Is Yulia Yours?

If you have not heard about sweet Yulia, you've got to go check out this blog. I'm loving this idea of all of us helping one child at a time make it home to a family! 

Dear Mei Mei...

Dear Mei Mei, I just got home from a friend's house...you're already in bed. I wish you weren't so that I could squeeze you tight. I can't wait to see you in the morning!

 I just finished uploading these pictures of you. As I sit here looking at them my heart is overflowing. Do you even know how beautiful you are? You light up my world, Roo. 

You are so so funny. The other morning when Mom announced that you could get a hot lunch in the cafeteria at school you squealed "I'm getting a hot lunch, Lexie!! A HOT LUNCH!" It made me smile all day. 

The other night when you prepared a picnic for me and you on the floor in my room...my heart almost burst. We had goldfish, apples and peanut buttter...and scrambled eggs. It was perfect, Mei. 

That little bitty ring you where on your pointer finger all the time? I smile every time I see it. 

Every morning when I drop you off at school you give me a kiss. And if you forget...you always blow one as you shut the door.

I love the way that you love Annie. Today, you and mom got her a baby rattle at the store...you were so excited to show it to Annie! You were so frustrated when Annie wouldn't play with it. Soon she will understand, Mei Mei. And she will think you are so so cool. 

I love you. iloveyouiloveyouiloveyou. 

Lets have a slumber party soon, k?! And I'll repaint your nails in the morning :) 

Love you my Mei Mei,

<3 Jie Jie Lexie

It Happens In A Blink

When school got started this year I knew I had to get Karleigh Mei a file to help keep her papers organized in one place. I had an extra file, but I had such a hard time getting rid of it, 'cause it was my Katie's. I still had some of her high school papers and such in there. I know. She graduated from high school in '05 and she's been married for over a year now. BUT, it was so hard to move that file out of there! I knew I had to, so I  put Karleigh Mei's name over Katie's and slipped it back in place. 

I have boxes for each of my kids. A box where all those little trinkets and treasures can be stored. I hadn't looked in Katie's in a while, and now I had some  stuff to add to it. When I opened up her box, this is what I saw. The last remnants of what remained of her "school years".  Weep! It all happened so fast!

But, what I wasn't prepared for at all, was when I lifted up the college things, I found these things. Her footprints from the hospital and some "school work" from years gone by.  And then the rest of the box held all sorts of little treasures. 

There is a song that comes on the radio by Revive called "Blink". Every time I hear it I cry. You hear so many people say it, but those with littles still at home, do you realize how true it is? It all happens so, so, so quickly! In a FLASH! Lexie will be graduating from high school this year. And then soon the boys will follow. 

And before you know it, the little girls will be leaving too. sigh

Here is the song if you haven't heard it--be sure to quiet my music on the side before you start it. And if you are like me, grab a tissue. 

Yesterday's Hearing

Thank you to so many who prayed for us and our little Annie yesterday! I wish I could give details, but I cannot at this point. We WILL have her until the middle of January AT THE LEAST. 

Please continue to pray for her and for her birth mother. She is SUCH a broken woman and my heart goes out to her! I know that she loves little Annie, but she is just not in a place where she can give her the care that she needs. She needs Jesus more than anything!! Praying that the Lord sends the right person to her! 

Thank you again, for your prayers. I believe that the hearing went just as the Lord would have wanted it to. 

We are continuing to trust in Him!

And in the meantime, we will love, love, love on this darling little girl!

{crazy love} Prayer

Over at A Place Called Simplicity, Linny is having another Crazy Love challenge...She is calling everybody to pray and fast for the orphans on Wednesday, September 8th. 

How appropriate that September 8th also happens to be the day that we have a court hearing that will help determine our sweet Annie's future!

Like I've said before, we'd give anything in this whole world to keep our baby girl. She is every bit a part of our family and we can't imagine losing her. But as foster parents--we have no rights. 

So we trust God. And trust in His perfect will.


For I know the plans I have for {Annie}, declares the Lord, plans to prosper {Annie} and not to harm {her}, plans to give {Annie} a hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

It is scary walking the path of fostering...there are so many unknowns. 

BUT...God knows. We believe He has the perfect plan for Annie. 

Please pray for peace for our family on the 8th. Pray that the judge's heart will be softened for this sweet baby, and that God gives him wisdom on what to rule! This case could go in so many different ways---it's very complicated. 

Thank you so much for committing to pray with us on the 8th for all of the orphans of this world! Head over to Linny's blog and read about all of the other families in need of prayer for their children. You will be encouraged indeed! And thank you Linny for doing this---for being the voice of the orphans! <3

Thursday's Things To Pray For

Kelly started a "Thursday's Things To Pray For" and I thought it was a fabulous idea! I've always got something to pray for!

1. Next week, on September 8th, we have a court hearing on our darling baby girl. Her case is complicated. Please pray!! I'm trusting the Lord that His purpose and plan will prevail. Please pray that the Lord will give me peace about whatever His purpose and plan is. 

2. Praying for my children as they adjust to a new school year. Always kinks to work through!

3. Praying for my sweet husband, Karl, and that those he comes in contact with via work find favor in him.

4. Praying for a sweet friend, Esther, and her husband, who just found out recently that he has cancer. 

Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings! We will continue to trust in you, Father!

  

~Wordless Wednesday~ {I found these pics on my computer}

{Have to wonder what she's doing here. Hmmm...practicing her pout? There were LOTS of these...ha ha!}