Answered Prayers

Two years ago on April the18th , the most precious little girl was placed in my arms. I had waited for this moment for over two years and couldn't believe it when it finally happened. I had played out the scene over and over in my mind so many times but nothing compared with actually holding this sweet angel and feeling her face next to mine. She didn't cry and showed no fear, it was as if she had also been waiting for this moment too.

Within minutes she was laughing and playing with us and it's been that way ever since.

Here's our sweet angel playing in the waves with her daddy and...........

blowing bubbles on the beach with me over our spring break.

There were lots of times of uncertainty during our long wait and one thing that I had to keep reminding myself was that God's timing was and is always perfect. I also had to remember that His delay is not His denial, it's just all part of His plan. I hope that this will bring some comfort to those who are still waiting. It is so worth every second that you wait.

Until next time......................

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.

1 Samuel 1:27

Robin

Celebrating Easter

Our Easter celebration started early Saturday morning with an Easter Egg hunt at church. The little ones were excited as we loaded up the car with our baskets in hand. Emanuiel knew we were about to do something fun, he just didn't know what it was yet...........

It didn't take him long to fill his basket. He ran from place to place tossing eggs here, there, and everywhere in his wake.

Clara Beth, on the other hand, was the more reluctant hunter. She slowly and carefully placed the eggs in her basket.

Then we headed back home to prepare for the gathering at our house on Sunday. We hosted about 35 friends and family members.

On Sunday morning we awoke to a visit from the Easter Bunny!! After checking out each item in the Easter baskets we all got ready for church.

This is the best picture we could get after Emanuiel took a tumble on the sidewalk and got boo boos on both knees!!

Easter egg colored band-aids and some special love from Mei Mei made it all better. Once we were home from church we awaited the arrival of all of our guests!!!

Special Easter decorations were everywhere. These little Easter Lilies are Clara Beth's sweet little hands. She made these at Mrs. Dawn's house.

Here's one of our little Easter Bunnies entertaining our guests!!!

Okay mommy, where's our lunch!!! I hope all of you had a very blessed Easter at your house too!

It's spring break around here and I have to go and pack. We are off to the beach this afternoon to spend time with good friends. We can't wait to get our toes in the sand. It's Emanuiel's first trip to the beach! He is so excited!!!

Until next time...................

Job 9:8 NIV
He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

We can't wait to bask in the sunshine and share in God's wonder at the beach!!!

Robin

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Impossible for me not say something!!!

My two little ones sharing some love and time outside together.

Until next time.....................We are getting ready to host Easter lunch at our house and, like always, there is much to do!!!!

Romans 12:10 NIV
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Robin

Birthday Bash in the Barn!!!

WOW, what a weekend we have had!!! I think we may have just had one of the best birthday parties ever!!! Even in the torrential down pours! Yes, we got about 3 inches of rain in about two hours, both of which took place during our party!!! No matter, it didn't dampen our spirits in the least. We didn't get the pony rides out side instead we got us a birthday bash in the barn!!! There was a rabbit to pet and hold, goats to feed, dogs and cats to watch and a great ole' big horse all saddled up to sit on! What more could a four year old cowboy "wanna be" want??? He even got to sit in a wagon to open his presents! Take a look at all of the fun we had........

Here's Emanuiel helping make sure all of the party supplies are loaded up and ready to go!

Putting out the juice boxes for all the thirsty cowboys and cowgirls.

Whooooooooo "pardner" better steer clear of the rabbit!!!

Chow time in the barn.

Hold on Missy, this here is a big ole' horse we're on! For the record, Clara Beth would have no part of climbing up on this horse's back!!

Everyone LOVED feeding the baby goats.

Here's Emanuiel sitting in the wooden wagon opening his new book bag from his sissy, Anna Kayla. He can't wait to take it to school. He's been practicing walking around the house with it and his new lunch box.

Having a laugh on the wagon!

All partied out on the way home..................

with sweet dreams of a GREAT Birthday in the Barn!!! It may have been pouring rain outside but inside that barn it was filled with sunny smiles!!!

Until next time.......................

Genesis 8:2 NIV
Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky.

Yes, the rain finally stopped but not until Sunday, here's looking forward to a week of sunshine ahead.

Robin

Guess Who Has A Birthday Tomorrow............

This little fellow will be four years old and he is soooooooooo excited!!! All he wants for his birthday is to ride a horse! So what else could we do but plan a party with pony rides(please pray that it doesn't rain). Saturday is the big day. He said he doesn't want a cowboy hat, that he needs a helmet in case he falls off he won't hurt his head. Do I have a smart little guy or what!!! So he's been practicing wearing this helmet for about three days straight! I have to admit it's a little unnerving while I am driving, I can't even imagine what people think when they see us go by!!!!

The celebrating starts tomorrow with a little party at school, his baby sitter's and church tomorrow night(not to mention celebrating with us at home)!! I feel a chocolate cake overload coming on.

Until next time..................................
De 12:12 -
And there rejoice before the Lord your God, you, your sons and daughters

Rejoice with us as we celebrate this most special day!!! I'll be sure to post pictures of all of our Birthday Hoopla!!!!

Robin

My Big Guys Big Adventure

For some time now Paul has wanted to take Land on a Father and son trip. He looked at several different places trying to find just the right one. Land loves history and exploring new cities, so with that in mind, Paul decided on Boston, Mass. He planned everything and kept it all a secret until about two weeks ago. During dinner one evening he let the cat out of the bag. I wish you could have seen his face! Paul had printed up an itinerary that included a picture and handed it to him. He couldn't believe it. Thursday was finally the big day....... Here they are right before they left for the airport. All ready for their big adventure!

On the plane headed to Boston!!!

Here's Land in Boston beginning his walk on the Freedom Trail.

Dad on the Freedom Trail. Yes, they left 70 degree weather here in the sunny south, to go where the high was 38 degrees!!! Burrrrrrrrrr

It seems that every time I talk to them all they are doing is eating!! Here is Land in front of the Durgin Park restaurant. We were there about 18 years ago(where does the time go) and Paul said it was still just as much fun. He enjoyed the Yankee Pot Roast while Land had ribs and I am sure some Boston Baked Beans! Today they were heading out for some New England Clam Chowder. Yum , I just wish I was there with them to enjoy it, but alas, the little ones and I are at home holding down the fort while my big guys enjoy the sights and sounds of Boston.

We do miss them but we know they are having a GREAT time together.

Please join us in praying for God to lead them safely as they travel.

Exodus 13:21 NIV
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

Until next time.....................

Robin

A Popcorn Party..................

It doesn't take much for my two little ones to turn an ordinary event into a party (I wonder where they get that from!) The other day they wanted popcorn and suddenly it was a party. Look who got invited!!! Here's Emanuiel getting everything ready.................

The guests of honor have arrived!

Emanuiel, Horsey, G-raff and Clara Beth having a little popcorn and a lively discussion about the days events.

Making sure everyone has some.

Enjoying every bite!!! Whatever you are doing , take a hint from these two and turn it into a party!! We love to celebrate the ordinary!!

Until next time...........................

Ex 12:14 -
"This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord--a lasting ordinance.

Celebrate His wonder every day.

Robin

A Picnic To Remember

The weather this past weekend was BEAUTIFUL and we took full advantage of it. To celebrate our two year anniversary of Referral Day we joined the other families that traveled with us to China and had a picnic!! We couldn't have had a more perfect day. We all came after church packing picnic baskets filled with fabulous food. We lined up our tables, piled on the food, ate, talked and laughed while the little ones ran around enjoying the warm sunshine. It was a day that we all will remember. Some of us even joined another group of our friends in a friendly game of Kickball. We are so blessed to live near all of these dear people that we share such a special bond with. One family couldn't make it(they are in China right now) which means that next time we get together, we'll have one more blessing to celebrate. Clara Beth and her daddy deciding what to do next.

Emanuiel getting ready to kick that ball!!

One of MANY wagon rides........Thanks John!!

Thinking about another giant Cheeto.................

and having another giant Cheeto!!

Getting a big hug from a big sister.

Talking, eating and enjoying it all.

Taking a break from some fun.

Wondering when we'll have another great picnic!!

Hoping it is VERY soon. What a great way to spend a day!!!

This week I hope you find green grass and trees and warm sunshine where ever you might be. By the looks of the trees around here spring is a "burstin". It's so refreshing after the cold of winter.

Until next time..............................

You let me rest in the fields of green grass.

You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and You refresh my life.

Psalm 23:2

Robin

A Look Back

Our first peek at Clara Beth then........................... And her sweet face now. Oh how we love that face!!!!!

As the anniversary day of our precious Clara Beth's referral approaches I find myself remembering all of the emotions that I felt during that time. I read back over what I had written shortly after we received her referral. It still bring tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart for those that are still waiting. I have to also admit that it often causes a yearning to bring just one more home to a forever family. One never knows what God may have in store..................No, in case you are wondering we are NOT in the process to adopt again, but we are ALWAYS open to HIS calling.

Here's a little glimpse of what I have been feeling. A look back.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Worth the Wait

Finally there is a reason for me to post on this blog!!!!!!!!!!! Since last Wednesday my family and I have been on cloud nine! The day we received Clara Beth’s picture (after 16 long months) was like everyone always describes………..surreal. It is so true what people say about the wait just disappearing once you see that little face. Suddenly, without a doubt, I knew and saw exactly whom we had been praying and waiting so long for. When referral time rolled around each month I would cruise the blog sites and look at all the precious little faces and wonder what our little one would look like. I joked with my husband through the wait time that when our picture came, Clara Beth would have his hairline. We have those first moments on video as we opened up her envelope and through the joyous tears you can hear me say……..Paul, she does have your hair! She’s definitely her daddy’s girl! I looked at her face and immediately knew that God had chosen her especially for our family. We haven’t come down since!!!I keep a daily prayer journal that was very helpful to me during the long wait. After we received Clara Beth’s information I couldn't’t wait to go back and see what I had written on the day she was born and the day she was found. Her birthday is August 23,2006 and she was found at the entrance of a building on August 24,2006. In my journal on the 23rd I wrote: Tomorrow is our 10-month LID anniversary and still no news, we are still waiting. Then on August 24th, Clara Beth’s finding day, I wrote:Well, we are officially LID 10 months today and still no idea when a referral might come! Who would have ever thought that it would take this long. PTL we are closer than we were. I pray that the CCAA speeds things up and we hear something soon. I just have to keep reminding myself that God’s timing is PERFECT!!!!When I went back and read what I had written on the very day that she was found, once again I was in awe of God’s power. This little angel was meant for us, we just had to wait for her to be born and then for her paper work to be processed. That’s why we had to wait 16 months, because that’s how long it took for it to happen!! Otherwise it would not have been her…………….and I knew as soon as I looked at that little face and those sweet little lips that she was my daughter. So to those of you out there still waiting, I know it is long and often times painful but it is soooooooooooo worth every single second once you get that call and see your child’s face for the first time. God’s timing and His plan for our lives is always PERFECT!! Now hurry up and bring on those TA’s and CA’s so I can get my hands on her and kiss those sweet little cheeks and lips. We just can’t get to her soon enough! Better run now, I’ll keep posting on our progress.Until next time…………………Robin

Well the TA"s and the CA"s came and we brought that sweet angel home and we haven't stopped kissing those cheeks since!!!!

All I can say is..............God is so Good!!!

Until next time.....................

Go hug and kiss your little ones(and your big ones too)!!!

Robin

Dancing With My Guy

It's not often that I get to post about my big guy(he's pretty private) but I did get his permission to share these pictures with you. This is his first year doing Junior Cotillion and last Monday night I was his date at"Dip into Dancing". We had a great time together. We did the Fox Trot, Waltz and Shag. He was quite the gentleman and I was very proud of him. I had heels on and he was still taller than me!! I can't believe how much he has grown since this school year started!!! Practicing our state dance "The Shag"

What a face!!!!

Dancing the night away!!

Thankfully this night took place before my Strep throat had me out of commission!!

On a side note: We are so excited to announce that our friends who traveled to China with us the first time are there right now bringing home their son. You can check their blog out here http://joyofchina.blogspot.com

Until next time....................

I hope you can do some dancing too, grab someone you love and take them for a spin around the room!!!

Psalms 149:3 NIV
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

Robin