Re-Adoption Day

A special day for us.  Our daugther was placed in our arms forever on February 22 and although she became a US citizen upon our arrival in San Franscisco our state does not require you to re-adopt your child once home. As we moved along with our second adoption and started getting all of our ducks in a row or at least trying to we realized that it would be better to have a US birth certificate when we applied for her passport.  The other really special thing is that both my husband and I will be listed as her parents on her US birth certificate.  She was in our hearts long before we knew her or even held her so in reality this is more of a formality but none the less a special event!  We went out to delicious Chinese food afterwards to celebrate, it was a fun day. :)





Daddy and Emily

Mommy and Emily

Celebrations

Trying to catch up with all the happenings for September!

September was a busy month for us.  Besides it being a month to harvest our garden, can, freeze etc we had our wedding annivesary and my birthday. 
This year we celebrated our 7th year of being married.  In Hebrew, seven ([b'v, - Sheh-bah) is from the root word meaning to be complete or full.  I really do feel full with the richness of being blessed with such a kind, gentle and loving man.  The path has not always been easy, there have been seasons of hurt and disappointments however the joy and love we share trumps the sorrow any day. 
We really didn't know what we were going to do for this anniversary due to my limitations.  The day before I gave Rick some goodies for the Fun Run he entered, I loved that he was surprised.  That evening we opted for a quaint and quick dinner at The Brick Oven Bistro, a stop at REI, and home.  Once home we said good bye to the sitter, we put Emily to bed and watched a movie.  It was pretty low key.  On our anniversary we went to church and afterwards Rick and Emily surprised me with some special treats too.  And while we didn't do anything extravagent I am content.  I am blessed to have a great husband and a family that loves me.
Love to each of you...

Happy 7th

Opening presents with my little helper

One of my favorites 

How is it possible...

Do you remember the days when you got SO excited for your birthday? For me personally, not so much anymore.  I really enjoy celebrating family and friends birthdays and doing fun things however the closer I approach, gasp, the "BIG 5-0" the more I recoil at the thought of another birthday.  Where has all the time gone? And there is something about having children that just seems to accelerate the time too.
Yet I do count my blessings for having love around me.  I am also thankful for each day that is given to me as well.  My life is full and I wouldn't trade any of it.  I am reaching a point in my life where there is more peace.  And truthfully I am a late bloomer because if I hadn't had some of the life experiences that I have had I'm not so sure I would be saying this.  Not one bit of heartache or tears shed have gone to waste, the Lord truly has made beauty from ashes.  I pray that each of you see your life and circumstances as a blessing as well and that your heart is full of peace and joy. 
Enjoy the pics....Most of my birthday was spent on the coach due to my limitations with the herniated disc however we did get out of the house for ice cream. Yummy! Didn't bring the camera though.  My dad stopped by later in the night, I recieved birthday wishes from the rest of our family, our grandparents took us to Chinese food earlier in the week and friends left great messages.  And last but not least God bless my hubby who canned 17 quarts of peaches for me since I couldn't. :) 

Story time with Grandpa Russ

Grandpa Russ, Poncho and Emily enjoying "Beatrix Potter"

Ugh! Another birthday!!

My sweetie canning the peaches for me!

Good times...

It has been so fun watching Emily start pre school, taking swim lessons and most recently she began AWANA's.   Each time a little milestone is met, a verse memorized, a picture is brought home or she glances over to make sure we saw her turn swimming melts this momma's heart.  She is really blossoming and growing.  She is learning about sharing, waiting her turn to speak which is a hard one when you are so excited and have a lot to say, and making new friends.  Other things that happen during her day open the door to discussions about being "different", how some kiddos in her class are "better" listeners and she wants to be like them which in turn leads me to try to impress on her heart that as long as she is always giving it her best that is enough.  Being a good listener is a skill and it takes time. That being different is great, God made each of us unique and special we are all one of a kind. Then we talk about how in life there are going to be times when others will be better at things, which is ok.  Which leads to topics on being prideful.  And all of this could be in one conversation while she rides her bike and I walk the dogs.  Yet I pray that these doors and lines of communication will always be open between us.  I pray that she will always feel like her heart and sharing is safe with me.  And no, not all topics will be blogged about.  :)  Our Miss Emily is passionate, strong, kind and an amazing prayer warrior for many.  Oh, how I love my "baby girl".

Ok, back to AWANA'S ... During week 2 Miss Emily earned her "Cubbie" vest and workbook.  Awards night was awesome.  Seeing all the little kiddos going up when their name was called and slipping on their little vests was priceless. For anyone who doesn't have AWANA's in their area it is a 2 hour fun night for kiddos ages 4 up to 6th grade where through games and activities they learn more about the word of God.  It helps parents to nuture their spiritual walk.  They have fun theme nights, a derby car race, grandparents night and much more.  Throughout the year as they reach different milestones they earn little patches for their Cubbie vest.  They have names for the different age groups so for the next 2 years she will be a "Cubbie".   Here are some pics from the first awards night.  Enjoy and blessings to each of you!

Being called up for her Cubbie vest and book

Yea! I did it....

Look mom & dad

More little "Cubbies"

What a FUN night!

I LOVE BABIES

Day trip to Purdums

On Sunday after church and naps we decided to take a little drive to Fruitland, Idaho which is about 45 minutes to an hour outside of Boise. We were told by friends about a really great fruit/veggie stand there. Kind of long drive for my back however it was sort of a "test" drive for me so I could see how well I would do.  We were not disappointed at all; they had a great selection of both fresh fruit and veggies.  We bought plump blackberries which my sweet hubby made into jam for us, we got peppers which they fire roasted while we waited, corn to freeze for the winter, beets, string beans, onions, garlic, pears, raw honey, peaches to can and if there was more I don't remember right now.  Across the street they had a beautiful field of Zinnia's, Sunflowers and other flowers.  It was worth the drive for fresh country air and natural beauty.  We most likely will be going back in October for a hayride into the pumpkin field and to bring home some apples.  Good times and really yummy too!  Hope your entry into fall is being blessed as well. 



Little helper having fun



Wow! Look at me grow...

Big helper :)

Until next time....

Harvest Classic

We had a really fun weekend.  We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary, Rick ran a fun run and we all went on a little drive to a fabulous fruit/veggie stand for some goods to can.
When Rick and I met he was really into triatholons and Kenpo Karate however as married life, work and family took over it seemed those things moved to the back burner.  Finally we are at a stage in life where we have some kind of balance and routine going and I do say that loosely. :)   He has decided to challenge himself to entering the 2012 Ironman, hence the fun runs for training.  A couple of his buddies ran the race as well, he was originally going to take it easy and do the 2 mile however upon some encouragement he joined them in the 8K.  He did great, especially for only having run a few times prior to this to get ready.  Emily and I were the support/cheering crew.  Later in the day Rick and I went to a quick dinner for our anniversary since I am still so limited on what I can and cannot do with my back.  All in all it was a great day! Enjoy the pics.

The Family

Rick, Josh and Jeff all amazing men!

Go daddy, Go daddy

Almost to the end, great job!

First show and tell

This week was Emilys turn for her first show -n- tell and snacks at pre school. She didn't see me when I first arrived at her school and as I peeked into her class the teacher, Mrs. Ritchie was sitting on the floor with all the kids having story time. Watching them all giggle and listen closely to the story made my heart burst with joy.  When I walked into class Emily ran over to me and was so excited for her turn at show-n-tell. We decided to share about China.  She wore her traditional Chinese dress, told them her Chinese birthname and what the meaning is, showed them her jade bracelet, passed around 2 fans and one Chinese rattle/drum.  She finshed it up by passing out "Lucky Money" in red envelopes to all of her little classmates.  I was so proud of her ebracing her heritage and sharing it with the other kids. She said next time it's going to be dinosaurs!

Chinese rattle/drum

Emily Sharing at Show n Tell time



Jesus Loves the little children




Emily hamming it up