Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Ruby Tuesday Ramblings!!
I hosted my first Matilda Jane Trunk Show last night!!!! Thanks to some of you out there who shared in the fun!!! The Westside Collection is now available on-line for all to see. There are some very cute things for Fall!
I just had to share my favorite picture of Ruby in color. Lauri was at the show tonight, and she brought me my order! And, she gave me this Jpeg!! I even ordered my Christmas cards. Now, that has never happened in September!!
Blessings for a great Ruby Tuesday to all of you!
Diana
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fall is here!
Fall is here! We were at the lake this weekend, and the colors are turning, and the temperatures are dropping! This has always been my favorite season growing up in the Midwest. Unfortunately, winter comes next. Oh well, I will take the gorgeous colors for now, and worry about the rest later!
I hope you had a great weekend too!
Blessings for a great week!
Diana
Friday, September 26, 2008
Happy First Birthday Madison!
Many of you may remember precious Madison who was born one year ago today with a very serious heart condition, called Hypo Plastic Left Heart. It is a blessing today to say to this tiny miracle, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!!! She is absolutely a joy! Happy, adorable.... perfect!!!!
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."
1Samuel 1:27
We love you girl!
Mr. Jeff, Miss Di, Ainsley & Ruby Mei
P.S: PLEASE pray for Susannah. She has a Cath Procedure at 9:00am CT today!
You can read more about it and specific prayer requests at Leslie's blog!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Ruby Tuesday Ramblings.....
Ainsley got an S+ on her first speech!!!
I just love this color on her...
She is trying not to laugh here!!!
She can't take it anymore......
Ainsley had her first public speaking opportunity last week at school. Their class had a community building project. Ainsley had to create a building starting with a shoe box. She was assigned the Vet. She designed it all at school on her own. It turned out so great! I was invited for the presentation, and I was really proud of her. She was poised and confident. Since her Mom was a Communications and Business major, this was fun for me!!! I loved doing speeches in school!!!! Today, she received her grade, S+!!! Way to go Ainsley!
Tonight we were watching "Dancing with the Stars" and the Kemp's commercial came on.. She was so excited that her Grandma was here to see it... I just love that cow!!! :)
Ruby is becoming a verbal explosion! In fact tonight, I got some cute video that I am hoping to edit and post here. But, I can't find my cord for my video camera.... UGH!!! I have not used it since I did the China video, and I have no idea what I did with it. It will surface, and I will play I-Movie editor again.... Anyway, here are some of her favorite things to say....:
"NO WAY"
"Me TOO"
"Oh NO"
"HELLO"
"YES"
"YUM or NUM"
"BYE BYE"
"LUV YOU"
"1,2,3,2"
"A,E,U, Eggy!"
"BIBLE"
"MAMA"
"DADDY"
"Ai-Lee"
"Woofs!"
MINE!
The cutest is the way she says "NO WAY!!" Ainsley has no idea who taught her that!!!
Ruby has four opportunities a week now to be in a setting where she is with a teacher and other children. I am excited for her to learn to stand in line, wait her turn, share, etc... She is really doing well! Her enthusiasm can get the best of her, but we are working on it!! Hopefully we will not have to leave gymnastics this week.... She just loves it so much, she is beside herself when the teacher stops the fun to give instructions.... I removed her from the room three times last week... Bless her "spirited" heart!!!
I am still working part-time. Jeff's mom is here for the next two weeks to help with Ruby during the day when we are not at one of our fun classes together. It is a blessing to have her here and to have Ruby home where she enjoys being. Thank you Arlene!
I can't close tonight without a big "Praise the Lord!" Susannah is on a plane right now heading home! What a blessing to witness mountain size miracles for this precious little girl! I am in awe of this family, and their faith! I look forward to following their journey and for watching God's plans for this child!
Lastly, congrats to Debbie & Jim who have ADORABLE and TINY Lily Sha Hope! They are having major internet issues in Hunan, so her posts may be sporadic. But, there are photos up of their tiny blessing now. She is hoping to send some more to me tomorrow that I can post from here.
OK - I have to go to bed! This is what happens when Jeff travels! I miss you honey!
Blessings,
Di
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Lily Eve!!!!!
As I type, two special people are in a hotel in the Hunan Province anxiously awaiting what tomorrow brings! Tomorrow is the day they meet the precious little girl that God has chosen to be their daughter. Could she be more adorable?
I have never met this Mom in person, but because of this awesome journey I call adoption, we have met. Our stories are similar. She has an older daughter that has patiently waited to be a big sister. There will be five years between these girls when Lily comes home.
Just like Ainsley & Ruby! We have shared emails about what to expect when this little person completes their foursome. It turns out that Debbie followed our Journey to Ruby Mei. She said it encouraged her during her long wait.. What a blessing!!
Anyway, as you know I have been blessed with amazing friends near and far because of the Ruby's adoption. I know if Debbie and I lived close to each other we would be fast friends. I am so excited for this family!~
So, Debbie, tonight is the last night you will ever wonder about Lily!!! Yes, your world will change tomorrow. You will never look back. I promise! Your heart will be bigger!!! I can't wait to see Miss Lily exactly where she is meant to be. With you!!! Happy Gotcha Eve!
Blessings,
Diana
Thursday, September 18, 2008
How did she get so big?
I look at these photos, and it makes me realize how quickly time flies when you have a toddler. It feels like yesterday that Ainsley was sporting that plaid skirt? When Ruby Mei took off down the sidewalk full of confidence it made me proud, but a little bit sad too. I don't want her to grow up too fast..... Someone said it best to me the other day... "This little bundle lives life to the fullest!" You got that right! Have a great weekend!Blessings,
Diana
P.S: Thanks for your prayers for Susannah. She is breathing easier, brushing her Mama & Baba's hair, and stacking cups like a professional!!!! Please continue to pray for her. God is working His miracles in a tiny hospital in China!!!!! PTL!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Urgent Prayer Requests for a tiny blessing in China!
Please intercede on behalf of this precious family currently in China. What should have been a day of great joy yesterday where they would meet and hold Susannah for the first time, turned out to be heartbreaking. When they arrived at the Civil Affairs Office with their AWAA group they found out their precious child is lying in a hospital fighting for her life. She needs God to heal her so she can get well enough to get out of the hospital. Unless this happens Leslie and Charlie will not be able to get the documents they need to legally become her parents. They are up against road blocks that only God can move.
You will be touched by this story of faith. And you will see what others can do when you feel like you are all alone!
Hang in their Susannah! You are loved!
~Diana
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Ruby meets Officer Wilson!
If you have been reading this blog for a while now, you probably have determined that being Ruby's Mom is a true gift. There are so many adjectives to describe her that I could never list them all. But, some of my favorites are: Happy, Full of Life, Spirited and SMART! And, I am not talking book smart... This little tornado is street smart already! So savvy, she has become the car seat escape artist. Her big sister would have never even thought to push the red magic button that could have set her free. But, give Ruby a challenge, and she will rise to the occasion. A great skill when it does not include risking your life! So, today when we were cruising down one of our local highways at 65mph I notice this cute pixie standing up in her seat in my rearview mirror.... So, I "calmly" pulled over in rush hour traffic, and duck taped her in. Yes, you read that correctly, DUCK TAPED HER IN! I am sure this is not going to win me any Mother of the Year awards. But, you must give me a point for being resourceful.... Once back on the road, I headed directly to our local police station.
That is where a very polite, Officer Wilson, had a meeting with 'Her Rubiness!' I am not quite sure if she was impressed, but she was very quiet as he told her why it was important to stay in her seat.... As we were leaving she gave him her award winning smile and wave....
I know I am not the only one out there with Little Miss Adventure. So, if you have any good ideas for me, pass them on. I would prefer not to duck tape my daughter in her seat everyday!!!!
So, there is the story, of Ruby meeting her first Police Officer! Thank you Officer Wilson! Hopefully, we will not be back soon!
"Buckle up for Safety!!!"
~Diana
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Got Milk?
This post is for a very patient Grandpa in Texas who was not in Minnesota to see his granddaughter's commercial debut! He has been waiting for these! And, yes Dad, I will get you a copy of it, as soon as I can figure out how to transfer from my DVR to a DVD!!!!
It has been a fun week for The Pearl! She is hoping she gets to do more of these. We may have found her "passion!"
Enjoy Grandpa! For the rest of you, thanks for understanding!!!!
Blessings,
Diana
Joe, the Dad, explaining this is their new pet, who can also provide fresh milk for the family!
Amy, the "Mom" telling Joe they don't need a cow, they buy Kemp's Milk which is fresh daily from local dairy farms!
Ainsley has one line where she also gives one of her infamous looks when she says to him, "Wierd Dad." This is after Joe has asked her if she thinks this is wierd!
The real star, "Passion" the Cow!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
TGIF & MJ Thanks!
The Pearl & The Ruby
This has been quite the week, and I will admit I am happy it is Friday. I feel like I am back at school! We have had our first full week of everyone's commitments, and Mom at work.
We kicked off our week with The Pearl's acting debut. I don't really talk about this much here for many reasons. But, let's just say that we got to see her precious face with her favorite cow on Monday Night Football. She is in her first commercial, and we are very proud of her!
It is surreal seeing your child in a TV ad. Ainsley has a natural talent for "drama" and this opportunity was a great fit for her!!
My favorite Ruby story comes from her first BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) class on Tuesday.
She is in a class of young 2 year olds, and there were only 4 precious babes. When I went to pick up our social girl, the teachers were laughing. They stated that Miss Ruby was the most verbal of the bunch, and they told me about their lesson for the day. They took the kids outside to point out all of the things God has made. When they pointed to the trees, they asked, "Who made the trees?" Apparently 'Her Rubiness' in her true loud fashion, claimed that SHE made the trees.. This went on for a while. Eventually, she got the lesson, that Ruby did not create the earth, God did..... So sweet!!! When I picked her up, I asked her, "Who made Ruby?" She very quietly whispered, "Godddddd did...." Oh, I could just eat her up some days! In summary, she got the lesson! And, we have A LOT of work to do! :)
I am getting in a routine of getting up early again, which I love. I really need some quiet time before the days begin... I am studying Moses in BSF this year, and I am really looking forward to it. Can you believe he was 80 before God called him to anything? So much for retirement!
The photo below is from the Westside Collection created by the fabulous Matilda Jane. Who, as you may know is my new favorite designer for the girls. We moved the trunk show I am hosting to 9/29 to take advantage of this new line. I can't wait to introduce MJ to this side of town! I can't tell you how many times I get stopped when Ruby is wearing that Peasant Top! I can't wait to add to her wardrobe with a few more signature pieces! Thank you for all of your wonderful messages about Lauri's pictures. I will admit, I love them too. The Fabulous Matilda Jane was kind enough to share Ruby's picture with her shoppers on her blog. It's a great read if you have not ever been there. She is a riot, and someone I would seek out as a girlfriend if we lived in the same town. I would also be begging her for a job!!! I love small creative companies run by talented people! Thanks Denise, for making our kids look so cute!!
*Available on-line 9/29
Lastly, I am shouting out to my good friends in Houston! We are praying for you!
Blessings,
Diana
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Lauri's Photos!!!!
I met this talented photographer almost three years ago around the time our dossier was logged into China. At the time she was paper chasing for the daughter she is currently waiting for. Then I ran into her again with Ruby on my hip at the camera store last year. At that time I found out she was taking photography classes during her wait! (Why didn't I think of that?) I am guessing she graduated at the top of her class!!!!Lauri now has a promising photography business in Minneapolis! These are just a few sneak peaks that Lauri included on her blog. I just couldn't wait to see what she got last night. Besides fabulous photos, she got a work out chasing Her Rubiness!
I can't wait to see the amazing photos she will take of her own little girl someday! Hopefully, someday soon!
Thank you Lauri! What a blessing to work with you!
~Diana
Born to jump high!!
Waiting before class! (The only time she "waited!")
Some kids are born to sing, and some are born to fly! I think Ruby Mei was born to fly and jump high!!!! Ruby had her first gymnastics class today! She was so excited. When we got to the gym I asked her if she wanted to jump today? She said, "Yessssssss Mama, HIGH!" Isin't that what Shawn Johnson said?
Needless to say, Ruby was very enthusiastic during her class. She had a hard time focusing on the teacher when there was a balance beam and a trampoline calling her name. Miss Bridget just laughed and said, "sometimes you just know, don't you....?!" UH OH...... My Mom sat in an ice rink. I think it is inevitable that I will be sitting in a gym!
Where is the Olympics in 2024?
Blessings,
Diana
P.S: Thank you for your prayers yesterday. Both Ruby and Jenny did great!!!! She was so happy when I picked her up. And, the photo session went as well as it could with an unpredictable 2 year old!!!! I hope to see some proofs tomorrow!!!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Ruby Tuesday Random Thoughts!
What do you think 'Her Rubiness' is pondering in this photo?
We introduced Ruby & Ainsley to Yoga this weekend. Can you tell from the pose?
I thought for prosperity I would include a family shot so people know I really was at the cabin this summer. As you know, I prefer to be behind the camera lens!
As the children in our neighborhood head back to school, and our nephew starts his freshman year at IU today, I am reminded of how much I love fall. It's funny how we go from rushing to the lake every weekend, to looking forward to getting back into a routine in the suburbs. I miss going to church, and I look forward to fall weather and football season. We will continue to get to the lake, but in the fall and winter we don't feel like we have to be there. When you live in Minnesota you feel like you have to take advantage of the summer days! It has been a wonderful cabin summer! We are grateful for our second home, and we love sharing it with our friends and family.
This is going to be a very busy fall for me. I am open to any tips on how to plan ahead for meals, etc.. This is not my strength, but I would really like to manage life as I know it along with my "new job!" without feeling like my hair is on fire everyday. When I am constantly rushing it really stresses me out. As Ainsley would say, it makes me "crabby!"
I did find care for Ruby Mei. Tomorrow she will be going to my dear friend Jenny's house. In fact she will be with Jenny for the next three weeks, 3 days a week. Then Jeff's Mom is going to come and help us for 2 weeks. After that, we will see how things are going at the office. If they still need me, I will re-visit finding help. I know that Ruby will do great at Jenny's, but I have a little apprehension in leaving her for so long. When I was working when Ainsley was a baby I went back to work (even traveled) after four months. But, Ruby and I have been together 24/7 for a while now. Sure, we have had sitters, but the majority of the time she is with me. She seems to know something is up, because when I took her to the health club (yes, I worked out today!) she cried at the drop off room for kids. She never cries. In fact, she usually thrives on the social aspect of these types of situations... She finally became distracted with some computer games, and I departed for a quick 40 minutes.. Then I took her over to Jenny's for a "drive by." She didn't want to get out of the car... So, if you think of it, I sure would appreciate your prayers for Ruby this week! (And Jenny too!)
Ainsley had a great first week at school. When I picked her up at school on Friday, she proclaimed that she had a "great day!" What a blessing to hear that! She also aced her first spelling test and verse memorization! Way to go Ainsley Kathryn!!
Tomorrow night the girls are having some photos taken by a very talented photographer that has recently started her own business here. She is waiting for her first little girl from China, and that is how we met! I can't wait to see what she gets! I have the m&m's ready for my Ruby bribes!!! We have a Matilda Jane hat we are going to try to get her to wear... Wish us luck!
Lastly, go visit "Kate" at Matilda Jane's blog. I am hosting my first Matilda Jane Trunk show here on September 11th. I am really looking forward to it. I used to represent a New York Company for women's clothes. I am much more excited about hosting a party for Denise's amazing clothes for little girls! If you need anything, please feel free to leave me a message here, and I will contact you! Check out MJ's new "Cafeteria dresses!" at her August 30th post! We will be placing our orders on September 12th!
OK - enough rambling. I have not even showered today!
Have a great week. I will check back later this week with how it is going! Hopefully, I will have some photos from tomorrow night to post too!
Blessings,
Diana
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