Baseballs to Bows

I Never Told You...

2012-02-02T10:18:00.000-06:00

Right when we got home from China with Gracie, a friend came over and brought me lunch with a 225 magazine she had picked up. 225 is a very popular magazine distributed around town. I rarely get one because they are always gone before I can get it. As I was going through the magazine, I saw that they were having a photo contest. I immediately thought of China and that I must have something worthwhile I could submit. As I read the categories, I came upon one titled "Journey of your life"!! Their subtitle was "exotic places, exotic faces". Well....I had a little girl who had just taken the journey of her life! I was so excited and knew exactly what picture I would send.

My goal was to reach people with the adoption message. I had to come up with a 100 word caption that told the whole story. There are so many people who read this magazine that I just knew this little face would haunt some of them! lol... Do you know that I never even saw her face in the reflection until I went to submit it!!I'm sure you know where I'm going with this! Yes!! I WON! Not just for my category, but the whole thing!!! I was so unbelievably excited when they called with the news! A huge bonus is the $300 gift card I won to our local camera store! Whoo Hoo!! Here is the write-up in the magazine:

You wouldn't believe how many people tell me they saw the picture. People at church, people at the girls' preschool...everywhere. I love that! A couple of days ago, I got a call from someone at LSU. She runs an international hosting program. She said she had read about me in 225 and thought I might be interrested. I am!! They paired us up with 2 girls (best friends) from China who are attending LSU. I am so excited about it! The goal is to do something with them once a month and be in contact with them. I am hoping we will fall in love with them and they will be around more than that! I think the girls are going to be SO excited!

My Gentle Giant

2012-01-31T21:08:00.001-06:00

Sorry I've been so absent. I don't have any real excuse except that life gets pretty mundane sometimes :) Sure, we're busy...but I haven't had anything going on that's worth writing about.....except this:

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you've heard me talk about Cade's size and how he has always been much bigger than his peers. You have also heard me talk about how horrible Cade's "terrible twos" were for the both of us! When Cade was 2, Bryce was 7 and Braden was 5. It was painfully clear at that point that I had three VERY different personalities. I alway said that Bryce would be the one to get picked on because he's so sensitive, Braden wouldn't have any problems because he's so easy going and Cade would be the bully. Thankfully, that did not come true and Cade has learned to use his size to his advantage and to the advantage of those who need a little extra help. We have always encouraged him to make sure he's taking up for anyone being bullied.

Last week, he came in from school and started telling me about his day. He said that while they were in the bathroom, a school bully (and his buddies) were picking on a child with special needs. Cade told them to leave him alone. The boy got mad and pushed Cade, who shoved him right back. Cade turned away and this kid punched Cade in the cheek! He punched him hard enough to leave a mark, but not enough to really hurt him. Cade said he wanted to punch him back so bad, but he didn't. When he left the bathroom, he told the teacher that the boys were picking on someone, but didn't tell her about the punch. A little girl who overheard about it ended up telling the teacher. The boys were already in trouble for bulling the other kid but really got in trouble when the full story came out.

I am so proud of Cade. I'm glad he didn't punch the kid back, but don't think I would have been upset if he had. I want him to have the back of those that can't take up for themselves. It is so important! It makes me wish he was a little closer to the girls in age. He would be a great bodyguard for them!! lol...

I hate that he got punched, and that this could happen in school, but it was worth it to take up for a child in need.

Miss Emme Jade

2012-01-26T07:42:00.002-06:00

* UPDATE: Emme is doing GREAT! The surgery was much shorter than expected and she is resting in PICU. She will be there for a few days. There are a few complications the Dr.'s will be looking out for, so please continue to pray that there will be no complications in the days to come.

Please join me today in praying for sweet Emme. She is about to have her de-tether surgery in just a few minutes. I know God's hand is on this precious child, but this surgery is not fun for Emme or her parents! I know they could use some extra support!

Happy Two Years, Baby Girl

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

I can hardly believe it!! It has been 2 years since we walked into that room in Nanjing, China and laid eyes on this sweet, scared little girl!!

Can you just believe the hair???? Here's a quick look at Miss Wesleigh has grown and blossomed in the past 2 years:Wesleigh has been a joy since day 1. She is the sweetest thing ever and tells me I'm her best friend quite regularly. (Totally melts my heart every time!) She loves to dress up and wear sparkly bows. She loves jewelry and especially her earrings.

(I went a little overboard on the pics, but I just couldn't help it!)

Oh yeah, baby...the chia pet mullet is starting to grow in!!

And here's my sweet girl just a couple of days ago:
We have come a LONG way in just two years! Wesleigh not only became a little sister, but a big sister too! She learned to love her family, the beach and baseball. She learned English, started school and ballet and welcomed a new sister into her world. She has been nothing short of amazing. I am in awe of this little girl and I can't wait to see what else God has in store for her!!

Happy Gotcha Day, Sweet Girl! We are so blessed that God led us to you!

Gracie's Special Need

2012-01-19T13:47:00.002-06:00

Disclaimer: This post is about poop! You might not want to read it, but I have had alot of questions about Gracie's sn....and her sn happens to be poop! :)

Ok...Here it is. I did not come to the decision to share Gracie's special need lightly, and I will admit that if the outcome of our Cincinnati trip had been different, I would probably not share. I do feel, however, that when you are in the middle of adopting a special needs child, experiences from other moms is invaluable. I know this from my own experiences with both my girls. Please understand that every child is different and every file is different. This is just our experience with Gracie. So...here it is:

Gracie's file gave her this special need "megacolon". Her file stated that she spent the first year of her life in the hospital, but there a no medical records from this time at the orphanage. Her file stated that she was bowel incontinent and also had a low IQ test in it. I will not lie...her file was scary to me! I'm sure you don't remember, but we were racing her file with our paperwork. We did not succeed. She hit the list before we were ready, so the only way I could lock her file is if she stayed on the list for 30 days. This did a couple of things for/to me. First, I probably gained a ton of gray hair stressing over it. Second, it gave me 30 days to read her file and gather all the information I could gather. I did not think I could handle a bowel incontenent child, but I felt so strongly that she was supposed to be ours. I was really conflicted about it. During this 30 day period, I was able to ask questions of the orphanage. I got a picture of her nasty scar...right on her tummy. I also got the information that she was potty trained, but still wore diapers sometimes and that she pooped 5-6 times a day. Hmmm..... I was also able to speak to someone who had met her, and gave the report that there was nothing wrong with her IQ. Finally, as I read her chart for the 100th time, I looked at the date on it. It had been written on the day she turned 2. This gave me much peace. Wesleigh was turning 3 and still didn't have bowel control! I decided, that day...if she was still on the list after 30 days...she was mine...regardless! I now feel that this was all such a God thing. Her file, being so negative, served 2 purposes: she stayed on the list (even though her file was locked 3 different times), and it caused my faith to grow by leaps and bounds.

Fast forward to China...While we were at the civil affairs office on that first day, in the middle of everything, Gracie had to go to the bathroom. She was in panties and told the director that she had to go, but there was definitely something not quite right. Her stool was, and continued to be extremely runny and she had to go often. Also, when she said she had to go...she had to go NOW! Before we went to China, I had already decided that I would be taking her to Cincinnati Childrens to their colo-rectal center. It was the best decision we made. Before we got to Cincinnati we were able to deal with her need by learning her cues and also learning that any fiber in her diet (grapes, fruit, etc) made it worse. She loves those foods, but I had to limit them greatly. She wore panties mostly while awake and only had 1 accident at school. Honestly, if it never got better than that...we could handle that.

She and I spent 2 weeks in Cincinnati. The first week was spent trying to figure her out. What was her problem when she was born? What is her problem now? What can we do for her? After a few tests that were not much fun, it was determined that Gracie was born with hirschsprung's disease. Here's my version of what that is: The nerve endings in Gracie's colon did not completely form, therefore there was a portion of Gracie's colon that could not function. In China, they did surgery to take out the affected portion of colon. The surgery was successful and although there are a couple of things that could cause some issues later (scar tissue, etc.), it's nothing we have to worry about now. Her diagnosis right now is a hyper-motile colon. Her colon works too fast, especially when you eat fruit, etc. Our second week in Cincinnati was spent in bowel management...trying to come up with the right cocktail of drugs to get her colon to slow down. They put her on Citrucel to bulk up her stool and Immodium to slow her colon down. MIRACLE!! I don't think the child had ever had a formed stool...ever! She now goes about 3 times a day, and we don't have the "emergencies" that we used to deal with. It's not perfect. She has days that things don't go quite right, but those are very manageable. I think as she gets older, that part will get easier and easier.

So what we do now...We are on a regiment of both medications 3x/day. We have our routine down and it's easy. I have to watch her closely because she is at risk for infections of the colon and could also flip to being constipated at some point. I do not know if this is something that she will have to do the rest of her life....they couldn't tell me. We feel very blessed to have had a situation that was resolved so easily and painlessly. However, it wouldn't have mattered. We would do whatever we needed to...she's ours...and that's what you do.

I, unfortunately, do not have much more knowledge about bowel issues than what I stated here. In fact, I now know much more about poop than I ever wanted or expected to :) If you have questions, I would be more than happy to answer them if I can.

Gracie Joy

2012-01-18T07:33:00.001-06:00

I had a special request from Mrs. Di to see Gracie Joy in a hat.You might notice that I will put Wesleigh in a hat from time to time. I tried it once on Gracie and it was a disaster! She will not leave it alone...so I save us both the frustration and put a bow in her head!

This request, however, was all the motivation I needed to have another photo shoot with her. She looks adorable! Can you feel the energy coming through the pics...or is that me remembering how I chased her around??? This girl is something else. She is so sweet, but she's a handful. She never walks...anywhere. You say, "let's go take a bath" and she runs to the tub. "Time to brush your teeth"...runs to the bathroom. You get the idea. I have so much more to write about her this chick, but this will have to do for today :)

Enjoy :)

Uh-Oh!!

2012-01-17T06:59:00.000-06:00

Well...as you might have noticed...I'm minus a kid on my header!! I had the ~~blonde~~ bright idea that I should just make myself a new header...just like that. I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I did. Obviously, it didn't work out so well for me! I had to confess my blondness to Keisha and pray she could fix it. She can, but she has to redo the header...UGH!!! It's a work in progress. So until then...no worries, there are still 5 children here!

I was able to attend a photography workshop Saturday in New Orleans with a couple of friends. It was pretty much over my head (flashes and lighting), but still fun. The weather was awesome and New Orleans is so full of great spots to take photos. I should show you a few of them because the models were... let's just say... not quite my style, but that would mean uploading them to Flicker and I just don't think I have it in me tonight.

I did, however, load a couple of the adorable shots I took of the girls today. Enjoy...they're yummy!!

Baseball is now if full swing here! I'm not so sure I'm ready for this. Braden and Cade are both on serious tournament teams, so I know the schedule is going to be crazy. Richard is trying to not coach this season since we're paying a coach (alot, by the way!). He said last year that he just wanted to be able to sit in the stands like the other dads. Honestly, it would be nice to have another parent in the stands to help with the girls. He's been coaching at least one of our boys for 11 years. I had my doubts that it would happen, and I think I was right :( Truth is, I don't think he can stand being on the sidelines. BOOOOO!!!!!!!

Have a great day...I'd better get moving!

Where's Gracie??

2012-01-12T09:31:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I was not going to lay down with the girls for nap anymore. They go to bed in the evenings without any problems, but Wesleigh does not sleep at naptime. I didn't think Gracie would stay in the room without her and I knew Wesleigh would not allow Gracie to sleep (which she desperately needs!!). I have been laying down between the two of them for months until Gracie falls asleep! Finally, I felt like we were ready for the big jump! It has been great! Wesleigh lays down in my room and watches a movie while Gracie is in their room and sleeps! It's heaven!!

Yesterday, I went in Gracie's room to get something and I was startled to not find her in her bed. I looked in Wesleigh's bed but didn't see her. I looked around on the floor and still couldn't find her! It wasn't until I looked closer to Wesleigh's bed that I saw a little bit of dark hair. (The blond hair belongs to Rapunzel) :)

It wasn't until I walked around to the other side of the bed that I saw this:

Two little feet sticking out from under the covers. She plays in her room for a little while before she falls asleep...evidently, her playtime brought her to Wesleigh's bed. I'm good with that...as long as there's sleep involved!!!

Well...the Cheerleaders were Cute!!

2012-01-10T19:25:00.000-06:00

Lordy..there is one thing, and one thing only, being talked about in my town today: FOOTBALL!! Good grief! I will admit...that was the worst game I've ever seen the Tigers play. I'm just glad we didn't spend $1300/ticket to be there!! I would have never spent that anyway...but I'm so glad I wasn't there. The drive home from New Orleans to Baton Rouge was described as a "funeral procession". lol...I'm just glad I don't really care! I cared much more when it was Cade's team in their superbowl. Speaking of Cade....just in case you're wondering...he could have done a MUCH better job as quarterback than the guy they had in there!!!

So...the best part of last night was seeing these two dressed in their cheerleader outfits. My sister in law gave me these a year ago for Wesleigh. They were both worn by my niece who is almost 12! I just totally lucked out that there was a size 3 and a size 4...just perfect for the girls! They were loving it!

I had to post some more princess pictures. This is what these two do every single day! They make a tea party and dress up in their princess clothes. I am constantly amazed at how well the play together and get along. Thank you, Lord! That is such an answer to prayer!!

(this is what their hair looks like when they're at home all day :)

Have you noticed where this princess castle is??? Yep...that's the front door!! Before Christmas, their kitchen and alot of their toys were in the keeping room where we spend most of our time. When we got our tree, though, it all needed to go somewhere else. I put everything in the foyer because it has alot of open space. It has worked out great (especially since the castle came)! For a few days, it really bugged me that if you came to my front door, you see a "playroom". I have not been able to buy furniture for some parts of the house yet...foyer included. Part of that reason is because we chose to go to China...twice. I do not regret that decision, so I will enjoy the fact that there is a great place for the two of them to make their tea parties and play princess. All the great light there is a bonus :)

Cute and Funny

2012-01-09T07:48:00.000-06:00

These two princesses have been busy! They don't go back to school until tomorrow and they are terribly missing their teacher and all their "friends". The boys went back to school today. It was way past time!! Three weeks is too much time. Not because I was tired of them, but they were bored and lazy...so am I!!

I thought I'd take a minute and post some of the things Wesleigh has been saying lately. Gracie's language is really good, but she doesn't have the vocabulary that Wesleigh has yet. Wesleigh has really grown up in the past few weeks. She has been 100% potty trained...Thank You, Lord!! And the things she's been coming up with are absolutely hysterical! Here are a couple of examples:

As we're driving down the road, she starts saying the Pledge of Allegiance. This is what she says, "I pledge allegiance, to the flag of the United States of Christmas". Then she tries again, "Merry Christmas to the flag..." So funny!!

Yesterday, Richard went into a little grocery store to pick us up some lunch.
W: Where's Daddy?
Me: He's getting you something to eat.
W: And my brothers?
Me: yes
W: And my sister?
Me: yes
W: All my peoples

When I got her dressed for church, I told her, "You look awfully cute today". She smiled and said, "I go see my brothers (bruders) and see I cute". So cute. Sure enough, she walked in the kitchen looking for a brother that would tell her how cute she looked. (She didn't have to wait long).

She calls the boys "my boys". She'll say, "I need to see my boys" or "Where are my boys?".

She picked up my phone last night, turned on the camera and pretended to video me. She sounded just like me when I video her. She asked me what I got for Christmas. Then she said, "Tell me bye-bye" and then "I love you", which is what I do every time :)

She adds the "uh" sound after the word like and love, so she says "Oh yeah, I lika that" or "I lova you". She has started telling my she loves me more independantly lately. She kisses me on the cheek and says "I lova you, Mama".

Wesleigh asks to go swimming all the time. It's kind of hard to explain that we can't because it's too cold when it's 80 degrees outside!!

She makes up songs in the car. She tells me she's going to sing me a song and then she starts singing about anything. It could be about brushing her teeth or going to school...anything that's going on right then.

She starts belly laughing at the drop of a hat. She laughs so hard that tears immediately start running down her face.

At church yesterday, there was a mom holding her baby girl. The baby had on some precious football legwarmers with purple and gold ruffles at the feet. (In case you haven't heard....there's a big game here tonight) Both girls were just ooohhhh-ing and ahhhh-ing over the baby. Wesleigh said, "She look like a mermaid"...and she kind of did! The mom and I got a big kick over it.
Don't think Gracie ever lets Wesleigh upstage her. She might not have as many words...but she is hysterical:

Gracie came out of the church nursery yesterday and immediately raised her hand up and said "Jesus" in a loud sing-song voice. She did it a few times and everyone waiting in line got a big kick out of her. It is humbling to think that she would never have been allowed to go to a church and learn about Jesus had she stayed in China.

When you ask Gracie about Santa, she says "I cwy", then she rubs her fist to her eyes and says "wa wa". It is so funny. She says that she is not going to cry next time...Santa was pretty good to her :) She also does the same crying bit when you ask her if she rode on an airplane. She only cried when we took off on half the flights, but she does not like it!

They set up tea parties all the time. This is an elaborate setting they did a while back. They are really good at entertaining themselves with their babies and teaparties. They also have birthday parties for each other. I can't wait until it's their real birthdays...they are going to be so excited. You see Kailan sitting here. Her name is not Kailan here...it's "Chinese". I do not know how or why...but it is.

I know there's more, but this is all I can think of right now. I love this age...potty trained and funny!

A Bunch of Nothin'

2012-01-06T07:05:00.000-06:00

I found this picture and realized I never posted it. These dresses are from my new favorite line, Georgia Grace. Their clothes are yummy! I even looked into becoming a rep for their company because I love them so much. Richard quickly brought me back to reality...reminding me in a very kind way that I'm struggling with keeping up with what's on my plate already. He's right.

This morning is the first morning I've had to watch the sun rise in a long time...UGH! Braden went back to school today, but the others don't go back until next week. The break has been too long. The kiddos are bored and it's going to make going back even that much more painful! The girls have been sleeping late, so I've been staying up way too late watching old episodes of Friends, my all-time favorite show. I lay in bed laughing out loud :) I have great hope that they will sleep late this summer!! That would be heaven for me!!

Speaking of summer....it has been in the 70's here this week! Absolutely gorgeous!! We have not taken advantage of it like we should, but it's been great. I'm going to go into complete shock when winter comes back! I'm already looking ahead to swim season!!

Oh well...nothing else really happening. I'm going to work on the post about Gracie's sn. We will also celebrate Wesleigh's "gotcha" this month!! We also have her birthday coming in Feb!! She's going to be FOUR!! Her language and personality have moved to another level in the past couple of weeks, so I can't wait to write a post on the teacup!!

Yum Fun!!

2012-01-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

There's nothing I can think of that beats deep fried dough covered with powdered sugar...known in these parts as beignets. Yum!! Share them with family...and it's perfect!

Before Darren, Deanna and the kids left yesterday, we met at Coffee Call to ~~pigout on~~ enjoy some beignets. We had a great time and, as you will see, things got quite messy! I'm pretty sure everyone in that restaurant was pretty happy when we left :)It all started with a little dab of sugar on their noses...of course, it wouldn't end there.(Rylan and Auden weren't there yet)

Pretty soon, this is what they looked like!

Look how hard Wesleigh is concentrating on Madelyn's face. She has her tongue out which must help her think :)

Before we got there, I was reminding Wesleigh what beignets are. She said, "Oh, yeah, I lika that!" And boy does she!

Gracie never actually ate the donut...she just licked the sugar!

And my favorites of the day, taken by my sweet Sister in law:

These two were inseperable. If Madelyn was around, Wesleigh was right by her. So sweet!

And my sweet daddy with our wild child!It was the perfect way to end our sweet time together. We miss them already!

You Might Be a Redneck...

2012-01-02T15:49:00.000-06:00

Yep...I think we're guilty as charged. We decided to go to Joel's house and shoot his potato launcher (that he made) instead of take the kids ice skating. My boys were thrilled!! It is the funniest thing you've ever seen. Joel's house backs up to the woods so they shot the potatos back there. They go far. Hopefully they didn't hit any hunters back in the woods! lol...

Notice Gracie in the back covering her ears...so funny.

Wesleigh couldn't have cared less about the noise or what those crazy boys were doing. She was too busy.

So here you go, Jeff Foxworthy...If you think shooting a homemade potato canon in your own backyard sounds like good family fun...You might be a redneck!!

Lovin' My Family

2012-01-01T18:40:00.000-06:00

My brother and his family have been in town this week. We don't get to spend alot of time with them, so we've been enjoying them! Wesleigh and Gracie LOVE my niece, Madelyn, and with two new babies in the family, I'm sure she has had all the cousin fun she can stand. My nephew has gotten some quality time with all the boys too. It has been alot of fun. Friday we had our Christmas celebration and exchanged gifts. We also took a family picture since we were all together. With 8 adults and 11 children, it was quite a feat.I think it turned out great though! I had the camera on a tripod and I kept running back and forth setting the timer. There was probably a way to do it easier, but it actually kept all the kids entertained. Richard did admit that he and some of my family (hmmm....), although they didn't want me to fall, would have been happy to laugh hysterically if it had happened :)

I should have taken pics of each separate family so you could see who goes with who. My brother, Darren and his wife Deanna, (by Richard and I) have Madelyn (holding baby Adalie) and Hayden (only blonde headed boy). My brother, Joel and his wife Jennifer now have 4! They have Rylan and Auden. Then they have Ever and Adalie (the two babies). They adopted these two 3 months apart!! So...we have 2 sets of virtual twins in our family :)

So the ages of the grandkids are as follows: 1 month, 4 months, 2, 3, 3, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15. It has been pretty exciting over here the past few days :)Here are a few other pics we took:

The girls:

The boys:The boys win! They were much better at posing for the pics :)

Madelyn and Adalie:

Hayden:

Cade and Auden. They have adored each other since Auden was a baby. Cade had to hold her for the
family pics.

Baby Ever:

Baby Adalie:

I love Wesleigh and Gracie's faces in this picture. They were just a little excited.

The girls got a princess castle for their Disney barbies.

The girls got Dr. kits and LOVE them!!

It was a fun night and the first of alot of family time. Makes me really wish they lived closer!!

I Interrupt...

2011-12-29T17:50:00.001-06:00

...this unbearable string of horrible, dark, inside pictures...FOR SOME COLOR!!

I took the girls' pictures today separately, and I have to say...I might never take their pictures together again!! Let me show you why...

Here's Wesleigh in her own photo shoot:And here's Gracie:

Adorable, right?Well...here's what happens when you put the two together:

Seriously?? I took a series of them together and they are all just as bad as this one! It's like they totally forget how to take a picture!!

I also thought I'd show you that I finally did get a good indoor shot during the holidays:

That's just great. One good indoor shot. And it's my dog. I love my dog...but Geez!!

The good news...I have another shot tomorrow night :)

Christmas Day

2011-12-28T09:50:00.004-06:00

How about this crew? They're looking a little rough!

These 2, on the other hand, were ready to go!! That squeal you heard about 7:30 Christmas morning? Yep...that was Gracie!!

I love this shirt. If you've been reading for a while, you know that Cade's nickname has been "the beast" since he played tball. I thought this was perfect!!

These were my favorite gifts for the boys. I had these posters made for each one of them from Snapfish. I was stunned at how beautiful they were! They took a matter of minutes to make online. I ordered them already framed and they are perfect! The boys seemed to like them too.

Of course, Cade's was his football season. I just have to give a quick shout-out to our Saints superstar Drew Brees who just broke the record of passing yardage in a season!! I told Cade I wanted him to be sure to watch him do it because in a few years, he would be breaking Brees' record :) I wanted him to be able to say that he watched when Drew broke it!! lol...
Hey...a Mama can dream, can't she???

I love Braden's with that big picture of him catching...kind of makes me ready for baseball :)

And Bryce's with some of his Sea Cadet highlights of the year.

Of course, the stars of the show were these two little princesses. They were so funny! We had a princess explosion over here. I have the glitter to prove it!!

Bryce got this back scratcher from my parents' stocking. He went around driving everyone crazy with that thing! Here he is playing with Wesleigh. I love the look on his face.

I intentionally didn't crop the "aftermath" from this picture (and this is after we cleaned up). My floor was (and is again) coated with glitter from all the princess garb. It looked like a fairy blew up in my keeping room!!

The girls got these training chop sticks in their stockings. Wesleigh used them to eat her breakfast. She might not look like it...but this girl can eat!!

The highlight was the trampoline! Cade was the one who asked for it, but it is a favorite of everyone. Even though it was drizzly all day, it didn't keep them inside.

Just being silly with my "little" boy!!

Richard's dad and brother made an appearance.

Then Richard's mom and dad (yep...2 dads :) came. I must have been tired of taking pics at this point because there aren't many :(

And we're not done yet! My family is coming on Friday to do Christmas. It's the holiday that lasts forever :)

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T13:00:00.000-06:00

This holiday has been so bazarre. With Gracie and I being out of town, things just haven't been quite right. It got here before I was ready for it. On the other hand, it is lasting forever!! We started with our Christmas service on Friday night, then Christmas Eve, then Christmas. Now we wait until Friday to do Christmas with my family. My brother and his family will be here from Colorado so we can't wait to see them. Usually, I would have Christmas packed away by now, but we have alot of Christmas left!

A quick pic of all my kiddos before church.

Can you believe, this is the first picture of the 7 of us since the airport!!

We went to my parents for our traditional seafood gumbo dinner. Turns out...Gracie LOVES gumbo!! Both my girls seem to love South Louisiana cooking. I think they were both born to be cajuns!! :)

My parents

I took about 10 pictures of this group. In every single one, Gracie was making some crazy face. I just picked the one that everyone else looked the best :)

The kids got to open their stockings from my parents.

It's cute how much they love stockings. (Even the big ones!)

This was our elf, Ethan's, final spot before he headed back to the North Pole for good. We only had a week with Ethan this year. Next year, he will get to see much more :)

I love this Christmas card wreath.

We read a few stories, put out cookies for Santa and headed to bed.

Wesleigh kept saying, "I just so es-sited"! Gracie had no idea what was about to happen, but she's always happy to be part of something "essiting" :)

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T11:14:00.001-06:00

We've been busy having fun around here. The girls had their party at school and I finally got some presents wrapped under the tree. Not all of them...but it's a start. Our elf, Ethan, has been making the rounds around the house. He hasn't been naughty this year, but I have big plans for next year!

A mom passed these Rudolph noses out to play a game. Wesleigh immediately stuck it on her nose. So funny!

I baked cookies with the girls yesterday. We cheated and did slice and bake and used a Christmas baking sheet instead of using the cookie cutters. I just didn't have it in me. They had an absolute blast! We started mixing the cookies and after just the flour was in the bowl, they were having such a good time playing around with that flour that I just started snapping pictures. They got it everywhere and thought they were big stuff. My mom showed up at just the right time to get in on the action. After they played for a while, I just dumped what was left of that flour and we started over. I will definitely use that trick again!!

Can you see how hard Wesleigh is laughing. They were having a blast!

This might be my favorite picture of the day. Wesleigh is just cracking up over how messy the flour is. So funny!!

We will go to my parents' tonight and have our traditional seafood gumbo! Yum!!

Hope you're all having a great Christmas Eve.

Finally...A Little Christmas Cheer

2011-12-21T22:32:00.000-06:00

I feel like I've totally missed out on the Christmas season this year because I was gone for so long. I hate that. I was really looking forward to doing lots of fun things with the girls this year. That list has been cut down to just a few.

All of these pictures are awful! They are either at night or inside where I am horrible...SO frustrating!!

We took everyone to a local house here who goes all out for Christmas. They've been setting out a huge display longer than I've been alive! I remember going to the Messengers when I was a little girl. Wesleigh was so excited she could hardly stand it. Gracie, on the other hand, is still nervous with anything having to do with Santa. She does NOT want Santa coming to her house :) It's a good thing we didn't have our Santa party this year!

Then last night was the girls' Christmas program at school. Gracie missed 2 weeks of practice so I was a little concerned she would turn into a clown. She did the opposite, and cried the whole time! She can definitely turn on the waterworks when she wants to! She would stop and sing for a while and then look over at us and start all over again. Wesleigh, on the other hand, loved every second of it and sang every song. She was adorable and only lifted up her dress about 100 times!

I am so disappointed with this picture!! UGH!!!

This was taken when they were walking in. We were on the 3rd row and she started to come in the row to me. I had to fuss and tell her "no". Everyone around me thought that was pretty funny :)

This next picture about sums it up!

She is so stinkin' cute! After it was over I asked her if she heard Gracie crying. She laughed and said, "Yes, Gwacie cwying...Dediegh singing"

Cade got to see his 4yr. old pre-school teacher last night. How cute is she?? Cade is taller than she is!! She is the sweetest thing ever and I'm planning on both girls having her next year :)

OK...that's all I can do tonight. I can't bear to look at any more bad pictures tonight!!

Go check out my friend, Jennifer's blog! They're in China!! If you missed her story, a couple of years ago, she googled "brick floors" and it brought her to my blog. God planted the seed of adoption in their hearts AND THEY'RE IN CHINA!! They've got Molly, who is just precious, and I am thrilled!!

Military Ball 2011

2011-12-18T22:05:00.000-06:00

Last night was Bryce's Navy Sea Cadet Military Ball. You might remember that I was in charge of decorating and had been working on it for the past month. Gracie and I got home at 2:00am and I was setting up for the ball at 10:00. I have been looking forward to it for months and am just glad we were back in time.

Our venue was outdoors, so I was really worried about the weather. Turned out to be a beautiful night. It was pretty cold at the end, but I had decided to trade in my dressy sleeveless number for a cozy sweater dress and boots. It was the right decision :)

Bryce brought his friend, Mattie. She is adorable and such a good sport to sit through all the awards. They looked super cute together too!

Me and my scruffy husband :)

The cake turned out amazing!! I ordered it from the same girl that did Bryce's birthday cake. She is so talented!!

The most exciting part of the night was when Bryce was presented with the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Award. He was the only one who received it and we couldn't be more proud. It is for his service and dedication to the program.

After the awards, the dance started. They all had a great time!

So proud of this boy! And always love seeing him in his dress blues! SO handsome!!

Little Grandma

2011-12-16T13:40:00.000-06:00

Yay! We are almost on our way home!! We had our last appointment at Cincinnati Children's this morning, and our flight leaves at 7:00 tonight. We do not land until 11:30 home time (12:30 our body time). Please pray that Gracie sleeps! If she doesn't, I'm quite sure the entire plane will hate us when we arrive. Either way, though...we're going home!!

We have been here almost 2 weeks and have had such a wonderful place to stay. Arlene (little Grandma) opened her heart and her home to us and we have come to truly love her. I really do not know what we would have done without her. I can't even imagine being in a hotel room with Gracie for the last two weeks!!

Gracie adores her. She gives Arlene hugs and juicy kisses every time she goes to sleep or leaves. I hope Little Grandma enjoyed our visit as much as we enjoyed her!!

Since we've been here, Gracie has fallen in love with Frosty. Arlene has this stuffed snowman and bought Gracie her very own DVD of Frosty! She was so excited!! How cute is this??

Yes...I'm aware that she really shouldn't be inches away from the screen, but it sure made a cute picture :) lol...

I have decided that I'm going to share more about Gracie's special need and what we've been doing here in Cincinnati. I know it's helpful for those who are in the decision making part of adoption to hear others' stories. I will put a post together in the next few days.

Tomorrow, I will wake up in my own bed, and speed off to decorate for Bryce's military ball. I am excited to do that for him and can't wait to see him dressed up in that military uniform tomorrow night!!

Another Special Visit

2011-12-15T11:09:00.002-06:00

The Lord must have known that I would need a little extra encouragement this second week away. Gracie is doing great, but we are both ready to come home! One more day!!

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Rachel, lives about 4 hours away from here. She came to meet Miss Gracie for the first time and spend some time with her old friend :) We had a great time catching up and just hanging out. She is an amazing blessing in my life. Her visit definitely helped me get through these last few days.

I found a couple of pics that I didn't post when Emme was here. The girls took naps together and were so sweet.Of course, I started out in the middle of them both and slithered out when they were asleep.

My kiddos at home seem to be doing just fine. We skyped last night and made funny faces at each other. I think they will be happy when we're all together again. I know I will be!

A Special Meeting

2011-12-12T12:50:00.004-06:00

When Gracie was 18 months old, she was entered into a program named Pearl River Outreach. When she was 2 1/2, the founder of this organization, Christina, traveled to China and was able to spend a little time with Gracie and her foster mother. Yesterday, Gracie was able to meet Christina for a second time and I was able to meet her for the first time. It is because of PRO that Gracie was able to spend 2 years of her life in a loving foster home, and it is because of PRO that I saw Gracie's picture in the first place. I just love how God puts the pieces of the puzzle together....even when they make no sense to us.

Here is a picture taken from Christina's trip to China. She is the blonde sitting next to Gracie and her China mom.

And....here we are today!

I was so happy to meet Christina and her precious family while we are away from home. I am forever in her debt because she listened to the call of God and helped me find my Gracie.Here are some more pics from the day:

Five adorable miracles from China.

If you want to help an orphan have the same opportunity to live with a loving family instead of an orphanage, please visit HERE and participate in the amazing giveaway they are having today. You can also visit HERE to learn how to sponsor a child. Someone sponsored my Gracie Joy for the months before I found her. What a difference their small sacrifice made in the life of my child and our family! Please consider being that person for another precious child!!

Diana left today. The ride back from the airport was so sad. I was already emotional and Gracie cried the saddest cry ever. She wanted to get on the airplane and go home :( She is doing so great, and we are really enjoying our time together. She's getting some 1 on 1 attention that she needed, but we're ready...we want to go home! It looks like her medical issues are going to be taken care of with 2 over the counter medicines!! Thank you, Lord!!

I have another BFF coming tomorrow to spend a couple days with me so I'm looking forward to that. God knew that I would lose my mind without some sweet friends to share my time with!

CUTE!

2011-12-11T14:39:00.001-06:00

As promised, here are some more pics of us yesterday with our amazing bows!! Diana had my amazing bow lady from home make these fabulous bows as a surprise for us. I LOVE them!!

Sweet Emme Jade. Gracie has started calling her either Jade or Emme Jade. So cute!We are having a great weekend. We met up with "the" Pearl River mom today, so I'll have some fun pics to share of that.Hope you're having a great weekend!!

It's Party Time!

2011-12-10T16:02:00.001-06:00

Di and Emme flew in yesterday for the weekend. I am staying with her mother-in-law, so it makes perfect sense. I was thrilled to meet Miss Emme for the first time and Diana got to meet Miss Gracie. Diana, you remember, knew Gracie before I did when she was in the Pearl River program. She's been waiting a long time to meet my cutie. Gracie and Emme have been having a ball. They run around like little crazies, then fight over toys and then sit and play for a while. Here's a collection of shots we have so far:

I read the two cuties our favorite book.

Gracie being a ham for Di.

Are these tops not the cutest ever?? Di brought them for the girls. I wish Wesleigh was here to wear hers! Our favorite designer, Ms. Lori B. outdid herself on these. You should see the bows that came today to match!! I'll post a pic of those a little later.

So what's going on at home?? Today, Cade and Bryce were in the local Christmas Parade. Bryce was marching with the band and Cade was riding a float with his playoff team. Cade was so excited to do it.

Are you wondering what Wesleigh has been wearing while I'm away? I have had Richard sending me pics each day because I want to know too :) I did layout quite a few outfits and put sticky notes on each one telling him what shoes match each. The hair, however, is on him. I have to say, the pictures make me smile everyday :) They were at the Christmas parade today. Here are a couple of pics they sent me.

Cade was so excited to be in this parade today. I am sad I missed it, but this picture is the cutest thing ever! He is handing this treat to Wesleigh.

I have more adorable pics, but I'll have to post them later. Off to enjoy our besties!

Gracie Update

2011-12-08T19:49:00.001-06:00

Today was our hard day. They put her to sleep to get a better look at her and the news was good. I'm going to know more tomorrow after I meet with the Dr. again. I probably won't be posting details because I don't really want to put all Gracie's personal business out there, but I'm hopeful we will be able to find a solution without surgery. I can tell you this...Gracie Joy was the talk of the hospital today! Every single person we saw couldn't get enough of her. They loved her bow, dress, boots, blanket and personality. They couldn't stop talking about how beautiful she is. Of course, I couldn't agree more! Nobody could believe that she's only been home for 3 months.

She's taking a picture for her daddy here. Boy does she miss all of our guys (and girl) at home. We were skyping last night and she kept kissing Richard on the screen and rubbing his face. SO sweet!

They gave her an oral sedative to help her relax before they brought her back. They thought she would fall asleep, but not a chance. She was still singing "Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes" when they came for her. Considering that they didn't bring her back until 3:30 and she hadn't had anything to eat all day...she was great. I was crabbier than she was :)

I feel like we're downhill from here. We still have appointments but nothing invasive like we've done this week. The best part is that Diana and Emme come tomorrow for the weekend!!! I am SO excited and can't wait to spend time with them both!!

Home Away From Home

2011-12-07T13:29:00.001-06:00

Gracie and I have settled into our temporary home away from home. She has been a dream! I could not have asked her to be any better. She seems to be enjoying having my undivided attention, which I'm happy to give her. She was so good on the plane, even though she does not like being in the air :) Here's a picture taken on my phone. She looked SO adorable!! (if I do say so myself) This might be my favorite find from...you guessed it...Zulily!

Yes...that is a crown sticker on her head :) The Cinderella sticker book was a big hit!

So...what exactly are we doing? Gracie is having some tests run this week to figure out exactly what her condition is now and also try to figure out what her surgery was in China. She's a puzzle and came to me with no information about her 1 year hospital stay...only a nasty scar. We had a test yesterday and she has a big exam tomorrow that they will put her to sleep for. Friday, we have a meeting with the doctor to find out the results. We will be here through next week doing some different therapies and such.

I am missing home and so is Gracie. She and Wesleigh are so sweet. They talk on the phone in their jibber jabber and say each other's name a hundred times while we're Skyping. They will be so happy to see each other.

We can't wait 'till Friday when we have a special visitor coming!! We get to meet one very sweet little girl for the first time. I can't wait!! I'm sure we will have lots of pics to share!!

Well...that's about it. There is much more going on at home. I'm missing Bryce's Christmas concert and two of my boys riding in the Christmas parade...just to name a few. It's a hard time of year to be gone, but it's what we needed to do. We will be back home in time for Bryce's military ball and the girls' Christmas program so it's all good!!

Ho Ho Ho

2011-12-03T20:33:00.001-06:00

I guess 1 for 2 isn't that bad :) Gracie told me she didn't want to see Santa...and she meant it! The pictures totally make me laugh. Wesleigh was so excited to see him and so sweet. She told Santa she wanted a "Bobie" (barbie). As soon as her turn was over she said "Let's go back". Gracie was just glad to get away from there :)

I love the way she's listening to him.

Wesleigh is telling him what she wants for Christmas. I have a feeling Gracie will change her mind about the big guy when she sees what he brings her ;) Cade was so sweet. He wiped her tears, straightened her dress and tried to calm her down.

Here are the littles before we left.

Wesleigh's poor eye is swollen again! I do not understand why mosquitos love her eyelids so much!! UGH!!!

It was a fun day together. We were happy to have Daddy back home and trying to get some of these little things done before Gracie and I leave on Monday. I pretty much have all the Christmas business done...now I just have to pack. YUCK!!!

It's Really Over

2011-12-02T07:23:00.001-06:00

I have to say...in all the years I've been watching my boys play sports, I can only think of one other time when I was actually sad to see a playing season end. Usually, I enjoy the whole season, but am ready to move on by the time it ends. I do not feel that way about Cade's football season! I am genuinely sad that it's over :( Cade is over it...Richard is over it...I am not. It's so silly and by the time baseball gets her (January) I'll be fine.

I never posted about the superbowl because, honestly, I needed a little time to get over the disappointment. I know...crazy! Cade was over it the next morning...not me :)

So here it is...the big day. The boys were so excited! (we all were!!) This is Cade and his awesome little teammate, Derek. Derek made Cade look good all season long :)

Love this shot of all the jerseys.

They rode to the game in a charter bus...just because. They were so excited!!

I didn't post pics of the actual game because it isn't anything I haven't posted before and the pics are awful because it's a night game. They played hard but in the end, the other team was just better...and that's ok. Cade left it all on the field and that's all anyone can ask for. He was pretty beat up all game long, but kept going for more. I'm so proud of him.

Here we are getting the second place trophy. Such a great accomplishment, but still hard to come short of the big goal!!

Last night was the end of the season banquet. Richard was out of town so it was a Cade date :)

They sure spoiled the boys with a trophy, ball, hat and a ring! He is so proud of it!!

This is coach Derek. He is "little" Derek's dad. He played for the MLB and NFL and coached an arena football team. He is a huge reason why this season was so successful. The amount of time and energy he put into Cade is amazing. I am so thankful and blessed. The first game of the season, Derek was coaching with a camera around his neck. He was trying to take pictures in the middle of everything!! I put a stop to that by sending him tons of pictures from the game each week. It was our little trade off...he helps Cade, I give him pics :)

I told these boys they'd better keep these balls in a safe place because one day all of their signatures would be worth alot!!

So that's it...the last football post of 2011...Can't wait for 2012!

Still Here

2011-12-01T07:16:00.001-06:00

I know I've been the slacker blogger, but that's only because I've been kickin' some Christmas butt!! Gracie and I leave Monday morning and don't get back until Dec. 16th. That is also two of the boys' last day of school for the holidays! Long story short...I really need to have Christmas finished before I leave. Add to that, Richard has been out of town...and I have 5 kids...I've been busy. The good news is: My shopping, Christmas cards and decorating are done! The bad news: I'm leaving, so I can't enjoy it! That's alright. At least I know everything is ready when I get home. In addition to Christmas, I volunteered to decorate for Bryce's Military Ball (before I knew we were leaving). Guess when it is...the 17th. Yep, I fly in at midnight the 16th and will then get up to decorate the morning of the 17th. I was able to make all the centerpieces and collect the decor already and have it sitting in my garage ready to go. All I can say...we'd better not miss that flight!!

We got all the decorations down while the girls were napping. When they woke up, the mantles were done, and some other things out. The girls were SO excited! I am going to post about that later because it was super sweet. The Christmas tree skirt, however, became Gracie Joy's dress. She loved it!

I love this of Wesleigh. She has a hard time taking pics for me sometimes, but this was so natural. I hope we can start doing this more :)

We went and found our tree and got to work. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling too great, so I wasn't really feeling the Christmas spirit. The kids made up for me though...they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I sat with the ornaments and handed them out. Making sure the breakables went to the big people. The boys took turns helping the girls.

Gracie was pretty much in awe of everything. It was very sweet.

I just had to add these because I thought they looked so cute! I love them in those boots!! These dresses came from my favorite site Zulily!!

None of the pics I took this morning are great but this picture is so horrible, I couldn't leave it out. The boys think that is mean, to me...it's life :) lol... I actually think something we lose with digital photography are the "outakes". With film, the good and bad were all developed and you ended up with a pile of horrible pics. These are the pics that we all look back at now and laugh. With digital, you miss that. If a picture is bad...you just delete it. I make it a point to keep some of those bad pics. If not, what in the world will you embarrass your kids with when they're teenagers???

Hope you're all having a great Christmas season. Don't forget to check in on the promotion that's going on a Diana's blog! There are some great items you can have a chance to win, and all the while, you can help make an orphan's life better!! It's a win-win!! Click HERE to check it out!!!

Three Months Home

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Today marks three months that Gracie Joy has been home. What a crazy 3 months it has been!! She is doing amazing! Both Gracie and Wesleigh seem to have adjusted to their new life. They have become the best of friends and true sisters. I am so proud of them both.

Life has settled alot and Gracie has calmed down some. Don't get me wrong, she is still full of energy, she just doesn't seem to be so "crazy". Her decibel level has decreased a good bit too, which is a great relief. There have been a number of fits that were proof that all she had to do was scream and her China mom would give her what she wanted. In fact, the first time she tried it, she looked me in the face as if to warn me, "I'm going to scream...you'd better give me what I want". Her reaction was pretty funny when she started screaming and got no response from me. Overall, I have not found myself saying "Caaallllmmmmm doooowwwwnnn" near as much. That is a good thing!
Overall, she is just a hoot to have around. She is totally speaking English now. I have to say that I really miss hearing her Chinese :( She still says her name in Chinese and "bing swey" for cold water sometimes. She will also say "shi shi" sometimes for thank you. Honestly, with Wesleigh's articulation not being great, I can pretty much understand about the same amount from each. I have a feeling that it won't be long and Gracie will be translating what Wesleigh is saying to me!! I am having a little trouble with Gracie pronouncing words like Wesleigh, but I seem to have been able to correct a good bit of it.

She is also eating much better. She will eat at least some version of what we eat. She loves frozen waffles and healthy choice chicken and rice soup...YAY!! She still loves her Chinese food best, but we are able to find things she can eat here besides Raman noodles. She will not touch foods like pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. She's a pretty smart cookie :)

Gracie is doing great in school! She absolutely loves it! Everyday when I drop them off, she leaps out of the car and hardly looks back. Everyone there is so impressed at how well adjusted she is and how she just fell right into place. She still gets super excited when she sees my car in the afternoon. The teachers have to make sure they have an extra tight grip on her hand because she always wants to run to me and tell me what she did that day. I'm so proud of her! They skate at school every Wednesday. The reports from other moms who have been there is that she is quite the skater. I'm not surprised. She is very coordinated and confident. I'm going to try to see them skate this week.

Gracie and I leave in a week to go to a colo-rectal specialist. We will have to spend 2 weeks there, but I hope that we will come home with some answers and solutions to the issues she has. We also are going to be able to visit with some super special friends, so I'm looking forward to that.

There's a book that I read to the girls that reminds me so much of Gracie. It is called "There's a Princess in Me". It talks about how God loves you even when you're a mess and that there's a princess in "me". There's even a mirror on the front of the book so they see themselves. If you have the book, you'll have a good idea of my life with Miss Gracie Joy :) If you don't have it and want to take a look, you can find it here.

Overall, it's been an amazing 3 months, that in some ways seems like a lifetime. China seems like such a distant memory. I know one thing, for sure. God has a huge plan for Gracie Joy. I can't wait to see it unfold!!
**These pics were taken during our Christmas Card photo shoot. I love them! Their outfits are from Georgia Grace which might be my favorite line these days! They are amazing and made in the US!!

So Thankful!

2011-11-25T12:35:00.001-06:00

I know this is a day late...but that seems to be the way I roll these days :( We had a great Thanksgiving with family. I am posting some pics of the girls making turkey cookies the day before too.

Cade was a big help :)

Can you believe I didn't take pics of the finished cookies? Geez... Thanksgiving Day, the girls were all about seeing the turkey. I'm not sure it was exactly what they thought it would be, seeing that it didn't gobble or anything, but it is what it is :)

How many adults does it take to get the kid's table settled??? Probably one more than is shown here :)

This power wheels was Cade's Christmas about 5 or 6 yrs. ago. My dad fixed it and Cade had a blast riding the littles around. I can't believe it could hold him!

This year, we are most thankful for the 3 new stocking hanging on my mom's mantle...all added through adoption! In fact, the 3rd is being born Tuesday!! It's been a busy year!!

Don't forget to head over to Diana's blog! The giveaway starts today!!!

Thanksgiving Feast

2011-11-22T21:44:00.001-06:00

The girls had their Thanksgiving Feast at school Friday. They were SO excited and had worked so hard on their songs. Their school is so amazing and is like a time warp. It is exactly the same as when the boys were there..I love it! I actually wanted to find a picture of the boys during their feast, but I'm scared to look for them. I'm afraid they won't be there :( (If you didn't know, we lost our house to a fire 6 yrs. ago, so I'm missing a big chunk of my memories.) Maybe I'll get enough nerve to look next year. Maybe I'll be organized by next year! Yeah...right!

Anyway...the girls were adorable and were so excited to see Richard and I at school...so cute!
This was not my first choice of outfit, but I think they turned out cute. I had to put some major bling bows in their heads though to add a little "somethin, somethin".

I just have to say that I despise taking pictures in a gym!! I am so glad that my boys haven't chosen basketball as their sport of choice :)

I love the way her headband is around her bow and not her head. Poor baby woke up feeling yucky and looks it...she is still struggling.

It was very stratigic that Gracie was right next to a teacher :) I have to write an update on Miss Gracie. It is amazing the strides she has taken in every way!

Shooting her bow and arrow.

Saying the blessing. How cute is that??

Are these not adorable??? I would like to say I'm just not that ambitious because I'm an old mom, but the truth is...I don't think I was that ambitious when Bryce was little either!! They sure are cute though!!

It was a great day. I am thankful for these two precious girls who fill my life with all things pink and shiny!!

Fill Their Stockings!

2011-11-21T14:39:00.001-06:00

You absolutely MUST check out Diana's blog today!! What an amazing opportunity to help these amazing charities who give so much to the orphans in China. AND maybe win something for yourself too!!

I have supported two of these charities for quite a while. It is such a small price to pay to help a child who doesn't have a family. In fact, if it weren't for Pearl River Outreach, I doubt very seriously that I would have Miss Gracie Joy. They have a very special place in my heart.

Make sure you visit the blog and then help spread the word about this amazing opportunity!!

I have Thanksgiving feast pictures to post and Superbowl pics to post (although the outcome wasn't what I was hoping for :( ) Both girls are sick and have been needing some extra TLC. I'll try to post them tomorrow.

Just Plain Adorable!

2011-11-15T21:01:00.001-06:00

I have stopped taking so many pictures of the girls. Life just takes over. A few days ago, though, they told me they wanted to take pictures. Boy did they ham it up for the camera. There are alot of pics here, but they were just too cute not to post. Here's 5 minutes in the life of my girls :)

I just love every single one of them. They were having so much fun...and it shows. Did you see their nails? That super chic color looks so cute on them :)

On to the Superbowl!!

2011-11-13T09:38:00.001-06:00

I'm just going to warn you ahead of time....there are lots of pics and I'm an extremely proud mama!

Cade's football season has been amazing. They were undefeated until 2 weeks ago when we lost to the Prairieville Broncos. It was a tough loss, made tougher that the officials were completely one-sided. (I won't get into that....just know that it's been documented). We also lost last week's game. But we made it into the playoffs, which were yesterday. Guess who we played? Yep...the Broncos! We wanted this game so bad! (So bad that I bought Cade new cleats 3 days ago. His were not gripping anymore and we were not going to lose this game because I was too cheap to buy new cleats!!)

Going into halftime, we were down 14-0! I was worried, and thought we might not be able to recover...but we did! We won the game 20-14. Our last touchdown was scored with 30 seconds left on the game clock (a pass from Cade). It was amazing!! I am so proud of the entire team for working together for this comeback win. Of course, I have some highlight pics of my favorite #12!!

Bare with me...I took over 500 pics at this game! I guess that's what happens when I don't have 3 yr. olds distracting me :)

Watch this next series of 3 pics.

He really smoked this kid. Do you see what he did after? He tapped on his helment like a drum :) When I saw it happen, I knew there must be a story behind why he did it. I asked him last night, but he said he didn't know why he did it. A part of me didn't like it because it comes of cocky, but he has boys cussing him out there and doing very ugly things when they tackle him. This was an amazing hit and the energy was definitely shifting our way. If that's his way of "retaliating" a little...I'm good with that.

PATRIOTS WIN!!! 20-14

I love this.

My sweet baby boy. Everything he does, he does with all his might. This game was a sweet reward for all the hard work he has put in! (and for mama shelling out $30 for new cleats!! lol...)

Now it's time to get back to work preparing for the biggest game next week. This team is tough, but I can guarantee, they won't work harder than we will this week!!

BTW...I already have a sitter lined up...NO distractions :)

There's a New Rule!

2011-11-10T13:51:00.001-06:00

When I was young, "new rules" were quite common. There would be an announcement, There's a new rule!". Well, history repeated itself today as I informed these two that Mama has a new rule! To try to get ready in the morning with these two around is impossible if you want to keep your sanity. The whole time they are digging in drawers, and even worse...my closet.

So the new rule is this:
"While Mommy is getting dressed, you are not allowed to come on the white floor. When I'm ready, then it's their turn."

This was my view today...but they weren't digging in drawers :)

My Daddy

2011-11-10T13:47:00.001-06:00

This past weekend when I was at the women's conference, some magic happened between these two :) Gracie always followed Wesleigh and would want attention from Richard when Wesleigh was getting it. She never really reached out to him on her own though, and was indifferent to him alot of times. Well, since they were together full-time for just a day and a half, she is totally smitten with him. She even started calling him "my daddy". How cute is that? She evidently just needed that little push to have to be dependant on him for a little while.

Halloween Part 2

2011-11-08T14:40:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more pics of our Halloween. The girls had a little festival at school where they went to lots of stations and had all kinds of fun. Here are a few of my favorite pics. BTW...it is so funny being back at this preschool, after all these years, doing the same exact things that I did with the boys...but with GIRLS!! So funny! This is their teacher. She has been amazing with both of them...especially Gracie (since she needs a little more attention/work).

These totally crack me up. The goal was to stomp on the wood thingy and send the bean bag in the air...then catch it. Wesleigh never caught on to the purpose. She was just proud when her foot actually hit the right part of the wood :) Gracie did a little better, but still never caught the bean bag...good thing they have another year of pre-school :) lol...

I love these of Gracie. Maybe it will be easier next time without all those ruffles in the way!! I don't think they could even see their feet!!

See the beanbag in the air? She doesn't even know it's there! lol... SO funny!

This big smile is all that matters :)

Many of you asked about the black tutu tights the girls had on in the last post. I got those HERE. LOVE them!

Also, their pinkalicious shirts were done by my sister-in-law :) Shirts themselves came from Target.

Last, but certainly not least! Go check out Diana's blog for an amazing opportunity this holiday season!! It is going to be a great way to sow into the lives of orphans in China who wait for their families, and have a chance at winning some amazing prizes, as well!!! I can't wait!!

Livin' The Dream

2011-11-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

I love my girls (and my boys too!!). I know that Gracie was born to be ours. But I would be totally lying if I said things had not been completely out of control around here! There just isn't enough time...to clean, wash, blog, clean, think, help with homework, clean, drive to football, band, dance, clean, cook etc, etc, etc. You get the idea. Not to even mention, that the potty is all-consuming in this house right now! I am not trying to have a pity party...just trying to explain that I really needed this weekend!

We attend a really big, contemporary Christian church that I love. For the past 5 years, they have hosted a huge women's conference called "Live the Dream". I have always come up with a convenient excuse each year...until now. This year, I was counting down the days to this conference. I knew it was exactly what I needed. Not only a physical break from the routine for a short time, but an infusion of faith, grace and encouragement. I got just that! It was amazing.

I had to laugh, though, usually when I am away and Richard is home with the kiddos, he makes it a point to have everything clean and picked up when I get home. His intentions are pure, but I have to admit that it has made me feel inadequate at times, and like he's showing me up. I decided long ago that I should just be happy that he was willing to do it and get over myself. It beats the alternative of coming home to a disaster!! But this time was different! I came home to the house looking just as disasterous as it was when I left, and both girls had been put in pull-ups! I think he was a little surprised at the number of accidents and the amout of stress the potty caused throughout the day. Yes...I feel validated...that it really is alot :)

*Before anyone judges me on the fact that the girls are having potty trouble, please understand that Gracie's sn is potty related. I'm not going to get into it right this minute, but we're working on getting her figured out. Wesleigh is just lazy about it still. We're working on that too.

I felt like each and every speaker spoke directly to me. In fact, the last speaker (Priscilla Shirer) was talking about giants you might face in your life. Out of her mouth came, "It might be that you are called to parent a specific child". Her next statement was "You are right where God wants you to be". Yep...that was for me. I don't know if anyone else in the room even heard her say it because it was just for me :)

Anyway, I just wanted to get this down. I want to be able to look back and remember. I'll post the other Halloween pics later. Here's a pic I've been wanting to share. I just love these! They're Mini Boden. Wesleigh's was a hand-me-down, so I ordered one for Gracie. It's a little different from the first, and I love that. In fact, I think this is what we're wearing to church tomorrow :)

Happy Halloween (Just a Little Late!)

2011-11-02T20:33:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a couple of days late posting these...but things are just crazy...ALL the time :) I did want to show you my two very pinkalicious cuties!!

(This first one is what they wore this weekend...SO cute!)

If you know the book "Pinkalicious", you know that there's a page where she puts her hands on her hips and sticks her tongue out. Yep...that's the part they always immitate.

They were so cute taking all these pics. They had BIG incentive because they were ready to go knock on those doors!! Here are a bunch of pics.

How cute are these shirts??? They will wear them quite often, I'm thinking :)

I just love all the ruffles :) She was sitting in the stroller and all these ruffles were spilling out.

Here's the crew of girls we spent the evening with. They were so much fun.

I have more pics from the night, but I'll have to post them next.

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!!

She's From China...Like Me!

2011-10-30T08:19:00.000-05:00

In the past couple of months (I guess since we've been home with Gracie), Wesleigh is acutely aware when she sees an Asian person. The first time happened when were walking out of a doctor appointment. We passed a white mom pushing an Asian baby in a stroller. Wesleigh said, "baby". Then when we passed her she said, "that baby from China like me". I was shocked...I'm still shocked. It's no secret my girls are from China :), and we do tell her when we meet someone else that they are from China "like you". I just never thought she would be able to distinguish who was Asian and who wasn't. After this incident, I thought maybe she had just got lucky. Nope...it happened again at Cade's school. One of the teacher's husband is Korean and their little girl looks Asian. Wesleigh pointed her out and said, "That girl from China, like me". Again...shock. But this last incident takes the cake. I was reading the book Pumpkin Hill to the girls. No big deal...not an adoption book...certainly not about China. However when we got to this page:

Wesleigh says "They're from China, like me!". I never even noticed that the illustration was of an Asian family. It's the only one in the book. I am just amazed. I thought, at their age, they would just assume they looked like me. I think she's very young to have already noticed there is a difference and be able to pick it out in so many different situations. And because I know you want to see pics of this little Asian beauty...here are some I've been wanting to share: Oh...How I love this little cutie! Her sweet, quiet and cuddly personality has really stood out since we brought Gracie home. That is just what seems to happen when you have someone to compare to... their differences become more evident. Not in a bad way...in a "God made you uniquely special and wonderful" kind of way :)

Just Can't Get Enough!

2011-10-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

I have become quite the little league football fan lately! I have never been a big football fan. When I go to a LSU game, I'm really more interrested in watching what everyone has on...just speaking the truth! I don't know positions and find it very hard to see everything that's going on at once.

This year, however, Cade has made a fan of me! Of course, things are more fun to watch when your child is excelling at them. Also, he's the quarterback and also plays defense. He's always out there and getting plenty of action. I am loving it! So far, I have taken over 1,000 pics of the season! My computer is so slow right now, because I have way too many pics on it. I've got to do something about that! He has 2 more regular season games and then the playoff game. We expect to win that, so we'll go to the "superbowl!!" Yay!! I can't wait! I have to say, I think I will be a little sad when this season is over.

Here is one of my favorite shots. #8 has been Cade's friend since preschool. They have so much fun together. Over and over, I caught shots of him blocking for Cade. He looks like he's Cade's protector...I love that!

Here's the next shot: Love it!

There's only one other team in the league that is undefeated like us. We play them in 2 weeks...I'm already nervous :)

Her Mojo Is Back!

2011-10-27T14:23:00.000-05:00

In China, Gracie talked and danced the whole time. Unfortunately, that stopped for the most part when she realized we couldn't understand what she was saying. She didn't seem sad about it, she just didn't talk much. Well...since her vocabulary is getting so much better, I find she is talking so much more. She also breaks out into a jive whenever she hears music. At Braden's game yesterday, she started dancing every time the music started. I was able to catch this short clip of it: SO FUNNY!

How about that split move??? Yep...you guessed it...she got that from me :) lol....

Gracie's English

2011-10-26T14:20:00.000-05:00

Ok...well, here it is. I am going to address the question as to how Gracie's English is coming along. We were home 8 weeks this past Friday, and I can say that I have seen a great improvement in the amount of words she can use just in the past few days! She and I have been understanding most of what the other says for a while...at least enough to get by. She has understood English for a while now and could speak some very basic words. Just lately, she's able to put more English words together to form thoughts. Some examples would be "Cade, come here" or "Wesleigh went bonk". She loves to sing the ABC's and sings it alot. The first video I'm loading is of her singing them. She knows the song as well as Wesleigh does :)

My biggest struggle with her learning is to make sure she's pronouncing the words like me and not like Wesleigh. Wesleigh has some articulation problems, and encourages Gracie to repeat after her...like the blind leading the blind! The words Gracie says are perfect...I'm trying to keep them that way :)

I haven't noticed alot of frustration from her because of a lack of communication. I'm a little surprised by that. We learned in China that she is VERY vocal, but she has not been since we got home. She learned very quickly that we couldn't understand what she was saying, so she quit saying it...so sad :( With her increased vocabulary, we've had an increase in "chatter" too. I am happy about that. I can't believe she hasn't been more unhappy not being able to communicate...amazing! She is pretty good at acting things out. I think she's so smart to figure out that she can act something out when she can't speak it. I am just in awe of her. She is frustrating sometimes because her energy is not controlled alot of the times, but she's such a survivor, and has done it with such joy...You can't help but be amazed and pray that you could do the same.

So...here's the first video of her singing the ABC's

Here's another one with more of a "conversation". This is what day-to-day life sounds like :) She sat at this table playing with playdoh for, at least, 2 hours the other day! Wesleigh was there for alot of that time, but Gracie never moved.

I think her vocabulary is really going to take off from here on out. I have a conference with their teacher next week to see how they're doing. I can't wait to hear what she has to say!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-10-21T14:17:00.001-05:00

I just can't even believe this week is already over! It's amazing how fast time flies sometimes! The past couple of weeks have been good. The girls seem to be settling in a bit and everything doesn't seem to be such a struggle. Gracie has been home for 8 weeks today! Wesleigh doesn't seem to be fighting me quite as much, and I seem to have found some of my sanity again :) Even though our adjustment has been "easy" compared to what some are...it's still hard work...and still a big adjustment for everyone. I took the girls to snap a few pics a few mornings ago. We are finally having a little bit of cool weather, so we can wear some of our fall clothes :)

Playing "ring around the rosie".

Shadow fun. Can you tell who is who? It is funny to me how obvious it is. They are so very different!

And my very favorite of the day:

Have a great weekend! We have another weekend full of football. Can't wait to see my Cade man play tomorrow!!

Peek-a-Boo

2011-10-17T08:12:00.000-05:00

"Peek-a-Boo, I see you!" is one of Gracie's favorite things to say.

I know I've been hiding, but I am still here...just haven't felt much like blogging :( Things are so busy here with everyday life that it's hard to sit down and write about it sometimes. It's a phase, and it will pass...always does. The weather is finally supposed to cool down this week, so maybe I will find some inspiration in that. I might take the girls to a new spot I found the other day and shoot some pics today...if they cooperate...we shall see :)

Can you believe that I started writing my Christmas list today???!!! Holy Moly!! I can't even believe it will soon be time for the holidays. I am SO not ready. I was asked to put my house in the Christmas parade of homes this year, and graciously declined. If I can get my house clean for the holidays, it will be a miracle... Much less, decorated! I told them that next year might be a much better option for me :) I am looking forward to the holidays with the girls this year. They will add that magical Christmas spirit to the house.

Oh well...let's get through Halloween and Thanksgiving first :)

I'm still planning to post on Gracie's English...I'm such a procrastinator!! UGH!! I'll post soon..promise :)

Have a great week!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T06:52:00.001-05:00

You Pwomise?

2011-10-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

My Sweet Wesleigh Jane...

Truthfully, I have been struggling a bit with Wesleigh. She is finding her way with her new sister, and doing really well. It's just not easy to have someone your age move in and automatically share everything from your parents to your toys to your clothes. Lots of children have new siblings, but only a handful get siblings their own age that they immediately have to share everything with. Wesleigh seems to be dealing with these changes by becoming quite defiant to me. Not all the time, but it's something I have never seen in her before. I think she's was a little ticked about the whole thing...and I'm the bad guy. We're working through it, and we'll make it. I've seen some improvement...we're getting there.

I have also seen alot of growth in her, as well. Gracie has pushed her to be more assertive and to try new things. Gracie is stronger physically than Wesleigh is, so it forces Wesleigh to stretch herself. That's a good thing.

A while back Wesleigh started using the phrase "You promise?/I promise". Of course she says it much cuter than that...more like "I pwomise". I don't really know where she got it from. I don't think it's something I say, but it is just stinkin' cute! Yesterday was dance day. Wesleigh lives everday, waiting for dance day! She asks me every day if she gets to go to ballerina school. Every day, I tell her she gets to go on Friday...then she says, "You pwomise?". So cute! Before dance yesterday, I was telling the girls that they had to be good listeners. Gracie tends to get distracted during tumbling when she's waiting for her turn. Sometimes Wesleigh follows suit. They did great! I was so proud of them and told them that after class. Her response, "You pwomise?" Yes. I promise!

Watching Wesleigh in class yesterday touched my heart. Gracie coming home has emphasized the fact that Wesleigh is not the most coordinated toddler. Her spina bifida has contributed to her pigeon toes, and that makes it a little harder to do some things. You can see in the photo above, that her feet turn in. She has to work really hard at things that come very naturally to Gracie. 1st position in ballet is very hard for her. We have been practicing all week to help those tiny feet turn out. To watch her in that class, concentrating on every move makes my heart smile. Gracie is a natural athlete, but hasn't shown the same determination yet.

Wesleigh Jane, If you keep working hard, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to! I promise.

Little Models??? Not Yet!!

2011-10-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

I have been so frustrated lately with the pictures I have gotten of the girls lately. Before we got home from China, each of them was super photogenic and would humor me. Now that they're together, they have both turned into difficult subjects! It's not just when they're together either...ugh!!

The other morning, though, I was checking Zulily like I do most mornings, and Gracie saw a picture of a little girl modeling some clothes with her hands on her hips. She started mimicing her. I took the opportunity and showed the picture to Wesleigh and asked if she could do that too. They were both having a great time and agreed to let me snap some pics. We literally had 2 minutes before we left for school, but these crack me up!!

A funny story...the other day, Gracie was in her carseat and said "look-a-me" (all one word :) I was so surprised to hear that come out of her mouth and wondered where she had heard that before. It's not something Wesleigh says when in her carseat. The next day, I was taking pictures of homecoming and I heard myself say it, "look at me"!!! I couldn't believe it!! God only knows how many times that child has heard that statement...and I didn't even realize it!!!!

From Homecoming To...

2011-10-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

Baby Dedication!
Sometimes the vast separation of my kids' activities make me laugh out loud :)

Sunday was the day that we dedicated Gracie Joy at our church. We go to a very large church and I have known our pastor since I was in high school and he was in Bible college. It's always fun to share this special day with him, and especially since we were featured in the adoption video a few months ago. I know there were alot of people watching who were excited to see her. It was amazing to be up there with this precious child, who was only a picture last time the church saw us on the big screen. We also got to share the day with my brother and his wife! They adopted a baby boy just a couple of weeks after we got home from China!!

My brother and his wife and baby Ever.

The two of them loved seeing themselves on the big screen behind us. They are both looking at themselves here :) Gracie kept turning my head with her hand to look at it :)

I have to admit, I was scared to death. There was no way to know if Gracie would start screaming at our pastor or try to jump off the stage. She's not exactlly the quiet, calm type! That is actually why the boys aren't with us up there. I know she would have wanted to be passed around the whole time. It's also why I'm the one holding her even though she's a good bit heavier :) Thankfully, she did great!

PURPLICIOUS!!

2011-10-02T14:53:00.000-05:00

Oh, Yes he was!!! That was what the girls had to say about Bryce when he put on this amazing purple shirt. How much do I love that!! He looks so handsome.

Last night was Bryce's first homecoming. We had a last minute shake up when he and his girlfriend broke up last week! Yikes!!! He was just going to skip it, but ended up taking a friend instead. I'm so glad he went. Of course that meant that I had to run back to the mall this week and exchange all the clothes we bought before!! That's ok...hearing the girls call him "purplicious" was totally worth it!

Gracie was totally enamored with the girls. She wanted to see their flowers, dresses, purses...everything. It was pretty funny. I felt like I was sheilding the girls from her the whole time. You're never quite sure when Gracie will decide to tackle someone :) Wesleigh is too shy to get up in the middle of all those strangers. She decided to play with PawPaw.

(So how about that corsage????) This southern girl LOVES it!! lol... It is made with tulle, feathers and a rhinestone broach. I didn't realize it would be that much bigger than the regular ones but I love it! I hope she did!!

They met at our house for pictures, then went to eat at a nice restaurant. Richard and I actually volunteered to drive them. I had my parents stay with the others and we just got a separate table and enjoyed a dinner ourselves. It's our 18th anniversary today, so that was our celebration :) lol...

We then drove them to the dance, which was fun. Bryce gave me the ultimate compliment :) We were talking about Gracie and Bryce said she was going to be the crazy one in high school that everyone would wonder what she was doing. I said that I thought she would be the "fun crazy" one. Then Bryce said, "like you". Awwwww.......I'll take that over just about anything :) I just love that boy!!

After the dance, another mom took the group bowling. I can't tell you how thankful I was to have the early shift!! I'm anxious to see Bryce's phone...I hope he took some fun pics!

Soooo.....from High School Homecoming, we go into baby dedication this morning! Gracious!! That is a post all to itself :)

Questions and Answers Part 2

2011-09-27T14:17:00.001-05:00

These were the girls' ~~bribe~~ prize for taking such great pictures for me the other day. Wesleigh found them in a drawer and they were perfect! They came with the strap, so I wore them during the photo shoot. I think I'm going to need to find some more of these!!

You all want to know where I got these dresses. They were made especially for my girls by a sweet friend. She is currently not selling her creations, but if that changes...I will certainly let you know. It was such a sweet gift!

Ok...ready for part 2! I'm going to try to answer all the questions about the girls and adoption in this post.

Here's the first one:
I've been wondering...clearly your boys are crazy about their little sisters, but are there ever any jealousy issues? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having kids so far apart in age?
I can honestly say there have been no jealously issues between the boys and girls. With Wesleigh, they all fell madly in love with her from the first minute. They have always loved to sit with her and play with her, and she loves them just as much. Gracie has shaken things up a bit. She has brought the "crazy" in my house to an all time high. She loves to play with the boys...but I don't think she really loves them yet. They love her, but it's not the same yet. It'll get there.

I love the advantages and disadvantages part of this question because I think there are definitely both. I'll list the ones I can think of:
advantages:
*The boys are old enough to really grasp the concept of adoption and what we have done.
*The boys are old enough to really help with the work. They can babysit, feed kids, take out the trash, etc.
*The boys are old enough to understand why the girls get so much attention.
*When the boys are out of high school, the girls will only be in jr. high! I choose to believe this will keep us young...not make us feel old :)

disadvantages:
*Having older kids and toddlers makes it hard to participate in the older kids' activities. I am not near as involved in their school, sports, etc. as I was before Wesleigh.
*I find it hard to concentrate on the boys' homework or what they need for school because there are always "littles" running circles around me.
*I find that I'm more dependant on other parents to give my kids rides places than I'd like to be. I really enjoyed being the parent that was always there.
*The boys tend to retreat upstairs these days because Dora is always on the tv downstairs and things are so loud and crazy. I'm missing my boys right now :(

Overall, for our family, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I do try to purposefully counteract some of the negatives. We try to take advantage of every minute with the boys. We make a point of taking them places one on one as much as possible so we can try to connect with them and make sure we know what's going on with them. Honestly, I am terrified they will feel like I'm too busy for them.

Is she getting used to American food yet?
We're getting there. She is getting much better. I will say...I've had my fill of Chinese food! I still use grapes as bribes for food that she struggles with. I have noticed that she turns her nose up at food, even if she likes it. She likes chicken, but tonight I had to really push her to eat it. She even refuses to eat some kinds of Chinese noodles. I have gotten more creative also. For lunch the other day, they ate ramen noodles and edemame. I figure that's probably better than the chicken nuggets and fries I fed my boys all the time! I have also found the manderin orange cups are a huge hits as well as sunflower seeds. I've just had to think out of the box. The biggest help has been that I discovered they both like fruity cheerios :) I give them those for breakfast with a banana most school mornings.

How is the bonding/attachment going with an older child who has a virtual twin - any tips?

Hmmm....I think the bonding is going well with the two girls. Wesleigh has seemed to accept the fact that Gracie is here to stay and they are always together. There are lots of sharing issues...more than if they had been raised together, but I think they'll get better about that. Tips? I don't know that I have any. I have just tried to get through each day and use the best discernment I can. I try to make sure that I am fair in my discipline to both girls. I have prayed for creative ideas of how to get the desired behaviors from them. I'll let you know when those come raining down :)
Does Gracie speak to Wesleigh in Mandarin and does Wesleigh remember any Mandarin? Is there any way for Gracie to maintain her Mandarin?
Gracie does talk in Chinese (her Changsha dialect). Wesleigh doesn't seem to recognize any of it, but she has picked some up. So...I have Wesleigh speaking her form of English (her speach isn't great) and also speaking a small amount of Chinese and then I have Gracie speaking Chinese and also copying Wesleigh's form of English and my English. Who the heck knows what anyone is saying anymore?????!!! I could put Gracie in Chinese classes, but she really doesn't speak Mandarin, so it wouldn't be like she was with Sam.

Since Gracie is older, does she tell you a lot about her life in China - does she have any friends from before that she is able to keep in touch with?
Gracie can barely say some basic English words, so there have not been any conversations like that. There is a friend who was adopted before her that we will try to connect with.

Gracie looks so happy and integrated - did she go through a lot of grieving - do you have tips on how to integrate an older child so well?
I don't know that I would say I've done anything "well". I have tried to do the best I can, and have mainly used instinct and other moms' experiences to help. Gracie did not grieve with me. It is possible she grieved her foster mom when she was brought back to the orphanage. Because of that, I find it's harder to read her than it was to read Wesleigh. Wesleigh went through such a transformation. Gracie has been pretty mch the same from day 1. Honestly, this makes me a little nervous. I have had lots of you tell me your girls were the same way and they are attached just fine, so I am believing it will be the same for Gracie. Honestly, she is the one who has made it easy. She just jumped right in there...amazing!

We are traveling this fall to bring home our 3 year old. If you could give us one piece of advice about ANYTHING...what would it be???
Oh, Lordy...I think it would just be to relax. I was so stressed and anxious with Wesleigh (just like a first time mom). With Gracie, I was able to relax more and put fewer expectations on both of us. Every child is so different. There is no way to really prepare or plan. Also remember that 3 is still young. It's funny to me to hear Gracie referred to as an "older child". Gracie happens to be very mature and advanced for a 3 year old. In fact, more than Wesleigh in many ways. Know that when you adopt a 3 yr. old, you can still really be getting a baby, especially if they're in an orphanage.

Do each of the girls have a "favorite" brother...one they tend to go to if all 3 of them are in the room? If so, what is it about that brother that makes him the chosen one?
Well, Cade would definitely refer to himself as the "chosen one" if given the chance! They actually will take any brother they can get. They won't fight over the same one unless he is doing something special. They will go to another one. All 3 boys are good about playing with them at different times, so there isn't really one that gives and gets the most attention.

*Do you and Richard plan on revisiting the girls birth places when they are older?

I am planning to go back when the girls are older with a few other adoptive moms. I don't think Richard is invited on that trip :) It is actually something I'm really looking forward to!

*After following a few adoption blogs I have noticed that some AP's get bombarded with really prying and rude questions by absolute strangers while in public places? Have you had any of these occurrences? If so, how have you handled it?
I really haven't had anyone say anything ugly or rude. Before Gracie came home, the questions revolved around the fact that Wesleigh is Chinese and I am white. The questions were "Is her daddy Chinese?" or "Is she adopted?". Honestly, it was mostly the Chinese daddy one :) Since Gracie has been home, the one question I get is "Are they twins?". I don't know if people assume they're not adopted because there are 2 of them or if the twin question just trumps. I haven't perfected this answer yet. Once I answered, "No, they're 2 months apart" and then got the response "Oh...so they're not even sisters". That is an unacceptable response to me so now I am not offering the "2 months apart". I just respond "No, just sisters". People are surprised, but most of the time I'm able to keep walking or just nod and move on. If anyone has any tips on that...I would love them!

*If you could change one thing about international adoption, what would it be?
It would be to make the timeframe consistant. There is no reason each step should have such a wide timeframe to be complete. It should take X weeks to get your LOA/TA/etc...for everyone!! And it should go in line. If you start before me, you should finish before me.

I know that you mentioned that you first saw Gracie on a certain blog. How hard was it to access her file? More specifically, do certain agencies only get certain files or can they access a child's if you request it?

This could be a very long answer, but I'm going to give the short version. Doing what we did with Gracie is very difficult. Because she was not released yet, I had to wait until her file hit the shared list. It was a miracle that the timing worked out as it did. Some files are assigned to a specific agency. To see these files, you have to go through that agency. However, if you are requesting the file of a child on the shared list, any agency can get that.

Does one act more like the older sister? Are you glad they share a room?
Gracie has such a strong personality that I was afraid she was going to completely overshadow Wesleigh. But...because Wesleigh is the one who knows the language and knows the routines, Gracie has had to depend on her to lead the way. Wesleigh has kind of taken her under her wing. I think it's a very good thing. Wesleigh is 2 months older, and I think she will keep her "older sister" status. Yes, I am glad they share a room. Sometimes they wake each other up and that's not great, but for the most part, it's been good. I think Wesleigh being in there has really helped Gracie, and I think Gracie being in there has helped Wesleigh also. I am no longer having to lay down with anyone!!! Whoo Hoo!!
I'm keep wondering about Gracie's foster parents. Did you get to meet them? Do you have pictures of them for her?
No, we did not meet her foster parents. That would have made for a very rough transition. I have lots of pictures of Gracie with her foster mother.

Are you growing out Gracie's bangs?
Yes, but she does not like hair in her face, so we will see how it goes. It's really only a few, so it shouldn't be too bad. French braids help with that too.

I have a little girl who just turned 3 and it is a struggle to get her to let me do anything with her hair. Could you please tell me how you get your girls to let you do their hair? Any advice would be very much appreciated!!! :-)
The best thing I ever did was to put a barstool in my bathroom. My bathroom is a good size, so I can move it far enough from the counter that they can't reach anything. There's nothing they can do but sit there. It's still not easy all the time, but I'm pretty stubborn about it. We won't go until their hair is done :) If I can see that it's a lost cause or we're running late, though, it's just a quick pony.

You seem to have great skin. What is your skincare regimen?

Lucky Mama...you are very sweet. I was blessed with good skin genes :) I use two products: a cheap Oil of Olay cleanser and an Oil of Olay moisturizer...Not much to write about. I use Bare Minerals foundation too.

There...everything answered except the question about Gracie's language. I'll do that one next.

One Month

2011-09-26T16:15:00.003-05:00

One month ago today, these two little girls began their lifelong journey as sisters. What a priviledge it has been to watch this special bond form. We still have quite a ways to go, but the progress we have made to this point is nothing short of amazing.

Wesleigh was definitely feeling territorial the first week or so, but after we got over that, these two have been completely willing to share their lives with the other...well most of the time. They just accept the fact that they are sisters...and that's that.

For two little ones who both got their worlds completely rocked...I'm pretty impressed. Not to say we don't have our challenges...but today I am celebrating something pretty amazing...Sisterhood!

(Yes...we are still wearing summer clothes :( When it's still in the upper 80's, it's all we can do!)

"Ballerina Class"...Finally!

2011-09-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

I am almost finished with my next questions and answers post, but that will have to wait! The girls had their first dance class Friday afternoon. Oh my!! Can you say, "ADORABLE"!!! I could hardly stand it. I have to say that I'm a bit surprised at how excited I was. Of course, part of that is because Wesleigh has been talking about "ballerina" class forever and she was thrilled. Gracie gets excited about anything we're excited about, so it was ballerina explosion at our house.

She was so intent on learning how to fasten her taps by herself. She got it too!

My first shots with the girls since the airport.

Cade took this! It is much better than the pics I've been getting of the two together!!!

Wesleigh's ballet slippers are SO tiny! They are the cutest things ever! I might have to put them in a shadow box when she's done with them.

Cade was showing the girls how I was trying to get them to pose. He's so cute!

I was able to watch the whole class through mirrored windows around the room. The girls had no idea we could see them, so that was awesome. They were both great. Gracie was a little distracted at times. If they had to wait for anything, she would take off to another part of the room. The teacher was great, though, so it will get better. As each girl gets used to the way things go, there won't be so much down time and that will cut down on Gracie's boredom. Overall, I think the class went great, and they were so excited!

Tap was first, and Gracie was all about that. You see she's the only one in the class doing exactly what the teacher (in yellow) is doing.

Ballet was next, and this was Wesleigh's cup of tea. She loved it.

Yep....Gracie decided to sprawl out on the floor....yay!

They finish with tumbling. They were both so cute, but I have a feeling that Gracie is going to find herself in gymnastics before too long :)

Gracie had this huge smile on her face the entire time. (She couldn't see me there...she was just happy)

There is a father/daughter dance at the recital that I am so excited about. I found out yesterday, that Richard will be taking dance class with the girls beginning in March or April! They actually have to dance! I thought they would just have to stand there or something. Oh my word...I cannot wait to see that! Cade wanted to be the second "dad", but I don't think he'll be able to miss baseball practice for dance class every Friday afternoon :) I think PawPaw is going to be the man for the job! My husband, dad and two little cuties all taking dance at the same time...it's almost more than this mom can stand! I can't wait 'till next Friday!

Questions and Answers Part 1

2011-09-21T15:28:00.000-05:00

Alright...I have had lots of questions lately, so I wanted to try to answer as many as I can. Hopefully I don't miss any. I am saving all the Gracie and adoption questions for the next post. It's too many to put them all together.

**I was asked about the girls' backpacks and if they would be big enough to use for kindergarten. The brand of the backpack is Belvah. I found Wesleigh's in a boutique for 50% off before I even knew Gracie existed! I spent the summer searching for one for Gracie that would coordinate. I finally found Gracie's at a kiosk in the outlet mall in Gulf Shores! Crazy! I don't know if they would be strong enough for kindergarten. I would be afraid it would get super dirty and not hold up for the whole year. They're only about $20 though, so it's not a huge investment. My sister in law did the monograms.

**Got Love? Gotta love this shirt! Lots of you wanted to know where to get this shirt...And now they have a new item...Tervis Tumblers!! I don't go anywhere without one of my Tervis tumblers!! I have smaller ones for my coffee and bigger ones for my water and sweet tea :) I had to make sure I ordered mine before I posted this link!! You can find it all here.

**I was asked where I get all the girls' clothes. I seem to get them from all over. We do have some great boutiques here, but honestly, I really don't buy alot there. When I do, it's almost always on the clearance rack. I try to buy the summer clothes when it's on clearance for the next summer. It's not easy to do because the extra money isn't always there, but if I can swing it, it's so worth it! I get so excited when it's time to pull out summer clothes and I find brand new clothes ready for them! The halter dresses the girls wore in the pictures of all 5 kids are an example of that. I bought those are the end of last summer. (I got them both for Wesleigh). I do buy some Matilda Jane each season. It is probably the priciest clothes I buy. It's my guilty pleasure, but I've been getting pickier about it. So far, this fall, I've only bought a couple of pieces. A couple other brands I've splurged on are Missie Moosie and Swanky Baby Vintage.

I have been blessed to have sweet friends who have daughters a size bigger than Wesleigh. They have been so generous to pass some amazing things down to Wesleigh! This has really helped the clothing budget!!

I find clothes at resale stores. This little outfit, I bought for super cheap and just had it monogrammed. (Yes, my sister in law) and by the way...I did get the chocolate stain out of it :) I even buy used or marked-down clothes off of facebook. There are tons of pages where moms list clothes their children have outgrown. Here's an example of something I got like that: (shoes from Target) I get a few things from ebay. I have bought Matilda Jane there, but some of my best deals are "boutique" items. Since the names are as well known as Gap or Gymboree, the prices are lower. This might be my favorite dress of all time and I bought it on ebay for something ridiculous like $7!!

Target is a favorite of mine too. This sweater is so cute and it's from Target. All my basics like t-shirts, turtlenecks, etc. come from either Target or Old Navy. I love to buy the $5 tanks and turtlenecks and then have them monogrammed. We do alot of that. The jeans and boots here are from Gap. I splurged on those because I just couldn't live without them!!

And, of course, we can't forget Zulily! I just downloaded their app so now, I'm really in trouble!! I just got two packages in yesterday of some really cute fall clothes, and ordered some knit ruffles pants for $18 today! I can't wait until it turns a little cooler here so they can actually wear some of it!!

I guess that's about it. I do not ever walk the malls. Not that I don't want too, but it's just never worth the trouble. I end up spending money I don't have. Especially since Gracie has joined the brood...you will not catch me dead in the mall unless it's for the hour they're in school!

**My camera and lenses. I have had some really sweet comments about my pics lately. I took Lisa's photography class in the spring and have been shooting in manual most of the time. I would recommend that class to anyone who wants to learn more! I use a Nikon D90 with an inexpensive f1.4, 50mm lens most of the time. The football pics however were shot with a 70-300 lens and I cheated and set the camera on the "running man" action setting. I am happy with alot of the shots I have gotten, but it's been very frustrating too!! It's still hard for me to think of everything I need to at once.

** My weight. LOL!! Yes, Debbie, I have lost a good bit of weight. I call it the 2 yr. old adoption weight loss plan! I never thought of myself as heavy, so I never really tried to lose weight. I am the type that loses weight when things get stressful :) Right as we were planning to travel for Wesleigh, I had all those issues with the USCIS office and then with the NVC and consulate. I dropped a good bit of weight between that time and actually traveling for Wesleigh. Once we got her, I was working more physically that I had in years, so the weight never came back. Again, this time before we traveled, I started dropping weight. Not because of any big stresser...just the busyness of packing and getting 4 kids ready to be left behind. I also didn't eat alot in China. (Gracie made restaurants miserable!!) By the time I left China, I was at an all time low...too low, I think. Richard had started ordering full fat latte's for me at Starbucks to try to fatten me up. I am not complaining!! I would much rather have my clothes too big than too small!! I have gained a couple pounds back, but honestly, I have very little time to even sit down these days...I did just eat a handful of M&M's though :) And Debbie, you asked how I look so good all the time! Don't forget that I am the one who gets to pick the pictures that get on this blog!! I am also the one who has to say "take a picture of me"! I don't say that when I'm in my Nike shorts and no make up!! I will say that I do not photoshop my wrinkles! I don't want to look back and see some odd version of what I really looked like. I earned every line I have!! Thanks for the compliment though!!

Ok....that's a start! I will start working on the Gracie/adoption questions next. So many are interrested in her English, so I'll post a video too :)

More Football :)

2011-09-19T22:34:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that everyone was much happier at Cade's football game this weekend! The game was at 9:00, so I knew we had a better chance of success. The girls did great...and boy did Cade put on a show!!! They played "the other team in town" and Cade had been hearing lots of smack at school the entire week. We won 30-6!! Oh my...is that boy fun to watch on the football field?!?! I know he's my child...and I really shouldn't brag, but I just can't help it! Even Richard is still talking about it!!

The last two games have been at the high school field. It's easy to get lots of pictures from the stands. I have 190 from Saturday...and that's after I got rid of duplicates! Like I said...there was lots to take pics of this game!!

These first two are of him running in the 2 pt. conversion.

Cade had 3 touchdown passes in this game (and 1 for a 2-pt. conversion), but he runs the ball too. My favorite play (don't have a picture) was when he handed the ball off to another player. That player was met with enough defenders to stop him in his tracks. When Cade saw that he wasn't going anywere, he just gave him a shove from behind to push him through. So funny!

One of the reasons Cade has been so successful is this little boy. Derek catches anything Cade can get close to him. This was him receiving a pass for a touchdown. Cade says that Derek makes him look good :) He's right!!

A few reasons the game was much better: Maw Maw, Munchies, Paw Paw and stickers!

Hopefully I'll get some pics of Braden on Thursday. His games are in the evening, so it's not as easy to take pics.

The next post will be answering more of the questions you've had. If there's something you want to know...ask now!! :)

The Art of Sarcasm

2011-09-19T07:15:00.000-05:00

First off, let me say that Bryce gave me permission to write this story. Like a good blog mom...blogging it was the first thing I thought of!!

This is going to sound odd, but I have spent years trying to teach Bryce the art of sarcasm! If you've been here for any amount of time, you know that alot of what I say has a twinge of sarcasm attached to it! Good, bad or indifferent...it's how I do life. I also think that if you can't laugh at yourself, you're in for a miserable life! And I laugh....alot! I have always tried to teach my boys that. Bryce is not sarcastic by nature. In elementary school, he was super sensitive and let anything that was said bother him. Day after day, I would give him possible "come backs" for people who were ugly or annoying. He couldn't do it. He was miserable...and so was I! Even recently, he will tell me of something someone said and I will sit there and give him example after example of snappy comments.

Well...this week he comes home and tells me of a conversation between himself and a freshman band member. This guy has driven Bryce crazy since the beginning of band this summer. He is much shorter than Bryce but likes to act tough and get in Bryce's face. Just annoying. This is the exchange that took place this week:

Kid: Are you a virgin?
Bryce: Yes
Kid: Awww...man...You just lost some major cool points!
Bryce: Dude...you're in band...cool points don't count here.

Ohhh....Be still my heart!!! He did it!!! I don't think I could have come up with something better myself!! I even asked Bryce if he had heard that before, but he hadn't. He came up with it all on his own :) Makes this mama proud :) lol...

Bryce and I went shopping for clothes for his homecoming dance yesterday. I can't tell you how happy I was to be with him.! I was especially happy that I got to go with a child who didn't need to be pushed in a stroller! He wasn't so keen on the actual shopping, but we had a great time. He's actually alot of fun to be with. I can't wait to see he and his girlfriend all dressed up in a couple of weeks!

When we got home, he sat on the couch with the girls and read them Pinkalicious! I don't know many high schoolers who would be willing to do that. His only frustration is that the girls get SO excited when you're reading that book that they try to tell the story before you read it :) I am used to that...it was driving him nuts. lol... So sweet though

Bryce also had his first driving session for driver's ed this weekend. I can't even believe that we are at that point! How did we get here?? I guess he's going to grow up anyway...I'm just going to enjoy the fact that he's actually pleasant to be around :)

I So E-sited!

2011-09-16T14:44:00.001-05:00

Oh my...are these girls funny! I snapped these before we left for school this morning...they were in a mood :) I guess I'll take the closed eyed laughs over the roaring! lol...

When we drive up to school, I pull over to get them out of their carseats and get their backpacks on before we get to drop-off. This morning, as they were getting out of their seats, Wesleigh said "I SO e-sited!!" It was cute.

Enjoy the pics...we're going to brave another football game tomorrow, but it's earlier in the morning...so wish me luck :)

Have a great weekend!!

A Few Links

2011-09-15T07:31:00.001-05:00

Ok...enough of the drama :) Thank you all for your support and sweet/funny comments! You're awesome!!

I have been asked for a couple of links, and haven't shared them yet...so here goes:

This first one is just something that I wanted to share. I bought mine locally, but you can find it here. I just though you'd like it. This sticker book is amazing! I bought one for Gracie to take to China and one for Wesleigh to play with while she was here. I think it was the best thing I had for either one of them! They each had a notebook and spent hours taking the stickers and putting them in the notebook. That sticker book lasted us the entire two weeks in China and was even the toy of choice for the flight home! I would definitely recommend this! (There was one for boys too.) Santa might have to bring us some more!

Ok...here's the baby that everyone has been asking about :) She is so soft and cuddly...I heart her :) Gracie seems to love her too. I got her here.

I had one more link I wanted to give. I just recently found this blog. I love it! I even just love the name : Minus 1 Project. I ordered a shirt from Kelly, which I love. I love the simple message. When I opened it, Bryce happened to be standing right there. His comment: "Did you get me one?". Boy do I love that! He's a sophomore in high school, and he wants to take a stand for something he believes in like adoption. When this shirt came in, he was thrilled. He has worn it more than any other t-shirt lately, and it has started quite a few conversations with his friends. Of course, I got him the military green (mine is black). Go check them out!!

This Minus 1 shirt is his favorite!

And if you haven't been here, you're missing out!! Zulily is one of my favorite "guilty pleasures". I just LOVE all the money I have saved!! :) I got Gracie an Oopsie Daisy Baby petti for super cheap, and even got a couple of Matilda Jane things a few days ago! You never know what you'll find!!

I have a feeling there were more things I was asked about...I just forget! Ask again if I haven't answered you!!

Anonymous Strikes Again

2011-09-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

Evidently, my last post got under a few "anonymous" people's skin :) Ha! Honestly, I expected it. When you've been around the blog/adoption world for a while, you learn alot of the "hot" topics that might make people upset. Sometimes you don't post because of it...sometimes you just don't care. I knew that there would be people who didn't agree with my decision about Gracie and school. Guess what??? They don't live in my house every day....they don't invest the time, prayer, and love into my child...they don't get a say. Guess what else? Gracie had an amazing day today...at school...3 of her whole 9 hours a week...in school. :)

You are more than welcome to have an opinion that is different than mine. I think you should write about it on your own blog. In fact, you should send me the link. I even promise to not personally attack you anonymously because that would be rude.

All Five...Finally!

2011-09-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

It's 9:00 and I'm sitting in the girl's room waiting for Miss Gracie to give it up. They had school today and she took a nap, but Wesleigh didn't. This means that Wesleigh was exhausted and fell asleep in 5 minutes...and I still sit here with Gracie. This is the first time I've brought my computer in here though. I'm thinking it was a great idea! Catch up on some blogs since I'm stuck here anyway! The girls did great on their second day of school. Gracie did cry when I dropped them off, but it was only for a couple of minutes. I have been making sure I'm in the front of the carline for pick-up. I think seeing other kids leave would make Gracie very nervous, so I want to be first. Today, when they brought the cars around, the girls could see me through the window in their class. Gracie just about lost her mind. Thankfully, she didn't start crying this time, but she was at the window screaming (I could hear her in my car) and waving frantically at me. It was very sweet, but very sad at the same time. It wasn't really "Mommy, I'm so happy to see you" behavior. It was more like, "Mommy, you really came back!" behavior. It just breaks my heart. I know that those fears and worries will subside eventually, but it's so sad to think of the stress she must feel sometimes. That might make you wonder why I would decide to put her in school so soon. Well, there are a couple of reasons. First, if you spent even a day with Gracie...you would see that she needs to be around other children. She also needs a place to let out some of that creative energy! Second, Wesleigh is SO ready for school. She has been waiting for months! She would not, however, like for me to leave her and then keep Gracie with me. Honestly, Gracie wouldn't like it either! She'd be bored to death! So, school it is...and don't think for a second, I'm not loving my 3 hours by myself!!

So...here it is!! I finally did it! I have pics of all five of my children! They were great! Each boy was exhausted from a weekend of sleepovers and football games, but I had warned them since noon on Sunday that at 6:45, they were expected on the front porch dressed in somewhat decent clothes :) They have been trained well enough by now, that they know they'd better just grin and bear it, or they would be there for a LONG time! I was very impressed and so excited about the outcome! Here are just a couple (I actually got quite a few great ones!):

I'm posting them now, expecting to take some more for Christmas cards, but I wouldn't be too surprised if things didn't work out that way, and you see these again when Christmas rolls around!

Yay!! Gracie Joy has given in and is in dreamland. I get to get off of this hard floor and go to bed myself! Sweet Dreams!

Every Day is NOT a Picnic

2011-09-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

First, I want to brag on my boy! This is Cade's second year to play real tackle football. He is a natural! He has been built for tackle football from the day he was born! I can't say football is my favorite sport. I only know the names of about 4 positions and I find it impossible to watch everything that's happening on the field at once. Oh well...I am pretty good at keeping my eye on number 12! Fortunately for me, he is the quarterback...a position I do know :) Actually, Cade is not only the quarterback, but their lead defender (he plays the entire game!). When he hands the ball off to someone, he then turns into the lead blocker to make a way for the runner. It's pretty funny.

Here he is blocking for the kid he just handed the ball off to:

Here he is on denfense about to pummel the kid with the ball: So...now you've heard about the game on the field. Let me tell you about what was happening in the stands! I have to say...I don't know if I've ever been so frustrated at a 3 year old in my whole life! Part of it is my fault...I went to the game, at noon, in the horrible heat, with 2 three year olds...and actually expected to watch the game and take pictures! What was I possibly thinking??? I have to admit, this is the one area I have struggled the most with both adoptions. What I love most in the world is watching my boys do what they do. Whether it's baseball, sea cadets, swim team, track...whatever...I love to watch them...really watch them. I think I handled the transition pretty well with Wesleigh. I had prepared myself that I was going to miss more than I saw. I wasn't always happy about it, but I knew that was the way it had to be. Wesleigh made it easier than most in that she stayed put. So what you think I'm going to say is that I had to chase Gracie around the stands...nope! It was Wesleigh, not running around but whining and being very ugly. The worst of it was the 3 trips to the bathrooms with no results (we're at the high school stadium so it wasn't close)...then we'd get back in the stands and she'd act like she was dying because she had to pee. I already had some sinus stuff going on and didn't sleep well the night before, so it was not fun. I ended up leaving the game early because I couldn't take it anymore. The day didn't get better and bedtime couldn't come soon enough!

I say all this to share that life is hard! It is not always the cute pictures you see on the blog. It's the homework assignments that barely get done...it's the mom losing her mind because there is another pair of wet panties...it's the brothers running upstairs as fast as they can to escape the insanity below...it's the dad coming home from work exhausted, only to find the house is a wreck and there's no supper...it's hard!

Last night, in my pity party, I went to check on my friend Sonia's blog. It was like food for the soul. It is honest and real. She links a post that touched her...it is definitely worth reading as well. Bottom line...adoption is amazing, wonderful and the most amazing experience, but it does not come without sacrifice. I guess I don't know of anything good that doesn't :)

1st Day of Preschool

2011-09-09T15:50:00.002-05:00

What a day! I don't know who was more excited...me or them! Actually, Gracie didn't really know what was so exciting but she took Wesleigh's lead. I am definitely excited for myself...getting a little break, but I'm really just excited for them. I know how much they are going to love preschool. It was very surreal to be driving that route again for the first day of preschool! To have a sophomore in high school and be experiencing the first day of preschool all over again is pretty funny! Wesleigh has been waiting to wear her backpack for weeks! She was more than happy to take pics for me since she got to wear it.

This is my favorite! They just crack me up!

They are waiting to get out of the car in this pic. They did exactly what I thought they would do. Wesleigh was more than ready and hopped out of the car. She then immediately started running to her teacher and the playground. Gracie got out of the car and looked up at me with a stressed look on her face, but then turned around and saw that Wesleigh was about to hit the playground and took off after her.

I was second in carline because I thought Gracie would stress if she saw other children leaving before her. Their teacher walked them out. They waved and when Gracie saw it was really me, she burst into tears. It was that "you really did come back" cry that breaks your heart every time. They were happy as could be and their teacher said they had a great day. I am so proud of both of them!

We stopped by our favorite Chinese restaurant and picked up a quart of Wonton soup. These two ate the entire thing! You can see that Gracie has taught Wesleigh how to drink out of the bowl like a true Chinese girl should :)

I love how she is looking at me through the bowl :)

Right now, they are both still napping (never happens)!! I guess preschool is really hard work!! I need to go wake them up or they'll never go to sleep tonight!!

Have a great weekend! We are crazy busy here...everyone running in different directions! Just another day in the life :)

The Shift

2011-09-08T22:01:00.002-05:00

I am to the point now that I can't believe Gracie has only been home for 2 weeks (tomorrow). If I'm honest, I can say that our time in China seems like it happened a lifetime ago. It was 2 whole weeks and it is just a blur...amazing how that happens. I have seen a shift in these two over the past few days. Things have shifted from Wesleigh being possessive of me to the two of them teaming up. It is subtle but you can see it in the small glances they give each other. For example, I saw them smile and nod at each other before they poured some water out of the tub the other night :) They are becoming a pair and I love it...even if it means they're ganging up on me! It seems to be most evident when they are being mischievious :) I love the way they call each other in the house. Their little voices are so cute and the way they pronounce each other's names is adorable. Wesleigh still calls Gracie "Gwacie". She is still bossy and I hear my own words coming out of her mouth all the time...pretty funny. Gracie calls Wesleigh "We-suh-lay" and because she usually says it when she's looking for her she says "We-suh-lay-lay". SO cute!

I love this. When Gracie put her arm around Wesleigh's neck, Wesleigh grabbed her hand to hold it.

So...here's a Wesleigh "funny". We have someone in the family who adopted a baby boy this week. I told Wesleigh that her friend had gotten a new baby brother. She said that she "wanted to get one". I told her that we had just gotten a sister. She thought it through for a minute and then responded, "How about a Barbie?" LOL....I am still laughing about it!!

So...tomorrow is school. Wesleigh is so excited, she can hardly stand it. I don't know if Gracie really understands, but we visited the school Wed. and she was happy to play with the kids and wasn't attached to my leg. I'm taking that as a good sign. The car line lets out in front of the playground, so there's no way she's going to let Wesleigh get out of the car and head to the playground without her. At least that's what I'm hoping for :)

Life

2011-09-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

I have some everyday life pics I've been wanting to post. We've been very busy around here this week, just with life. Between football, band, school and 3 yr. olds...we're booked! Life is good though, and everything seems to be settling down perfectly. Here's a picture of Gracie the other night when she got her dumplings :) We actually all went to that Chinese restaurant last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. This place just opened and I am thrilled to have a neighborhood place to go! The owner, Michelle, is from Beijing and she was a sweet as could be. She loved the girls and tried to get Gracie to talk to her...no luck. I just wonder what Gracie thinks, all of a sudden seeing someone who is Chinese and speaking her language. I expected a different reaction from her because she's so friendly, but think it's normal and healthy for her to not be interrested. I have a feeling we will be regulars at our new find!

The girls got their hair cut yesterday. Wesleigh has loved the Salon from day one and I think Gracie enjoyed it too! I had originally thought I would cut their hair in cute bobs, but Gracie's hair has a mind of its own and I have a feeling that would have been a disaster!

Gracie's hair before...her hair is actually very wavy!

All done. She sat there and flipped her hair a few times in the mirror :)

So cute!

These girls have been busy getting their brothers to do all sorts of things for them! Wesleigh wanted to hook the bike trailer on the bike and go for a ride. I didn't know how to get it on so the girls waited patiently (yeah, right!) for Bryce to get home from school. He was sweet enough to hook it up and take them for a ride. Do you see what Wesleigh has started doing??? Yes...instead of Gracie not putting her fingers up...Wesleigh has started doing it too!!! UGH!!!

I could hear them squealing and giggling all the way down the street. I asked Bryce if they did it the whole time, and they did! So funny!! They love this bike trailer, but they are so heavy that it's hard to take them for far!! I'm glad Bryce is such a good sport!

They talked Cade into chasing frogs for them :) There was a frog on the window and the girls were fascinated with it. Cade tried to appease them from inside first, but no such luck!

They squealed like little girls when he caught that frog! So funny! Please excuse the dirty windows....my housekeeper (aka: me) SUCKS!! Also, I know these pictures are awful...I didn't have time to fool with them.

And because I just couldn't leave you on such an awful picture...here's another dose of cuteness!!

Guess what??? The girls are starting preschool tomorrow!!!! We are all very excited!! Whoo Hoo!!

My Little Dumplin'

2011-09-06T23:02:00.001-05:00

My little sweetie has been struggling with the food situation in our house. I am not Chinese...and I don't cook like I'm Chinese :( Gracie has been a good sport, and together we have negotiated meals that are not horrible and have a little bit of nutrition as well. But....today, she had enough. After being bribed to eat grits, oatmeal, spaghetti, shrimp pasta, red beans and rice, scrambled eggs, etc....the peanut butter sandwich did her in! She just couldn't do it anymore and had a melt down. It was the first fit she's had since she's been with us, and honestly, I don't blame her. Most of the foods she tries makes her gag, but offered a grape, she is willing to swallow it....poor baby. Tonight, Richard came home with a bag full of Chinese take-out...just for her! When we started opening up the containers, she was SO excited! That sweet baby ate dumplings like there was no tomorrow. I have plenty left over for all 3 meals tomorrow, and I have no doubt, she will be thrilled. I am so amazed at this child and what it must take to leave everything you know and understand...and do it with a sweet spirit and good attitude. Life is good :)

SASSY!!

2011-09-05T08:57:00.001-05:00

This pic was taken the same day as the "roaring" pics, but I felt like it deserved its own post!! It makes me laugh out loud every time I look at it :) My sweet Wesleigh. She has handled everything with such a sweet spirit (most of the time!!). I am so proud of this girly girl!!

Happy Birthday Braden!

2011-09-04T21:22:00.001-05:00

Braden turned 13 today!!! I now have 2 teenagers, 2 preschoolers and one in the middle :) Braden had a quiet birthday this year. Things have been so crazy that we have had a very low-key weekend. We've had tons of rain and the whole golf course is pretty much flooded so Richard, Braden and Cade spent the afternoon with bb guns...hunting for snakes. That would pretty much sum up a great day where Braden's concerned! He's a true "country boy". Braden is the strong, silent type. We are keeping a close eye on that one!! :) He is so sweet and has a great heart for the Lord. We are so proud of him! (btw...it's a pan of brownies. He doesn't really like cake :)

Well...no picture of all the kiddos, but at least 2 of the boys made it into pics :) Truly, you want to see these girls go at it...put a brother in between them. They love those boys!! (and those boys love them!!) I think the weather is supposed to get better tomorrow and we will all be home. I'll try to get them together for a shot :)

The most exciting news of the day (sorry Braden) is that the girls were asleep in bed by 8:25 tonight!!! Richard is upstairs watching a movie with the boys and I'm laying in my bed...AWAKE...with the tv on something other than Dora, and the computer on my lap. I am happy!! I had to share these pj's with you! I got them right before China but just pulled them out. They are Carter's brand and the girls were so excited! They definitely both like to spin like ballerinas. Good thing they start dance this month!! I can't wait!!

Enjoy the holiday tomorrow!! I know I plan to!

Sisters

2011-09-03T23:30:00.000-05:00

I have to admit. I did not think this photo session was funny at the time :) Again, I had about 60 seconds to try to get a cute shot of them (we were on our way to Braden's first football game). I didn't even download them for a couple of days because I knew they were horrible. Well....now I can't look at them without dying laughing! Both girls are SO easy to get gorgeous pics of by themselves, but put them together....good Lord!! The weather is supposed to be nice this week, so I'm hoping to spend some time trying to get some good shots. I want to get all the kids together, but we'll see. After all...there are FIVE of them!!

We start with the signature Gracie choke hold.

Then Wesleigh decides that she's a tiger and starts "roar"ing at me! Look how Gracie is laughing at her...so funny!

So, of course, Gracie has to join in! This picture absolutely cracks me up!

Gracious!! These girls are hysterical. This next picture was taken yesterday. It is the most beautiful pic I've ever seen....
...because it's called "sisters".
They have actually been doing really well. Today was the best day we've had yet, so I'm hoping we will continue to improve each day. They played more than they fussed or whined today...and it was so good!! Unfortunately, Gracie stood on a bike this evening and fell off, hitting her head. She has a huge goose egg on the back of her head, and she was really upset. I think she might have been crying for her mama in China. It was really sad :( She cried for about 15 minutes until she fell asleep on me...poor baby. It is amazing what these children go through, yet they are so resilient. I am in awe of my two!

By the way....the boys do still live in my house :) They have been busy with school, football and band so they're in and out. If we get a break from the rain tomorrow I might try to get some pictures of them and the girls.

Bedhead Beauties

2011-09-02T23:53:00.000-05:00

These two crack me up everytime they get up in the morning. Their hair is always a mess! Usually, you can't even see Wesleigh's eyes because all of her hair falls forward. Ponytails are some of the first things we do in the morning :) We are going to have a rainy weekend here. Bryce and Richard were supposed to be on a canoe trip, but Tropical Storm Lee had other plans. We are set to get lots of rain. Honestly, I'm kind of looking forward to hanging out around here this weekend. Hope you all enjoy your 3 day weekend!!

They Played!

2011-09-02T07:02:00.003-05:00

Our afternoons have been going better, mainly because of this:

I have started putting Wesleigh down for a nap again. She just can't handle things in the afternoon if she hasn't napped. She is having some trouble falling asleep at night because of it, so I'm finally going to take your advice and get some Melatonin. I think I will do that today!

Most of the time lately, I feel like (as Richard says) I'm hearding cats! Most of the time, they are going in different directions and I'm just trying to make sure everyone stays indoors, downstairs and off the kitchen table :) Yesterday, though, I was on the phone and when I looked over...they were playing... together!! They were getting blocks from their room, building together and knocking over together! They were even talking to each other!! I didn't even go for my camera because I didn't want to interrupt the moment. It was a glimpse into what things can be like....It was wonderful!

These were taken the other day. I got these skirts at Target for $10! They are precious and the girls do not want to take them off. I have had to hide them in my closet!

They were not getting along as well as it looks like. They were actually competing for the spotlight. They were funny though. Their poses are completely on their own...no direction from me.

She got these "props" all by herself :)

I love these individual shots. They were really hamming it up.

I swear, Gracie looked like she had modeled before! She did both of these poses completely on her own! She would even give that model "stare"!

Alright...off to start the day! Praying there's some more playtime today!!

Chinese-Mexican Shredded Chicken :)

2011-09-01T07:50:00.004-05:00

Gracie has been hard to feed since she's gotten home. She does not care for American food! Even in China, she was picky...smelling everything and picking parts of the meal out of the bowl. I made Mexican shredded chicken the other night. We eat it on tortillas with the fixin's. I knew there was no chance Gracie would put that tortilla in her mouth, so I added a little Chinese flair to it :) We traded the tortilla for rice (only for the girls). She initially started taking the chicken out of it, and walked away but she was hungry so she came back. After one bite of chicken, she said "yummy" and started taking the chicken out to put in her mouth. Yay! That is success...a meal eaten that does not include Ramen noodles!!!

I put alot of these pics because I think they're so funny. We had smoke in the air yesterday because of a marsh fire a ways away, so they're a little hazy. And again, I had about 60 seconds to take these or we would have been late. We had Gracie's pediatrician appt. It was successful in the sense that I didn't lose one of them, and the doctor did get to look at Gracie...even though she was screaming and Wesleigh was crying hanging onto my legs because Gracie was getting attention. Fun times!

The did grab hands all on their own. They both instinctively know that they're supposed to, at least, look like they love each other for pics :)

Look at their feet! Gracie wears a 9 and Wesleigh wears a 7. Their hands are just as different!

I made my life easier and bought 2 new baby strollers. We had one that was falling apart, and it was the main thing they would fight over. It helped but they still fight over who's is who's! UGH!! I love this picture though. So funny.

Yesterday was better. I had been putting Gracie down for a nap but not Wesleigh because I needed them to both go to sleep at night. However, Wesleigh was so crabby I couldn't stand it. So yesterday, I decided that Wesleigh was going to nap. It worked. She was SO much better yesterday afternoon. It still took her a while to go to sleep, but I just slept in there with them...so it doesn't matter what time she went to sleep (I fell asleep first).

In the afternoon, I had Bryce take them outside while I helped the other two with homework. It was a nice touch of "normal".

Here is the second video of Gracie and Sam. She will sit in front of the computer and watch these over and over. I have been touched by your comments about your children remembering the songs and enjoying them. this one is so funny because you see some of Gracie's "high energy"...aka: naughtiness). Last time, I forgot to warn those who are not used to the way children travel in China that she was in the front seat :) Sam had never even heard of carseats for children...they just don't use them...ever! Gracie was usually in the back with us, but Sam bringing her up there with him was such a sweet gesture, I couldn't say "no". It also allowed me to get these videos that are invaluable to me. "It's the Chinese Way!"

I was asked where I found these flowers. Both the pink in the pictures and the yellow in the video were bought here!

So...How's it REALLY Going?

2011-08-30T07:35:00.002-05:00

In all honesty...pretty good! Jetlag has not been near the issue that it was last time around. I think that is due to a couple of things. First, I slept really good in China. Since Gracie slept through the night, I used my friend Ambien to get a good night's sleep every night :) Second, Richard and I suscribed to the theory that jetlag is caused by dehydration. We drank so much water on that plane, I thought I would float away! I don't know if it really helped, but it didn't hurt!

Gracie has done well with the jetlag too, she seems to have made the flip, as well. Poor baby, though, Sunday she didn't get a nap and this is what she looked like at 7:30 :)

Here's my overall thought on how things are: After observing Wesleigh, I am completely positive that this 2nd adoption was exactly what she needed. Honestly, she has been having a hard time with the adjustment, but I think she is learning life lessons that are necessary to not grow up as a brat. That might sound harsh, but the behaviors she is exhibiting to Gracie are the same behaviors she has anytime there is a friend over to play. She does not like to share and she is very bossy. She'll play with you but only if you do what she wants! I am glad that she is going to make these adjustments now, when she's 3, instead of as a teen when things would be much worse!!

Wesleigh has acted exactly as I expected. For me to come home after 2 weeks with someone who moved into her entire world has made her very clingy and whiney. Totally expected...Totally frustrating!! What makes it worse, I think, is that Gracie has done so much better than I expected. This extremely verbal child, gets taken from everything she knows and finds herself in a new place where nobody understands her. Yet, she is patient, kind and gentle. I did not expect this. I thought there would be some aggression towards Wesleigh. I have seen 1 push and 1 pinch, but honestly...Wesleigh probably deserved it.

I am wondering how long it will take before Wesleigh relaxes a little. There are times when they play together well. They will take hands and run through the house. They are finding their way. I know it won't take long before Wesleigh doesn't even remember what it was like before Gracie was here. Anyone have any insight? I do think school is going to help. I am going to start them in a couple of weeks, after they are more used to each other. They will go 3 mornings a week, and I think it's going to be "just what the dr. ordered"...for ALL of us!!

I do have to say, Cade was home sick yesterday :( I was planning to keep him home to hang out with me anyway, but he woke up sick (strep) and we ended up in the Dr. office...with the girls!!! While Gracie napped, I took Wesleigh with me to Target. She was SO good. There were times that I actually forgot she was in the cart!! Being with Gracie for 2 weeks, the contrast was huge. Gracie would have been grabbing anything she could reach. I don't know if Gracie will ever see the inside of a Walmart or Target again :)

One thing that has struck me is how much time I spend in the bathroom!!! With 2 that can't wipe their hiney's by themselves, potty time seems to consume my day!! Praise God!!! It could have been diaper time comsuming my day!!!

I know I'm blabbering...just trying to get my thoughts down. I am pleased with the way things are going. I am happy with the level of energy and patience I have had. I know this is God's grace in my life. I'm praying this continues and I am able to give each girl what they need and deserve.

Here are some pictures I took yesterday:

My all time favorite of the two! I am just disappointed that Wesleigh's face is a little blurry :(

And here's...the rest of the story!! (Wesleigh was actually not very cooperative during this photo shoot, I just happended to get a couple of cute ones :)

I thought you might like to see some of the video I took in China of Wesleigh and our beloved Sam. This is the first part. I love seeing the city of Changsha pass outside the window. It is so bitter-sweet for me to watch. I am so impressed that Gracie has not been more frustrated with the level of communication. I know, as much as I like to talk, I would be very frustrated being in a situation where nobody understood me. She has handled it way better than I would!

First Sister Photo Shoot

2011-08-28T19:45:00.004-05:00

I had about 90 seconds this morning to snap a few pictures of the girls before we left for church. I was determined to do it though, and they're pretty cute. The girls were pretty agreeable and I can't wait to do it again when it's a little cooler and we have more time.

We had another good day today. We went to church and both girls went to the nursery. They said Gracie cried a little bit, and she was very relieved to see me when I picked them up. The worker said they were very cute together.

Wesleigh was a little crabby again today but not nearly as bad. I made the boys take them outside to play for a while so I could get some things done in the house, so that helped as well.

Some of you have asked about their ages and sizes. They are both 3 and Wesleigh is 2 months older. Gracie is a good 2 inches taller and outweighs her by about 5 lbs. They have completely different builds. Gracie is not fat at all, just thick. And Wesleigh (and all her features) is just tiny. Wesleigh's feet are a size 7 and Gracie's are a 9 :)

Day 1~ Sisters

2011-08-28T08:38:00.003-05:00

First...let me just say that these pics are horrible! Let's just blame it on the jetlag :)

Our first day went pretty well. Richard's sister, Amanda, came and spent much of the morning with me. That allowed me to get some laundry and unpacking done until I hit a wall at noon. The girls did pretty good. Honestly, Gracie did great...Wesleigh...well, not so much :) It was pretty much exactly what I expected. Gracie was in heaven exploring all the toys and Wesleigh followed her around claiming them all for herself. I seem to have 2 of enough items to be ok...except the baby stroller. We will be getting another one of those this week!! Each time I wanted to take a picture, Gracie would wrap her arm around Wesleigh and almost choke her :)

It was so bizzare brushing two sets of teeth and picking out two dresses. They are really adorable :) They actually sat here for a few minutes watching a movie I brought from China.

At noon, I hit a wall and apparently, so did Wesleigh. She was horrible and spent alot of time crying and hanging onto me. Gracie, however, took a nap so that little separation was probably good. Richard and I were both exhausted, but we decided to take everyone for snowballs. I am shocked that Gracie ate hers (she actually devoured it!). We spent some time outside which was good for me and them...they loved running around together. Gracie is so much more of a tomboy than Wesleigh! She jumps off the porch over and over when Wesleigh would never think of not using the steps :) She also loves the balls and wants to throw them over and over...so funny!

How about those flowers that don't match :) lol...whatever makes them happy at this point!!

They grabbed hands totally on their own and set out to explore. Absolutely adorable! I think Richard and I will have to take them on the buggy tonight and look for bunnies on the golf course. Wesleigh loves to do that, and I'm pretty sure Gracie will too. I wish it wasn't so hot here...we would spend the whole day outside!

They ended the day taking a bath together and running around the house in diapers holding hands.

Overall, the day was good. Gracie was up for a while in the middle of the night and was a little weepy, but she's still sleeping now. We are headed to church this morning and I have a feeling Wesleigh will be happy to show Gracie where to go (her bossy side has definitely made an appearance). I'm also pretty sure Gracie won't want to miss out!! I can't wait to get them dressed for church...I will try to take "non-jetlag" pics of that!!

Wish me luck on day 2!! Pretty soon, none of us will even remember when Gracie wasn't here :)

Home Sweet Home!

2011-08-27T06:57:00.005-05:00

I am happy to report that our trip home was very uneventful. From the train to Hong Kong to the last leg of our flights, Gracie was amazing! She was calmer than we thought she would be and never fussed about anything. She slept a couple of hours on our long flight and fell asleep on me as we were going through customs in Detroit. That girl is HEAVY!! Carrying her through customs and the Detroit airport was not easy and my arms are sore today from it!!

Giving Baba a kiss on the train.

Finding a new friend on the train.

Looking out at the plane that will bring her away from her home country and into a whole new world.

The last picture of just the 3 of us.

I am at a loss of words to describe just how happy I am to be home! Walking off that plane might be the happiest moment of my life! I can honestly say, I think my kiddos were just as happy to see us as we were them!

Finally together!

The girls were so cute. I was holding Gracie because she was very tired and cranky. Of course Wesleigh jumped straight into my arms too. I carried happily carried 65 lbs of sweet girls through the New Orleans airport :) They were intrigued with each other and even reached for the other's hand a few times. It was very sweet to see them together.

It didn't take Wesleigh long to start showing Gracie how great brothers are. Soon, they were both climbing all over all those sweet brothers. (These pics are awful. I put the camera in "auto" so I could had it off. I guess the good news is that I am now smarter than my camera :)

Cade dressed up for the occasion :) So cute!!

Gracie did much better in the carseat than Wesleigh did when she came home. Cade and Braden had them laughing the whole way home. Can you tell I'm tired in this picture? 24 hours of travel and 2 hours of head-b0bbing sleep. I'm also wondering how we're all going to fit in my big 'ole bus :) Every seat in my Suburban is filled and the seat I'm in is pretty tight :) Good thing I'm skinny right now :)

Gracie spent some time just soaking in everything. She was most excited when she saw the tub full of toys :) She opened every drawer and door. When she opened their closet door, she said "waaaaaa" which means "awesome". Wesleigh followed her around wondering what in the world she was doing. Wesleigh has continually looked at Gracie and then up at me and shrugged her shoulders. They are definitely trying to figure out their new lives :)

They were both hesitant to get in the tub with each other. Neither of them is used to sharing their lives with a sister. Once in the tub, they had fun, but Wesleigh is definitely feeling threatened.

I slept in the room with the girls, snuggled up to my sweet Wesleigh who I have missed greatly :) Gracie woke up at 4:30 and laid in bed with me until 5:30. It was evident that we weren't going back to sleep so we got up and the exploring began. She is in awe of everything. From the different bathroom choices, to where each door leads, to the noises of the ice maker, to the washing machine spinning. It is amazing to see things through her eyes for the first time.

Gracie is spending the morning checking out all the toys, and Wesleigh is spending the morning claiming all of her toys :) Actually, they are doing exactly what I expected. It will just take some time for everyone to adjust. I am so thankful the boys are not jetlagged. They are such a huge help!

My poor Bryce is so sick though! My mom had to take him to the dr. this week, who did not run a mono test before he put him on penicillin. We now know that when you put someone with mono on penicillin, they break out in a horrible body rash that makes you unbelievably miserable!! He has mono, strep and a rash over his entire body. He got a cortizone shot and is on another antibiotic and an oral steroid pack. He is pitiful, but so sweet :( It is slowly getting better.

Pray for me.....the energy this heavenly coffee is giving me right now is going to wear off eventually!!!

USA Bound!!

2011-08-24T07:43:00.007-05:00

These pics were taken Wed. on the balcony of our hotel room. We were dressed in our patriotic colors for the consulate. I'm not sure if they appreciated the colors or not, but I did have half the office huddled around our window to get a glimpse of our beauty. I'm sure it was completely because of her stiking good looks...and not because she's an absolute clown (and a loud one at that!!) lol... Either way, they seemed to enjoy her and we should get her Visa today! I wish I had a dollar for everytime someone has called my girl a "spicy girl" this trip :) Yep...she is very spicy!!

She started posing for me....twisting and turning in different directions. SO funny!

She wasn't mad...just giving me another angle to photograph :) Very impressive cutting of the eyes though!

Gracie has done great. We haven't had any grieving at all, which concerns me a little. She has been happy ever since the "flip" in Walmart on the first day. She has seemed to settle a little, although I never expect her to be completely calm. I can't wait for the two girls to meet! I am a little concerned for the adjustment period, but after that, I think we'll be great! Wesleigh went to pre-school orientation Wed!! I hated to miss it!
Here's a pic my mom sent me:

Boy do I miss that little teacup!!!

They are both supposed to start Monday, but I'm going to give them a week or two to bond with each other before I send them. I am already so thrilled that I made the call to register them both!! Those 3 mornings a week are going to be HEAVEN!! Wesleigh has done so great while we've been gone! She loves to skype and if one of us is missing when the call starts, she immediately asks where we are. She loves to see Gracie on skype too.

Wesleigh looks so small when I see her in pics and on skype! Gracie outweighs her by about 5 lbs! While we were at the consulate, our guide picked her up (I think just to see how much she weighs!). She could not believe it! Then this random older woman who had been standing there watching us picked her up because she wanted to see :) She groaned and put her down! lol...Gracie didn't mind one bit that some random woman was lifting her.

I can definitely see signs of attachment to us. When she was playing on the playground the last time, she kept looking for us and waving...making sure we were still there. (Funny, since we're the ones having to make sure SHE is still there!) If Richard hugs and/or kisses me, she has to get one for herself. Wesleigh does the same thing...so cute! Last night, Richard popped a "blemish" on my nose and Gracie thought he was being ugly to me. She immediately came to my side and started staring him down. When he gave me a kiss, she started smiling and wanted one for herself.

She is understanding more English, for sure. She knows her English name, she knows the word "sit", and she knows "pick your feet up" (as in, stop dragging them on the dang ground when you're in the stroller!!). I am sure there is alot more, I just haven't seen absolute proof of it. She can count to 3 on her own and repeat the rest. She has started learning the ABC song, and loves for me to sing the "Itsy bitsy Spider" (she does the hand motions). Honestly, I think she will be easier to understand than Wesleigh pretty quick!

Alright...since I'm the only one awake this morning, I'm rambling. I just woke up for the last time in Guangzhou!! As much as I love this city...I am SO ready to leave it!!! I can't get on that plane soon enough! We will take the train to Hong Kong tonight and stay the night there. We then get up the next morning and head for home!!! I can't believe I have only 1 more night in China!! Whoo Hoo!!

We have spent a total of a month in China over the past 2 years! What an experience! One that I never expected to have in my lifetime. We feel so blessed to have been called to add these two sweet girls to our family. I cannot wait to see how everything settles into place. Never in my life did I expect to be the mother of 5!! That number is still overwhelming to me...but I am so blessed!!

I don't think I will be posting again from China, so this is it!! The end of journey #2. Thank you for all of your support and kind comments throughout this trip....they mean so much! I get a huge kick out of sharing our journey with you.

I leave you with this:
If you have ever thought to yourself "I think I would like to adopt" or "I wish I could do that"...DO IT. Nothing worth having in this life is easy. There is nothing more worthwhile that you could do with you resources of time and money. Nothing more rewarding than having another child call you Mama. This journey to Gracie Joy was a journey of faith. It did not make sense in the physical...money was tight...time was tight...I already had four children. I cannot imagine, however, the blessings and joy we would have missed out on had we not listened to the call!

I never want to live my life and at the end of it look back and say "I missed it. I missed the one thing I was supposed to do with my life". If you have not seen the video Richard and I made on adoption for our church, please watch it (It's on my sidebar). It is our heart.

Love you all...Goodbye from China!! See you in the USA!!

Long Way From Petco :)

2011-08-24T01:53:00.005-05:00

It's naptime! yay!! I'm at the computer downloading pics from the past couple of days and chowing down on some of the most amazing sweet and sour chicken from Cow and Bridge!! I had it the other night when we ate there and my hubby was kind enough to go pick some up for me today again!! Yummo!!

Yesterday we ended up at the pet market TWICE! We went with some new friends in the morning and then again with our group in the afternoon. What else do we have to do? And Gracie is usually pretty good in the stroller. Here are some pics from our two adventures today:

Braden, this picture of the chipmunks are for you. No, we did not buy you a pet!!

This was so cute! Gracie loves all the animals. There was an old grandmother standing to the side watching them. She would wince and make noises when Richard would let the puppies bite on his fingers. It was so cute. I should have taken a picture of her :)

The medicinal market is right by the pets. There are blocks and blocks of stores selling crazy stuff like this:
dried snake...anyone?

lizzard on a stick?

How about dried seahorses or fish stomaches? Our guide told us the dried frogs are used in desserts!!!! UGH!!! So thankful I haven't ordered dessert anywhere!!

So...what could these two pretty girls be doing on this street?

sorting LIVE scorpions with chopsticks!!

This is someone's apartment. There were lots of literal "hole in the wall" homes like this.

I love the little China cups in these bird houses.

Right next to the pets and medicine is the "food" street. The smell on this street was unbelievable! I do not care to go there again!! Anyone hungry????

These are across the street from the meat. Awaiting their fate!

Here are some...ready to eat. These were actually in a very busy shopping area.

I just had to take a shot of this store. It is in a mall of sorts. Can you imagine trying to buy anything in there? Some of you think Marshalls is bad!!!!

We have taken Gracie to this park 3 different times. She loves to play and is so coordinated...much better than Wesleigh. We have to guard both exits because you never know when she'll make a run for it!! Yesterday, though, she seemed to do much better. She can be sweet but she'll also pinch the fire out of the kids if you're not careful!

We finished up at Lucy's with a big glass of iced tea!! It comes with a little container of simple syrup so you can make it sweet!!! Boy was it good!!!!!!!!!! I'm so sad I didn't know about it until now!!

And...to finish the pics...a funny of Richard. She can actually put a small ponytail in his hair :) So funny!!

I am about shopped out and also out of money! One thing I have really enjoyed this trip is talking to the people here more. I think with 4 kids here last time, I didn't really have a chance. I was also never by myself. This trip, I have gotten to know some of the shop owners...met their children, and enjoyed giving them some business. It has been fun.

We had out consulate appointment today. It was good. Miss G is all decked out in her red, white and blue! I have pics...but will have to post them tomorrow. We check out of the hotel at 2:00 and are on our way at 3:00. We will ride the train to HongKong and spend the night there. Friday morning we will be on our way to the US!!! I am so ready to be home. Living out of suitcases for 2 weeks is getting old...and I miss my other kids in a bad way!!! Almost there!!!

Holla!

2011-08-23T06:56:00.003-05:00

Have I shared what my favorite Chinese word is? "holla"...as in the slang of holler :) It means "ok", and Gracie Joy says it all the time.

These pictures are from yesterday. We actually found the pet market today and I have some pics, but have a headache and don't see me downloading pics right now.

I love all these different faces of Gracie:

You have to keep a firm grip on this chick at all times! She has gotten away from us a few times and we have had to run to catch up with her! This time, she hopped up on this bench with this random guy!! He just looked down at her and laughed.

Another favorite Chinese word is "lala". It means "look". I also hear this about a million times a day :) When Richard isn't around she says "baba Lai?" Which means "where's baba?".

My last favorite Chinese word is "waaaaa" You'd have to hear it to get the intonation right. It means "awesome".

Yes, Richard has officially lost his mind. He spends his evenings coloring...not really with Gracie!!! He gets frustrated because she doesn't color in the lines and she messes up his pictures :) lol..... God, help me!!! Have I mentioned that it's really time for him to go back to work!!!

2 more sleeps in Guangzhou, then 1 in Hong Kong, then 28 hours of travel, then HOME!!

More of Guangzhou

2011-08-22T02:37:00.004-05:00

We have spent the last couple of days touring both with our group and also on our own. There are tons of models all around the island. It is fun to watch, but amazing that there are SO many!

Yesterday, Richard and I set out to find the pet market. We never found it, but enjoyed wandering on "the other side of the river" :) Here is a look at life on the other side:

Lots and lots of tea.

All of a sudden, we found ourselves on an incredibly busy street. I couldn't believe how crowded this shopping area was.

A side alley.

We ended up in the medicinal market. There were all kinds of crazy things there. We are supposed to go back tomorrow...maybe I'll have the stomach to take pics of it all :)

Today we went to a part of Guangzhou where they held the Asian games. It was a very wealthy part of town and very interresting to see.

We went to the Chen temple. We had gone here last time, but didn't know it by this name. I pulled out the big guns today...Tomcat on the iphone :) Yes...it was a hit. Everyone in the place wanted to know what she was saying "hello" to! lol...

My husband, the hottie. This is the second time a young girl has asked to take a picture with him :) I never noticed last time how tall he is here in China. Pretty cute :)

I am actually getting tired of taking pictures :( It is now very humid here and we are to the point that we're seeing alot of the same things. I will try to get some more pics of Gracie tonight. 3 more sleeps in Guangzhou!!!

Enjoying the Island

2011-08-21T02:44:00.003-05:00

This chick is a hoot! She has seemed to calm down a bit, but if there's something within her reach...you'd better watch out!!

Anytime I tell her to take a picture with Baba, she wraps her arm around his neck...very sweet.

Today, looking at the fish in the White Swan. Yes...this was risky...I made Richard take her to make sure she didn't end up swimming with the fish!

I think this is my favorite hairstyle so far :)

My sweet girl.

This girl can eat some noodles!! She is so cute when she shoves them in her mouth and slurps them up!!

We're having a great day so far. We visited a buddist temple (not my favorite outing) and then went to the pearl market. If Gracie had been a little calmer, this would have been more enjoyable...but I got what I needed. I even found some Chinese Dora videos :)

During Gracie's nap I snuck out and visited Starbucks....it was heavenly! I also got to go into a few shops without my energetic 3 yr. old. It was a good break! We are now off to the pet market. We didn't do this last time, but I have a feeling Gracie is going to LOVE it!!

Some of you have asked about my mom. She is doing much better...you are so sweet to ask. They seem to have everything under control at home :) I'm sure they will deserve a long vacation when we get back!!

The Bronze Children

2011-08-20T08:15:00.002-05:00

I don't have much time to post, and I had no time to edit these pics like I would have liked, but they are too precious not to share. These were completely unposed, and the moment was so sweet. She was so intrigued by each statue, and took her time with each one. By the time she was done, I had taken a gazillion pics and she had collected quite the crowd. Enjoy!!

Day 1 in GZ, and so far, Gracie Joy is the only southern belle sporting a big bow :)

Goodbye Changsha!

2011-08-19T01:16:00.004-05:00

Every adoptive family says it...and you wonder how it could be true...yet it is. Leaving the birthtown of your daughter is so bitter-sweet. I am so happy to be heading to GZ, but I'm a little sad for sweet Gracie. Our guide, Sam, has been amazing! He has been so patient with Gracie and she loves to see him everyday. Gracie is very vocal and loves to have conversations with him. She talks to us, but obviously, it's not the same. We just don't understand what she's saying and can't give her the response she desires. Sam can.

Sam thinks that the guides in GZ will not be able to understand Gracie because of her Changsha dialect. If this is true, this will be the last time she is able to communicate fully until she learns English. This hurts my heart for her. I know she will learn it fast, and she does communicate with hand gestures and bringing us to what she wants....but it's not the same. On the way to the airport, Sam pulled Gracie into the front seat with him (he was sad to say goodbye to her). I was able to video them talking, singing, counting and laughing the whole way to the airport. All the while, you can see Changsha passing through the windshield. It is precious. I also asked Sam to translate lots of phrases on video for me. It is not the same, but I hope to be able to learn enough to make it a little better. I have been trying hard to pick up as much as I can, and I love it when she understands what I'm saying.

On the way to the airport, Gracie said she had to potty. Before I even realized what she had said, the driver had pulled to the side of the interstate and Sam was getting out to take her potty. He said "It's Chinese Way". I think this might be my favorite picture of the trip so far!! She is peeing!!

Leaving Sam was so hard for me that I sobbed through the airport! The stares are always bad, but just try being a blonde with a Chinese baby...sobbing!!! Oh well, gave them something to talk about. This was a totally different experience than our first trip. I was so defensive with our guide in Nanjing...I didn't want anyone else doing anything for Wesleigh. In hind sight, I could have loosened up a little. Still, having one that can talk and play is alot different!

Here are a couple of pictures from our last day in Changsha:

This is our Gracie! She is wearing the sleeve to the trash can!!! She is crazy!!

Being so gentle with our new friend Clara. It is so awesome to see this side of her!

With one of the bellboys. She has charmed everyone she meets. They all adore her...even though she can be ugly sometimes!!

We are now in Guangzhou, and very happy to be on the second part of our journey. I will post about our flight and our first day here this evening.