This is a special day for a sweet friend of mine!! Paige and her precious family met their new daughter Janie in Changsha! Janie has a special place in my heart. She was a Pearl River Baby. I have looked at photos of Janie since August, 2009. I think I have seen her smile twice.. Many of us have prayed that Janie's heart would be prepared for her new family. There is no doubt God answered these prayers.. I have never seen a little girl look so happy to finally be with her family!!! What a blessing to watch another miracle unfold! If you would like to follow Janie's journey home, you can do that here! Congratulations "W's!"

Less than one month ago, Ivy Joy met her Mama for the first time in China. On that day, she captured the hearts of all who followed their journey. She is one precious and tiny miracle!

China said she was in-operable. Mary and Bryan said with faith all things are possible. So, they answered the call, and said, "Yes Lord, send us!" They made this journey to Ivy knowing she may be terminal! It takes a very special family to do that! They are willing to love her for as long as God will allow. We pray that is for a very long time!

Yesterday, a very long catheter procedure provided HOPE for Ivy Joy! The surgical team at Phoenix Children's did not say Ivy was in-operable.. They said her case is very complicated but it is not hopeless!!! But, they NEED a human pulmonary valve to replace hers that is practically non-existent. Ivy needs this valve asap to survive her surgery! Will you join me in praying specifically for a toddler donor heart with the pulmonary valve attached. I know this is a heavy prayer. It is because of the loss of another that Ivy will have a chance. I pray that when this happens, the donor family will find great comfort in the blessing they will share. The life of another...

We love this family, and this precious child we have yet to meet! And from the bottom of my heart I thank you for standing in the gap for Ivy Joy!

"Great Fathers Get Promoted to Grandfathers!"

~Author Unknown

Dear Dad,

What a blessing to celebrate this very special day with you. Even if it is from a distance! Thank you for the way you love us all so big!!! You have always been one of those special Dad's. Always putting us first, and making us feel special! You have a gift for that! And, to watch it transfer over to the way you love your granddaughters makes me smile. I will never forget the priceless look on your face when we told you we were going to adopt a little girl from China. You never hesitated.. You got up from your chair and practically jumped over the table to hug me. You accepted our girls in your heart long before you ever knew them. They are blessed to have such a special "Ye'Ye'!" So, loving and so proud of your children and your precious grandchildren! I love all the little notes that you send me. I keep each one in a special file so one day I can look back and remember the way you have always encouraged and loved me.. We have traveled a lot of miles together! Soon you will be moving 15 minutes away from me again. I can't wait to just sit with you.. To have those chats that are so special and meaningful when you are right next to me! Ainsley is counting down the days! We have almost had 48 years together.. Thanks for blessing me since the day they told you my tongue was tied!!!

I found this quote.. I think they wrote it for you!!!

"No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a granddad pulling a baby picture

out of his wallet!" ~Author Unknown

Happy Birthday to one very special Dad and Grandpa!

Love,

Diana

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!