For The Love Of Our Six Chinasprouts

Wait No More

2012-02-12T17:23:00.000-05:00

Well, we still have things to do but I am ready to share our new basement and newly painted rooms. I am going to begin with rooms that were repainted because someone new moved into them.

I will begin with the room that use to be Maylin, Ivy and Fayth and now is Aneyah and Fayth. It was like a celery green. I know that sounds gross but the comforter set use to be called picnic basket and it was red, white and this celery green. Here is what it is now:

It is now a purple color. I just did this room yesterday!

Now, here is what use to be Mya's room and a purple color. It is now Ivy's room and pink!

Here is our Family Area in the basement. This we are still working on putting up wall hangings, getting the tv in place and a few other things!

Here is Maylin's room! Both Mya and Maylin picked out the color of their paint!

Here is Mya's room!!

Whew, this has been a huge project and I am very glad it is coming to an end so we can enjoy our new space!

Now, I am thinking about tearing into a bathroom and removing wallpaper. Am I nuts or what??

Under The Weather

2012-02-09T16:51:00.001-05:00

Our Fayth is not feeling well!

She woke up with a cough and...

daycare called at 3:00 PM to say she was running a 102 degree fever. I left work, picked her up and onto home we went!

My Morning Routine

2012-02-08T20:05:00.000-05:00

Every morning, Monday through Friday, at 5:10 my alarm goes off. By 5:20 I am doing this:

I do this for the obvious reason of exercise. I have been doing this routine for about 20 years and I have so much more energy getting on the treadmill in the morning. In the warmer months, I walk outside.

This routine of walking and sometimes running is not only for my body but for my mind. It is my time to spend with God and pray!! I have a list of people with needs that I pray for and of course all the praises and needs of our family! I mentally prepare myself for the day, plan our lives and sometimes even solve problems. I listen to my christian music and pray, pray, pray and take charge of my life all in the 30 minutes on the treadmill.

So, if you find your are sluggish mid-day, exercising in the morning sure seems to help with that. The best reward is the "soul" energy I get from spending time with God!

Horton Hears A Who

2012-02-07T20:11:00.000-05:00

Mya was so sweetly playing a "Horton Hears A Who" game on Sunday with the birthday girl. I did ask her before taking this picture and did ask for her permission to post this. She was fine with all of it! So, without further ado....Here's Mya or Horton!

Second Reason For Special Day

2012-02-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday A.M we did Fayth's post adoption visit. In the afternoon, we went to a birthday event for a special little girl. My best friend has two daughter's adopted from China. Her family (husband too) are very, very special to us. It was her youngest daughter's birthday. She turned three!

We started at their house and then went to Big Boy for dinner!

After dinner, we went back to their place for cake, cupcakes and ice cream and..

gift opening!

Happy Third Birthday Precious Girl! Enjoy being a year older!

A Special Day

2012-02-05T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today was a special day for two reasons. Today I am going to share the first reason and tomorrow I will share the second reason.

The first reason for a special day is it was Fayth's 6 month post adoption visit. Can you believe that she has been a part of our family for 6 months?? It has gone by so fast!

Some days it seems so long ago that we had this and somedays it seems like yestereday!

Now this is what we have today!!

A very happy, lovable, sweet, precious daughter!

We could not be more BLESSED!

Here our dear Fayth is coloring during her Social Worker visit while Mommy and Daddy tell all about our precious girl!

Six beautiful months! We cannot imagine our family without our precious Fayth. She has enriched our lives with her love, humor and cheerfulness!

Yes, More Chinese Food

2012-02-04T16:18:00.001-05:00

You are probably all sick of hearing about my Chinese cooking. I was so intimidated by Chinese cooking before this cook book. I now feel so inspired and accomplished with the help of this "oh so easy cook book."

This time I made cashew chicken. It turned out real well I think and the family agreed while eating it!!

My beautiful recipe page! The other thing, which I know is weird, but I think the pictures in this book are so pretty and have soooo much color!

My ingredients

Done cooking in my wok

The completed ready to eat results! Dig in!!

Lunch With Fayth

2012-02-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

Fayth's class has been studying bears and hibernation. Today the parent's were invited to lunch to hear some of what they have learned. Fayth was soo excited that Mommy was coming to lunch. Since she is on campus with me, it is so easy for me to participate so I am happy to attend!

Fayth is setting out her lunch!

She is enjoying her cheese curls!

Here was our dessert in celebration of bears!

Here is a bear den!

There's our girl listed on the wall!!

My Library Find

2012-02-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

We were at the library today and I was looking for books to read the littles. This book captured my eyes and I could not believe it. Aneyah's nickname is NiNi so when you see the cover of this book, you will know why it captured my attention. Then I started reading it and the first page was a dedication "To my daughter from Shanxi." Aneyah is from Jiangxi. Then I read onto the most beautiful story of adoption from China. You can bet I was sure to check out that book. I read it to the girls in the library parking lot before we even headed home. We will read it many more times at home, I know!

Sorry sometimes for the extra spaces in my words in my posts. To look at it in edit mode, all looks well but then when I post, I get extra spaces. If anyone knows how to fix this, please feel free to share!

I Love..

2012-02-01T07:05:00.000-05:00

inspirational songs, sayings, quotes...... I am someone that can take something inspiration and apply it to my life and feel more uplifted for some time to come. I thought I would share some things that inspire me incase you are needing something.

Songs:

Stand by Rascal Flatts

Feels Like Today by Rascal Flatts

Blessings by Laura Story

One Heart Beat At A Time by Steven Curtis Chapman

Verses

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things yet unseen. Hebrews 11:1

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you not as the world gives do I give, Let not your heart be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Saying

I have always heard this part of this saying, "It is what it is!" But I recently heard this added. "It is what it is but what you make of it is what it will be!" Love it!!! That puts me and God in charge of everything. I can chose to see the negative in a situation or event or what have you or...I can choose to make it a positve and let it be life learning!!!

I hope you have an inspired, uplifting day!

Happy Birthday Mya

2012-01-30T20:29:00.001-05:00

Today is the "official" birthday! Mya has been celebrating this birthday for 3 days now. Today she had a VERY busy day. She had tournaments for which to cheer. She ended up cheering for 3 games starting at 12:30 PM and she called me to pick her up at 7:45 PM. It depended upon the winning and for her birthday, her school took the championship. Well, I told her it was for her birthday. A mom can think that!

Mya opened her cards and gifts this A.M. since we did not know when she would be home. Here she is, pretty tired from her sleep over, opening her stuff!

Mya requested milk chocolate chewy bars to share with her classmates so I made a batch of them yesterday for her!

Mya cheers four of the five school nights this week! It will be a busy, busy week for this birthday girl!!

Let The Party Continue

2012-01-29T20:37:00.000-05:00

Mya's friends went to church with her today, had lunch with us and then it was time for parent pickup at 1:30. At 3:00 our very good friends arrived for more birthday celebration. Mya's request.....Chinese food!!

Out of my wonderful cook book I made my Shanghai Fried Noodles again....

and I added West Lake Beef Soup.

For those less into Chinese cuisine, I made ramon noodles and chicken noodle soup. A big pot of rice was of course on the menu. My friend bought cabbage wraps and we had tea too!!

Mya chose red velvet cupcakes for her dessert and every one seemed..

to enjoy the meal a lot!!

Throw in a present and I think Mya had a pretty good second day of birthday celebration!

Whew, What A Saturday

2012-01-29T08:33:00.001-05:00

Saturday A.M, by 10:00, I had to be at Maylin's friend's house to pick her up from a sleepover. We drove a 1/2 hour back home and before lunch I rolled with paint what was Mya's old room and Ivy's new room. We ate lunch and then I did the trim work. Oh, how I hate doing the trim!! Sooo time consuming.

At 4:00 Mya's friend's began arriving for her birthday sleepover. Brusselsprout arrived home from work and moved Ivy's furniture out of her old room and into her new room. Ivy then began setting her room up. While they were moving, my vaccum ceased to suck up so I had to tear that apart and totally clean out! Yuck!! It now works like a charm though.

We ate dinner and then moved the twin bed in Katy's room to Aneyah and Fayth's room. Fayth was moving from a toddler bed to a twin bed and Aneyah was moving from the lower trundle to a regular bed. So we had to get Aneyah's bed and dresser out of the garage and get into their rooms and set them up. We also brought Katy's bed out of the garage too for her new bed and got her all set up!! I promise pictures once we get decorations up!

All the while we are doing this, Mya and her friends are playing, watching movies and seeming to have a blast. Here are pictures of the birthday girl! Her actual birthday is Monday and she will be 12. Today our friends come over for our family party and I am making Chinese! Wish me luck!

Where Have I Been???

2012-01-27T06:58:00.000-05:00

Very Busy!!! To make a long story short, after we finished painting the basement, our carpenter did not show up or do any communication with us for a week so we ended up firing him. That meant then that Brusselsprout and our neighbor began working on putting on all the trim, hanging doors, and finishing closets. Due to the delay in this work, that put the carpeting off longer. So, the girl's rooms just got finished Tuesday night so Wed. the moving began. Brusselsprout and I have been spending our evenings moving the two older girls to their new rooms. This weekend I hope to paint Mya's old room so Ivy can move into what is her new room. We have already moved Aneyah in with Ivy and Fayth which will soon be just Aneyah and Fayth's room. So, we have just been busy, busy!!!!

Having Fun

2012-01-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

While we were at the Chinese New Year Party Sat. afternoon, I could see this squirrel out the window playing in the tree. There was another squirrel too that would come down once in a while and play with the squirrel in the picture and then run back up the tree. They were very entertaining and fun to watch!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

2012-01-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

January 23, 2012, begins The Year of The Dragon in China!!! We wish you a Very Happy Chinese New Year and may you prosper in the new year!!

Families With Children From China Chinese New Year Party

2012-01-21T19:12:00.001-05:00

Today was our Chinese New Year Party with our local FCC group. We look forward to this party every year!

The littles are ready to go!!

The big girls are ready to go! But... where is Katy? Oops, on the potty!

We always arrive early to help with the decorating. The girls are taking a few minutes to play with balloons!

The little red envelopes!

The six Chinasprouts!

The Lion Dance!!

We had such a fun time at the party! It is so great to be celebrating with our local families! The Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in China! How I would love to be in China for this very special holiday!

Winter Has Arrived

2012-01-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

Late yesterday afternoon winter came roaring in!! The interesting thing is Monday it is suppose to be 40 degrees again and winter will leave!

Crustless Quiche

2012-01-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

I made this crustless quiche Monday night and the girls LOVED it so I thought I would share it!

1 pkg.Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage (I used Kroger Brand.

8 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp. salt

Green peppers (if desire) to taste

Pepper to taste

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (6 oz.)

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Cut sausage into half inch cubes and set aside. Place eggs, cream, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper into a large bowl and whisk until smooth.

Stir in sausage, 1 cup cheese and some green peppers (if you would like, I did not). Pour egg mixture into a greased 13X9 inch baking dish.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

I made the mistake of adding all the cheese at once and I used a pie pan instead so mine had to bake longer to set the eggs so hence the darker color. It still tasted GREAT and the kids gobbled it up!!!! It is easy and add some fresh fruit or vegetables and a really good meal is formed!

Poor Doggy

2012-01-17T20:15:00.000-05:00

I think it is more like spoiled doggy! She sure does enjoy her relaxing life!

Picture Day!

2012-01-14T20:36:00.001-05:00

Today I took pictures of the girl's for the Chinese New Year! Every year we take pictures and then I select the best of all of them and we send cards to our friends. We always have fun with it and the girl's enjoy wearing their dresses! I will share all of them with except the one I selected for cards as I will share that on the 23rd!

Yum, Yum!!

2012-01-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

I received this WONDERFUL cookbook for Christmas from my Dad and Mom!

I just love the beautiful pictures and easy instructions!

I decided tonight to make this recipe for Shanghai Fried Noodles!

Here's my recipe all spelled out for me and

here's all my ingredients!

Here is the end result!

These pictures show what the kids thought of it!

Yum-Yum!!

As for our snow overnight.... we had a dusting by morning and now, Friday evening, we have maybe an inch! They kept talking about all the snow we were going to get. Well, it didn't happen here!!

Tonight...

2012-01-12T20:04:00.000-05:00

we are suppose to get some of this:

We will see what morning brings!

Really, January 10th!!!

2012-01-10T19:55:00.000-05:00

See this?

Or, maybe I should say, see what you aren't seeing??? This is our back yard on January 10th and there is not a stitch of snow!!

Usually the girls have two and sometimes three snow days by now. I must admit that I am loving this as I am not a snow lover. I know soon the snow will come but for now, I love seeing this grass! (our front yard without snow)

We Interrupt Painting For Some Cuteness!

2012-01-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

Last night before bed Fayth and Aneyah were playing on the rocking horse together. They were being so cute, loving, and happy! I just had to capture it on film and share it. I love when they get along so well. We have times, as all sister's do, where they are fighting and the "mine" word comes out and we hear, "Don't Follow Me" and all that good stuff! They are just typical sister's!

Yes, More Painting

2012-01-08T20:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, while Brusselsprout was at work, Mya, Maylin and I painted their rooms in the basement. I showed you pictures of that yesterday. While we painted, Ivy entertained the littles on the main floor. She did a GREAT job but wished she could paint too. So today, after church, Brusselsprout worked on the family room in the basement and Ivy got to help. Now at 8:30 PM, the basement is all painted and the carpet will come in this week. We are so very, very excited!!! Progress is happening and it looks GREAT! I am anxious to share final photos with all of you!

Guess What We Have Been Up To?

2012-01-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

Before I tell you what we have been up to today, I want to say "Thank you!" So many of you commented with support for Aneyah and I cannot thank you enough. Your support and prayers sure do help us!!

Now, what does it look like we have been up to?

Yup, painting!! The basement is done and ready to be painted!

Mya is working on her room!

Maylin may look like she is taking a quick nap (ha, ha) but she is working hard on her room!

Maylin's room is part done in this photo and drying so to be honest it looks terrible. Dry, it looks great!

Maylin's room is done, Mya's is almost done and the family room is left to do. We hope to work on that tomorrow and then the carpet can come in! Maybe, if we are lucky, we can be moving the girls in next weekend!

When It's Hard To Be A Parent

2012-01-05T19:55:00.000-05:00

Aneyah went for a follow up on her scoliosis. She goes every 4 months so her curve can be watched. Sadly, she has not improved! Good news is she is not worse but it has not improved in the last four months. So, the Doctor tightened her brace and she now not only has to wear it every night, as in the past, but she now has to wear it two hours during the day. She is not fond of the brace at all.

With our schedule, it will work best to put it on after dinner. Now keep in mind that Aneyah has a very large throat that goes down to a small hole into the stomach as well as a repaired diaphragmatic hernia as well as a small hiatal hernia. Well, I waited about 20 minutes after dinner this evening to put the brace on. I barely turned my back, and due to the tightness on her stomach, Aneyah brought all her dinner back up. Because it takes a while for her food to get into her stomach, she brought up basically a chewed meal that was not digested at all because it had not made it into her stomach yet. Poor thing! I felt so bad for her. So, I am now going to have to get creative with the brace time based upon when we get home and dinner to get in those two extra hours. It will be a challenge because she needs to eat and keep her food in but she always needs the extra two hours of brace time. If you have a minute, please say a prayer for us. We would so appreciate it!

Back to Every Day Life

2012-01-03T19:26:00.000-05:00

The girls went back to school today and I went back to work. I really don't mind going back to work so much but jumping back into our busy, crazy, running life, I don't look forward to!

I took these pictures of the little's playing in a chair yesterday. The lighting is pretty poor but I will share them anyway!

What A Great Start To The New Year!

2012-01-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

Now Brusselsprout may not agree with this statement as he hugged the porcelain bowl early in the New Year's Day for quite a while. We are not sure if food poisoning or flu but it was something nasty.

The girls and I left him around 9:00 AM, to recover, and we went to friend's. We decided to do an early New Year's Day get together as nasty weather was due to come in mid-afternoon to evening.

The littles in front of our friend's tree! Outfits compliments of Grandpa and Grandma as part of their Christmas gift!

Our friend Charles reading to Aneyah and Caroline!

Who could this be? No one but sweet Caroline!

My dear friend, Eleanor, preparing an unbelievable Chinese Lunch! It was soooo delicious!!!!! She really out did herself!

Here are a few of her dishes!

Below, salad, compliments of us!

Enjoying the Yummy Food!

For dessert, fruit, marshmallows and pound cake dipped in gnosh!

We had such a good time! The company and hospitality were GREAT!

New Year!

2012-01-01T07:57:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year From Our Family To Your's!

Good Old Favorites

2011-12-31T07:54:00.000-05:00

The girls got lots of electronics for Christmas but the all time favorite gift seems to be:

Their Pillow Pets!

Just look at these sweet faces!

So very soft,

cuddly, and

A great place to lay your head!

Nothing Like Fun At Playland!

2011-12-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon we met friends at the local playland. It has huge inflatables that are slides and bouncy houses, large swingset/slide combos and some climbing structures all inside. It really is a cool place.

Fayth a little unsure at first!

Fayth driving away!

Aneyah swinging!

Above, Maylin on the tire swing. Below, Katy!

Our sweet friend Ellery!

Fayth swinging!

Above, Ivy bouncing. Below, Fayth!

Beautiful Ivy!

Wheeee...nothing like a big slide ride!

What a great way to burn off energy in the winter!

After this fun, we went out to eat to a place where the girls could make their own pizzas. Fun, fun, fun!!!

My Little Finds

2011-12-29T08:18:00.000-05:00

I am not one to go out the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas shopping. I will go out a few days later and if I find something, great, if not, that's ok too. So... a few days after Christmas I found these items which to me are gems!

This is a 16" wreath that was originally $20 and I got it for $10.

This ornament is extra large. You cannot tell it from the picture but it is a nice big one. It was originally $5 and I got it for $2.50.

These cards were originally $7 each and I got them for $3.50. I usually do the picture cards like through shutterfly or one of those but next year I think I will try these!

I am very excited as I sent holiday pictures to Fayth's orphanage through e-mail and we received a very nice e-mail back. We regularly hear from the head Nanny for Katy at her Foster Care Center. We received a nice photo of the Nanny with her granddaughter. It is so precious to have this contact with China! We love it!

My Special Gift

2011-12-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

This Christmas I received two very special gifts! Here is the first:

My bracelet is a hand stamped disc with each girl's name and a their birth stone hangs in the disc. I just love it! With six girls, one shot fills up a bracelet!

Now my second gift!!

Having Fayth home and a part of our family is my best gift of all! She is such an amazing child and surprises us each day with her acceptance, love and intelligence! We are so blessed, not only once though but six times!!

What A Christmas It Was!!

2011-12-26T08:45:00.001-05:00

Around 6:45 AM, the girls crept down the stairs to this! (Sorry, a hair blurry)

Before any gifts can be opened, the Christmas story must be read from the Bible and we discuss the REAL reason for Christmas!

Gifts are then passed out!

Then, let the opening begin. We start with the youngest opening one and we go around until the oldest has opened. We keep up this rotation until all gifts are opened!

There are tons and tons of pictures of gift opening but I will just share these few because the post would go on forever if I did not! Christmas was such a fun day!

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Your's!

2011-12-24T20:15:00.000-05:00

Random Christmas Eve Photos

2011-12-24T20:09:00.000-05:00

Opening Stocking Stuffers!

New Ornaments This Year

2011-12-23T19:44:00.000-05:00

We have received some of the cutest ornaments from friends and co-workers this year. I just have to share!

This is the cutest of all.....A Dim Sum ornament! Too cool!

My Last Day and My Opinion

2011-12-23T07:07:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day of work until Jan. 3rd. I love my job but I look so forward to down time and time with my girls!!!

Now for my opinion! Please no nasty responses:) We watched Kung Fu Panda 2 on Saturday night and I loved every minute of it right down to the last scene where his biological father (I think it is the father) is saying, "My son is alive!" I do believe somewhere in China are six China Mommy's, as we call them, and maybe six China Daddy's wishing they could say that they knew whether or not their child is alive. With that said, I am a little concerned if that is going to lead to another sequel and where they are going to go with that. Adoption, biological parents and adoptive parents is a very sensitive subject and with Hollywood telling it, that makes me a little nervous!

I think they portrayed Po's "left to be found" well. They showed his parent's loved him but could not keep him which is often the truth in many cases. He showed respect for his adoptive father and his biological parent's yet as I am sure my daughter's do, pondering his adoption.

I really liked the movie and so did the girls. We talked about it before it began and after to make sure there were no unanswered questions. In my opinion, I would recommend the movie!

Only Two More Days....

2011-12-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

to a long vacation. I work Thursday and Friday and then I am off until Jan. 3rd. I CANNOT wait!!!!

Cute!

2011-12-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

It is no secret that I love Zulily! I found this cute shirt and just had to get it for Fayth. They had dresses too but with us going into our long, hard winter, I am not so apt to put her in dresses!

These two can be the best of friends and so very cute together!

More Tree Photos

2011-12-18T13:02:00.002-05:00

Before church, I took more tree pictures today!

I just love a reason to take pictures!

Give me a tree, cute outfits and hair bows from Zulily and a reason to take picture happens!

I also had very cooperative girls so that helps too!

Once the pictures are taken I LOVE to share them!

This one's a little blurry but still wanted to share!

With Baba!

With Mama!

Fayth sure was looking at something!

A Special Gift

2011-12-17T19:43:00.000-05:00

Grandpa and Grandma have given each one of their granddaughter's a special jewelry gift after they have arrived home from China. Fayth received her's today! She was very excited to open it!

Her gift was a beautiful necklace and bracelet with pearls and a cross and matching pearl earrings! It was very, very pretty! Thank you so much Grandpa and Grandma!

Our Traditional Dinner and Zoo Lights

2011-12-16T21:58:00.000-05:00

Every year Uncle Blake treats the girls and I to dinner before our trip to the Zoo lights with my girlfriend and her daughters. He sends the gift card/money or whatever and makes sure we have it before our big evening. He has been doing this for years and we soooo appreciate it! Tonight we opted for Wendy's and sure did enjoy it!

After dinner, off to the zoo we went. It was a GREAT evening. It was around 35 degrees, no breeze and a clear night! That did make for a very busy zoo visit because it was a great night for EVERYONE to go to the zoo!

Just tons and tons of beautiful lights! We enjoy this evening so much each year!

Beautiful and Work in Progress

2011-12-15T18:55:00.000-05:00

We received a large poinsettia and I think the pink center on the red is just gorgeous!

Here is our work in progress! I took these on Monday and so much more has been done since but I will share this for now. This is the two bedrooms side by side!

This is part of the family room and the enclosed sump pump area!

Again, enclosed sump pump area and rest of family room. Shelves are going to be built for a television and toy storage between the wall of the sump pump and the wall on the left of the open space!

From family room facing stairway up and door to storage area and where half bath will be!

This is all so exciting and in about another week we should be able to lay carpet. I am hoping by Christmas vacation to move the two older girls to their new rooms!

Released

2011-12-14T06:57:00.000-05:00

and we now own it! We have not seen it so Saturday night will be a movie and popcorn night!

Root-A-Toot Toot

2011-12-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

Today Mya played her flute with the band in Chapel at school. It was their time to play for Christmas as this is the last week of school until the New Year. You can certainly tell from what she is wearing!

Yes, that is Mya behind that big stand!

Katy was one of the students called up to ring bells during the "Jingle Bell" song!

A Few Tree Photos

2011-12-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

This morning, before we ran out the door to church, I took a few pictures. The lighting was really not all that great but I will share them anyway. I cannot believe how quickly time is passing and Christmas will be here before we know it!

Our Newly Painted Main Floor

2011-12-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

I promised I would share these photos. I am sorry I do not have before pictures but I will try to tell you at least what color the room was before painting.

This is the great room! The wall with the fireplace use to be a taupe brown and all the rest of the walls where white. The whole room is now a rose aztec!

Just a couple of my favorite people!

The wall opposite the fireplace! This is the first canvas photo I have ordered and LOVE it. I will certainly do more!

The kitchen! I must shamefully admit that I forgot to turn this photo. The wreath should be on top of the desk, not the side. The kitchen is like a maise color. Before painting the top of the kitchen walls were peach and the bottom was a sage!

This is the family room office! By this photo, the walls look the same color as the living room. They are not! The photo below shows the color better. It is like a peach color. Before painting, the walls in this room where a green!

The basement is coming along in leaps and bounds! We are so excited!

Rah, Rah, Rah!!!!

2011-12-09T06:58:00.000-05:00

Last night Mya had her first home game for basketball. So of course, we went to see our girl cheer! I just love seeing her so alive and being a part of the "the cheering team!"

So, What's New?

2011-12-07T21:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I do not have any pictures for you today but I will update you on our house progress.

Main floor painting..... done before thanksgiving. The great room, kitchen and office/family room....all done. I love it!!!! I will try to share pictures soon!

Now, the basement is into full swing. I am very excited about it however....the dust that is coming up through the vents is a killer! Plus, to be expected but, the wood saw dust is coming up on the carpenter's feet and is being tracked around a bit. I knew to expect this so I am biting my lip but part of my organized, clean personality is struggling just a whew bit. When it is all done, I will be glad to have gone through all the mess.

So, we are crazy with holiday activities, my work is very, very busy plus my voluteer work has picked up incredibly but all in all, life is very good!

We Woke Up To This Yesterday...

2011-12-07T07:12:00.000-05:00

and I think it is here to stay!!

A Little of My Christmas

2011-12-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

As you know, I love to take pictures of.....anything. So, last night I sat and took a few pictures of my Christmas decorations. Nothing special, just a bit of cheer.

(oops better remove that tag:)

Happy Birthday Maylin!

2011-12-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

Today our sweet Maylin turned 10!

She asked for a cookie cake with a snow flake!

She LOVES tacos so it was a Taco Bell dinner. With Tacos for $.59 each, I can hardly make them for cheaper!

Nothing like cookie cake and vanilla ice cream for dessert and...

cards and gifts!

Maylin received lots of cards with gifts of money and gift cards!

The most hoped for gift....

this Signature Webkinz! You would have thought...

it was a million dollars!

The day is being finished by watching the new Smurf movie! The crazy thing is, Smurfs where popular when I was a kid. Everything circles!

Happy Birthday Maylin!

Annual Baking Day

2011-12-03T17:56:00.002-05:00

My girlfriend and her daughter's came over today for our annual Christmas baking day! We look so forward to this day not only for the great food that will be created but we have such a GREAT time!

Katy crushing up graham crackers for the base of our milk chocolate chewy bars!

Let the decorating begin!

Milk Chocolate Chewy Bars

Cookies for decorating!

Mya Blue Lips!

Salted Nut Roll Bars!

What a Yummy Day!

Love In Every Stitch

2011-12-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

After my Mom and Dad had left, I found this on my bed very lovingly wrapped waiting to be opened!

I can see my Mom's love in every stitch!

Knowing my Mom, I am sure she worked away thinking of each of us!

Her beautiful work blesses us and....

we cannot thank you enough! We love you Mom (Grandma)!

So Cute

2011-12-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

My Mom's work friend, Jenny, sent these for the girls with Mom and Dad when they came!

She sent 6 mice and I think they are soo cute! What a clever thing to do with a candy cane.

Thank you so much Jenny! You are very thoughtful!

Look What We Woke Up To!!!

2011-11-30T21:16:00.000-05:00

The White Stuff!!!!

S-N-O-W

It was gone by afternoon but soon and I mean very soon, it will come to stay for many months!

Aneyah's Christmas Program

2011-11-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

Aneyah was an angel in her Christmas program.

This little angel has come so far! To be in front of a room full of people and be singing with a wide full open mouth and

doing actions is incredible!!

She truly is an angel and

blesses us every day!

A Quick Update

2011-11-28T20:09:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad made it in to their home airport mid-afternoon! They had a little plane mechanical trouble in Minneapolis but it was short lived and they were on their way. All went well and I am sooo happy they are safe back home!

Random Photos With Grandpa and Grandma

2011-11-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

Watching TV with Grandpa

Coloring With Grandma

The Littles Coloring

Enjoying Grandpa's Love

Enjoying Grandma's Love

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like

2011-11-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Christmas!

We put up our big Elmo which is the official start of the season for us!

Then, here comes the tree!

Now comes the decorating!

The Final Product!!!!

Putting up other decorations!

Grandma and Grandpa got to be a part of the WHOLE thing and loved every minute!

Our Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

We had a great day! Two out of town guests came:

I think if you look close enough, you can tell who our "guests are! :)

Katy was our potato mashing girl!

Mya was our stuffing making girl!

We received a smoked turkey, chicken, two cheeses and two salamis from Uncle Blake for Thanksgiving! We had the smoked turkey and chicken for dinner and they were out standing!!!!

Brusselsprout and Mom were the cutters!

Since my Dad and Mom won't be here for Christmas, I pulled out my Christmas dishes for Thanksgiving. So we had a Thanksgiving meal on Christmas plates. It tasted all the better!

Seeing this table full, warms my heart!!

Aneyah loved the turkey!!!

Fayth drinking her milk out of her coffee cup. She called it "her coffee!"

Yum, Yum!!! Pumpkin and apple pie!! A great finish to a wonderful meal!

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family To Yours!

2011-11-23T20:27:00.000-05:00

So much to be thankful for!! As you already know, I am very thankful for my parents being here. Secondly, I am so thankful for Fayth being here this year too! Last year we dreamed of a child in China named Minjia that we hoped would be at our table next year. That dream has come true!

We have food on our table, a roof over our heads, our health, wheels to take us where we need to go, love for each other and just so much more!

Whatever your thanksgiving plans, may you have a very, very special day!!!

A Quick Update!

2011-11-23T07:03:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad flew in safe and sound! At around noon here, the sky opened up and it began pouring and it kept it up until sometime in the night. Thankfully it was rain and not snow and my parent's plane landed fine at 4:48 PM. They sure were a beautiful sight standing outside the baggage claim waiting for pickup. Now we intend to spend some GREAT quality time together!

Our Special Guests

2011-11-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

It has been a little over 7 years since my parent's have been able to come to my home. To get here, they need to fly and my Dad's health has not allowed that in the past. Over the last year and a half to two years my Dad's health has steadily improved and tomorrow I will be picking them up from the airport. They are staying until the Monday after Thanksgiving and I couldn't be more thrilled. I just praise God for his healing hand and pray for a good trip for them.

Today Mya played her flute in Chapel and Fayth and I stopped by to hear her play. She did a great job and we enjoyed watching her.

This Is What Saturday Mornings are For! (Sunday Snapshot)

2011-11-19T21:33:00.000-05:00

This.....

is what Saturdays are for!

Sleeping in and staying in your jammies!

Eating a leisure breakfast!

Then.....

screaming, squealing and.....

running with your sister!

After the fun, we had to get to serious business....grocery shopping. We have special guest coming for Thanksgiving. I will tell you about them on Monday. So, we had serious shopping to do. Off to Kroger we went and came out with three carts full. I wasn't sure where I was going with it all in the van to get home but we got it in there. Then off to home to bring it all in and put it away. Whew, that was a BIG job done!

Our Little Peanut

2011-11-18T20:56:00.006-05:00

Aneyah....

is our little peanut! She is 4 years old and wears 3T and sometimes 2T would probably even fit better.

She was born with a diaphragmatic hernia and a small hiatal hernia. The first 3 to 4 weeks of her life, she had poor nutrition due to the fact that she could not keep anything down due to the diaphragmatic hernia. She had surgery around 3 weeks old to place her stomach back into her stomach area since it was up in her chest. Then she had a second surgery to unwrap her intestines from her stomach and then a third as her incision was not healing. So, before 3 months of age, this little one had 3 surgeries!

Aneyah is now attending the PreK 4 program at the same school her sisters go to. This has done so much for her. She was insecure, shy, very emotional and almost afraid of her own shadow. Going to school has improved all these areas for her. She has become more outgoing, more sure of herself and has come out of her shell. We are so excited for her! She is struggling with comprehension and remembering what she learned. We will see how the rest of the year goes but we may have her repeat the PreK 4 to give her an extra boost. We don't want to set her up for failure in later years by pushing her on too soon. So we will see! Fayth has done so much for her too. Fayth is very outgoing and Aneyah's learned to be heard, she needs to speak up. Fayth is also very athletic and Aneyah use to be a couch potato so to speak. Now she runs all over with Fayth and is far more active. She eats better too because she is more active. She is still a little peanut but our very special little peanut! (I am not sure why part of this is white. I may not figure out why so sorry about that.)

Story Time

2011-11-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

Every Sunday we go to the library and I pick up 10 of these:

Every night I read five books to The Littles. I rotate between 5 books one night and then the other 5 the next night and on and on. Right after dinner Aneyah and Fayth start asking, "Mommy, story time?" I tell them, "No, a little closer to bed time." Well, they ask me this over and over until it is time. They just LOVE story time and I just love doing it! When you have books, your world is endless!

I Tried My First....

2011-11-16T20:02:00.000-05:00

canvas print! I ordered it from Canvas On Demand. It is a 16X20 size and I think turned out.....

GREAT!!! I am competely in love with it!!!

Grandpa and Grandma got one too!!!

School Program

2011-11-15T21:28:00.000-05:00

This evening...

Katy, Ivy, Maylin and Mya had their school program!

They don't do a Christmas program but a fall program!

The program is always about a Bible or a couple of Bible stories. This evening their program was about letting your light shine and believing in God to take care of you!

Ivy...

sang a duet!

Maylin did a great job!

She was right in the front row!

Mya sang two duets!

The program was very well done and the kids put so much into it with so much excitement!

Yum, Yum, Yum

2011-11-14T19:54:00.000-05:00

Last night.....

we went with friends to our FAVORITE Chinese restaurant!

You can order off the menu but they have a buffet that is OUT OF THIS WORLD! It seems to go on forever and is the BEST food!!! This place is a little expensive so we don't go often. But when we do go, we eat and eat and eat and LOVE it!

Fayth Brings Joy and Love

2011-11-13T22:02:00.002-05:00

Some of you may be wondering......really, truly how is Fayth doing! I don't think that I have shared much info on her SN or I should say what SN she was suppose to have. Her paperwork said that at 8 months of age, she experienced weakness in her hands and feet. Her SWI had a CT scan done and it was determined that she had a brain atrophy. Her SWI did another brain scan at 2 years of age and the brain atrophy was gone. Since coming home, all tests have found nothing but a healthy child. Our Pediatrician said that infants carry extra fluid in their front forehead area. Not all doctors seem to understand that so it is often misdiagnosed. The extra fluid is usually absorbed into the brain by the age of 2 which would explain a normal test at the age of 2. We aren't sure what would bring on the weakness of hands and feet at 8 months. Maybe it was a lack of stimulization but she has shown no weakness of any kind since being in our care!

So, how has Fayth's adjustment been since coming home? Nothing short of unbelievable! It was like Fayth had been waiting for us and truly understood what was going to transpire with her adoption. For the age of 3, I don't think she really could comprehend all that it seems like she did but none the less, it has been incredible.

She is one of the happiest children I have ever met. She wakes up and immediately flashes you her breath taking smile. She is cheerful, funny, and loves to laugh! She does struggle sometimes with sharing with Aneyah but I would say that is to be expected. Fayth is 3 and Aneyah is 4.

Fayth is very loving! She many times a day wraps her arms around my neck and gives me a hug. She holds nothing back. She squeezes tightly and fully lays her body against mine. She is so fully bonded and loves her family to death. She kisses on the lips and will tell her whole family in English and Chinese, "I love you!" It just takes my breath away at how quickly she accepted us as her family!

Fayth eats anything you put in front of her. She naps about an hour every afternoon and sleeps the night through. You just lay her down and out she goes! We are so lucky as all the other girls sleep great too! She was fully potty trained when we got her and she has remained potty trained through her whole adjustment.

Fayth is doing great at preschool and daycare. She is singing ABC's and lots of little songs she has learned. She speaks full English and in sentences. She also understands about anything you tell her. As I mentioned earlier, she is such an amazing child. She was created with God's perfect hands for our family and we could not be more blessed!

Fayth gets along great with all her sister's and just adores them! She is Baba's girl as well as Mama's girl! She has brought so much sunshine to our home! It is so hard to believe that this week it has only been 3 months since she has been home because it feels like she has always been a part of our family!

Favorite Photo Friday and Birthday Girl

2011-11-10T21:34:00.000-05:00

Favorite Photo Friday is of my Mom and Maylin. I chose this picture because it is my Mom's Birthday also. We have always joked that the post office and bank were closed in honor of her Birthday!

So, Happy, Happy Birthday Mom! May you have a VERY special day!

Thankful Thursday!

2011-11-09T21:50:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for Love Without Boundaries! I have the honor of being their New Volunteer Coordinator. My work is soooo rewarding!! I just love seeing the work that they do for the children of China.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T06:55:00.000-05:00

A Special Birthday

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Blake!

"The Littles" (Sunday Snapshot)

2011-11-06T11:23:00.000-05:00

These two....

just rock my world with so much love!!!

Their beautiful smiles...

bless each day!

Favorite Photo(s) Friday

2011-11-03T21:22:00.000-04:00

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-02T20:59:00.000-04:00

Thankful and Thank you to Uncle Blake!

Each girl found at her breakfast spot on Halloween morning, a bag of goodness from Uncle Blake!

It sure was a wonderful to kick off Halloween morning! Thanks Uncle Blake for always remembering your nieces!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-01T21:49:00.000-04:00

Trick Or Treat!

2011-10-31T20:35:00.000-04:00

These guys were pumped all day long for this moment!

The neighbor came over before we officially left for trick or treating with treats!

We are off!!

First house "Trick or Treat!"

Fayth is thinking that this is pretty cool! Say three words, trick or treat, and get candy! Love our Pirate girl!

Aneyah loved the fun too!

Our Ninja!

What a ladybug!

Bat girl Katy!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T19:48:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween From Our Gang!

Saturday Happenings!

2011-10-29T18:50:00.000-04:00

Today...

Maylin played her last soccer game! What you are looking at is frost on the field!

This is frost on my boot from walking to Maylin's playing field!

When you are undefeated, there are high expectations for the last game of hoping to keep that status!

Maylin (and her team mates) gave it their best try. Really, when playing sports, that is all that matters! When you play the best you can, you are ALWAYS a winner!

Maylin's team lost their last game losing their undefeated status! Fun was had and friendships were made during the season that will be remembered forever!

For lunch after Maylin's game, we went to McDonald's and then off to a pumpkin farm with friends!

There was a haybale maze.....

a precious calf....

a little train....

of course pumpkins.... and

Leaves!!!!

Favorite Photo Friday

2011-10-27T20:22:00.000-04:00

I just LOVE this photo! To me, it shows such unity between sisters. TOGETHER they go forward in life!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-26T19:54:00.000-04:00

God's Beauty!

Our Mum Pot!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-25T19:48:00.000-04:00

Just Bein' Sisters

2011-10-24T19:39:00.000-04:00

Fall Photos (Sunday Snapshot)

2011-10-22T20:06:00.000-04:00

I Love.....

taking picures of my girls!

This background was calling to me....

to take pictures of the girls!

I love the fall colors...

the look of white shirts....

with jeans!

My subjects

cooperated very well!

That's when...

I REALLY love to....

photograph them!

My Dancing Girl

2011-10-21T20:01:00.000-04:00

Today Fayth was dancing away so....

I decided to capture it on film!

Music runs through this girl's veins...

and she always has a spring to her step!

Happy Anniversary Brusselsprout

2011-10-21T09:03:00.000-04:00

Sixteen years ago, I married the most wonderful man!! We have accomplished a lot together and I hope for many more years of doing likewise! Thanks Brusselsprout (and God for helping) for coming into my life!

Mya's Special Day

2011-10-19T20:30:00.000-04:00

Well, Mya's special day started out a little differently than expected. We did not have power. We bought a generator almost 2 years ago and never have had to use it. Before we bought it, we had constant power outages.

Mya had a gift from a travelmate from our travel group and her family!

From her travelmate, 1/2 of a best friends pillow. Her travelmate has the other half.

From her family....

a squishy pillow! All the rage here!

Plus her annual charm for her charm bracelet. This year it is a cheerleader!

After a taco dinner, she had donuts as her dessert of choice for her special dinner!

What a day to remember!