Thankful Thursday

These pictures are from a month ago, but I love them because they show how truly loved Lillie is! (Obviously these pictures were takenbefore Emory had open heart surgery and dad broke his collar bone!)

Taking Time to Love and Enjoy

Lately, I have had a hard time just being mommy. I mean, it is the time of year (end of school) when everything is being finalized for this year and we are thinking about the next. It is the time of year that I am sleep deprived and so I am not as patient as I wish I was with my daughter. It is the time of year when the sun is up later so it is EVEN HARDER to get Lillie to bed.
There has also been a lot of pain around.... I have been so distracted by the Earthquake in China and the devistation left behind. Erik's friend Emory had open heart surgery...and is doing well, but still has a lot of healing to do. My dad fell and broke his collar bone last week and is also in the process of healing. Lillie worries about Babop and "Ne" (what she calls Emory) and that they are sad because of their " big boo boos" as she calls them.
Finally, I have been thinking about Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. His daughter Maria, his youngest and adopted from China, died tragically last week. In an even more painful turn of events, she was hit by a car driven by her teenage brother. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain they are in, or the healing that will need to occur.

Below is a song he wrote and the story behind it. It is called Cinderella and is about not taking little moments for granted.
I am going to try even harder to remember that the most important thing is Lillie and to take time to laugh at the little things... knowing that she is a blessing, even when she is painting herself and the carpet with mascara!



Dear God,
Please be with everyone who is suffering...who has lost their way...who are searching for peace and grace in this crazy world. Help me to remember that every moment we have together is a precious gift.
Amen

Time with the Wilsons!

About a month ago Janice, Claire and Ellie came for a visit. The above pictures are from dinner at Aunt Anna's house. Adam's family also came, so it was great fun having everyone together!
The below pictures are from Church that Sunday. We went to Twin Pines to participate in the service. Tracy Parker, the student associate there, was on our trip to Swaziland, so the entire service focused on our trip. It was wonderful to get to share the experience again...and to spend more time with Janice and the girls.

Sewing with Nai Nai

Happy Birthday - The Party!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Off to Easter Lunch

These pictures are of us waiting for Nai Nai and BaBop to come and pick us up to go to Aunt Anna and Uncle Bobby Day's house for Easter lunch. We had a great meal and enjoyed seeing family. Lillie loved hunting for eggs too....though chasing a duck was her favorite. They are on mom's camera, but I will try to post them later!

Oh, and if anyone can help me with how to make my pictures go the right way, please let me know!

Happy Birthday Nai Nai

Yesterday was my mom's birthday! Lillie sang "Happy Birthday" to her several times and they went on a shopping trip... Lillie got several new things. (Something odd about that statement!) It has been so nice to watch Lillie and her Nai Nai fall in love with one another. It is a love affair that started a long time ago for mom...and a little over 7 months ago for Lillie. I thank God that mom traveled with me to China and for all of the love, attention and time she has given Lillie. Here are some of my favorite Lillie and Nai Nai pictures....


These are from our first week together in China and are some of my very favorite!

Nai Nai introducing Lillie to Tazzy the dog!

During the August Moon Festival...

Christmas at mom and dad's house

Christmas Morning...I know it isn't a great quality picture, but I love how Lillie is snuggled down in mom's arms looking at the pictures.

I can't wait to see the pictures we will take in the next year of Lillie and her Nai Nai...Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!

Hero Worship

This is a picture my mom took of Lillie and my cousin Miller at Christmas this past year. Miller just turned 15, plays the guitar, enjoys computer games, Guitar Hero... all things typical teenager. However, he and Lillie have the most amazing relationship...she adores him! She mentions Miller daily (along with his sister Caroline) and lights up every time we see him. It has been so special watching her develop these special relationships with the people who have loved her long before she ever met them. I think this picture tells it all. Love is an amazing thing!

Christmas in January

We were unable to get with my cousins Nathan and Adam and their families during the holidays. Nathan, his Wife and two girls were in a few weeks ago from Indiana, so we all got together at my aunt's house! Adam, his wife, son and daughter were also there. It was soooo nice to see everyone! Lillie got her gift from cousins Clare, Ellie and their parents... a Hannah 'Tana guitar and cowboy hat, complete with rinestones that Janice added! Lillie loved her gifts (as you can see from the pictures) and seeing her cousins!

A visit from Aunt Cristy

A few weeks ago, Lillie and I had a visit from Aunt Cristy! She brought Lillie a new skirt along with a hat, gloves and scarf set. Lillie lives the hat and wants to wear it all the time! I think she likes to pretend the ties are her hair.

Thanksgiving and the family Rock Band

We had a wonderful thanksgiving dinner ...Mommy, Lillie, Nai Nia, BopBop, Erik (Cristy had to work) and Emory....Wednesday night. Then Lillie, Mommy and Nai Nai went to Glasgow to have another Thanksgiving feast! While there, we had the chance to spend time with lots of our family...but one of the favorite activities was "Rock Band". It is a game Miller received as an early Christmas gift and everyone wanted to play...including Lillie. Miller was so kind, and let Lillie pretend to play the drums and sing into the microphone! It was great fun to watch!