Monday, August 4, 2008

Steven Curtis Chapman & Family Open Their Hearts to America!

When Maria Chapman died I will admit I felt like a friend of mine had lost their child in a tragic way.  I am hyper sensitive to my children around cars now.  We tell Ainsley that if the she can't see the driver, the driver can't see her...  We thought of losing one of my girls this way is well.. un-thinkable!

I have saved Mary Beth Chapman's Blog to my list of favorites and I check it often.  Their manager Jim Houser, has done an amazing job of posting daily about this special family.  It is clear that Jim loved Maria too.

Today they they are releasing a press release that announces that the Chapman family will be appearing on Good Morning America on Wednesday, August 6th, Larry King Live on August 7th and in People Magazine in the upcoming issue.  They are also releasing a new single "Yours" with an additional verse that goes like this:

"I've walked the valley of death's shadow
So deep & dark that I could barely breathe
I've had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you."  

(Your will be available tomorrow via digital service providers including iTunes.)

*ALL royalties from this single will be going to Shoahannah's Hope who as you know is an organization whose goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption!

I hope you will tune in or set your DVR's to tape GMA on Wednesday, and  LKL on Thursday!  I know you can all buy People!  This family has done so much for so many!  I promise you will be blessed if you tune in!

Blessings,
Diana
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Ruby's Birthday Party!



Ruby started celebrating her birthday today at 3:30am!!!  I guess she knew it was her special day...  Around 4:15 I finally gave in, and went in to see what was up.  She was quite happy to see me, and she had no plans to go back to sleep until she took a nap at noon!  Ruby had a wonderful time at her first birthday party!  We celebrated with family, and close friends tonight.  Ruby's first friend to show up was precious Ellie.  She was so excited to greet her at the door!  There were so many highlights about her party.  But, my favorite had to be watching her climb on the dining room chair to blow out the candles on her cake.  She actually blew them out all by herself which was precious!!  She beamed when everyone clapped at her big two year old accomplishment!  Then she proceeded with some encouragment from her big sister to gracefully scoop some of the polka-dots of frosting off her cake.  I heard one great big YUM from the guest of honor!

Once the sugar high wore off, she willingly went to bed after her special day.  I love her to pieces, but I am hoping I don't see her until tomorrow after the sun comes up!  (Other than when I peek in on her like I do every night!)

Happy Birthday Ruby Mei!  I love you!
Mommy


Thankful for our Two Year Old!!

One Year Ago...
One Day Ago...

Dear Ruby,
It is difficult to describe with words what an amazing year this has been for all of us.  So many firsts with you.  Walking, talking, loving us back.  Your radiant smile and your belly laughs when we tickle you, bring so much joy to our foursome.  In the last year we have seen you grow in so many ways.  You have gone from toddler to little girl before our eyes.  Your bigger than life smile, and bubbly personality has added such a fun dimension to our family.  The way you practically come out of your shoes when your Daddy comes home takes our breath away.  We love your kisses, your big hugs, your Ruby sign language, the adorable way you say, "I'm TWO" the way you help, and the way you love us back.  Sharing our days with you is so much fun.  Life will never be dull with you in it!  Thank you God!

Happy birthday to our precious Ruby.  We give thanks for this day, two years ago, that God brought you into this world, and ultimately for His red thread that brought you into our hearts and into our lives forever!

We love you!
Mommy, Daddy, & Sissy



Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Our "Pebble Puppy!"


Dear Mr. Dave,

Thank you for teaching me all about rocks!  Now when my Mom tries to take my pictures outside, I have something to distract me from her...  Every where I go now, I remember to look down and see what jewels there are to explore.  You have made our rock gardens at the lake so much fun for me.  I shared our secrets with my Grandpa this past weekend.  I will keep you posted on what fun Minnesota rocks I find.

I miss you and your Blueberry Pie!

Love,
Ruby Mei

The Big One!!!!


Since last summer Jeff has been trying to catch the "Big One" at our cabin.  Well, it finally happened at about 8:30pm CT on Saturday, July 26th!  This large mouth bass was waiting for Jeff all along right under our dock!!!!  Currently, this fish is residing in our freezer, and I believe he will be hanging on the wall right under Grandpa's walleye someday!!  Victory on Portage Lake!  Congratulations Daddy!!

We had a fabulous weekend with my parents up north.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous.
It's always hard to leave after weekends like that!

There is lots of excitement over a certain 2 year olds birthday tomorrow!  We are excited to celebrate the day 'Her Rubiness' came into this world!  

Time to run... Our nephews are arriving this morning, and we are really looking forward to their visit!

Photo's of the birthday girl coming soon!

Blessings,
Diana


Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Goodbye Old Friends...


Due to my slacker blogging lately, I have not formally said "goodbye" to my RQ Pal, October LID buddy, and "real life" friend Kimber.  For at least 1.5 years the 3Peanuts have been part of my daily dose.  Clearly there is a void now with no more great posts about this wonderful family.  And, where in the heck am I supposed to get my great shopping tips for Ruby? I would not even know what "Etsy" meant if it wasn't for Kim.  Nor would I have re-introduced monograms into my house, or would I even know what Gluten Free really means!!  Obviously, she needs to write a book now.  There will be so much to say!

I will not get into any ugly comments on the anonymous person that felt the need to harass Kim.  It was so hurtful, that she did the right thing by taking 3Peanuts off line.  Unfortunately now, many of us will probably do the same thing.  Kim started her blog for her family and friends, but as she has said before it grew to be much more.  

Kim, thanks for the daily glimpses into your life, your struggles, your faith, and your great big heart!  I miss you and I miss those precious Peanuts!!

Blessings,
Diana

Ruby Tuesday Ramblings!

1/2 of "Camp H" with the "Pearl"
A fun day of tubing with Camp H!
Taking shelter from a huge Thunderstorm Warning...
Back on ski's after a year off!!!
Luke & Ainsley - The best of buddies!!
Not sure who the biggest kid is in this picture!
The Best Gift from A Father-In-Law a Guy could ever get!!!
Jeff's Birthday Celebration!
Family Field Trip to the Zoo last weekend!
The New Bear Exhibit at the MN Zoo

It's time to play Family Scrapbook with some photos from our summer days lately.  Thank you to all of you who lifted up our friends last week, and for all of your heartfelt guest book messages about my friend Michelle.  As you would expect it was a very difficult week.  But, it culminated with one of the most amazing "Celebration of Life" services we have ever attended.  Scott was a very special person, and he will be greatly missed.  We know her journey is truly beginning, but we are blessed to be here to help wherever and whenever we can!

We had a fun birthday dinner for Jeff here at home.  And, the weekend prior to that, we had "Camp H" at the cabin.  As always, we had a great time with our dear friends!  It seems that summer is flying by on me.  July 22nd already!  Her Rubiness will be two next week.  It just does not seem possible.  

My parents are here from Texas for the rest of the month.  Ainsley and Grandpa have a very special relationship.  They are busy having secret meetings on a daily basis.  All I know is they are having me Google things on China, Japan, the Olympics, etc...  They are so cute together!

Ainsley is busy with a fun camp this week.  She is truly having a great summer!  Well I am off to get the camper camping!  Have a great week!

Blessings,
Diana
No Hands But Ours

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