Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Photo Shoot with Ruby!
Our baby is turning 4 on Saturday!!!! She has been so patient while she has waited for it to be her turn to celebrate! Today she indulged me with a Mommy/Daughter Photo Shoot! When she is in to it, she is so fun to take pictures of.... It started out rough... I think I walked towards the car twice... But, after some talk about ice cream if she cooperated, her precious smile lit up my camera.
Ruby is blossoming in to such a special little girl! She has been stretched (like her Mama) in the last few months. It has been a hard transition to share her world with Sienna. While there have been some dramatic moments, she has done so well. Her heart has grown by adding a sister to her life. Ruby may be the baby, but she is not a pushover. She can be known as "Little Miss Bossy" around here! A born leader I think is another way to put that!
Jeff and I love to just watch Ruby. She never walks. She seriously skips from here to there. It seems that rarely are both of her feet on the ground. She was born to be an athlete. I asked her which sport I would be watching her at in the Olympics one day. She said, Tennis, Skating, or Soccer... Since she has never done any of these, it will be fun to see where she lands.. Everyone says she has a gymnasts body... Perhaps... All I know is that whatever Ruby decides to do, she will do with enthusiasm!! And, if it involves teammates, she will be the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines!! It is going to be fun to watch Ruby's interests evolve.
Ruby loves to draw me pictures.. She has such a sweet heart. She is the first one to say, "Have a good day", or "have fun!" when we leave her. She loves to help when she can. Right now, she loves helping her Daddy in the garden or me in the kitchen. She is always up for something to do. Sienna has become her buddy, and her side kick which is so fun to watch... Their precious friendship is evolving daily... A very special thing to witness!
Ruby lives life big. I have said before, her highs are high, and her lows are loud! It is not a secret when Ruby is un-happy! We always tell her, God made her so cute for a reason!!
Our little girl does have a few vices in her life.... Her number one love after her family, is her pink blanket! It has traveled great distances with Ruby, and next to Lucy and Sienna it is her BFF! She loves TV, and would watch it all day if she didn't have such a "mean" mom! She likes "smart shows" like "Word World"! But, give her a fix of "Max & Ruby" and she is a happy girl! She loves Princesses, reading stories, learning about Jesus, pretending, going to school, singing, riding her bike or scooter, and playing whatever game Ainsley has come up with!
Ruby does not stop long to ponder things.. She is not moody or sad very often.... She hates being in trouble... She is just loud when she is unhappy. But, it doesn't usually last long... She has such a forgiving heart. And, we have seen her ability to forgive a great deal since Sienna joined her life.... 
Ruby is our silly one! She has a funny giggle, and a smile that makes her eyes twinkle.. She is mischievous too... We got the whole package with Her Rubiness!
Ruby has brought us so much joy... We know that God has special plans for this precious little girl!Happy Birthday Ruby Mei! You are LOVED beyond measure!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Can you help some precious children today?
Sydney and six of her friends in Changsha and Zhanjiang need sponsors now! Please visit our Pearl River Blog to learn more!
Next, most of you who read this blog, know I love the adoption community. When we started this journey long ago I never knew how blessed I would be. Not only did God bless me with precious daughters, he blessed me with amazing friends too. I have been inspired, humbled, stretched, and amazed along this journey by these women! Today, I am happy to ask you to check out an auction site one of my adoption friends is hosting. The purpose is to bring her precious Shaylee Joy home! And, very soon!!!! There is a lot of excitement at Sharon's house as they prepare for their oldest daughter's wedding, and another one about to go off to college... Add to that, a trip to China and all of the expenses that go with it. So, if you can help them in anyway, thank you!!!! Please check out her auction site for Shaylee Joy here!
Thank you for your hearts for these precious children! You can email me directly at diana@pearlriveroutreach.org if you have any questions about sponsorship!
Blessings,
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Big Sunday for Ainsley!!
Jeff is a water guy! He loves lakes, rivers, oceans, boats, jet ski's, and anything that floats! When we met he was living on the Cumberland River in Nashville. Our weekends were spent chasing the sun! I knew this would be part of our life. When you have three daughters and a Dad who loves water sports, you can only pray that at least one of them will embrace this passion too. I am happy to say that we think "The Pearl" is that girl! This summer we are seeing a child who can't get enough of tubing, swimming, etc. She has gone from cautious to our little dare devil. The faster the better! Music to her Dad's ears!!!
Sunday was a BIG day! Ainsley decided she wanted to try knee boarding! So, Jeff and I took her out on the Jet Ski... Jeff got in the water with her to help her get the feel for getting up... Then he got on the back of the SeaDoo with me to spot! First attempt, Ainsley was up!!!!! We pulled her around the lake for a long time, and she did great!!!!!! So fun to see her so excited too.. Almost as excited as her Daddy!!!!
While we were on the lake, friends of ours stopped to see if they could take Ainsley tubing.. So she left us and jumped on with them for some fun on their Mambo... A few hours later we connected to find out she got in the water with Sarah and attempted water skiing for the first time too!!!! And, she got up the first attempt!!! Even after she fell she tried two more times!
Quote from her Dad, "I have waited 9 years for this!!!" Way to go Ainsley!!!!
We can't wait until next weekend to see her skiing and knee boarding around the lake! Camp H will be there to cheer her on!
By the way, Miss Sienna wants to try knee boarding too!!! Stay tuned!
Blessings,
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sienna's Birthday!
Sienna celebrated her fifth birthday with her sisters, some of her extended family, and a few close friends. It was a special day that started early. I think it was about 6:15am when the "Littles" emerged from their room. Sienna was greeted with hugs and Happy Birthdays from her family. Her sisters were so excited to celebrate with her.... Gift opening began immediately. Jeff and I were so proud of Ruby who truly let it be Sienna's day ALL day. Sienna Grace loved her gifts, and enjoyed the start of this new chapter as a five year old!Some of the highlights for me were watching the sisters take care of each other yesterday. We have been talking a lot about being more kind and loving towards each other.. It was evident that everyone was trying to make Sienna's day special.
I just smiled when we went to pick up Sienna's cake as I watched my three daughters walk hand in hand into the store.
Sienna loved being the center of attention at her party. As always the cake was a highlight. She picked it out, and it turned out so pretty. Just like the birthday girl! She loved hearing the birthday song, and blowing out her candles... I guess she loved the cake, because she asked if she could have it for breakfast today!!! (Of course I let her!)
Sienna ended her day snuggled in her bed... She turned to Ruby and said, "I love you Uby!" Every time I hear that I think about what a miracle this life here with Sienna is.
She ended up sleeping in Ainsley's bed, because Jie Jie was at a sleep over.. As you can see she ended her first day of five with one of her gifts. So sweet!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Happy 5th Birthday Sienna Grace!
When I met Sienna Grace just a little over four months ago I didn't have time to feel sad about the milestones in her life that I had missed. I was too busy learning how to communicate with her, how to love her, how to teach her that she could trust me. Simply put, we were in survival mode...
Sienna came to us with a story. Much of it we will never truly know. Some of it we are beginning to understand. Layer by layer, we are learning about our beautiful daughter.
Sienna Grace is beautiful and strong. She is tender and sweet. She is smart and funny! She loves to laugh. She hates being told "No!" She can throw an impressive tantrum when trying to get her way.. She is so brave! She gives the best hugs. She loves to brush my hair. She loves to be held. She is a girly girl! She only wants to wear dresses that twirl. She loves to take baths! She wants her hair to be long! Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite drink is water, and her favorite food is noodles. She loves to sing, "Jesus Loves Me." She wants to play the piano someday. My favorite quote when asked what she wants to be..., "I just want to be Sienna!"
Yes, we have missed four birthdays for our precious daughter.
And if you saw the gifts on the table waiting for her tomorrow morning, you may think I am making up for it.. Truth is, I probably am! Every girl deserves to be treated like a Princess on her birthday.
The best gift of all is that Sienna Grace is finding her way here. She fits in perfectly. She adds a dimension we didn't even know we were missing. It is a privilege to celebrate such a wonderful day. The day that God chose to bring this beautiful child into the world! Yes this child has a story. A very special one!....
Happy Birthday Sienna Grace! We love you!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Two Birthdays At Our House Today!
Today is Jeff's Birthday!!!! We wish he was spending it sitting on the dock at our cabin with a fishing pole. Unfortunately, he has to work today.... So, we will do our best to make it special all weekend! The girls are excited for him to get home tonight, so they can celebrate!We are so thankful for how he takes care of us.... My guess is Jeff never imagined his life with a house of girls. Especially growing up with one brother! We do our best to drive him crazy, keep him entertained, and to give him a break when he needs it. I have noticed a few distinguished hairs on his head lately. No clue what could have caused those. We adore our Daddy, and we are so thankful for the way he adores us back!
Happy Birthday Honey!
And, this is Caymus! Our first born who is 10 today!!!! She is named after one of our favorite vineyards in Napa Valley! You would never guess she is 70 in dog years... She still steals food off the counters, gets into the garbage cans whenever she has a clear shot and barks like a wild woman when a dog walks by. (Unless of course Jeff is home, and she behaves perfectly!) She hates thunderstorms and fire crackers... She loves going on walks, riding in the boat, retrieving a ball, and just being with us. She grew up under my desk, and she loves her Mama... She is a Portugese Water Dog to the tee... And, we love our high maintenance girl! She's already had a great day.. A walk, breakfast, and some extra loving from me... We've already discussed her dish of ice cream for tonight!!! Happy Birthday Caymus!Thursday, July 15, 2010
For All our Texas Friends and Family!
It's amazing how many people we love live in TX!!!!
The girls were playing the other day, and Ainsley found this old costume that was given to her by her Grandparents when she was four. I think Miss Sienna Grace makes one pretty cow girl!
Since we are having weather that reminds me of living in the south here, these pics are perfect for today!
Blessings,
Monday, July 12, 2010
Summer Days...
Did you see the Today Show today? I did not, but a few friends gave us the heads up, that our city is considered the #1 place to live right now... Clearly whoever voted, has not been to MN in the winter!!! Regardless, we are flattered, and we agree this is a great place to raise a family!
I can't believe we are literally halfway through Ainsley's summer vacation already... It doesn't feel like we have really done a lot yet other than our fabulous trip to Chicago and regular visits to our cabin on the weekends... But, the weekdays seem to fly by, and we must be filling them up somehow! Today was day two at our club pool. It was another gorgeous summer day... Sienna and Ruby are absolutely loving the water!! Today I had Ainsley and a friend to help play with the little girls. This allowed me five minutes to sit on a chair and well... just sit!!!
Ainsley just had a fun 4-day weekend with Jeff up north. Jeff's brother, Greg, and our nephew Evan made a last minute trip up to play for a few days.. They brought with them three of Evan's friends.. From what I hear it was a great time for all!!!! Ainsley had a blast being the youngest, and tubing with the big kids!!! It was a fun spontaneous trip for all of them! I stayed back with Sienna and Ruby and went to a wedding... I also did a little shopping for three big July birthdays coming up!! Starting with Jeff on Friday!
I am finding it harder to blog, as my days are spent hanging with the "Things" and Ainsley when she is not at a play date, playing tennis, or doing various other things.. She has a fun Target audition this week that we hope she gets... We were laughing the other day, because she had just said to me, "I guess my modeling career is over!" It just sounded funny from a nine year old!!! She loves working with Target, so hopefully this will work out!
Sienna is anxiously awaiting her first birthday here on July 20th!!!! It's hard to believe our girl is going to be 5! She picked out the perfect dress, and we are so excited to make it a very special day for her!!!!! She gets to meet her "Grandpa YeYe" in a few days!!! This is my Dad, and we are so excited for them to meet! Sienna has already told me she is going to teach her "YeYe" to eat with chopsticks. I can't wait for that!
On July 31st we will be celebrating #4 for Ruby! Tonight when I was putting the girls to bed, Ruby said to me..... "I just want to be little Mama!" Thankfully, she will always be my baby!
I hope you are enjoying your summer days!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Sienna Update...
As we prepare for a future splenectomy for Sienna, there are a few vaccines she still needs to prevent the risk of serious infection. Since she has been home she has received three individual shots, spread out, with no reaction. Until Wednesday..... Wednesday she received her PCV13 (Pneumococcal) shot. Around 6pm she started complaining of leg pain, and the chills. Sure enough she was burning up. A flashback of China where the PCV7 was one of her 7 shots that day.. Thankfully, this time, Sienna was willing to take Tylenol to get her fever down.... It was a long night, but she did so great. The difference again, she wanted me to help, hold and comfort her. A blessing.... Yesterday, she continued to feel awful until bedtime.. But, this morning she woke up and was a different girl.. Happy! And, ready to go to the pool.. Amazing!
It has only been four months since Sienna Grace met us. We have traveled great distances together in this short time... She is starting to talk more about her time in China. About her past, and the people in it. And, about the day she left her foster mother to meet us. She remembers specific details like it was yesterday. I am so thankful that she is able to verbalize to me how she felt then and how she feels now. I won't share the intimate details of these sweet conversations with me. They are usually late at night, when it is just the two of us... They are priceless. The beautiful part of this story is that she knows she was loved there. She had a "China Mom" as she refers to her foster mother... She is quick to say, that "I am her Mom!" as if she doesn't want me to forget... I tell her every day I will never let her go... She smiles and hangs on tight!
Sienna Grace is a resilient and beautiful child. Inside and out! Four months later the layers are still peeling away... What a gift to witness it and to see how far we have traveled together!
Blessings,
Diana
A Special Tribute...
In November Jeff and I found ourselves grieving with a special friend of ours over the loss of her precious husband and son. They were killed tragically in a car accident on a beautiful Sunday morning. In one instant, Christine's family was taken from her. I am not posting this here to make you sad.. But, to share with you a very special story...
I remember praying as I was walking into the funeral home for words to comfort her.. That somehow the Holy Spirit would just take over that night. What I saw was a beautiful mother and wife, that God had given the grace to get through this awful tragedy. You see, long ago God gave Christine an inner strength that would allow her to survive this. He also gave her a strong faith, along with an incredible group of friends and family who love her beyond words. What I am seeing now is a woman who will tell you she is the lucky one... She was adored by her husband, and her precious son. Even though it was a short time together, it was beyond special! The way it is supposed to be. A marriage full of love and respect and joy over just being together!
I tell you this story today because Christine has chosen to live... She has also chosen to make something good out of this... She has also allowed others to help her! On August 18th, the first annual Jim and Jude Memorial Golf Tournament is being played to honor her family! And, the funds raised are going to build a play ground at Jude's pre-school, and to the amazing St. Jude's Children's Hospital Foundation. I will be playing golf at this tournament. I know it is going to be an amazing day!
They will be having a silent auction at this event... And, here is where you all come in.. I know I have some very talented blog readers... IF you feel led to donate an item to help raise money for this special event, please contact me at dijorouse@yahoo.com.
Perhaps, this post can be a reminder to cherish the ones we love, belt into car seats, and kiss goodnight! I urge you to read Christine's testimony about the loves of her life! You can read their story here!
Blessings for a safe and happy weekend!
~Diana
Monday, July 5, 2010
4th Of July!
We are up at our cabin enjoying gorgeous weather and time with good friends! We are even sleeping in!!!! Our newest American Citizen has been enjoying the festivities! She's pretty cute in red, white, and blue too!!!!!Blessings,
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