The China flag represents so much for our family including our faith, the hope God promises & answered prayers!

Blessings! 

Ruby started out full of enthusiasm.  She even had her little pumpkin friend Molly join her for the fun.  She ran with a big smile on her face to about 5 houses...  But, then that was it...  She wanted to "Go Home!"  So she left Molly with the big kids, and helped Daddy give out candy.  We knew this Halloween was going to be "tricky" for Ruby.  We had gotten a few clues in the last two weeks that this was not going to be her favorite holiday!  But, boy was she adorable while she was in to it!  So Daddy had a helper, and I had a great time watching Ainsley enjoy herself!  We stayed out until the pumpkin was full!

I hope you all had a fun night too!

Happy November!!!!!

Today I am thankful for the picnic I was invited to yesterday!  Her Rubiness and I were outside because I wanted to take some photos of her...  Well, she had a much better idea...  She ran in the house and came back with her Dora Picnic Basket.  Then she took me down to the picnic table that is part of our play set in the back yard.  She laid out all of the pieces, and even had me put my napkin on my "knee!"  Then she proceeded to serve me a taco, and some milk!  It was delicious!!!!  She truly is the gift that keeps on giving!!!

I am also thankful today for some very special blog friends, prayer warriors, and fellow adoptive pals:  Kim, Lisa, Leslie, Jenn, Heather, Jenn, Shauna & Stefanie!   Thank you for inspiring me to do more!  And, thank you for sharing this adoption and parenting journey with me!

Lastly, I am thankful for my husband, who reminded me last week that " If we don't use our ears to listen, how will we ever hear Him?"  He amazes me!  I love you honey!

Blessings on this Thankful Thursday!

We had a great family weekend!  Saturday night was our annual pumpkin carving party with our family group.   It was Ruby's first pumpkin party, since I recall she slept through most of it last year.  Ainsley had so much fun teaching Ruby to say "party" and then asking her to repeat is ALL day!  When it came time for the actual event, Ruby was so excited to be hosting!!!  She was a little shy at first when the guests arrived, but it didn't take long to embrace the fun!

Ruby woke up at 4:15 this morning.  When I went in to check on her, she said... "Mama more party please!"  How cute is that?  I had to break it to her that the party was over, and that all of our friends were home sleeping.  This seemed to sink in, and she went back to bed too!

We were up early after a late night, because the four of us participated in the flag festival that kicked off Missions Week at our Church.  We carried the China Flags proudly!  I will post pics later of that!  It was a very special morning for our family!

Well, Miss Ruby is upstairs very un-happy about being in her bed.  So, I better go check to see if she is looking for "more party!"

Blessings for a great week!

-Drinking chocolate milk on the couch in the morning

-Letting me help her pick out what to wear for school

-Hating when I try to brush her hair...

-Bedtime Stories

-Being tucked in at night

-Rushing to school together

-The daily reminders of the things she knows to do...

-Me telling her not to forget to say thank you!

-Negotiating with me about piano practice

-Running errands with me

-Asking me if she can have a snack

-Being frustrated with me for going over her spelling words again

-Rolling her eyes at me when I sing, "This is the day the Lord has made, Let us be glad and rejoice in it..."

-Driving to school with me as her bus driver

-Watching Dora for the 100th time with her sister in the car

-Having her picture taken way too often

-Asking the sweetest questions because even at 7 so many things are new

-Tipping over in the canoe on a beautiful fall day!

For some reason when I took this photo the reality of this big responsibility of being her Mom struck me.  She inspires me to want to be a better parent and role model.  I am very thankful that she let's me make mistakes as her Mom.  She has allowed me to practice on her.  Not all of it has been pretty!  I know I have a lot of room for improvement!  It is a privilege to raise this special little girl.  And, let's be clear, it is a challenge some days too.  But, what a gift she is, and I am grateful that God has trusted me to "raise her in the way she should go..."

So, on this thankful Thursday, I am thankful for the one we call "The Pearl!"

"You've been handed a piece of history in advance...

A gracious gift you send to a time you will not see...."

~Dr. Tim Kimmell, Author of Grace Based Parenting

Blessings,