Friday, November 30, 2007
Blessed to have lifelong friends!
Last night we had dinner with old friends. Lance and I met in homeroom in 7th grade! That was thirty-one years ago! He has never forgotten my birthday since we were 13! Here is the message that Jeff and I woke up to on Ruby Tuesday from Lance:
Rise and Shine...this day only comes once.
Have a wonderful day meeting your new angel!
We are all thinking of you!
Love you guys!
Tia and Lance - we love you guys too!!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and your great kids with our family last night! A special thanks to Jordan for turning Ainsley into a "pool shark" at six! She is looking forward to fishing with you next year!
Here are some fun pics from the night! You will see that Ruby has not learned the concept of "double dipping" yet!
Have a great Friday!
Diana
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thankful Thursday!
Our little gymnast playing the piano her way!
Okay - 1 foot and 2 hands is easier
Our First Duet
Special Sister Pics from the first six months since Ruby Mei came home!
Whoever started this thankful Thursday tradition, thank you! It really does cause me to pause during my busy weeks!
This week I am thankful for:
- The nap that Ruby is taking already today. I think she is still tired from the drama of meeting Santa!
- For my friend Jenny who helped me with Ruby Mei on very little notice!
- That I went to my first gyrokinetics (sp?) class with my girlfriend Kristi today! And, that I am actually thinking about going to a spin class with her tomorrow!
- Our new piano that is already bringing music into our home.
- For Ruby's curiosity about EVERYTHING!
- For the maturity and good manners I am witnessing in Ainsley!
- For the 15 verses that remind me of God's Affirmations that my BSF friend Paige shared
- For the great conversations I had with Kim this week. And, for the lessons she has taught me.
- For my "girls" night out with Ainsley, Katie, & Ruby and for the quotes that bring a smile to my face
- For my husband who is taking the time to attend a Men's Fraternity at our church every Friday morning at 6:15. He has blessed me beyond measure by the things he has shared from this.
- For my sister Barb who is staying with the girls Saturday night so we can celebrate Liz's (Camp H's) birthday!
- For my parents, and their giving hearts!
- For my special 5th grade girls Sam, Audrey, Andra, Anna, and Ashley! I love working with you on Wed. nights!
- For the way Ruby squeezes me with her legs when she is scared, and the way she says "MOM" when she needs me!
- I wish I could say I was thankful for the subzero temps we are experiencing already in MSP, but I would have to dig down really deep to say that! However, I am very thankful for heat, food, and a pillow to rest my head on!
Blessings, Di
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Visit with Santa!
Katie & Ainsley waiting to see Santa!
Yes - it even snows inside in Minnesota
'Her Rubiness' recovers with snowglobe distraction!
A little ice cream always helps!Well, let's just say there was absolutely no way 'Her Rubiness' was going to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas! In fact, Mom is in the picture (Scanner not working today) on Santa's lap just so we have Ruby on film near him! Poor thing was absolutely beside herself about Jolly Old Saint Nick! On the other hand Ainsley and her best friend Katie had a fabulous time talking Santa's ear off. All I heard was "My Little Pet Shop," and "Hannah Montana Guitar" when asked what would you like me to bring you this year!!!! Thankfully, no puppy, laptop or cell phone requests!
I also want to say that once again I had a wonderful time being with the girls at the mall. If you recall our last shopping trip was to the Mall of America/Nordstroms with these two fashion Divas! They did not disappoint last night as we took on Gymboree. What struck me the most is how much they have matured even in one year. When they were on Santa's lap my mind went to the two of them meeting at 6 months old. One brown eyed, and one blue eyed.... both special!
Without getting into details these two big sisters took on three very "bossy" kids at Gymboree who would not give Ruby a little chair to sit in. They both took it personally and expressed to me, and the Gymboree sales clerk, how "rude" those kids were! Wasn't it yesterday that they were both screaming "MINE" to each other!!
A few of my favorite quotes from Ainsley and Katie last night:
1. " Miss Di, you know when you love a pair of shoes so much it doesn't matter if they fit! You just want to take them home anyway!" This was Katie defending Ainsley who wanted me to buy the matching shoes Katie was wearing even if they were one size too big, and she was shuffling around the store in them!
2. "Miss Di, I love the way God made me and I love the way he made Ainsley too!"
3. "Katie, if anyone ever makes fun of Ruby because she might look Chinese when she is older, will you help me take care of her?" Katie's response, "Ainsley if we are babysitting Ruby and Madison and that happens, first we should call your Mom! Then we should tell whoever is making fun of Ruby to stop it!" "And besides, I think Chinese people are beautiful!"
Oh, I just love the beautiful hearts of these two precious six year olds!! What a blessing it is for me to be a part of both of their lives! I am so grateful that they will be together to take on the world and anyone who may think of picking on their little sisters!
Blessings,
"Miss Di"
I also want to say that once again I had a wonderful time being with the girls at the mall. If you recall our last shopping trip was to the Mall of America/Nordstroms with these two fashion Divas! They did not disappoint last night as we took on Gymboree. What struck me the most is how much they have matured even in one year. When they were on Santa's lap my mind went to the two of them meeting at 6 months old. One brown eyed, and one blue eyed.... both special!
Without getting into details these two big sisters took on three very "bossy" kids at Gymboree who would not give Ruby a little chair to sit in. They both took it personally and expressed to me, and the Gymboree sales clerk, how "rude" those kids were! Wasn't it yesterday that they were both screaming "MINE" to each other!!
A few of my favorite quotes from Ainsley and Katie last night:
1. " Miss Di, you know when you love a pair of shoes so much it doesn't matter if they fit! You just want to take them home anyway!" This was Katie defending Ainsley who wanted me to buy the matching shoes Katie was wearing even if they were one size too big, and she was shuffling around the store in them!
2. "Miss Di, I love the way God made me and I love the way he made Ainsley too!"
3. "Katie, if anyone ever makes fun of Ruby because she might look Chinese when she is older, will you help me take care of her?" Katie's response, "Ainsley if we are babysitting Ruby and Madison and that happens, first we should call your Mom! Then we should tell whoever is making fun of Ruby to stop it!" "And besides, I think Chinese people are beautiful!"
Oh, I just love the beautiful hearts of these two precious six year olds!! What a blessing it is for me to be a part of both of their lives! I am so grateful that they will be together to take on the world and anyone who may think of picking on their little sisters!
Blessings,
"Miss Di"
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Pearl and the Ruby Making Music...
I had to post a couple more pics of the girls from tonight! Ainsley was so excited about the piano when she got home. Her best pal Katie was over, and they were having a Hannah Montana concert in the family room! I took the girls to see Santa tonight. More on that tomorrow!
Time to go take care of Ruby. She is in bed and very unhappy about it!
Blessings,
Diana
Time to go take care of Ruby. She is in bed and very unhappy about it!
Blessings,
Diana
Let There Be Music & An Important Life Lesson Today!
Her Rubiness checking out the new piano!
Yeah! - One more thing to climb around here!
Thanks for the fabulous new "TOY" Mama & Daddy!Jeff and I have wanted a piano for a long time. As you have heard me say before, Ainsley has a love for music. She desperately wants to take guitar lessons, but we think she should start with piano first. That is the advice we have gotten from a lot of people that play both instruments. I did play the piano as a child, and some of my favorite memories are having my family around the piano on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, that piano book is long gone, but I am sure I can find something to play this year! Sunday we found this beautiful Kiawa piano in the classifieds. It had become a piece of furniture for the sellers, so we were excited to take it off their hands!
At this time in our life the oak finish will work great. Down the road when we no longer have to worry about sticky fingers we will go for the black ebony Baby Grand! Ainsley will be very excited when she gets home from school today! Now, I need to get those piano lessons started!
On a seperate note, I want to share something that happened to a friend of mine that reminds me that God calls us sometimes to dig down deep to be grateful (and graceful) in all circumstances. It is part of what we as Christians call choosing the narrow vs. the wide path. Not always easy..... My friend, Kim received some nasty, undeserved comments from another blogger yesterday. As easy as it would have been for Kim to attack, she did what I hope I would do. She handled it professionally, and gracefully. God asks us to love everyone, even the un-lovable and this is what Kim has been able to do with this act of un-kindness directed at her! I am so grateful for friends like Kim and others that I have met in my Christian walk. You all teach me so much!
I will leave today with two of God's Affirmations that came across my desk this morning:
We say "I can't forgive myself" God says: "I forgive you." (1John 1:9, Romans 8:1)
We say "It's not worth it" God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)
Kim, thank you for encouraging me and so many others through your voice with the 3Peanuts!
And, let's all remember if you don't have anything nice to day, don't say it at all! Jesus says in Matthew 7:3, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
Blessings, Diana
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving in KY!
Ruby Mei's First Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Jia Jia & The Mei Mei
Chef Ainsley practicing what she learned from Martha!
Daddy & Daughter having a great time cooking together!
A "photo-worthy" bird! (And Delicious too!)
Her Rubiness brings her "Kissy Lips" to Grandma's House
The Cousins: Evan, Ruby, Ainsley & JakeWe had a great Thanksgiving visiting Jeff's family in KY for the weekend. We were blessed with on-time flights, and a smooth trip! The girls did great! Ainsley was such a huge help with Ruby. Some of you know that Ruby had been sick prior to our trip. We got the all clear that she could travel about three hours before departure. She was incredible the whole weekend!
We love spending time with Jeff's family. Our two nephews are great boys (OK - young men now!) and we love catching up with them. We also love seeing them with our girls. They are so good to them. Ainsley was old enough this visit to drive with Jake to pick up Evan at work, and to hang out with Aunt Tina to help her cook for Thanksgiving. Honestly, I can't believe how much they have all grown up in just one year. When I met Evan, he was Ainsley's age!
Prior to Thanksgiving Ainsley and I were watching Martha Stewart's show on the Food Network when she was preparing her turkey. We got all sorts of tips, and we were excited to make the turkey this year. Arlene was kind enough to let us take over her kitchen. I am happy to report that I have a budding chef in my house, and our turkey was delicious!!!! I think Martha's secret is the cheese cloth she covers the bird with! I think it was one of the prettiest turkey's I have ever cooked and served!
While in KY we had the opportunity to introduce Ruby and Ainsley to Jeff's Great Aunt Joyce and his second cousin Debbie. So amazing to see three generations together! We also got to introduce Ruby to Jeff's Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike, and his three cousins and their families. All of these special people supported us throughout our journey to Ruby Mei so it was extra special to see them this year!
Jeff and I feel blessed to have such supportive and wonderful people in our family. Being apart is hard. Especially, while the kids are so young. But, we are grateful for the opportunities to get together. We cherish the memories that we make during each visit! I am sure one of them that will be taken away from this trip, will be Uncle Jeff being the first one to go out in Monopoly! He recovered well and spent the rest of the game time building roller coasters and playing Princess with Ainsley on the Wii!
I hope you all had a memorable Thanksgiving too!
Blessings, Diana
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~Phillippians 4:6"Give thanks in all circumstances...." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18
____________________________________________________
So much to be thankful for as we celebrate our first Thanksgiving Holiday with both of our daughters!!!! If I have learned anything in my 43 years it is that God's timing is always perfect! I remember last year at this time praying that we would have our referral from China by Christmas. Of course if that had happened, Ruby never would have been ours. She would have been too young to be referred. Again, I am reminded by this not to question why or when. As hard as it is to grasp sometimes, God does have a plan for each one of us. I am so thankful that He is in control!! So, for my friends that are waiting for news from afar I hope you find peace in that today!
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
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