I apologize for the delays in my posts lately.. My intentions are good.. Follow through.. not so much! Jeff and Ruby have been sick the last 24 hours, so the "Resident Nurse" here is praying that the rest of us don't get it! Praying they both wake up tomorrow feeling so much better!

Last week "The Middles" were part of a very fun "Book Week" at their school! The culmination was the sweetest little parade I have ever seen. Each child dressed up like one of their favorite books. My two little "Fancy Nancy" fans were so excited! When I tucked them in tonight they begged me to let them read together for a while... It's amazing to watch them truly reading! I am so proud of them!!! It was Sienna's turn to bring Ruby her homework today.. She made sure Ruby got it all done too! They are quite the pair!

Here are a few pics from their sweet Friday!

I got to be a Volleyball Mom all weekend while Ainsley played in a tournament Saturday and Sunday here! I absolutely loved being the super fan in the gym! She played so well all weekend! Ainsley brought her serving game with her! I was so proud of her! She is learning a lot about what it takes to be on a team.. So many great life lessons! It was fun for me to spend time getting to know the other girls on her team too, and to spend time just being the Pearl's Mom!!! Thanks Jeff for taking over the rest of the crew! It was so much fun!

Well.. Since I have not had a chance to take any pictures of my little Valentine's here is a little more Ivy Joy for your morning!!!!!! And, the fact that Ivy is a precious heart baby who needs to get home asap, it seems even more special and appropriate to celebrate her today!!! Please pray that Ivy can get home safely and receive the life saving care she needs, so she can have years to be loved on! She will be heading home next Wednesday, February 22nd.

On more than one occasion God has used our tiny blessings to bless us more than we could ever hope for. Two years ago we gained an extended family when we adopted Sienna Grace. Over time we have learned a lot about love from this big clan that consists of two very special families.. Our red thread was our daughters from Hunan. Last summer these two very special Mom's took care of Sienna and Ruby while we traveled to China to bring home Emme Jade. These incredible women un-selfishly traveled to get our girls, and traveled to bring them home. In between they loved our daughters like their own. They are both amazing examples of how Christ wants us to be: His Hands and Feet!

Tonight I have the privilege of scribing for one of these special Mom's.. My friend Mary was united this evening with her precious new daughter, Ivy Joy in Hangzhou... We learned about Ivy while we were in China this past summer.. We have been praying for this day for a long time... Finally... Finally... She is safely in the arms of one of the most amazing mom's I know. Congratulations "S" family.. God has chosen one very special little girl for your sweet flock!!! She is precious and beautiful!! Hand picked long ago just for you!!! Welcome Ivy Joy... We love you already! And we are praying for your protection and healing as you begin your journey home with your forever family!

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

1 Samuel 1:27

Tomorrow one of my new favorite clothing companies, Georgia Grace is kicking off their Spring Line, "Playground Diaries"! One of their trunk keepers, Kristen, asked me if I would be interested in hosting a "virtual" show for her.. (How did we shop before the internet?) Of course I said YES!!!

So, I encourage all of you out there who love to dress up your precious girls (nieces, granddaughters, friends kids, etc..) to check it out tomorrow! If you see something you would like to order, email Kristen directly with the item and the sizes you want. She will work with you on any and all questions, and finalizing your order. They do accept EChecks too!

Kristen@georgiagracedesigns.com

If you do decide to buy something, please let Kristen know that you came to her from my blog!

Have fun shopping! And, let me know what you can't live without!!!! I can tell you anything right now with a pocket, will probably be in Emme Jade's closet. Our little Empress is crazy for all things pockets!!

My Show will run 3 days, Saturday - Monday!

(February 11th - February 13th)

8:00am Saturday through 9:00pm Monday night...

Just a quick note to say, we are still here!! And, things are going quite well considering we are house bound for the most part until Emme Jade's stitches come out on the 16th! I am happy to say "The Empress" is a much better patient at home than she was at the hospital!!!! She is recovering beautifully here.. She plays sweetly with her toys, gets her "Cinderella" fix, naps most afternoons and is sleeping great at night! Praise God. She complains once-in-a-while of pain in her back. But, not enough to even mention considering what she has been through.. This little girl continues to amaze me!!

Otherwise, life continues to move forward here.. Jeff's Mom has been here to help which has made life much easier.. It's a blessing to be able to leave Emme home when I need to shuttle the other girls, run errands, or go to school.. Thank you Little Grandma!

IVY

Jeff and Sienna left today for their annual trip to AZ! As I write, Sienna should happily be with her BFF, Nadi!!! It is a blessing that we are able to keep this special friendship going! This is a special week to be there, as Miss Jill and Miss Mary are heading off to China on Thursday to bring sweet Ivy home!! If you think of it, will you pray for this beautiful blessing. Ivy has a very serious heart condition, and she just needs to get home to get the medical attention she desperately needs.. She is being adopted into one VERY special family!!! We can't wait to welcome Ivy home!!