First a Pearl, then Three Rubies!!: November 2010

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Decking the Halls!

8:18 AM |

It was a busy weekend introducing Sienna Grace to Christmas! She was so excited about the tree! The girls had so much fun making it special for her! We even had a group of carolers stop by on Saturday night to really make it feel like Christmas. Yesterday we were at the mall in the morning when it was very quiet. Santa just happened to be out of his chair wondering the halls. He came up to the girls.. It was so sweet... They both just stopped and stared at the jolly fellow! I explained this was Sienna's first Christmas. With a twinkle in his eyes he said Merry Christmas. She said it back in the sweetest voice.. I think Sienna is going to enjoy celebrating Jesus's birthday this year!

It's going to be a brisk 5degrees here today. Nothing like welcoming December with a bang tomorrow! Merry Merry!!

9 comments

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful Thanksgiving!

6:19 AM |

One year ago at this time we had just received our "Letter of Acceptance" from the CCAA to adopt She Xia Chang. It was an exciting time for our family as we anticipated the arrival of Sienna Grace.

One year later, on a snowy and cold morning I give thanks for the way God chose to make our family. When Jeff and I got married we had never even discussed adoption. God clearly had other plans for our lives, and we could not be more grateful. It has changed us from the inside.. Our family and friends too. It has given truth to the Bible Verse where God asks us to take care of orphans. However, to me when I look at Sienna and Ruby I don't see orphans. I see two beautiful children that were born to adversity, but they were born to be mine. They are my daughters. I would do anything to keep them safe and to help them feel secure. A life long commitment. A gift from a Father who loves them abundantly.

I have been working on the Holiday card for Pearl River this week. On it there are 19 little faces starting at me. 19 little people that do not have a forever home to celebrate and give thanks in today. It pulls at my heart. I am grateful for the work I get to do to hopefully make a difference. I wish they could all be around our table today.

Today I give thanks for a husband who loves me, who works hard to provide, who puts his family first and who has grown so much in the eleven years we have been together. He is another gift to me.

Today I give thanks for the three sisters that are snuggled in their beds as I write. Parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done. As one Mom said to me last week, being a mother has deepened my faith. It has caused me to look at me deeper. (Not always so flattering by the way!) Children are truly a gift from the Lord used to sharpen us, to teach us, to mold us to be more like Him.

Today I am thankful for the friends God has given to me. I am thankful for conversations that go below the surface. I am thankful for these beautiful friends that share their hearts with me. Who have taught me more than I will ever teach them. For women who inspire me to be better!

Today I am thankful for the family that raised me. For two parents that are still here at 83 and 78. For the example they set, and for the way they have always sacrificed self to help others. I pray I can pass on this legacy to my girls.

I guess Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving if we did not pause to count our blessings, small and big. I pray you have a blessed day!

"There in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you." ~Deuteronomy 12:7

Labels: Family, Sisters, Thankful Thursday, Thanksgiving | 12 comments

Friday, November 19, 2010

Just a Tender Story about Two Sisters....

3:21 AM |

Over the last two days I finally got to a project that has been on my list. I have wanted to print out every page of Sienna's Adoption Website, to have in a book for her. This was a gift for us when Ruby came to us, and it is a treasured keepsake. I spent the most of my time pouring over every guest book message all of you wrote to us in March. Especially, the ones when we were in the trenches in China, when Sienna was so sick. I found myself wiping the tears as I was reading each treasured word of encouragement and celebration.

A lot has changed for our girls since Sienna came home. Honestly, some days have been hard. But, the rewards have far out weighed the challenges. Thankfully, as I have said before Ruby has the most forgiving heart of any child I have ever met. There have been days where I am not sure I would have been so gracious to my new sister. Days where she had her feelings hurt, or she received some physical attention from Sienna that she did not deserve. Ruby has modeled what all of us need to learn... The art of saying, "It's ok, I forgive you.." Having three girls can be challenging.. Like most relationships, at times one is left out. We are working on it.

This sister relationship is something I find myself praying about a lot. I spent days dreaming about it before Sienna came. More than anything I wanted Sienna and Ruby to be not only sisters but the best of friends... Slowly, God is showing us this evolve... Wednesday night, I was working at church, and I got home when the little girls were in bed... Sienna came running in our room because Ruby was coughing un-controllably.. She was truly concerned for her mei mei. I ran in to find a very scared Ruby Mei in her bed... I scooped her up and took her to our room.. Sienna kicked into sister and nurse mode. She ran and got Ruby water, she got her blanket and her favorite bear, she stroked her arm, and she hugged her. I think the big sister was scared too... It was the sweetest and most tender exchange I have seen between them. Answered prayer.. You see, I know Sienna adores Ruby.. But, there are days where she does not live that out loud... Deep down she is her protector. It's so beautiful. Their pre-school teacher tells me they watch out for each other. Answered prayer!

Yesterday, we went to get the very last 2 shots Sienna needed for a while!!! As the norm, Sienna did not flinch.. But, her little sister was there squeezing her hand.. And, to support her, Ruby asked me and the nurse if she could have a shot too... Yes, not kidding! She was due for her flu booster, which she could have done as a nasal spray.. But no, this sister wanted to be brave like her buddy and sidekick.. This time, Sienna squeezed Ruby's hand, and all was well. The nurse just shook her head in amazement. She remember Ruby Mei from the first (awful) blood draw three years ago.

I left that doctors office with two little girls, brought together by adoption, forced to be sisters and now destined to be the best of friends walking out hand in hand. Again, so beautiful! You see, this relationship is still evolving.. on their terms. Isn't that the way it is supposed to be?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Please lift up my friend Bridget in about 5 hours. She begins the long journey home from China to Chicago. 24+ hours of travel as a solo parent with two four year olds... Need I say more!

Thank you again for supporting us through the high's and low's. We are blessed!

Labels: Sisters | 14 comments

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

{Black and White Wednesday} Fabulous Fundraiser!

6:55 AM |

A few weeks ago I received an email from an old friend... Someone who has journaled two trips to China with me! Someone who celebrated with me when we received Ruby's referral, and cried with me when Sienna was sick... Someone who has a beautiful heart for orphans.. Her name is Jennifer, and she and her husband Joe own, "My Adoption Websites." I can't say enough about how their service has blessed our family and friends. If you are currently preparing to travel to China, I would consider this keepsake for your child! Three years later, I still go back and visit our first journey! (Our Journey's to Ruby Mei and Sienna Grace can be seen by clicking the tabs on my menu above.)

Jennifer emailed me to see if this year the proceeds from her third annual "Fabulous Fundraiser" could go towards sponsoring in full one Pearl River Baby! The cost of a full sponsorship is $1680.00! If Jen reaches her goal, this will most likely allow us to take an additional child from the Changsha #1 orphanage and place them with a foster family! What a Christmas gift!!

Today and tomorrow are the final days for Jennifer's Sale and Auction. Please take the time to check out what people are bidding on! And, remember any donation is the gift of a family for a child! There is no greater gift for an orphan!

AUCTION

(Ends tonight at 9:30 EST)

SALE

(Ends tomorrow at Midnight EST)

Thank you Jennifer and Joe!

Labels: PRO | 8 comments

Monday, November 15, 2010

Sienna's Dedication Day!

12:45 PM |

"I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.

So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."

1 Samuel 1:27-28

Yesterday with many of our closest friends and my Mom we celebrated Sienna's dedication to the Lord at our home. It was a very special day as Jeff and I reflected on how God truly chose this child for us. And, the overwhelming responsibility of "Training her in the way she should go." On days like this you can't help but reflect on the awesome responsibility it is to raise a child well. We are thankful for our amazing friends and role models that we can journey with along the way!!

Shaelee & Sienna.... Both girls chosen by God to be deeply loved

and raised in Christian homes, where they would learn the meaning of..

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to

prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope

and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Sienna received some lovely gifts including a very special story Bible from one of her very favorite people in the world, Miss Liz! She loved reading the inscription with her.

My Mom is in town helping out with my sister who recently had surgery. I am so glad she was able to be here for Sienna's special day!

The year we were feeling like God was calling us back to China, we were studying Moses in BSF. I had a very special group and a very special leader that year. Barb not only supported my hearts desire to adopt again, she blessed me by being an incredible friend and faithful prayer warrior. It was only fitting yesterday when I went to take her photo with Sienna, that Shaelee jumped on her lap! Barb helped to pray both of these girls home!

At the end of the party, I looked over and Sienna and Shaelee were busy by the coffee sugars and cream~ Let's just say their faces told the story! I can only imagine what these two got into in Hengshan! Every time I see these two together I am amazed at the depth of their friendship at such a young age. They never fight.. They put each other in their place if they need to. But, it is always done in a non-threatening way.. They are never too far away from each other... But, I have noticed it is also easier for them to say goodbye now. They have

learned that this time, they will see each other again! Our hotel is already booked for the next trip!

Thanks again to all of our family and friends, near and far, who have supported our journey to and back for Sienna Grace. This dedication day was very special for our family! And, we are grateful to share our love for this child and for the way God brought her to us with you!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are

walking in the truth." ~3John 1:4

Labels: Sienna | 14 comments

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sienna and Shaelee - Share a Snow Day!

9:31 PM |

Sienna and Shaelee are together again!!!!! This time our sweet friends are visiting the Great White Snow Globe!!!! What a fun day for all of the girls, and Daddy too!!!! They built a snowman, and a fantastic igloo with the help of our resident Eskimoe!

There is one thing that both Sienna and Shaelee admitted.. They never saw snow like this in Hengshan!

Tomorrow we are celebrating Sienna's Dedication Day! She is so excited to have her BFF here for her big day! What a blessing this relationship is for all of us! We are so thankful for her wonderful family!!!!

Labels: Shaelee, Snow | 7 comments

Wordless Saturday!

8:42 AM |

Labels: Sienna | 11 comments

Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Pearl's First Uniform!

10:00 PM |

Ainsley is playing in her first team sport, Basketball for her school!!! They just started practice this week, and today they got their uniforms!!! Coach Jeff has been helping with the girls, and I think he is having as much fun as #12! Games start in December... I know some little girls that will be there with their pom pom's! Can't wait for our first season of hoops with The Pearl!

Labels: Ainsley | 10 comments

Monday, November 8, 2010

Bridget has Kit!!!!

1:09 PM |

A special little girl met her family today!!! My dear friend Bridget, and Ruby's best friend Lucy now have the precious daughter and sister that they have waited so long for!!!! So fitting that yesterday was "Orphan Sunday" and that November is "National Adoption Month." Kit is orphaned no more! And for that, we are so thankful to God for orchestrating her amazing story!!

You see back in July, a special Mom that I had never met personally, emailed me the picture of a beautiful little girl. She new I had a friend that was waiting for a child from China. On that same day, my contact at Great Wall, the agency we used for Sienna, emailed me the same photo saying she had a little girl that reminded us of our family. Her referral photo resembled Sienna. I passed this child's photo on to Bridget. A few weeks passed, and that same special Mom emailed me again with new information on this precious little girl. I again emailed it to Bridget. Shortly after that she emailed me and said she "needed that file!" Since it was a Friday, her agency was closed. So, I reached out to my friend at Great Wall and asked her if she would send it. She did... Next, another adoption friend who is very special to me reviewed Kit's file for Bridget... She gave her valuable advice and insight that only a loving mother and respected doctor can... In early August, Bridget and Rich locked Kit's file!!! And, yesterday she filled a hole in their family in a way that only a child hand picked by God can...

It has been a blessing to be a part of Kit's story. And, a privilege to share this journey and wait with my sweet friend. Today I celebrate and give thanks to God for this amazing little girl! I am constantly blown away at how God weaves us all together for his glory!!! I know He has very special plans for precious Kit and her sister Lucy! And, I can't think of a more amazing Mom to guide them along the way! Congratulations Bridget, Rich and Lucy!

Please take time to stop by and visit Bridget's blog! I promise you will leave smiling!

Labels: Bridget, Kit, Lucy | 7 comments

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Getting Her Ready for Winter!

3:52 PM |

We took the girls up to the cabin for the day on Saturday! It was a bright and gorgeous November day up there. We picked up our snow mobile to have it ready for the season.. The girls have been talking up snow to Sienna... She has seen pictures, but of course there is nothing like experiencing it.. Soon enough they will be making a snowman together and drinking hot chocolate! Sienna and I were having fun with a little winter hat photo shoot!

A Happy Belated Birthday to Nadi who turned 5 yesterday!!! We can't wait to see you again on Friday!! And, at 12:30am tonight, our dear friends Bridget, Rich and Lucy will be meeting Kit for the first time!!!! (2:30-3:00 China time!) Please pray for them. Kit is 4 like Sienna was when we met her.. It is such a big day for these precious children. I feel like an anxious Aunt waiting for her anticipated arrival!!!! Bridget will be posting at their blog as soon as she can! The Red Thread Story of Kit is another miracle of how God brings us all together for His glory!! She was born to be in this family, and I can't wait to see her blossom in it! I just wish I was there to see her in person! I will be on a plane to Chicago as soon as she is ready for visitors!!!

Labels: Cabin, Ruby, Sienna | 5 comments

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wordless Wednesday!

12:01 AM |

Labels: Wordless Wednesday | 12 comments

Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween 2010!

10:23 PM |

The girls had a great time sharing Sienna's first Halloween with her! The big sister chose to stay with her sisters, which was so sweet! Jeff (a.k.a "Cowboy Daddy) said it didn't take long for Sienna to run from house to house with the kids! When they rang our doorbell all three were excited! It is such a joy to experience these holidays through the eyes of our children!

Here is our Halloween in pictures!!!