It's June!!!! And It's Summer Vacation For Us!!!!

June 3, 2013, 10:55 am

Well this bad blogger Mama has made it through the school year... I do have a good excuse for not posting since Mother's Day though.. My list is long like everyone else reading this post: Pre-school finale, gymnastics show, dance recital, piano recital, teacher gifts, and some exciting Pearl River work!! As of today, we are officially on Summer break! It's too chilly to swim, but the girls are happily having a no schedule day!!! Next week our big girl turns 12 on the 12th! So, I shift gears today to planning a fun Golden Birthday Celebration.... I can't believe she is almost officially a "tween!"

So, it may be another week before I post again.. But, I must share some very sweet pictures from our weekend!!! Most of the dance photos are from the dress rehearsal..

The dance recital was.... PRECIOUS! I was so proud of the girls.. Especially, Sienna who was very nervous at the dress rehearsal. But, yesterday she looked like a beautiful confident ballerina. I have never seen her dance so well... When I really think about how far she has come in three years it makes me well up.. Our little spicy girl, is quite the beauty on stage.. Like she was born to be in a tutu! And, Miss Emme Jade smiled from ear to ear, did her steps, and waved at her sister who was waiting in the wings. She and Bella could not be missed yesterday in their "You've Got a Smile" number! "Tutu Cute" applies here!

The dance recital ended at 1:45 and the piano recital started at 2:00. Mr. Handsome and I tagged team and we successfully got everyone where they needed to be on time! And, let me just say Ainsley and Ruby showed us what hard work and believing in yourself is all about. (I wish I could say there was no grumbling involved about practicing...) They both performed their songs that seemed impossible to master a short time ago beautifully!!! I hope they both choose to continue their piano lessons. It's such a gift to hear them play!

We now switch gears to swim team, volleyball camps, vacation bible school, church camp, dance camp, a new gymnastics schedule, and cabin time... Just like we like it around here.. CRAZY!!!

Happy Summer wherever you are!

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Our Newest Addition!!

June 7, 2013, 6:03 am

≫ Next: The Big and The Little....

≪ Previous: It's June!!!! And It's Summer Vacation For Us!!!!

Ainsley has been working on us since Easter to bring another dog into the family. She put together a fantastic sales pitch complete with a list of objections that she knew she would get from her parents. I have to give her credit she was very persuasive.. She mastered pulling at her Mom's heart strings with a thoughtout strategic plan. Impressive!!!! A future in sales may be inevitable for The Pearl!

Her Daddy however was not quite as convinced a small dog was what this crew needed. Jeff likes medium to large dogs.. Active, intelligent dogs, that you can walk and toss a frisbee too or that can retrieve a ball out of the lake... Not a puppy/dog that he has to worry about the Bald Eagle at the cabin picking up for dinner....

Well let's just say we have had a lousy start to summer here... It has rained and been cold our entire first week... The word boredom has already crept in... Yesterday they caught me at a weak moment... Ainsley asked if we could take a ride out to the country to the "Puppy Store..." I am not a dumb blonde... (A little frazled some days, but not stupid...) I knew this would either end terribly, or I would be the one selling Mr. Handsome on a new addition...

Well the inevitable happened... SHE fell in love...Sienna did too. Ruby did too... unfortunately with another puppy... I loved them all... And, Emme was more excited about the toys in the gift shop than the actual moment... Did I mention it's Ainsley's Golden Birthday Wednesday?. And, that this is all she has been asking for for months... Did I mention she made an oathe to be responsible, to help me, etc.. Perhaps it was the dream of LEVERAGE that pushed me over the puppy edge... So, in a moment of weakness I called Mr. Handsome... Not quite the same as when I called him and cornered him while he was in a cab line in Vegas to lock Emme's file.. But, my response from him brought back memories from that day.. Silence! Like any respectful wife, I let the pregnant pause last a moment, and then I forged ahead with confidence. In the end, after some texts with our favorite out-of-state vet, and the trusty internet, Mr. Handsome reluctantly agreed to the tiny addition. Did I mention, He is a BOY!!!! As my friend Erin commented on Facebook.. We have figured out a way to add a boy to this family!!!!

I am happy to report that the meet and greet with Piper went well.. Meaning Piper did not growl and was completely un-impressed with the bouncing furry ball we brought home.. Hopefully the extra treats and the walk this morning have started the forgiveness process... She's happily asleep at my heels as I type. And, the puppy did fantastic... Slept happily in his crate (in Ainsley's room.) We got him up in the middle of the night to go out, and then he went back to sleep... Did I mention he is CUTE!!!

We have a little theme with our dogs at this house... They are all named after vineyards in Napa Valley.. It started with our beloved Caymus... So, since we definitely "lovingly" forced this litte guy on Daddy, we have given him naming privileges... So, the newest addition in our family's working name is SHAFER!!! (Sounds like Shaefer.) I think it's going to stick!

Shafer is a "Cava Malt".. Equates to King Charles Cavalier/Maltese blend.. Or, as Mr. Handome lovingly refers to him... A "Designer Dog!"

Good thing that pupply store is far away... It's another rainy/cold day!!

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The Big and The Little....

June 9, 2013, 12:35 pm

≫ Next: A Golden Birthday Girl, and A Wedding Anniversary!

≪ Previous: Our Newest Addition!!

Ainsley and Emme have had a special bond since they said Ni' Hao in August of 2011. They have sweet nick names for each other too... "A-Gee and Joey..." Ainsley is known around here for coming up with names that stick around here. AKA: Aunt Bop and Little Grandma.. She has called Emme "Joey" since she arrived home.. I guess it's short for Yangzhou (sounds like Young-Joe) where Emme is from... I think it's pretty darn cute!

Our Big Girl is going to be 12 on Wednesday... Emme will be 5 in July... Seven sweet years between them.. When Ainsley graduates from highschool Emme will be completeing 4th grade... Exactly the age gap I have with my big brother. It never mattered when we were growing up. I adored him, and still do!

Our new puppy has definitely had an affect on Emme Jade.. Not one I even thought about on my list of objections.. Emme is a little jealous.. Not of the dog.. Of the laptime Shafer is getting with her "A-Gee!" Ainsley is doing her best to love on The Little Bean too... Now she knows how it feels to be a Mama! :)

Thankful for the sweet bond between these two!

Adding a few photos I took of Emme with Ainsley's help!... I think curls work on her!!!

Looking forward to a week where rumor has it the sun may appear and it may feel like summer!

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A Golden Birthday Girl, and A Wedding Anniversary!

June 12, 2013, 12:18 am

≫ Next: Summer!!!

≪ Previous: The Big and The Little....

Twelve years ago at 7:51pm, Ainsley Kathryn was born. She weighed 6lbs - 12.5oz, and she was 18.5" long... It was our second wedding anniversary! We had no clue what we were doing that first night... But, overtime Ainsley helped us learn how to love, guide, and protect her.. She taught us how to love unconditionally... In her I see so much of us.. But, Ainsley is her own person... Unique, beautiful persuasive, smart, funny, and talented. We pray that we can always encourage her to be just who God has created to be.. "Fearfully and wonderfully made..."

While the house is quiet tonight I have been going through the Baby Book I did for Ainsley. In it was a journal I wrote to her during my entire pregnancy.. So many things that I had forgotten.. I am so thankful to have them in writing... As one of Ainsley's gifts I am going to give her a copy of that journal. I want her to understand just how loved she was before we ever saw her sweet little face!!! She is one of God's most special gifts to Mr. Handsome and me. (And a lot of other people that love her too!)

Happy Golden Birthday Ainsley Kathryn! We think you are amazing!!

And, I can't close this post without a note to Mr. Handsome.... Happy 14th Anniversary! I am so blessed to share this journey with you!!! Four Girls later I love you more than the day I said "I do!" I can't believe it's been 14 years.. Yikes it has gone fast... Attaching one of my favorite pictures from our wedding day. I look forward to seeing what God has in-store for us for the next 14 years!

Whatever it is, I am just thankful we are in this together!!!! I can't imagine doing this without you!!!

Love Love!!

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Summer!!!

June 30, 2013, 8:10 pm

≫ Next: She Is Eight!!!!

≪ Previous: A Golden Birthday Girl, and A Wedding Anniversary!

Okay, I will admit it... Summer is kicking my you know what... Don't get me wrong.. I am not complaining.. I am thankful that I get to drive these girls from activity to activity.. But, it is busy....! Tomorrow is July 1st, and I feel like summer just arrived in Minnesota. Reality is, it kind of did. Our cold (Wintery) spring, and chilly/rainy start to the kids summer break took a chunk out of the June calendar. Thankfully, July is arriving with a gorgeous forecast for the week. We are at the cabin... My intention was to just come up for the weekend... But, it is so nice up here in the northland that we are settling in for the holiday week!

Ainsley had a great week at Junior High camp with our church last week. I loved hearing the recap of her days (and nights) at JAM camp!!! So happy to have her home safely!

"The Middles" have been busy with Swim Team. I am so proud of both of them... They are swimming great! Emme is learning to swim, and she is so excited about it.... My guess is "The Little Bean" will be wearing the green swim team suit next year!

We had a very sad goodbye last week... Emme's best friend, Reid is moving to Alabama. When the reality of that sunk in on Friday, she was so sad.. It broke my heart to see her say goodbye. If you read our blog while we were waiting for Emme Jade, her best pal in the orphanage was a little boy. They told us they were inseparable.. Seeing her grieve over Reid leaving, broke my heart knowing she has been through this before.. Thankfully, we know Reid's family and we will do our best to keep in touch!

Shafer (our new addition) is fitting in.. Poor Piper is doing her best to tolerate the little guy... She (Piper) had surgery last week.. So, having her little brother chasing her tail is not going well... Thankfully, Piper is great at finding "higher ground" to get her space!

Lastly, I had my annual picture with all four of my girls taken!! My sweet friend Jody took this for me before Father's Day. It was our gift for Mr. Handsome!

That is the cliff note version of June! Happy 4th of July week!!

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She Is Eight!!!!

July 23, 2013, 6:13 am

≫ Next: "The Little Bean" is FIVE Today!

≪ Previous: Summer!!!

As we go into the home stretch of swim team this week, I need to stop to catch up on a little girl who celebrated her eighth birthday on Saturday! In some ways her first birthday at home feels like yesterday. She had only been home three months. We have traveled a lot of miles together since that first party together. She gets more confident and more beautiful every day.

2010 (4 months home)

Sienna Grace had the perfect place to celebrate her birthday this year. We were in Stockholm, WI at an amazing retreat center located on a picturesque farm that our church owns. We went with our family group and it was such a fun weekend!

The July birthday girls indulged me for a short time on Saturday evening with a photo shoot. Here are a few photos of the birthday girl from the farm...

God has created something very beautiful in this little girl. My prayer will always be for her to truly understand how much she is loved! Happy 8th Birthday Sienna Grace!!

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"The Little Bean" is FIVE Today!

July 23, 2013, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Happy Birthday Ruby Mei!!

≪ Previous: She Is Eight!!!!

There is one question that people usually ask The Little Bean when they meet her... How old are you? She usually answers with a very excited, "Four and a-half..!" Lately this has changed to "almost five!" In most cases her answer is a surprise... I think they would guess 3 or 4 if they didn't know her. Emme Jade might be tiny, but her personality is bigger than life. She is one of the most joyful and outgoing little girls I know. She loves big.. She loves her family, her best friends, her dogs, and her "my blankie!" We have been blessed with a bright light in this little girl. This begs the question... How does a little girl who lived in an institution for three years of her life wake up so happy every day? How does she sprinkle her pixie dust of happiness wherever she goes? Clearly, we had nothing to do with this. This is how God created The Little Bean... He protected her, put people in her path to love her, and gave her an inner joy that can only come from Him. I am so very thankful for that!

Emme's birthday falls on the first day of swim team champs for "The Middles." So, we are doing a little cake celebration tonight with her neighborhood pals and Miss Bella... Next week, I have a special lunch planned for the little BFF's... I think Five is a very special birthday to celebrate! Some of you have asked if Emme Jade is starting Kindergarten... The answer is no.. She is going to a new pre-school three full days a week. She LOVES school, and I know this will be a great growth year for her in so many ways.

The Little Bean blessed me today by letting me steal her for a mini-photoshoot.. We snuck out so nobody would see her birthday dress. She was so excited! Here's a glimpse at our new five year old!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!"

Psalm 126:3

Happy Birthday Emme Jade!

We Love you!!!!

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Happy Birthday Ruby Mei!!

July 31, 2013, 4:15 am

≫ Next: July.... It's A "WRAP!"

≪ Previous: "The Little Bean" is FIVE Today!

Today our sweet Ruby Mei is seven years old!!!! Last night I sat in her room and watched her sleep.. I sat on my knees giving thanks for this precious child. Seven years ago a mother I will most likely never know made the difficult decision to let her go... Today more than any other year this brings the emotions to the surface for me... One incredible loss led to something so special. "Beauty from the ashes.." I am beyond grateful that God has trusted us with her. Ruby is the child that makes all the hard Mom days worth it... Her sweet and sensitive heart along with the amazing gifts God has given her are a special combination.

I don't think we could have chosen a more perfect name for her... She is precious and beautiful!

Happy 7th Birthday Ruby Mei... You are a JOY! And you are so very LOVED!!!!

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has given me what I asked of him."

1Samuel 1:27

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July.... It's A "WRAP!"

August 7, 2013, 9:07 pm

≫ Next: It's Been TWO Years With Emme Jade!!!!

≪ Previous: Happy Birthday Ruby Mei!!

Well, if you know us well, you know that July is the busiest month of the year at our house... Busier than December, and busier then the end of the school year... We packed in 4 birthday celebrations, cabin time, a weekend retreat, volleyball camps, swim team practices and the swim team Championships... Ruby closed the month on the 31st by turning 7 on us!!! Jeff and I left the same day for a long weekend in Aspen.. It was a crazy and special month!~

So, this post will really be a scrap book of the miles we traveled!!

Starting with Mr. Handsome's Birthday... I could not top last year's 50th celebration. Honestly, I couldn't even try... So we celebrated 51 with the kids and "Camp H!" I think he was OK with that! We even got a family photo.. A rare thing around here!

Next we headed to Stockholm, WI for an awesome weekend with our family group... We had no idea what to expect.. We were blown away by the beautiful retreat center we shared with our special group of friends. We spent Sienna's birthday on "the farm!" It was a two day celebration... Some of my favorite photos from our weekend in WI!

Next came Emme Jade's birthday on the 24th! We had a sweet celebration with a few friends and family. Sienna had swim Champs that day, so Emme had a great day with her BFF, Bella and her big sister, Emily. She was the sweetest birthday girl.. When we sang happy birthday to her, her smile lit up the room! I can't believe she's 5!!

We had two swim meets to wrap up the season. Sienna competed first in Jr. Champs... This is such a fun meet!!! She competed with 8 other 8 and under girls from our team. She swam all four strokes and she did so well!! I am so proud of how hard Sienna worked this summer. We are blessed with a great club and great coaches that love our girls!!

Two days later, Ruby Mei qualified to swim in Champs.. This final meet was for the top 3 kids in each age group from the clubs in the Western Swim League here. It is quite the event.. Unfortunately, we did not have the best weather this year.. It was COLD and rainy.. But, Ruby and the other kids on our team did not let that stop them from swimming their hearts out. Our club placed 2nd overall. "Her Rubiness" had a big day on Saturday! She qualified for the finals in both butterfly and breast stroke.. Like her sister, Ruby has worked so hard this summer.. Every week her times improved. We knew she had a chance to do well in the breast stroke final. It's her favorite.. We saw something in Ruby we had never seen that Saturday... The determination to win it!!.. She dove off the block seated 2nd against a very good year round swimmer... What we did not expect was for Ruby to out-touch her by 1/10th of a second to WIN!!!! It was so exciting to have such a close race!!!! Her coaches scooped her up with tears in their eyes.. It was such a fun moment!!!!

OK - I am not done yet.. One more birthday to go!!! Our sweet Ruby Mei closed the month by turning 7. She and Sienna decided to do a party together this year. We did it at a local art studio. They loved it!! (And, so did I!!!)

Lastly, on the 30th I escorted "The Middles" to their Swim Team Banquet!!! It's a special night for them to be recognized. The next morning Jeff and I headed to Aspen for a long weekend.. A little work, and a lot of play!!! We had the opportunity to catch up with old friends.. It was a wonderful four days away!!! Thank you Katie and Caroline for holding things down here for us!!! You are a blessing!!!!

That sums up July at our house!!!! Woohoo!

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It's Been TWO Years With Emme Jade!!!!

August 8, 2013, 7:10 am

≫ Next: Back To School 2013!

≪ Previous: July.... It's A "WRAP!"

I seriously can't believe it has been two years since our precious Emme Jade walked into our lives... We fell in love with our "Little (Joyfilled) Bean" that day... What a treasure she is!

While we waited for Emme we were blessed with so many photos of her from the orphanage. From these we could tell she was special... She has proven to be one of the happiest little girls I know! She LOVES big.. She makes friends wherever we go.. She is compassionate and sensitive. She is our social butterfly.. She reminds me daily that she loves me. Her hugs are the best!!!! I don't want anyone to get the impression she is a push over... She is all sugar until she thinks she needs to be heard!!.. Then our pig tail wagging girl can stomp her feet with the best of them.. I love that about her.. Sweet and strong!! That's our girl!

Emme shares a special anniversary too. Today my parents celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary!!! We have much to celebrate in our family this evening! Two Forevers!! Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! And Happy Forever Emme Jade! We LOVE you!!

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Back To School 2013!

September 2, 2013, 6:26 am

≫ Next: Pre-K!!

≪ Previous: It's Been TWO Years With Emme Jade!!!!

I can't believe it is September 2nd!!! The girls (except for the Little Bean) started school on August 26th! We officially have a girl in Junior High!!! The Pearl started 7th grade, and so far she loves it! While she is still at the same school, Chapel Hill does a great job of making the middle schoolers feel like the Big Kids on campus!!! It's so fun to see her excited about being back!!! Ainsley also made the Gold Volleyball Team for fall at her school! We are so proud of her.. She is one of three 7th graders that were selected for this new team!! Practices are underway and we are ready to cheer them on!!!

The Middles are in the same class again this year! We were thrilled when we got their class list. Their second grade teacher was Ainsley's first grade teacher. She is amazing!!!! I just know they are going to have a special year!!

The "Little Bean" was sad to see everyone but her start school last week... Her BFF Bella did start Kindergarten at Chapel Hill... Emme was not happy about being left behind... She was excited to see Bella in her new classroom though, and to celebrate day one with her after school! Soon she will start at a new school as a Pre-K student.. We/She can't wait!!

The pictures from the first day make me smile... Note Ainsley walking in front of Jeff this year... It's definitely a new day and the "cool factor" has set in... She may admit she was happy that her Dad was there to help her and her friends get their lockers open on the first day though.. Combination locks are a new thing in Junior High!!!!

A few photos from Day 1, 2013/2014:

Checking in on Bella on her first day of Kindergarten!!

Out Pre-K "Little Bean!"

Celebrating one year of friendship after Bella's first day! Last year on the first day of school Bella and Emme met in the school gym... It was love at Ni'Hao for these two precious friends!!

As for me... My "to do" list for Fall is long... A few goals.. Getting back to the gym, a new Bible Study, taking on the toys and closets, focusing on Pearl River, and more.. I have been blessed to do a little photography lately for some friends... As you can tell from my lack of blogging my free time has not been plentiful.. Like our girls, it's time for this Mama to get back in a routine! We had a great summer.. It went fast.. But, admittedly I was ready for school to begin.. Our girls do much better with structure!!! (And, so do I!!) We are trying some new activities for the Middles for fall... They are going to try swim club for the first time... Hoping they love this awesome life sport!!! We have a lot of momentum from their great summer of swimming!

One more goal.. A little more consistent blogging from me!

Happy Labor Day!

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Pre-K!!

September 15, 2013, 9:03 pm

≫ Next: The Gold Team!

≪ Previous: Back To School 2013!

Wednesday it was finally her turn... The one hour open house did not cut it on Monday... She was ready for the real deal.. Pre-Kindergarten.. All day! Three days a week! She had her book bag, her lunch, and her cuteness.. She could not wait to get in the car.. For our 15 minute drive she kept asking me how much longer... She asked me so many sweet questions... "Will I make new friends?" "Will my teachers like me?" "What are we going to do all day..." Her new school encourages drop off.. Even the first day.. So, that is what we did.. I coached her to say "good morning" to who ever greeted her at the door... When it was her turn, she kissed me on the cheek and said, "I gonna miss you Mama.." Then she jumped out of the car, and I heard her say with her sweet raspy voice.. "good morning!" And, then she skipped along, big smile on her face, right into the new exciting chapter of Pre-K... She left me in the rearview mirror with a thankful heart.. Thankful for this little girl who brings us all so much joy.. How can it be that just two years ago she was in an orphanage waiting for her forever?

Emme loved her first day... I think it's going to be a very special year!!

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The Gold Team!

September 15, 2013, 9:17 pm

≫ Next: "President Bop!"

≪ Previous: Pre-K!!

The Pearl is back on the court for the fall!!!! This time she is sporting #9 for her school.. She's back together with some of her favorite pals which makes practices and games more fun! We are really seeing Ainsley improve in her volleyball skills.. She worked hard over the summer!!! She's been given the opportunity to play outside hitter on her new team!!! It was pretty exciting to see her record her first "kills" at their first match last week... ( I am not sure if Ainsley or her Daddy was more excited!!!) We love watching our girl play!!!

Ainsley is playing with Bella's big sister, Sarah, this fall... There were two pretty cute cheerleaders cheering on their bigs Thursday!

The activities are in full swing over here.. So far so good!!!

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"President Bop!"

October 3, 2013, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Road Trip To IC!!

≪ Previous: The Gold Team!

Overnight, like Cinderella at the ball, my sister went from Aunt Bop to President Bop! There was no fairy Godmother at this transformation, but there were many friends, family, students, colleagues, and other supporters there celebrating this huge day! Jeff, Ainsley and I made this trip to Jacksonville, IL. The middles and the little stayed behind at "Camps H and M!" I am not sure who had more fun!

My sister, Barbara, was inducted on Saturday, September 21st as the President of Illinois College. She became the 14th president and the first woman to earn this honor. It was an incredible weekend! My brother and I agree that being part of the "first family" is a pretty awesome place to be! We are so proud of our sister! So thankful that my parents were able to be there too. So many special memories from our time in Jacksonville!

We fell in love with IC that weekend. We can't wait to go back!

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Road Trip To IC!!

October 21, 2013, 7:24 pm

≫ Next: Halloween 2013

≪ Previous: "President Bop!"

How is it that it's been 3 weeks since I posted... Fall is blowing by too fast.. The chill is here reminding us that winter is on it's way. We even had snowflakes today!

We did take the time to soak in one of the best parts of Autumn.. Homecoming at Illinois College with Aunt Bop! We took our first long road trip (over 3 hours) with all four girls. I am happy to report they all did great!!! Jacksonville is an approximately an 8 hour trip from our home.

We rolled into the President's House in time for Ainsley to join Aunt Bop to judge the IC talent show! Ruby and Sienna decided that the best rip sticking in the world is at Aunt Bop's. The driveway at Barnes House is perfect for biking and boarding!!

There were many highlights to this fun weekend... We kicked it off with the nieces being in the Homecoming Parade with Aunt Bop Sautrday morning! Even Mr. Handsome was in on the fun driving their convertible! I chose the roll of photographer for the first mile!

From the parade we headed to the Alumnae tent to get ready for the Football Game. I am happy to report that IC won their Homecoming game! The Middles and the Little were in heaven when they were invited down to the field to hang out with the cheerleaders!!! Ruby closely studied every move, and was ready to be a flyer if they would have let her!

The girls loved meeting the Homecoming Queen and sweet Kenzie their favorite cheerleader. Kenzie got hurt on a bad landing, so Emme took it upon herself to be part of her training team! She made sure the ice stayed on her knee!!

We loved this special visit back to IC with all of the girls.. We hope to make Homecoming in Jacksonville a tradition!!

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Halloween 2013

November 11, 2013, 11:43 am

≫ Next: Orphans No More.....

≪ Previous: Road Trip To IC!!

I think I will be constantly apologizing for my blogging tardiness as we close out 2013! I am starting to accept that this is the season I am in... It's an exciting time of busy-ness for the girls and for me. As we count down the days in November, we have much to be thankful for. Soon I will be announcing our Christmas Fundraiser for Pearl River Outreach. I hope you will join us again for this important event.

Until then, a few belated photos from our fun Halloween! Emme was thrilled to have Bella join us again this year. Ainsley was off with her friends, but I was able to grab a few photos of our big girl too!

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Orphans No More.....

November 12, 2013, 6:50 am

≫ Next: "May Their Stockings OVERFLOW With Hope This Year!"

≪ Previous: Halloween 2013

Many of you know that November is National Orphan Month... The word touches my heart deeply. I have been blessed to intimately love on three little girls who once wore this label... Orphan.. It seems impossible!

The sad reality is that there are 150 Million plus orphans in the world. One is too many... How do we change that?... Perhaps it's just one orphan at a time...

God calls us to help the "Least of These..." I am in a Bible Study this month where we are reminded to take care of the widow and the orphan.. This is a command for all of us. We can't save the world, but we can help whether through going, praying, supporting, sponsoring, feeding, clothing, celebrating, adopting... There's room for all of us to make a difference!

Tonight I will post here and on the Pearl River blog the kick-off to "Fill Their Stockings With Hope 2013." I will be partnering with two of my favorite Mom's again on this to raise money for, "the least of these" in China.. My prayer is that you will find a way to support this wonderful event again this year. Last year God blew our "stockings" off in the way He provided for our orphans.. Praying for His blessing on our upcoming December event.... So, I hope you will check back and participate when the fun begins!!!!

"And whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.."

~Mathew 18:5

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"May Their Stockings OVERFLOW With Hope This Year!"

November 12, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Thankful For Our Southern Friends!!

≪ Previous: Orphans No More.....

It’s that time of year again.

There is a chill in the air and Christmas thoughts are beginning to roll around in my head. And I can’t help but think about how blessed we’ve been to Fill Their Stockings for the last two years in a row. In 2011, our first year to Fill Their Stockings, over $15,000 raised for children under the care of Half the Sky, An Orphan’s Wish and Pearl River Outreach. Last year, we raised a total of over $26,000 for those same charities.

This year, we are ready to do it all over again.

And, once again, we need your help. Because there is no way we could do this without you.

Now for some details…

WHO:Lisa, Diana and Stefanie
WHAT: Will be hosting 3 Big Giveaways – the kind that make your heart go pitter patter – just in time for Christmas giving (or keeping!)
WHEN: Starting around the beginning of December
WHERE: Our blogs – Pearl River Outreach, The Long Road to China, and Ni Hao Y’all
WHY: To benefit orphans all across China

HOW: With your help!

Please consider donating something for us to give away. All donations will go directly to benefit orphans. Our hope is to positively impact the lives of these precious little ones who are still waiting in orphanages all across China. And with your help we know we can… and have a whole lot of fun in the process!

Here are some items on our wish list – things we know would generate lots of excitement (and lots of donations!) for children in China. Please know that y’all are not limited to things on this list… we’re just trying to help get this party started.

If you would like to donate an item, and we hope you will!, please complete this short form.

We will need to have the donations organized by November 22, so please complete the form before that time. We do ask that you would be willing to ship your item to the winner within one week of the giveaway’s close. In return for your generosity, your donation will be featured on all three of our blogs during the event as well as a link to your business or organization.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions about a donation, feel free to contact us via email questions here –Diana, Lisa or Stefanie.

We are so excited about this, our third year to collaborate to Fill Their Stocking. Last year we raised over $26,000 collectively that went directly to care for children at Half the Sky, Pearl River Outreach and An Orphan’s Wish, all because of the generosity of this amazing community.

So, on behalf of the little ones at Pearl River Outreach, Half the Sky and An Orphan’s Wish, thank you in advance for helping us to Fill Their Stockings once again!

Sincerely,
Stefanie, Lisa and Diana

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Thankful For Our Southern Friends!!

December 1, 2013, 7:47 pm

≫ Next: Fill Their Stockings 2013 - Here We Go!!!!!

≪ Previous: "May Their Stockings OVERFLOW With Hope This Year!"

My life changed in so many ways when we adopted Ruby... That journey changed my heart forever. Adoption will always be part of my story. God blessed me/us in so many ways it's impossible to list them all. One of the biggest blessings besides out girls, would be the friendships I would make along the journey. One of these special friends was just here last weekend. I can't recall the exact day we met, but I will never forget when she reached out to me about a little girl who's file they were reviewing.. When I stared at this sweet delicate child, the nickname, "Tea Cup" came to mind.. Little did I know then that I would in a small way be a part of this precious child's story one day. God would use me later to help bring her a sister.. He would also bless me by being one of her sweet Mama's best friends.. This friendship happens to be long distance.. But, that has never gotten in our way... One would think we live next door to each other. I wish we did... Traveling to China last year with this dear friend was something I will never forget.. We experienced heart break and joy together.. Trips like that bond you forever.... I am so thankful for this friend.. Thankful for her willingness to come to Minnesota! Especially during an Arctic Blast, and so thankful for the two precious little girls that blessed our home for four days with pure joy, princess shoes, and pixie dust!

We had a busy weekend.. We saw an adorable play, the girls ice skated for the first time, we took them to the MOA to the American Girl Store and on the rides, and we squeezed in a photo shoot. It was fun!!!

Thank you Jennifer for making us part of your Thanksgiving travel plans. We loved having you here!

Three Southern Belle's in 7 Degrees!

Wesleigh and Gracie's First Time Skating! (They did great!!)

My Beautiful Friend Jen!

Tea Cup and Ainsley... They were inseperable!

I think there is a little Northern Girl in this Southern Belle!

Taken before their first Roller Coaster Ride!!

I miss hearing them calling Jeff, "Mr Handsome" with their Southern Drawls..
Of course he was quite smitten with this duo!!

The Trio of Five Year Olds!

The Little Bean and the precious Tea Cup!

Gracie Joy!! The perfect name for this adorable child!!

Sisters!!!!!!

Tea Cup!!

I look forward to the next time we are all together... Hopefully somewhere tropical!!!

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Fill Their Stockings 2013 - Here We Go!!!!!

December 5, 2013, 6:22 am

≫ Next: A Christmas Filled Weekend!

≪ Previous: Thankful For Our Southern Friends!!

It’s go time!!! "Fill Their Stockings With Hope" is back for our third year!!!! We are so excited because today we launch the first of three phenomenal giveaways – all to benefit orphans in China.
I can’t wait to share this first bundle of fun…
An iPad mini (when did electronics become so dang cute?!)
And so much gift-card-goodness.
Love every inch of this giveaway. Especially a few weeks before Christmas.

A little fine print: All the items in this post will be gifted to one winner, chosen at random from all the entries received on all three blogs – funds raised here will go to Pearl River Outreach, funds raised by Lisa will go to Half the Sky and funds raised by Stefanie will go to Lifeline's Maoming Foster Home.
Please see the notes below for all the details and a button to donate directly to PRO.
So here we go…

*donated anonymously in honor of An Orphan’s Wish*

*$50 iTunes card donated by Sheri Winters and $50 iTunes card donated by Tiffany Johnson*
*Best Buy gift card donated by Joe and Jennifer from My Adoption Website*
*Amazon gift card donated by 2 China Babies*
*$50 Target card donated by Eric Zamora and $50 Target card donated anonymously*
A few details on Fill Their Stockings:

Your gift of donating a minimum of $5.00 or more will go towards supporting the Bamboo Babies in our four foster programs in the Hunan and Guangdong Provinces: Changsha #1, ZhuZhou City, Hengshan and Zhanjiang. Last year thanks to the success of FTS 2012, we were able to add additional children to our program. That is LOVE in action. Thank you! Here are some of the precious faces that will be touched by your giving this year!

This year our goal is to meet or exceed $5000 in donations. Remember, anything you donate is tax deductible. Pearl River Outreach is a non-profit 501C organization!

How it works: Pearl River Outreach will be blessed by any amount you donate. $35 sponsors one child for one month! We ask for this event that you donate a minimum of $5.00. For every $5.00 you donate, you will receive one chance to win this bundle! ($35.00 gives you 7 chances to win, etc...) It is possible to enter without donating. To do that simply leave your name, email, and mailing address in my comments section. We will assign you one number in the drawing. All donations at this blog will go directly to PRO. 100% of the funds go to our Bamboo Babies! *Please note that you must have a U.S. Shipping address to win!

This bundle will end at 11:59pm ET on December 8th. The winner will be chosen at random from all of the entries we get. We will announce it the next day.

Thank you in advance for "filling their stockings with hope!!" I have seen your giving in action. It will make a difference in the lives of these little ones.... Our hope for all of them is that one day they will be orphaned no more!

Fill Their Stockings - Original FundRaising Widget

Donate To Fill Their Stockings
Suit Up - The Countdown Has Begun!

Donate To Fill Their Stockings

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