Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The GRACE in Sienna!
Today I will be with my daughter when she receives her first blood transfusion since she has been home. Something that is not new to her, but very new to me. I know it will be hard... for me.
Yesterday she proved once again how beautifully strong God has made her. She had her blood drawn with a smile. No drama from this girl. Just a matter-of-fact resilience that makes you want to know her more. Nurses, technicians, doctors.. All touched by this tough beauty. Her big sister came with us yesterday. She too, in awe that her little sister can do this with no apprehension. No tears. I will never know what it was like for Sienna when she was in China having treatments. I will never know who was with her. Who held her hand, who told her she was strong and brave... But, today I will be there. Holding her hand, telling her I love her, and making sure she is comfortable. Today she will have her favorite blanket, her favorite dolly, pictures of those who love her... We will sing "Jesus Loves Me" and we will thank God for bringing her here to us so we can take care of her! We will also give thanks to the donor who is making this possible for us today.
Thursday we will be at the hospital at 9:15am for her dental surgery. Another first for me with a child of mine. Again, she will gracefully approach this big day. And, again I will pray for the strength to be strong. We took a tour last night of this wonderful facility, and she will be in good hands... God will be there... And, so will I! And so will that favorite blanket and doll...
I love you Sienna Grace.. Quite honestly, I am crazy about you! And, I can't wait until Friday when you are home in your bed letting us all love on you! Thank you for the prayers, texts and emails about our week. We are so grateful! I will post an update when I can.
"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."
1Peter 5:7
Blessings,
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Ainsley's Birthday Party!
Ainsley celebrated her 9th birthday with seven girlfriends. She was so excited for her party! We started by meeting at a nail salon for a little pampering... Then we went back to our house for some fun and games and cake and ice cream cones! I think they all had a fun time! I know the new nine year old did!!!
I want to give a special thank you to my sister and my Mom for their help at the party and with the girls. They babysat last night so Jeff and I could celebrate our anniversary! At one point I thought Sienna would be joining us on our date.. But, Aunt Bop took over and we were able to enjoy a wonderful night together! She called us at 7:00 to say "all was well, and to enjoy our night!" We did!
We still can't believe the Pearl is nine! What a gift she is!
Ainsley's BFF since she was 6 months old! "Little Katie!"
8 Sets of beautiful Fingers and Toes...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Happy Birthday Ainsley!!
Nine years ago, on our second wedding anniversary, we arrived at the hospital in Nashville at 7:30am.. Our new daughter was in no hurry to make her entrance that day. But when she did at 7:51pm weighing in at 6 pounds 12 ounces on 6/12/01 we knew our lives would never be the same... We had no idea how much we could love one little girl...When I look back I think of how in-experienced Jeff and I were... We didn't even keep her in our hospital room out of fear that she would stop breathing... I remember waking up at 1:00am the next night and walking down to the nursery to stare at her... This beautiful, petite, fragile child that God had called me to parent... What a blessing, and what a humbling lesson it has been to be her Mom. A privilege and an awesome responsibility to love, teach, train and someday let go...
Ainsley is growing up to be as beautiful on the inside as God has made her on the outside. She has a carefree way about her. She is loving and funny, and charming too.. In many ways a blend of two people I know... But, God has made her unique in so many ways... Ways that I admire... Characteristics that make her a great friend, a loyal sister, and a loving daughter.
For now, she will continue to brighten up our world, drive us crazy, make us laugh, and teach us about what is really important! She will forever keep us young, and challenge us to be better people, and better parents.
We are so thankful for our precious Pearl, and we look forward to celebrating her special day! Happy Birthday Ainsley! We love you!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
KY Trip!
We just spent four days in KY with Jeff's family to celebrate our nephew Evan's HS Graduation. We had a wonderful time introducing Sienna to her family and catching up with everyone. We have another nephew to be very proud of... Evan is off to Eastern KY University with a bright future ahead for him! When I met Evan just 11 years ago, he was climbing on kitchen counters and helping me make french toast for everyone... How did he grow up so fast? I was reminded during this visit, that before we know it Ainsley will be wearing a cap and gown.... (She will be nine on Saturday!) Another reminder of how precious time and life is!Jeff and I were so proud of the girls... We are blessed with three great travelers! Once again Sienna amazed us with her ability to go with the flow... Not to mention what a big help she was! As you can see above, our girl can handle her own luggage.. She even washes floors at graduation parties! :)
But, the funniest comment from her came when we arrived back at home... Said with a smile by Sienna, "I am not sleeping on the floor tonight!" How quickly we get attached to our own beds!
We look forward to seeing everyone again soon....
Sienna meeting the graduate for the first time after we arrived!
Just because I love this photo!
Aunt Tina & Uncle Greg with "Baby Cakes"
Cousin Jeremy helping Sienna learn to play ball...
Daddy & Ruby
Ainsley proves she can HIT the ball!
These two LOVE a party!
Uncle Greg with the "Littles"
Grandpa Bill with Ainsley
Little Grandma and Aunt Mary
The proud Uncle with Evan & Jake
Cousin Marlene with Ruby
Cousins Ainsley & Hannah
Ice Cream with Grandma Sandee
Minnesota Girl!
At first she wasn't sure.... But then it happened... First fish on the line! Scared at first... But, soon counting on her fingers how many she had caught that night! Miss Sienna Grace is fitting in just perfectly... Pink Vest, Pink Barbie Pole, a little bait, a little help from Daddy, and Wa-La.. Another fisher woman in the family! Can you tell she likes being a northern girl?Blessings,
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Actions Please!!
Yes it is true, I take a lot of photos of my girls... Sometimes they are willing.. Often times they are not... I find the shots I love the most are the ones that are not posed. The ones where they look up from something they are doing, or turn there head to look over at me.. I have been in a bit of a rut as far as creativity lately... It's time to take a class again, or get in on the "actions" excitement going on. Does anyone know of any great actions for PSE? I am hoping to upgrade to Light Room soon.... But, until then I would love to dabble in the "actions" world! Or, if there is a great class I could do this summer, let me know!!So, since I am feeling in a bit of a photo slump, I wanted to post two of my favorite pictures of the girls that I have taken recently... Both, for different reasons, take my breath away! Yes, I think they are beautiful.. But, these two little girls are so much more than that.... I am blessed to be a part of their lives!
I hope you all had a great Memorial Weekend. We had a fantastic one with Camp H... I need to download all of those pics and post some here soon! It's the Pearl's last week of school, and "The Things" are going to a fun mini-camp while I take every opportunity to get organized before I become the official "Camp Director!" Only three more days!
On a completely separate note, Sienna's surgery for her teeth has been moved up to June 17th.
I truly believe she will do great, and I will be the one needing prayer! :)
Blessings,
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