Last week I was asked to do a 30 minute presentation on our experiences in China for Ainsley's class. So I had two late nights of going back down memory lane, starting with our first trip for sweet Ruby in 2007.... I took this picture of Ruby Mei on May 10, 2007... We had just had her for two days.... To this day, it is one of my favorites of our precious little girl! We are thankful for the way God called us to Ruby. God began a work in us on that amazing trip.... It has been a blessing to watch His plans for her, and for our family, unfold...

Sunday the girls wanted to play "wedding!" With Katie's wedding less than two weeks a way now they are getting very excited for their flower girl debut!!! So, they dressed up for a quick preview to show Emme what all the excitement is about!!! We can't wait for October 15th!!!

It is so hard to believe that our baby girl is five today! Seriously, how did she go from that little girl we met with two adorable teeth to this beauty so quickly!!!! What a joy life has been with Her Rubiness in it! We are so incredibly thankful for this special little girl!

Five is going to be a BIG year for Ruby Mei. This is the year she officially becomes a big sister! We are very excited to watch her embrace this special role. She is going to be an amazing Jie Jie!! As if that was not enough, Ruby will becomes a Kindergartner on August 29th! So many milestones in a short period of time!!! What a blessing it will be to watch her grow into each new role!

Ruby has told anyone who will listen that she is going to be five soon! She has picked a beautiful pink cake for her "Buca dinner party" at home. Her only request was a new blanket like Sienna and Emme's! Thanks to my favorite blanket lady, a new hot pink minky blanket is ready to be loved on by Ruby Mei!

"Her Rubiness..." We pray God's most beautiful blessings upon you this year! We love you birthday girl!!

Four years ago, I started my Mother's Day in Guangzhou, China very early in the morning. It was the start of my sixth day with Ruby Mei, and I was already madly in love with her. She was slowly revealing the amazing child she would prove to be. I could have never imagined that God was laying the foundation to call us back to China two more times. Ruby Mei has shown us in so many ways the joy that comes with following God's plan for our lives. I will never forget this very special Mother's Day! A powerful post was written by Jeff about his visit to Ruby's finding place on Mother's Day, May 13, 2007.

You can read it here.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Her Rubiness. What a blessing it was for me to be with her. Our first stop was to see Brie, so Ruby could get her hair cut. Always a highlight for my girls!! The next stop, the Arboretum for our annual dandelion pick! Even though the dandelions were not as plentiful as previous years, she had fun running around. And, she did manage to find a bouquet to share!! We enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the Arb, and a great walk around the blooming tulips and daffodils. It was a perfect way to spend our afternoon!

Ruby is very excited for her "anniversary!" She will tell anyone that will listen about it! We are celebrating Ruby Tuesday and Mother's Day at one of our favorite restaurants.

During our lunch yesterday, I was telling Ruby about what a blessing she has been in my life. She asked me to share her special story with her.. She loves to hear about the day we met. She laughs when I tell her that she gave us a taste of just how loud she would prove to be on that first day.. She also laughs when she hears she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants when it was 90+ degrees out.. And, she smiles when I tell her she was the only baby in the room that had barrettes in her hair, and that they said "Love Love!" She soaks in every detail of that day.

Yesterday I shared with Ruby that God has used her in a very special way already in her young life. I explained that many people followed her journey. I told her I have received several emails from Mom's who were encouraged to endure their waits because of Ruby Mei. She loved knowing that she has perhaps helped some other little girls from China come home to their forever families. I can think of one that calls her sister and one that will soon! When we got home she immediately shared how God has used her with Sienna!! :)

There is something very special about this little girl. She has a joy about her that is contagious. As I have said her highs are high, and her low's are loud!! Most likely you will have a smile on your face after an encounter with Her Rubiness!

In late August or early September Ruby will become a big sister for the first time. I honestly can't wait for this. As much as I was concerned about Ruby losing her "baby in the family" status those fears are gone. She is going to have so much fun helping with Emme Jade! She has big plans for her little sister! She prays for her every night! We held hands yesterday and threw pennies in the fountain. Her wish was for our LOA so Emme could come home!