Fun in the Sun

Well, the hot Texas summer is here. The girls and I try to sneak out a little every day to enjoy the sunshine. Here are a couple of pictures of our summer fun so far...

My Two Princesses

Here are a couple pictures from Easter Sunday. I guess I am playing catch up as I go through some digital pics. I must confess that when I see these pictures of my girls that I am certain they are true royalty--right up there with Cinderella!

Some memories from days gone by...

Some Sunshine

We have always called DD#2 Little Livvie Sunshine even before we met her on Mother's Day 2004. Our first year together was very difficult as Livvie had to work through becoming part of the family and we had to do some changing ourselves. Not to compare siblings, but we were spoiled with Emma Rose as she was "the perfect baby." Rarely did she cry, she was always compliant and happy to be with us. Her transition into the family was seamless and almost immediate it seemed. I knew in my head that this was more the acception than the rule, but in my heart I was not quite prepared for the fiery personality of Olivia. I guess somewhere deep within, I had certain expectations of what I expected from her--love and affection. That is not what she had to offer when I received her in China. Instead, I got anger and rejection. For almost a year there was nonstop wailing and temper tantrums, refusal to be held, and quite honestly alot of rejection. I will never know what Livvie's life was like before I became her mom, but at some point, I believe that God gave me His heart for Olivia. Somehow, I was able to see past the anger and rejection, and see the tender, joyful soul of this little one. In a way, she was like a wounded animal--deeply hurt, but instinctively desperately fighting to avoid the very one who could help. I am reminded, even today, that love and grace are powerful. Olivia is not the same hurting girl that became my own 4 years ago. Although she still has a fiery spirit, she is filled with joy and laughter. She loves to sing and play jokes. She loves to snuggle. She loves to be loved. Olivia loves life. Her face beams like a ray of sunshine into my world every day. Her love reaches the farthest corners of my heart. My life is filled with joy because Olivia is part of it.

Good Night!

Last night Emma Rose went to her first sleep over party. As she doesn't even like to sleep down the hall, I was not surprised when she told me that she would call when the girls were going to sleep and I could come and get her. Imagine my surprise when she called at 8:30 to tell me that she was going to TRY to spend the night and would call if she changed her mind. Since she did not have her sleeping bag, pillow, or clothes for the next day, I went by her friend's house to drop them off. Somehow in those 15 minutes, she changed her mind again. She said she was coming home later. I told her that was OK and I would come when ever she called. The girls played games and watched movies. Finally at 11:30 the phone rang. Emma Rose decided that she was staying. Part of me was very proud of her for being so brave. She likes to worry over everything, so this was HUGE for her. Another part of me was sad. Emma Rose will always be my first "baby" no matter how old she gets. A part of me will always remember her snuggled up in my arms sucking her thumb and sleeping peacefully. But tonight, that would not be. No hug good night. No kiss good night. In an instant my sweet baby had grown into a girl. I don't think I was ready for that. I knew this day will come and there will be many others like them, but I didn't think it would be so soon. Time is so precious. The gift of Emma Rose is a rare treasure.

Introduction

Well...I've done it...I upgraded from dial-up to high speed, bought a laptop and am wireless, and learned how to text message this month. So, why not start a blog as well...

A little background on what brings me here. I have been on an amazing journey since 2000 when I sent my paperwork to China to adopt my oldest daughter -Emma Rose. She was only 11 month old at the time and a rare beauty. I traveled during 9/11 to pick her up. She is now 7. I decided a couple of years later to return to China and adopt a second daughter -Olivia. Oliviawas 15 months old when I received her on Mother's Day 2004. That girls can make me laugh! If you asked me at the time, I would not have imagined that I would return to China for a third daughter. Never say, "Never!" In June 2006, I sent my paperwork to China one more time to adopt a third daughter. I will name her Celia Grace because it means grace from heaven and she certainly is an unexpected and undesrved gift from God. At the time, China was allowing single parents to submit applications to adopt children on a limited basis. I was blessed enough to receive one of the coveted singles slot at my agency for the 2006 year. What a miracle as effective 2007, China is no longer accepting applications from single parents. Just in the nick of time! It has been a long road that continues to stretch out before me, but I will continue to wait as long as it takes to bring Celia Grace home. Is it possible to desperately miss someone that you have never met?