A few of us.....

have been eating lollipops.

Run Vol Run

Great job Vol!  He even PR'd!

Our Heart-N-Seoul: Abandonment

Our Heart-N-Seoul: Abandonment: Abandonment. Conscious or unconscious, it is a fear that plagues the adopted child. Jesus is teaching me, gently and quietly, about...


Beautifully written!  I could have written this about both of my precious girls.
Happy Friday!

Well said.........

http://hannahjiejie.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/she-doesnt-need-me/

Another great post by my friend Jill........

It is hard to believe but all adoptive parents have heard at least some of these comments in the checkout line.

http://jillr-addingbranchestoourfamilytree.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-checkout-line.html

中秋节快乐！Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

A little fun........

Thanks to the  Frog for the photography!

A tear shed........

Tonight, Dumpling and I had a rare moment alone after a bath.  She asked me to rock her.  She snuggled up in my lap and the most amazing thing happened.  She immediately relaxed and placed her little face next to my neck- skin to skin.  As I was rocking her, a tear rolled down my cheek.  I realized that this was a special moment.  I mourned for the Mommy who didn't get to rock her little girl at night. I thought of the times that she didn't have a Mommy to be with her and all of the 1st's that I missed.  It brought me back to the saying that adoption is born out of loss.  While I celebrate the miracle of adoption, someone is mourning the loss of a child.  My child has suffered a loss as well.  I thank God for the awesome responsibility of parenting these children and the beauty from the ashes.

One never knows.......

who will visit!

A little celebration............

Somebody turned 15 and somebody enjoyed the cake.  Note the inside out leotard and bun cover 'borrowed' from her sister.  The girl has style.  Also note, that the Vol did enjoy his 'party' but dislikes having his picture taken.

On this day......

On this day 15 years ago, a baby boy was born and made me a Mommy for the first time.  I am so proud of the young man he has become.  He loves his sisters fiercely.  He knows the importance of family.  He values his education.  He is honest and loyal.  I am privileged to call him my son.  Happy birthday Vol!  We love you~

Grandparent's Day lunch........

Happy Forever Day Big Girl!

Four years ago in a hot humid Civil Affairs Office in Chongqing China, a sweet baby was placed in our arms.  Our lives would be forever changed that day.  Our heart would be forever open to adoption and the miracle.  A scared little girl with very sad eyes was about to have her world turned upside down.  We were on a journey together.

You have grown so much in the past four years Princess. You can now ride a big bike with training wheels.  You are starting to understand that letters make words.  You love your teachers and your school.  You adore your little sister.  You are funny, sweet, and caring.  You think deeply and love fiercely.  We are privileged  to be your parents.  Love you!

A little weekend fun....

The Frog had some fun at the lake with friends.  The littles had some fun at the mall this weekend!  Happy Labor Day!

I love living in the country.  You never know what you might see driving into the neighborhood.  Can you see the donkeys?