) We moved to Wisconsin. They moved to Indiana.

My husband had an interview in Indiana, and it just so happened (wink, wink) that during this process, we were able to stay with them. :)

What a glorious time!

Sarah & Josh....their kids.....we love them!!!!

They are the best!

So much fun!

So hospitable!

So much catching up!

Felt like we have always known each other!

Felt like time & distance had no impact on our friendship.

Felt so natural & easy!

Friendship at its finest!

Oh, and our kids had a blast together.

Then as a bonus.....

We were reunited with some of our friends from college. Holy cow! What a blessing.

Talk about a blast from the past.

We have not seen Steve and Laurie since our college days.....
(no one has changed....a bit!!!)

Laurie and I were roommates.

She and Steve were college sweethearts.....just like Dave and me.

It was soooooooo good to see them again!!!

Then, as {yet} another bonus.....

Our son, Scott, who lives in Indy, was able to drive up for a quick visit.

They Littles were so excited to see Scott....

As well as one certain mom. ;)

Even though, we decided to stay put, and not take the offered job....
We had an amazing five days!!!

Friends.

Such a blessing!

Check out all the other Sunday Snapshots!!!

Wordless Wednesday {New boots & a whole lotta pink!}

2011-03-09T16:21:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday {Wedding Invitations}

2011-03-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

Engagement Pictures!!

2011-03-01T11:26:00.000-06:00

My daughter, Faith, and her fiancé, Jon's engagement session were featured in Wisconsin Bride Magazine blog today! http://wibride.com/

How cool is that?

Their photographers are so sweet & talented!

They are a husband & wife team, newly married themselves.

We LOVE them!

http://www.meetthemccartneys.com/

So, without further ado....

(Oh, btw, the last photo is my favorite! It is so sweet & romantic!)

(I can hardly believe my girl is getting married...sniff,sniff.)

Cute Young Couple to Marry

Blogs

Cute Young Couple to Marry

by:

MEGAN

What cute young loves! This fresh-faces pair (Faith is 21 and Jon is turning 21 in a couple weeks) will marry in Wausau on April 30th, with a ceremony at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and a xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx reception. Their photographers The McCartneys lucked out while capturing the couple's super sweet engagement session: not only are Faith and Jon a breeze in front of the camera, but their session was scheduled during those few comfortable 40-degree weather days a couple weeks ago.