Jordon who owns Georgia Grace Designs is kicking off a fundraiser for Ivy Joy on Monday, January 28th.  You can read Jordon's post on the event, here!  Will you, can you, help spread the word on your blogs and Face Book?    Some of you may not know that Mary is a Trunk Keeper for this precious clothing line!  So her friends at GG are teaming up to make a difference for one precious little fighter we all know and love.

Thank you Jordon!!

<center> <a href="http://georgiagrace.bigcartel.com/cart" target="self"><img alt="Georgia Grace" src="http://i.imgur.com/Pt0uMfv.jpg?1" /></a></center>

The Ice Houses on our way up to the cabin...  One Question.. Why?

Just a few sweet pics I took today of "The Little Bean!"  Where has the time gone?    As she will tell you she is almost 4.5.  Our baby girl has been home for 17 months already.  Next week will be the anniversary of her tethered cord surgery, and her earned "Agitated Empress" status at Children's Hospital!  She is doing so well in every way.  I wish I could express in words how joyful this little girl is.  Clearly God protected her spirit.  She spent the first full three years of her life in an orphanage.  She shared a room with 20 other children..  She never fed herself a meal before we met her...  I think God protected her sweet little heart, and He put some very special caregivers in her life until we could bring her home.  We are so thankful for that!

Emme is a tiny little peanut.  28.5 pounds and wearing a size 2T (barely). There is nothing tiny about her though..  She might be little, but she is no pushover.  She is loud and funny!  She can stomp her feet to voice her feelings with the best of them!!!  She has learned the words, "I am MAD" when she is frustrated..  There is something incredibly funny about it when she is standing with her arms folded in front of her..  Adorable even when she is MAD!  Most of the time though, Emme is happy and sweet.  She loves to help and to please.  The first one to help me with anything.  Serving other is definitely one of her gifts...  Can't wait to see what God has planned for our sweet girl!

Emme's favorite things:  She loves babies (seriously any baby we meet.)  She loves, her Daddy, her Mama, her sisters (especially her "A-gee!"), learning about Jesus, "My Bella," school, baby dolls, her pink teddy, chocolate, and all things girly!  When we pull into the school parking lot she gets a big smile on her face and says very enthusiastically, "Thank you Mama!"  When I pick her up or I have not been home to tuck her in she will say dramatically, "I missed you Mama!"  Emme Jade has taught me to be joyful in all things...  I love how God uses the tiny and mighty to teach us, refine us, and to inspire us!  Emme Jade - you are SO LOVED!

During December I hit my 1000th post on this blog...  My intention was to write about the magnitude of what that equates to for me.   But, life got in the way, and I never got to that...  Perhaps at #1100 I will stop to reflect..  Five years, three adoptions....  I have a lot to say.

But for now, I continue to be amazed by the red threads that God has woven around my life since our wait for Ruby Mei. It's like He grabbed my heart and tied a beautiful red bow around it.  Some of you may wonder how I know Mary Sammons...  It's a long beautiful God story really.  But, the summary of it is that she was in China adopting Lexi when Sienna's best friend was being adopted...  God connected us through Nadi's Mom, Jill when they got home.... These Mom's met in a playroom in Hunan.  Only to find out they were from the same town, and went to the same church.  (Coincidence?  I think not!)  When we went to China to adopt Emme Jade it was Mary and Jill that loved on Sienna and Ruby for 10 days.  These two Mom's are a living example of sacrificing self for God's glory!  They have taught me so much!

In five years I have met some pretty amazing women and families.  Some that I get to call friends in "real life" now.  Treasures to me....  Through blogs, friend connections, etc. I have followed families to and from China.  Some multiple times.  I don't think I will ever tire of watching families created in this way.  If you want to follow a special family who is in China now,  check out my adoption friend Shay's blog.  They are bringing two children home.  Their 4th and 5th from China.  Amazing!

Over two years ago, I was introduced to a special couple that were in China adopting their adorable son, Max.  I don't even remember how I found them, but I am so glad I did.  While they don't live in Minneapolis, they are close enough that our families have met.  Julie and I are also in the same photography class.  Yesterday, I was blessed to visit with them in Rochester where their new daughter Ellie was recovering from open heart surgery...  And, the red thread here..  Ivy Joy!  It was Ivy's story that touched Julie and Eric and encouraged them to open their hearts to a heart baby too...   It was a blessing to meet this very special little girl!  If you have not been to Julie's blog, it will touch your heart.  Julie's blog is here!

"Baby Ellie" as we call her over here.. Playing with stickers that Emme Jade picked out for her!

One of the many adorable and heart melting faces of "Baby Ellie!"
By the way, Ellie is home tonight..  Less than 4 days after open heart surgery!!

It's hard not to fall in love with Ellie the second you meet her..  Her story is so special.  A reminder that God is in all the details.  And, that He protects those who wait...

Many of you have visited my blog since we were just a family of four.  Thank you for that.  I am thankful for how much my heart has grown in 1000+ posts.

For those of you checking on Ivy Joy.. Surgery is scheduled for 7am tomorrow morning!  I look forward to hearing great news soon!  Please keep checking Mary's blog for updates!

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of
time, place or circumstances.  The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break."
~Ancient Chinese Proverb

Ivy Joy Update!
Flight for Boston is leaving at 2:00!!!!! She's breathing on her own, and flying in her cushy car seat!!!! (Thank you Lord!) They are on a medically equipped plane, in-case there is an emergency!! Mary will be in touch tomorrow! Until then, keep praying for a safe flight and a hopeful plan! Thank you!

God Willing, the very precious Ivy Joy is going to Boston tomorrow, via air ambulance.

Read more on Mary's blog.. If you can, please leave a comment...  This is such a difficult time for their family!  

Team Ivy...  It's time to get your shirts on and do what we do best..  Pray!

In September, Ruby Mei was invited to join a new gym..  She is on what they call a "Fast Track" team, called "The Dynamoe's."  She works out 6.5 hours a week with them..  So far, it has felt like a great fit for Ruby.  We don't take the commitment to such an intense sport lightly over here.  We just want Ruby to find a sport she loves, and that she can excel in..  Over time, that will evolve.  For now, gymnastics is a good fit for her abilities, and her interest..After what I saw on New Years Eve, she may have a hockey stick in her hand one day.  It will be fun to see what God has planned for Her Rubiness!  

Here are some sweet pics I was able to take yesterday with her team.  We were up early for Team Pics!

For all of the Team Ivy Prayer Warriors out there, please pray for Ivy Joy.  You can read an update on Mary's blog here..

Have a great week!

2012 was a busy and special year for our family!  It was Emme Jade's first full year home!  We are so thankful to have her major back surgery behind us.  There were many special moments in 2012.  Thankfully most of them documented in pictures:  Volleyball, Swim Team, Gymnastics, new friends, new teachers, new schools, new teeth, graduations, recitals, birthday surprises, Napa, cabin time, family time, Grandma and Grandpa, Skating, a New President in the Family, Girlfriend time at the cabin, the Christmas tree saga, etc..   So many special memories from a very special year!

Here's a recap in pictures of our 2012!!

JANUARY

January 1st this was taken.. One year from the first time I asked Jeff to look at
Emme Jade's file..

One of my favorite pictures I have every taken of the "Middles'!"  It's blown up and on the wall in their room.


Dancing with her teacher the day before surgery!

Emme earns the name, "The Agitated Empress!" during her time in the PICU!


Five days after major surgery, The Empress was discharged!!

A little photo shoot with Sienna Grace!  

FEBRUARY

Emme's first time sledding with her Big Sister!

Hanging with the "Little Bean" while she was under house arrest after surgery!

Valentine's Day!  Three Weeks Post-Op!

MARCH

Ruby was re-united with her Yugan Foster Sister for the first time since they were both adopted in 2007.

APRIL


Emme's First Easter!


Welcoming Home Grandma and Grandpa!  A special re-union with my big brother and family too!

My Birthday, and I finally have a picture with my 4 daughters!

The crazy girly crew at our house!!

Winding down the Spring Volleyball Season with her first JO team.

MAY

Precious Sisters!

Pre-School Graduation!

Kindergarten Graduation!

One of my Emme Jade Favorites!

Ruby's first Team Meet..  She placed 3rd overall!

"Spring Showers!"

Kicking off Cabin Season!

JUNE

Ainsley Turns 11!

Representing "Team Ivy!"

First Dance Recital for all three!

Ainsley's Birthday Photo Shoot with her CHA friends!



First Summer of Swim Team Practices and Wednesday Meets!~

First Meet at Wayzata!

Kate - Helping me with a Photography Class Assignment!

At the cabin working on a Sister Photo to give Daddy for his birthday!

JULY

Kate and Ainsley at their first overnight camp!


First 4th of July for Emme Jade!




Sweet Moment between Emme Jade and Ruby....


The Pearl!

Cabin Life!

Loyal Friends!

Daddy and his beautiful girls!

Jane and Glenna Surprise Jeff for his 50th!


SURPRISE - Wakeup Breakfast for Jeff!


One more Surprise - Boat Cruise and Dinner with "Camp H!"

A Cabin Favorite!


Sienna's Birthday Dinner!

Sienna Is 7!!!

Emme Turns 4 and Celebrates her first Birthday with her forever family!




They were so excited to celebrate with Emme Jade!


4 Year Photo Shoot!


Ruby represents Bear Path in Breast Stroke at Champs.  We were so proud of how hard she worked and improved!!!

Ruby Turns 6!

SIX!!

AUGUST

The "Yellow Truck" at the Cabin

Sienna rides her bike for the first time at the cabin with no training wheels!!!


How did she grow up so fast?

Bangs!

A Fall Picnic with the "Little Bean!"

First Day of 6th Grade!

First Day of First Grade!

SEPTEMBER

New Friends..  Emme and Bella!

Team Ivy - Lemonade Stand #1

Sisters helping Mom with a Christmas Card!

OCTOBER

NAPA to celebrate 50 years with Mr. Handsome and Friends!

Grapes ready for Harvest in Healdsburg, CA


Aunt Tina and Little Grandma take over so we could go to Napa!

A Butterfly Duet...

Halloween!

NOVEMBER

Pretty in a Pink Petti!


Aunt Bop is named the 14th President of Illinois College!

Two of my BFF's with Mr. Handsome!!!

Another Christmas Card Attempt!

DECEMBER


A weekend to remember at the Cabin with some very special friends!

Celebrating 40 with Miss Liz!

"Leigh's Blanket's!"

Winter Break!

LOVE this pic of my crew!

Emme skates for the first time, and absolutely takes to it!!


The Foursome on Christmas Morning..

A priceless Photo of Grandpa and Ainsley on Christmas Eve!

Thank you for faithfully following along with our family in 2012!  I wish you joy and great blessings in the New Year!!!  What's in-store for me?  Hopefully a little more organization, planning ahead, time with Mr. Handsome, work-outs, family time, and quiet time in 2013.  And a much anticipated trip this spring to China to love on some very special Pearl River babies!!  I look forward to what God has planned for our family!  Like all of you, I pray for another year of good health, protection, and the opportunity to be a light in this dark world..!  I am so thankful for all of God's  blessings!

Happy New Year!

"I have come so that they may have LIFE and in it ABUNDANCE."  ~John 10:10b