Gifts from above

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T00:08:00.000-08:00

Her First Christmas

2012-01-09T00:45:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. It was so fun to see Chloe's reaction to everything. When we first brought the tree in the house she became upset. Yelling, "No no no!" I assured her it would be ok and once we started decorating it she joined right in. Our baby Jesus got a lot of lovin' this year from Chloe, she couldn't resist holding the baby doll we use every year. Jaden read Luke 2:1-20 to our family and guests on Christmas Day sharing the birth of Jesus our Savior. After, she recited John 3:16, 17 from memory.

Don't you just love the way Chloe is holding her pants up.
Poor girl those 3t's are a little big especially when she is
stretching.

Chloe's first experience making Christmas cookies!
Jaden showing her the ropes.

She got the hang of it very quickly.

Serious business!

She had a wonderful time!

Taste testing...... Yummy!!!

We studied about Pocahontas this year and Jaden really liked this doll.

A prayer warrior in the making.
Yup, that is the guitar she wanted in the
background. She started lessons a few
months ago.

Her very own baby! (she always wants to play with J's)

Prayer Request..... Praise!

2012-01-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all your prayers! May all glory and praise go to our awesome God!!!

On December 23 little Taylor had another EEG and the results

showed a complete reversal of the first report on Dec. 8th.

There is a tiny fragment in his right-hemisphere that is a little

active but the doctors believe that will be gone soon. They will

continue the steroid injections for 6 to 7 more weeks and he will

be taking an oral medication for a year. The medication side effects

can cause liver problems, so they must monitor him closely.

Please continue to keep little Taylor in your prayers.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there I am

with them." Matthew 18:20

Prayer Request

2011-12-12T00:16:00.000-08:00

My friend's sweet 4 1/2 month old baby boy is in the hospital right now having all kinds of tests because he has been having seizures. They did an MRI yesterday morning to see if there was any brain damage. The results showed no brain damage. Praising and thanking Jesus!

The doctors have tried different medications to try and stop them but there not working. He had 40 seizures in a row earlier this morning. The Doctors told them this morning that they were running out of options. The one thing left is to try steroids. It can take several days to see if they will even work. Please pray that this will work or for the Lord to do a miracle and heal him completely.

He is their little miracle baby. They prayed and waited for this precious little treasure for 15 yrs.

Six Months With Our Littlest Treasure

2011-12-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

Gotcha Day May 15, 2011

One month later.

Our precious little firecracker!

Loving her babies

She loves to run and jump and is always saying, "Look at me,
look at me!!" She gets so excited over all that she can now do.
Especially riding her bike! When we first met her in China
she couldn't even step down from the curb on the side of the
road or climb up or down a few steps. Now she climbs stairs
without even thinking about what she is doing.
She is speaking and understanding so much. Even tattling
on her sister Jaden. ;) So we were surprised to find out from
her ENT Dr. (Ears,Nose,Throat) that her ears are plugged solid. She hasn't
been sick since we have come home from China. Our ENT told us it is
common for children with cleft palate. So..... she will be getting
tubes in her ears tomorrow morning. I can't imagine how
much more she will be understanding and saying when she
can hear us more clearly.

Home Six Months and Look What She Can Do!

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our little sweetie is pedaling her bike!

Sorry this video isn't the greatest. I've tried for a few days to

upload a better video and for some reason blogger doesn't like it. :(

So I give up for now.

This is a great accomplishment for our sweet little 5 1/2 yr. old.

Thanking and Praising Jesus as He makes her stronger everyday.

Daddy's Little Helpers

2011-11-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

These two girls were working very hard helping daddy put together our new storage cabinet for our home school supplies. They had so much fun with their little tools.

So serious!

I was going crazy from all the clutter and Jaden always insisting everything go under their chairs. She was very sweet about organizing all their books, notebooks, folders, pencils and art supplies. They just never seemed to stay that way. So I started searching for a storage cabinet and I finally found exactly what I was looking for. We were limited on space and the medium storage cabinet worked out perfectly I love it! Each girl gets two cubby spaces and I even get two. Works out just right and everyone is happy.

The rest of our supplies can be stored in one of the hall closets.

Makes things so much easier to find and less stressful. :)

Kevin's and Megan's Day

2011-11-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

On 9/10/11 a very special event took place and I am very behind on posting about this exciting day.

The day our son and his fiance became one in Christ.

Skipping over the puddles to our seats.

Kevin the handsome groom.

Sarah was so excited to be a bridesmaid!

Two cuties!

Our three sons and Kevin's good friend.

Would you believe there was a snake right next to the bride!?!
I thought she handled it very well considering she is scared of snakes.
Right before everything started we were all entertained by the
appearance of some unexpected guests........
A few javelina and their little ones made their way through the seats
as if they were the only ones there.
(The wedding took place is about 5 minutes from our house)

The clouds made a beautiful background and the low rolling thunder
made it very romantic.

Started raining again as we were taking pics.
Megan's parents and grandma along with us and my mom and dad.

Chloe and my nephew Cory. They had a great time dancing!

I love this picture of Skylee. Just look at that precious smile.

Another precious smile!

We were able to have the wedding outside. Then the rain came
again so the reception couldn't be outside in the beautiful
courtyard. Go figure we barely get rain and when we finally do
it was on their wedding day.
Praising and thanking Him in everything!
It was still a beautiful wedding and wonderful reception!
We are so blessed to have Megan as a part of our family!

Sarah Chose To Be..........

2011-11-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Baptized!!!!!!!!!!!
When she heard our church was going to have a baptism on Thursday evening( Oct. 27 I know I'm a little behind) she wanted to be baptized. We talked about it and I gave her a little Bible study to do. (to see if she understood it is a outward profession of her faith in Jesus Christ) The day before, the weather turned cold and since it was outside I told her she could wait until another time but that it was up to her. She decided to wait. That night we were watching Charles Stanley and he was talking about everything we had been talking about with our lesson in school and then he talked about baptism. We looked at each other and smiled. She even commented about how we had talked about the same things earlier in the day. I know it was the Holy Spirit nudging her. The next day we had to go to the store and on the way out we stopped by to see DH at work. He mentioned how he was going to go home and take a nap before we go. I told him Sarah decided to wait and I turned to ask her and well.......... I think you know the answer! : ))))

Thanks Megan for the picture!

Then Jaden, who has talked about being baptized off and on for the past year, commented how she would like to be baptized but she didn't finish the little Bible study I gave her. So I had her share with me what she thinks it is about it. We didn't bring a change a clothes for her. I happened to have an extra pair of capri jeans for Chloe in the car that used to be Jaden's so we had her squeeze into them. A sweet young lady heard us talking about Jaden using Sarah's wet t-shirt and she mentioned her dad had an extra t-shirt
and ran to get it for us. Don't you just love how He works out all the little details?! When Jaden was changing back into her dry clothes. This is what she said to me. "God put it in my heart to do it tonight. This isn't like playtime. It is serious, burying our old self and coming up new, telling everyone I am following Jesus."

This momma's heart is overflowing with joy!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

Gotcha Day Then and Now

2011-11-02T00:50:00.000-07:00

Gotcha Day 2006

Gotcha Day 2007
I think her actual Gotcha Day picture is in the old
computer. So until we set it up to get the rest of the pics
on a disc. I will use this one from the day we dedicated
her to the Lord. (it was a couple of days before)
She was two years old.
Our little sweetie was a little overwhelmed with all the
friends and family. Once all the other little ones showed
up she had a blast.

Gotcha Day 2008

Gotcha Day 2009

Gotcha Day 2010

Gotcha Day 2011

Has It Really Been Five Years?

2011-10-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

Five years ago I held you in my arms for the very first time!

You weren't so sure about it all. By the next morning when

we went back to finish the paperwork the directors assistant

put her hands out to hold you and you went right into her arms.

Then after a few seconds you looked at me and her a few times

and then reached your arms out for me to take you and I took you

back into my arms as my heart leaped for joy, knowing that it was

totally the Lord!!! We new that He had heard and answered our

prayers to prepare and protect your little heart from all

the changes coming in your sweet little life.

The name Jaden:

Meanings: God has heard

and

Thankful

Origin: Hebrew

You became my little velcro baby stuck to my side

ever since and we have been so blessed!

We are so thankful and blessed that He chose us to

be your Mommy and Daddy. We love you more than

words can say.

Awwwwww........ sweet perfection!

Delicious!

"Mom my tongue has turned white!"
(Always making us laugh.)

My flower that never quite made it into the house.
She has filled our lives with sunshine..................
And our hearts with so much love.

We were told she mimicked everything and she still does.
As we were getting ready for her brothers wedding she
saw one of the bridesmaids putting on false eyelashes.
A few days later she is cutting strips of black construction
paper and the next thing you know she is giggling away.
(Don't you just love the chocolate lip liner?!)

Who ever welcomes a little child

like this in my name welcomes Me.

Matthew 18:5

Styling

2011-10-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Chloe had just woke up and
realized daddy was going outside to work in the yard.
She wanted to go out and help him. I told her it was a
little chilly and she should get dressed. She quickly
ran to her room and this is how she looked when she
came out.

Love the new one pigtail hairstyle.

She is always so excited to help.

"I will get the shovel for you Daddy!"

In two days our little treasure will have been home for five
months and continues to amaze us.
God is so good!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

A new Pumpkin Patch opened this year much closer to our home.
So of course we had to go check it out. The girls had a great time!

The girls enjoyed the petting zoo. Chloe liked the smaller animals,
She wasn't to sure about some of the bigger animals.

Daddy's girls!

The haystack maze ended with a trip down.........

a slide!

Silly girl.

We of course chose the harder corn maze.
Sarah and Jaden trying to figure out which way to go.
Jaden really surprised us by guiding us through the
maze.

Riding out to the Pumpkin Patch!

"For ME!?!"

I can do it! I can do it!
She was so excited to carry her very own pumpkin.
Bless her heart it was heavy and she eventually wanted
me to carry it for her. She doesn't have much muscle tone
yet.

Such a cutie! :)
Please excuse the port-a-potties, the sun was setting and in our faces
I had to take the pictures in this direction.

She's got air!

Our timing was great with the jumping pillow.
Earlier it was full of little ones having a great
time. I don't think Chloe would have been so
willing to try it.

Helping her little sissy.

Lift off!
(sorry a little blurry)

What Have We Been Up To?

2011-10-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

Sailboats made and ready for..............

the boat races!

With a perfect breeze they were on their way.

Wigwams and beautifully decorated Teepees

We have planted corn

and made homemade butter.
The girls decided it is easier to go to the store and buy butter.
We have enjoyed studying the Indians, Pilgrims
and Colonial times.

Chloe has now learned the letter D.
She is writing gigantic letter A's now. ;)
So next week we will start working on
the letter E.
When we are reading she recognizes the
letters she has learned and gets very excited
pointing at and ~~shouting~~ saying the letter.

Little sweetheart tries so hard to keep up with her sisters.
From the Pledge of Allegiance to wanting to say their bible
verses instead of her easier version.

In Loving Memory.....

2011-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

My niece Caitlin passed away Sept. 21st two days before her 23rd birthday.

Even though our broken hearts don't want to......... today we say good-bye to a sweet angel who lost her way. Your are truly free from your pain and struggles. Being held in our Savior's arms.

We love you sweet Caitlin! We will always remember your

beautiful smile. You will always be in our hearts.

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:1,2

Tawny and Caitlin

My hope is in the Lord that I will one day see your beautiful smile again.
(I Thessalonians 4:13,14)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace as you trust in Him, so that you
may overflow with hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Happy Birthday Trinity!!!

2011-09-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Trinity!!! Hope you had a wonderful day and week!! Thinking of you! So is our Father in heaven!

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them! If I should count them,

they would be more in number than the sand.

Psalm 139:17,18

Jaden wants to know when you can come back? We all miss you!! Especially your

silliness and

craziness!

Sarah really enjoyed your visits. She thinks you are SO funny!

Chloe is always asking, "Trini go home?"

Our four precious gifts from the Lord!

Texas Canyon

2011-09-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

On the way home from getting our corn we decided to make a little
stop in Texas Canyon and check out all the rock formations.

The girls had a fun time climbing on some of the smaller rocks.

We were disappointed to find out the bigger rocks were fenced off.

Serious & Silly

Just being her cute little self.

Big sisters ROCK!!!

There were ant hills everywhere!
So needless to say it was a very short visit.

Our Annual Trip To The Farm

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

I need to catch up on posting.
The end of July we made our annual trip down to
the farm for corn. To our surprise it was a very pleasant
and there was a cool breeze not a furnace blasting in your
face. So refreshing.

Chloe's first trip and she had such a wonderful time.
She has a wonderful time everywhere she goes.
Just mention we are going bye-bye and she starts
jumping up and down squealing with excitement.

Only a small portion of our family tree.

From littlest

Her ponytail makes her look a wee bit taller. She is
growing up so fast. :(

Trini is soon to be 12 and almost as tall as Sarah
who is 15 1/2 yrs.

To the biggest

Hahahaha! Daddy thinks everyone is laughing
at him. Little did he know someone snuck up
behind him. ; )

Such A Joy

2011-08-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

This little girl has accomplished so much in her short three months home. She is speaking so many more words, phrases and comments that I can't even keep track. She may not be where a typical five yr. old should be, yet she is so smart I believe she will catch up. I don't think she ever used a crayon, pencils or scissors. So we are enjoying scribbling and trying to write the letter A and practicing using scissors. She is recognizing the letter Aa and saying it so we have moved on to Bb. :) Learning numbers and colors too. On school mornings she always wants to pray and say the Pledge of Allegiance by herself. So we help her and she repeats every word. She is such an amazing little girl it is as if she has always been a part of our family. Making dinner this evening she walked up to me and asked, "Mommy My help you?" If she sees me cleaning up after dinner she grabs the dish rag and washes the table and helps

with the dishwasher.

We will have to save her 16" bike for later she is so tiny.

We did get her a 12" bike she can't peddle it or the tricycle yet.

I know she is getting stronger and in God's perfect timing

He will have her peddling all over the place.

I love to see her excitement every morning as she looks

through her clothes choosing what to wear. The other day

I bought her some smaller undies and talk about excited....

"Thank-you mommy, thank-you!" This went on constantly

even the next morning when she discovered I washed them

and she could now wear them. She always brings a smile to

my face and melts my heart.

When we choose to walk in obedience to God He blesses us

more than we can imagine.

Tonight she mastered the scooter! She was
so excited!

Helping her learn how to swing. She loves it and
I am sure she will catch on soon.

Beautiful!

She is a little character and so full of life!
We are so thankful that Our Father in heaven chose us
be her mommy and daddy.

Always trying to wear Jaden's earrings and wanting her ears pierced.
Even though I kept telling her it would owieeeeeeeeee....... she still
wanted them.

"Yikes! Two at the same time?! "
She did great! She is thrilled to
have bling in her ears like her
big sisters.

This girl loves her bracelets and every time she gets a new one she just adds
it along with the rest.
She loves to eat and sometimes at dinner eats 2 or 3 servings. Yet she still
weighs in at 28 lbs. :- /

Jaden being a wonderful big sister teaching her to drive.
Bye-Bye!!!!!

Another First

2011-08-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

After our dentist appointment (end of July) we had our
first visit to Build A Bear. I know she must have
thought we were all crazy handing her an unstuffed
Hello Kitty with its big head and flat body.
She would take it and put it right back and say, "NO!"
Then she would point to the already stuffed and
dressed animals wanting one of them. She didn't want
anything to do with that funny looking thing.
Finally seeing a few other children pick different
animals and stuffing them she decided to try it.
Of course she loved it!

Chloe's muscle strength is still so weak the lady had
to push the pedal for her. She is starting
to jump a little now and is very proud of herself.
Maybe all the swimming is starting to help strengthen
her muscles.

Saying the little pledge rubbing a heart on their arms,
heads, tummies, chest

and nose. Then they put it inside and sew her up.

Enjoying giving her an air shower.

Home loving on her new buddy. Borrowing Trini's
shades so the sun won't bother her eyes.

A Very Special Visitor

2011-08-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Trinity is here for a visit this summer.
We have known Trinity since the day she was born.
September 12, 1999
She lived with us for most of her baby and toddler yrs.
She was our God given foster child. (not through the
legal system) We are Grandma and Papa to her
and always will be. We love her as our own.
We would have kept her forever except......
God had other plans, though painful at the time.
I now see how our Father in heaven used everything
that took place..... to open our hearts to the adoptions of
our three beautiful daughters from China.

When she was we little the Lord gave me a
verse for her and I have always shared it
with her.
For He will command His angels concerning
you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11

They all enjoy the little critters around our house.
Sarah caught this little lizard and they all had a good
time checking him out. After a couple of days they fed
him some crickets and sent him on his way.

Our trip to San Diego.

"Pick Me UP!!! PICK Me UP!!!"

Loves and named most of our tortoises

She loved being my little helper in my Sunday school class,
learning many verses.
I pray the Lord place a Godly person in her life.
Most of all that she would know Him as her Savior
and how much He loves her.

This past Thanksgiving we finally were able to see
her again after several years!

Such a cutie!

Thanksgiving 2010

She still loves feeding the turtles!

Beating The Heat

2011-08-12T01:29:00.000-07:00

Our newest little mermaid. :)

She hated baths when we first met her.
Look at her now...........
she loves to put her face in the water.

Chloe's answer to the summer heat.

I never thought anyone could
get a darker tan than Jaden. Oh. My. Word.
Chloe is much darker than Jaden.
We slather on the SPF, UVB 50+
sunscreen.

Watch out karate kid!

Jaden loves to do flips off the diving board.

2011-08-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

We now have Chloe's Birth Certificate

Sisters

Since we were going to Phoenix for the homeschool convention

we went a day early and took care of getting Chloe's

birth certificate. We also went to the Sealife Aquarium.

The girls had a great time!

Jaden enjoyed the little tunnels she could crawl in and get a

closer view of the sea life.

Sarah playing with starfish. Another first for her

and Chloe too!

A stroll through the shark tunnel a very exciting end to our little adventure.

A Quiet Friday Evening At Home

2011-08-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

NOT!!!
Looks like this one has had its last meal.
Doesn't DH look proud. ;)
(It must be a guy thing)

Yes, even though it is dead it still tries to strike

and moves as if he is still alive

even shakes its rattles.

Diamondback Rattlesnake

So if you are bored and looking for some exciting

entertainment, Southwest style........ just come on by.

Tutu Cute!

2011-08-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

Don't let that shy look fool you. :)

Two cute girly girls!

Chloe surprised us with her little dance move.
Love it!

Kisses from Katie.mp4

2011-08-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

She is a beautiful example of the love of Christ.

Our Two Little Peanuts

2011-08-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

At our first Dr. visit a couple of weeks ago our little Chloe Joy

weighed in at 28 lbs. and is 35 3/4" tall. Her referral paperwork

and even at the medical exams in China we were told she weighed

33 lbs. So when I weighed her at home I just thought my scales were

off by 5 lbs. The Dr. was concerned about her size and thought she

may be only 3 yrs. old instead of 5 yrs. old.

The Dr. sent her for an x-ray of her hand The results showed

her bone structure is that of a 2 1/2 yr. old and is growing. So

with good nutrition she should grow and over time and start

to catch up. Yes, she is 5 yrs. old.

She also had blood work done and it we found out she is very anemic.

Her iron level is only 6.9 it should be 11.5. Explains why she seems

tired a good part of the time. (I was hoping it was just the heat)

After busy days she is very tired and clingy. So we are making up

for much missed cuddle time.

She has to take a prescription liquid iron three times daily

and it taste nasty. She is such a sweetheart when it comes

time to take it we both make our eeeewww its icky faces at each

other and then she downs it and drinks a glass of water and munches

on a couple of fruit snacks.

Our sweet girl came from a very poor orphanage and suffered

from malnutrition most likely because of her cleft lip and palate.
Her referral paperwork stated she had a poorly developed thorax
(pigeon breast) and was much smaller then the other children her age
because of the malnutrition. Just breaks my heart and brings me to
tears when I think of her going hungry. I am so thankful the Lord
was with our sweet baby girl watching over her and giving her
the strength she needed to survive.

Sometimes pigeon breast can be so severe your rib cage can
crush your lungs and heart. Surgery is usually needed when the
child becomes a teen. The great news is the Dr. told us that Chloe's

is very mild and she shouldn't require surgery when she is older.
Praising and thanking the Lord for answered prayer.

This girl loves her food and is not very picky. She sure can
put it away! We just can't figure out where. :)

She had her first dental appointment last week. She sat on my
lap and showed the dentist her pearly whites and even let him
clean them. Not one tear! I did tell her the day before we went
to the dentist he would want to look at her pearly whites.
We had a little fun seeing who could open their mouths the biggest
to show of their beautiful teeth. When the dentist asked her to open
her mouth she was very proud to open up and show off her
teeth. She is such a brave little girl!

Our little Ziva weighs in at 3lbs.
The two of them have become sweet buddies.

"Ziva, your supposed to look at the camera and smile."

"Mommy.........................

2011-07-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

Wo ai ni."
Pronounced Waw eye nee.
It means I love you in Chinese. : )
Made this mommy's day!

Another Daddy's Girl

2011-07-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

Today when DH came home from work Chloe saw him first and
~~screamed~~ squealed with excitement "Daddy!" She ran
and gave him a great big hug!
Until today she has been a little hesitant and unsure of daddy.
She totally melted and blessed his heart.
Oh and I'm sure it is just a matter of time and she will have him
wrapped around one of her fingers too! Just like Jaden and Sarah.

He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and
the hearts of the children to their fathers. Malachi 4:6a

Our Little Sparklers

2011-07-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

We love to go down to Sierra Vista on the fourth of July. They have
an awesome firework display. It has become our little tradition
to stay with our oldest son and his family a couple of days and enjoy
the show. Due to the terrible wildfires the fireworks were canceled.
So we decided to just stay home and watch the
firework show from our backyard. (We missed all of you!)
Daddy also surprised the girls with sparklers and some low ground
fireworks. The rains came and cooled things down and made it very
enjoyable.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-02T01:45:00.000-07:00

Last night when we were getting ready to eat dinner Chloe
starting trying to tell us something. We weren't sure at first what
she was saying. So I asked several different questions and she just
kept shaking her head no. Then I realized she wanted to pray for
our dinner and she very excitedly shook her head yes and reached
for mine and Jaden's hand and bowed her sweet little head and
began to pray.
It went like this: "Mumble, mumble, mumble", and
then, "Xie xie Jesus food. Amem".
(Xie xie means thank you in Chinese)

VBS

2011-06-25T00:47:00.001-07:00

I love VBS it is amazing and fun!

Backward day!

I made this cross for my mom.
She really liked it and thinks
it is beautiful!

It has John 3:16 on the back
For God so loved the world that He gave
His one and only Son. That who ever
believes in Him shall not perish but
have eternal life.

My little sister Chloe wanted to go.
She has to wait until next year.

Very Animated!

2011-06-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Her reaction surprised us! I wish we had the
video camera going. The pictures really don't
capture her excitement. She actually started jumping
up and down with excitement squealing and chattering
away in Chinese and a few English words.

LOOK Sarah.....Can you believe it!?!

Giggles!

"Look Momma!!"
Daddy stepped out of the room not realizing
she was going to open another gift.
"Daddy, Daddy come!!"

I need to sit!
(Couldn't get these
3 pics in the correct order. GRRRR)

She couldn't get them out of the box fast enough!

Putting them on right away!

Then she became shy.

Happy Birthday Chloe Joy An!!!!!

2011-06-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday!!!

Waiting in anticipation.

Excited to see her plasma car!

I think she likes it!
More to come later. :)

I Think She Likes It

2011-06-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

The other night I bought Chloe a new bathing suit,
flip flops and swimming vest. Chloe had to try
everything on and once she had it on she
did NOT want to take it off.
She finally gave in and put her pajamas on.
In the morning a naked little girl woke me up
holding her new bathing suit, flip flops and vest.
She wanted them on right away.

No more holding mommy!

"Look what I can do Daddy!"

Soooooo...........

very excited!!!!
A month ago this little sweetheart hated to get in any kind of water.

One Month Ago & Now!

2011-06-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

A month ago not to sure or happy about what is going on.

Now!

God turned this frown to a ............

Beautiful smile.

If I don't look maybe she will go away or I can escape her tight hold on me.

Only God!!!

The Princess And Her Baths

2011-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Since we have come home the little princess loves taking a bath.
Still not so thrilled with getting her hair washed.
After her bath I wrapped her in this princess towel
and ever time I would try to remove it to comb
her hair she would put the crown right back
on her head.

She was willing to get in the strange big bathtub.

Today she was trying to follow Sarah kicking and moving
her arms as fast as she could trying to catch up with her.
She didn't get very far with me holding her tummy to help
her keep balanced and until she learns to keep her head up
a little better.

Later as I was holding her in the shallow end of the pool
I noticed she had become sooooo relaxed I lifted her
sunglasses and she was sound asleep in my arms.
Makes me think of a verse in the song
by Steven Curtis Chapman
When Love Takes You In
When love takes you home and says you belong here.
The loneliness ends and a new life begins.
When love takes you in.

Checking Out Things & Many First's

2011-06-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Still tired after our nap on the last flight.
She fell asleep before the plane even started
to move.

Checking out her bedroom she is sharing with Jaden.

Not sure what all of this stuff is.

Rides Flintstone style.
Legs are a little short, can't quite reach the
pedals yet.

Not sure what this thing is. I will just copy sissy.

Loving playing in the sand!

Making sand cakes and even had a sample.
I do think she thought it was a little gritty.

She is a wonderful little mommy.

Loves her sisters wild and crazy driving!

Playing dress up is fun!

New Travel Site

2011-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

To follow our Journey to Chloe Joy An go to
babyjellybeans.com/ password is blessed

Woot Woot!!! Update & PICS!!!!!!!

2011-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Chloe Joy An.....

I emailed Angela from Ladybugsnlove
last night to see if she could check on our update
from Chloe's orphanage. She emailed this morning
and told me the pics weren't coming through clear.
A little while later she sent me an email with 17 pics!!!!!
Also an update! Chloe is 36" tall and 33 lbs.
You Rock Angela!!!
Thanks!!!

Oh, my heart be still. I can't wait to hold you in my arms!
11 days and counting!

I Can Breathe Again!

2011-05-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

Flights are booked and paid for! Tickets are here!!
Wheels up next Thursday May 12 early evening!!!
We arrive in Xian, Shaanxi Sat. around 12:45 pm.
We don't have In Country Itinerary yet. I know

Monday May 16 is Gotcha Day and that's all this
Momma needs! : )
Please pray for God to prepare Chloe's little heart and mind
for all the changes she is going to go threw. Also that she would
feel the love and peace of the Holy Spirit through us.
We are so blessed and honored that God has chosen us to
be her Mommy and Daddy.

SHOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Somebody please pick me up off the floor.......................... I am in total Shock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received an email this morning from our adoption agency WE HAVE TA and CA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was just praying yesterday for an update or some new pictures and God did more than that!!!!!!!!!!!
We are leaving in two wks. GOTCHA DAY is 16th of May!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CA is May 26th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hurry.... Ends May 1st!

2011-04-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

(click on to see)
Awesome fundraiser/giveaway to bring
two of His princess' to their forever family.
Wouldn't you love to help bring these
two sweeties home?

Another Step Closer!!!

2011-04-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yipeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As of yesterday Article 5 has been picked up from the US Consulate in Guangzhou!!!!
Now we wait for TA!!!!!!!! (Travel Approval)
Our sweet girl should be here around her 5th birthday on June 17th!!!!!!
Praising the Lord!!!!

Happy Birthday Jaden!!!!

2011-04-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

This year for her birthday the princess requested a tea party
using her ladybug tea set.

Even Daddy enjoyed sipping tea.

She had a wonderful time!

She loves her big sissy.

So excited to finally get a big girl scooter!
When she opened the ironing board......
She exclaimed,"Now I can iron with Daddy!!!"
(My secret is out I don't iron!)

Sarah picked out and bought this book for Jaden.
It was so sweet to see Sarah's excitement over buying
and wrapping this gift for her little sister.

Ziva is not happy about this new dog in her territory.
Yup! She is very jealous of the newest"yapper" in the house.

My Special Quiet Place

2011-03-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

Tucked away in the peaceful desert mountains is a little chapel.
A place I love to go and spend quiet time with the Lord.

This little chapel has been around since 1951.
They have done a little renovation with a new roof.

Inside is a rock pulpit and brick benches (pews). Also a fireplace which
they have also done a little renovation work on.

I thought it would be fun to share my special place
with the girls.
Jaden standing in the breezeway.

The other side says FAITH.

Outside is a pulpit and more brick pews.
Also there is a nice trail for a small hike
up into and through the hills.

Beautiful views when sitting on the benches.

Sarah soaking in God's beautiful creation.

I have a feeling this girl will be sharing God's love
and His gift of salvation with many one day.

Two cuties!

Another Step Closer!

2011-03-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

Whooo-hoooo!!!!
We received our Notice of Provisional Approval!!!!!
We are getting so much closer to bringing our sweet Chloe Joy An home!!!

Have I Ever Mentioned.......

2011-03-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned . . .
That Jaden is a child that rarely ever stops talking?
She even talks in her sleep!
We have days where she amazes me with her constant chatter.
One night before Christmas as we were driving home
after our Bible Study classes. She just started talking
away about Christmas being a time of giving and not getting.
She has always talked about the children who have

as she says, "None toys."

"Mom, God blesses us when we help others and give to them."
We should think of others first. Well, Jesus first, others second,
yourself last. "Hey Mom, that's what you always say, . . JOY!"
"Jesus, Others, Yourself."
"Some people don't have very much. Jesus came on Christmas, then He died for us and three days later He rose again. That's Easter!
We need to share Jesus' love.
Jesus loves us and wants us to love others. Ok mom I'm tired of talking now." (Sigh.)

Before Jaden had this conversation we had mentioned selling her little
kitchen at a yard sale we planned to have to raise funds for our

The letter she wrote all on her own and wanted sent
with the kitchen. Don't you just love that postage
stamp? :)

adoption. She told us no she wanted it for children
who have, "none toy"s. So........ with the help of a friend,
her kitchen is now in a orphanage in Mexico.
We were surprised and blessed with a couple of thank-you cards
and this precious picture of her kitchen in the nursery at the orphanage!
Jaden very carefully put her thank-you cards and the picture back in
the envelope so they would be safe. She just quietly sat down to do
her school work but the look on her face showed the joy she had
knowing her kitchen is with God's precious little ones.

"Children Of God" - Official Music Video

2011-03-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Waiting Patiently For LID

2011-02-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

Instead we were very SURPRISED to get a phone call from our agency telling us we have our........

Our sweet SW was very surprised also. So she checked and double checked and assured us it was our little girl.
Yesterday morning the Fed Ex man delivered our LOA!!
We are coming soon sweet baby girl!!!!
Only God!!!!!!

Little Surprises Are The Best!

2011-02-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

When I got home from a lunch date the other day I found these

sweet, colorful, little birds hanging from our dining room light fixture.

We have a talented origami artist in our home!

In between each bird, were beads spelling tis message:

"I love mine family"

Sarah has come so far in the short fourteen months she has been home.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

And the greatest of these is LOVE.

For GOD so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16,17

God demonstrates His own Love towards us,

in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Everyday We Are Getting Closer

2011-02-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

Week of January 21

With Heart Headed Home
by Max Lucado

Search the faces of the Cap Haitian orphanage for Carinette. She's been adopted.

Her adoptive parents are friends of mine. They brought her pictures, a teddy bear, granola bars, and cookies. Carinette shared the goodies and asked the director to guard her bear, but she keeps the pictures. They remind her of her home-to-be. Within a month, two at the most, she'll be there. She knows the day is coming. Every opening of the gate jumps her heart. Any day now her father will appear. He promised he'd be back. He came once to claim her. He'll come again to carry her home.

Till then she lives with a heart headed home.

Shouldn't we all? Carinette's situation mirrors ours. Our Father paid us a visit too. Have we not been claimed? Adopted? "So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family calling him 'Father, dear Father' " (Rom. 8:15).

God searched you out. Before you knew you needed adopting, he'd already filed the papers and selected the wallpaper for your room. "For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters" (Rom. 8:29).

Abandon you to a fatherless world? No way. Those privy to God's family Bible can read your name. He wrote it there. What's more, he covered the adoption fees. Neither you nor Carinette can pay your way out of the orphanage, so "God sent [Christ] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children" (Gal. 4:5).

Adopted, but not transported. We have a new family, but not our heavenly house. We know our Father's name, but we haven't seen his face. He has claimed us, but has yet to come for us.

So here we are. Caught between what is and what will be. No longer orphans, but not yet home. What do we do in the meantime? Indeed, it can be just that—a mean time. Time made mean with chemotherapy, drivers driving with more beer than brains in their bodies, and backstabbers who make life on earth feel like a time-share in Afghanistan. How do we live in the meantime? How do we keep our hearts headed home? Paul weighs in with some suggestions.

Paul calls the Holy Spirit a foretaste. "We have the Holy Spirit...as a foretaste of future glory" (Romans 8: 23). No person with a healthy appetite needs a definition for that word. Even as I draft this chapter, my mind drifts toward a few foretastes. Within an hour I'll be in Denalyn's kitchen sniffing the dinner trimmings like a Labrador sniffing for wild game. When she's not looking, I'll snatch a foretaste. Just a bite of turkey, a spoon of chili, a corner of bread...predinner snacks stir appetites for the table.

Samplings from heaven's kitchen do likewise. There are moments, perhaps far too few, when time evaporates and joy modulates and heaven hands you an hors d'oeuvre.

• Your newborn has passed from restlessness to rest. Beneath the amber light of a midnight moon, you trace a soft finger across tiny, sleeping eyes and wonder, God gave you to me? A prelibation from heaven's winery.

• You're lost in the work you love to do, were made to do. As you step back from the moist canvas or hoed garden or rebuilt V-eight engine, satisfaction flows within like a gulp of cool water, and the angel asks, "Another apéritif?"

• The lyrics to the hymn say what you couldn't but wanted to, and for a moment, a splendid moment, there are no wars, wounds, or tax returns. Just you, God, and a silent assurance that everything is right with the world.

Rather than dismiss or disregard such moments as good luck, relish them. They can attune you to heaven. So can tough ones.

"Although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, [we] also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us" (v. 23).

Let your bursitis-plagued body remind you of your eternal one; let acid-inducing days prompt thoughts of unending peace. Are you falsely accused? Acquainted with abuse? Mudslinging is a part of this life, but not the next. Rather than begrudge life's troubles, listen to them.

"He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever" (Rev. 21:4 TLB)

Write checks of hope on this promise. Do not bemoan passing time; applaud it. The more you drink from God's well, the more you urge the clock to tick. Every bump of the second hand brings you closer to a completed adoption.

Blessings and burdens. Both can alarm-clock us out of slumber. Gifts stir homeward longings. So do struggles. Every homeless day carries us closer to the day our Father will come.

From
Come Thirsty
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2004) Max Lucado

A Little Birthday Surprise

2011-01-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

Instructions on the outside of a package I received on my birthday.

Notice it says "Just for You".
Little did I realize my two girls
thought that message was for them.

Yup! The UPS man brought ME a package! Most of the packages that we get around here are for the girls. It was so exciting when a package was left for little ole me! (I know, it does not take much to excite me).

Yummy!! I LOVE chocolate covered strawberries!

Apparently someone else does also.............
only minutes after I opened them!
That will teach me to follow the instructions!

Thanks so much! They were delicious!!!
So delicious I have had to up my walks to twice a day! ; )

Introducing.........

2011-01-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

Introducing the newest member to our family!
Our daughter Chloe Joy!

Praising and thanking the Lord for this precious child.

PA!!!

2011-01-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

We are so excited we have another daughter waiting in China!

More info a little later......

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

Our Little Adventure

2011-01-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

We had a very cold week and even had snow in some parts of the city. We are outside the city and saw some snowflakes but not enough to amount to anything. So we thought we would head up to the Mount Lemmon to play in the snow. Oh. My. Goodness. I think the whole city had the same idea. Traffic going up was crazy as you will see at the bottom of this post. (I give up getting these pics in order) After what seemed like forever we finally made it to Windy Point which was the area you had to stop at if you didn't have chains or a 4 wheel drive and of course was packed. No problem we have a 4 wheel drive and it looked like the traffic really thinned out. Well Dh someone had to use the restroom so I figured we all should and when we came out the sheriff had just finished putting up cones and telling everyone the ski lodge parking lot was full and there were to many vehicles up there. : ( Such a disappointment. I was looking forward to getting in the pines and much more snow. It was the first time Jaden had ever seen snow and she didn't mind at all. She just couldn't wait to see what it felt like, how it smelled and yes even what it tasted like. We still had a wonderful time taking in all of God's beautiful creation.

First we tortured Jaden and took a few pictures.
"It is the first time I have seen snow guys.......
I just want to get playing in it!"

Heading up the mountain.

A much happier Jaden after she had a little time playing in the snow.

Sarah has played in the snow in China so she new what it was like.

All the way up this little girl who never stops talking was so excited and full
of questions. "What does snow feel like? Is it cold? Can you just pull over and
let me touch some? Does it smell? How come we didn't get snow? What makes snow?"
I love her curious mind and the teachable moments.

Hmmmm....... I wonder who made this snowman? ; )

The traffic was so slow you could get out and walk.
We told the girls that we will go up one day during the week
when there are fewer people heading up. We will find a nice
spot to do some tubing and make some wonderful snow angels.

A Little Of Our Christmas

2011-01-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

Setting up our first live tree in over 20 years!
Love the wonderful smell!

Decorating

Checking out the star and baby Jesus.

Sarah loves to help and enjoys baking cookies.

Yummy! The girls did a great job decorating the cookies.

SO excited she can't fall asleep.

It was such a blessing to see Sarah really enjoy and understand what Christmas
is about. Last year only being home a week she was overwhelmed.

May we always remember the reason we celebrate. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Emmanuel GOD with us!

LONG day time for a nap!
Jaden didn't want daddy to be lonely in sleepy land.
So she shared some of her friends.

Sweet Tooth!

2010-12-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Our little tease! She kept trying to eat the candy.

Finally got her focused on decorating not eating everything up.

This girl was having lots of fun!

We had much more fun this year.
No jet lag and Sarah understands
more of what is going on.

Jaden's gingerbread man with his huge
eyes. (hard to see she used white candies)

Now to start eating!

Christmas Fun!

2010-12-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

Love this picture!
Our oldest and his son.

We went to a Christmas show at a local church and it was awesome!
Sarah and Justis were amazed when it started snowing inside the church!

We arrived a 30 minutes early and there was standing room only.
So we were taken over to a room and had hot chocolate and cookies
as we waited for the next show.
Then we were giving the VIP treatment!
First choice of were to sit and the kiddos all were given train tickets
to ride on the train in the electric light parade!

At the very end these streamers shot out of the ceiling.
These two thought they would help the clean-up crew.

Sarah really liked this angel and the fake snow.

Frosty!

The Aroma of Christmas

2010-12-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

My son's fiance made a cute basket of fruit, spices and a tea bag at her bible study.

She thought of me and gave it to me as a gift! How sweet is that?! Oh my goodness the aroma was so wonderful.......We had some very unwanted visitors start to drop in and sneak through the edges of my hood above the stove where this delightful fruit was simmering away. The wonderful smell was making its way up through the vent on the roof attracting BEES!! I called my DH and he came to the rescue! He used smoke to knock them out and to get their buddies who were still in the vent. We left for Jaden's friends birthday party so I don't have pictures of all the bees and mess. (He wasn't thinking great shots for blog) : ) He cleaned it all up for me! What a way to get the hood above your stove cleaned!

Thanks honey! You are the greatest!

Here is the wonderful recipe for

The Smell Of Christmas

1 Tea Bag (we used sweet & spicy)

1 bound teaspoon of whole cloves

An apple

An orange

A lemon

2 Cinnamon sticks

Quarter fruit; then place all ingredients in boiling water

or in a potpourri pot. Simmer and enjoy the smells of Christmas.

I hope and pray this delightfully soothing holiday aroma will help

you celebrate the joy of this Holy Season.

Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given..."

Isaiah 9:6

PS...... if you live where you are having unseasonable warm weather (like us)

you may want to wait for a cooler day. ; )

Her Choice

2010-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Sarah saw the Statue of Liberty Barbie at the store and really liked it. I thought it would be a fun gift for her family day. She loves her "Daughter" id bracelet! Not only because she is our daughter also because she is learning about her Father in heaven who loves her. I know one day she will truly understand that she is His daughter and a princess of the King of Kings!

Her dinner choice wasn't Chinese. It was shrimp, steak fingers and fries. We suggested many other places. No way! This girls mind was made up! I asked if it was because of the shrimp her reply was "The french fries!" Watch out Mickey D's!

Happy Family Day sweet Sarah!

Family Day!!!

2010-12-07T00:10:00.000-08:00

The day we met!

Adoption Day!!!

Visa Day!!

Breakfast at our hotel. She was so proud to be using a fork.

Home and now loving the little animal she was afraid of.

A few weeks ago this precious girl told me she was afraid

she would age out and never have a family.

(My heart just ached for her)

So she prefers Family Day over Gotcha Day.

We new you were are daughter the minute we saw your face!

We love you!

I saw this scripture written on the chalkboard a few weeks ago.

I will not leave you as orphans;

I will come to you.

John 14:18

When Sarah was reading her bible she discovered it and

was very excited.

We have been studying the book of Isaiah in Bible Study Fellowship.

Both of the girls wanted to go with me and they are loving it!

You are a very hard working young lady!

You have amazed us with all you have

accomplished and learned over this past year.

We are so proud of you!

A Fast Year!

2010-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

After waiting almost two long years! It is hard to believe it has been a year since we were wheels up to China! To bring home our sweet Sarah! Just in time for Christmas! God is so good!

Visit to the Great Wall.

Heading to Nanchang. The city where we met our daughters for the first time. Jaden in 2006 and Sarah in 2009.

Who could ever forget the crazy and sometimes scary traffic?! :)

Nanchang and the people will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Precious!

A stroll threw the Peoples Park. A place to escape the busy and noisy city.

Fishing in the park.

Oh, didn't want to forget the famous squatty potty shot. She couldn't wait to try them and loved using them! When we landed in San Francisco and we went in the huge bathroom she was very disappointed when she discovered there were no squatty potties.

His Light

2010-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

This beautiful creation of the Lord only blooms at night.
So if you don't see it before the morning dawn you will
miss this beautiful light that shines in the darkness.

So many today are walking in darkness..... stumbling,
searching and trying to fill that void in their lives with
everything but the One who can truly bring light into
their lives and fill them to overflowing.

Jesus Christ said,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" John 8:12

You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Fun Give Away

2010-11-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

I just love love LOVE giveaways!!!
Check out what Stefanie is doing over at
her blog.

Jaden's Choice

2010-11-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Jaden chose Pei Wei for her special dinner

and Frost for dessert.

She announced very proudly

"I can use chopsticks because I am from China!"

"I taught myself how to use them!" (hmmm... that's why the chopsticks are always disappearing)

Very excited about her special day.

Always has to slurp a noodle or two.

Daddy's girls.

Aren't these two just beautiful?
I am so grateful and thankful to my Father in Heaven for opening our eyes to see and putting such a heavy desire in our hearts for adoption.We have been blessed beyond measure!

Jaden's Gotcha Day!

2010-10-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem like four years ago have passed since I held you

in my arms for the very first time.

You have and continue to amaze us from the moment we met you! You are truly a precious gift from our Father above.

We didn't even know you could walk until we set you down in our hotel room. You may have been a little clumsy at first and then you found your footing and look at you now........... Steady and fast on your feet. Enjoying and full of life,We love you Jaden!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

Fun in the corn maze.
Check out our guide. Doesn't he look serious?
Hmmm......I wonder why he never reads a map when we travel. ;)

How much further?

Yup! Four+six=ten This little girl loves her math!

I can't believe she is already five and a half. She is growing up way to fast for me.

We found ten!!!

Hayride out to the pumpkin patch and a much needed breeze. Yes, it is still hot!

"I can hold it!"

Searching for the perfect pumpkin.Another first for Sarah.

We had a such a good time with our son and grandchildren

Wish we could see them more often.

Another One For The Collection?

2010-10-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Daddy rescued this little lizard or so he thought.

Jaden loved holding and checking it out.

He didn't look like he was doing to well. Stiff as a board. Hmmmm.... another to be added to daddy's strange collection?

Poor little guy.

Surprise!!!

He was playing Possum! After his ordeal in the pool the little guy was exhausted and didn't have the strength to escape so he did the next best thing and pretended to be dead.

Jaden's Solution To October Heat

2010-10-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

I Can't believe it is October and we are still swimming!!! We were breaking records last week 104 and the weekend we were still around 100.

Jaden doesn't mind the extra swimming time.

I myself am ready for cooler weather.

Is It A Guy Thing?

2010-09-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

DH started his collection in the beginning of summer when he first found the mummified frog in the pool skimmer. It just continued from there. Only thing missing is the few scorpions and mice we found.

After growing up with four brothers and raising three boys one would think I would have figured them out by now or at least be use to them and the ~~strange~~ interesting things they do to entertain themselves.

Home Nine Months!

2010-09-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe our sweet Sarah has been home nine months!! She has accomplished so much.
God is So good!!!
Her English is coming along well. Especially after her melt down a couple of weeks ago, when she finally told me (this girl can be STUBBORN), she was afraid people would make fun of the way she talks. After she found out everyone would be excited to hear her talking, she is talking more everyday. She is reading Dr. Suess and Young Reader books and some harder books with my help. We also work on comprehension to make sure she understands the stories. She is working with second/third grade language, English, grammar and spelling. We add her spelling words in each day along with her other vocabulary words. In the last couple of days she has written two short stories, about a paragraph each. We dated them so we can look at them in the future and see her improvement. At the home school convention we had her tested in math and decided to have her do pre-algebra even though she seems to know it already. She needs to be able to comprehend what she is reading a little better to understand the word problems. So far she is doing great with it. She loves working on her school studies. It breaks my heart to see her become frustrated and upset to the point of crying when she can't understand something. She can be very hard on herself, which we are working on. :)

Sarah likes to bake and help make dinner and is very helpful. When it comes to dinner this girl LOVES American food! She let me know that she prefers our food over Chinese. She loves hot & spicy! She loves to swim and play basketball. Yesterday we found out she likes to play tennis. A while back we were at a little get together at our friend's house and Sarah sat down and started playing their piano. DH dug out an old keyboard from storage and lets Sarah play around with it. Yup! Piano lessons are in her future.

Evolution is very strongly taught in China and Sarah was told that God is a fairy tale, a myth like Santa Claus. She laughed when I would talk about Jesus, (which upset Jaden). One day Sarah agreed with everything I was talking about the Lord. I knew she didn't believe a word and was just being compliant. So I called Lu, a sweet sister in Christ who is from China going to the U of A. She came and talked with her and also gave her a CD in Chinese explaining the truth about evolution. Lu also helped me to understand why Sarah was so compliant, that it is how children are taught to be in China, even to the point of lying to their parents.

We continued to go to our church because the Chinese church that is near us speak in Cantonese and she speaks Mandarin. Sarah loves the worship. She follows along the best she can with her English/Chinese NIV Bible. I know she doesn't understand much, yet she still likes going. A little while back during our few minutes of greeting people around us a Chinese lady I never saw before came up to Sarah and hugged her and told her she loved her. Sarah had the biggest smile and was just beaming. I wanted to thank and let the lady know how much that meant to her when the service was over but much to my disappointment she was gone and I haven't seen her since. I just love how Jesus knows exactly what we need.

The girls and I read our bibles every night together and Sarah doesn't want to skip a night. We finished the book of John and are now in Matthew. I try to do visuals when possible and hands on and we also read children's books that go along with whatever we are reading. We read a devotional for younger girls, His Little Princess. I love how the Lord works His perfect timing with the devotional. One day Sarah was angry at Jaden and the devotional was about anger and the next day forgiveness, (she looked at me and smiled). Another book we are reading is a book called Leading little Ones To God The book uses the Old KJ version for the scriptures and in the prayers, I just use the NIV for the verses so Sarah can follow with her Bible. The stories are in regular English and taken from God's word and they direct you right to the scriptures.

So shall My word be that goes forth
from My mouth; It shall not return to
Me void. But it shall accomplish what
I please. And it shall prosper in the thing
for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

Getting Ready For School

2010-09-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

First she has to put her glasses on. She informed me she can't see a thing without them.

"I'm ready!"

Very Blessed

2010-08-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Not one....

or two.................

Twelve beautiful long stem roses from my BFF!
The door bell rang the other morning and much to my surprise it was my best friend standing there holding these beautiful long stem roses. She went out of her way just to bring them by
before she went to work. I love you my sweet friend and sister
in Christ and I thank Him for the gift of our friendship!

A best friend is someone who is ......
in your corner when you are cornered.
Or in your sadness, pain, joy and suffering.

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

A true friend is like the shade of a great tree
in the noonday heat.

A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17a

I wrote these little quotes down from one of my devotional
calendars years ago when I was praying for the Lord to choose
the friends He wanted in my life and He has blessed so much.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Heavens declare the glory of God

The skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:1

35 Years

2010-08-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 35th anniversary!

I can't believe it also has been ten years since we renewed our wedding vows in the Lord.

We have been blessed beyond measure!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Sweetness

2010-07-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, Does Jesus every run out of love?"

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

4th Of July

2010-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

We went to visit and spend some time with our oldest son and his sweet family for the 4th and had a wonderful time!

ONE NATION UNDER GOD!

I Love when they light up the flag and as it slowly fades away. Then Niagara Falls slowly lights up stretching out about 400 ft. It is an awesome sight!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T09:59:00.000-07:00