To My Oldest..

I never saw this coming.  I never dreamed that you would be sitting in front of a Christmas tree in 2013, in the state of IA, with a lap full of sweet Chinese toddlers.  At fourteen, you are such a treasure and the way that you are growing into such an incredible young woman takes my breath away.  For ten years, you were the only one.  You didn't have to share, think of others, and it was pretty quiet around here at all times.  It is so the opposite of that now.  Your sisters need so much and quiet is very, very hard to come by.  You willingly give of yourself again and again as we care for them.  You wipe bloody noses while I'm driving, serve noodles and cheese while I'm rocking another, and sit with these sweet treasures in your lap hundreds of times throughout the day.  Watching you with them and thinking about how far God has brought our family is something I absolutely treasure in my heart.  I am anxious to see how God uses all that has happened in the last three years in your life.  You have walked this road alongside us.  You have seen God provide in ways none of us imagined for the sake of these beauties.  You have sacrificed, adventured, and endured just as we have.  Some of the greatest and most beautiful moments of my life are when you are loving on your sisters.  I love you and am blessed to have you as my daughter.  I know that all too soon you will be farther away from us and I pray that you continue to be strong in your faith as you walk your own path in this life. 

Her First Hair Cut

This sweet girl has been growing out her lovely, dark locks for the last six months and it was time for a trim. So, we have been "playing" haircut all week.  We gathered spray bottles, brushes, a cape, and pretend scissors and "cut" our stuffed animals hair almost every day. (We have enjoyed playing this while inserting many lectures about not cutting her own hair of course.  I have an inkling that this is the one of my children who would actually do that.)

Because of our play, she knew exactly what to expect and she was so good.  She was as still as any two year old can be and she looks adorable though she is looking so much more grown up and that is making this momma sad.

We even had a visitor here that weekend and it was so special to have Anna present for Anna Mei's first cut.  Another milestone for our precious daughter has been reached.  I tell you time is flying by way too fast these days and I know in the blink of an eye she will be grown.

Thank You, Miss Julie!

My sweet friend sent a package to our family for Halloween and Miss Anna would just like to thank her for the yummy treats!

We miss you and your sweet family so!  Thank you for sending a little something from home just for us!

This girl is bouncing off the walls crazy already around here.  It may be a long winter.  I am thankful for this trapeze bar attachment for her indoor swing system because she LOVES it.  Still, the days are LONG when we are cooped up inside because of the cold and snow.  (Yes, it has snowed here already. UGH!!)  Summer can't come soon enough.

How far will God go to redeem "one"?

Go here.
Read. 
Cry. 
This post is a must and while you are there follow them so you can be with them as they travel to China to bring home their sweet Abigail.

Adoption Changed My Life

Without a doubt, adoption has changed my life and the lives of everyone in my entire family.  This video was written and produced by a teen about how adoption has changed her life.  It is beautifully written and her words are so articulated.  I pray that God continues to raise up this generation to live so boldly for him.

It Made Me Think of Him..

I passed by him just now.  There was a group of adults, who were probably residents of a group home, doing there shopping at a store this afternoon.  There he stood at the end of the aisle with a funny crumpled face, because the aisle was so crowded, just shaking his head at the squeeze he was about to experience.  I spoke to him and he smiled the broadest smile.  It was the kind of smile that just lights up my insides.  He showed me his hat.  I asked if he was buying pencils like his friends.  He said yes and then he said "see you later" as I carried on with my shopping and left the aisle.  Then, I started to tear up because that joyful, wonderful, amazing, friendly man made me think of this one..

This little man just passed away in an orphanage never knowing the love of a family.  He passed away at 7 months old never having the value, experiencing the community, or joy that this man in the grocery store, whom I just passed, got to experience.  These two individuals share similar genetic make-up and were both created by the same God in His own image and yet tragically this little man, at only 7 months old, left the earth all too soon.  He was never given the care or value that he deserved on this Earth.  I cried for him and the millions of other children around the world who wait.  As I cried, I thanked God for allowing me to see these children with His eyes and I prayed that He would allow me to be a part of doing something more. Could God be calling you to do something?  Listen.  We are His hands and feet to the least.  If we don't act, who will?


James 1:27  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.