Friday, March 2, 2012
Two Years of Forever with Sienna Grace!
I will be honest.. I almost forgot that yesterday was the Anniversary of "Sienna Day" in China two years ago! Thanks to a call from her Daddy, I was able to make up for it when she got home from school!!! At first I wanted to beat myself up about almost missing this special date.. But, then a wise friend reminded me that maybe to just give myself a break and take it as a positive sign of just how much a part of my world she is now... Since I am all about giving grace, I will go with that! I used to pride myself on not ever forgetting things, having birthday cards in the mail, going the extra mile.. But, I guess I had to let go of that Type-A perfection 2 kids ago!
So, back to Sienna... Today is actually her official adoption day. I will never forget how anxious I felt walking back into that Civil Affairs office with the child who had lit it up the day before.. But, who showed up with us that morning was a happy, silly four year old... It was our first glimpse of this side of her. That day, the Civil Affairs Officer told Jeff how lucky he was... What would she say now seeing this amazing little girl.. The word blessed comes to mind!
I feel like I can breathe a great big sigh out loud when I write about Sienna Grace now. She by far has stretched me more than any other child I have raised. Perhaps that is one of the reasons God chose her for me. He knew I was the one that needed to grow!
I read a poster once.. "Lord, please grant me the patience to deal with my blessings today!" There were days when I prayed that prayer. Ok, who am I kidding.. I still do some days. But overall, I am in awe of Sienna Grace. She has come so far in just two years! Spiritually and physically, she is our little miracle!
I will always describe our Hunan girl as tough and tender. But, she is also smart and beautiful. Funny and happy. Extroverted and Introverted. Compassionate and strong. She can be sweet, she can be spicy. She is girly!! My money is still on her being a doctor one day. She would be fabulous!
Just the other day, out of no where, Sienna said to me... "Mama, thank you for adopting me!" The magnitude of that single statement from our 6 year old is hard to put into words. I think it put all of the frustrating days and nights into perspective. God has used Sienna Grace to refine me... He has taught me what love can do. He has shown me that I can do hard. He has shown me I can make mistakes and be forgiven. He has shown me that sometimes the greatest rewards are small victories. He has given me a priceless gift.. A little girl that just last night squeezed me tight when I told her "Thank you for trusting me Sienna. I will forever be your Mama and I am so blessed!"
It's only fitting that she chose to watch Mulan on her special day.. I had to choke back the tears during the scene when her father points to the plum blossom bud that is late to bloom..
And, he says.. "My My.. what beautiful blossoms we have this year. But, look.. this one is late. But, I'll bet when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all!"
Sienna Grace, Happy Forever Day! You are beautiful... Inside and out!
And we are blessed because you are ours... forever!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
"My Blankie....."
Yesterday I learned something... Don't ever wash Emme's "My Blankie" while she is around! Wait until she is at pre-school...! We were heading off to Bible Study so I put a load in, which of course included Emme's beloved... She was devastated... As she stood by the washer watching it go round and round the magnitude of how far she has attached and bonded to our family in such a short time, was apparent. Emme loves big! When we met Emme she didn't have a blanket she snuggled with, a doll to take care of, or a teddy bear to sleep with.. She still is not attached to one single toy here (unless it's Ruby's) but this sweet little blanket that I bought while I waited for her has become her sweet security at night and during nap time. (Perhaps I better find another one!)
When we got home from BSF, Emme was asleep in the car.. I went to transfer her and she woke up.. The first words out of her mouth was... "My Blankie!" Once I un-buckled her she ran into the laundry room.. With great relief "My Blankie" was clean, semi-dry and ready to join her for nap time! Pure Joy was on Emme's sweet little face... These are the things I don't want to forget about the precious innocence of our sweet little three year old!
"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh?" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you."
~A.A. Milne, Winnie-The-Pooh
Monday, February 27, 2012
Book Parade!
I apologize for the delays in my posts lately.. My intentions are good.. Follow through.. not so much! Jeff and Ruby have been sick the last 24 hours, so the "Resident Nurse" here is praying that the rest of us don't get it! Praying they both wake up tomorrow feeling so much better!
Last week "The Middles" were part of a very fun "Book Week" at their school! The culmination was the sweetest little parade I have ever seen. Each child dressed up like one of their favorite books. My two little "Fancy Nancy" fans were so excited! When I tucked them in tonight they begged me to let them read together for a while... It's amazing to watch them truly reading! I am so proud of them!!! It was Sienna's turn to bring Ruby her homework today.. She made sure Ruby got it all done too! They are quite the pair!
Here are a few pics from their sweet Friday!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Finally.. Snow!
I have lived in Minnesota most of my life. I don't remember a winter when the first time you hit a sledding hill was February 21st! We have yet to have a worthy snow storm, but Monday night we were blessed with enough of the white stuff to make it fun! I realized as I was putting on all their gear, that this was the first time Emme Jade had worn her waterproof winter boots and snow pants since she has been home. She was so excited to play with her sisters and the neighbor kids.. Her first time down the hill was met with big smiles and that sweet "Little Bean" laughter! Today it's 40 degrees and beautiful... So, I am thankful they got a little fun in the snow while it lasted! If that predictable Spring storm hits this year, they are going to have a blast!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A Volleyball Weekend With The Pearl!
I got to be a Volleyball Mom all weekend while Ainsley played in a tournament Saturday and Sunday here! I absolutely loved being the super fan in the gym! She played so well all weekend! Ainsley brought her serving game with her! I was so proud of her! She is learning a lot about what it takes to be on a team.. So many great life lessons! It was fun for me to spend time getting to know the other girls on her team too, and to spend time just being the Pearl's Mom!!! Thanks Jeff for taking over the rest of the crew! It was so much fun!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A "Sweet" PhotoShoot with Emme Jade!
Many of you have been sweet to inquire about our baby girl... Thank you!
Tomorrow is a big day! Her stitches come out!!!! By 10:30 am tomorrow (Thursday), our "Little Bean" should be free to do whatever she wants.. She can go back to school, back to ballet, back to being a normal three year old! She can't wait! We can't wait!
We are so incredibly thankful for how well she is doing! Thank you for praying for her healing! Six months from now she will have another MRI to make sure all is well. But, from what we can tell, her surgery was successful! Thankful seems to be an understatement!
Yesterday, I had the privilege of taking pictures of our precious and funny valentine...
Like most of our photo shoots, Emme seems to think she is in charge! :) She is three after-all!
As of February 18th, Emme will be home six months! It's truly amazing to see how well she has transitioned... This little girl was truly born to be the baby here....
There are so many things we love about this child.... Her smile and her giggle are at the top of the list.. Emme is one of those people who just has an inner joy.. You can't explain it.. It's just part of who she is...
Emme does like to be in charge.. When she naps or goes to bed at night she makes sure I am there until she falls asleep.. She is very particular about where I sit, that I have my "blanket" and just the right pillow.. While some days it is exasperating to see her change positions 100 times and ask for water, or tell me she is hungry to avoid sleeping it is quite the routine we have established!
Her prayers are the sweetest... She talks for a long time to God in "Emme Speak!" I always hear the words, Mama, Dada, Jie Jie, Hannah (Sienna), Wubie (Ruby) and Puppy (Piper.) Emme loves her family, and it is so sweet to hear her thank her Heavenly Father for her blessings!
She is busy learning English, her colors, counting, etc.. I am always amazed at witnessing immersion first hand.. But mostly, Emme Jade is a special little girl who has been exactly what we needed around here! Thank you Lord for our tiniest of Valentines! Thank you for protecting her and for bringing back the inner joy that shines wherever Emme goes!
Looking forward to saying goodbye to Emme's stitches tomorrow!!
And as my friend Paige perfectly described it, getting off "House Arrest!"
(Jeff and I just got off of Skype with Mary and sweet Ivy... Oh my goodness is she precious!!
The miracle of adoption is such a gift!)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!
Well.. Since I have not had a chance to take any pictures of my little Valentine's here is a little more Ivy Joy for your morning!!!!!! And, the fact that Ivy is a precious heart baby who needs to get home asap, it seems even more special and appropriate to celebrate her today!!! Please pray that Ivy can get home safely and receive the life saving care she needs, so she can have years to be loved on! She will be heading home next Wednesday, February 22nd.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Blogs I Try to Keep Up With!
-
So Long September~1 week ago
-
Our Wedding Rehearsal1 month ago
-
Destin Day 45 years ago
-
-
The Fourth7 years ago
-
What I have read lately7 years ago
-
-
{Happy Birthday to you...}8 years ago
-
-
Flood Part 4: Shelter Living10 years ago
-
-
Celebrating 2 Years With "Sweet Colin"12 years ago
-
Hilton Head ~ 201412 years ago
-
-
DON'T EVER QUIT !!!12 years ago
-
