WALKING IN SUNSHINE

Sunday Snapshot ~(Officially taller than Mom!)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:06:00 +0000

The hot pink cast!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 05:57:00 +0000

Keeping it real, the last few weeks have been difficult. Those who know and love Lucy Kate are aware that she struggles with a badly clubbed right foot. She tries so very hard, with unbelievable determination, to do anything she sets her mind to. During our first week with her, I taught her to say "I can do ANYTHING!". Swimming has been her favorite thing, and she has really excelled this summer, spending a lot of time in the water. She says "when I swim, it doesn't matter if my foot works!!". The drawback? As she can't wear her brace while swimming, her foot developed a bad pressure sore from the concrete around the pool area, and from our time at the lake. For several months, we have been waiting, not so patiently, for Lucy Kate to begin her casting process with one of the leading club foot specialists, who is just 3.5 hours away from us.....what a blessing. However, when we sent them a picture of the pressure sore on her foot 10 days ago, they said "We will have to cancel the upcoming casting and put her on the schedule when she has healed, though it's possible if you keep her completely off of it (NO WALKING..yikes!)& apply diligent care, there may be a possibility" Well, "Dr. Daddy" didn't hear "possibility", he heard "Positively"!!!! He took such incredible care of his beloved little girl, applying the medications, changing the bandages, and diligently caring for her. Ya know what? We all love that "Dr. Daddy" so much there are no words.....our girls wound was healed and she was casted as planned. Thank you, God, for giving this man we call husband & daddy not only the gift of medical expertise, but a heart of pure gold.

Wednesday, we traveled to St. Louis for the casting. Here is Lucy Kate waiting, not so patiently, for the doctor to begin.

During the casting process. See how she is sporting the surgical gloves as well? Luckily, a cartoon provided distraction and it was over quickly. The first cast of 6, and a surgery scheduled for October. She got to pick out her cast color....was there any question? Hot Pink!!!

Here she is ready to leave the hospital, thrilled with her new cast! Our brave, amazing girl, finding the joy in all things!

Today, she was able to learn to walk on it. As, of course, she can do ANYTHING, she figured it out and is doing quite well. And it goes without saying that the dress, as well as the hair bow, must match the cast.

Thank you all for your prayers, for continuing to pray for us as we attempt to coordinate life for our family with the travel that repeat castings and surgery will entail.

And so another school year begins........

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Summer has ended so quickly, and the kids have headed back to school already. Sigh...this Mama loves summer time & the special days of being together...but know this will be another wonderful school year!

8th graders, so hard to believe! With Volleyball, Football, & National Jr. Honor Society, these two will have a very  busy school year.

Eli looks foward to his 4th grade year, while Emme looks forward to all the cute outfits she can put together for 3rd grade this year...ha!

Walking into the building....don't they look so big?

Of course, there was one little girl who wasn't so happy about her beloved siblings (playmates!) heading off to school without her. This was before dropping them off........

And this was after coming home to a house with just Mama! She will be so happy to start her Pre-K classes in September, which we know she will love.

Will miss you, sweet kiddos, as you grow and learn in your school year, but how proud we are of you!!!

Wordless Wednesday: sunshine girl

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Sweet Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:15:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we had a wonderful visit with some very special people.....Lucy Kate and her buddy Jace, adopted from New Day just 2 weeks before she was, were reunited and was it ever adorable! Jace is a precious little boy, and what a wonderful family. I treasure the friendship and support of Jace's mama, Robin. Also present was the soon to be mama of Jabin, Lucy Kate's beloved foster brother. Emily will be traveling soon to bring Jabin home! We had a wonderful time with Jace's family & with Emily....what an incredible blessing to have them just a few hours away.

Lucy Kate and Jace.....so happy to see each other again!!

Confessions of a neglectful blogger!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:01:00 +0000

Ok, so I have tried. Really. I just am not that good at it! I am always composing posts in my mind, thinking "that would make a great blog post!" but the reality is, I don't find the time or make the effort to put it down. In an attempt to be a "keeper of memories" for my family, I hope to do better!

Our smiling girl....really, she has the most amazing smile! And her giggles? Precious!

To catch up on what has been going on the past few months.....we continue to be amazed, blessed, and ever so thankful for how wonderfully our Lucy Kate has been grafted into our family. What an unbelievable child our sweet girl is! Her motto is "I can do ANYTHING!" and you know what? She can! She is smart, smart, smart....speaking completely in English after only a few months in America. We miss the "Chinglish", the mixture of Chinese and English that was so endearing, but we rejoice for how seamless her transition has been. We continue to be so thankful for New Day, and for "China Mama and Baba", and in particular the amazing teachers who gave so much to our sweet girl.

Blowing a kiss....the most affectionate girl....hugs & kisses are her favorite things!

We have had a busy few months.!! In February, Jacob and Madeline turned 13....teenagers....wow, how did that happen?

We've spent many weekends watching Madeline blocking and spiking....that girl can jump!!

Jacob and Elijah have hit the ground running for baseball season!

And we've watched our beautiful Emme become a wonderful big sister.

We've been busy as a family of 7, but what an amazing busy it has been!!

Happy Lucy Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Lucy Kate loves to draw....the other day she began this drawing and I asked her "Who are you drawing?" She said "I draw Lucy Kate!" I asked what Lucy Kate is doing in the picture. Her answer? Lucy Kate is Happy!! "Why is Lucy Kate so happy?" I ask? "Lucy Kate says "Mama, I love you, and Mama says I love you too Lucy Kate, so Lucy Kate is so happy, happy".

Lucy Kate, you have no idea the JOY you bring to us!! I am thankful and humbled each day that God chose ME as that Mama whose love can make a precious child so HAPPY! Please pray for Lucy Kate (and for nervous Mama) as we have our first appointment at Children's Mercy this morning. With a trusting heart, she tells me she is not afraid, as "Mama go with me". Always, precious girl, always.

HOME....SWEET HOME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:49:00 +0000

Difficult to believe we have been home for over 10 days now.....time has gone by so quickly with our new family of 7! We were thrilled to be greeted at the airport after our long flight with wonderful signs, smiling faces, and loving family members complete with yummy meals for us to bring home. We are blessed!
Lucy Kate continues to blossom daily...her language is improving rapidly and she is beginning to use complete sentences in English. There is rarely a moment when a smile is not on her darling face.....she is simply pure sunshine! Our time together so far has included a family Thanksgiving gathering with lots of crazy cousins....what fun!!

Silly sisters jumping on the bed!!!!

And ignoring THIS sign in their room!!!

So much sweetness! Emme has embraced her role as big sister!

Now that we are settling in as a family of seven, I plan to continue this blog whenever possible. We feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people praying for our family & for our sweet Lucy Kate......more to come, I promise!!!!

In Hong Kong.....HOME SOON!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:44:00 +0000

We went by van to Hong Kong today, the guides talked us out of the bullet train, said we had too much luggage & too many kids! Go figure! and are staying at the Novatel (thanks Kim for the recommendation)...we love it and wish we could stay longer! Below is Madeline, Lucy Kate and Elijah snuggled up before bedtime...she is a snuggler and and we all adore it!

to everyone who took the time to comment, email, and especially to pray for our family and for our the transition into our family for Lucy Kate. We can never express how much we have appreciated your support & love. We are especially thankful for my sister, Sarah, and for Mom who didn't just ask HOW they could help....they knew our heart & that we desired to give back to New Day....they made it happen and we are so thankful! There are no words to express our gratitude to those who donated to the fund for New Day Foster Home....we cannot wait to share with everyone about how God is working in that incredible place. Passing along the much needed nutritional formula to New Day was so wonderful! And the truly incredible news? We have more money to donate thanks to the generosity of our dear family and friends.....we will let you all know as soon as we decide what surgery will be funded!!! No words can explain my delight in helping another orphan in the same manner our sweet Lucy Kate was helped by beloved Kate who raised the money needed for her foot surgery. Below was written by Hannah, a beautiful soul who volunteers at New Day, on the day of Lucy Kate's surgery in July of 2010...(Lucy Kate was referred to by the English name "Willa" as all of the kids are given English name for privacy reasons) Wasn't she just so adorable?

Monday, July 19, 2010

"Everybody Loves Me!"

Have you met Willa yet? She's a sweet little girl who did something today that most children her age will never do. She just had surgery! You hardly would have guessed it - she walks so well, but Willa was born with a clubbed foot. She walks with a limp, but that doesn't stop her from taking the stairs, and when asked to hop on one foot... she uses the foot least expected.

Today, as we arrived at her hospital where she was waiting for surgery, we asked her, "Willa, what's happening today?" "I'm going to have surgery on my foot!" she responded. With a beautiful smile on her face, and nodding as she understood, Willa listened as Grace told her what was going to happen so that she would be prepared. "Okay, okay" she said with a courageous gleam in her eye, and when the time came for us to say "goodbye" as she was wheeled into the operating room, that spark was still there.

Before the surgery Willa said something precious, something that encourages and confirms all that we do.

"Mama loves me. Aunties love me. Everybody loves me!"

That's so true, Willa, and we're so happy that you came here to receive that love!

Thank you New Day, from the bottom of our hearts, for providing such wonderful care to Lucy Kate....but most of all for showing her how to give and recieve love in the "place where love grows". We love you all!

Consulate appointment and Pearl River Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:12:00 +0000

This morning was our appointment at the American Consulate, where we receive the documents necessary to apply for American citizenship for Lucy Kate and for her Visa. Our group also had a take an oath to promise to love and care for our children. Thankfully, Matt was feeling well at the time, but as the day went on, he and Jacob both had tummy issues. Matt had the worst of it. Not sure if it's something they ate or perhaps a viral issue...but they both had to miss the Pearl River Cruise tonight.....Madeline, Elijah , Emme and Lucy Kate and I had a great time....missed Baba and Jacob though!

silly girls!

Ready to start the cruise...and bring on the buffet!

Entertainment....kids loved it!

Beautiful view from River cruise

Holding hands....sweetness!

One of the best parts of the evening was watching Lucy Kate and Keith...They were in preschool and English class at New Day together...Keith's family is currently adopting two children from New Day, and just arrived to join our group here in Guangzhou. As you can see, Lucy Kate and Keith were SO excited to see each other! Listening to them just talk on and on in excited mandarin was just adorable! What a joy to see these two together again! And what a lovely family!

Lots to talk about...how about those new American families?

Shamian Island, lunch at "Lucy's"

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:33:00 +0000

After hitting the amazing breakfast buffet here (have I mentioned how much this little girl can eat? Elijah says "we have that in common!" it was time to head back to the Medical office for the TB test check.

Not too excited about being back at the medical building

Everything was fine, and that was over quickly! Yea!

Happy Girl!!!!

Hey Guys....wait for me!!!

We then had some time to walk around, shop, and enjoy Shamian Island, which is where we stayed during Emery's adoption in 2005.

Ready to shop!

Wow, Shopping is fun! New sunglasses just like Ge Ge Jacob!

Lunch at "Lucy"s which is where we ate many meals during Emme's adoption.

Posing in front of the many fun statues on the island

Hurry Jacob, the van is leaving!!!

Trying on the sweet traditional Chinese dresses, complete with tutu's, that we bought for the girls today! I'm am sure many of you remember the professional photos of Emme in her dress at around age 2 . Look how proud Lucy Kate is to be like her Jie Jie!!

*Just a note to add.....anyone notice a wonderful theme to some of these pictures? Look how wonderfully Lucy Kate is walking with her new tennis shoes, which we bought in a size to fit over her brace!! She is THRILLED with this improved mobility, and wants to run everywhere we go. Her English is coming along well also....she has quite a way of making sure we all understand her!

Adventures in Guangzhou!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:03:00 +0000

Mama is going to have some super strong arms!

The weather here in Guangzhou is absolutely beautiful...about 75-80 degrees and sunny, and our hotel is fantastic. There are 6 families in our group....some really great families and a joy for us to have the opportunity to spend time with them. Today our guides took us all to Liwan Plaza here in Guangzhou...wow, it felt like New York City!

Yep, that's KFC and McD's you see....crazy!

One of the most exciting things was that we were able to find a pair of shoes that will fit over Lucy Kate's brace.....they are pink and sweet and she is over the moon excited to no longer wear the "big white shoe" she has worn for so long.

We took the kids swimming at the hotel pool...Lucy Kate has never been swimming before & she wasn't too sure so kept her dress on........

But didn't take long to decide swimming is lots of fun!

We then joined our guides and some of the families at a local restaurant....the kids enjoyed sampling the local cuisine!!

These are noodles....really, they are! The kids were certain at first that the waitress had brought us a plate of worms!

Yumm!

Not much Eli won't eat...but this surprised us!

Arriving in Guangzhou and Medical appointment

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:06:00 +0000

Last night we flew into Guangzhou, where the American Consulate is located, for the final chapter of our journey. Today was a very eventful day to say the least. Lucy Kate had her medical appointment required of all adoptions........long story short, her medical report did not "match up" as she has had club foot surgery at New Day in addition to her spinal surgery upon her abandonment at one year of age......after requiring her to walk across the room to assess her "gait", asking her to remove her brace and manipulating her foot, sweet Lucy Kate was quite hysterical. This was difficult, to say the least, as Matt has to stay behind with Emme who had tummy troubles (never eat the fruit with skin....ooops....pooor girl!) and all 3 kiddos were outside the room listening to their sisters terrified tears. After 5 different doctors, including the 'supervising" doctor came into the room, we finally had the medical approval required. Ever been in a room where 5 stern doctors speaking another language assess the value of the child you have come to adore? The verse that came to my mind, over and over was "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well". Does our sweet Lucy Kate walk perfectly? No, but she is the bravest, most determined little girl any of us have ever met. We choose you, Lucy Kate.....and you are WONDERFULLY made my beautiful girl!

HAPPY,HAPPY!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:04:00 +0000

I just had to add a second post tonight to tell the sweetest story. While Matt and I and the kids walked up many flights of stairs to the temple today, our guide kept an eye on Lucy Kate in her stroller. While we were gone, Celine said that she askedLucy Kate in Mandarin how things were going with her new family. According to Celine, her answer was "Every day when I open my eyes, I am happy, happy!!" Be still my heart!!

Shaolin Martial Arts and Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Wow, what a day for the kids! We visited the Shaolin Martial Arts Center, where we saw many children their age who work many hours a day at this school perfecting martial arts. Apparently Henan is the original Kung Fu province. We also saw a martial arts show, and then on to the Temple. Definitely interesting!

Students

Not too bad ,Maddie Grace & Emme

Martial Arts Masters!

The entrance to the temple area. The architecture was beautiful.

ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Just had to add these pictures of Lucy Kate after she got up this morning...just look at ALL of that hair!!!!

This morning we visited the Zhengzhou zoo with our guide, Celine.....it was a beautiful day and the kids had a great time. Lucy Kate was in awe at all of the animals.

Lucy Kate enjoying the zoo with Baba and Eli. She loved the animals! The Panda was adorable.

Look Aunt Dalene....Llamas in China too!!

A joyful girl most of the day, but some moments when Mama needed to snuggle close. She doesn't say much when this grieving occurs, just quiet tears and a need for extra love. What enormous changes she has been through!

Our guide Celine then took us to the Henan Provincial Museum. Such a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the province in which Lucy Kate was born. The picture above depicts the ancient Chinese belief that the "Spirit" shown in the middle is the creator of all things. How thankful we are that we are assured in our Creator & Protector!

Some rather interesting artifacts!
We then took a walk through the streets of Zhengzhou...oh so interesting....it is one of the most highly populated provinces in China, so VERY crowded streets. Most people are riding bicycles or motorized scooters. We made for quite a spectactle...the super tall blonde Americans with the two Chinese daughters! We were definitely the subjects of many pictures!

(Oh, and Thomas, the "fancy" hair is the result of my straightning iron not being compatible with the power system here.....kinda went kaput! Thanks for the comment though...feeling better about my curly do now!!)

Another day in Zhengzhou

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:17:00 +0000

Today we were able to pick up our official adoption certificate from the Registar office, then to the Notary. A Family of 7.....oh my!!! We then took a walk through an interesting park near our hotel, and took in some of the sights of Zhengzhou. Lucy Kate had her first expression of sadness....there was some grieving and only Mama holding her tight would suffice. Some of the pictures will reflect that, but for the most part, she was pure sunshine. Mama and Baba have a lot to learn about Lucy Kate's brace for her foot...we had it on not quite correctly, and her mobility was affected. (Not to mention a blister formed)More cause for prayer! The thing is about Lucy kate is, she rarely stops smiling, so it isn't evident when there is an issue. All in all, the kids had a wonderful day!

Beautiful Lucy Kate!

Shopping for a stroller

Ready to go to the park!

Lucy Kate..only happy if Mama is holding me! She worked through it quickly though, and we know it is to be expected. Such a brave, brave girl!!!

Climbing a tree together....such sweetness!!!

All tucked in and ready for bed!

Forever Family Day!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:50:00 +0000

As I write this, there is a beautiful little girl sleeping soundly in the crib next to my bed, (she's a thumb sucker!) with her bunny we sent her months ago tucked in beside her. All I can say is that Lucy Kate is the bravest little girl I have ever known. As we walked into the consulate building this morning, she immediately saw us and came running for "mama!!" Our day together was amazing, and the kids are all crazy for her. Matt and I both marveled throughout the day at God's goodness..how blessed we are to be this joyful child's parents

So happy to see each other!

Happy Family! Including the Aiyi (nanny) from New Day who accompanied Lucy Kate from New Day on the train.

Yep, she really is that adorable!

Signing all the many papers promising to love, cherish and provide a loving home for our daughter.

Lucy Kate loves to eat!! She loves her bunny....and of course baba too!

Snuggles! Such an affectionate and loving little girl, adored by her older sisters.

Great Wall of China

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:32:00 +0000

This morning (Sunday here in China) we flew to Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan, which is where Lucy Kate was born, later abandoned, and spent a year in the orphanage in Luoyang, Henan before coming to New Day. We will do official paperwork at the consulate here in the morning. The best part? Lucy Kate will meet us there with her nanny from New Day, and then will officially be part of our family!! (Quick funny Emme story....while navigating through the busy airport, I told her she had to hold my hand at all times. As anyone who knows Emme can imagine, she replied "Oh mama, really, is it because you are afraid I will blend in?" Funny thing is, well, yes I am!) We are off to bed, for an early start in the morning to the consulate. (our hotel here is beautiful!) but wanted to add some pictures of our trip to the Great Wall of China yesterday. The kids had an amazing time! We took the cable car, much like a chair lift, up to the area that our guide, Polly, took us to, and we made it quite a way up! We took the tobaggan down....now that was fun!!! Truly an amazing adventure.

Ready to Go!! Can we make it to the top?

The view is amazing!

What goes up, must come down!(Emme with our guide, Polly, in the background...she LOVED Polly, who volunteers for New Day)

Mom and Dad, where are you? Come on!

Whew...can't keep up with those kiddos!

We made some new..ummm, rather interesting friends!

Few quick notes....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Just a quick note to remind all that only a select few (wow, ya all are lucky!) family, friends, and Lucy Kate's sponsors have this blog address. We are sharing things that in China need to remain discrete.Please honor that for us. But our hearts are bursting to share!!!

We adore receiving comments....keep em coming!! We leave here in just an hour for Henan...Lucy Kate will travel with a nanny by train..pray for her! We will see her tomorrow and she will officially become ours! Post to come about our Great Wall of China experience yesterday!! Don't forget to click on the "read more" at the end to be able to see the entire post. Did I mention it is 5am here..yep, we are a bit messed up time wise!

One Mama meets another.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:59:00 +0000

Our visit with Lucy Kate's foster family, in their home, was an experience that I can't articulate as there are simply no words that would accurately describe it There is a core belief here at New Day that motivates all here....Love makes a difference...and yes, it has for Lucy Kate. She has been loved by the dear, sweet "mama Suzy". We are so grateful for her love, care, and obvious great pride for Lucy Kate....she is so very certain that Lucy Kate will have a wonderful future with her new family in America.

Following Lucy Kate and her foster brother Jabin through the village. The foster mom or dad would ride the bike. This is how they would travel several times through the day to to preschool at New Day.

The village, as we walked the very short distance from New Day to the foster family home.

Standing outside the entrance to their home. And I just have to add....don't let the MANY layers of clothes on Lucy Kate fool you (very common in China to multi layer the children)....she is teeny tiny!! Jabin is very small as well. Tiny and tenacious, right Kate?!!

Jabin and Lucy Kate's cribs...the foster parents bed was also in this very small room. (be sure to click "read more" to see all of this post...)

Oh, sweet Jabin!! Elijah has loved him and prayed for him for over 6 months. When we found out he is soon to be adopted by a wonderful family in Missouri, we knew it was only God who could orchestrate such an incredible situation. Lucy Kate and her beloved foster brother growing up just a few hours from each other! When we told the foster mother this, she was so very excited. And Emily? Your little boy is pure sweetness!

Oh how I treasure this photo.

Lucy Kate was so proud to show us around her foster home. She and Jabin have very few toys, and at one point she said "In America, I have 3 dolls!" We had shown her the 3 dolls we have for her at home during a skype visit, and her foster mom said she talks of the dolls and the dresses all of the time. Oh how blessed we feel to provide this beautiful little girl such joy!!! We were able to ask many questions through our interpreter, as the foster mother speaks no English. Truly priceless.

So blessed.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:48:00 +0000

There are no words to describe our time here today or yesterday evening....in the words of sweet Maddie Grace, "It feels like God is here Mom". ...indeed He is. For privacy reasons we can only share so much, but know that our hearts will never be the same. Lucy Kate ran to us immediately, shouting "my mama and baba!" and telling anyone who would listen that her family had come for her! With all she has been through in her short little life, she has the happiest, most joyful soul. And oh so brave!! Lucy Kate is a treasure.... joyful, incredibly loving, bright, beautiful and oh my goodness the dimples!. The pictures speak for themselves......
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Mommy and her precious girl...this morning she pushed past everyone to run straight into my arms....if I leave the room for a minute, she grows very concerned about my return. What a blessing...a mamas girl!

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The first time Baba held Lucy Kate.....she kissed his cheek....so precious! Yep, those are tears in Baba's eyes!

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Sisters! "Jie Jie" Emme....after playing together all morning, my heart filled with gratitude when Emme came to me and said "Mommy, we get to bring her home!!"

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Playing with her "Jie Jie" Madeline....what an amazing, nurturing big sister Madeline is!

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Playing outside with "Ge Ge" Jacob...she loves to be outside!

Leave us messages....we love to receive them and to know you have are following our journey!!

WE ARE HERE!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:02:00 +0000

We arrived safely.....I promise, pictures to come as soon as possible!! Lucy Kate is a ray of sunshine...pure joy! Oh Kristi, everything you told me about this wonderful place is so very true!! We have had an amazing morning and are off to meet the foster parents in a few minutes...please pray!! Kids are all doing so wonderful and they LOVE Lucy Kate. Promise to add picture....really, I will!!! Love to all!!

And the story begins.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:19:00 +0000

Close your eyes and make a wish, sweet girl..................

Your dreams are coming true....your forever family is on their way. We can't wait to begin our story.........

First Day of School!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:36:00 +0000

Elijah, 3rd grade, & Emme, 2nd grade

Emme in her classroom

Eli with his best friend, Thomas, and his 3rd grade teacher

My 7th Graders!!

Lucy Kate gets to go to school also, and attends English class every afternoon at New Day!