"The Sweet And Sassy Gift Bundle!"

December 3, 2012, 4:00 am

≪ Previous: The Winner of the Apple-licious Bundle!!!!!

Two bundles to go, and $2300 left to raise to reach our goal of raising $5000 for the Bamboo Babies at Pearl River Outreach again this year... Based on what we have in this "Sweet and Sassy Bundle" and our final offer next week, I know we can do it!!! I am praying that we will!

Remember your donation of $5.00 (boldly, I will say hopefully $10.00 today or more) will go towards a child to be living in a foster family until their forever happens. I am passionate about this gift you are helping us to give the 21 children we currently support, and the ones that are waiting to be next. I have seen it in action, and I know we are making a difference. If I didn't feel so passionately about the "least of these" I wouldn't ask you to come along side me to make a difference too!

So check out the $750 in awesome prizes below... YES - this is one bundle friends! If you are the lucky winner, all of the goodies below are coming to you!!!!! BUT, you must donate by 11:59(ET) Friday night to enter to have a chance to win!!

**********************

Donated by the Lokey Family
*************

Donated by Baby Bobo
***********

Donated by the Sammons Family
***********

Donated by My Adoption Websites
**********

Donated by Andrea at Blogging Mama
*************

Donated by Jazmyn Hammett at Not Your Average Grandma
****************

Donated by Valerie Almquist from Fuffled Feathers Company
*************

Donated by Sophia Jane Boutique
*************

Donated by Sweet and Sour Clothing
***********

THANK YOU for supporting our children at Pearl River Outreach!! You are a blessing!

A special thanks to all of our sponsors of Bundle #5 and to Stefanie and Lisa for sharing in this worthy fundraiser again with me!!!

*If you are unable to donate today, you can leave you may leave your name and mailing address in the comments section here for a chance to win!

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The Winner of Bundle #4!

December 4, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Sharing A Little Of My Heart Today...

≪ Previous: "The Sweet And Sassy Gift Bundle!"

Congratulations to Kimberly Silar for winning the "Bundle for Her!"

Enjoy all your awesome gifts!!

On a separate note, don't forget that "The Sweet And Sassy Bundle" runs until Friday.

Thank you for your support today!! So excited to be over the $3000 mark!!

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Sharing A Little Of My Heart Today...

December 6, 2012, 9:15 am

≫ Next: A Merry Christmas Morning!

≪ Previous: The Winner of Bundle #4!

I suppose because of the work I have been doing with Pearl River Outreach lately, orphans have been on my mind overtime. I don't hear God calling us back to China for #5. Honestly I am thankful for that. I know my plate is full with the four blessings I have here.. And, Mr. Handsome too. Dare I say, we are finding our groove! But, I also believe that if we really felt that call again, we would go.. For now, He is using us to touch the orphan, but in different way. He has called us to help keep Pearl River at 100% sponsorship capacity so that 20+ children can know the love of a family.. It's a positive step preparing them for their "forever!" The time spent on "Fill Their Stockings With Hope" is my way to give back to the children!

Two nights ago Ainsley was working on a devotional assignment where she had to pick a verse, and do a powerpoint about it. She had to say what the verse meant to her, why it was personal, and challenge her classmates to see if God was speaking to them. The verse she chose all on her own was,

John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." Obviously, Ainsley can relate to this verse. In her words, she has seen the difference a family can make. We found a quote from the adoption ministry at our church she shared.. "How many adults does it take to make the difference in the life of an orphan?" The answer, "Just 1!" She went on to share a few pictures from our trip to Emme's orphanage. Including the one of the children saying goodbye. I/we will never forget it. She challenged her class to pray for the least of these. And, to be thankful for their families and for the people that care about them. You see, Ainsley has seen, held and loved on a few orphans in her life. Three of them she is blessed to call sisters! I look forward to seeing where God calls Ainsley one day!

Ainsley in Yangzhou with one of Emme's friends

Jeff with the precious little boy that raised his arms up to him, and said "Baba?"

I will never forget leaving these sweet babies behind...

I guess the point of this post is that you too can do something. You don't have to go to China to support an orphan. There are needs across the street as well as around the world. The orphan crisis is heart breaking.. I represent just one small organization trying to make a difference in the lives of a child.

I understand that it is the season for giving. We are all being asked to give. We at PRO are only $1600 away from our goal. Three Mom's you all know have worked hard to make a difference. I ask that you take the time before the last bundle closes next week to make a difference too.. Whether your donation goes to Pearl River, An Orphan's Wish, or Half the Sky, it doesn't matter to me. (I am praying we all achieve our goals!) I am just asking you to share a little, so that we can make a big difference!! $25 pays for a birthday cake and a gift at Pearl River.. Every child deserves that and so much more!!

I can't thank you all personally for your generosity.... But, please know that I appreciate you! I wish each and everyone of you could experience the love of a once orphaned child on your lap. Your heart will be forever changed. God does not call all of us to go. But, he does call us to make a difference in the lives of the least of these! ~James 1:27

I leave you with this picture.. This is Joseph. He is in our Hengshan program. Joseph is 5 years old. He entered our program after the tragic death of his mother. One he witnessed at the hands of another. This was almost three years ago. When he came to us the pain in his eyes was heart breaking. Terrified he was placed in to one of our foster homes. Month after month I wondered if he would ever be able to forget.. Would we ever see him smile? Eventually the sad layers began to peel away and we started to see a sparkle in his eyes.. With the time and love of a foster family, and his best pal Jamison, he started to emerge as a precocious little boy. All because he has learned to trust and love. I am thankful to be a small part of that!

Tomorrow Bundle #5 closes at 11:59pm. I am hoping to raise another $745 before the clock strikes midnight! We can do it! That would leave us with $1000 for the last week. It is achievable! I was reading a quote from Lysa TerKeurst at "Proverbs 31 Ministries" this morning.. The title of her post, "When God Asks You to Give." She reminded me that we just have to trust when we ask. It is our job to give, sit back, and watch God Move!

I look forward to watching God Move at Pearl River Outreach because of you!

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A Merry Christmas Morning!

December 9, 2012, 8:39 am

≫ Next: The Final Final - "Flights, Camera, Action Bundle!"

≪ Previous: Sharing A Little Of My Heart Today...

Yesterday the girls and I joined Aunt Bop and Grandma for a special Children's Christmas party.

Emme was excited to have "My Bella" join her as her guest! The girls had such a fun time.. When Santa arrived, Emme grabbed him by the hand, and said, "Come on!!" The whole morning was full of fun things for the kids to do.. Inga the Reindeer, Santa, face painting, ornament decorating, ginger bread houses, and more.. After they whirled through all of the activities they took over the dance floor! It was a great way to get in the Christmas spirit!!

As I type this post, the snow is coming down.. It is definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Merry Merry!!!!

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The Final Final - "Flights, Camera, Action Bundle!"

December 10, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: The Winner Of Bundle #5!! And, THANK YOU!!!!

≪ Previous: A Merry Christmas Morning!

Thank you to all of you who have supported "Fill Their Stockings With Hope" this year! It has been another amazing event as we have watched you generously give to Pearl River Outreach, Half the Sky and An Orphan's Wish. We are so close to hitting the goals we have each set for our organizations! You have put us in a position to make a difference in the lives of some very special children in China.

Thank you!!

We are excited to share with you our last bundle! If you are a photography enthusiast, this is the bundle for you.. If you like to travel, this is the bundle for you... My guess is there is someone on your list (like me) that would be thrilled to receive these gifts!! A special thanks to our very generous donors!!

The rules are the same... We ask that you donate a minimum of $5.00 to play. This will get you one entry. (The more you donate, the more chances you have to win. Example: $25 - 5 chances, etc..) If you can't donate, but would like a chance to win, you are welcome to leave your name and address in the comments of this post. This bundle expires at 11:59 (eastern time) on Friday, December 14th!

Introducing the "Flights, Camera, Action Bundle!"

*********************

Donated by Florabella: Website ~ Facebook

Donated by"The Long Road To China"*

Visions of Hope
Donated by The Long Road To China*

Donated by The Long Road To China*

A very special thank you to The Long Road To China* who has donated in honor of "Half the Sky" the canvases, the photography classes and the airline tickets!! If you are the lucky winner of this bundle, consider using the plane tickets to visit Lisa personally for a personal photography workshop! I have been blessed to do one of Lisa's on-sight workshops and it was fantastic!!

Throughout this event, I have shared my heart for orphans. I am motivated to help by seeing what love can do in the life of a child. We are so close to our goal of $5000 again this year. My prayer is that you will help us achieve, and perhaps surpass that.. There are 20 special children I know that deserve it!!!!!

On behalf of Pearl River, THANK YOU for your great big hearts!!
And to my partners in "FTS2012" Stefanie and Lisa, I love you girls!
It has been a blessing to partner with you amazing women again!

Your gift will make a difference in the lives of these precious orphans while they wait for their forever!

THANK YOU!!

Love,
Joseph, Zoe, Olivia, Jamison, Hattie
Rue, Gabriella, Aiden, Noah, Hannah
Cayden, Kade, Liza, Kellan, Asher
Poppy, Quinn, Grayson, Faith, and Rose

diana@pearlriveroutreach.org
(If you would like to sponsor a PRO baby in the new year, please contact me! The cost to sponsor is $35 per month.)

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The Winner Of Bundle #5!! And, THANK YOU!!!!

December 11, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: FTS 2012 is Winding Down!

≪ Previous: The Final Final - "Flights, Camera, Action Bundle!"

We are excited and humbled by your faithful giving again this year for

"Fill Their Stockings With Hope!" Thank you for helping us achieve our goal

already for Pearl River Outreach! There are four more days to donate to win

the amazing "Flight, Camera, Action Bundle!" I am hoping that we can add an additional

child or two to our program this year because of your awesome donations.

It is my pleasure to announce that the winner of the "Sweet and Sassy" bundle is

JILL C.!!!!

We hope you enjoy your awesome gifts!!

Merry Christmas Jill!

I leave you today with this recent picture of my three China blessings!

A reminder to me of what the love of a Forever Family truly can do!

Thank you again for blessing our program!

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FTS 2012 is Winding Down!

December 14, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: "Fill Their Stockings With Hope" Thank you's! and MORE!

≪ Previous: The Winner Of Bundle #5!! And, THANK YOU!!!!

It is almost time for "Fill Their Stockings 2012" to end.. You have generously given again this year. I am humbled by your answer to the call to help some precious children you may never know half a world away. When we add it all up, it will be over $20,000 raised for the children of Pearl River Outreach, An Orphan's Wish, and Half The Sky!!! Amazing!

I hope you have felt joy in the giving! What a blessing it has been to witness to your generosity!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for truly "Filling Up Their Stockings!"

This final bundle closes at 11:59pm!

(You can click above, or scroll down)

Merry Merry Christmas from all of us a PRO!

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"Fill Their Stockings With Hope" Thank you's! and MORE!

December 17, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: "Let your light shine.."

≪ Previous: FTS 2012 is Winding Down!

It is so hard to hug everyone of you from my office here in MSP... But, that is exactly what I want to do!!!! So many of you joyfully gave to 20 special orphans in China... You gave so much that we are hopeful that the number of children in our care will grow next year.. We are hopeful that one or two can be pulled from their orphanages and put in to the loving care of a family until it's time.. Time for their forever!!!

I can promise our precious Bamboo Babies will have birthday parties, gifts, clothes, food and lots of hugs in 2013. Some of those may come from me personally.. I have been invited to love on our Bamboo Babies this spring.. The details are being finalized soon, but I am praying that I do indeed get to go.
And, if I do, I am going to tell them about some very special angels that care about them from afar. What a blessing that will be!~

Together we raised $7520 for Pearl River Outreach! That is 151% of our original goal!! How awesome is that? Pretty fantastic I think!!

But, it get's better!!! Look what we raised as a group for the children affected by "Fill Their Stockings With Hope!"
It has been a blessing to partner with my friend Stefanie representing, "An Orphan's Wish" and my friend Lisa representing, "Half The Sky." It's so humbling to be a part of this event!
One I hope we get to continue together annually for a long time!

Pearl River would like to personally thank, our generous group of donors, that made our amazing bundles possible:

A Mother’s Art
Savor Photography
One Willow Presets
Little Luv Letters
Mitzi Franz
Chris from Layers of Life
Lauren at Ginger Peachy Kids
Matilda Jane
anonymous in honor of An Orphan’s Wish
anonymous in honor of Pearl River Outreach
Branda from Days Made of Now
The Kessler Family
Jesus Loves OrphansScarlet Threads
The Lokey Family
Sophia Jane Boutique
The Sammons Family
Ashley at Baby Bobo
Andrea at Blogging Mama
Valerie Almquist from Ruffled Feathers Company
Jazmyn Hammett at NotYourAverageGrandma
Sweet and Sour Clothing
My Adoption Website
Florabella
The Long Road to China in honor of Half the Sky

Next, I am very excited to share the winner of our Final Bundle, "Flights, Camera, Action."
Congratulations to SueAnn!!!!
Enjoy all of your awesome gifts!

Lastly, I can't close this post without sharing the photos of our Bamboo Babies that need a new sponsor going into 2013. If you would like to be part of our Pearl River Family, please contact me:
diana@pearlriveroutreach.org

First Row
Joseph (Hengshan), Cayden** (Changsha), Asher (Changsha)
Second Row
Quinn (Changsha), Rose** (Changsha), Kellan (Changsha)

**Needs 2 Sponsors

The cost to support one of our babies from afar is:
$35 per month, or $420 annually.
Our donations link to sign up is here

MERRY Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Pearl River Outreach!!

~Diana

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"Let your light shine.."

December 18, 2012, 5:02 am

≫ Next: Merry Christmas!

≪ Previous: "Fill Their Stockings With Hope" Thank you's! and MORE!

The girls opened a special care package last night from some special friends. In it were soft and wonderful Christmas themed blankets from Leigh's Blankies. This verse is monogrammed onto the label of each one...

"...let your light shine before men." ~Matthew 5:16

In light of the sadness that has taken over our country in the past few days please pause and remember this verse... You and I.. everyone of us can make a difference by being a light.. Even on the darkest of days! Yesterday when I dropped off my girls with a heavy heart at their schools, one of our pastors reminded me.. "Each day is a gift!"

Please take the time to be a light today...

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2012, 9:40 pm

≫ Next: Christmas Eve 2012

≪ Previous: "Let your light shine.."

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Your's!

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Christmas Eve 2012

December 29, 2012, 9:37 am

≫ Next: Christmas Day!

≪ Previous: Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone. Ainsley's 12th, Ruby's 6th, Sienna's 3rd, and Emme Jade's 2nd. This year we celebrated with my parents and sister. It was a special time celebrating the birth of our Savior!

I have so many pictures and a lot of catching up to do with our December activities. But for now, I will just post a snap shot of our family together on Christmas Eve...

Ready for church...

Ainsley took over a tradition started in my family long ago... She played the Christmas Carols while her sweet little choir sang along. She did a GREAT job!!!

The girls have been taking piano this year. They are all doing so well. Ruby did a beautiful job playing "Little Town of Bethlehem."

This is probably my favorite photo from Christmas this year... My Dad (85) who has always loved music, sat down at the piano with Ainsley. They played a duet together.. These two have always had a special bond.. I will cherish this photo forever!

I always tease Jeff that he is the "Best Wife" I have ever had.. He is a HUGE help around here.. Laundry, dishes, cooking, whatever the task.. He's not afraid to put on the cow rubber gloves and pitch in. I am so thankful for my awesome husband!!

The girls were very excited for Santa to come.. They were not sure what "Joe" our elf had reported to Santa in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. There was one little girl at our house (Sienna) that barely slept all night.. When morning finally came they were relieved to see that Santa did indeed stop by. (Thanks Joe!)

It was a sweet Christmas Eve!

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Christmas Day!

December 29, 2012, 1:40 pm

≫ Next: Looking Back - 2012 in Pictures!

≪ Previous: Christmas Eve 2012

Jeff and I were in to our second cups of coffee before we heard little feet stirring! The bigs had to wake up Emme Jade to let her know Santa had actually come. They were quite relieved that Joe gave them a break for some of their antics worthy of the "Naughty List" leading up to Jesus's birthday!

As you can tell, Emme Jade was not too excited to be plucked out of her bed!

It didn't take her too long to rally. Emme only had one thing on her list. A pink teddy! And, Santa delivered!

We open our gifts one at a time here... The girls were very sweet at being excited for their sisters. Ruby just had two things on her list.. A "Madeline" book and a snow globe.. Again Santa delivered. Joe clearly was paying attention!

Emme received a Leap Pad 2 this year. Her sisters were quite impressed.. And a bit taken aback when they realized she has the new version.. They have been "borrowing" Emme's since Christmas! In their words, they are teaching her how to use it!!

A little sweet sister hug of thanks after a gift exchange!

Ainsley had a big morning... Let's just say she is all set to move in to the "tween" years a little early. She picked out this adorable coat from CrewCuts.. Love it on her!

I am embarrassed to say that it has taken me almost three years to get Sienna's China Journey into a book. Life just always seemed to crazy to stop and do this. Thanks to my dear friend Jennifer, I was introduced to Blurb! With Blurb you can pull your photos directly from Flickr. It was so easy, and the finished product is beautiful! She was SOOOOO excited!! (Next her video..) The other gift Sienna received that she had asked for from Santa was a "Cutie-Pop." I am glad Santa figured it out. Because I had no idea what it was!

We had a big surprise for all of the girls that they opened last. It was a box with an ornament on the top that said, "Spring Break 2013." The ornament was Cinderella's Castle! Yes - we are taking the girls to Disney World for Spring Break. They were so excited!!!! I have some planning to do! The box also had nightgowns for all the girls, and Princess Dresses for the littles.
Ainsley is the perfect age to be the tour guide for the little princesses at our house. We are looking forward to it!

Let's just say we set Ainsley up for the last gift.. She really only had one thing on her list this year too. A phone... A gift I am pretty sure she never thought she would get. Honestly, I have had mixed feelings on this.. She's young, only 11. But, she is babysitting for other people now, doing travel volleyball, etc.. We took it all into consideration and decided to get her one. We hid it in the front hall closet. When we were done opening gifts, I told Ainsley we needed to call her Uncle.. I dialed her new phone, and you could hear music coming from the closet.. Finally she realized where it was coming from, opened the closet and it was in a bag hanging on a hanger. To say she was a little excited is an understatement!!! Ainsley knows this is a huge privilege.. One that will be closely monitored by her parents!!

I am not sure who was more excited about the building toys the girls received this year. Lego Friends and "Pinklets" have been a huge hit!!! Daddy is an expert at building things, and they have been having fun sharing "their" toy with him!

Lastly, some of you may have read on Facebook, that my sister Barbara (Aunt Bop) has been named the 14th President of Illinois College! She starts her new position in June! She gave all of us IL gear for Christmas! We are so excited for her. And, very excited to be present at her induction in September!

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Looking Back - 2012 in Pictures!

January 1, 2013, 8:58 pm

≫ Next: Our Little "Dynamoe!"

≪ Previous: Christmas Day!

2012 was a busy and special year for our family! It was Emme Jade's first full year home! We are so thankful to have her major back surgery behind us. There were many special moments in 2012. Thankfully most of them documented in pictures: Volleyball, Swim Team, Gymnastics, new friends, new teachers, new schools, new teeth, graduations, recitals, birthday surprises, Napa, cabin time, family time, Grandma and Grandpa, Skating, a New President in the Family, Girlfriend time at the cabin, etc.. So many special memories from a very special year!

Here's a recap in pictures of 2012!!

JANUARY

January 1st this was taken.. One year from the first time I asked Jeff to look at
Emme Jade's file..

One of my favorite pictures I have every taken of the "Middles'!" It's blown up and on the wall in their room.

Dancing with her teacher the day before surgery!

Emme earns the name, "The Agitated Empress!" during her time in the PICU!

Five days after major surgery, The Empress was discharged!!

A little photo shoot with Sienna Grace!

FEBRUARY

Emme's first time sledding with her Big Sister!

Valentine's Day! Three Weeks Post-Op!

MARCH

Ruby was re-united with her Yugan Foster Sister for the first time since they were both adopted in 2007.

APRIL

Emme's First Easter!

Welcoming Home Grandma and Grandpa! A special re-union with my big brother and family too!

My Birthday, and I finally have a picture with my 4 daughters!

The crazy girly crew at our house!!

Winding down the Spring Volleyball Season with her first JO team.

MAY

Precious Sisters!

Pre-School Graduation!

Kindergarten Graduation!

One of my Emme Jade Favorites!

Ruby's first Team Meet.. She placed 3rd overall!

"Spring Showers!"

Kicking off Cabin Season!

JUNE

Ainsley Turns 11!

First Dance Recital for all three!

Ainsley's Birthday Photo Shoot with her CHA friends!

First Swim Meet!

Kate - Helping me with a Photography Class Assignment!

At the cabin working on a Sister Photo to give Daddy for his birthday!

JULY

Kate and Ainsley at their first overnight camp!

First 4th of July for Emme Jade!

Sweet Moment between Emme Jade and Ruby....

The Pearl!

Cabin Life!

Loyal Friends!

Daddy and his beautiful girls!

Jane and Glenna Surprise Jeff for his 50th!

SURPRISE - Wakeup Breakfast for Jeff!

One more Surprise - Boat Cruise and Dinner with "Camp H!"

A Cabin Favorite!

Sienna's Birthday Dinner!

Sienna Is 7!!!

Emme Turns 4 and Celebrates her first Birthday with her forever family!

4 Year Photo Shoot!

Ruby Turns 6!

SIX!!

AUGUST

The "Yellow Truck" at the Cabin

Sienna rides her bike for the first time at the cabin with no training wheels!!!

How did she grow up so fast?

Bangs!

A Fall Picnic with the "Little Bean!"

First Day of 6th Grade!

First Day of First Grade!

SEPTEMBER

New Friends.. Emme and Bella!

Team Ivy - Lemonade Stand #1

Sisters helping Mom with a Christmas Card!

OCTOBER

NAPA to celebrate 50 years with Mr. Handsome and Friends!

Grapes ready for Harvest in Healdsburg, CA

Aunt Tina and Little Grandma take over so we could go to Napa!

A Butterfly Duet...

Halloween!

NOVEMBER

Pretty in a Pink Petti!

Aunt Bop is named the 14th President of Illinois College!

Two of my BFF's with Mr. Handsome!!!

Another Christmas Card Attempt!

DECEMBER

A weekend to remember at the Cabin with some very special friends!

Celebrating 40 with Miss Liz!

"Leigh's Blanket's!"

Winter Break!

LOVE this pic of my crew!

Emme skates for the first time, and absolutely takes to it!!

The Foursome on Christmas Morning..

A priceless Photo of Grandpa and Ainsley on Christmas Eve!

Thank you for faithfully following along with our family in 2012! I wish you joy and great blessings in the New Year!!! What's in-store for me? Hopefully a little more organization, planning ahead, time with Mr. Handsome, work-outs, family time, and quiet time in 2013. And a much anticipated trip this spring to China to love on some very special Pearl River babies!! I look forward to what God has planned for our family! Like all of you, I pray for another year of good health, protection, and the opportunity to be a light in this dark world..! I am so thankful for all of God's blessings!

Happy New Year!

"I have come so that they may have LIFE and in it ABUNDANCE." ~John 10:10b

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Our Little "Dynamoe!"

January 6, 2013, 10:33 am

≫ Next: Ivy Joy... An update...

≪ Previous: Looking Back - 2012 in Pictures!

Often we find Ruby standing on her head... Lots of times we see her doing a one handed perfect cartwheel, practicing a backbend, or doing a hand stand walk over.. Ruby rarely finds a surface that can't be her gym... That's how she rolls.. I often wonder how she sits still in school!!

Ruby has always been special.. I pray her physical gifts will allow her to do some very special things.. The kind of things, where she can be a leader, and make a difference!! I will never be able to express how grateful I am to be this little one's Mama.. Her sweet and sensitive heart blesses me everyday!

In September, Ruby Mei was invited to join a new gym.. She is on what they call a "Fast Track" team, called "The Dynamoe's." She works out 6.5 hours a week with them.. So far, it has felt like a great fit for Ruby. We don't take the commitment to such an intense sport lightly over here. We just want Ruby to find a sport she loves, and that she can excel in.. Over time, that will evolve. For now, gymnastics is a good fit for her abilities, and her interest..After what I saw on New Years Eve, she may have a hockey stick in her hand one day. It will be fun to see what God has planned for Her Rubiness!

Here are some sweet pics I was able to take yesterday with her team. We were up early for Team Pics!

For all of the Team Ivy Prayer Warriors out there, please pray for Ivy Joy. You can read an update on Mary's blog here..

Have a great week!

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Ivy Joy... An update...

January 8, 2013, 4:07 pm

≫ Next: Boston - Ivy's On Her Way!!!

≪ Previous: Our Little "Dynamoe!"

God Willing, the very precious Ivy Joy is going to Boston tomorrow, via air ambulance.

Read more on Mary's blog.. If you can, please leave a comment... This is such a difficult time for their family!

Team Ivy... It's time to get your shirts on and do what we do best.. Pray!

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Boston - Ivy's On Her Way!!!

January 9, 2013, 12:23 pm

≫ Next: Some Very Special Red Threads!

≪ Previous: Ivy Joy... An update...

Ivy Joy Update!
Flight for Boston is leaving at 2:00!!!!! She's breathing on her own, and flying in her cushy car seat!!!! (Thank you Lord!) They are on a medically equipped plane, in-case there is an emergency!! Mary will be in touch tomorrow! Until then, keep praying for a safe flight and a hopeful plan! Thank you!

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Some Very Special Red Threads!

January 11, 2013, 6:25 pm

≫ Next: "The Little Bean"

≪ Previous: Boston - Ivy's On Her Way!!!

During December I hit my 1000th post on this blog... My intention was to write about the magnitude of what that equates to for me. But, life got in the way, and I never got to that... Perhaps at #1100 I will stop to reflect.. Five years, three adoptions.... I have a lot to say.

But for now, I continue to be amazed by the red threads that God has woven around my life since our wait for Ruby Mei. It's like He grabbed my heart and tied a beautiful red bow around it. Some of you may wonder how I know Mary Sammons... It's a long beautiful God story really. But, the summary of it is that she was in China adopting Lexi when Sienna's best friend was being adopted... God connected us through Nadi's Mom, Jill when they got home.... These Mom's met in a playroom in Hunan. Only to find out they were from the same town, and went to the same church. (Coincidence? I think not!) When we went to China to adopt Emme Jade it was Mary and Jill that loved on Sienna and Ruby for 10 days. These two Mom's are a living example of sacrificing self for God's glory! They have taught me so much!

In five years I have met some pretty amazing women and families. Some that I get to call friends in "real life" now. Treasures to me.... Through blogs, friend connections, etc. I have followed families to and from China. Some multiple times. I don't think I will ever tire of watching families created in this way. If you want to follow a special family who is in China now, check out my adoption friend Shay's blog. They are bringing two children home. Their 4th and 5th from China. Amazing!

Over two years ago, I was introduced to a special couple that were in China adopting their adorable son, Max. I don't even remember how I found them, but I am so glad I did. While they don't live in Minneapolis, they are close enough that our families have met. Julie and I are also in the same photography class. Yesterday, I was blessed to visit with them in Rochester where their new daughter Ellie was recovering from open heart surgery... And, the red thread here.. Ivy Joy! It was Ivy's story that touched Julie and Eric and encouraged them to open their hearts to a heart baby too... It was a blessing to meet this very special little girl! If you have not been to Julie's blog, it will touch your heart. Julie's blog is here!

"Baby Ellie" as we call her over here.. Playing with stickers that Emme Jade picked out for her!

One of the many adorable and heart melting faces of "Baby Ellie!"
By the way, Ellie is home tonight.. Less than 4 days after open heart surgery!!

It's hard not to fall in love with Ellie the second you meet her.. Her story is so special. A reminder that God is in all the details. And, that He protects those who wait...

Many of you have visited my blog since we were just a family of four. Thank you for that. I am thankful for how much my heart has grown in 1000+ posts.

For those of you checking on Ivy Joy.. Surgery is scheduled for 7am tomorrow morning! I look forward to hearing great news soon! Please keep checking Mary's blog for updates!

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of
time, place or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break."
~Ancient Chinese Proverb

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"The Little Bean"

January 18, 2013, 4:20 pm

≫ Next: Baby It's COLD Outside!!!!

≪ Previous: Some Very Special Red Threads!

Just a few sweet pics I took today of "The Little Bean!" Where has the time gone? As she will tell you she is almost 4.5. Our baby girl has been home for 17 months already. Next week will be the anniversary of her tethered cord surgery, and her earned "Agitated Empress" status at Children's Hospital! She is doing so well in every way. I wish I could express in words how joyful this little girl is. Clearly God protected her spirit. She spent the first full three years of her life in an orphanage. She shared a room with 20 other children.. She never fed herself a meal before we met her... I think God protected her sweet little heart, and He put some very special caregivers in her life until we could bring her home. We are so thankful for that!

Emme is a tiny little peanut. 28.5 pounds and wearing a size 2T (barely). There is nothing tiny about her though.. She might be little, but she is no pushover. She is loud and funny! She can stomp her feet to voice her feelings with the best of them!!! She has learned the words, "I am MAD" when she is frustrated.. There is something incredibly funny about it when she is standing with her arms folded in front of her.. Adorable even when she is MAD! Most of the time though, Emme is happy and sweet. She loves to help and to please. The first one to help me with anything. Serving other is definitely one of her gifts... Can't wait to see what God has planned for our sweet girl!

Emme's favorite things: She loves babies (seriously any baby we meet.) She loves, her Daddy, her Mama, her sisters (especially her "A-gee!"), learning about Jesus, "My Bella," school, baby dolls, her pink teddy, chocolate, and all things girly! When we pull into the school parking lot she gets a big smile on her face and says very enthusiastically, "Thank you Mama!" When I pick her up or I have not been home to tuck her in she will say dramatically, "I missed you Mama!" Emme Jade has taught me to be joyful in all things... I love how God uses the tiny and mighty to teach us, refine us, and to inspire us! Emme Jade - you are SO LOVED!

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Baby It's COLD Outside!!!!

January 22, 2013, 12:47 pm

≫ Next: Fund Raiser for Ivy Joy by Georgia Grace!

≪ Previous: "The Little Bean"

The Ice Houses on our way up to the cabin... One Question.. Why?

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Fund Raiser for Ivy Joy by Georgia Grace!

January 26, 2013, 8:51 am

≫ Next: Half Birthdays!!

≪ Previous: Baby It's COLD Outside!!!!

Jordon who owns Georgia Grace Designs is kicking off a fundraiser for Ivy Joy on Monday, January 28th. You can read Jordon's post on the event, here! Will you, can you, help spread the word on your blogs and Face Book? Some of you may not know that Mary is a Trunk Keeper for this precious clothing line! So her friends at GG are teaming up to make a difference for one precious little fighter we all know and love.

Thank you Jordon!!

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