The trip to Regionals

This past Thursday 15 girls and their families headed to Greensboro NC from the state of SC to compete in the regional tournament for Region 3 of the President's Cup Soccer League. There were 12 states represented there by the winning team from each state. Over 2000 athletes from U13 to U17 boys and girls teams. 10 teams left there overjoyed and moving on to the the National Tournament in Sacramento CA where they will play for the National Championship....the other 110 left brokenhearted. The Bulls were unfortunately, not one of the overjoyed teams. As a parent it was a heartbreaking weekend as I watched my daughter play with a bum foot, gut it out, give it her all and come up empty. There were many tears. But the experience is one these girls will have in their hearts forever. They are a great bunch of girls that had a fantastic season with lots to be proud of! And oh how I love this first baby of mine with all my heart and her sheer determination and zest for life! Could not have been prouder. Shed a few tears myself this weekend.....gosh as a Mama it is so hard to see your babies hurting, physically and emotionally!

At Opening Ceremonies Thursday

The Team

Opening Ceremonies trading. The teams were all announced according to state and team and the state flag was carried down. After that there was music, dancing and trading of team paraphernalia among the athletes. It was loud, chaotic, fun and amazing!!!!! 

A team dinner followed

And soccer in the hotel parking lot was a way to end this amazing and memorable day. And it sure didn't hurt that the "cute Alabama" boys U14 team was staying there also and just happen to be playing soccer in the parking lot too!

The first game against Georgia.

Finally the start and getting some of those nerves worked out!

The second game against NC.

Praying on the field before the game...brought tears to my eyes every time. And like one Mama said, "They did this all on their own. Their idea" They also had bible verses written on their arms and faces.

The last game against Texas...only for their pride as the coach said. They went home with humbleness instead.

Prayer before last game. And isn't this the better victory? To know our children have won their eternal salvation..they have the eternal victory.

 Still hard to swallow as a tired, sore, and heartbroken 13 yr old.

So thrilled my daughter had this opportunity and that she gave it to us as well! I love you Julia and I am so proud to be your Mom!!!!

Finishing out the month of May

Xin graduated from Kindergarten! We are so proud of him. They had a cute little performance and a reception following.

Splash Day

 Jaida graduated from Pre-K

Employee play day....and old Mom even made par on a hole (ok it was the Par 3 course but still...)

Memorial Day at the lake

Lastly, my big kids finally finished school today!!!! And my 1st baby.......she finished middle school today! Yes, I have a high schooler now! I didn't even realize it until she said "I am done with middle school!" I cried. Where did time go? See how happy SHE is about it!

So let summer officially begin....and please let it go by slowly!

1 year ago today......

........I sat down at my computer early in the morning with a cup of coffee to check emails while we were on vacation. I saw this beautiful face for the 1st time staring  out at me from an email saying we had 48 hours to lock her file. Really.... all I saw was this face saying "Please come get me Mommy" And that we did!

I now get to see this beautiful face every day.

I get to see her laugh and smile.

I get to watch her explore new things.

 I get to see her filled with love and overflowing with happiness!

 Our God is so very good!

A Small World

Last June this sweet 13 yr old held and loved on our Lulu in Chenzhou China while she was still technically an orphan.

Almost 1 year later Makenna sat in our home in the southern part of the USA holding Lulu...a much loved member of our family.

This is Shannon who leads the mission team to Chenzhou.....how I wish we were going!

Two important young ladies in her life

Chenzhou sisters!

Minus 5!!!!!

Ten awesome kids brought together by the miracle of adoption!

Today we had the privilege of meeting this awesome family in person. We "met" them online last year when Shannon and her daughter Makenna visited Lulu's orphanage on a mission trip. They were our lifeline to our daughter for all those months we waited not so patiently for her to be home with us. They sent us pictures, videos and Shannon and I share a passion for orphans. What a wonderful afternoon with a wonderful family! Just another unexpected blessing God brought into our lives through adoption. Next year Julia and I hope to be going with them back to Chenzhou. What loving hearts they have and I am so thankful my daughter was the recipient of their love last summer. Thank you Makenna and Shannon! We LOVED meeting you all...lets do it again!

Happy Mother's Day

The 5 beautiful souls that make me a Mother!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there I know and especially to my wonderful Mom!

3 months home

I am going to let these pictures speak for themselves........

Happy, funny, blossoming, learning, talking, trying hard to walk, spoiled rotten and love beyond words!

Cast Free!!!!!

 Although her casts have never really slowed her down....yes, she loves standing in the basket, and climbing and cruising and climbing,

 and the pink "Uggs" were really pretty cute...a bit smelly at this point,

it was time for those things to go....... this is my baby's straight left foot,

  and this....this is my baby's once "bad" right foot that is now flat and straight! And she is proud of them both!!!!

 She has already tested these new "puppies" out. And keeps asking where the casts went???

 And then it was bath time, real bath time, like IN the bathtub bath time.

So she really tested them out and kicked and kicked and kicked those precious straight feet. She was filled with joy and I couldn't get her out!!!! (notice the tan line)

Oh the absolute joy of seeing those feet for the first time in over 8 weeks! I cried! They look beautiful!! And they appear to be working beautifully too! Such a simple fix really but so unobtainable for an orphan. My heart is overflowing with thanks tonight to my God who would NOT let me/us stay in our comfort zone. He pushed and pulled until we obeyed. And this is the end result of obedience....a happy, smart, beautiful, funny, clever baby girl with the cutest feet I have ever seen! Thanks be to you oh God!