Saturday, December 26, 2009

A Very Snowy and Wonderful Christmas!


Christmas Eve... This photo was taken right before bedtime. And, right before Her Rubiness got her first fat lip!... She took a sliding header into our couch while running to bring me something.. Our tough little girl recovered quickly after some love from her doctors, Mom & Dad! And, their assistant, Ainsley.. A lot of love, a little ice, and Tylenol can go a long way in an emergency.
Evidence that Santa did find our house in the snow storm. However, if you read it closely you will notice that there was some conversation that he may not stop by... This letter was written by the Pearl, but it was really for Ruby's benefit. So kind of her big sis to ask for some mercy for her! Her Rubiness has chosen this very point in time to go through her "terrible three's!" :)
Ainsley waited almost 3 hours for Ruby to wake up. It was painful, but she did it with grace!! I think the Tylenol kicked in, and Ruby got a great nights sleep....
Coming into our family room with her big sister who could not wait for her to see that Santa did indeed grant some mercy on this precious three year old. He showed up and left behind some very fun gifts this year!
A great shot of this princess with her boo-boo!
Marveling at our very snowy and cozy Christmas morning!
Ruby gets her very own laptop from Uncle Greg & Aunt Tina. Perhaps she will not think mine is a toy anymore!!!!
A very cute backpack, that I may need to "borrow" for Sienna Grace in China!
Always a favorite around here, labrador puppies!!!
Another Princess dress out of the treasure chest, Santa brought Ruby!
The Pearl is showing that she is growing up... We went from toys to clothes this year... I love this outfit on her! I want these jeans too!!! Thanks Tina & Greg!
The Pearl got the guitar she has been waiting for! We can't wait to hear the beautiful music we know will come from these two together!!
A Tee she has been wanting from Wild Olive was in her stocking!
Her Rubiness models her new apron. Ainsley & Sienna got one too...

We had a lovely Christmas as a family of four. It seemed fitting.. The last time we were alone for Christmas was right before we got Ruby's referral. So perhaps our TA is coming soon!!!

We started a new tradition on Christmas Eve. We went to church, and then we had fondue. It was so fun and delicious! We all agreed we want to do this again next year.

My favorite gift yesterday was from Jeff, Ainsley & Ruby. While shopping on Christmas Eve together they went to visit Santa. This was something that Ruby did for me.. You see she is scared of the jolly old fellow... But, I asked her if she would surprise me and get her picture taken with him. Well, she did! And, it is the most precious photo of the three of them. Jeff told me she did not hesitate.. She had promised... And, then she kept the secret until I opened it. So sweet!!

We had so much snow yesterday, that we went sledding in the afternoon.
We ended our fun Christmas with a prayer of thanks for the gift of Jesus's birthday, and the gift of eternal life. And, for prayers for protection for our precious Sienna Grace until we can bring her home. We look forward to having her at our table next year!

A special Christmas for the last time as a family of four! Now, we set our sights on the New Year, and all it will bring! Come on TA!!

Blessings,

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Blessings,
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wordless Wednesday!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

She Loves Pretty Clothes!!!


This morning we were blessed with 12 new photos of Sienna Grace. A very special Christmas present for our family! Again, I have a very special photo saved for "Wordless Wednesday" tomorrow. The photo below is priceless with her Foster Mother. It will be in a frame waiting for her in her new room. My favorite part of her update that came with these pictures is that Xia likes to wear pretty clothes! Music to my ears! :)

Lastly, Jeff and I know that we are very blessed to be getting these updates of our daughter. It is our prayer that Sienna's foster mother is preparing her for our arrival. I truly believe she is doing that. And, when that day comes that we take her little hand forever, that she will just know she is going to be safe and loved...





We received good news yesterday. Our paperwork is now at the United States Consulate in Guangzhou. It is their job to issue the Article 5. From there it needs to be approved and sent to the CCAA where they will issue the final step, our TA or Travel Authorization. We are still hopeful that we will be with Sienna Grace before Chinese New Year!

Merry Christmas,
Friday, December 18, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Since I have lots to do, and Ainsley's official vacation begins at 1:30 today, I need to take a short blog break! I hope to be back soon with new photos of Sienna Grace and Christmas pictures of the girls! I gave myself and early Christmas present this week, a Nikon lens I have been saving up for to bring to China. "Merry Christmas to me!" Here are some of my first shots with it... I have a lot to learn, but I LOVE it already!







Christmas Brunch with Ruby & Lucy!!


Ruby's beautiful gift from Lucy about 5 minutes before it shattered to the ground... Sorry B!


When I get back, I hope to share the story of how God brought Sienna Grace to us. A true story about a little girl that God hand picked for a family. It is a story that deserves to be shared! My prayer is that it will bring you hope and that it will remind you that God does perform miracles amongst us! And, when we answer His call, He blesses us abundantly!

Merry Merry Christmas!


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Gwynne!!!



I had to take a break from life at our busy house, to introduce you to one of our newest Pearl River babies!! This is Gwynne! She is 1.5 years old, and she lives in Changsha, Hunan!
It is obvious that she is one happy little girl!!! Look at those adorable curls!!

And, guess what she needs for Christmas? THREE new sponsors!

Go here, to get the details! Or email me at diana@pearlriveroutreach.org

Merry Merry!
Monday, December 14, 2009

Her Rubiness Takes the Stage!

Ruby had her Christmas Concert at Pre-School tonight. Her very first live performance in front of an audience bigger than her family! Ainsley performed on this same stage for the first time six years ago... One word to describe it, ADORABLE!!







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