Thursday, July 31, 2008
Ruby's Birthday Party!
Ruby started celebrating her birthday today at 3:30am!!! I guess she knew it was her special day... Around 4:15 I finally gave in, and went in to see what was up. She was quite happy to see me, and she had no plans to go back to sleep until she took a nap at noon! Ruby had a wonderful time at her first birthday party! We celebrated with family, and close friends tonight. Ruby's first friend to show up was precious Ellie. She was so excited to greet her at the door! There were so many highlights about her party. But, my favorite had to be watching her climb on the dining room chair to blow out the candles on her cake. She actually blew them out all by herself which was precious!! She beamed when everyone clapped at her big two year old accomplishment! Then she proceeded with some encouragment from her big sister to gracefully scoop some of the polka-dots of frosting off her cake. I heard one great big YUM from the guest of honor!Once the sugar high wore off, she willingly went to bed after her special day. I love her to pieces, but I am hoping I don't see her until tomorrow after the sun comes up! (Other than when I peek in on her like I do every night!)
Happy Birthday Ruby Mei! I love you!
Mommy
Thankful for our Two Year Old!!
One Year Ago...
One Day Ago...
Dear Ruby,
It is difficult to describe with words what an amazing year this has been for all of us. So many firsts with you. Walking, talking, loving us back. Your radiant smile and your belly laughs when we tickle you, bring so much joy to our foursome. In the last year we have seen you grow in so many ways. You have gone from toddler to little girl before our eyes. Your bigger than life smile, and bubbly personality has added such a fun dimension to our family. The way you practically come out of your shoes when your Daddy comes home takes our breath away. We love your kisses, your big hugs, your Ruby sign language, the adorable way you say, "I'm TWO" the way you help, and the way you love us back. Sharing our days with you is so much fun. Life will never be dull with you in it! Thank you God!
Happy birthday to our precious Ruby. We give thanks for this day, two years ago, that God brought you into this world, and ultimately for His red thread that brought you into our hearts and into our lives forever!
We love you!
Mommy, Daddy, & Sissy
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Our "Pebble Puppy!"
Dear Mr. Dave,
Thank you for teaching me all about rocks! Now when my Mom tries to take my pictures outside, I have something to distract me from her... Every where I go now, I remember to look down and see what jewels there are to explore. You have made our rock gardens at the lake so much fun for me. I shared our secrets with my Grandpa this past weekend. I will keep you posted on what fun Minnesota rocks I find.
I miss you and your Blueberry Pie!
Love,
Ruby Mei
The Big One!!!!
Since last summer Jeff has been trying to catch the "Big One" at our cabin. Well, it finally happened at about 8:30pm CT on Saturday, July 26th! This large mouth bass was waiting for Jeff all along right under our dock!!!! Currently, this fish is residing in our freezer, and I believe he will be hanging on the wall right under Grandpa's walleye someday!! Victory on Portage Lake! Congratulations Daddy!!
We had a fabulous weekend with my parents up north. The weather was absolutely gorgeous.
It's always hard to leave after weekends like that!
There is lots of excitement over a certain 2 year olds birthday tomorrow! We are excited to celebrate the day 'Her Rubiness' came into this world!
Time to run... Our nephews are arriving this morning, and we are really looking forward to their visit!
Photo's of the birthday girl coming soon!
Blessings,
Diana
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Goodbye Old Friends...
Due to my slacker blogging lately, I have not formally said "goodbye" to my RQ Pal, October LID buddy, and "real life" friend Kimber. For at least 1.5 years the 3Peanuts have been part of my daily dose. Clearly there is a void now with no more great posts about this wonderful family. And, where in the heck am I supposed to get my great shopping tips for Ruby? I would not even know what "Etsy" meant if it wasn't for Kim. Nor would I have re-introduced monograms into my house, or would I even know what Gluten Free really means!! Obviously, she needs to write a book now. There will be so much to say!I will not get into any ugly comments on the anonymous person that felt the need to harass Kim. It was so hurtful, that she did the right thing by taking 3Peanuts off line. Unfortunately now, many of us will probably do the same thing. Kim started her blog for her family and friends, but as she has said before it grew to be much more.
Kim, thanks for the daily glimpses into your life, your struggles, your faith, and your great big heart! I miss you and I miss those precious Peanuts!!
Blessings,
Diana
Ruby Tuesday Ramblings!
1/2 of "Camp H" with the "Pearl"
A fun day of tubing with Camp H!
Taking shelter from a huge Thunderstorm Warning...
Back on ski's after a year off!!!
Luke & Ainsley - The best of buddies!!
Not sure who the biggest kid is in this picture!
The Best Gift from A Father-In-Law a Guy could ever get!!!
Jeff's Birthday Celebration!
Family Field Trip to the Zoo last weekend!
The New Bear Exhibit at the MN Zoo
It's time to play Family Scrapbook with some photos from our summer days lately. Thank you to all of you who lifted up our friends last week, and for all of your heartfelt guest book messages about my friend Michelle. As you would expect it was a very difficult week. But, it culminated with one of the most amazing "Celebration of Life" services we have ever attended. Scott was a very special person, and he will be greatly missed. We know her journey is truly beginning, but we are blessed to be here to help wherever and whenever we can!
We had a fun birthday dinner for Jeff here at home. And, the weekend prior to that, we had "Camp H" at the cabin. As always, we had a great time with our dear friends! It seems that summer is flying by on me. July 22nd already! Her Rubiness will be two next week. It just does not seem possible.
My parents are here from Texas for the rest of the month. Ainsley and Grandpa have a very special relationship. They are busy having secret meetings on a daily basis. All I know is they are having me Google things on China, Japan, the Olympics, etc... They are so cute together!
Ainsley is busy with a fun camp this week. She is truly having a great summer! Well I am off to get the camper camping! Have a great week!
Blessings,
Diana
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Happy Birthday Daddy!
And Caymus too who is 8 years old today!
It is hard to imagine that one year ago today Jeff was on his way to the doctor because he didn't feel well. What transpired in the following month stretched our faith muscle. We were forever changed by the love and support we received from friends and family. We look back on that time with humble hearts.
Thankfully, God protected Jeff and we are celebrating this birthday with gratitude!
Happy Birthday to my amazing partner, father, and friend! Thanks for blessing us everyday!
We love you!
Diana, Ainsley, & Ruby Mei
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"My Friend"
Lauren & Michelle
Yesterday I was blessed to be by the side of my sweet friend Michelle as we met with church staff to plan her husband Scott's "Celebration of Life" service. Sadly, after a long battle with Acute Leukemia, Scott died on Saturday. Thankfully, there is peace knowing that he is alive and healed in Heaven now. He will be deeply missed. This was a special man who loved the Lord and his family and friends with a passion. What struck me most yesterday, was when our Pastor asked Michelle what were some of her favorite memories... She said that every day, Scott asked her, "How he could be a better husband today!" What a blessing!
There is a poem that I have had tucked away in my office for at least three years. I have wanted to share it with friends many times, but quite honestly I have not been bold enough to do it. But, after yesterday's meeting I realized that we don't hold things like this to ourselves. I am reminded that God only asks us to plant the seed, it is His job to follow through. So, I hope you will read this, and that it will change you for eternity...
I am honored to be a "mat bearer" for my friend. I know her journey is truly just beginning, and I plan to walk by her side and do whatever I can to help her. She has blessed me more than she will ever know by sharing her trial and her un-wavering faith with me.
Thank you Scott for giving me the courage to share this today...
"My Friend"
My Friend, I stand in judgement now,
and feel that you're to blame somehow
On earth I walked with you day by day,
and never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
but never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim,
you could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on earth,
you never told me of a second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that's true,
I called you "friend," I trusted you.
But now I've learned that it's too late,
you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked and talked by day and night,
and yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live and love and die,
you knew I'd never live on high.
Yes, I called you "friend" in life,
and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet, on coming to this end,
I cannot, now, call you "My Friend."
~Author Unknown
Blessings,
Diana
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
4th Of July Weekend Ramblings
My guess is when Kim gets back, and has time, she will post photos from the weekend too. The cliff note version is that we all had a great visit! Ruby and Kate lived up to the reputation of adorable two year olds on several occasions. They loved being together, but they weren't to crazy about the concept of sharing! There were many firsts.... Will & Harry water skiing, Ruby's first tube ride, Big Mabel adventures, Jet Skiing, 4th of July games, trampoline fun, Kate's first fish, etc....... We had gorgeous weather which added to the fun! Overall, it was a great weekend, and one we hope to repeat again someday!Enjoy the pics... Of course, there are more, but I think this gives you a good snapshot of our fun in the sun! Thanks for checking in on us, and for all of your sweet guest book messages!
Blessings,
~Diana
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Peanuts and the Pearl & The Ruby!
New friendships have been made at the lake. Kim and I feel so blessed that we have had the opportunity to bring our families together this weekend. In some ways, I guess this trip was a leap of faith for all of us, (especially Dave & Jeff!) But, sometimes you have to trust your instincts. Two years ago God brought Kim and I together in an internet (RQ) chat room while we waited "patiently" for Kate & Ruby. We celebrated referrals, cried tears of joy over Gotcha days, and helped each other with words of encouragement through sleepless days & nights for the past year. She has taught me so much! I still wish we lived in the same city, but I will take a long distance friendship any day with this special friend!
This weekend has been so fun! The kids are having a blast, and we are having a blast watching them! Last night the adults sat out on the dock and stared at the stars and re-lived our trips to China. We all agree that the experience has blessed us beyond what we could have ever asked for!
Both Kim and I have 100's of photos to share, but these are some very special ones we took last night. Of course doing a photo shoot with Kate & Ruby was "interesting!" They may be back in those white dresses today for more!!! The girls are doing great together. Kate is so beautiful on the inside and the outside.. I love her little voice and musical giggle! And, I keep telling Kim she has gorgeous legs! I think she may be a super model someday!!
One more day with our special guests. We will all be sad to see it end. But, hopefully we will meet again soon!
Happy Referral week to those of you who will be receiving good news today or tomorrow!
Blessings,
Diana
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Kate & Ruby!
Just a quick note to say that Kim and The Peanuts made it safely to MSP! We are having a fabulous time together playing in lake country! Since I am guessing some of you are looking for this, I have included one of my favorite pics of Peanut #3 and The Ruby!
Thanks for praying for Kim's flight. She did great!!!!!
Blessings,
Diana
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Pixie!!!!
Before
After!!
Her Rubiness is now officially 'Short & Sassy!'
The next post will be sometime next week with pics of the 3Peanuts with The Pearl & The Ruby!
Happy 4th!
Diana
Ruby Tuesday (Ok Wed) Ramblings!
Play date with sweet Ellie!
Hanging out at the lake on Saturday!
Caught "dead heading" the healthy petals!!
Her Rubiness and her pal Piper
Oops, I am a day late on the Ruby Tuesday Ramblings.... It is a busy week!!!! We have guests up at the lake this weekend (I think some of you know that!) so we are having fun getting ready for that!
I can't believe it is July already! In 29 days, my baby will be two!!!! Ruby is getting her hair cut this morning... Her bangs are so long, I can't stand it anymore.... She pulls out the bow and you can't see her face!!! And, these days it seems like that bow is out a lot!!!! Pixie pictures to follow if all goes well!
Love,
Diana
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