tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102108951899097892024-03-14T10:38:46.782-07:00Journey To Our Empress LadybugJoin us on our journey to be blessed by a special little ladybug from China!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-49302477819112168222012-01-14T15:49:00.000-08:002012-01-14T15:51:31.981-08:00New Beginnings = New Blog !With the new year comes new beginnings. So as we start out the year with lots of excitement as we plan to bring home our sweet baby boy , I thought it was only fitting to change things up here too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7MhW-7oWWPnrNDQPU6taXxdAB8HN-WpH_C3BLBXYU0VXDCoc-yH-RUqWOdTrl6KDu4pLxbFbnd5mlaRLOVQVx-bd9yuALpDlBWumqnb6Pi1JiD4Tm4-3_iql7lE12bW1n2AB2G19E_wc/s1600/oct+%252711+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7MhW-7oWWPnrNDQPU6taXxdAB8HN-WpH_C3BLBXYU0VXDCoc-yH-RUqWOdTrl6KDu4pLxbFbnd5mlaRLOVQVx-bd9yuALpDlBWumqnb6Pi1JiD4Tm4-3_iql7lE12bW1n2AB2G19E_wc/s320/oct+%252711+094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This will be my last post here !<br />
<br />
So please join us as we begin our journey to bring home sweet baby Caden!<br />
<br />
Our new blog is here : <a href="http://www.snipssnailsandsweetfairytales.blogspot.com/">Once upon a time ...</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.snipssnailsandsweetfairytales.blogspot.com/"></a>Be sure to sign in as a follower and let me know what you think! I decided to go with a little different look:)<br />
<br />
Thank you for following along on our journey to Pei ... hope to see you over there!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-55284026058143073742011-12-22T07:07:00.000-08:002011-12-22T07:17:41.288-08:00Maybe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is just something about this little guy of ours .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe it is his story, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
maybe it is that beautiful half smirk that he flashes when someone gets out a camera,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
maybe it is those giant kissable lips and cheeks,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
maybe it is his eyes that look as if they are saying I know you are coming,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or maybe it is how he can wear boogers and still look like the most dreamy little guy this mommy has ever seen !</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnsclPXzAf0/TvMywlQ-eRI/AAAAAAAABv0/9RRVNbmWcP0/s1600/cade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnsclPXzAf0/TvMywlQ-eRI/AAAAAAAABv0/9RRVNbmWcP0/s400/cade.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And lets face it folks, not everyone can wear boogers well :)<br />
<br />
... but somehow Caden does.<br />
<br />
Or maybe it is that we have simply fallen head over heals in love with our little guy.<br />
<br />
Whatever it is we are all wrapped up around those chubby little fingers and I mean tight!<br />
<br />
Wisdom comes with age ,huh?<br />
So this wise, <strike>old</strike> mama owl will admit defeat now 'cause this one is going to run the show :)<br />
I know, I know I said that with the last two but trust me when I say there is a new sheriff in town<br />
<br />
... and I can not wait!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>As we close out this past year, we are looking forward to all the blessings that 2012 is going to bring .</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>We will be back with a new blog that is a little less pink ( sorry girls) ... one more fitting for our little Emperor!</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Many Blessings to you all and Merry Christmas</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-4129327756444188892011-11-28T15:01:00.001-08:002011-11-28T16:08:17.008-08:00Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h1 class="textXLarge">
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">
<h1 class="textXLarge">
</h1>
</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: 25px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 12px; padding-top: 12px;">
<i><br />That's what boys are made of.<br />With dirt on his nose,<br />and scrapes on his knees,<br />the throwing or rocks,<br />and the climbing of trees,<br />with pockets of frogs,<br />and jars full of bugs<br />makes a sweet little boy<br />full of kisses and hugs!</i></div>
</h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We are just your average family of six. We have bills ,cars, a house,pets and kids ,four to be exact. I really used to think that four children was a lot but now that I am the mother of 4 it is merely a number.What makes us unique is how we came to build our family. We chose a road that is often less travelled and I have to say that road has lead us to unmeasurable blessings, the blessing of adoption.<br />
People often think that it is for the super rich, trust me it is not.<br />
People often think that it is never been the right time for them but it is not about our timing but His.<br />
People often say we thought about it but our lives are just to crazy, I can not help but think I really need to invite them over for dinner one night :)<br />
Bret and I knew that we would adopt again ,that was a given. <em>We</em> had decided that Peyton would be the baby ,always. <em>We</em> also had decided that the next child would be an older girl. I pictured her with dark almond shaped eyes and raven hair. <em>We</em> had already had it all planned out.<br />
So now what ?<br />
Well we will wait for<em> our</em> plan to be put into action when the time is right ..<i>.for us!</i><br />
<br />
November 6th we attended an amazing Orphan Sunday service at our church, HFBC. As we sat holding our two beautiful adopted daughters, we listened to many families stories of how there lives had been changed. But one speaker got up there and gave his testimony of their journey to adopt their son and daughter from Africa. As Jay described his home it mirrored ours. The "chaos" that centers around bath time and the dinner hour I could swear that he had been to my house before! But beyond that, he described a loving family whose lives had been forever changed.<br />
We left there with our hearts full of hope for the many children that are waiting around the world to be loved ,cherished and treasured.<br />
I received an email two days later that caught me completely off guard. An email about a little boy in China that needs a family.I had placed this baby boy on my prayer site just last week. I am looking at his photo saying he is one of the most beautiful baby boys I have ever seen <em>but </em>he is completely opposite of who <em>I</em> pictured . This light eyed ,light haired beautiful child will never be excepted in his society. He would be an outcast based on the image that he was created in. I find that hard to wrap my head around in this day and time but it is reality.<br />
I had a quick interruption that reminded me of what the date was. Today was November 8th. This was the same day exactly two years ago that we listened to Pastor Greg speak of how true journey's of faith often have limited sight. On this same day two years ago, we first laid eyes on my daughter ,Pei.<br />
<br />
I have to admit this got my attention.<br />
<br />
As I read about how this giggling baby has learned to tightly grab on to the nannies shirts when they go to place him back into his crib at the orphanage. For him, this ensures that he could be held a little longer. I went to bed that night with the image of that etched in my head.The image of this 9 month old baby desperately longing for the touch of another human being.<br />
<br />
God spoke straight to my heart with that simple image .<br />
<br />
It was if that baby boy had taken those same tiny fingers and wrapped them around mine.As I looked at his picture I saw a beautiful baby with Ava's eye and hair color, Pei's beautiful almond shape eyes and Chinese Heritage and all of the blessings that each of my sons have brought to my life.<br />
<br />
<br />
So over the course of the next couple of days we let go of what our image was and realized that God's image was much better. .<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6Q5hyphenhyphenXaIANem3kH78Tw8seLdzqC4ajM1IVCNeWcTNcBV2J1DWH0Fv0eL30ghQ7VW-0yqQR0mSWx4F04OBDVC_6sHq-ACRfEEAy_YfOD0MEkdF1ChwugFeFzCDNCseMGEe5M-sRbnTog/s1600/Hayden%252Bborn%252BJan%252B2011%252BUpdated%252Bphoto%252BOct%252B26%252C%252B2011%252B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6Q5hyphenhyphenXaIANem3kH78Tw8seLdzqC4ajM1IVCNeWcTNcBV2J1DWH0Fv0eL30ghQ7VW-0yqQR0mSWx4F04OBDVC_6sHq-ACRfEEAy_YfOD0MEkdF1ChwugFeFzCDNCseMGEe5M-sRbnTog/s320/Hayden%252Bborn%252BJan%252B2011%252BUpdated%252Bphoto%252BOct%252B26%252C%252B2011%252B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Caden Ryker Han Le Wen</span></b></i><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
God has blessed us with a child that is a combination of the best qualities of each and every one of my children. He has showed us yet again that everything good comes in his plans for us and on his time.<br />
We can not wait to get our beautiful son home and hold him in our arms. Please join us in praying our beautiful baby boy home.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-19082883281203988982011-11-23T05:09:00.000-08:002012-06-25T05:15:33.266-07:00ThankfulI have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. These are just a few reasons why my heart is filled with thankfulness ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwtKu-z7JsBwqxX8zfiaQyiU_nbh9KVGG_d3Ygv391yTYtH40xerDOEedMsxrgzfAxYjW_3QQxblshXi67OvpHoMET18apSWvj8og6LDI5MBbNUtFcS3CXFMAVCfNnqViqgelwyHc1ibd/s1600/oct+%252711+086.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678203777473977154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwtKu-z7JsBwqxX8zfiaQyiU_nbh9KVGG_d3Ygv391yTYtH40xerDOEedMsxrgzfAxYjW_3QQxblshXi67OvpHoMET18apSWvj8og6LDI5MBbNUtFcS3CXFMAVCfNnqViqgelwyHc1ibd/s400/oct+%252711+086.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Lovable ladybugs!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXIvYlGqJKfcXpm5uKYQ6YOQWYiH-AGzc6iR7tAlxhXAiGA20QrWs44-d_q8xf-HF7ujuSNOx4FiSd7rmm27t1uupS5T4kOGtFnQAa-NsgWK3pzpAvndFyKZMqPWySRKNufmhpJS6WYDK/s1600/oct+%252711+038.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678202759233846482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXIvYlGqJKfcXpm5uKYQ6YOQWYiH-AGzc6iR7tAlxhXAiGA20QrWs44-d_q8xf-HF7ujuSNOx4FiSd7rmm27t1uupS5T4kOGtFnQAa-NsgWK3pzpAvndFyKZMqPWySRKNufmhpJS6WYDK/s400/oct+%252711+038.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Beautiful bumblebees!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WOkN3YRcyzi2EXn5zXT9xrWlP3gdVXT4eO0yqKugtu6xckk5TahHZVyTJjKS0dACNqQj2moGjIrJ7jhvuBg0s_j1NIjjthJ2xvw6Pzf_G0hS37wZLr5MWEZknyB_y8BGK1eyxQM0-jPC/s1600/oct+%252711+028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678201838725531570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WOkN3YRcyzi2EXn5zXT9xrWlP3gdVXT4eO0yqKugtu6xckk5TahHZVyTJjKS0dACNqQj2moGjIrJ7jhvuBg0s_j1NIjjthJ2xvw6Pzf_G0hS37wZLr5MWEZknyB_y8BGK1eyxQM0-jPC/s400/oct+%252711+028.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Sweet sisters :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1EoQd3y90gj7GRxjT82wmpMTKsIS3KtFJFCdyESSbSKkkJ6jKFtkr9p3kbUyx5GypCcsaozzDLZZeaNzRY9x75LG9Lawte6_b9zfYgQGYJV4ygKDnkI12cG4JvC1_RO5WCqOG2XMs_WX/s1600/oct+%252711+071.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678199808258348322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1EoQd3y90gj7GRxjT82wmpMTKsIS3KtFJFCdyESSbSKkkJ6jKFtkr9p3kbUyx5GypCcsaozzDLZZeaNzRY9x75LG9Lawte6_b9zfYgQGYJV4ygKDnkI12cG4JvC1_RO5WCqOG2XMs_WX/s400/oct+%252711+071.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The joys of many firsts :)</div>
<br />
<div>
(Nick's first car)<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKu2w7a3XLBqDhwbi6i5pp31KoATjuJ_yId8ZnjP44yxg-aYTVe63_5VVxVItsLbbaJixlpvBRQ8-cMNz9NqAhZwyAvjrR4BX9Ztbgoc_NniJcQchmw0DMwdP0gG4sikPc6T_RfICTVgV/s1600/oct+%252711+073.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678186352733759346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKu2w7a3XLBqDhwbi6i5pp31KoATjuJ_yId8ZnjP44yxg-aYTVe63_5VVxVItsLbbaJixlpvBRQ8-cMNz9NqAhZwyAvjrR4BX9Ztbgoc_NniJcQchmw0DMwdP0gG4sikPc6T_RfICTVgV/s400/oct+%252711+073.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
My furry babies!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRC_GhPqjrhI8ewTLqGiQa-CfKo3DIrxg00PZPxXjOQdZftVUeW4P5ojF_v0tJW0-paZHIfW5am9EvJasXNKJS-yL7Q0PSx0lXzx3gRVrQ9NzAEyZyV3rlhzit8H25RCla9FWVYSETVUw/s1600/oct+%252711+091.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678185306705916082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRC_GhPqjrhI8ewTLqGiQa-CfKo3DIrxg00PZPxXjOQdZftVUeW4P5ojF_v0tJW0-paZHIfW5am9EvJasXNKJS-yL7Q0PSx0lXzx3gRVrQ9NzAEyZyV3rlhzit8H25RCla9FWVYSETVUw/s400/oct+%252711+091.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
and my less furry loves,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZGpronqzZtBTG93aNzufm8bfzWVh0SkFZJtplf7FFt1nSC9-rphWhoiGdrfKb15qVyRTLE0zANF-AZsuygvg5L6s63JJo_FFf5khQOlyEi9OI7uMuDnv9U3skHzxdSOoO8hQSSqqP6g1/s1600/oct+%252711+095.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678184579245134274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZGpronqzZtBTG93aNzufm8bfzWVh0SkFZJtplf7FFt1nSC9-rphWhoiGdrfKb15qVyRTLE0zANF-AZsuygvg5L6s63JJo_FFf5khQOlyEi9OI7uMuDnv9U3skHzxdSOoO8hQSSqqP6g1/s400/oct+%252711+095.jpg" style="display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
And all of the many blessings that are <em><strong>yet</strong></em> to come ;)</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><em>Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving</em></span> !<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-61370026433310463302011-11-01T06:03:00.000-07:002011-11-01T07:42:07.418-07:00Idea for Orphan Sunday<div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#336666;"><em><strong>Orphan Sunday </strong></em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#336666;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#336666;"><em><strong></strong></em></span></span><a href="http://firstprayerwarriors.blogspot.com/"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670037557629480562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpojX8VGfzKNIJQzj7rk81cUT1U39BQv0XjYmyzGBDa14T5Z5G5kQ6frfyKLYuhAQS7kgljoT3WQ88u4wzQej5LtydC6WdVoCOYtJVyTwlpmXu6Fd7Ol7UJaCGDs6Z-aEkw0kTVUt1xUG/s400/the-least-of-these.png" /><br /><br />Orphan Sunday is November 6th . It is a time for Christians to be the voice for those who can not speak for themselves. I have grown up going to church all my life and I really did not ever remember one church ever observing this day.<br />There are approximately 147 million children without families around the world. That number is sobering. Both of my sweet girls were among those numbers but now know the love of a family.<br />There are so many verses in the bible that reference back to caring for the least of these but yet less than 5 % of Christian families actually step forward to adopt. I truly believe with all of my heart we are all not meant to "physically" adopt but that does not mean that we do not get involved in some way.<br /><br />There are so many ways to help.<br /><br />~Advocate for a child<br />~help a family fund raise for their adoption<br />~Become a big brother or sister in your community<br />~Foster a child<br />~Go to Reese's Rainbow and help a child with their adoption grant<br />~Pray for a specific child<br /><br />Over the course of the past few weeks I have been working on a site for our church for Orphan Sunday.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.waitingchildwarriors.com/">http://www.waitingchildwarriors.com/</a><br /><br /><br />This site was created with the hope that people will be called to get involved. I will be continuing to add waiting children weekly . Please print off a child's photo and pray for them. Some of these children are in such an urgent crisis that I could not imagine turning my back on them.Many of these children are living in a distant land and some are in your own backyard. Regardless they are children in need.<br />My pastor asked for the congregation to step out and help raise money for funding adoptions for families through Lifesong. In a total of two Sundays they raised $180,000! I am in awe of the spirit of these people that I sit with in church every Sunday .<br />My hopes are that next year I will get to see one of these precious kids at my church with their new family. If that happen this labor of love will all be worth it.<br />Please visit here <a href="http://www.waitingchildwarriors.com/">http://www.waitingchildwarriors.com/</a><br />Grab the button and spread the word!<br />Share this site with your church on Orphan Sunday !<br />Never under estimate what one simple act on your part can do to change someones life!</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-43215611607522760152011-10-07T08:07:00.000-07:002011-10-07T10:45:16.121-07:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;color:#333333;"><em>Change of Seasons</em></span><br /><br /><br /><br />In July, I felt the apprehension building. The count down had begun for school . August was just a few weeks away and big changes were coming.<br />For the boys, summer was over and it was back to the routine.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RkTH_-lMQwBma_zTEYkLFDOiVt0u5_eRx4UpSc4LYjFW1mS6yRP8oQom_0xeZM7wbL5054eBQGu1gFH1NNrhC6ZY3uRxr2YhquB3_SqQkt-Ko2cFi01DNShRRYYR_qECg1lj5XSMKv_v/s1600/1st+day+of+school+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660772798936225858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RkTH_-lMQwBma_zTEYkLFDOiVt0u5_eRx4UpSc4LYjFW1mS6yRP8oQom_0xeZM7wbL5054eBQGu1gFH1NNrhC6ZY3uRxr2YhquB3_SqQkt-Ko2cFi01DNShRRYYR_qECg1lj5XSMKv_v/s400/1st+day+of+school+001.jpg" /></a> Jake entered the third grade. The pain of leaving the xbox and endless snacks was upon him :) But as I expected he rolled with the punches and did not miss a beat!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eXwI7rPWZRUQIhQ5Iy7x476NCpvq3LoayCIj-HE2QtObw-q4IgLcx5ohLum6jv69gvl066bG0GN5XkjufMH0hYQNpPIgU8t-VJbmUq3tXwKb__BcO8sUAU68-04DTaDBWw8Kb3WibIO0/s1600/1st+day+of+school+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660772191281786610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eXwI7rPWZRUQIhQ5Iy7x476NCpvq3LoayCIj-HE2QtObw-q4IgLcx5ohLum6jv69gvl066bG0GN5XkjufMH0hYQNpPIgU8t-VJbmUq3tXwKb__BcO8sUAU68-04DTaDBWw8Kb3WibIO0/s400/1st+day+of+school+002.jpg" /></a> Nick started his senior year! I am still asking myself am I really this old ! Where did the time go?</div><br /><div>He embraced going back ,ready to begin the best year of high school.</div><br /><div>So you ask yourself where is the apprehension coming from ? Well, that leaves the littles.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ava has been home for three years and I knew that peer mentoring was so important for her speech but her need to attach and feel secure trumped all. I felt like it was time. As her momma I knew she was ready. Question is did she know she was ready! And the biggest question was I ready!</div><br /><div>Pei has been home for a little over 1 year and the guilt that I felt was over whelming. I truly felt like I was throwing her to the wolves! </div><br /><div>After all Ava had three years of my undivided attention.</div><br /><div>But I got the courage one day over the summer and signed them up . The deposit was payed and it was done. So I put it out of my mind. You know that little place in your mind where you stick stuff you really do not want to think about . Yep ,that is where all of this went.</div><br /><div>A few weeks before school started I had to sit down and write a quick bio on each of the girls to help the teacher know them better.</div><br /><div>I felt that tension building again . As I wrote about each of their lives I felt really flooded with urgency. How was I going to explain how each of these little girls lives began so differently from the other little students . When they watch me walk away it is not just the normal separation anxiety it is so much more. </div><br /><div>"Will she come back?"</div><br /><div>Ava has PTSD. There is just no grey area with her. In her mind everything is black or white. And when that fear is unleashed it takes a grip on her it is paralyzing. As her mom, I am her constant and consistent shelter. But once she walks through those doors I will not be there. </div><br /><div>Pei has adjusted so well since being home. But is she ready for such a drastic change?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Before I knew it the date had arrived . School was beginning and there is no turning back.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So together holding hands my two brave little girls began school. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRD9GbQSR9VRXVOCfFITN2B6wQkc6hMU02IMDZr3_d0Kthc3l1XNT8Cqy6xeG7uCe0zvjz3zQkMMwNKviVKH1X4-7gFqOLEodHi9zyOoye9lVllBI9OW7yAN9fgQ9ZoXB8MO8-k3-7AGs/s1600/1st+day+of+school+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660771609871371714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRD9GbQSR9VRXVOCfFITN2B6wQkc6hMU02IMDZr3_d0Kthc3l1XNT8Cqy6xeG7uCe0zvjz3zQkMMwNKviVKH1X4-7gFqOLEodHi9zyOoye9lVllBI9OW7yAN9fgQ9ZoXB8MO8-k3-7AGs/s400/1st+day+of+school+006.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We talked a great deal about what it would be like.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCcnt9Vm8jJaqM4kMpUQiMFvEjId9e6Q7Maaei74vc8Ui9Kh6GNAqm6bmn7jC38svjZhIPsCGc6XAUN6HISeHH6Lj58NSApkXNOZt848paUB0Ks6RI9NfrNIMCQrNLPtl7cD7JHmlyQBg/s1600/1st+day+of+school+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660771013732989346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCcnt9Vm8jJaqM4kMpUQiMFvEjId9e6Q7Maaei74vc8Ui9Kh6GNAqm6bmn7jC38svjZhIPsCGc6XAUN6HISeHH6Lj58NSApkXNOZt848paUB0Ks6RI9NfrNIMCQrNLPtl7cD7JHmlyQBg/s400/1st+day+of+school+012.jpg" /></a><br />Days filled with singing ,coloring and making new friends<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSgj2pWdh3CEACsgm8EEaJHBqNn8EE4FNy_9SMrVLQkIfPWXgMZx0T0GMsWihWla_AAY5rewZY2W5a3FihRVXmtGjc0Pu9VQ95gRI93-RjCNymkxA2lp06abJEUw_51DpA3-CumCfM5EX/s1600/1st+day+of+school+015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660770579787694146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSgj2pWdh3CEACsgm8EEaJHBqNn8EE4FNy_9SMrVLQkIfPWXgMZx0T0GMsWihWla_AAY5rewZY2W5a3FihRVXmtGjc0Pu9VQ95gRI93-RjCNymkxA2lp06abJEUw_51DpA3-CumCfM5EX/s400/1st+day+of+school+015.jpg" /></a><br />And of course letting them know that when they lay down for nap time ,I am on my way to come and get them :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R8uIO_-Lp104DXWeEAjH5AiJeg7YS6azDtJzMTz8PFKgX-vPZTIBfn-bh4YPN8Lsa83Tfkz-2JVOwtYHDrDDfFLzECviVcLwK0u38-oyeQlCsDmRYcA5h0zM0umpgHUn-SK8IFQQi3TC/s1600/1st+day+of+school+014.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660769889062433602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1R8uIO_-Lp104DXWeEAjH5AiJeg7YS6azDtJzMTz8PFKgX-vPZTIBfn-bh4YPN8Lsa83Tfkz-2JVOwtYHDrDDfFLzECviVcLwK0u38-oyeQlCsDmRYcA5h0zM0umpgHUn-SK8IFQQi3TC/s400/1st+day+of+school+014.jpg" /></a><br />I think the simple fact that they are in the same class helps. The sheer presence of your sister brings comfort and there is always a friendly hug available when needed :)</div><br /><div>But something so miraculous happened ...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYHBjvRr-mu1k8JErj9s_lEskh3slexa3Q_RekpMWg65JiZ1lAKJW84hVTjXq5Gv7En5zAKH4qNs_ATIOdWgxnUHPSdkRF87WooMigzGN0UQ6qSE7xfw2hLaS6IdnsWPHa1qqDDOSd076/s1600/1st+day+of+school+029.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660769131286738162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYHBjvRr-mu1k8JErj9s_lEskh3slexa3Q_RekpMWg65JiZ1lAKJW84hVTjXq5Gv7En5zAKH4qNs_ATIOdWgxnUHPSdkRF87WooMigzGN0UQ6qSE7xfw2hLaS6IdnsWPHa1qqDDOSd076/s400/1st+day+of+school+029.jpg" /></a><br /><br />THEY . LOVED . IT !!!!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>They did not cry . </div><br /><div>But I balled like a baby when I got in the car :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So two days a week I am rediscovering what a little "me time" is all about :) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On a side note, we did a little decorating for Halloween. We carefully selected our pumpkins and thoughtfully decorated them .</div><br /><div>But something was working on our display.</div><br /><div>So our mysterious pumpkin violator made himself known a few days later...</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicto6ZgH_ldyE74TtPSWhnYKPQvUiu_bAc_a03nEJ8Q6yioHGbcLXMZH8c32mua45DROq5xIvhzWboCw5nIbs9P8Gd-nuF3ygPoEfjbQ_1_sXCXeh270SBKY1BPt9URvjQPN5RPrEnkfhq/s1600/1st+day+of+school+032.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660768273341891778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicto6ZgH_ldyE74TtPSWhnYKPQvUiu_bAc_a03nEJ8Q6yioHGbcLXMZH8c32mua45DROq5xIvhzWboCw5nIbs9P8Gd-nuF3ygPoEfjbQ_1_sXCXeh270SBKY1BPt9URvjQPN5RPrEnkfhq/s400/1st+day+of+school+032.jpg" /></a><br />Well needless to say in 10 minutes flat the Halloween villain was in our house and had been named<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsFTpTrpBLQozgDdK7V4MVlOSzuE-mZpjLcpd8pXTxY0tIC2eRvEScCKfsH3qmSivsgjViRZNftkP1XiqiHhB2rvLJdZ11dcahswYlt4Pca8b88w7R0v9qqr2Z98WyqmMC-fBqZCcN_vm/s1600/1st+day+of+school+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660767726116041666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsFTpTrpBLQozgDdK7V4MVlOSzuE-mZpjLcpd8pXTxY0tIC2eRvEScCKfsH3qmSivsgjViRZNftkP1XiqiHhB2rvLJdZ11dcahswYlt4Pca8b88w7R0v9qqr2Z98WyqmMC-fBqZCcN_vm/s400/1st+day+of+school+036.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Anyone want a bunny ?????????????<br /></div><br /><div>And yes now I have a tortoise and a hare!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-90173420864422885092011-09-10T06:42:00.000-07:002011-09-10T07:52:12.091-07:00<em><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Friends</span></strong></em><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><br />~ a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard ; a supporter<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_HcNH-ma0AcYhiYWpB7imQoBHyzfKPW4hVQGSQu7sIy7qA5RmHCM6aMGjiwxPcVk76harxJZ-DnpUZRMVc7bB7oeqHX7GbDCXIAGSdymltr8KlLOmgsTX5S78SK1pAYG-Qa1w1X8uAvL/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650731660854281218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_HcNH-ma0AcYhiYWpB7imQoBHyzfKPW4hVQGSQu7sIy7qA5RmHCM6aMGjiwxPcVk76harxJZ-DnpUZRMVc7bB7oeqHX7GbDCXIAGSdymltr8KlLOmgsTX5S78SK1pAYG-Qa1w1X8uAvL/s400/sept%252711+zoo+005.jpg" /></a> A day at the zoo surrounded by all your supporters was just what the doctor ordered!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p8Pt6_I-qDdKhFsmCUuOKKogMKAGFFzEcQxNa9k-VoOoBEqOJuCWgMuD8nmBcgmw_GyZciiGV6yUavOD4MF_zZ912jPa_Z3uiBmvZeVeOsS9XlwuTTUxaOY0RtpNYzBqxI-BAemD1p4o/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650730973385129954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p8Pt6_I-qDdKhFsmCUuOKKogMKAGFFzEcQxNa9k-VoOoBEqOJuCWgMuD8nmBcgmw_GyZciiGV6yUavOD4MF_zZ912jPa_Z3uiBmvZeVeOsS9XlwuTTUxaOY0RtpNYzBqxI-BAemD1p4o/s400/sept%252711+zoo+009.jpg" /></a><br />When I look at these sweet girls I can hardly imagine that each of their lives all began the way they did. Each of their stories share the same beginning . And now their stories have followed the same path again. They each belong to a family in the same hometown. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2xNAch0c3C96o3hn9LOrkP78eRPxktFP9DfXu1kcHE7rnuVtxp0Q9-IPmio5nrZaJm36eCxuglezGemkD9eGKDz2xjcajL2_PVg3vVx44gJRvTrfsRoY39CK_NTGPEBD3CmNHZ8x2MP8/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650730172558569266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2xNAch0c3C96o3hn9LOrkP78eRPxktFP9DfXu1kcHE7rnuVtxp0Q9-IPmio5nrZaJm36eCxuglezGemkD9eGKDz2xjcajL2_PVg3vVx44gJRvTrfsRoY39CK_NTGPEBD3CmNHZ8x2MP8/s400/sept%252711+zoo+013.jpg" /></a><br />We do not get together nearly enough but when we do you can just see the connection between these girls.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiE-QHqx21Fx77PdhKsg6HxLCr9m35zId6gMXNwAPUm4t1Jq3VtN5lAkbDfBIX25mKDjlROzXYbFaQeSBpbQfLwI_00q4fV3OmYq0P2WePqOntRNDM9pViUSRyMg8jx2CTYeyp4v9pEAVr/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650729676561781746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiE-QHqx21Fx77PdhKsg6HxLCr9m35zId6gMXNwAPUm4t1Jq3VtN5lAkbDfBIX25mKDjlROzXYbFaQeSBpbQfLwI_00q4fV3OmYq0P2WePqOntRNDM9pViUSRyMg8jx2CTYeyp4v9pEAVr/s400/sept%252711+zoo+015.jpg" /></a><br />There is always great conversations :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA_AGuW4GDtLMrylAFI6uXC2C_wQ_jCGHDCn-8SJoSBRBh_FiQPZRbF4neY1Az8q_YDyXXTpXZiSN0beFXgRYWNEdB1sYAzuGxlgd4Z01V9B28KHwhqs8y9d6BxoPjCaB7xk11GLhnbJ5/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650729083803412626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA_AGuW4GDtLMrylAFI6uXC2C_wQ_jCGHDCn-8SJoSBRBh_FiQPZRbF4neY1Az8q_YDyXXTpXZiSN0beFXgRYWNEdB1sYAzuGxlgd4Z01V9B28KHwhqs8y9d6BxoPjCaB7xk11GLhnbJ5/s400/sept%252711+zoo+016.jpg" /></a><br /><br />lots of hand holding and hugs<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xd4G16hAYzKL6Yfb7NkLNajMs9LKUURS7MT2cbr_E-pl_hWrydhBTimmI2VYaijlyke6nQeCIOgi8OmkKPu_RPss2BgLfwET4_v3V0R3IeFdhDFbiDDii1RHxekUhvS1XIc8rJUqSGRD/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650728288677722242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xd4G16hAYzKL6Yfb7NkLNajMs9LKUURS7MT2cbr_E-pl_hWrydhBTimmI2VYaijlyke6nQeCIOgi8OmkKPu_RPss2BgLfwET4_v3V0R3IeFdhDFbiDDii1RHxekUhvS1XIc8rJUqSGRD/s400/sept%252711+zoo+035.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And lots of silliness !<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5trq_3xzp3QUsZ9AiIiQa7-xYZ54dZILa3BYq0lY1gH9Ca54w6LExXyqIOM7JL8VGuUSRM4gQfFTSN5cz_vL_pbNe_z7BE6_6NpMSpRmA1Atr5yXupR2jTTIKe1jN0b9tB2Qa_5vLf4nz/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650727646602385042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5trq_3xzp3QUsZ9AiIiQa7-xYZ54dZILa3BYq0lY1gH9Ca54w6LExXyqIOM7JL8VGuUSRM4gQfFTSN5cz_vL_pbNe_z7BE6_6NpMSpRmA1Atr5yXupR2jTTIKe1jN0b9tB2Qa_5vLf4nz/s400/sept%252711+zoo+036.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But I believe these girls are more than friends<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7mwy_nPeTow6pW5c4G8aLict40JkiO1B05K9udEcV7inaSd2Z8pBqnNpTdxL7gaTs4SWdrPl2HXSAGOB1CE5p0zwTpQfrqB7za0jMW7jsVJPeRPXIGk-AR7bfyJKHvtkAx-mO98P5BKz/s1600/sept%252711+zoo+037.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650726853302494434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7mwy_nPeTow6pW5c4G8aLict40JkiO1B05K9udEcV7inaSd2Z8pBqnNpTdxL7gaTs4SWdrPl2HXSAGOB1CE5p0zwTpQfrqB7za0jMW7jsVJPeRPXIGk-AR7bfyJKHvtkAx-mO98P5BKz/s400/sept%252711+zoo+037.jpg" /></a><br />They are sisters in adoption .<br /><br />Now that is a lifelong bond and connection that will never break!<br /></div><br /><div>Love you sweet girls!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-46800537832066789912011-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T10:08:57.890-07:00
<br />
<br /><div>
<br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#660000;"><em><strong>Hope</strong></em></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>I opened my inbox on Tuesday morning to a wonderful surprise :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>
<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646692250134147922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkk_9pTn8F0e5yMnQVyod-FB4kfV-CrFHDyjts5NZU8ltyF7o-gsdrnK9EoDkcd0_2D91Qpc8fm-57whyphenhyphen8weI2tUnkfB6HIl7iMp8F69ozFLGSZYwUShzsQ9R291KqQdEMk-wtSTA2Z-9/s400/jennie+14.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>To make a long story short :) there is a waiting child in China , "Jennie" , that has just stolen my heart. Several months ago, I stumbled across a web page of a mission trip to her orphanage. To my surprise there she was back in '08 sending a message to her friend, Mia ,who had been adopted the past year. Despite her orphan status , she was eager to send well wishes to her dear friend and hear all about her new life in the US. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://www.heartsandhandsinternational.org/blog/?p=396">http://www.heartsandhandsinternational.org/blog/?p=396</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>I watched the video and wondered how a child with nothing was not consumed with jealousy but instead showed such excitement for her friend. She had such a sparkle in her eyes . Maybe she was holding out <em>hope</em> that her turn would soon come.That look of hope drew me in and I was determined to advocate for this sweet girl.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>I thought several times about contacting Ken Surritte, that had taken the video of Jennie many years ago on this mission trip, but never did. Some time had past and I really thought this sweet girl had got a family. But unfortunately there she was back on the latest shared list. So I decided that I had to email him and he promptly emailed back . He said you are never going to believe this but I have just purchased my ticket to China this morning ,I leave in two days. He said he now had a new agenda to add to his trip : </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>Meet this precious girl and get new info and photos :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>So on Monday of this week, Ken sat down with the director and Jennie for some tea and great conversation! What a beautiful gem of a girl that said she knows there is a special family that is meant to be hers. Sigh. So my plea here is please pass on this info and pics and help Jennie find her family! </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646686396356327314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAFMy44uxa-ZJJR9tn_0BqpaOkk6VXQkgQOgVpHi6-aPzQH7746j5sW0GTRiVmCVnbbO4s9vP1rzf7tivdruTF_YGCH7KOwVJeyHPuicAddi32R4srnPSERBbK5_TdttlICtSNCF8U48p/s400/jennie+9.jpg" />
<br />
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646686151202808802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYfP_q9Amzo6UK6MGtHTe96z6FdgUsPyDoN1-hIgiUfrxFQKb9hz1tz3H6Bz8mClcjpsw7wC26da_GUHQY-JWh2DPc0jnCYXF2SBcXmF7s4MBJj55GyGYGw77XYNoP5KFTUl_qNpMuKcr/s400/jennie+19.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646685249318174994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiykzUKX1g9G2CyzmaB0q4GH2LRQGhCZ5LjigpTa0nId8mOxtFr-P4VqfsmDNYKpNZlT93_Y9mxhMt6wyigu4jJo7l5TO4ilHJSLDEwfs9CfiBVpgVNI8UJEwJb0J-T_6gyTV-R6Z9kJK/s400/jennie+august+%252711.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>Here are a few things he learned about her: </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~She loves school and studies hard, English is her favorite subject </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~She is very excited about the possibility of being adopted! </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~She likes to eat bananas ,chicken,rice , veggies and lychee fruit </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~She likes to sing and play badminton
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~She loves to help and care for the other students :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~She is described as extremely sweet and caring</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>~ Not to mention she is simply beautiful!</div>
<br />This sweet girl is on the shared list so she can be locked by any agency. Time is of the essence for this sweet girl so please pass on this info. Also take a look at her singing this sweet song about how special a mom is in the post below. SIGH!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me @nmsettle@yahoo.com
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br /><div></div></div>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-40393242646541634512011-08-30T09:48:00.001-07:002011-08-30T09:48:11.052-07:00Jennie singing Mama Hoa<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="283" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=e21c0287f0&photo_id=6096387555&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=e21c0287f0&photo_id=6096387555&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="283" width="500"></embed></object><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45453245@N02/6096387555/">jennie movie 2</a> a video by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45453245@N02/">Xia Ben Pei</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Here are the words to this song :<br /><br />Only mommy is the best in the world.<br />When a child has a mommy, she feels treasured.<br />When she gets into mommy's arms,<br />there is endless happiness to enjoy.<br />When a child does not have a mommy, she is most worried and anxious.<br />A child without a mommy is like a weed.<br />Away from mommy's arms,<br />where can she find happiness?</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-3746939739141728412011-08-22T08:08:00.000-07:002011-08-22T09:56:29.149-07:00<span style="color:#330033;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Sisters</em></strong>
<br /></span>
<br /><strong><em></em></strong></span>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzt_QIKc6521CdK8I9fz3TSC1-Z0iI6NkL_C1421w7QnOLjUtr4YjVP03mA6AtznvK1MxicsHaHWx7VWCXb8PYzedDmXILuK5reSO5Ko6E5Yyuh2P63pFKJprZ1EXJ4SpK2qE8WRdLNvU/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+212.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643708503615564738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzt_QIKc6521CdK8I9fz3TSC1-Z0iI6NkL_C1421w7QnOLjUtr4YjVP03mA6AtznvK1MxicsHaHWx7VWCXb8PYzedDmXILuK5reSO5Ko6E5Yyuh2P63pFKJprZ1EXJ4SpK2qE8WRdLNvU/s400/destin+aug+%252711+212.jpg" /></a> Sister :
<br />a female offspring having both parents in common with another offspring ; a female sibling
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9kfmFFK2gLr81wJh-yKbNoEC3VN1pU4iyrL5HqQEcVdCmfvoZl8c7GuT7N3wbbJa5NR5gkysRbFTcMQamBexN_x6pELr9T_qg_d7GehMnUaIPFUA5frRId_APbxzibXsELB8olspe4rY/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+112.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643706531851237730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9kfmFFK2gLr81wJh-yKbNoEC3VN1pU4iyrL5HqQEcVdCmfvoZl8c7GuT7N3wbbJa5NR5gkysRbFTcMQamBexN_x6pELr9T_qg_d7GehMnUaIPFUA5frRId_APbxzibXsELB8olspe4rY/s400/destin+aug+%252711+112.jpg" /></a>
<br />The definition sister, is direct and to the point but lacking so much.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYqp_vWr6VpT_bIZ926pV7EO_Qj4koiG4YkLhOmi0rwi_V7zH4rnLDbWHo2ieLkYkVwyAPzDkxyS-nq_2gAVuZKrO-vph2S5AVmzdhwKyZyUcvPmclmTUW631FdoW-UIyzajou7egWlNL/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+203.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643705356647122930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYqp_vWr6VpT_bIZ926pV7EO_Qj4koiG4YkLhOmi0rwi_V7zH4rnLDbWHo2ieLkYkVwyAPzDkxyS-nq_2gAVuZKrO-vph2S5AVmzdhwKyZyUcvPmclmTUW631FdoW-UIyzajou7egWlNL/s400/destin+aug+%252711+203.jpg" /></a>
<br />When we were waiting to travel to China to get Pei , I hoped and prayed that these two girls would be close. That they would share a bond and connection that would run deeper than blood.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w8fyCGq8gDcdYWK_h8qsUnJsBUN2xIIxFM2mCSZusgF3m2wZ2O7BNu3LFD2Y9OesUCHmGi-3PJEQrroF9ghgGLB9qDQ6PSJiDgmBIvbv0l0epzYJ7659C8MZA_8VUanfGTvIgqye2uQb/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+128.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643704881232776354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w8fyCGq8gDcdYWK_h8qsUnJsBUN2xIIxFM2mCSZusgF3m2wZ2O7BNu3LFD2Y9OesUCHmGi-3PJEQrroF9ghgGLB9qDQ6PSJiDgmBIvbv0l0epzYJ7659C8MZA_8VUanfGTvIgqye2uQb/s400/destin+aug+%252711+128.jpg" /></a> Both spending the beginning of their lives somewhat lost and waiting for their forever families.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsdLmbfPQOJx-yEJ9H98kRw2PUfGOONJ-8TRvdex_XvYE4o88M1hQDjDIrCw_wY3I9daaY3fnJjePPM4wr5nzLG86hHW3C_UlBNZgXDBUPqf4yHdndBWJmLpNahGsm4gzyyIPQOqXv5U2/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+202.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643703827942709346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsdLmbfPQOJx-yEJ9H98kRw2PUfGOONJ-8TRvdex_XvYE4o88M1hQDjDIrCw_wY3I9daaY3fnJjePPM4wr5nzLG86hHW3C_UlBNZgXDBUPqf4yHdndBWJmLpNahGsm4gzyyIPQOqXv5U2/s400/destin+aug+%252711+202.jpg" /></a>
<br />But as I have watched this sisterhood unfold over the past year, I have no doubt that these two
<br />were not only waiting on their families but in many ways waiting on each other.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn7rZRSjtKwHxEAkqSs9bQUzX1r7m1ksfmeiRXrl98FuhME3Uqbj_btvehKFy0TYu5BNn-9cuGDBk9RDeXHaM9NRiUd5-1dR9G2dVNU1uJ9CzoezQviITn4RaoQZhsvq-cEBjeX6TZeNW/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+217.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643702618231455810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn7rZRSjtKwHxEAkqSs9bQUzX1r7m1ksfmeiRXrl98FuhME3Uqbj_btvehKFy0TYu5BNn-9cuGDBk9RDeXHaM9NRiUd5-1dR9G2dVNU1uJ9CzoezQviITn4RaoQZhsvq-cEBjeX6TZeNW/s400/destin+aug+%252711+217.jpg" /></a>
<br />This relationship was truly nothing short of heaven sent.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpQzvcmR9zS_f8qWMUtYl51iIvPEtiD7Vd5LmTCZR_zIcWkcwmqiJjSE-oO2t_rpe9rUSPEIIF-fKog040xocXscfS_KQ6f5gOmG2uT_Hpqzlr6TmZ1ddnA4V3_FjVy5vkWMcE2f1d74W/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+158.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643702157097276482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpQzvcmR9zS_f8qWMUtYl51iIvPEtiD7Vd5LmTCZR_zIcWkcwmqiJjSE-oO2t_rpe9rUSPEIIF-fKog040xocXscfS_KQ6f5gOmG2uT_Hpqzlr6TmZ1ddnA4V3_FjVy5vkWMcE2f1d74W/s400/destin+aug+%252711+158.jpg" /></a>
<br />Two girls from such diverse countries and ethnicity's that have forged a bond as if they are twins.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>
<br />These sisters share so much more than just having the same parents in common. They spend their days filled with :
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCRCYrdVBmzk8-Rh4uhlkBmsaZQUpwwwe3rON8P4Yf1xfxBMHKKJU29znBl5BFwl-dwtr0c5BvmtdxkQjX5wQdgl1AjfKoQDltPzIexPFdDRfhKivHdlPWQDwevYXlAS8PkqX1sCR_fvX/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+122.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643701221608444034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCRCYrdVBmzk8-Rh4uhlkBmsaZQUpwwwe3rON8P4Yf1xfxBMHKKJU29znBl5BFwl-dwtr0c5BvmtdxkQjX5wQdgl1AjfKoQDltPzIexPFdDRfhKivHdlPWQDwevYXlAS8PkqX1sCR_fvX/s400/destin+aug+%252711+122.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br />playing
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOymGSak-ALfwS2W2Fgqk64uImSAOxfOoLUjidqJL7cBSOdwRY9i9bEyMedJ-BfYqGVC1LtLItSCW2qhoOsJeAvnSOrwAr82v_Ah9thHVXXFfMsh4f-KZ7jeC7RLLGrBc6a7NnFYYpJDkY/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+216.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643700539278170242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOymGSak-ALfwS2W2Fgqk64uImSAOxfOoLUjidqJL7cBSOdwRY9i9bEyMedJ-BfYqGVC1LtLItSCW2qhoOsJeAvnSOrwAr82v_Ah9thHVXXFfMsh4f-KZ7jeC7RLLGrBc6a7NnFYYpJDkY/s400/destin+aug+%252711+216.jpg" /></a> giggling ... lots of giggling
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildtpXmrgmwq4G1JKfePK44WS13-ybxfVmym31EEC-XPeEsmuYXXWiCX15g8ua0ql_MinYQKoqeVBwQ5nOmMWXjHfhxm1u31sQal9MIasuzas3Yjyn1hLeequpfGevYuHvixMPHbKD7iTZ/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+149.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643699560887303778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildtpXmrgmwq4G1JKfePK44WS13-ybxfVmym31EEC-XPeEsmuYXXWiCX15g8ua0ql_MinYQKoqeVBwQ5nOmMWXjHfhxm1u31sQal9MIasuzas3Yjyn1hLeequpfGevYuHvixMPHbKD7iTZ/s400/destin+aug+%252711+149.jpg" /></a> sharing secrets
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dNJ1Chp0BdpS7mtblu-dPgfkHMBb12hZpfrloPgKAV0084_xaPcFvN8nwp44Z0uvvAMHYflKue0x3vh5jnIYcWwZbedKz2nG9TBYwVXi1otDIg1IHNWraAnLch9iUYbwKQmif8BkTqnx/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+148.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643699137616242642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dNJ1Chp0BdpS7mtblu-dPgfkHMBb12hZpfrloPgKAV0084_xaPcFvN8nwp44Z0uvvAMHYflKue0x3vh5jnIYcWwZbedKz2nG9TBYwVXi1otDIg1IHNWraAnLch9iUYbwKQmif8BkTqnx/s400/destin+aug+%252711+148.jpg" /></a>sharing kisses
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSWiBypnCR95HcbC_3xggW6I2ZDAyLbf3HJOOHF2_c2g8CK1NX4Wh2S9kRaxQ-IXaDMG5Stdbtv_bb3eZ5yhY1mC6mmQ4ZH0SfEXjH-m_LKikXqKE5WsUjNa9_0U9pJo8tGPCoLod0D5g/s1600/destin+aug+%252711+211.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643698559571174322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSWiBypnCR95HcbC_3xggW6I2ZDAyLbf3HJOOHF2_c2g8CK1NX4Wh2S9kRaxQ-IXaDMG5Stdbtv_bb3eZ5yhY1mC6mmQ4ZH0SfEXjH-m_LKikXqKE5WsUjNa9_0U9pJo8tGPCoLod0D5g/s400/destin+aug+%252711+211.jpg" /></a> And loving one another like only a real sister can.</div></div></div></div></div></div>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-85147311002918262652011-07-29T10:30:00.000-07:002011-07-29T12:12:24.844-07:00<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330033;">Always</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxAFwpTLtDvWQLot-aDrvcCbEvjeV2Np0iZr4564jmJhfyuZIEFy0JZEKRbOp_7x2G0xg7XYWiQQ4SI2PTGU7bXtcPnsNW3ynI6-pBTTE24oEM-KU8S9aTw9hDSmYnJeSX4zEc9_o80WF/s1600/july%252711+103.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634832526604276482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxAFwpTLtDvWQLot-aDrvcCbEvjeV2Np0iZr4564jmJhfyuZIEFy0JZEKRbOp_7x2G0xg7XYWiQQ4SI2PTGU7bXtcPnsNW3ynI6-pBTTE24oEM-KU8S9aTw9hDSmYnJeSX4zEc9_o80WF/s400/july%252711+103.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Last year at this time we began what seemed like an endless journey.Four planes , one train and countless vehicles and taxi's that spanned a 48 hour period.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Our destination , China.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Little did we know the treasure that waited for us there .</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Fast forward to today ,<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pei's</span> transition into our family was "seamless". </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Not really but as with all "labor pains" they fade and are replaced by sweet smiles and kisses.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL0OsAIuf8h-Jdj2cCg1jtY6VAAf0KWYiaq188kZDUWLpUnmM9Az8hw4aGPwQAF-1uPFie2K4a0zaDVSoRhnTcAPxIXvBSMAcF8m7lCad82JUneWVXtluNpHpfJQkLuHmmJRdQ-AZALQ8/s1600/july%252711+111.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634829906067657650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL0OsAIuf8h-Jdj2cCg1jtY6VAAf0KWYiaq188kZDUWLpUnmM9Az8hw4aGPwQAF-1uPFie2K4a0zaDVSoRhnTcAPxIXvBSMAcF8m7lCad82JUneWVXtluNpHpfJQkLuHmmJRdQ-AZALQ8/s400/july%252711+111.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />I am a stay at home mom so this has helped with our bonding and attachment. We are together everyday,all day ... except one. Ava has a private speech appointment one day of each week. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This day can go from good to bad in a matter of seconds. That beautiful smile is replaced by tears and complete fear brought on by my departure.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I have tried many different scenarios to try to make this easier for her.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuPic0486z9MWEZCA7rUsTxlQgg8fTBKk8qLgP5KYIdBFF1Q5SPpub6i7i4gC5CyexmPSTJ3t3-KZ9PUBXw9z3QHKZ60B7Ay0VuAs98Uz0XImfy1114IhE9TJz5cZ39bx0HfJ4iLFLfKv/s1600/july%252711+121.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634829221742511666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuPic0486z9MWEZCA7rUsTxlQgg8fTBKk8qLgP5KYIdBFF1Q5SPpub6i7i4gC5CyexmPSTJ3t3-KZ9PUBXw9z3QHKZ60B7Ay0VuAs98Uz0XImfy1114IhE9TJz5cZ39bx0HfJ4iLFLfKv/s400/july%252711+121.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The one thing that I do know is that consistency is key . </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Consistency brings about predictability and that predictability brings about security. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">So each time before I leave I gently take her chin, lift it up for her to look at me and say these words over and over :</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0sp5iyHLexbEGIAr1rQW2I4RF81jjlQUcfjJoQ1bBLIpHXHv32RfBOeYge353zDgWRzSz75LNxan35y3EHLLMr_Nr3Yk2mpH_kIkQ_JJBozqxlkCUyV73Xyc7ng5cFQ1C5yYPRpZ4RTR/s1600/july%252711+123.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634828856265350690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0sp5iyHLexbEGIAr1rQW2I4RF81jjlQUcfjJoQ1bBLIpHXHv32RfBOeYge353zDgWRzSz75LNxan35y3EHLLMr_Nr3Yk2mpH_kIkQ_JJBozqxlkCUyV73Xyc7ng5cFQ1C5yYPRpZ4RTR/s400/july%252711+123.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><strong><em>"Mama always comes back. Always</em></strong>."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsfNLAuEVWA4ET1rOjFwc-_2h0eHXgk-cCJlhEfVpVE_r7keDSftwY1Tf90Dgf-tY7pX1VlqN5_ukLTf5KeQWHKOIijPNyvaHcrzPhvNp4WDvvBPzTXLhqAS5yZFnwCrtimihZFBdiINy/s1600/july%252711+098.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634828546757215394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsfNLAuEVWA4ET1rOjFwc-_2h0eHXgk-cCJlhEfVpVE_r7keDSftwY1Tf90Dgf-tY7pX1VlqN5_ukLTf5KeQWHKOIijPNyvaHcrzPhvNp4WDvvBPzTXLhqAS5yZFnwCrtimihZFBdiINy/s400/july%252711+098.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I have said these words even when I thought it was possible that this little girl of mine did not understand or completely believe me. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Our speech teacher was gone for the past couple of weeks. So Pei had a much needed reprieve from any stress filled departures.But this week it was back to business and the dreaded day of the week was upon us yet again. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">That evening we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gathered</span> around the dinner table for our nightly dinner and family discussion. My husband always asks the kids what they did on that day. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">When it came <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pei's</span> turn she spoke about Ava's speech appointment @ Ms. K's . She said how it makes her sad when we leave. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">But she decided to wrap up her story with something pretty profound for a mere three year old.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6v5YPEF6q-V8TcJkmg8_P48WEOWuJgExHwBuA9c2aKFwQiJOfVIY7kTmPwnGAjhYXYf7TrL36gia2FbDwi6OL5BBvoBKvCe1Wjl3a5y4DCKJlpgBsS1bNt_25mlOWAXtYWHAHacLW0wY/s1600/july%252711+120.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634828262761095218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6v5YPEF6q-V8TcJkmg8_P48WEOWuJgExHwBuA9c2aKFwQiJOfVIY7kTmPwnGAjhYXYf7TrL36gia2FbDwi6OL5BBvoBKvCe1Wjl3a5y4DCKJlpgBsS1bNt_25mlOWAXtYWHAHacLW0wY/s400/july%252711+120.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />"<strong><em>Daddy, Mama always comes back to me . Always</em></strong>."</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And this mama always will sweet girl.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-38248609527324149042011-07-21T05:04:00.000-07:002011-07-21T06:06:07.992-07:00So long terrible two's and three's!Despite all my efforts they went ahead and did it anyway ... <strong><em>the girls are now three and four</em></strong>! So, we are moving on to the <em>terrific three's</em> and the <em>fabulous fours</em>!<br />Always trying to be the optimist here :)<br /><br />Seriously, where does the time go ?<br /><br />The girls birthdays are on the 19th and the 20th but we felt rather than combine the celebration they needed to have a special day all to themselves.<br /><br />Pei's day started with a picnic in the park followed by lots of swimming!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaeGjZMlJmdfCguN2L6lrcTlRCqWavU6tw5brvUK2VOTFqS_f4JYAF2yFCmNDVBtU18V7NoeaRwwYn7-B0nYzm8V9ggDBsHP4wnPPzE0Jido1AFzSbrst6DhkLJAdFPDY_Tq-9-ybbL6e/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631779886907114130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaeGjZMlJmdfCguN2L6lrcTlRCqWavU6tw5brvUK2VOTFqS_f4JYAF2yFCmNDVBtU18V7NoeaRwwYn7-B0nYzm8V9ggDBsHP4wnPPzE0Jido1AFzSbrst6DhkLJAdFPDY_Tq-9-ybbL6e/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+003.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx77oL5KqZeR0yg9cg5uJYiG9Tn-UWLPw6-PGB-eK2fdU7xdnb0ys-MtfRezmKtt8oMXil3J4sSJfdSviZqrF9e4dZ9Zs2yMWIWTbAwJ0TaALF9L8OF8Y9A7tFHksvM8gDZWdZMQ_0USV/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631779769792620322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx77oL5KqZeR0yg9cg5uJYiG9Tn-UWLPw6-PGB-eK2fdU7xdnb0ys-MtfRezmKtt8oMXil3J4sSJfdSviZqrF9e4dZ9Zs2yMWIWTbAwJ0TaALF9L8OF8Y9A7tFHksvM8gDZWdZMQ_0USV/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7P_j3C5ng5zox95K4Yu3HMS8fP4v6v_95AtOGnvwJsVhQQaMnLS_fY4Nl1M_0SOJbyx0KLISehK6GVTyNdGz_P_4LGIBkSKO_HgxuxMF_6Qn_NmQqaCEwqsKrMVFQ-7gH-u2ecpWqvXo/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631779639072785730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7P_j3C5ng5zox95K4Yu3HMS8fP4v6v_95AtOGnvwJsVhQQaMnLS_fY4Nl1M_0SOJbyx0KLISehK6GVTyNdGz_P_4LGIBkSKO_HgxuxMF_6Qn_NmQqaCEwqsKrMVFQ-7gH-u2ecpWqvXo/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNdcs7Cng6e_iNn1TnXnr61wSku30gl4l-edc9uDY3glXFoBWExBF8bk8e7BFQ29xS1FnDSNIfXCW_IDZpZTYKVwZlZrlOYFZmeQFqM1gHs1-trOQggHMcxMN1Cxuz49tqX8SpFmvJ0K0/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631778610716417154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNdcs7Cng6e_iNn1TnXnr61wSku30gl4l-edc9uDY3glXFoBWExBF8bk8e7BFQ29xS1FnDSNIfXCW_IDZpZTYKVwZlZrlOYFZmeQFqM1gHs1-trOQggHMcxMN1Cxuz49tqX8SpFmvJ0K0/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+009.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The girls are truly "girlie" girls but love any messes they can create with water :)</div><br /><div>So, when I saw these dolls that you give a bottle full of water to (and you know the outcome) I knew that this was a must have item :)</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS0Ar7hO9l_0K4qXoANZ4CBgOEDfubrsSf9Wgxwu3u-j6_QWk96JyCGsLmqMFzVm3Z7H6F70DAW6NCMYMEAF7U5ZJBxYjR_diHxGwBhl_vL6p0zah6dCj5-EJRAVkKusdACB1BQqN5vY1/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631778482521660658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS0Ar7hO9l_0K4qXoANZ4CBgOEDfubrsSf9Wgxwu3u-j6_QWk96JyCGsLmqMFzVm3Z7H6F70DAW6NCMYMEAF7U5ZJBxYjR_diHxGwBhl_vL6p0zah6dCj5-EJRAVkKusdACB1BQqN5vY1/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+012.jpg" /></a><br />Pei has been home 1 year in just a couple of weeks! She has truly become the most precious, giggling, snuggle bug ever!<br />BTW, Pei's favorite meal is cake and ice cream! </div><br /><div>She thinks these two items are in a food group of their very own.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yhuMqO4D5epUNNRjh1JErubQZlCvnbmOdvDO6ggPT6S1mLHayH0z1IjPlAPVBPvONEGSoHizgxzsujnDOMUeYHfoQOg9fsmJDI_QbvJvGN2L6Eai9FO-ZtjvIGpv9eIeXb5F06MK3KuW/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631778396328039570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yhuMqO4D5epUNNRjh1JErubQZlCvnbmOdvDO6ggPT6S1mLHayH0z1IjPlAPVBPvONEGSoHizgxzsujnDOMUeYHfoQOg9fsmJDI_QbvJvGN2L6Eai9FO-ZtjvIGpv9eIeXb5F06MK3KuW/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+013.jpg" /></a><br />Make a wish my sweet beautiful girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKJxL0AXDDlAXArhKqkzXK6b5sPZwn7szCirP4P1P3yRJ_U3w2fB5BRe3ZmmJdHuVAIR3sc1eoFEc40O_TeVXHztThgeRg5bPuzgWTF6nuX1fljTOqrnncKF-tBjiEgkdpJpuElihfQWO/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631778244030387090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKJxL0AXDDlAXArhKqkzXK6b5sPZwn7szCirP4P1P3yRJ_U3w2fB5BRe3ZmmJdHuVAIR3sc1eoFEc40O_TeVXHztThgeRg5bPuzgWTF6nuX1fljTOqrnncKF-tBjiEgkdpJpuElihfQWO/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+011.jpg" /></a><br /><br />She was so excited about her new bike!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJKPrXgdliSxmblWWFkykPqt21SWk2WhNZoR7d0jvLoo7Vmbr7fMFVDQilYdBrXGYEJ_phhNOSh8sv5D06ewak2DbMFN-9KFb4kswO-CknSZuDhOFhiy-CrRIl-T2k48wL1za4nRH01Hr/s1600/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631778134417943554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJKPrXgdliSxmblWWFkykPqt21SWk2WhNZoR7d0jvLoo7Vmbr7fMFVDQilYdBrXGYEJ_phhNOSh8sv5D06ewak2DbMFN-9KFb4kswO-CknSZuDhOFhiy-CrRIl-T2k48wL1za4nRH01Hr/s400/July+20+pei%2527s+b+day%2521+010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Pei's love language is most definitely receiving gifts :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631776603631205442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk08p7KDwbmY1bgc3bLte_4hXXhn1yCzDaxb6msCkf28ZD5xRV6QX5VgVhn1P-MLkby7n5HQ60QGbZkgGQmjPQFsyY6aBJ0tUQjkTr3R533BXkiUY7nYO1MeCBCRF0stDevOWgBDnJ8ep/s400/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+008.jpg" /><br /><br />Next is Ava's special day ... what a drama queen !<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631776746842589362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeufOkfU6GfUQNy4gibkJnt9t3DQBu2-HTPe8XwoKI_IpKEbaAQ57jwSuwunxMQAkn4fJLVqZ0Gqfy2LwEHYPZSkrhtNRss7RfRyx_hd1LuTCdHnAVHTNJe04vS_gTn3fAr3gOF-LdtTN/s400/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+009.jpg" /> Make a wish birthday girl!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zIMqTzcrwVVLtSGw9nInqifvexnfkYc1of8oeJobOzoOP6JvMDPiMLR0Rni3LhHkzXkV_HOD_0QeiSMVgBQ0y3FhA8ovGN4rUsksD-nx1VIGNpySlCdfrVGqZyIe1h6tZyNVgykpL902/s1600/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631776468647669778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zIMqTzcrwVVLtSGw9nInqifvexnfkYc1of8oeJobOzoOP6JvMDPiMLR0Rni3LhHkzXkV_HOD_0QeiSMVgBQ0y3FhA8ovGN4rUsksD-nx1VIGNpySlCdfrVGqZyIe1h6tZyNVgykpL902/s400/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+007.jpg" /></a><br />The "must have" barbie skates that might land me in the chiropractors office!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiequTtD0xSG0-y2tiy992xmGMOwhDBeQiMZXicUwtmYvyl183VbBhigagJ4Fs0MIpP_6UqByVzohGp4vzF1ULDUWHR-n5Shw2TpaudeOukT2b9wXasDxc93LQJP8WVit-mkf_AEVlHrFw3/s1600/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631776366774446802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiequTtD0xSG0-y2tiy992xmGMOwhDBeQiMZXicUwtmYvyl183VbBhigagJ4Fs0MIpP_6UqByVzohGp4vzF1ULDUWHR-n5Shw2TpaudeOukT2b9wXasDxc93LQJP8WVit-mkf_AEVlHrFw3/s400/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+006.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yes, all birthday girls received the same presents! Everything with these two need to be matching but I will never be counting m&m's or Cheetos's to make sure they are equal ...<strong><em>Never</em></strong>!!!!<br />(I know never say never!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QkXiuFxAjHf2nZAwe_YDZTwWLri8oT052J2dsPHwLkvOvjtqM90VeG5tzkwft2YQSEHrSVDHCPaQ58Wg5H8HzPezPCXsZKMEwJfyTfhIOGbC52VHmT-ca91mUiz1es1Z2J-BEs61xCDT/s1600/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631776090233639778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QkXiuFxAjHf2nZAwe_YDZTwWLri8oT052J2dsPHwLkvOvjtqM90VeG5tzkwft2YQSEHrSVDHCPaQ58Wg5H8HzPezPCXsZKMEwJfyTfhIOGbC52VHmT-ca91mUiz1es1Z2J-BEs61xCDT/s400/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+002.jpg" /></a><br />Home three years in September, Ava has just blossomed over this past year. She has truly gone from a toddler to a beautiful little girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36Cc_ryVSDb1yQBrmTEN-vQeSUlivlHThA6QkD1oKqaJFxanVQDfu1_7krl9zngwsFncQpg1I992B97wnyBJYJ-X2ratIr4rR0CDLmyx_UPCHIaJY5DrTlKsmYdUqij7a1Wzh_iBkbe-V/s1600/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631775965082796178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36Cc_ryVSDb1yQBrmTEN-vQeSUlivlHThA6QkD1oKqaJFxanVQDfu1_7krl9zngwsFncQpg1I992B97wnyBJYJ-X2ratIr4rR0CDLmyx_UPCHIaJY5DrTlKsmYdUqij7a1Wzh_iBkbe-V/s400/july+19+%252711+ava%2527s+b+day%2521+003.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Happy birthday to my beautiful babies ! </div><br /><div>I am so blessed to be called your momma!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-74275501258469192372011-07-11T05:38:00.000-07:002011-07-11T06:34:45.233-07:00Look out Sports Illustrated!Well the summer heat is definitely here and these two have a new uniform ... swimsuits!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRLK_DCVz5yL8Zv8hM6hAF8OUCRreuiOKdqn9oi2jw-6J3LNn1tmGOD0TbodhGajLt-WLeX_3IUD9-J8gYTTyZ09Lj69DHrzRoCNiCNfiS0Tk63iggFsgfVJKfOByZMAq-l4DYFG-HiQ5/s1600/july+11+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628074030402983186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRLK_DCVz5yL8Zv8hM6hAF8OUCRreuiOKdqn9oi2jw-6J3LNn1tmGOD0TbodhGajLt-WLeX_3IUD9-J8gYTTyZ09Lj69DHrzRoCNiCNfiS0Tk63iggFsgfVJKfOByZMAq-l4DYFG-HiQ5/s400/july+11+003.jpg" /></a> I do believe that Pei (aka Ava's baby sister) is a bit taller than her older sis!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT14XVKyMeRB9wcpChWIANvSvcm7WGv_U4Ys0sF-aHoom1V4FU2H12jE_zozgC4bdJB2QV0PFaOZNisrn5xuWrUMaK3tvVgTixQJxQ2weoEhn9mR3LYniUgUZNI6gyNibcgUW3dCyxcbir/s1600/july+11+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628073892384139954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT14XVKyMeRB9wcpChWIANvSvcm7WGv_U4Ys0sF-aHoom1V4FU2H12jE_zozgC4bdJB2QV0PFaOZNisrn5xuWrUMaK3tvVgTixQJxQ2weoEhn9mR3LYniUgUZNI6gyNibcgUW3dCyxcbir/s400/july+11+001.jpg" /></a><br />But despite any differences they might have they both share another obsession ... Cats !<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL16z9gcT8uYlM4GFFMgdJJW1Y73KWZRpLBjhSirZJc6SXWl9c6OkbGnztNmYphtUKQo9H7YlE9YYETc51oeIXsv6uia3-T3sKNDO6UV3wNSF6DzwSodsR8S8Zm01jKXzYNvCyVXcm-9HD/s1600/july+11+007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628073666677092178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL16z9gcT8uYlM4GFFMgdJJW1Y73KWZRpLBjhSirZJc6SXWl9c6OkbGnztNmYphtUKQo9H7YlE9YYETc51oeIXsv6uia3-T3sKNDO6UV3wNSF6DzwSodsR8S8Zm01jKXzYNvCyVXcm-9HD/s400/july+11+007.jpg" /></a><br />So, when you are out shopping and Hello Kitty meets swimwear this momma can just do one thing....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>just get out the checkbook!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy Monday to you all!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-76480340140108989722011-06-22T04:52:00.000-07:002011-06-22T05:51:07.180-07:00Happy Birthday Nick!And in a blink of an eye Nick is 17 !<br /><br />Where does the time go!!!! [ insert a long sigh]<br /><br />I know you usually run from my camera and my blog :) But today is your birthday so I am going to write you a thank you card for all that you bring to my life.<br /><br /><br />~Thank you for being the first born and letting Mom experiment on you!!!!! Being an only child, I had zero experience with babies but you were aways such a trooper!<br /><br />~Thank you for teaching me to be selfless. When they handed you to me wrapped up in that blue baby blanket I knew my life was no longer my own :)<br /><br />~Thank you for being honest and trustworthy. You are going to make an awesome husband and father one day in the far ,far ,FAR future ;)<br /><br /><br />~Thank you for making my job easy. You are such a great kid! When you have been faced with a fork in the road you always choose the right way :)<br /><br />~Thank you for opening your heart to Ava and Pei. Your ability to love with all your heart makes me so proud. BTW, Pei is completely taken by her biggest brother. You can make that little girl smile like no one else :)<br /><br />~Thank you for stepping forward and helping when you see someone in need ,especially me.<br /><br />~Thank you for just being you! As I watch you grow into a man I see so many wonderful qualities emerging. You bless my life everyday and I love you more than you will ever know . And never forget no matter how much bigger you are than me ...<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621012451291587266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgiIDEKqustEVEDRVG6XPh0IvfWL58qJlOPoKTilhPc01MYf8qOYMPaAD-rWM48c3bJwqQkO57SgWReZtUnNmhMqBCUW5xiUCrPJVjXli998LYuDBv9R2nU5hb-hYrIJmolsfKWWa9viU/s400/june+21+%252711+002.jpg" /><br />YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY BABY!!!!!<br /><br />I LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-69251206734316712532011-05-27T09:25:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:00:43.787-07:00Forget Me Not Friday!As summer vacation approaches ,we are all making some great plans to spend time with our children. I can not help but think about some of these children that will age out during our summer holidays. Forever losing their chance at knowing the love of a family!<br />Help spread the word about all of these beautiful kids!<br />Do not ever under estimate the power of one person!<br />Get involved!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77oT4My2VKb3NLToMlBWLJeJNKAvmyAHQ90L2tZzsS1qJ1BXuLuxKDVem69_bkRbXfIFbofOtH_hxzW16WAAcArPeHNW6SXa7RG4lfqEkQ0ToBmU8KXOgsJpSAAeCuPmzvQJ4SjfYoYPF/s1600/Sophia%252Bgirl%252B6-23-1997%252BCHD.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 119px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611435828085243570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77oT4My2VKb3NLToMlBWLJeJNKAvmyAHQ90L2tZzsS1qJ1BXuLuxKDVem69_bkRbXfIFbofOtH_hxzW16WAAcArPeHNW6SXa7RG4lfqEkQ0ToBmU8KXOgsJpSAAeCuPmzvQJ4SjfYoYPF/s400/Sophia%252Bgirl%252B6-23-1997%252BCHD.png" /></a> Stunning Sophia 6/23/1997<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CHD</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L7WbwdSS61l9NDKcIRzzxDA8UA0yxs7Tn1BZZTH5jI1ZOehBw36x1GGS-fOBJeTOeCClvY9DZTOKYRC9ZyWgT5WvrJFUFImgTxFh5DSy_SqSJpcT5oe97z_abXx27BDqe69mdWnXOsEe/s1600/Makayla.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611435278030318018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4L7WbwdSS61l9NDKcIRzzxDA8UA0yxs7Tn1BZZTH5jI1ZOehBw36x1GGS-fOBJeTOeCClvY9DZTOKYRC9ZyWgT5WvrJFUFImgTxFh5DSy_SqSJpcT5oe97z_abXx27BDqe69mdWnXOsEe/s400/Makayla.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqXG8oyKG7Iq5MNN3VWVwPe8WPiEQ0bAISdVS8RpZGh3A_Q8Nr_xbiSOpx2w9blsckIcrxvbhiIvLWsDCDIi38PftDE0FarJA3YEOuTuEf90dMJV3GUKyxXp2yZR4iXTufHr4RMbQWXVg/s1600/Makayla+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611434979433406354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqXG8oyKG7Iq5MNN3VWVwPe8WPiEQ0bAISdVS8RpZGh3A_Q8Nr_xbiSOpx2w9blsckIcrxvbhiIvLWsDCDIi38PftDE0FarJA3YEOuTuEf90dMJV3GUKyxXp2yZR4iXTufHr4RMbQWXVg/s400/Makayla+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgjBExWlB19vf8YJECFIjmMnB027GAQ1q1_xvHFNvUC3U-0FXGXrD4v1tEjyB1NsSbyl-QQ6uegrmmTfYY7aDdORsHtqZQii1NYOTeVvMi-xtxfhjR246U6Y6T4Lnph9zcdoFTgKXKUYH/s1600/Makayla1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611434645217111106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgjBExWlB19vf8YJECFIjmMnB027GAQ1q1_xvHFNvUC3U-0FXGXrD4v1tEjyB1NsSbyl-QQ6uegrmmTfYY7aDdORsHtqZQii1NYOTeVvMi-xtxfhjR246U6Y6T4Lnph9zcdoFTgKXKUYH/s400/Makayla1.jpg" /></a><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Makayla</span> 8/17/1997<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">CP</span>; ages out Aug 2011!<br />Amazing little girl that has adapted with her SN and uses her feet!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpLQ6NgXxz_PCg-f0DknGQotNPxbhde3HH3FtFJSn05SNO5BWBVekwe4xVGf9YekWKuSztEC8V0wlkDS2YWUxj6HwsuipCZrTS1oy173fyhla5LLjaquW2ajJfy_GrlQnABDdmbJGBZKM/s1600/HuiZhou7-1-97.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611434363844823698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpLQ6NgXxz_PCg-f0DknGQotNPxbhde3HH3FtFJSn05SNO5BWBVekwe4xVGf9YekWKuSztEC8V0wlkDS2YWUxj6HwsuipCZrTS1oy173fyhla5LLjaquW2ajJfy_GrlQnABDdmbJGBZKM/s400/HuiZhou7-1-97.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Boy 7/1/1997<br /><br />Postoperative <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">VSD</span> repair<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfyo-NDHmJCmx6XP6w7EaLs8Y29iOhrdm8u6cCiW_i71mroSPmineHjgend5CG_uxWH_c_jhQnUryaDzupOwmwiGrkWQau-Xgl5SshkMmkQd28JbZ4hzKqC49Wi5gYfnJLB6n3suTPZuE/s1600/HuiZhou7-1-97%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611434075061723842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfyo-NDHmJCmx6XP6w7EaLs8Y29iOhrdm8u6cCiW_i71mroSPmineHjgend5CG_uxWH_c_jhQnUryaDzupOwmwiGrkWQau-Xgl5SshkMmkQd28JbZ4hzKqC49Wi5gYfnJLB6n3suTPZuE/s400/HuiZhou7-1-97%25283%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMw6Mlk_oj3sLpCLgWF7VaLTGxb-lhr6bC29VYC3xiGDBp1za3SP7a-HQ5Fq7K9tmrvpI6div7JjYa3jgoxONNdvWZvXj6xTrHVS6Ri6RaedP0qaNh6DfhsPESSu4TPmDcmnMyqFcrk5z/s1600/HuiZhou7-1-97%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611433589167802514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMw6Mlk_oj3sLpCLgWF7VaLTGxb-lhr6bC29VYC3xiGDBp1za3SP7a-HQ5Fq7K9tmrvpI6div7JjYa3jgoxONNdvWZvXj6xTrHVS6Ri6RaedP0qaNh6DfhsPESSu4TPmDcmnMyqFcrk5z/s400/HuiZhou7-1-97%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br />Posing as if to say "Choose me" :(<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-83266259078497457102011-05-25T05:09:00.000-07:002011-05-25T09:07:32.277-07:00Letting go<div><br />Some say there are five not seven stages of grief. I am not really sure who is correct because when you are living it there is no clear cut pattern that grief follows . I gave up trying to count them in fact ,I decided to just follow her lead.<br /><br />I have learned that when people ask how Pei is adjusting and I say "great" I am setting myself up for another journey into the trenches of grief. </div><br /><div>Or maybe we thought that she had moved on only to be reminded that in fact she was still silently struggling .</div><br /><div>Or just maybe I had just begun to accept some of this as her personality.<br /><br />Do not get me wrong Pei has an infectious giggle and a smile that can just light up a room . But there also is a serious side that is never far from the surface.<br /><br />But we have seen a change recently.<br /><br />I mean a <em><strong>drastic </strong></em>change.<br /><br />We have seen less of this girl.<br /><br /></div><br /><p></p><br /><div><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE0dBqmzhZJcs9Bu9OH2QU_6zCQ9VAhRUDTBuruukF6rcTV-zRG9wTj-s6Q3Ju5c4jqV9COtOc0_0TkFKCUSBfaAjn7iGYw89FQHQhVDjH3CtPSM2Eu2NNqefkq4TjfOIH8XeVgfaK1_p/s1600/april+%252711+116.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610625917837135698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE0dBqmzhZJcs9Bu9OH2QU_6zCQ9VAhRUDTBuruukF6rcTV-zRG9wTj-s6Q3Ju5c4jqV9COtOc0_0TkFKCUSBfaAjn7iGYw89FQHQhVDjH3CtPSM2Eu2NNqefkq4TjfOIH8XeVgfaK1_p/s400/april+%252711+116.jpg" /></a> In fact, we have not see this girl at all.<br /><br />But instead I would like to introduce you to who has taken her place.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG1XY5ptM0fM-OaTMUQyxdKmPc5TuKd5QbB2SNKAC6g0P6M-OO-7yWHCWm0gU2douzfjIM-5RRbfd8CasQEKG-vcwmm58PyvWxrcAqgAkSRI5vjsGAKd74x7KkJtcjFosLx2PtDjN8Sc3/s1600/may+%252711+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610625273309871794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG1XY5ptM0fM-OaTMUQyxdKmPc5TuKd5QbB2SNKAC6g0P6M-OO-7yWHCWm0gU2douzfjIM-5RRbfd8CasQEKG-vcwmm58PyvWxrcAqgAkSRI5vjsGAKd74x7KkJtcjFosLx2PtDjN8Sc3/s400/may+%252711+002.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>A little girl who seems lost no more,<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610652982763230066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewfnBCJRPtSkNkph8g51QI3k0aOWzA4yRPyjtlo9stGPnzDkNdsSYikaI4Dr2G_qEy7tjO6L2QLnYsolbuS0gW9JJ39h5A6vWhthmVFgQrPcw7wPguEiqsf7H4PUPt8NBaKePnNsDBNkJ/s400/may+%252711+015.jpg" /></div><br /><br />A little girl who radiates confidence and happiness.<br /><br />A little girl who can not contain or hide her smile .<br /><br /><div><br /><br />Grief is a complicated and often misunderstood emotion. Pei is a master at stonewalling. Behind that wall was fear, anger and sadness. That is a large load for such small shoulders to bear.</div><br /><div>I realized that I could not force this process ,it had to be at her own pace.</div><br /><br /><div>But it appears that the walls have come down ... </div><br /><br /><br /><div>and unveiled is the most amazing little girl just wanting to be loved ,accepted and belong.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>This is the beautiful face of letting go<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCOEsxzpvuhtH3PTC6zk2XLR293zEcIvtJ8C71G0iEa6WGpNfUaVCpuH5QRHo217Aoz-gzETwf09xizRiZguwTlG98HBxPbhx0Tiqr6uPhH7RtldIsnktk27Ni129SaoPiqO7bBoLHhIp/s1600/may+%252711+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610658404218831538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCOEsxzpvuhtH3PTC6zk2XLR293zEcIvtJ8C71G0iEa6WGpNfUaVCpuH5QRHo217Aoz-gzETwf09xizRiZguwTlG98HBxPbhx0Tiqr6uPhH7RtldIsnktk27Ni129SaoPiqO7bBoLHhIp/s400/may+%252711+016.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... and man it is beautiful!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-60718425300465018182011-05-18T14:57:00.000-07:002011-05-18T16:04:14.542-07:00Welcome to our new hangout!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRVSdBYrB8dEthviDXBoW0Hgb8fYUg6P3-CWLNTP_9pp4MgAtuf1VMnmbgUudUKUz2BMctF7BzNOPle9zWsmsZOEqEhyPP90tTaLaeXzMK81z-vZlzvglkJLbwXDjXFyNLI4xO3kF6Sn/s1600/may+%252711+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608182653058158210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRVSdBYrB8dEthviDXBoW0Hgb8fYUg6P3-CWLNTP_9pp4MgAtuf1VMnmbgUudUKUz2BMctF7BzNOPle9zWsmsZOEqEhyPP90tTaLaeXzMK81z-vZlzvglkJLbwXDjXFyNLI4xO3kF6Sn/s400/may+%252711+005.jpg" /></a> To say that the girls LOVE the sandbox is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">understatement</span>! So, we decided to upgrade the little turtle sandbox that sat on the patio. After getting an umbrella ,a couple of chairs and 2,000 lbs of sand ... they have their own little paradise!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sMC-OsWvgug-XJG26sm2jCiPL_Tn1A_7AtFEHry1rbevUn-bmKO_9EqP3sBDyeaKO9YuGNVK_S3NFHfJKIlIyJ-puDNeeTcwktR37iPFzW00uGjbPmpH9pMl5hhJxFMcFJZXIzHa1_8E/s1600/may+%252711+007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608180251136869922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sMC-OsWvgug-XJG26sm2jCiPL_Tn1A_7AtFEHry1rbevUn-bmKO_9EqP3sBDyeaKO9YuGNVK_S3NFHfJKIlIyJ-puDNeeTcwktR37iPFzW00uGjbPmpH9pMl5hhJxFMcFJZXIzHa1_8E/s400/may+%252711+007.jpg" /></a> I think the girls are pretty pleased with the results!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3llLfiDlGH7GN4I6RXypoJl2yHIlXTtd-6EL3o8ENU6OCxhGsim9AY1PfKygEqSMeV5RoWxttfSXb11ePSgGb47GkDq2oRBJ4bzKHTCoqzfWLgU-d50VGoRHqXnE4aWyBuuBVWwWkqmn-/s1600/may+%252711+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608179946941795730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3llLfiDlGH7GN4I6RXypoJl2yHIlXTtd-6EL3o8ENU6OCxhGsim9AY1PfKygEqSMeV5RoWxttfSXb11ePSgGb47GkDq2oRBJ4bzKHTCoqzfWLgU-d50VGoRHqXnE4aWyBuuBVWwWkqmn-/s400/may+%252711+008.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But I do not think everyone likes the sandbox !<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8InrhtaXr62PP14qUxuE406Z2gMFv4nByyKVLfqf-KwhGq3lBIFCrP70dCrXLTlaykJVUfcAVtJlLQ15cjvH6rKyjAbL5Qjg9J7zlPwH7ii5_mb8WtCWKnUUgziD6lrYCsBr64FjyZAbN/s1600/may+%252711+010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608179484146252850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8InrhtaXr62PP14qUxuE406Z2gMFv4nByyKVLfqf-KwhGq3lBIFCrP70dCrXLTlaykJVUfcAVtJlLQ15cjvH6rKyjAbL5Qjg9J7zlPwH7ii5_mb8WtCWKnUUgziD6lrYCsBr64FjyZAbN/s400/may+%252711+010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Look at that face! </div><br /><div>Maybe I should have titled this post "Mischief Makers".<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-70428298854769909192011-05-13T13:23:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:06:27.122-07:00Forget Me Not Friday!<span style="font-size:130%;">Every Friday I am focusing on children that are dangerously close to aging out in China. Once they turn 14 their chance to be loved and cherished by a family is gone</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVFzs6smjhEbxQZEp-nrHdS2RZGRyggweqqGSP9GYiOwB0T8R89JGF8AiT4WbgYAIjrsbQroV52Ucta2HLwBRSh9tHkU6C-9YpQQ9DTCE5d-7wO5exWbWuu-vleJdS0ThFuUOf9V_hQ2B/s1600/Girl10-97nevus.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606302728541085522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVFzs6smjhEbxQZEp-nrHdS2RZGRyggweqqGSP9GYiOwB0T8R89JGF8AiT4WbgYAIjrsbQroV52Ucta2HLwBRSh9tHkU6C-9YpQQ9DTCE5d-7wO5exWbWuu-vleJdS0ThFuUOf9V_hQ2B/s400/Girl10-97nevus.jpg" /></a> Girl 10/1997<br /><br />birthmarks, nevus<br />contact WACAP<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7s1CwQeFt4TxGb9qzz36EZbiqMXHk52OLXxVXZ1DYbAennKbbFPona7LZZCi8qY6z7Woz-SCXl6EGkvIgXiEbu2Jb3I5EFm3SBlLXNPkfDPxjwet7qccoMyIEUiv2hkdCXPZsPuQzzKF/s1600/GirlJuly1997.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606301946821613170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7s1CwQeFt4TxGb9qzz36EZbiqMXHk52OLXxVXZ1DYbAennKbbFPona7LZZCi8qY6z7Woz-SCXl6EGkvIgXiEbu2Jb3I5EFm3SBlLXNPkfDPxjwet7qccoMyIEUiv2hkdCXPZsPuQzzKF/s400/GirlJuly1997.jpg" /></a> Ages out in July (DOB July 1997)<br /><br />repaired CL/CP; blood disorder<br /><br />contact WACAP<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnfUtQUtHIIySqqWK5GGX_893pRVyriFzlIJA-oKJ7RgleUF8LtdxDN8optca_JGGq07Hft7pY9lhejrT2qYft0LzNvi1TgmsS_KfeJT0mjCzSr4MPAn3NDZYZgaBuG6s5uFDAqwfDGO1/s1600/YueJi9-23-1998-HepB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606301317596716834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnfUtQUtHIIySqqWK5GGX_893pRVyriFzlIJA-oKJ7RgleUF8LtdxDN8optca_JGGq07Hft7pY9lhejrT2qYft0LzNvi1TgmsS_KfeJT0mjCzSr4MPAn3NDZYZgaBuG6s5uFDAqwfDGO1/s400/YueJi9-23-1998-HepB.jpg" /></a><br />Athletic girl 9/23/1998<br /><br />Healthy - positive for HepB<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM8s_TNt2V3E79DLiLYPs0d4KqF_hm3Yx-NS7wLJAvF1L193cuUmZPHM-ZzMIGA0DIMTiYKEboAQiyg9BfvWXyvVd9o8r2BhjOhc-Inzl_9WcdvR3cfuJXDStu2EGGGdCXqE0A2F-KvQi/s1600/Zuni.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 368px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606300955344248434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM8s_TNt2V3E79DLiLYPs0d4KqF_hm3Yx-NS7wLJAvF1L193cuUmZPHM-ZzMIGA0DIMTiYKEboAQiyg9BfvWXyvVd9o8r2BhjOhc-Inzl_9WcdvR3cfuJXDStu2EGGGdCXqE0A2F-KvQi/s400/Zuni.jpg" /></a><br />Healthy Girl! Her special need is her age :( </div><br /><div>~8-1997~ contact GWCA<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This is just a beautiful group of girls !!!!! Please pass the word on about these precious kids and help them not be forgotten!!!!</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-52329142142657027582011-05-07T05:26:00.000-07:002011-05-07T06:19:48.642-07:00Forget Me Not Friday!<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>I am back again with a few more precious children to add to last weeks list. If you have not seen the girls from last Friday that are still waiting scroll down to take a look.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>All of these kids are dangerously close to "aging out" in China. When they reach the ripe old age of 14 their chances of ever knowing the love of a family are gone. Forever. At 14, they are deemed unadoptable and are considered "unlucky" in their society with their orphan status. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>So please pass the word on about these sweet kids !</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603961350300010658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NA0edmrOL8AQRG148JdlZNI6eaE8wgxHvwoBNse-Pmyz-dQynzzuAFT6AHkNk4o98b4wcd_xYhqkofzRSqweI_Q2BeHxibbXDIiIbOnItrUVQQcplv9TZADU8NpSgJuP88_MI1NH-UAp/s400/12-98%252Bcl%252Blip%252Bpal%252C%252BHep%252BB.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div>Beautiful girl ! 12/10/1998<br />cl lip palate, Hep B</div><br /><div>I love this girl! Why is she still waiting!!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603960118578762706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUWJexAXt-i-qQxkdTC7EbE5MJDDCFfwO0A4t6lpzsRJywXl9UqgOhRontYFvUB2RAxgu8b2G7MBi0U0ed5-GXYTMhMaVdi82oXgViKyf0aInHgDk_fS_X3i7hRS2przTDw3NFMItFM9F/s400/BoyAlbinism9-14-1998.jpg" /><br />Boy albinism 9/14/1998<br />He wants a family! :( </div><br /><div>His future is so grim if he does not find a family.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603957604176779730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJjcCd8giohhI3hbmrNY8NTzyy8B16agBTicMiv91MMthSDbFPnf-OMXEwIyDFveng_R44m-wWTVYiXVYi-0z5ZNgsm-UE6gWl4jCz-QlBy_TabOUJnryVFzggaRDl-Z5cKzK0Q3n1ZrX/s400/Jennie.jpg" /><br />Beautiful Jennie! - Girl -Hep B -8/12/1998<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603956377232570882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYjFyYMTkNwEKESYdniltigBO5rocb592pZKxVtQ4BaXQXdKybWq3pZg5xufX9ct81Pk9NrkcXyith1deVKbVesizs82JYLCgz-5PdwCYXjI62d4fAYWuoqDjJdfLtbBvkQdJfMkUSXZk/s400/CHYHepB.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>CHY Fall 1997<br /><br />ages out fall 1997 </p><br /><p>So precious !!!!!!</p><br /><br /><br /><p>For info on any of these children contact Annie: 5puppies@comcast.net</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-26236910341851414532011-04-29T12:57:00.000-07:002011-04-29T13:30:50.104-07:00"Forget Me Not" Friday!<u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><br /><u><span style="color:#000000;">This is my first Friday to join in to advocate for some wonderful waiting children who are dangerously close to aging out . When each of these children turn 14 they will loose their chance of ever knowing the love of a family. </span></u><br /><u>As the mother of a soon to be 17 year old ,I could not even imagine him out and on his own in this world.</u><br /><u>The girls posted below all age out this summer ! This means they have just weeks to find families. Please feel free to copy any or all of the photos and help spread the word .Just maybe someone will see their daughter and bring one of these sweet girls home.</u><br /><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><br /><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi83dJsxDSlIxNJfdQMXLHC-py-qys4o1g5kjMGwCD19YkXuJfZy-IwLICGBAuKq6rV0MF6C5Hatg5Juym3aNIZ3wqwh12OOI9pTRXPI9aK_CS-KTGHAT-q04dSpGTDP4C8DHoHCNBJF8/s1600/Girl-8-7-1997.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601100918930523490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi83dJsxDSlIxNJfdQMXLHC-py-qys4o1g5kjMGwCD19YkXuJfZy-IwLICGBAuKq6rV0MF6C5Hatg5Juym3aNIZ3wqwh12OOI9pTRXPI9aK_CS-KTGHAT-q04dSpGTDP4C8DHoHCNBJF8/s400/Girl-8-7-1997.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Girl, outgoing 8/7/1997<br /><br />repaired cl lip,cleft palate</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKogdJhHdXh9rFW54aOUCy37FV5m4-u_9lwY9dvMx5tG_z9lNP3Kizpb8xSR3iIYR2D5ysSQQdWcSf6jRCgbwMNeMAMnfCFx0DX1Kz06jmZlQzxHk7TpV-if_lbtJAaTNkkhDxMVD9aaI/s1600/G%252B8-1-97.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601099815484052450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKogdJhHdXh9rFW54aOUCy37FV5m4-u_9lwY9dvMx5tG_z9lNP3Kizpb8xSR3iIYR2D5ysSQQdWcSf6jRCgbwMNeMAMnfCFx0DX1Kz06jmZlQzxHk7TpV-if_lbtJAaTNkkhDxMVD9aaI/s400/G%252B8-1-97.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Precious girl 8/1/1997<br /><br />seizure free epilepsy</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNymZ3Kc0ZcCMxLDDlAbQr_Lu_fEAO-fYtSO1RFuy57flXBdYKyNW0_JTkXq8A6CrAYN8tjo_xpy4TtYIMD3sjA2z-bfTcFDjCkh0yHwLF0PwcLaG6LoDMTWTxa5Ns8aEM9Ww8D7-rtQ5I/s1600/WXHSummer1997.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601098791874412258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNymZ3Kc0ZcCMxLDDlAbQr_Lu_fEAO-fYtSO1RFuy57flXBdYKyNW0_JTkXq8A6CrAYN8tjo_xpy4TtYIMD3sjA2z-bfTcFDjCkh0yHwLF0PwcLaG6LoDMTWTxa5Ns8aEM9Ww8D7-rtQ5I/s400/WXHSummer1997.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Girl DOB Summer 1997, deaf and mute<br /><br />for more info contact Annie 5puppies@comcast.net</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvalTRINU6zhnRmCWkUBit2i37LFKc_ZtJe7VzAX8NEK00atUarpIsAozpv2wCl8heGxnTZfUk2SHdqcL8sbxn6FNHzhlTUVCmbTwSTCPNSg1irvHvewT23NbjOBI9B43jZ-P5yhXSBt/s1600/Summer1997.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601097857848884578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvalTRINU6zhnRmCWkUBit2i37LFKc_ZtJe7VzAX8NEK00atUarpIsAozpv2wCl8heGxnTZfUk2SHdqcL8sbxn6FNHzhlTUVCmbTwSTCPNSg1irvHvewT23NbjOBI9B43jZ-P5yhXSBt/s400/Summer1997.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Girl DOB: Summer 1997, deaf and mute </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>for more info Annie 5puppies@comcast.net </div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-63507659981291251552011-04-25T10:42:00.000-07:002011-04-25T11:07:21.908-07:00Easter!Here are some random Easter pics!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqa-trb4iWFm0W22TqhthnhN2VwTScjm-geVeGgGFgopmvPszN7rYBcBvg9pcs9Wer1jDhwRJsC6cwkDuvR4tvvnursaeWgzhSVEMU-xnhghLtG9Pl3ii7hj46uVT4Ng4DPEgRSpB1-w8D/s1600/april+%252711+074.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599582337884254434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqa-trb4iWFm0W22TqhthnhN2VwTScjm-geVeGgGFgopmvPszN7rYBcBvg9pcs9Wer1jDhwRJsC6cwkDuvR4tvvnursaeWgzhSVEMU-xnhghLtG9Pl3ii7hj46uVT4Ng4DPEgRSpB1-w8D/s400/april+%252711+074.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Ava was the winner of the golden egg!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599582085890245282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKRIOhbVLwN8J7qre13Gn3RuW6pKJ6bmQTr1IfxSBAG05LWdJsxiFZuKnF0JAmjm0e2KU4XN8_LS7Nn3S02hb2sqBZEZUREDspS6dwZmz76r_g2MnzcEELMhhHda4_LTSTFiD_SOCKr0e/s400/april+%252711+073.jpg" />Pei did not care about the golden egg ...she just wanted chocolate :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksjjAgv86moH1KlWS_Y8rjKtYLgA3gmiM5R2R1Koq5hX0CcHQDLF0-Hu_cX-aeF9KnOB3IeucnQv85oX70kHr0Y57O6dw3NLZT5AxW64qZqLGrFK4rulYMCOZYcHPbziQmypfJqYcmjdp/s1600/april+%252711+066.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599579795897511378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksjjAgv86moH1KlWS_Y8rjKtYLgA3gmiM5R2R1Koq5hX0CcHQDLF0-Hu_cX-aeF9KnOB3IeucnQv85oX70kHr0Y57O6dw3NLZT5AxW64qZqLGrFK4rulYMCOZYcHPbziQmypfJqYcmjdp/s400/april+%252711+066.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuOIr7In1-EwW9tYPPtmcv8FTt2HoHmkGvlWjm5aac-_jOuPZBdvpU5c2E-Kj8EcgYCWTF4V-Vsh5zP55RrKtx9IQTenBi0IeycGUnY0IGhwKdOjBoTQlWiWNx1VtLUq-CsQc3HzjJbIm/s1600/april+%252711+067.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599579439716786482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuOIr7In1-EwW9tYPPtmcv8FTt2HoHmkGvlWjm5aac-_jOuPZBdvpU5c2E-Kj8EcgYCWTF4V-Vsh5zP55RrKtx9IQTenBi0IeycGUnY0IGhwKdOjBoTQlWiWNx1VtLUq-CsQc3HzjJbIm/s400/april+%252711+067.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9QrQ1Eop0CCR43JHTUn3D1_zqEKuWxybVKFqaoTRycLb5YpIgkDsdJoIMTYT0T73E8NgWFiGQxpv9Ij3shfIqgX27mhrM6u1AcJQYy4JJePmjZX1b_N9nu6DuHFPFI5RyM9jEd5fIBD2/s1600/april+%252711+068.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599579203147152738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9QrQ1Eop0CCR43JHTUn3D1_zqEKuWxybVKFqaoTRycLb5YpIgkDsdJoIMTYT0T73E8NgWFiGQxpv9Ij3shfIqgX27mhrM6u1AcJQYy4JJePmjZX1b_N9nu6DuHFPFI5RyM9jEd5fIBD2/s400/april+%252711+068.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TqE0BA5ymIA3GzIFOrEWpr97-gpw8zhQ5k__LFwN4BtH9BZaT72N3jbfvxKT3tR73Bo7p9xK8Uvu6EU6XIufQRgptS2rdPmsovRveVZ1P1k1F-TDFLIqaYpsFCeTImndE8MTJkvumsYq/s1600/april+%252711+070.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599578714960376914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TqE0BA5ymIA3GzIFOrEWpr97-gpw8zhQ5k__LFwN4BtH9BZaT72N3jbfvxKT3tR73Bo7p9xK8Uvu6EU6XIufQRgptS2rdPmsovRveVZ1P1k1F-TDFLIqaYpsFCeTImndE8MTJkvumsYq/s400/april+%252711+070.jpg" /></a><br />All wired up on chocolate!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGc6PblId9EGgjLOjqeiBvrXKrCgvEFQBbGVhftWMa1YbPZW6bIYq-qzauw5nuZ5WSWQ0uz0_SOVHqFW9XEHbPzyJEpUHX84ZJfO6489GGoylBgVO89S5fzFon9jdsLYjlxm2qpm5-KBF/s1600/april+%252711+071.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599578424967240802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGc6PblId9EGgjLOjqeiBvrXKrCgvEFQBbGVhftWMa1YbPZW6bIYq-qzauw5nuZ5WSWQ0uz0_SOVHqFW9XEHbPzyJEpUHX84ZJfO6489GGoylBgVO89S5fzFon9jdsLYjlxm2qpm5-KBF/s400/april+%252711+071.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div>Wishing all a blessed Easter!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-24254495887825469842011-04-20T08:44:00.000-07:002011-04-20T09:36:29.907-07:00Does the Easter bunny bite?<div>It is really funny how a three year old mind works but that is the infamous question for the week. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So Sunday Ava thought it was a great idea to head to the mall and have a photo taken with the cuddly lovable Easter Bunny. So she convinces Pei that this is a great plan and she is in like Flinn . Pei s just easy like that :) So we begin the process of getting them dressed .And can I just say it is a process . </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>~Fancy dress</div><br /><div><br />~Hair combed and styled</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>~Just the right pair of shoes </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>~While you are combing the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> diva's hair ,diva 1 has messed hers up!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>~multiple wardrobe malfunctions<br /></div><br /><div>~And yes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lipgloss</span>!</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Now multiply that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">x's</span> 2!</strong></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Mind you I am having a flashback to the photo shoot with Santa Clause. The look on her face says it all.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597697890251779090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x1c9AkuDLr3oiGI60qZEPM6OZ0n17inqacoeJItjvzRp02jRj01xyFwZLeJeQZSiWmwnoiJixEYG974B2OzJc28a50G-prlU2BoDFn-ie1OInsBAtdTT3TUVxOiCMNFVXaW0Sz1-AZlG/s400/Ava+with+Santa%2521.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div><br />I swore I would never do that again! So, I get into the car cautiously optimistic :) Why shouldn't I we have just been at Chuck E. Cheese this past week and all parties LOVED the big mouse!<br /></div><br /><p>So, I shot a couple of shots before we got in the car ...just in case <em>Someone</em> changes their mind.<br /></p><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597699425901956738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4b7_KpB9WsloE3i-L3yNI4oJ4RsMksbeCmInUXfKeKPSC9WhalFc_w-H8nSS1pO2bzahfZYjC6Do-ZbqsWe4LY62A9ASkeXdlcIPccBWOeR7otR46t_7FnLOVy4VTYyx4FuE4H0xusCS/s400/april+%252711+054.jpg" /><br />Well, I will spare you all the details but after circling EB about 5o times , lots of talking ,lots of crying, looking at his <strong><em>big</em></strong> teeth , this was the end result.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597700666305600770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRV9TWUQI4bfAHSMSm3mKjT1mU7c_EeiHzkpLBmUqmEAvTvKMvCeC0HlekQaB4HaV-eGTagK2Nr9QcNryq3zib8iO_gTkZuCYmkVeZ6OUAiDCWoAmgDb0yaMOyG-A6ewSrn35AY2vKr0R/s400/easter0001.jpg" /><br />Pei was such a good sport! I think she will be my daredevil!<br />But you know his teeth are <strong><em>really</em></strong> big!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-45951496424668077562011-04-16T05:17:00.000-07:002011-04-16T09:03:10.536-07:00The boy from baby house #10This past week I walked in the door from church and began watching the most amazing story about a little boy from Russia named Vayna. There I sat with my purse still on my arm completely enthralled by the story of the boy from baby house #10. I know people who watched it that could not believe that this really happens in this day and time. But for those of us who have walked the road of adoption and seen where our children have been, we know that this is reality. I have seen both sides of adoption . I have two beautiful daughters ,one lucky to be loved and cared for by a wonderful foster family in China . The other not so lucky ,Ava lived her days "housed" with no one. There is so much that these sweet sisters have in common but yet they are vastly different in so many ways. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596196039212787986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD6ZVVuDegOpen_upwKMfm0veVEHs-RAgfB3J3uyGpQ-D6xfjk0x0OLyJMDiD5QIyT11_ix8Qe4CB3KBZI3m2NHZKctHjQzZed4snXfBoAN5X0-CHCvMlOk1Q6uqum5QViX-AIhVFhFYT/s400/166+Bonnie+2010+03+Joseph_3.JPG" /> This past week I sent a letter to Pei's foster family thanking them for all the love and care that they showered Pei with. As far as I am concerned Pei has three mommas .Her birth mom who gave her life , loved her for three days and then carefully placed her where she would be found. Second , her China mom who took Pei in her heart and loved her knowing that she would one day have to give her up . And then there is me,her forever mom. I see Pei's life as an unbroken thread. There were no gaps of loneliness or isolation on her path. In my mind, she was passed and carefully handed to the next . From one mother's arms to the next and loved on her journey to us. But Ava's story brings so much sadness to me.From the beginning her life was filled with a series of gaps. She has been home three years this September and those at the orphanage would not even recognize this baby girl now. When we meet her it was like she was waiting on her life to begin. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596208180156957570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O7feToLGwab0KoDtulqp65PGLjbTPjigfRxh2cZomcAGsCmjIoF2BMzy6LxFXp9kXLztwlN0YB_TlKDOI93WruotdnKD6euEHsFF-hguQxU0Dr5blFCOCXWLXXgRIeOiV_VQgyM6WyuO/s400/ava+russia+234.jpg" /> So at 14 months her life began when we walked out the gates of that orphanage as a family. As I watched Vayna's story I was taken back to that place that you do not want to visit. This was a trip back to Ava's beginning and for this mom it is a raw place on my heart. I have to ask myself could this have been her story. Yes ,it could have been any of our kids story. And right now there are children who lives read like a scene from Vayna's life. This week I have found myself so thankful of all the doors that closed ,road blocks and all of the delays in the process . Broken roads might not make much sense at the time but they happen for a reason. I am reminded of this with each sweet giggle , each tiny, little hand reaching for mine and hearing a little voice say I love you. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596203529382632514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf6pOfdTFBKX52YH69xCvcEorpQvPbAkHgWL3wS1Tiu2ryt5u2RHe_vzwzuyZgMVDLU_Vqufa_gxoUOBo-4KMHsniRWqOezsT-xoMRP4h9HseeR46PrXWzSK2fpDN0Mv5RtfT0RNnk8Bs/s400/march+%252711+010.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" src="http://www.blogger.com/" />If you have not seen this dateline story of the boy from baby house #10 here is the link: <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600#/42535819">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600#/42535819</a> Go to videos and click on the boy from baby house 10. What a wonderful ending this story has!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-82792323669811233422011-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-14T10:49:53.999-07:00What's been going on???????Well ... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9l7sWXBWd0lI1UmBWKE35QrD0DWLuJyQ9h2adgT2HefubCVmqqNFbJ_rm4wW0CHdn6PPHgxDHnBwwKazpyLJGvs6qcF_xY6sKKhedfGIA3yWslZsTRBotBeFDt034jzc9NtVFHDsCdeZ/s1600/april+%252711+029.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595488024240675922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9l7sWXBWd0lI1UmBWKE35QrD0DWLuJyQ9h2adgT2HefubCVmqqNFbJ_rm4wW0CHdn6PPHgxDHnBwwKazpyLJGvs6qcF_xY6sKKhedfGIA3yWslZsTRBotBeFDt034jzc9NtVFHDsCdeZ/s400/april+%252711+029.jpg" /></a> A little Tex time ! He looks really comfy swaddled in Ava's favorite blanket :) <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-E_fBGsBM0a7nQ5uzpQKYqzlHgrKiwEaFn6LWGBdYy95TGbu92N57XkdwN7GXnXGASSUp_f4KDLGv13hWf8QJdjDvPy-gebiqGffJyj13Ah7llLiVp18fu5cBone1rEiUBO_hIwMkFWQ/s1600/group8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595486376678479602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-E_fBGsBM0a7nQ5uzpQKYqzlHgrKiwEaFn6LWGBdYy95TGbu92N57XkdwN7GXnXGASSUp_f4KDLGv13hWf8QJdjDvPy-gebiqGffJyj13Ah7llLiVp18fu5cBone1rEiUBO_hIwMkFWQ/s400/group8.jpg" /></a> A little peep time! (Can you tell we all shop together too!) <br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY-Jvbmt3BeKtTNvGmid5te9FzfvyBARS3vqm3ae_JCm3J-e-XA2E_DulxqiBlYG7wro9UzQP3AR6ZvLGuAXKhaLaNWjhsxpSR7jZkFP0zBKvL9zxndjIVi_WmVLIqpmVlHPjne_iifZ1/s1600/group.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595483737992680674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY-Jvbmt3BeKtTNvGmid5te9FzfvyBARS3vqm3ae_JCm3J-e-XA2E_DulxqiBlYG7wro9UzQP3AR6ZvLGuAXKhaLaNWjhsxpSR7jZkFP0zBKvL9zxndjIVi_WmVLIqpmVlHPjne_iifZ1/s400/group.jpg" /></a> More time with the peeps!!!!! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TeXKOQwhiAmYLCAxUvbeFUaMvFRDmWO9fw86hO796GH5OxVOTJs6RAt6Xz4o-54xW6Coarsjyve1-QJS1BfZNS6ycv83E0kg2Ifc8xDElv1Jhok6AzxpFaiRU2RuUFEMxTxN6bhXJZub/s1600/april+%252711+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595482789285263570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TeXKOQwhiAmYLCAxUvbeFUaMvFRDmWO9fw86hO796GH5OxVOTJs6RAt6Xz4o-54xW6Coarsjyve1-QJS1BfZNS6ycv83E0kg2Ifc8xDElv1Jhok6AzxpFaiRU2RuUFEMxTxN6bhXJZub/s400/april+%252711+001.jpg" /></a> A little swimming! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIcVceTruLTtDc7Io38GARo3WteaCI12PghtSFmmq3fprxpZ6QH2ykO0eDQXlwfg7iU5iozioO6_q-c7LpJxgtHEyPvmaxVCYY0KRaWzK3FWKRx53xIzoamq1LbWqGJ1hWuOSEoNZ5Rm0/s1600/april+%252711+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595482455996844546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIcVceTruLTtDc7Io38GARo3WteaCI12PghtSFmmq3fprxpZ6QH2ykO0eDQXlwfg7iU5iozioO6_q-c7LpJxgtHEyPvmaxVCYY0KRaWzK3FWKRx53xIzoamq1LbWqGJ1hWuOSEoNZ5Rm0/s400/april+%252711+002.jpg" /></a> A little climbing! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wEIH_A6UlZRLUqG1Cnyvkgp_8ohsZHkmsDROemXtPicX3_7VS2Va1qlI-VWKLtGmJkxP87nY8x-AjZC8u6WaYmUx7r_iNqgeqdKsPprowO5Vw6LlVjmsEWnzwf5fQX1czrWCC10t2q9b/s1600/april+%252711+023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595481844997809682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wEIH_A6UlZRLUqG1Cnyvkgp_8ohsZHkmsDROemXtPicX3_7VS2Va1qlI-VWKLtGmJkxP87nY8x-AjZC8u6WaYmUx7r_iNqgeqdKsPprowO5Vw6LlVjmsEWnzwf5fQX1czrWCC10t2q9b/s400/april+%252711+023.jpg" /></a> a little driving! <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2hEL1yzWvkYehTWCD4S4vr6DBoca-eF-iXa3TkF6daoWme8QsSL21pmAiZCQGT7GvZmgwWVZA4QuV2Px1XH3t50a2ckYiSGsqFFdPTwuC77m0tKB0GpZFclzmqdbirU8N4ijGhjmB0zG/s1600/april+%252711+011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595481255927888402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2hEL1yzWvkYehTWCD4S4vr6DBoca-eF-iXa3TkF6daoWme8QsSL21pmAiZCQGT7GvZmgwWVZA4QuV2Px1XH3t50a2ckYiSGsqFFdPTwuC77m0tKB0GpZFclzmqdbirU8N4ijGhjmB0zG/s400/april+%252711+011.jpg" /></a> pony time! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSE33cwsKQuvlOuwRjf6GHZG48r8lcKSDo-8LOLa2kmUCo1No8W4B28CP-ooHZCkKx9CLY3W6W0j4Hzfrau5JH3vNobfJg2T_vkwdYtQQ5fXQid-7Ekh942nynHS3ETGwG5MNeJT7DwT-/s1600/april+%252711+019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595477302181456402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSE33cwsKQuvlOuwRjf6GHZG48r8lcKSDo-8LOLa2kmUCo1No8W4B28CP-ooHZCkKx9CLY3W6W0j4Hzfrau5JH3vNobfJg2T_vkwdYtQQ5fXQid-7Ekh942nynHS3ETGwG5MNeJT7DwT-/s400/april+%252711+019.jpg" /></a> And lots of sister time and lovin it !!!!!!! <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510210895189909789.post-50664717017346162982011-03-23T04:39:00.001-07:002011-03-23T12:14:38.247-07:00Introducing ..<p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587243034491317890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxSg9PGFfA2fGgJAtuzP9jijiua_VsjnoCPcYWgnmeWzteJTfrXPWs9zjimIsZQOJTmTgiLxcr1S-az3L3mEZDE2BSAn10O32VtDhKSKjJSf5E5gY9fbGL88RrjjbQDoybPonzCkvPQQz/s400/AlinaB_cr-250x300.jpg" /><br /><br />Hello , my name is Alina B. At a mere six years old I have been told that I am quite the leader. I have beautiful blue eyes and light brown hair.<br />I have been described as charming ,thoughtful ,serious but I also can light up with joy :)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587245536822411314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jUO_DHc6tnV3TeFX8m2usvOlIH-A-mOummzJ19EXSfVrFOfzvOXtGmZcHKnlNESRaS320HOwzL_0D-ND13Jqo0nyPrA7rBsh5QWwOYC_C7FYgUgDOo2rAMQGY0vgwcfzfOPb_XXz7O6z/s400/AlBMPsq.jpg" /><br /><br />I am brave, stubborn:), and active. I prefer cars over dolls and love to talk and tell stories!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvE0hGhGnwSB8n0f8rslzrEMvPCueaOTumq9QFxwnENRdC8snEVDifz8Pe03D6D_XVI5GlwWl0HbxZ35bmdDVdbx5CG2vGSDZk40NU1nlreJWhBpSvnrv3qhpt4XNMLRsHgzSjzMXdZDO/s1600/AlinaB.MP.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587249508417498946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvE0hGhGnwSB8n0f8rslzrEMvPCueaOTumq9QFxwnENRdC8snEVDifz8Pe03D6D_XVI5GlwWl0HbxZ35bmdDVdbx5CG2vGSDZk40NU1nlreJWhBpSvnrv3qhpt4XNMLRsHgzSjzMXdZDO/s400/AlinaB.MP.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I was born in Russia in August 2004 and have been waiting ever since for a family of my very own. A family that will love ,cherish and treasure me as every child deserves.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiode8Mi5eN8uP3IHMUTNMRPfmMsJjGvBUA13JEz2sNt9YiM3MLj7Q627ax5kJyRVZr14feqJ-s51YIYQJYqobLgi0gKlWYcDnQ5kkvsKtCFXjMdP5gZTjDz17z_N3P5H-Qe6OCl8RvOtP1/s1600/AlinaB..jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252214305161394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiode8Mi5eN8uP3IHMUTNMRPfmMsJjGvBUA13JEz2sNt9YiM3MLj7Q627ax5kJyRVZr14feqJ-s51YIYQJYqobLgi0gKlWYcDnQ5kkvsKtCFXjMdP5gZTjDz17z_N3P5H-Qe6OCl8RvOtP1/s400/AlinaB..jpg" /></a><br /><br />I am HIV+ . Despite that with proper medical care I can one day be a wife,mother and even a grandmother. </p><p>My greatest need now is a family to love. </p><p><br />To be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chosen</span>. </p><p><br />Could you be my family?</p><p><br />For more information on Alina B. or one of the other precious waiting children with HIV you can go here :<br /><br /><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/alina-b-15"></a><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/alina-b-15">http://reecesrainbow.org/alina-b-15</a></p><p><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingchildren/hiv">http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingchildren/hiv</a><br /><br />Great information resources on HIV adoption : </p><p><a href="http://www.projecthopeful.org/">http://www.projecthopeful.org/</a></p><p><a href="http://positivelyorphaned.org/">http://positivelyorphaned.org/</a></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791894342071382936noreply@blogger.com0