I'm no rockstar...

and I'm not a photographer either.

In fact, some of my most impatient parenting moments have come when I've tried to take a great photo of my kids...for friends and relatives to see how wonderful we're all doing!

(ahem...something not quite right here)

So, this year, I decided to get the Christmas photo done early.

In fact, I'm planning on sending them out for Thanksgiving!

And, to my great relief, I was much more patient than I have been in the past.

(part of that is probably that I've given up on perfection)

But now, I need you help.

Which one would you choose?

number 1

number 2

number 3

number 4

number 5

number 6

Thanks so much for your help!

 

"I've never seen this before."

I'm not kidding.

Those were the doctor's exact words.

Because not only did God completely heal our little guy's mouth.

(see this post)

But a new tooth is already erupting through what the doctor said must be

"extremely healthy bone."

Dr. Tsoi had never seen this happen so quickly.

3 months...

complete healing...

and a new tooth...

woohoo!!!

Isn't our God amazing?!

sweetness and smiles

Goodness!  Look at these two SCH sweethearts...

Could they be any more precious?!

little monkey

When I got back from India, Grace surprised me with this little feat.

I was impressed.

And I'm pretty sure that I couldn't do that!

(who am I kidding...I KNOW that I couldn't do that!)

meet our fun little miracle...

MAPLE

Yes, we got a new little puppy...

and she is so much fun.

She's also our little miracle dog.

A few weeks ago, Grace and I met a little puppy.

Grace wanted the puppy, but we told her that we didn't have money for a puppy, at the moment.

We told her that she could ask Jesus for the money.

Well, of course, she did just that.

And what do you think happened that very day?

David came home after work, pulled me aside, and asked, "How much was that puppy?"

hmmm...turns out that he made some extra money that day

hmmm...turns out that he made exactly the amount needed for one little puppy.

So Maple is our little miracle dog.

And looking at her, we will always remember that our God cares about the prayers of a little girl.

He cares.

And He answers.

Do you know that He cares for you, as well?

He cares.

And He answers.

Isn't our God so very good?!
He just loves to bless.
May you be showered with His blessings today.

honestly...

this little girl is absolute sunshine.

I cannot imagine having lived my life without knowing her.

She's a little bit sassy...

and a whole lot of sweet.

She's got an incredibly joyful spirit.

And she love, love, loves people.

So, of course, people love, love, love her in return.

(funny how that works)

Happy sixth birthday, sweet Grace.

We love you so much, and are so grateful that you are our little girl.

It is a delight to spend every single day with you.

You are a treasure.

Stay tuned for a post about a very exciting sixth birthday present for Grace.

You won't want to miss it!

excitement is in the air

I have a feeling that this little pumpkin is going to be up bright and early tomorrow.

'cuz someone's turning 6!

(bet you'd never guess who...)

kids and the world

A couple of years ago I listened to David Hazell speak about how to help your children learn to love the people of the world.  Mr. Hazell's family started Our Father's World (homeschool curriculum) and have given a large portion of their profits to Bible translation.  Mr. Hazell said that he never goes anywhere without one of his children.  Because of this, his children truly have a heart for the world.

When we adopted Grace, almost two years ago, God made it possible for all of our childen to go to China with us.  Though we could have saved the money, or even have given it away, I know that it was one of the best decisions that we have ever made to take them with us.  What a joy it was for them to meet their longed-for little sister.  And what a privilege it was to see China and it's people.

So, when Lily asked if she could join me on my trip to India, David and I were happy to pray about it.

And the Lord gave us a definite "Yes!" 

Of course, we knew that it would double the expense.

(But, funny thing, God provided the exact amount that we needed with an unexpected tax return.)

And, He made it clear that the time with Lily would be time well spent.

She would grow.

And learn to love the world even more.

It was clearly another one of the best decisions we have ever made.

Truly, if you have the opportunity to take your children with you (whether it's to Africa or North Dakota),

please seriously consider doing it.

You won't regret the difference it makes in their (and your) lives.

And you won't regret the difference it makes in a world that our Savior dearly loves.

And isn't that the point?

phoebe

  If you want to be inspired, spend a little time with Phoebe.

Phoebe is incredibly bright, incredibly curious and full of life.

She also happens to be totally blind.

But she doesn't let that stop her.

So beautiful to be at SCH and see this little treasure flourish.

Bless you, bless you, bless you, sweet Phoebe!

the things we may never know...

As an adoptive mom, I understand that there are some things that I may never really know about my children's early lives.

This morning, Grace asked me if we could talk about China.

Of course, I said yes.

Then, my sweet girl proceeded to tell me a story...

a story that broke my heart.

******

Mama, when I was in China, my best friend die.

Her heart not work right.

It beat really fast.

We were excercising.

And it beat really slow.

And it stopped beating.

She die.

She was my best friend.

She slept right next to me.

******

Sweet Jesus.

I have no idea why Grace would wait to share this story until she had been home for almost two years.

Perhaps it isn't true, at all.

But, on the other hand, I have no idea how Grace could have thought up the details of this story on her own.

She doesn't know anyone with heart issues.

We don't share these kinds of stories with our littlest, sensitive girl.

Either way.

It breaks my heart.

Becuase even if it isn't true.

It could be true.

And I don't know the whole of my daughter's life story.

And any child who has lived in an orphange has endured some pretty tough stuff.

******

But, Mama, she happy now.

She with Jesus.

Precious daughter.

Beautiful girl.

I may never know the whole truth of your early life.

And that saddens my heart.

But, I also know there is One

who has never left you,

nor forsaken you.

And I can rest in the fact that you have always been loved.

By the only One who can love you perfectly.

And that is enough.

That is more than enough.